Hello Great Falls Families!

October has been a wonderful month at Great Falls! Our classrooms are filled with learning, laughter, kindness, and opportunities for students to connect and grow. As we head into the next few weeks, I wanted to share some important dates, celebrations, and friendly reminders.

Wednesday, October 21 – Early Release Day & Connection Time: We are excited to kick off our first student Connection Time of the school year! Students will connect with peers and staff from different grade levels through fun activities that promote friendships, belonging, and community. After all, connection is the heart of learning!

October 21 & 23 – Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences: We look forward to welcoming families for fall conferences! This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate your child's progress and strengthen our home-school partnership.

• Wednesday, October 21: Conferences until 6:00 p.m.

• Friday, October 23: Conferences until 12:00 p.m.

Tuesday, November 3 – No School for Students: Our educators will participate in districtwide professional development focused on strengthening instructional practices, purposeful play, and creating supportive, regulated classrooms. It's also Election Day, so don't forget to vote!

Wednesday, November 4 – P.I.E. School Safety Event: 5:30 p.m. | Village Elementary School, 12 Robie Street | Families from Great Falls, Narragansett, and Village are invited to a special Partners in Education (P.I.E.) evening focused on school safety! Join us to learn about school safety procedures, emergency response protocols, and what families can expect during an emergency. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions. Pizza and childcare will be provided! We hope you can join us for this important conversation!

Socktober Success – Over 1,000 Pairs of Socks!: WOW! Thanks to the incredible generosity of our Great Falls families, we collected over 1,000 pairs of socks to support individuals and families in need! What an amazing example of our students putting kindness into action. Thank you for helping us make a BIG difference!

A Few Friendly Reminders

Fidgets and Toys: Please help us keep Nee-Dohs, squishies, and other toys at home unless specifically approved by a staff member as a learning or regulation tool.

Cooler Weather: Fall temperatures are here! Please send your child with appropriate outdoor clothing so everyone can comfortably enjoy recess.

Staying Connected: Continue checking communications from your child's teacher and Great Falls for important updates and opportunities to get involved.

We are so grateful for the kindness, generosity, and support our families show each day. Whether you're attending conferences, supporting school events, or encouraging your child each morning, you make Great Falls a special place!

Thank you for being such an important part of our school community!

Warmly,

Becky Fortier
Principal, Great Falls Elementary School