GVMS January Newsletter

Parent/Families/Caregivers,

I cannot believe that it is already 2025 and we are moving into the second semester. I hope that everyone was able to connect with loved ones during the busy winter break. I know that your kiddos enjoyed having some down time to rest and recover. I am always amazed at how much the kids seemed to have grown when we come back in January. It seems like they have a chance to let their brains take a break and all of the learning and growth from the first semester settles.

As we move into January, we will look back on our growth, set new goals and feel that combined sense of freshness. We will spend time during the first few weeks revisiting our rules and expectations for students. This little reminder is a great way to reset for success. Some of the things reviewed will include:

• No Cell Phone/Ear Buds
• Dress Code: Please dress for "work" with your clothing covering your midriff, free of improper text or visuals, and appropriate for all weather
• School Movement: During passing, students should take care of business (locker/bathroom) and head directly to their classes by walking on the right side of the hall and using their grade level stairs
• PASS requirements: We use a digital hall pass that students need their chromebooks to activate
• Supplies: Students should bring pencils, notebooks, their chromebook and a free reading book to every class. Many students were out of pencils by the end of December. You may need to buy some fresh supplies
• Cafeteria: All students receive free breakfast and lunch. It is also expected that they stay seated during lunch, clean up after themselves and attend their assigned lunch
• Weapons: Absolutely no weapons can be brought to a school campus. This includes both real and toy weapons. Having weapons at school can result in suspension and/or expulsion as well as law enforcement intervention
• Drugs and Tobacco: Drugs, alcohol and tobacco products are strictly prohibited. This includes possession, use or distribution. Once again, violation can result in suspension, expulsion and/or law enforcement intervention
• KINDNESS: Students, and adults treat each other with kindness and respect

Please take time to review these expectations with your children before January 7th.

Here is to a healthy and productive 2025!

Ms. Davis, principal

It is with great excitement that I would like to introduce and welcome two new teachers as we bring in the New Year! Leslie Nichols will be joining our student support team. Ms. Nichols comes to us with many years of experience teaching special education and will be working closely with Ms. Johnson to ensure that all students can reach their potential.

In our red hall there are also some changes. With the resignation of Ms. Kammeier in science, Mrs. Pittman will slide into that role and we welcome Ms.Elizabeth Lisle as our new math teacher. Mrs Lisle has been teaching for about 10 years and is excited to jump in.

I am sure you will hear from staff as we move into the term.

These hires will ensure that we can continue to offer your children the best education and support them in their journey. Welcome Ms Nichols and Ms Lisle.

During the month of January, students will work with the Parachute Library and their ELA teachers to learn about the public library and obtain library cards. Please watch for the applications to come home as they require your signature. Once the cards have been issued, your children will be able to use the public library to access materials and programming.

We will once again begin using TAR programming to support students in recovering from tardies, attendance issues, and academic interventions. Any student who is performing below grade level will be invited to TAR for intervention tutoring and support in schoolwork. Furthermore, students who have missed school will be required to make up the time in TAR. Finally, students who have failed a class first semester will be required to attend TAR to recover their learning and demonstrate proficiency for promotion to the next grade.

Last year, we were able to help many student recover failing grades and move on to the next grade during summer school. This year we hope to bring the number of students required in summer school by offering TAR during the second semester to more students in need of support.

If your child is invited to TAR, please support their attendance. All TAR programming will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the library from 4:05-6:05 pm. A snack is provided and we staff this with both certified teachers and Kiwanis volunteers.

For more information about TAR, call the school at 970-285-5707.

With the new staff and the change of electives at semester, all students will receive new schedules on January 7th when they return to school. There is no need to go to the office to pick up the schedules. Teachers will be set up at tables at the grade level doors/halls. Students will simply come in their grade level doors and get the new schedule from their teachers.

Please remember that elective and intervention schedules are assigned based on need, choice and availability. If a student is performing below grade level, they may be assigned to an intervention class to support filling any gaps in their reading and math skills. Students in band are assigned for the year. And, though we try to accomodate giving students their desired elective courses, this is not always possible. Therefore, students are assigned to music, art, P.E., computers and Family and Consumer Science courses. It is extremely difficult and sometimes not possible to change schedules. If your child has schedule concerns they should contact Mrs. Hoyt, school counselor.