GIPS Monthly Update - April 2024
Focus & Resources for the 2023-24 School Year
As we move through the final month of this school year everyone’s focus shifts to summer plans.
For many of our families a good portion of that planning will be around children’s activities. I know when my children were in school I spent a lot of evenings at ball parks and in the car shuttling them from one event to another.
When you are planning out those summer schedules we would certainly encourage you to make continuing your children’s learning a part of those plans. In this newsletter you will find information about a variety of learning opportunities that Grand Island Public Schools have available during the summer months.
Please consider getting involved with those activities and camps that fit the needs and interests of your children.
There is considerable research out there that shows that summer education programs have many positive benefits for students. Summer should be a time when children and parents get a chance to step out of their normal routine and enjoy time together. Building family ties and having fun are some of the key benefits of the summer break. These are also keys that we try to build into summer learning programs.
Enjoy these final few weeks of the school year. We want every student to finish out the year in the best way possible. As you prepare for the summer months ahead keep in mind that educational programs can be a fun way to fill part of that time. Let’s continue to work together to help your children reach their full potential.
#WeAreGIPS
Registration is now open for GIPS Summer Programs!
All students have the opportunity to take part in summer activities at Grand Island Public Schools.
GIPS summer programming, sports camps, and extra learning opportunities are for different ages and grade levels including:
- Power Camp
- Elementary Free Art Camp
- Elementary Free Sports Camp
- Middle School Summer Academies
- Middle School Robotics Camp
- GISH AP/Honors Free Boot Camp
- And More!
Learn more information at: gips.org/summer!
Registration is now open for GISH Islander Summer K-12 Athletic Camps!
The Islanders will be hosting camps for Elementary, Middle, and High School students throughout the summer for the following sports:
- Softball
- Girls Basketball
- Girls Soccer
- Volleyball
- Cheerleading
- Football
- Baseball
- Boys Basketball
- Boys Soccer
Click the buttons below for flyers with dates and registration details.
You may also register at: gips.org/summer.
GISH Announces 2024 Academic Honor Students
Grand Island Senior High (GISH), in collaboration with the Grand Island Public Schools Foundation and Home Federal Bank, recognized the highest achieving graduating seniors as Academic Aristocrats.
The Academic Aristocrat Scholarship Program, established in memory of Dorothy Maurer by former Superintendent Marv Maurer, supports Grand Island Senior High's distinguished students. In 2024, a total of sixty-seven (67) scholarships will be awarded through this program, ranging from $500 to $3,150, totaling $64,660.
Read the full article HERE.
Starr Elementary Selected as Model School
Starr Elementary’s continuous story of growth in student achievement is earning them national recognition.
Because of successful strategies and dedication, Starr, led by Principal Selena Valentine, was recently named a Model School from the Center for Model Schools. Chosen from a distinguished array of institutions, Starr has showcased dedication to fostering student success, championing equity and inclusion, and implementing innovative strategies to address the diverse needs of its learners.
Read the full article HERE.
GISH Leadership Team Announced for 2024-25
We are pleased to share the news of leadership transitions within Grand Island Senior High!
For the 2024-25 school year, a few folks will be taking on different leadership roles at GISH:
- Calvin Hubbard, GISH Principal
- Fawn Gernstein, GISH Assistant Principal
- Jared Bombeck, Academy of Freshman Exploration Principal
- Gus Beahm, MTSS Dean of Freshman Students
- Chris Ladwig, GISH Activities Director
- Eon Lemburg, GISH Assistant Activities Director
Read the 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 April:
- Girls Soccer v Fremont - Friday, April 19, 5:00 p.m. @ GISH
- Baseball v Lincoln North Star - Tuesday, April 23, 4:00 p.m. @ Ryder Park
- Girls Tennis v Fremont - Tuesday, April 23, 4:00 p.m. @ GISH
- Girls Tennis Varsity Invitational - Thursday, April 25, 9:30 a.m. @ GISH
- Unified Track & Field Invitational - Thursday, April 25, 2:30 p.m. @ GISH
- Baseball v Lincoln SW - Thursday, April 25, 6:30 p.m. @ Ryder Park
- Baseball v Columbus - Monday, April 29, 5:00 p.m. @ Ryder Park
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 — 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 — Free mental health resources, district specific webinars, parent coaching, parenting courses, and more.
- Care Solace — 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.
