Garfield December Newsletter

As we step into the holiday season, I want to take a moment to thank you for your unwavering support and partnership. December is a time for reflection, gratitude, and togetherness, and I’m grateful to have such an amazing school community.

This month, our students will continue to work hard on their learning goals, build strong friendships, and demonstrate the core values that make Garfield Elementary such a special place. From creative projects in the classroom to celebrating acts of kindness, the joy of the season is everywhere in our halls.

As we approach winter break, I encourage you to take time to celebrate your children’s accomplishments, both big and small. They’ve been working hard, and your encouragement means the world to them!

Wishing you and your family a joyful and peaceful holiday season filled with love and laughter. Thank you for being an essential part of the Garfield family!

On another note....

I want to share some bittersweet news with you. After much reflection, I have decided to retire at the end of this school year. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as the principal of Garfield Elementary and to work alongside such incredible students, families, and staff throughout my 30 years in USD 290.

The decision to retire was not an easy one, as I will deeply miss the daily connections with our amazing school community. Watching your children grow, learn, and thrive has been the most rewarding part of my career. Each smile, success, and challenge has left a lasting impression on my heart.

We still have a lot of school year left and lots of good work to get done! I am excited to continue working alongside our students, teachers, and families to make this a fantastic year.

This month, students at Garfield Elementary will take part in FastBridge testing in reading and math. These assessments are designed to give us a clear picture of your child’s progress and help us tailor instruction to support their individual learning needs.

You can help your child prepare for a successful testing experience by:

• Ensuring they get a good night’s sleep.
• Providing a healthy breakfast each morning.
• Encouraging them to do their best and reminding them that these tests help us support their learning.

FastBridge testing will occur during regular school hours throughout the month. If you have any questions about the testing process or how the results will be used, please feel free to contact us.

Thank you for your continued partnership in your child’s education. Together, we can help them reach their fullest potential!

As we head into the colder months, I want to remind everyone about how we prepare for the chilly days ahead. Please make sure your child comes to school dressed for the weather with a warm coat, gloves, and a hat. When temperatures drop, layers can make all the difference in keeping your child comfortable throughout the day.

At Garfield Elementary, we encourage students to enjoy fresh air and outdoor play whenever possible. However, if the temperature (including wind chill) is 20 degrees or less, we will stay indoors for recess to ensure our students stay safe and warm. On especially cold days, we may still take a quick, brisk walk outdoors to get some wiggles out—it’s a great way to re-energize while staying bundled up!

We want to ensure that every child is warm and comfortable at school. If your child needs a winter coat, please let us know—we have coats available here at school for those who need them.

We are once again preparing for our Hat and Mitten Tree at Garfield Elementary. If you have any clean, gently used hats or mittens that you are willing to donate, we would be grateful to add them to our tree. These items will be available for students who may need them throughout the winter months.

Students are encouraged to take a hat or mittens from the tree as needed, and there are no questions asked. Our goal is to make sure every child stays warm and comfortable this season, and your generous donations will help make that possible.

Thank you for supporting this initiative and helping us keep our students cozy this winter!

Reminder: Pizza Time only accepts a physical copy of this flier!!

4th grade Technology Class came to the rescue and helped Tom the Turkey escape Farmer Lyle's barn just in time for Thanksgiving!

We are excited to share that Kindergarten is gearing up for our upcoming Kindergarten Market! Each group has been working hard to come up with a plan, create sale posters, and develop products that they hope everyone will want to buy. The students are learning valuable skills through this project, and have been earning 3 Kindergarten Dollars to spend during the market. They will be able to purchase 2 wants and 1 need, which is a fun way for them to practice decision-making and budgeting.

A 2nd grader won the chance to cut Dr. Cobb’s tie today after earning it through a Positive Office Referral drawing! Thanks to both of you for being such good sports!

Lost and Found items need a home! If your student is missing something, please let the office know so they can collect it from the rack. Many items have been here for a while, and we will be donating unclaimed items before break.

Ottawa Library Dec 17, 5:30-7:30

Come to the library to Stock Your Sock! Decorate a stocking and choose from a variety of items to fill it. We provide all the supplies and stocking stuffers! This program is for all ages- come with friends, family, or just bring yourself!