The Chameleon Connection: RISE

Last year, our 3rd-grade students at Quarles Elementary enjoyed The Wild Robot by Peter Brown, sparking their imaginations and curiosity. Fast forward to this school year, and those same students got to see the story come to life on the big screen at The Alamo! After writing persuasive letters to Mrs. Hovatter requesting a field trip to the movie theater, and with the support from our Central Office at Winchester Public Schools, they got to enjoy the adventure of Roz and The Wild Robot!

Our 3rd graders had a fantastic day at Blandy Farms, where they explored the science of soil through hands-on activities that reinforced their Bookworms curriculum and science standards. Acting as "soil scientists," they practiced data collection, measurement, and observation, tested soil porosity, examined soil layers, and learned about erosion's impact on the watershed. Thank you to the Blandy Farms Education Team for making this outdoor learning experience unforgettable!

Question: What are the chances of finding our 4th grade students working hard on probability?

Answer: Very likely

Based on this picture, we would say, almost certain!

Students are intrinsically motivated and actively engaged during their independent reading instruction as they work on their fluency goals. Awesome job!

Save the Date: We will be having our annual GQES Turkey Trot on Monday, November 25th during specials. All families are invited to this outdoor event. In the event of inclement weather, we will have a rain date on Tuesday, November 26th. Unfortunately, if the event is moved indoors, we will not be able to invite families to participate. Here is some information: Turkey Trot

Thank you for your support and partnership!

GQES Vision: Thriving Literacy Community in a STEM School

GQES Mission: Chameleons RISE (Raising Intentionality by Strengthening Expectations)

GQES Belief: Chameleons Got HOPE!

Week 14: 11/11/24-11/15/24

Dear GQES Families,

As we approach Veteran's Day, our school community is focusing on the importance of citizenship and the values that make us responsible and respectful members of society. This holiday is a powerful reminder of the service and sacrifice many men and women have made to protect our freedoms and keep our communities safe. We are teaching students about these values in age-appropriate ways, encouraging them to show respect, appreciation, and empathy. Through stories, discussions, and classroom activities, we want our students to understand how they, too, can contribute positively to our school and community by being responsible, kind, and helpful.

We invite you to join us in supporting this growth at home by helping your children build responsibility and emotional self-regulation. You can guide them to make better choices by modeling calm and positive behavior and reminding them to think before they act. When correcting their behavior, try encouraging them to consider the impact of their actions on others, helping them develop empathy and self-awareness. With patience and support, we can work together to help them grow into mindful and respectful citizens. Thank you for your partnership as we teach our children these essential life skills.

A few updates:

1. Our Annual Turkey 'Trot will be (good weather) on 11/25; rain date of 11/26. We hope to raise $2,500 for this fund raiser.

2. Please contact your child's teacher to learn your child's progress on grade level tasks and/or ways to help your child learn at home.

3. Please make sure to dress your child appropriately for the weather including labeling your child's clothing in the event a jacket or hat is left behind outside at recess.

4. See the calendar below for the dates for After School Tutoring for our first semester, please.

If you have any questions or concerns---- please reach out to us at 540-662-3575.

Sincerely,

Joanie Hovatter, Principal

Jennifer DiMarco, Assistant Principal

Garland R. Quarles Elementary School

(540) 662-3575 (Phone)

(540) 662-8449 (Fax)

11/11/24: Chameleon Choir until 4:00pm

11/12/24: After School Tutoring (2:30-4:00)

11/12/24: Fire Prevention Presentation for grade 4 (10:00) and grade 2 (9:00)

11/14/24: After School Tutoring (2:30-4:00)

11/18/24: Chameleon Choir until 4:00pm

11/19/24: After School Tutoring (2:30-4:00)

11/21/24: After School Tutoring (2:30-4:00)

11/22/24: Grade 2 Field Trip to Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum

11/25/24: Annual GQES Turkey Trot during specials; if outside, families are invited.

11/25/24: Chameleon Choir until 4:00pm

11/26/24: Make up day for Annual GQES Turkey Trop during specials (INSIDE); no families invited

11/27/24: Holiday Break; no school

11/28/24: Holiday Break; no school

11/29/24: Holiday Break; no school

Special Education Advisory Committee

https://www.wps.k12.va.us/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=4&ModuleInstanceID=2709&ViewID=6446EE88-D30C-497E-9316-3F8874B3E108&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=32912&PageID=1

If your child has been invited and participates in After School Tutoring, here are the dates to mark on your calendar. Please note, we will not have After School Tutoring on 11/26/24.

See the 2024-2025 School Calendar

Parent/Student Handbook 2024-2025

If you would like to view, here is Bryce Hamilton's Accidental Experts podcast showing the importance of our multiple recesses and the rationale for implementing them at GQES:

Here are the links:

https://youtu.be/4VhVQCjshCI?si=KMSot_7XnZ_-tm85

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/accidental-experts-with-bryce-hamilton/id1733294868

If you don't want to watch it, no worries.

It's approximately 30 minutes.

Thank you!

ELA (Reading) and Math Supports for Parents to Help Students

Then, click on GQES's icon for the lunch menu. The menu is now interactive----you can discover hover your cursor over the food item and you will see nutrition information.

Sometimes, buses or routes can change. Always, verify with our front office for any transportation questions. Thank you!