GJM Family Connection

November was a busy month for GJM. Thank you to all who came out to watch our Veteran's Day program. It was a success. Thank you to Ms. Reyna and our third grade teachers!

December will be a quick and busy month as well. December 22nd ends the first semester.

Please make sure your student turns in all their work in a timely manner. If your student is absent please make sure you send a note upon their return to school.

This past Saturday, several of our GJM students participated in the UIL Academic Meet in Sinton. For many of these students this was their first time to compete. We are extremely proud of their hard work. We also would like to thank Mrs. Rodriguez, Ms. Deanda and Mr. Stegall for the time they put in to help our students prepare for the events. Please see attachment below, GJM UIL Teams and Rankings. We look forward to next year's UIL meet.

This time of year can be hard with all the to-dos, but please make sure you take time out for your family. This will help us as parents to not overlook the excitement this time of year holds for your students. Spend quality time reading to your child, pick a favorite holiday book to read together. Ensuring kids feel connected and supported in positive ways helps them to continue to do well in school. Your partnership with us makes a difference. We appreciate you.

Helping Your Child Build Emotional Awareness

Children who are able to identify how they feel are often better able to communicate their needs. They are more likely to understand the feelings of others. This builds empathy, a crucial life skill. There are simple things you can do at home to help your child learn more about emotions. Try some of these ideas:

· Ask your child how he/she is feeling. List some feeling words to choose from.

· Share how you are feeling. Be specific.

· Play feelings charades. Show your feelings on your face and body.

Read stories with your child and talk about how the characters are feeling.

Hello GJM Family’s

Hearing and Vision Screenings

Students in the 3rd and 5th grade were screened for vision and hearing. If you did not receive notification, you can assume that your child has passed the basic school screenings.

These screenings are not intended to substitute for medical care. School screenings are designed to ensure that students are able to participate in the school learning environment to the best of their abilities.

Care for Sick or Injured Children at School

If your child becomes sick after arriving at school, the school nurse or other school staff member will call the parent or emergency contact person to come pick up your child. Your child will be removed from the classroom and must be picked up as soon as possible. Please consider carefully how you will handle the possibility of your child needing to come home unexpectedly. In an emergency, the school nurse will call EMS to transport the child to the hospital. It is very important to keep accurate and current phone numbers on file with your school for home, work and alternate emergency contact persons. Please contact your child’s school if you need to change or add any contact information.

In appreciation,

Kim Williams RN, School nurse

• Mail a letter to Santa
• Watch a holiday movie
• Visit a tree lighting
• Donate a toy to Blue Santa
• Listen to holiday music
• Make a gift and give to someone
• Make cookies together
• Read a holiday book
• Make holiday trimmings
• Surprise neighbors with some caroling
• Have a slumber party by the Christmas tree

Dec. 11 - 15 PENGUIN PATCH GIFT SHOP

Dec. 14 - 4th Grade Holiday Concert @ 6:30 pm GJM Cafeteria

Dec. 21 - Holiday Play @ 6 pm, location LTJH

Dec. 18 - Tree Topper Day! Wear a festive hat/headband

Dec. 19 - Green for Grinch! Wear your favorite Grinch colored clothing

Dec. 20 - Merry and Bright! Wear something sparkly

Dec. 21 - Kona Ice

Dec. 21 - Sweater Weather! Wear a festive sweater.

Dec. 22 - Pajama Day! Wear your favorite festive pajamas.

Dec. 22 - Early release and Holiday Class Parties

Dec. 22 - Last day of Semester

Dec. 22- Jan. 6- Winter break

Jan. 9 - Return to school