We are excited and honored to welcome our Veterans to Gower Middle on Monday, November 11th! If your child is interested in bringing a Veteran in your family to the Veterans Day Breakfast and Assembly please complete this form before November 5th.
Celebration is on Monday November 11th
Breakfast from 8:00 - 8:30 am
Assembly from 8:30 - 9:30 am
**Visitors will be required to scan their ID**
Contact Ms. Stankiewicz with any questions jstankiewicz@gower62.com
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I am writing to introduce you to our newest staff member at Gower School District. Watson is a 2 year old male Berniedoodle. Watson has passed his Canine Good Citzen’s Test (CGC) and Canine Good Citizen in the Community test (CGCC). He has also completed his TDI Therapy Dog training through Therapy Dog International. He is excited to be part of the Gower Community and looking forward to spreading paws-itivity. I also wanted to share some information about the benefits of having a dog like Watson in school as well as answer some potential questions and explore some concerns you may have:
Benefits:
Increased self-esteem and positive interactions between staff and students.
Decreased blood pressure and increased physical stimulation.
Increased memory and problem solving skills.
Increase in positive mood; places students at ease and increases openness/socialization with others.
Studies have shown an Increase in student reading skills when they are given opportunities to read to an accepting, non-judgemental audience ie. a therapy dog.
Concerns and Considerations:
Watson has a non-shedding hypoallergenic coat, which is suitable for students with allergies.
Watson will only interact with students who want to work with him. This is to be mindful of students that may not like dogs or have a fear of them. Research has shown that work with comfort dogs often decreases one’s fear of animals.
Watson will be on a leash and wear a collar when he is on school grounds; he will not be free to roam.
Watson lives with my family on a full-time basis. He is up to date on vaccination records, socialized with children on an ongoing basis and is groomed regularly. Watson will have access to food, water and be given multiple opportunities to be brought outside for bathroom breaks during the day. In addition, Watson will have a designated area in my office.
Watson will be slowly acclimated to the school environment before being utilized in school for any extended period of time.
We are extremely excited to welcome Watson to Gower. We believe that his influence will be positive (‘paws-itive’) for students and staff. Beginning in November, the plan is to start him on a schedule approximately two days a week at Gower Middle. Additional days may be considered in the future depending on how well the initial schedule works. Watson may visit Gower West on occasion as we consider the possible expansion of this program. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me directly. Lastly, please be on the lookout for updates on Watson’s journey in Mrs. Murphy’s eblasts.
Sincerely,
Tammy Lange, School Social Worker
Cheerleading tryouts will be held on Tuesday, October 29th AND Wednesday, October 30th from 3:30-4:30 PM. Cheer is open to all 5th-8th grade students. Whether your child is brand new to cheer or has experience, all are welcome to join! Please remind your child to complete the Google form that was shared with all students' email last week if they are interested in joining the team. Students must have a current sports physical on file with our nurse in order to participate.
Monday, October 28th~Second Quarter Begins
Pajama Day!
Girls Basketball vs Herrick MS, 4:15
Tuesday, October 29th
Neon Day!
Wednesday, October 30th
Hawaiian Day!
Girls Basketball at Lakeview JH, 4:15
Thursday, October 31st
Halloween! Costume Day!
11:45 Dismissal~no breakfast or lunch served
Friday, November 1st
Sports Day!
Girls Basketball at Cass JH, 4:15
