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