April 14, 2023
Dear Great Falls Families,
We are thrilled that the weather is warm and the playground is clear of snow. With the enjoyable spring weather comes outdoor physical education, field experiences, and so much excitement. It is a wonderful time to live in Maine and our students and staff are ready for an amazing last few months together.
Adopt a Classroom: On Monday, April 24th we will wrap up our Adopt a Classroom experience. Great Falls Elementary School partnered with Gorham High School to establish a monthly mentorship between high school and elementary students. High school students have volunteered to dedicate approximately 1 morning a month assigned to a K-5 classroom. The partnership or “adoption of a classroom” was intended to create a caring relationship between and among students. We wanted elementary students to “aspire” to high school and beyond. By volunteering in Great Falls classrooms, each high school student made a commitment to be a positive role model, both in and out of school, for younger students. It has been a great experience!
Spring NWEAs: K-5 students will be participating in the final round of academic screening in May. The Maine Department of Education has now made NWEA the official state-level test, thus eliminating a separate testing period for our students. NWEA assessments in grades K-2 will serve as a universal screener while the grades 3-5 assessment will serve a dual purpose - that of the Maine Education Assessment, as well as still serving as our universal screener. Our spring testing session will take place after the break, beginning May 1st and extending through May 26th.
Early Release on Wednesday, May 24th: Reminder that this day is an early release day for students. Students will be dismissed at 12:00 p.m. Please be sure to call the office at 222-1053 or email Julie Murray at Julie.Murray@gorhamschools.org if you have a change in your child’s pick-up plan.
Thursday, May 25th: Parent Connection Meeting at 5:30 p.m.
Join Great Falls administrators and classroom teachers for a glimpse into what next year will be like for your child. We will have a teacher representative from grades 1-5 present at the meeting to give an overview and answer any questions. Students are welcome to attend.
Monday, May 29th: Memorial Day - no school
Grade Level Field Days at USM: To celebrate the end of the school year, we will be facilitating district-wide grade-level wellness events at the University of Southern Maine field house from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Parents and guardians are welcome to attend and observe the events. This event is always a highlight of the year and it is the first time back at USM since the pandemic!
May 31st - 2nd Grade Field Day
June 1st - 1st Grade Field Day
June 2nd - Kindergarten Field Day
June 5th - 3rd Grade Field Day
June 6th - 4th Grade Field Day
June 7th - 5th Grade Field Day
GMS Incoming 6th Grade Family Night: Thursday, June 8th - 6:00-7:00 pm - This evening at Gorham Middle School is a night designed to share information with families about what to expect when their child goes to middle school. It will also be a chance for families to ask questions that they may have. Students are invited to attend with their families.
Remote Learning Day - June 13th: Great Falls will be used as a polling location on Tuesday, June 13th. Because we are not able to separate the public from the students, this day will be a remote learning day for our Great Falls students. Students will receive all of the materials needed to complete their daily assignments at home prior to June 13th. This includes classroom activities as well as assignments from service providers. Staff will be available throughout the day to respond to emails or other communication from families.
5th Grade Step Up to Gorham Middle School - June 14th: Our 5th graders will be visiting Gorham Middle School and touring the campus on Wednesday, June 14th. They will get the opportunity to meet their teachers, see their new classmates, and learn about Gorham Middle School. This will be an exciting day for our graduating 5th graders. We will be celebrating our 5th graders on June 15th with a special Subway picnic lunch and field day. 5th-grade families are welcome to attend, bring their own picnic lunch, and join us outdoors.
Grades K-4 Step Up to Next Year - June 15th: On the morning of June 15th our students will visit their new classrooms for next year and meet their teacher and classmates. Following the step-up experience, families will receive an email notifying them of their child’s new teacher.
Last Day of School - June 16th: Reminder that this day is an early release day for students. Students will be dismissed at 12:00 p.m. Please be sure to call the office at 222-1053 or email Julie Murray at Julie.Murray@gorhamschools.org if you have a change in your child’s pick-up plan.
School Calendar for Next Year: 2023 - 2024 Calendar
Have a wonderful spring break! If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us at any time at becky.fortier@gorhamschools.org or deanna.etienne@gorhamschools.org. Looking forward to a great finish to the year!
Kindly,
Becky Fortier and Deanna Etienne
Great Falls Administrators
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