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Gower West News
March 22, 2024
Happy Spring Break!
Spring, transitions, change, new beginnings...
As Dr. Simon has mentioned in previous Community Updates, and most recently again on Thursday, Gower West Elementary School is experiencing a "spring" of its own. I have had the pleasure of working alongside Mrs. Capizzi since last July. Our work together has been about students, staff, parents, community, and "all things Gower West"! A transition such as winter to spring is something we all look forward to. Change in other areas of life can create great uncertainty and/or be a challenge for some. The opportunity that Mrs. Capizzi and I have been afforded, to work so closely this year, was designed specifically to ensure a smooth transition in leadership at Gower West.
Following Spring Break, I will be "stepping back" and Mrs. Capizzi will oversee daily operations at Gower West. I'm not leaving just yet! I plan on spending the last 38 days of the school year doing what I love most...teaching your children. I can assure you that Mrs. Capizzi, and her recently named Assistant Principal, Mrs. Hoff, are up to the task and will guide Gower West as it, like all things in spring, experiences new growth and beautiful changes.
You can expect to see more communication from Mrs. Capizzi, including opportunities to share your feedback and suggestions, as we make the final turn in the 2023-2024 school year.
How are we doing???
Help us surpass our all time high participation rate of 59%!
Help Gower West Elementary School be the best it can be! Please take just 10 minutes of your time to share your feedback by completing the 5Essentials Survey. The Illinois 5Essentials Survey will provide the Gower West Staff with your feedback on the five "essentials" critical for school success. Remember, you are encouraged to submit a separate survey for EACH child you have enrolled at Gower West Elementary School! This is so important to keep in mind since every child's experience is different!!!
Congratulations to This Week's W.O.W.s!!!
Gower School District 62
Summer Enrichment Opportunities
PLEASE use your child’s current grade level when completing registration!
K-2nd Story Time & Activity w/ the Gower West Reading Team
Students will participate in story time with a different picture book, journal activity, & project. Materials will be provided.
Dates: Tuesdays June 4, June 11, June 18, & June 25
Time: 9:00-9:45 AM
Where: GW Learning Center
Cost: $40.00 Register using your Parent Portal in PowerSchool (Directions BELOW)
3rd & 4th Grade Reading Club w/ the Gower West Reading Team
Each week, students will have reading to complete in the book, BOB, by Wendy Mass & Rebecca Stead, which will be provided for students & distributed the last week of school. During Reading Club, students will discuss the book, complete a journal entry, & participate in small group activities.
Dates: Tuesdays June 4, June 11, June 18, & June 25
Time: 10:00-10:45 AM
Where: GW Learning Center
Cost: $40.00 Register using your Parent Portal in PowerSchool (Directions BELOW)
3rd & 4th Write & Illustrate Your Own Story Book w/ the Gower West Reading Team
Students will create, write, & illustrate their very own story book! On the last day, students will have a complete hardcover book! Materials will be provided.
Dates: Tuesdays June 4, June 11, June 18, & June 25
Time: 11:00-11:45 AM
Where: GW Learning Center
Cost: $40.00 Register using your Parent Portal in PowerSchool (Directions BELOW)
K-4th Grade Art Enrichment Course w/ Mrs. Holland (online)
The online Summer GLOW art course will be offered for THREE weeks. The focus will be enhancing skills in the areas of oil pastels, collage, & building with clay. All ability levels are welcome! Students will follow along with five teacher led videos posted on SeeSaw. Students can work at their own pace & time of day. Feedback will be provided when a student has uploaded a picture of their work to SeeSaw. A “mini Art Show” will be held on Google Meets on June 20th for students who want to show their work & discuss their favorite pieces with other classmates.
Dates: Monday-Thursday June 3-June 20 (No School on June 19)
Time: Self-paced
Where: Online
Cost: $40.00 Register using your Parent Portal in PowerSchool (Directions BELOW)
K-6th Grade Mini STEM Camp at Gower West Elementary School
This camp is for current students in grades K-6. Get ready to explore, discover, & create throughout a shorter week of STEM activities & challenges. Join in the fun of combining science, technology, engineering, & math this summer! Join Mrs. Tokash, Mrs. Toth, Mr. Dunning, Mrs. Christopher, & Mrs. O’Boyle for a fun, engaging mini STEM Camp!
Dates: Tuesday-Wednesday June 11-13
Time: 1:00-3:00 PM
Where: Gower West Elementary School
Cost: $40.00 Register using your Parent Portal in PowerSchool (Directions BELOW)
1st-4th Grade Games to Improve Executive Functioning w/ Mrs. Baumgartner (online)
Have a lot of games at home? Still hear "there's nothing to do!" We can help! Students will have fun playing games to work on executive functioning (working memory, task initiation, flexibility, time management, planning, organizing & more). Students will make summer calendars & "to do" lists to plan for fun at their own pace/time of day. A Google Meet game day will take place on the first day (June 3rd) & last day (June 13th) of the class to have some fun with classmates. Mrs. Baumgartner will post activities & tasks for each week.
Dates: Monday-Thursday June 3-June 13
Time: Self-paced
Where: Online
Cost: $40.00 Register using your Parent Portal in PowerSchool (Directions BELOW)
5th-7th Grade Baking Class at Gower Middle School with Ms. Raguso
Join Ms. Raguso to bake a variety of desserts & “taste test” them to determine your favorite recipes! Whether you are a beginner or an expert baker, all are welcome to join! We will make items such as: cupcakes, no-bake cheesecakes, cookies & so much more!
Dates: Tuesday-Thursday June 4-6 & June 11-13
Time: 12:30-2:30 PM
Where: Gower Middle FACS Room
Cost: $40.00 Register using your Parent Portal in PowerSchool (Directions BELOW)
Cadet Band, Jr. Jazz Band, & Jazz Band at Gower Middle School with Mr. Pittman
In Cadet Band (current 4th graders going into 5th grade band), students will be introduced to Middle School band repertoire while their fundamental skills are reviewed & reinforced. This is a great opportunity for students to get a 'sneak peek' at Middle School band, meet & work with Mr. Pittman, & get a head start on music for the fall.
In Jr. Jazz (5th grade or anyone new to Jazz Band) & Jazz Band (6th & 7th grades), students will be introduced to & refine jazz techniques, jazz solos, etc. Also, this camp will introduce students to a wide variety of jazz, pop, & rock repertoire.
Dates: June 3-June 13 (Monday-Thursday) in the Gower Middle Band Room.
Time Jazz Band: 8:30-9:30 AM (drop off at 8:25 AM)
Time Jr. Jazz Band: 9:30-10:30 AM (drop off at 9:25 AM)
Time Cadet Band: 10:30-11:30 AM (drop off at 10:25 AM)
Where: Gower Middle School
Cost: $40.00 Register using your Parent Portal in PowerSchool (Directions BELOW)
Registration Using the Parent Portal in PowerSchool
1. Login to PowerSchool Parent Portal.
2. Click on "Balance" (left toolbar).
3. Click "Make a Payment". Then "Home" (top left).
4. This will open a "Gower Webstore" with Revtrak. You will be prompted to create an account (upon first login only) after adding an item to your cart.
5. Create an account.
6. Enter your family information.
7. Click "Continue with Powerschool". This will allow your PowerSchool credentials to be used.
8. Follow the onscreen directions to complete your registration.
Email voboyle@gower62.com with questions.
Show Your Gower Pride!
The Gower West Spring Spirit Wear Sale is ON!
Sale ends on March 26!
Only TWO More Days!!
Choose from hundreds of designs and garments that are delivered to your home in days! You'll save 25% off the entire site! New product lines include Nike and Adidas! Shop now through March 26! Your purchase of spirit wear supports Gower West Elementary School, specifically rewards for Gower Gladiators who are respectful, responsible, and kind! We appreciate your support!
Upcoming Events at Gower West
Please Mark Your Calendars!
Monday, March 25 -
Monday, April 1
Spring Break - No School
Tuesday, April 2
School Resumes
2:25 Spanish Club
2:25 BAM Theatre
2:25 2nd/3rd grade Brownies
Wednesday, April 3
7:10 4th grade Chorus
IAR (3rd/4th) Testing begins
2:25 Young Rembrandts
Thursday, April 4
7:10 3rd grade Chorus
IAR Testing - 8:00 4th/9:00 3rd
2:25 Beginner Band Rehearsal
Friday, April 5
IAR Testing - 8:00 4th/9:00 3rd
9:45 Preschool Family Participation Day (Fun Family Cafe)
2:30 BAM Theatre
Spring is in the Air!
Saturday, April 27, 2024
SAVE THE DATE! 9/28/2024
The Gower Foundation is thrilled to be planning the 2024 Gower Gala and is looking for sponsors to help make this event a success. The first step is to offer sponsorship packages exclusively to businesses owned by Gower families, prior to making them available to the community on February 7th. Download the sponsorship details here.