Letter from the Principal

Dear Great Falls Families,

We hope you enjoyed a restful and refreshing February break. We are so excited to welcome our students back on Monday and begin the next stretch of learning together. This time of year always feels full of growth, celebration, connection, and important milestones, and we are grateful to partner with you every step of the way.

Please mark your calendars for the following upcoming dates:

 Monday, February 23 – Welcome Back to School
Wednesday, March 5 – PTCFast conference sign-up emailed to families at 8:30 a.m.
Friday, March 13 – End of Trimester 2
Tuesday, March 17 – Great Falls Got Talent Auditions
Wednesday, March 18 – Conferences from 1:00–6:00 p.m. (Early Release Day)
Friday, March 20 – Conferences from 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Tuesday, March 24 – Partners in Education (PIE) Meeting with the School Committee at 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 26 – Grade 3 Family Breakfast from 8:00–8:25 a.m.
Friday, March 27 – Trimester 2 Report Cards Go Home
Tuesday, March 31 – Great Falls Talent Show from 5:00–7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 1 – Early Release Day

Spring conferences are an especially meaningful opportunity to celebrate your child’s growth and reflect on goals for the final trimester. We encourage families to sign up promptly once the PTCFast link is shared on March 5.

We are also looking forward to joyful community moments, cheering on our talented students during auditions and at the Great Falls Talent Show, welcoming our Grade 3 families for breakfast, and gathering for continued partnership through PIE. These events remind us how strong and connected our Great Falls community truly is.

Thank you for your ongoing support, encouragement, and collaboration. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions. We look forward to seeing everyone back at school and continuing the important work of learning and growing together.

Warmly,

Becky Fortier, Principal

Dear Great Falls Families,

February is a joyful and busy month at Great Falls, filled with engaging learning experiences, literacy celebrations, and exciting opportunities for our students. From reading challenges to career exploration, our school community has so much to look forward to, and we are excited to share what’s ahead.

This month, students will be diving into meaningful literacy experiences through our One School / One Author focus on Kate DiCamillo and participating in our schoolwide Read-A-Thon. These activities encourage a love of reading while building excitement and school spirit across all grade levels.

We are also thrilled to welcome community members into our building for the Great Falls Career Fair on February 3 and 4. This event gives students the opportunity to explore a wide range of careers, ask questions, and begin imagining possibilities for their own futures. It is always inspiring to see our students engage so thoughtfully with our presenters.

February also includes several special celebrations and milestones. We will recognize World Read Aloud Day, celebrate School Counselor Appreciation Day, and proudly support our students as they present at the School Committee meeting. Family events and field trips, including the Kindergarten Family Breakfast and the Grade 5 snow tubing field trip, add to the sense of connection and fun that makes this time of year so special.

Upcoming Dates and Events

NOW – February 13: Winter NWEA Assessments
NOW – February 13: One School / One Author: Kate DiCamillo
February 2–13: Great Falls Read-A-Thon
February 3 and 4: Great Falls Career Fair
February 4: World Read Aloud Day
February 5: School Counselor Appreciation Day
February 11: Great Falls Students Presenting at the School Committee
February 12: Kindergarten Family Breakfast; Grade 5 Snow Tubing Field Trip
February 14–22: Winter Break (No School)

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. We are grateful to share such a vibrant, engaged school community and look forward to a wonderful month ahead.

Warmly,
Becky Fortier and Deanna Etienne
Great Falls Administrators