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The Chameleon Connection: RISE
News for Families: Week 35: 4/15/24-4/19/24
Historical Day: 4/8/24: Total Eclipse of the Sun!
Focused and Into this Eclipse!!!
Our students were really interested in the total eclipse of the sun last week; a historical event for sure across the United States.
An outdoor learning space in an elementary school in Colorado!
It's' interesting to learn how outdoor space is so beneficial to youngsters learning. We definitely know getting our students outside four times a day for a brief period of time really helps them learn and be able to socialize better than staying in a classroom or on a technology device.
Smiling and learning go hand in hand!
One on one conversations for literacy
Never a wasted minute....
Lost and Found
Please call our main office at 540-662-3575 if these items belong to your child. We recommend labeling your child's clothing for easy retrieval.
A Message from GQES Administration!
Chameleons RISE: Raising Intentionality Strengthening Expectations for students, teachers, administration, and families.
Week: 35: 4/15/24-4/19/24
Dear GQES Families,
Such a fun few weeks left! It's time to really really focus on all the learning our students have done as well as acknowledge the hard work of our teachers and staff. GQES families, please help us by making sure your child is at school on time, and ready to learn. In addition, listen to your child read. Talk with your child about their learning by asking specific questions. Celebrate their good work. Encourage them to do better if they fall short on a task.
Thank you for reminding students of our BE KIND expectation by having:
1. Smiling Faces
2. Listening Ears
3. Helping Hands
4. Respecting Boundaries
5. Doing Our Best on All Learning Tasks
We are planning our last push of wonderful events (learning, learning, learning as well as field trips and field days). It is critical that your child continues to learn, work hard, and be kind every day at school. If ever you have any questions, reach out to your child's teacher and/or administration. Thank you for partnering with us to help your child thrive!
A few upcoming dates include:
- 5/2/24: Early Release: Apple Blossom at 1:00pm
- 5/2/24: GQES Annual Apple Blossom Parade: 9:00am (more information to come)
- 5/3/24: No School: Apple Blossom
- 5/9/24: SOL Testing for grades 3 and 4
- 5/14/24: SOL Testing for grade 4
- 5/16/24: SOL Testing for grades 3 and 4
- 5/20/24-5/24/24: Make Up SOL Testing will occur for any student missing an SOL, as it is a mandatory requirement at the local, state, and federal level
- 5/23/24: Annual Chameleons Got Talent Show at JHHS Patsy Cline Auditorium: 5:00-6:30 pm
- 5/30/24: Last Day of School: early dismissal at 11:15am
- 6/10/24-6/27/24: WPS District-wide Elementary Summer School 8:00-1:00. More information to come.
If you have questions or concerns, always feel free to contact us at 540-662-3575. Thank you for partnering with us to help your child thrive!
Sincerely,
Joanie Hovatter
Principal, Garland R. Quarles Elementary School
(540) 662-3575 (Phone)
(540) 662-8449 (Fax)
Rehearsing After School!
We were grateful to have the Interact Club members from JHHS to come support Ms. L. Edwards as she coordinated rehearsal for our Talent Show on 5/23/24. It was well done!
On a Saturday, I'm Determined Showcase!
Shout out to our GQES team (Ms. D. Rollon and our SPED staff), Ms. A. Cootware, and Ms. J. Berry for piloting a program called I'm Determined. org. This is a great process, started at James Madison University on helping students advocate for themselves and articulate their needs. Well done!!!
More Recess Research
Here you go! More supports for recesses: THE ANXIOUS GENERATION by Jonathan Haidt who focuses on phone-based childhood versus play-based childhood:
Play: It Matters!
"This is a crucial read for parents of children of elementary school age and beyond, who face the rapidly changing landscape of childhood. Haidt lays out problems but also solutions for making a better digital life with kids." ~ Emily Oster, best selling author of EXPECTING BETTER
Excellent work!!!
Mr. Jim Faint, interventionist gave a great classroom lesson related to a book the students were loving to read. Their reactions and written responses showed what they were learning in this grade 3 setting. Thank you!
Ask students!
Students can tell you what they like when they are reading and why they like these parts of a book, as in this example. Our Chameleons are learning!!!
It's time to register for Preschool and Kindergarten!
Do you have a child who will be 4 or 5 by September 30? Everything you need to know about registration is on our registration website: bit.ly/WPSregistration2024
-Registration and eligibility events start soon! Physicals and vaccinations will be offered as listed on the registration website.
-You must bring your required documents, including birth certificate, TWO proofs of residency, physical exam, immunization record, and income verification for PreK only
-We will be using a new system for online registration and an email address is required to register
We can't wait to welcome your student and family to Winchester Public Schools!
WPS Update: From the Central Administrative Office (CAO)
- Keep Your Child Healthy and in School Handout from Attendance Works: English, Spanish;
From J. Buckley:
COVID-19 Parent Flyer - English, COVID-19 Parent Flyer - Spanish; VDH has updated their guidance for schools on the K-12 Education and Child Care - Coronavirus (virginia.gov)webpage.
"An individual can return to work in 24 hours IF their symptoms are improving and they are fever free without fever reducing medication."
- Keep Your Child Healthy and in School Handout from Attendance Works: English, Spanish;
- From our WPS Public Relations Officer: https://www.smore.com/n/re6ph
- Planning ahead: Save the Date flyer in English and Spanish for the Readiness Fair!
- Now that the museum is installed and other aspects are being finalized, we can't wait to welcome you to the Douglas School Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting on Saturday, June 8 at 10:00 a.m. Families are welcome. Feel free to share!
From our Central Administrative Office
Information:
From Ms. Jennifer Buckley, Director of Student Services
- From Ms. Maggie McCampbell Lien, PR for the division
- : Opt-In to School Texts
Info: Not receiving school-related text messages? You must OPT-IN to receive messages. Text "Subscribe" to 67587. You should receive confirmation that you are registered. Don't forget to ensure all of your contact information is correct at your student's school, too!
Attendance Information
ELA (Reading) and Math Supports for Parents to Help Students