Dear Great Falls Families,
As we turn the page to a new year, we hope to fill our classrooms and hallways with the vibrant energy of learning, the warmth of kindness, and the sparkle of pure joy. May this year be one where knowledge blossoms, where curiosity drives every question, and every discovery ignites a passion for exploration. Let's make our school a haven for open minds and open hearts, where differences are celebrated and kindness becomes the guiding compass of every interaction. Let's make this year one where positivity becomes contagious, spreading like laughter through the halls, and where every day is an opportunity to build each other up and create a stronger, more vibrant community. Happy 2024!
Dress for Winter: This is a reminder that all students should come to school with appropriate clothing for spending time outside each day. We recommend that students in grades K-5 wear hats, gloves or mittens, boots, and a warm jacket to play outside. K-3 students should also pack snow pants if they plan on playing in the snow and in the fields. Those without the proper winter gear will be limited to the blacktop areas when snow is present in order to keep our students warm and dry.
School Calendar: 2023 - 2024 Calendar
Friday, January 5th: Great Falls Night at the Maine Celtics
Join the Great Falls staff and students for a super fun event! The Maine Celtics have invited Great Falls to the Portland Expo for a very special night of fun! Every ticket holder will receive a free Maine Celtics hat and $2 from every ticket purchased will be donated to Great Falls Elementary School. Wear your Great Falls gear and join the fun! Tickets are selling out fast and can be purchased at https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/GreatFalls.
Monday, January 15th: No School/ Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Wednesday, January 17th: Early Release Day/ Students are dismissed at noon.
Thursday, January 18th: Great Falls Winter Family Fun Night 5:30-7:30 p.m.
During this family and community event, our students will be able to pick up their clay projects. There will be fun activities for all to enjoy including a bouncy obstacle course, winter art projects, read-alouds, face painting, fitness breaks, and a bake sale. Please consider donating baked items for our sale by signing up HERE. We hope to see our Great Falls families at our family fun night!
“Kindness in Clay” Project
K-5 students completed a unique clay project during their art class with Mrs. Rimkunas and Mrs. Burton. Our “Kindness in Clay” project is based loosely on “The Empty Bowl Project” which is an international grassroots effort to fight hunger. The basic premise is simple: students create handcrafted pieces that they keep as a reminder of all the empty bowls and bellies in the world. The money raised is always donated to an organization working to end hunger and food insecurity. With that in mind, Great Falls will be donating 50% of donations to the Gorham Food Pantry and 50% of donations to future Great Falls projects of kindness within our school community. Please support our acts of kindness by donating any amount to purchase your student’s clay project. The donation form is found HERE. All students will receive their projects to take, regardless of donation. Project pick-up will take place at the Great Falls Winter Family Fun Night on January 18th.
The most important information regarding our school community can also be found in the Great Falls News from the Office which will be emailed to families every Thursday. We hope to keep families updated with the latest information and school events.
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. Wishing you all a year filled with the magic of learning, the strength of kindness, and the radiant glow of happiness. Happy New Year, everyone!
Kindly,
Becky Fortier and Deanna Etienne
Great Falls Administrators
