Green Wave Nation

"Autumn: The year's last, loveliest smile!" — William Cullen

Oct. 25- Parent/Teacher Conferences Pre-K through12th grade (please call child's school for appt.)

Oct. 26 - Trunk or Treating at GHS from 4:00-6:00 pm sponsored by DSFC PTO

Oct. 28 - GMS Spirit Week

Oct. 28 - Newton 4th grade Eversource Energy Assembly 12:45 pm

Oct. 29 - DSFC 4th grade Eversource Energy Assembly 1:30 pm

Oct. 30 - FSS 4th grade Eversource Energy Assembly 9:00 am

Oct. 30- GHS Comicon - GHS Library 3:00-6:15 pm

Oct. 30- GMS Bike Rodeo - GMS back lot 3:30 pm

Oct. 31 -Rag Shag Parade & Downtown Main Street Trick-or-Treating

Thank you to the Just Roots Farm for hosting the district's 3rd graders on their farm adventures this past month. Students were able to pick crops, investigate bugs, study milkweed, and so much more. What better review of this trip than 3rd grader, Liam's, perspective: "This was the best day of my life!"

Please join me and the GHS band at Mohawk Mall on Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 5:45 pm as we make our way to Energy Park for the Rag Shag Parade sponsored by the Greenfield Recreation Department. Get your costumes ready for this fun event!

One way to address student chronic absenteeism is by making attendance a fun, competitive group activity. Our elementary schools are each participating in attendance challenges by classroom and displaying all of the great success that students have had in achieving their attendance goals. The classroom at each elementary school with the most improved attendance at the end of each semester will partake in a classroom celebration.

Please support us in reminding all of our students that their presence is powerful! Being present each and every day at school matters!

As we have been working on and learning about Self-Awareness this month as the focus of our social and emotional lessons, let's do a quick check of all of the ways in which we could improve our self-awareness:

• Self-compassion - Are you kind to yourself? How do you talk to yourself? How do you treat yourself?
• Self-love - Do you take care of yourself? Do you love yourself unconditionally?
• Self-acceptance - Are you accepting of yourself, faults and all? Are you aware of what you can change vs. what you cannot?
• Self-discovery - Have you found the motivation for achievement in what you see value in pursuing?

As good role models for our students, ask your own self these questions. How can you model for our students the thought and honesty that goes into answering these questions? Talk with your students about how they have become more self-aware this month.

One of the ways the school district fosters student leadership at a young age is through the All-School meetings at the elementary schools. Each All-School meeting is led by a certain grade level who leads the meeting with different activities. For instance, at Federal Street Elementary, the 4th grade students planned the All-School meeting this month and brought their Kindergarten buddies up to sing a song together about friendship. These meetings are the foundation for teaching our students leadership skills and building their self-confidence. Thank you to all of our supporting teachers who work with each grade level to make this happen! 💚

Amy McMahan, owner of Mesa Verde, time and time again shows up for the students of Greenfield Public Schools. The new venture: highlight student athletes each week and treat them to a free meal at Mesa Verde. This week's honorees are pictured below. Thank you Mesa Verde!

GHS students in Ms. Moore's Exercise Science class/course designed field day games to enjoy outside with preschool students at AEL! GHS students demonstrated positive, gentle leadership and enthusiasm. There were many types of activities to exercise different muscle groups, learn new skills, and have a whole lot of fun and laughter, as well!

We had a huge response for dental program participation from parents/guardians this year. Nurse Leader, Melissa Bednarski, is thrilled to announce that over 250 GPS students have signed up to receive dental care from the CHCFC School Dental Program. As dental health issues are one of the main reasons for student absences, we are so proud to be able to support this program and provide students with access to dental care.

For your convenience, the next walk-in flu and COVID vaccine clinics will be held at Greenfield High at Newton School on November 1, 2024.

The Budget and Finance Sub-Committee chaired by the School Committee Vice Chair Kate Martini is looking for parents and families to have a greater voice in the budget development process of the schools. Please see the newly adopted FY26 Budget Development Calendar linked below for important timelines and meetings for opportunities to provide feedback and input to the sub-committee or full committee. You can also email feedback and input directly to the committee at schoolcom@gpsk12.org. Thank you!

For your convenience, please find links to our school handbooks below..