Gullett Gazette - May 2, 2024

Dear Gullett Caregivers,

Where did this school year go? I cannot believe it is time to write the May Gazette!

These busy next few weeks will fly by as we make wonderful memories and celebrate a year of learning. It was so wonderful to see so many of our volunteers joining our staff at our potluck luncheon! From volunteering their time and expertise to contributing additional funds to just overall moral support and kind words, we are so fortunate to have such a giving community.

We capped off April with our Amazing Art Show. I loved the expansion this year to include ukulele and recorder performances as well as the film fest. Thank you to our amazing Essential Area team for putting this together to showcase our student’s artistic talents. It was such an incredible experience to see what our students have created this year!

As I reflect on this school year, I know none of it would be possible without the amazing teachers we have at Gullett. The dedication and care they show for every student, and the time that they put in to ensure all of our students have experiences beyond the curriculum is truly inspiring. This week, May 6th-10th is Teacher Appreciation Week and our PTA has so many wonderful ways they are celebrating our teachers each day. From words of gratitude, to yummy food (treats, breakfast and lunch!), to chair massages and to flowers to brighten their day - our PTA appreciation team really knows how to make sure our teachers are shown how much we value their hard work. I hope all of you are able to take a moment to let your teachers know how much you appreciate them with a “glowing” review. Teachers love treats as much as the next person (and we have plenty of that coming their way!), but the words of gratitude from parents and students are the most meaningful gift of all.

As we look towards closing out this school year over the next few weeks, we have so much to celebrate! Our Geckos are thriving and our community is as engaged as ever. Your children have grown so much academically, socially, and emotionally and have made many great memories and friendships. I can’t wait for our Talent Show on May 20th, the Kindergarten “Mother Goose” performance, and the many end of the year celebrations in the classroom!

One day in the future (and the future is just a few short weeks away for some), you will be sitting at the end of the year 5th grade promotion ceremony on the last day of school, hopefully looking back on what a great elementary school experience your child had. Several years later, we will welcome you back to Gullett for our Annual Senior Walk for our graduating class. This is a wonderful tradition we look forward to at the end of the year, and I love hearing the Seniors chatter about “remember this…” and “it looks so small!” and “is so and so still here? I wanted to see them!”

For those of you joining us for Camp Gecko, we are thrilled to have you for another few weeks. For those of you that have other summer plans, we can’t wait to see you back on August 20th for the first day of school. Finally, for those of you that are heading off to other adventures outside of Gullett next year, please remember that once a Gecko, always a Gecko.

I continue to be so thankful to be able to serve our community, staff and students and am looking forward to a wonderful end to the year, a summer filled with memories and a new beginning in August. Gullett truly is a school like no other place!

Sincerely,

Tammy Thompson

Proud Principal, Gullett Elementary

Worry was the topic of our April counseling lessons, and your students learned the value of writing, drawing, and talking about their worries. Worry is something we all experience at some point in our lives. Worry is a natural response when a child perceives uncertainty or potential threats. It might stem from a desire to anticipate and prepare for problems, but excessive worry can lead to anxiety and stress.

Coping Strategies:

• Mindfulness and Meditation: Support your child with staying present in the moment through mindfulness exercises and meditation. This can help reduce the grip of worry by shifting their focus away from future concerns.

• Challenge Negative Thoughts: When worry takes hold, help your child challenge negative thoughts with evidence and logic. Explore whether their concerns are realistic or if they are catastrophizing. Support them with reframing their perspective to focus on potential solutions rather than dwelling on problems.

• Set Aside Worry Time: Designate specific times during the day to address your child’s worries. During this "worry time," allow them to acknowledge and explore their concerns. Outside of these designated periods, gently redirect their attention to the present moment.

• Stay Connected: Reach out to friends, family, or a counselor for support. Talking about worries with others can provide perspective and validation.

• Engage in Relaxation Techniques: Explore relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or visualization exercises. These practices can help calm your child’s mind and body, reducing the intensity of worry.

Family Resources:

Books - Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes; The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn; or What to Do When You Worry Too Much by Dawn Huebner

Workbooks - "The Anxiety Workbook for Kids" by Robin Alter; "Sitting Still Like a Frog: Mindfulness Exercises for Kids (and Their Parents)" by Eline Snel.

Mindfulness & Relaxation Apps - Headspace for Kids, Calm Kids, or Stop, Breathe & Think Kids

Hello, Gullett Musicians!

We have likened this time of year in the music rooms to the moment in an airplane right before takeoff where you’re going incredibly fast but somehow not yet in the air. The end is near! In April, we found out where the Wild Things were at the 2nd grade performance, and were represented so well by our students at the Music Memory Celebration and Recorder/Ukulele Festival (link to photos), and continued to cover our TEKS-based curriculum. A quick word on recorders: 3rd-5th graders need them in every music class. Some students have started to either forget or ‘forget’. If your student’s recorder has been lost or broken, replacement instruments are $4 (please contact us with financial assistance needs, no student will go without due to funding).

Looking ahead to the end, here is what we have going on:

• 5/9: Talent Show auditions due (3rd-5th)

• 5/9: Talent Show Crew interest form due (5th only)

• 5/14: Kindergarten Program

• 5/20: Geckos Got Talent! (3rd-5th by audition only)

• 5/21-5/22: Share Day (in class)

Please let us know if you have any questions!

Will Jurgens and Marc Sustaita (Mr. S)

Gullett Music Staff

What we are learning

Students in all grade levels are working on their striking skills! While this unit can include many different games and activities, this year we are focusing on batting and paddle skills. We will wrap up the year with soccer skills!

Additionally, students in grades 3-5 will be taking part in the FITNESSGRAM. The FITNESSGRAM consists of various activities to measure each student’s aerobic capacity, muscular strength and endurance and flexibility.

Wellness lessons this month are all about safety. Topics include pedestrian, cycling, skating, and scooter safety as well as water and sun safety. It’s a great time to review these safety lessons as we head into the summer months!

~Ms. Garcia, Coach Rose, and Coach Victor