Summer Check In

Dear Families,

We hope this letter finds you well and enjoying your summer. As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we want to provide you with a schedule of important dates and events to help you plan accordingly. For updates throughout the summer, including school supply lists, please check the News from the Great Falls Office.

Monday, August 19th: The Great Falls Office is OPEN

Tuesday, August 20th: Optional New Student School Tours 1:00-3:00 p.m. by appointment

Wednesday, August 21st: Optional New Student School Tours 1:00-3:00 p.m. by appointment

Friday, August 23rd: NEW Staff Orientation

Monday, August 26th: Staff In-Service Day #1

Tuesday, August 27th:

• Staff In-Service Day #2

• Grades 1-5 Open House 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, August 28th: Kindergarten Screening

Thursday, August 29th: First Day of School Grades 1-5

Friday, August 30th: No School

Monday, September 2nd: Labor Day/ No School

Tuesday, September 3rd:

• School Resumes Grades 1-5

• Kindergarten Open House 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, September 4th: First Day of School for Kindergarten

We are excited to welcome new and returning students and families to the upcoming school year. If you have any questions or need further information, please contact school administrators at becky.fortier@gorhamschools.org and deanna.etienne@gorhamschools.org.  

Warm regards,

Becky Fortier and Deanna Etienne
Great Falls Administrators

Letter from the Principal

Dear Great Falls families,

As we approach the final weeks of this school year, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible journey we've shared together. It has truly been a remarkable year, filled with growth, learning, and countless memories. As we prepare to bid farewell to this academic year, I am delighted to invite you to join us for our end-of-year Great Falls Spring Fling event tomorrow evening. Let's celebrate our achievements and enjoy the festivities together!

Looking ahead to the upcoming academic year, I wanted to take this opportunity to share some staffing changes and new additions with you. While we bid fond farewells to our retiring staff members—Allie Rinkunas (Art Teacher), Patty LaRosa (2nd Grade Teacher), Jackie Taylor (2nd Grade Teacher), Laurie Tibbitts (4th Grade Teacher), Gregg Sands (5th Grade Teacher), and Joan Anderson (RTI Math Ed Tech)—we also eagerly anticipate the arrival of new faces who will undoubtedly bring fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to our school community.

For the next academic year, our Kindergarten classes will be led by Mrs. Lyons, Mrs. vanLuling, Mrs. Brassard, Mrs. Jordan, and Mrs. Levesque. Welcoming our 1st-grade team will be Ms. Alves, Mrs. Bryson, Miss Ruff, and Mrs. Tole, while our 2nd-grade team will consist of Mrs. Sturgis, Mrs. Poulin, and Ms. Dupuis. Additionally, we are excited to introduce the 3rd-grade team of Miss Kein, Miss Davis, Mrs. Ferris, and Mrs. Kelly-Brewster, the 4th-grade team of Mrs. Sedenka, Mrs. Stanley, Miss Smith, and Mr. Henry, and the 5th-grade team of Mrs. Mullin, Mrs. Paolino, and Miss Frailey.

To facilitate a smooth transition for our students, Kindergarten through 4th-grade students will have the opportunity to meet their new teachers on Thursday, June 6th. Following these visits, you will receive a welcome email informing you of your child's assigned teacher for the upcoming year. We anticipate an exciting and enriching academic journey ahead, filled with opportunities for growth, discovery, and success.

In the coming week, you will receive a final letter from me, reflecting on the incredible achievements and milestones we've accomplished as a school community throughout this year. I am immensely proud of each and every one of our students, staff, and families for their dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in ensuring the success and well-being of our students. Together, we will continue to inspire, empower, and uplift one another as we embark on this exciting new chapter.

With warm regards,

Becky Fortier

Great Falls Principal

May Letter

Dear Great Falls Families,

Happy May to our incredible school families! As we embrace the beauty of this month, filled with blooming flowers and warmer days, let's also celebrate the growth and achievements of our students. May is a time of renewal and reflection, and we are grateful for the opportunity to learn and thrive together. Let's make this month memorable with exciting adventures in learning and unforgettable moments of togetherness.

Parent Step Up Meeting: Tonight!! Join us for an informative event where teachers representing grades 1 through 5 will highlight key aspects of each grade level. This is your chance to gain insights into what the upcoming school year will entail for your child. Our teachers will discuss both social and academic expectations for each grade and will be available to address any questions you may have. This Parent Step Up event will be held on Thursday, May 16th, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm in the Great Falls cafeteria. Please note that while Mrs. Fortier will be attending her senior child's event, Mrs. Etienne will be leading the session. We look forward to your presence! If you are unable to attend, don't worry. The presentation will be shared widely in the days following the event.

Adopt a Classroom: On Wednesday, May 22nd 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!

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!

As field days approach, we just wanted to give you a heads-up about the University of Southern Maine's new parking setup for visitors to campus, including those attending field days. If you're volunteering or dropping by for K-5 field days, make sure you're aware of the parking fees. You can find more details on the parking website: https://usm.maine.edu/parking-services/

May 29th - 1st Grade Field Day 

May 30th - 2nd Grade Field Day 

May 31st - Kindergarten Field Day 

June 3rd - 3rd Grade Field Day 

June 4th - 4th Grade Field Day 

June 5th - 5th Grade Field Day 

Kindly,

Becky Fortier and Deanna Etienne

Great Falls Administrators

April Letter from Admin

Dear Great Falls Families,

Welcome back! We hope you had a fantastic April break, enjoying precious family moments and perhaps exploring the beauty of the outdoors. It's hard to believe that we're now entering the final stretch of the school year, with just 7 weeks left. Exciting times are ahead as we gear up for a busy and fulfilling period!

Spring NWEAs: Beginning this week and running through May, our K-5 students will engage in the final round of academic screening. The Maine Department of Education has designated NWEA as the official state-level test, consolidating our testing periods. For grades K-2, NWEA assessments will serve as a universal screener, while grades 3-5 assessments will fulfill both the Maine Education Assessment and universal screening purposes. Our spring testing session will run until May 31st.

Thursday, April 25th: Join us, along with members of the Gorham School Committee, for a question-and-answer session from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Great Falls library. Bring your inquiries about the school budget, school community, and more!

Parent and Guardian Step-Up Event: Mark your calendars for Thursday, May 16th, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Explore what's in store for your child in the upcoming school year! Teachers from each grade level will provide valuable insights, offering you the chance to come prepared with any questions you may have for your child's future educators. We look forward to your participation!

Great Falls Spring Fling! Save the date for Thursday, May 30th, 5:30-7:00 p.m. Join us for the highlight of the year, featuring a range of exciting activities including the Sparks Ark animal show, face painting, food trucks, a special chorus performance, the Tri for a Cure raffle, and live music! It's an evening of fun and festivity you won't want to miss.

Grade Level Field Days at USM: To celebrate the end of the school year, we'll be hosting 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 promises to be a highlight, marking our return to USM since the pandemic!

GMS Incoming 6th Grade Family Night: Tuesday, June 4th, 5:30-6:30 p.m. This evening at Gorham Middle School is designed to provide families with information about what to expect as their child transitions to middle school. It's also an opportunity for families to ask any questions they may have. Students are encouraged to attend with their families.

5th Grade Step Up to Gorham Middle School: On Wednesday, June 14th, our 5th graders will visit Gorham Middle School to tour the campus, meet their teachers, and get acquainted with their new classmates.

Grades K-4 Step Up to Next Year: On the morning of June 6th, our students will visit their new classrooms for next year, meet their teachers, and interact with their future classmates. Families will receive an email following this experience, notifying them of their child’s new teacher.

Last Day of School - Monday, June 10th: Just a reminder that this day is an early release day for students, with dismissal at 12:00 p.m. Please notify the office at 222-1053 or email Julie Murray at Julie.Murray@gorhamschools.org of any changes to your child’s pick-up plan.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at becky.fortier@gorhamschools.org or deanna.etienne@gorhamschools.org. Here's to a fantastic finish to the year!

Warm regards,

Becky Fortier and Deanna Etienne, Great Falls Administrators

 

Letter from the Principal

 

Dear Great Falls Families,

February might be the shortest month of the year, but it's packed with exciting possibilities! February is also a great time to focus on kindness, empathy, and gratitude. Encourage your children to perform acts of service, express appreciation, and build positive relationships with friends and family.

Tonight!! Thursday, February 8th: This evening, witness the musical magic unfold as our talented Elementary Chorus students fill Great Falls with their beautiful voices. Their winter concert begins at 6:00 p.m., promising a heartwarming performance that will touch your soul. Come celebrate their dedication and talent!

Read-A-Thon: Wow! The Great Falls Read-A-Thon is a smashing success!  With over 40,000 minutes already devoured, those students are on fire!  They're well on their way to crushing their goal of 50,000 minutes, and we have no doubt they'll zoom right past it.  A huge shoutout to all the amazing readers who are participating – you're inspiring everyone with your dedication! Keep up the fantastic reading, everyone! We're all so incredibly proud of you!

Wednesday, February 14th: Please be advised that February 14th is an Early Release Day. Students will be dismissed at noon. Please ensure they have appropriate transportation arrangements made for pickup at that time.

Dress for Winter: Just a friendly reminder that with winter in full swing, all students should come to school bundled up and ready for outdoor playtime each day. Students without proper winter gear will have limited outdoor access during snowy periods. We want everyone to enjoy recess safely and comfortably!

Great Falls DECK Day: Friday, February 16th

Mark your calendars for a heart-warming day at Great Falls!  On February 16th, we're "dropping everything and celebrating kindness" in honor of National Random Acts of Kindness Day. Get ready for a day filled with positive vibes and acts of service. The Civil Rights Team will be facilitating a charming story walk, where kindness takes center stage! Our students will share smiles and stories with their book buddies and create lasting memories. Our students will express their artistic side and contribute to our giant heart-filled bulletin board. Each heart represents an act of kindness, no matter how small, reminding us that together we can make a difference.

Winter Vacation: February 19th - 23rd

Tuesday, February 27th at 5:30 p.m. in the Great Falls Library: Great Falls Rezoning Family Night

We understand that the recent rezoning decision may raise questions and concerns for some families. To help address these, we invite you to join an information session specifically for impacted families. Great Falls and Narragansett administrators will be present on Tuesday, February 27th at 5:30 p.m. to answer your questions about attendance shifts and offer support during this change.

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

Great Falls Read-A-Thon

Dear Great Falls Families,

Get ready to unleash the power of imagination and open the door to exciting adventures! This February, Great Falls Elementary will host a magical Read-A-Thon, where students will embark on a thrilling journey through the land of books. But this epic quest isn't just about conquering pages; it's about fueling a love of learning, enriching young minds, and creating unforgettable memories!

Why Read-A-Thon?

The Read-A-Thon is much more than just a fundraiser. It's a celebration of literacy that will directly benefit our amazing students at Great Falls Elementary. The donations we raise will allow us to:

• Plan epic end-of-year celebrations: Imagine field days with giant inflatables and fun adventures! The possibilities are endless, and your support will make these dreams a reality.

• Expand field experiences: From exploring museums and aquariums to visiting local farms, the Read-A-Thon will unlock incredible future field trips that spark curiosity and bring classrooms to life.

• Go beyond the classroom walls: We believe learning extends far beyond the four walls of a classroom. Through the Read-A-Thon, we can fund guest speakers, author visits, innovative workshops, and much more, bringing the world into our school and igniting a passion for lifelong learning.

How You Can Join the Quest:

Every child at Great Falls is invited to become a Reading Champion! Here's how you can support their journey:

• Encourage your child to set a reading goal: Whether it's conquering a chapter a day or exploring a favorite genre, help your child set a reading goal that excites them.

• Gather pledges: Ask friends, family, and neighbors to donate. Let your child track their progress and celebrate their achievements along the way!

• Spread the word: Share the excitement of the Read-A-Thon with everyone you know! Post on social media, talk to your neighbors and let's make this adventure a community effort.

The Great Falls Read-A-Thon is more than just a fundraiser; it's an investment in our children's future. With your support, we can open doors to a world of wonder, ignite imaginations, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Let's turn the pages together and embark on an epic adventure!

Look for your child’s Read A Thon packet coming home soon, and get started now by registering here: https://www.read-a-thon.com/readers/r/323738333230 

Happy reading!

January Update

Dear Great Falls Families,

May this January be filled with warmth, love, new beginnings, and shared happiness. This first snowfall is just the beginning of winter's wonderful world. Let the snow-filled fun begin! 

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 the fields. Those without the proper winter gear will be limited to the blacktop areas when snow is present to keep our students warm and dry. 

School Calendar: 2023 - 2024 Calendar

Monday, January 15th: No School/ Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Wednesday, January 17th: Early Release Day/ Students are dismissed at noon.

Great Falls DECK Day: Thursday, January 18th

Great Falls will be collecting goods for the Maine Needs mini warmth kits. Each grade level will be asked to optionally donate a specific item. Items can be delivered to the main office beginning this week or brought to the GF Winter Family Fun Night on Thursday, January 18th.

Kindergarten: chapstick

Grade 1: hand warmers

Grade 2: mini tissues

Grade 3: mini hand lotion

Grade 4: Dunkin gift cards

Grade 5: bandaids

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.

Winter NWEA Testing: NWEA-MAPS Tests (Northwest Educational Association - Measures of Academic Progress) is our district’s universal screening tool and recently adopted state-level assessment. The NWEA assessments will be conducted throughout the month of January in grades K-5. It is necessary for us to gather this data point to inform Response to Intervention supports and classroom instruction. The assessments are aligned to Maine Standards and allow us to collect longitudinal data. As always, your child’s classroom teacher is the best resource to keep you informed about how your child is progressing during this academic year. 

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