Tiger Town Newsletter
April Newsletter
Principal Roar
Gilbert El Families,
What a great couple weeks it has been at Gilbert Elementary! It has been a joy to see all the returning students and have the opportunity to meet all of our new Tigers. This week, I met with the each grade level and reviewed the student handbook and school expectations. We are here to help and support the students, while correcting the behaviors that occur. Students have some time getting to know their classmates, divining into the curriculum, and starting to take assessments. We are excited to announce that Gilbert Public Schools has adopted a new math curriculum, called iReady. Teachers received training at the end of last year and at the beginning of this year. There will be additional trainings throughout the year. iReady provides the following:
- Provides just-in-time instruction that is responsive to individual student needs
- Engages students with relevant challenges and provides pathways to deeper understanding
- Enables students to advance quickly once they master a skill, building their confidence and maximizing their engagement
- Presents real-world problems that help students understand the “why” behind the “how”
- Builds internal motivation while encouraging productive struggle with learning games.
******NEW PROCEDURE*******
To help alleviate the traffic in the front office, we will begin to use the following procedures, starting Monday, August 5:
*Students AND KINDERGARTEN PARENTS (who wish to come on campus and have a pass will enter the breezeway gate.
*All visitors coming on campus will need to sign in at the front office. When exiting, please try and exit the gate in the breezeway (before and after school).
A+ Award
We are excited to announce that we are submitting an application for the A+ School of Excellence Award. The application is due at the end of the month, and school visits will occur in the spring. This will be a great honor and recognition for the students, staff, and school community.
Warm regards,
Gracias
Justin Sremba
Principal
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I want to take a moment to highlight the critical importance of regular school attendance for your child's academic success and overall development.
Consistent attendance is a foundational element of a successful educational journey. When students attend school regularly, they benefit from:
- Academic Achievement: Regular attendance ensures that students participate in daily lessons and activities, keeping them engaged with the curriculum and allowing them to build upon their knowledge and skills incrementally.
- Social and Emotional Development: Being present in school helps children develop important social skills, form lasting friendships, and feel a sense of belonging within the school community.
- Routine and Discipline: Attending school regularly helps establish a routine, which is essential for developing discipline and time management skills that will benefit your child throughout their life.
Research has shown a strong correlation between consistent attendance and higher academic performance. When students miss school, they miss out on valuable learning experiences and may struggle to catch up, which can affect their confidence and progress.
To support your child's regular attendance, please consider the following tips:
- Set a Regular Bedtime and Morning Routine: Ensure your child gets adequate sleep and wakes up on time, ready for the school day.
- Schedule Appointments Outside of School Hours: Whenever possible, try to arrange medical and dental appointments after school or during school breaks.
- Communicate with the School: If your child is experiencing difficulties that affect their attendance, please reach out to their teacher or our school counselors for support and guidance.
- Promote the Importance of School: Encourage your child to value their education by discussing the importance of school attendance and celebrating their efforts and achievements.
We understand that sometimes absences are unavoidable due to illness or other important reasons. When this happens, please ensure to notify the school promptly and work with your child’s teacher to help them catch up on missed work. You can inform us by calling the school or logging onto your Infinite Campus Account to indicate an absence.
Your partnership is vital in ensuring your child’s success. Together, we can create a supportive environment that prioritizes education and encourages regular attendance. Let’s work hand in hand to make this school year a productive and enriching experience for all our students.
Mr. Sremba will start to meet with Top Cats this month. Top Cat students are selected by their teacher for achieving their goals or following their PAWS (Positive Attitude, Assertive, Wise Choices, Showing Respect for Self and Others). Students who are selected as a Top Cat get their picture taken with Mr. Sremba, a prize from the front office, a certificate, and get to have lunch with Mr. Sremba (typically on Wednesdays).
Annual Update is OPEN
Drop Off
- Please remember that the front parking lot is reserved for STAFF parking only, along with anyone with a handicap permit.
- Please avoid parking or dropping off in the front bus lane. The most efficient way to drop off and pick up is in the back of the school (west parking lot).
- Staff Lot and Handicap Parking Only. NO STUDENT DROP OFF or PICK UP.
- Students should not be on campus before 7:45 AM unless they have a scheduled appointment with a teacher.
- Drop off can occur on the WEST-side. This is where parents drop off and a staff member will help the student out of the vehicle.
- Drop off can occur on the EAST-side if the driver parks in the lot across from our school in a parking space (not in the middle of the road).
Pick Up
- Pick up can occur on the WEST-side. This location is just west of the school off of Elliot. Families wait in the driveline line to pick up their child. Students will be waiting near the back fence to be picked up. Please be sure to have your Driveline card up so our staff can read it.
- Pick up can occur on the EAST-side. Families can park across from the school and pick up their child in front of school.
- Families are permitted to be on campus 5 min. before the bell rings. Kinder families will show their pass, all other visitors must sign in at the front office.
Breakfast & Lunch price:
Elem Student Breakfast: $1.75
Elem Student Lunch: $3.10
Add money to your child's lunch account by going to: gilbertschools.net/meals
**Please see attached flyers below for school lunch menus, school lunch application, and information on how to deposit money into your child's lunch account.
We will have computer set up during the Meet the Teacher Open House to complete the Free and Reduced Lunch Application.
Gilbert Elementary is a proud Title I School. As a Title I school, we rely on the completion of Free/Reduced Lunch forms for federal funding. The funding we receive allow Gilbert Elementary to have:
*Additional Reading Specialists
*Math Specialist
*Parent Engagement Activities (IE: Home 2 School Connect Night, Monster Math, Read Across America)
*Professional Development for Teachers
*Additional Technology
*And much more!
We are asking every family to complete the following form:
Once A Tiger, Always A Tiger
Email: justin.sremba@gilbertschools.net
Website: gilbertschools.net/gilbert
Location: 175 West Elliot Road, Gilbert, AZ, USA
Phone: 480-892-8624
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Official-Gilbert-Elementary-698377483616818/
Instagram: @gilberteltigers