Greystone Elementary News
Keeping our school community informed about GES!
Contact GES
Email: krfagan@wcasd.net
Website: https://www.wcasd.net/Domain/6353
Location: 1195 Aram Ave, West Chester, PA, USA
Phone: 484-266-2601
Twitter: @GreystoneES
July 2024
I plan to keep it updated with information for our school community. I'll email our families on a weekly basis and then include those emails here, along with other information. Things will be arranged chronologically, in case you need to look for communications based on when they were originally sent.
Kevin Fagan
GES Principal
Design Lab and Flexible Library Updates for the 2024 - 2025 School Year!
As a reminder to our families, starting next school year elementary students will have a new special area called Design Lab. In Design Lab, students will explore Design Thinking strategies and experiences, which means they will spend time collaboratively tackling problems, developing creative solutions, and thoughtfully approaching important ideas.
Remember we're also changing our library time. Instead of having a fixed schedule for library classes, we're making it more flexible. Students will still learn how to research ideas properly, work on projects, find good sources, and explore wonderful books, but on a less fixed timeframe. Our library program will keep teaching important skills and making sure all students have access to books.
My departure from GES
June 25, 2024
Dear GES Families,
This is a challenging email to write, especially during the summertime when I don’t have the opportunity to deliver this message in person, which would have been my preference. I need to let you know that pending approval at a Board meeting tonight, I will be appointed as the Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning for the Marple Newtown School District. My transition date is TBD, but likely sometime this summer.
Serving as the Principal of Greystone Elementary has been the honor of my career. From the time we’ve opened till just a couple weeks ago when we celebrated our third graduating class, my time there has been more than I could have asked for. The staff has been super, and I cherish the relationships I have with our students and families. I’m so proud of the community we have built together. So why am I leaving? Because I am feeling the need to learn and grow and opportunities like this do not come up often. I am excited to work with Marple Newtown, but leaving Greystone is very difficult. Those of you who know me well know how much I love our school, its students, families, and staff. My departure marks a new beginning for Greystone. I will still be very present as a parent and supporting our school in all ways. Thank you for the trust you showed me, for your patience these past three years, and for continuing to support our school.
Always a Grizzly,
June 10, 2024
Good evening Greystone Families,
Well … we are almost at that time. It’s been another great year at Greystone ES! Your children have grown and learned a lot, made new friends and memories that will last a lifetime. Before we sign off for this year, I wanted to let you know about some staffing changes for the fall. Staffing assignments can continue to change over the summer, but here's where things stand for now ...
- Ms. Dzielawa (second grade) will assume the role of Design Lab teacher here at GES. She is very excited about this opportunity.
- Mrs. Bushnell (fifth grade) is going to Hillsdale ES to be the Design Lab teacher there. We will miss Mrs. Bushnell but congratulate her on this move and wish her all the best!
- Mrs. Van Wyk (fifth grade) is moving to East Bradford ES to serve as the English Language Learner teacher. Working with this group of students is a passion for Mrs. Van Wyk and these openings don’t come up often. She’ll be great!
- Ms. Huber (our wonderful para and friend to all the morning drop-off dogs) is retiring. Trish has served many years for our district, and we wish her nothing but the best! Trish is looking forward to spending as much as possible in her garden; she’s earned it!
- Mrs. Ortiz (our caseworker) has resigned to take on a role with another district. Veronica has been a terrific resource for us at GES and she’ll be missed.
Change can be difficult, especially when it comes to people we know and have come to care for. I have a strong connection with each of the people here and will miss having them around, but these folks are pursuing their passions, and I support them fully in their new endeavors. Please join me in wishing them well!
Reminder that tomorrow through Thursday are half days for students, with a 12:00 dismissal. There is no staff here Friday.
Sincerely,
Kevin Fagan
June 5, 2024 (Info about 24-25 Open House)
Good morning GES Families,
In the theme of "It's way to early for this ..." I wanted to follow up on the email you received recently from Dr. Missett (Director of Elementary Education) about the new Open House Format for the coming school year and to forecast our dates and times for you.
Open House for Grades 3-5 will be Tuesday, August 20 from 4:00 to 5:00 PM.
Open House for Grades K-2 will be Wednesday, August 21 from 4:00 to 5:00 PM.
Open House this year is a family event and students should attend with parents!
As the date draws nearer, I'll have more information to share.
Sincerely,
Kevin Fagan