GIPS Monthly Update - March 2024
Focus & Resources for the 2023-24 School Year
As we move into the spring season it is time for us to focus on making the most of these final few months of this school year while ramping up our preparations for next year.
With that in mind I want to go back to the focus of my message from the last newsletter. Registration!
One of the most critical parts of the planning process for the school district is knowing how many students will be attending and what schools they wish to be at. Once the registration process ends on March 31st we will decide how many teachers we need at each grade level in each of our buildings. After these numbers are set we will continue to enroll students who live in the district. However, they will have to be placed in buildings that still have available space. In some cases this may mean that someone living close to a neighborhood school will have to enroll their children at a different school that may be across town.
Getting students registered early helps us reduce these unfortunate situations. If you havenβt already done so, please get your children registered. If you know parents who will have children starting school next year please share the importance of early registration with them.
One of the cost saving measures that the district has identified for the coming year is a significant reduction in the before and after school bussing provided for all grade levels.
We will continue to provide some bussing, such as that from Gates and Knickrehm to Westridge. However, most direct bussing to most of our schools will no longer be provided. We will continue providing transportation for homeless students and those with identified disabilities. Also, we are currently working to develop some type of cross city bussing that could serve families that have no other means to get to school.
In order to build a system to serve these needs we have to be able to identify where the need exists.
Once you have registered your children, if you know that transportation will be an issue for your family please report this to the building your children will be attending. Knowing as early as possible where children will be attending school and where transportation needs exist will help us to make the best possible plans.
Now back to the other part of what that spring season is all about in the school setting.
Focus on finishing this school year out in the best way possible. We do want to encourage all of our families to place an emphasis on finishing strong.
The learning that takes place over the course of these final months of the school year are instrumental in setting students up for success in the future. That is true for the child who is moving from Kindergarten to First grade. It is also true for the senior who is going on to college or entering the workforce. Help your children make the most of every opportunity to learn and grow.
#WeAreGIPS
GISH Inducts 35 Juniors to National Honor Society
Leadership, character, service, and scholarship are the four pillars of one of the most noteworthy high school academic programs in the country.
Grand Island Senior High (GISH) welcomed its newest members to the storied society as part of its commitment to empowering students to achieve both inside and outside the classroom. 35 GISH Juniors were honored with induction into the National Honor Society (NHS).
Read the full article HERE.
Nebraska First Lady Shares Bushels of Stories at GIPS
As another growing season is on the horizon, First Lady Suzanne Pillen wants to ensure children in Nebraska know where their food, fiber, and fuel come from. During her time as Nebraskaβs First Lady, it is one of Suzanne Pillenβs missions to share accurate agriculture books with students in Nebraska. Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom helped to create Bushels of Stories to connect students with agriculture through story.
Read the full article HERE.
Middle School Students Build Confidence & Critical Thinking Skills in Quiz Bowl
Learning is continuous, and for some, itβs also a competition.
Academic Quiz Bowl students from Barr, Westridge, and Walnut Middle Schools competed in a test of knowledge at Grand Island Senior High. Each school competed with an A and B team at the GISH sponsored event. Six students compete on each team, plus alternates.
Read Mr. Fisher's full update HERE.
Catch the Islanders in action here in Grand Island! Here are some upcoming home varsity events for the next two weeks in March:
- Baseball v Lincoln High - Thursday, March 14, 4:00 p.m. @ Ryder Park
- Boys Soccer v LNE - Thursday, March 14, 5:00 p.m. @ GISH
- Girls Soccer v Kearney, Thursday, March 14, 7:00 p.m. @GISH
- Baseball v Millard North - Friday, March 15, 4:00 p.m. @ Ryder Park
- Baseball v Millard South - Saturday, March 16, Noon @ Ryder Park
- Soccer v Omaha Central - Saturday, March 16, Noon @ GISH
- Girls Tennis v Fremont - Monday, March 18, 4:00 p.m. @ GISH
- Baseball v Hastings - Tuesday, March 19, 6:30 p.m. @ Ryder Park
- Baseball v LSE - Thursday, March 21, 4:00 p.m. @ Ryder Park
- Boys Golf v York - Thursday March 21, 4:00 p.m. @ Riverside Country Club
Full activities calendar and ticket links for GISH may be found at the buttons below.
Go Islanders!
GIPS Provides Free Mental Wellness Resources!
At Grand Island Public Schools, we are committed to educating the whole child. Part of that effort is a commitment to overall wellness for our students, families and staff. Whether it be social emotional wellness, physical wellness, or mental wellness β we believe every student deserves the support they need to be as healthy as they can be.
We are proud to partner with credible organizations to provide resources to you:
- Parent Guidance β Free mental health resources, district specific webinars, parent coaching, parenting courses, and more.
- Care Solace β 24/7/365 Mental Health Care Coordination Service for GIPS students, staff, and families.
Also linked here are additional district and classroom resources:
- GIPS Wellness Policy
- Nurse Health Forms
- Snack Guidelines
- And More
Explore all of our wellness resources at: gips.org/familywellness.
