June 6, 2022
Dear Great Falls Families,
I hope your child enjoyed their fabulous field day at the Gorham Sports Complex. The K-5 Physical Education teachers outdid themselves by creating an amazing and memorable day for all to enjoy. It was a perfect way to celebrate the end of the school year together! We are preparing for a busy last week ahead and look forward to closing out this year in a positive way.
5th Grade Step Up Day: Today, our 5th graders participated in Step Up Day at Gorham Middle School. They were able to tour their new school, meet their team, and receive information about their exciting year ahead as 6th graders. We will miss them dearly as they leave Great Falls but we know that they are more than ready for their next adventure at GMS and we wish them the best!
Grades K-4 Step Up Day: On Friday, our grades K-4 students will participate in their Step Up Day by visiting their new classroom and meeting their new teacher. We are happy to resume our in-person tradition of inviting our students to walk to their classroom as they “step up” to the next grade level. During this quick visit, students will participate in a welcome activity and meet their teacher and classmates. Following the visit, you can expect to receive an email from your child’s new teacher.
End of Year Celebrations: Teachers in grades 1-4 will be recognizing their students and their accomplishments through various school-based activities during the week. Grade 5 students will participate in a celebratory walk through the halls, a picnic lunch, and an afternoon of activities on Friday, June 10th while Kindergarten students will be recognized for their achievements through a parade on Thursday, June 9th.
Summer Learning: Once again, the district will be providing the personalized learning platform, IXL, throughout the summer to reinforce learning in the areas of reading and mathematics. Your child’s teacher will provide the username and password. More information about this platform can be found here: IXL Summer Family Information. Baxter Memorial Library is also offering a fantastic summer reading and discovery program for our students. More information can be found here: Summer Reading and Discovery Program https://baxterlibrary.org/youth-services/
iPads and Chromebook: Students will be asked to keep their devices at school this week. The devices will be brought with them to their new classroom on June 10th and remain at school throughout the summer so the iPads and Chromebooks may be serviced and prepared for the next school year.
Transportation Survey: Please take a moment to complete the transportation survey for the next school year if your students require transportation to an alternative site or daycare. Pick-up and drop-off locations must be selected by June 14th to assist us in the development of bus routes for the 2022-23 School Year. The locations selected will remain in place for the entire school year. Survey: https://forms.gle/nPPFieQXqjeMNxpo8
Last Day of School and Report Cards - Monday, June 13th: The last day of school is on Monday, June 13th. This day is a half-day of school with students being dismissed at noon. The last report card will be shared through email during the afternoon of June 13th.
School Culture Survey: With the year coming to a close, we want to know if you feel positive about our school and district culture? Please take a moment to complete this very brief survey: School Culture Survey.
Thank you for your support throughout the school year. I am honored to be your principal and wish you and your family a fantastic summer with family and friends. I look forward to welcoming you and your children back to Great Falls in the fall. As always, please feel free to reach out to me at any time with questions and feedback. I am available through email at becky.fortier@gorhamschools.org and by phone at 222-1050.
Kind regards,
Becky Fortier
Great Falls Principal
