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Green Wave Nation

Parent Update #18- Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Green WaveNation Parent Update #18- Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Thank you to all who support, guide and love our students each and every day!

"A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning!"

— Brad Henry

November Dates to Remember

  • Nov. 27 - Early Dismissal - Thanksgiving break
  • Nov. 28 & 29 - No School - Thanksgiving break
  • Nov. 29 - Fill-a-Skate for GHS Hockey 10:00-2:00 pm intersection of Federal and Main Streets

December Dates to Remember

  • Dec. 4 - GHS Winter Music Concert 7:00 pm GHS Auditorium
  • Dec. 5 - GMS Cookies and Cocoa 5:30-7:00 pm GMS Cafeteria
  • Dec. 5 - GHS Coffeehouse 6:00-8:00 pm GHS Auditorium

Greenfield Public Schools - Where Everyone Matters!

Dear Greenfield Public Schools Families,


As we navigate through the school year, we want to take a moment to celebrate the wonderful diversity and shared commitment that make Greenfield Public Schools such a unique and supportive community. While each of us may come from different backgrounds, experiences, and traditions, we are all united under one banner – the Green Wave Nation.


At Greenfield, we believe that every student, every staff member, and every family member, brings a valuable perspective to our schools. This richness in diversity strengthens our community, offering all of us a chance to learn from one another, to grow together, and to build bonds that will last well beyond the school years. Each of us contributes to the dynamic, welcoming spirit that makes Greenfield Public Schools such an inspiring place to learn and grow. Together, we can ensure that every student feels proud, supported, and welcomed in the Green Wave Nation.


With gratitude,

Karin Patenaude, Superintendent

Where's the Superintendent going to be next?

GHS Band Concert

Please join me for the first music concert of the school year on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at 7:00 pm in the Greenfield High School Auditorium. Ms. Hannah Cherry, the Band Director, will lead the high school band students for a night that is sure to be one filled with beautiful music. Hope to see you there in support of the GPS Music Department.


*A reminder that as a Title I district, transportation can be provided for any school event for any family in need. Please contact your student's building principal to set up in advance. Thank you!

GPS HAD A GREAT TIME TURKEY TROTTING!

AEL Turkey Trot

GPS's littlest learners enjoyed their Turkey Trot activities this week!

Pass the Ball

Turkey Yoga with Officer Frankie

Turkey Yoga Trees

Elementary Students Enjoyed Their Turkey Trots!

Greenfield High School & Middle School Turkey Trots

Turkey Games

On our way!

Trotting Together!

Top GMS Finishers!

Inspired by Unity!

Teacher Tag Team

A visit from Boomer the Thunderbird!

Students received a visit from Boomer the Thunderbird during their Turkey Trots as we kick off our Stick to Reading Program!

Stick to Reading Program


Dear Green Wave Nation,

We’re excited to announce the Greenfield Public Schools (GPS) Reading Challenge, in partnership with the Springfield Thunderbirds! This initiative runs from Thanksgiving through Monday, January 6, 2025, and is designed to inspire our students to discover the joy of reading. This reading challenge also provides all GPS students the opportunity to earn a free ticket to a Thunderbirds hockey game on Saturday, January 25, 2025!


How It Works

All students need to do is read for 20 minutes a day, 20 times between Thanksgiving and January 6, 2025. Those who complete the challenge and submit their reading form to school on January 7, 2025 will earn a free ticket to the game. There will be opportunities for families and caregivers to join the fun at the game as well. We will share more information on this soon.


Kick-Off Event: Turkey Trots with Boomer

On Wednesday, November 27 the Thunderbirds mascot, Boomer, will visit each school to help kick-off this challenge.


Why This Matters

Encouraging a love of reading is a key priority for GPS. Improving literacy skills is at the heart of our district goals, and this partnership offers a fun and meaningful way to incentivize our students to build healthy reading habits.


Additional Details

  • Family Tickets: We are working with the Thunderbirds to finalize ticket purchase options for families and caregivers, and some tickets will be purchased through Title I funding.

  • Transportation Support: As the game approaches, we’ll reach out to families to determine transportation needs and provide assistance as necessary.


This is an incredible opportunity for our students to improve their literacy skills while enjoying the excitement of a live hockey game for free. Thank you for supporting this initiative and encouraging your students to participate. Let’s get reading, Green Wave Nation!

Student Spotlights

Students enjoyed attending the Pioneer Valley Interscholastic Athletic Conference last week at the Basketball Hall of Fame! In the photo below from left to right: Elderina Cecunjian, Julia Belville, Arthur Fitzpatrick, and Tim Derivikov.

GHS marches with Monte!

The Sustainability Club led by advisor, Kyle Bostrom, walked 10 miles with Monte Belmonte on Monte's March from Northampton to Greenfield on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 to raise awareness on food insecurity in our area.


There is still time to donate to help the GHS Sustainability Club assist the food bank and reach their goal. Please donate at the following link: GHS Sustainability's Monte's March Team

PTO plans to Light Up the Fairgrounds!

Franklin County Fairgrounds is coming alive with holiday lights. Joining Light up the Fairgrounds this year is Festival of the Trees to create an amazing joint event! Drive through the lights then park over at the Roundhouse. Check out the trees, visit Santa, and get a maple fried dough!


All dates 5-8pm, weather dependent:

Friday, November 29, Saturday, November 30, Sunday, December 1

Friday, December 6, Saturday, December 7, Sunday, December 8

Friday, December 13, Saturday, December 14

Feedback and Input on the School Committee's Budget Process

The Budget and Finance Sub-Committee chaired by the School Committee Vice Chair Kate Martini is looking for parents and families to have a greater voice in the budget development process of the schools. Please see the newly adopted FY26 Budget Development Calendar linked below for important timelines and meetings for opportunities to provide feedback and input to the sub-committee or full committee. You can also email feedback and input directly to the committee at schoolcom@gpsk12.org. Thank you!

School Handbooks

For your convenience, please find links to our school handbooks below..

Karin Patenaude
Karin is using Smore to create beautiful newsletters