GES Weekly Bulletin
Notes from Rachael May 10
Community Spirit
Grants Received
Great Expectations School is funded through general education revenue from the state-based open enrollment, which every public school receives. Additionally, we receive approximately 3% through federal programs. Unlike traditional public schools, public charter schools do not have the option to increase revenue from taxpayers through bond or levy referendums, which means we receive approximately 30% less per student than traditional public schools.
To sustain GES into future generations, provide critical equipment, enhance curriculum, update existing programming, make facility improvements, and offer a competitive compensation plan to our teachers and staff, we must raise funds to close the funding gap.
At GES, we believe in providing our students with as many enriching experiences as possible, and grants are invaluable in making that vision a reality. We encourage our students to embrace opportunities, to ask questions, and to share their learning with enthusiasm. If you are aware of any funding or grant opportunities we could apply for, please let us know!
WISE: Women's Initiative for Service and Education
Thanks to the incredible support from WISE, GES has received not one, but two fantastic grants this year that will further enrich our students' learning experiences.
Firstly, WISE has made it possible for us to acquire brand-new abolitionist era costumes, adding a dynamic dimension to our learning simulations. Through role play and engaging simulations, our students will step back in time, immersing themselves in history like never before. These experiences aren't just educational; they're opportunities for to build confidence through trial and error, fostering a sense of participation and achievement.
Additionally, WISE's generosity will also help underwrite a portion of the upcoming Wolves (3/4) biennial overnight trip to the International Wolf Center in Ely. This extraordinary trip promises to be an unforgettable adventure, offering kiddos a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of wildlife and conservation in a hands-on, immersive setting.
North Shore Collaborative
Northshore Collaborative continues to support GES with a generous grant that will bring even more music into the lives of our students. This grant will provide additional music sessions for those students who are eager to explore the world of music further. Imagine the joy of learning multiple instruments together as a group! These sessions will offer interested students a chance to further unlock their musical potential in a fun and collaborative environment.
"Wolves" were spotted hanging around Betty's Woods this week! Don't worry, though - these wolves were our 3rd and 4th graders fully immersed in nature. Keep up the fantastic adventures, young adventurers! #OutdoorLearning #Explorers #NatureAdventure
Plants for Pollinators: Saturday, May 18
Tee Shirt Design Winners
This year our plant sale is focusing on pollinators and native plants. For the πbees! Interested students submitted designs for this year's tee shirts and water bottle stickers. Winning entries were: Basil Ferry grade 8, Ezme Mundell grade 6, and Bea Mundell grade 3.
Adult T-shirt-$22.00 (unisex sizes) small-2XL
Youth T-shirt-$20.00 small-XL
Racerback Tank-$20.00 medium and large
Stickers- $4.00
Items will be available for purchase during the plant sale
or
Unisex Short Sleeve Tee Mint
Unisex Short Sleeve Tee Storm
Unisex Short Sleeve Tee Toast
Water Bottle Sticker Blue
Racerback Tank Red
Water Bottle Sticker Mint
Construction Update
Exciting Updates from Our Construction Zone!
Surprise, surprise! Students were in for a treat when they spotted towering men on stilts amidst the construction hustle and bustle! Witnessing sheet rock being installed was quite the spectacle.
Safety first! We're proud to share that all floor trusses have been meticulously insulated, ensuring our space meets the highest fire safety standards. From electrical wiring to communication cabling, it's all in place. And that's not all! Every inch of our ceilings is snugly wrapped in vapor barrier, to keep our new space cozy and comfortable. Exciting times ahead as we watch our school take shape, one milestone at a time!"
Have You Completed the Survey?
Exploring the outdoors through hiking and canoeing isn't just about traversing landscapes; it's a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Last year we were able to take interested Otter students on a Boundary Waters trip. We would like to offer this excursion to incoming 7th and 8th grade students to build confidence and rapport for the upcoming year.
To make this trip accessible to everyone a local guide has volunteered his time and equipment. Staff members will be volunteering their time. We will be seeking donations for food from community members.
Hanging Out
Lynx (5/6) taking a break from standardized testing.
Celebration!
Otters (7/8) walked to Java Moose to enjoy a post testing treat!
Clean Up Time
Being part of a community means that we all do our part to leave things better than we found them.
Annual Sixth Grade Trip to the Beach
Per tradition, Grade 6 Lynx students headed to the beach (until the storm came) while their Grade 5 classmates took the MCA Science test.
Yearbook Order Deadline Coming Soon
Filled with photos and memories from the school year, this 8 1/2 X 11β softcover book includes individual portraits of each student, candid classroom pictures, and autograph pages. Pre-order and pay for your studentβs copy by Monday, May 13. Books will be distributed to students when they arrive.
Upcoming Events
May
14 πInvasive Species Presentation in Lynx and Otters Classes
15 Otters Highway Cleanupπ―
16-17 πΊWolves Trip to Ely Wolf CenterπΊ
17 πΆThe Paper Clips Trombone Quartet All School Concert, πͺ©Lynx and OttersπΊDance 6-8pm
18 πͺ΄Plant Sale and Pancake Breakfast π₯
22 π΅π»ββοΈLynx Bike Day
23 π Step Up Day
27 Memorial Day No School
29 π Back Up Beach Day (Based on Weather Forecast)
30 π Beach Day (Based on Weather Forecast), πPortfolio Night
31 Last Day of School, πGraduation at 6:30