The Chameleon Connection: RISE

This was definitely the biggest Holiday performance ever seen in the last 13 years at GQES! Well done, Ms. Edwards, all music classes, and the Chameleon Choir for all the work and planning and orchestration!

Pre-K Performs Trepak from the Nutcracker!

Jolly Jolly Santa! Excellent performance, kindergarten!

These first grade students are shining as they perform Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy from the Nutcracker!

2nd Grade performed Christmas at the Hop!

Who can carry a tune? All of these 4th graders as they performed Jingle Bells on the recorders!

💓Ms. Kremmel's heart grew three sizes as she read to kindergarteners!

These handmade ornaments decorated Mrs. Berry's first grade class tree. They will be treasures for years to come!

Thank you to our amazing custodians for always working to keep the inside and outside of our building safe for everyone! Families, if we are out of school due to inclement weather please follow the Inclement Weather: WPS Expectations: Learning Plan. Your child should have work to complete to turn in on the day we return. Thank you for your support!

GQES Vision: Thriving Literacy Community in a STEM School

GQES Mission: Chameleons RISE (Raising Intentionality by Strengthening Expectations)

GQES Belief: Chameleons Got HOPE!

Week 20: 1/6/25-1/12/25

Dear GQES Families,

Happy New Year! Welcome back! We are excited to welcome everyone back in 2025 as we begin the second semester. We hope you had a wonderful break filled with family, rest, and perhaps some learning opportunities. Whether it was reading together, practicing math skills, exploring new places, or simply sharing conversations, these moments support your child's growth in meaningful ways. Here is some very important information related to being kind: - Being Kind has Physical Benefits!

As we step into the second half of the school year, your partnership remains vital. We are entering the full winter months, so stay tuned for any announcements about school closings or delays due to inclement weather. Make sure to bundle your child for the cold weather and label their belongings. Here are a few ways to continue supporting your child's success:

• Encourage daily reading at home.
• Practice math facts or problem-solving together.
• Set aside time for conversations about what your child(ren) are learning.

Most importantly, ensure your child is attending school on time, every day, ready to learn. Consistent attendance is one of the best ways to support children's academic and social growth.

A few additional thoughts:

1. We had a GREAT Holiday Singalong and Concert right before the break. Shout out to Mrs. Edwards, our music teacher and choir director and our Chameleon Choir and all of our PreK-4 students for a wonderful school wide performance! The holiday spirit matched the attendance----abundant!!!!!

2. On 1/8/25, report cards are going home for all students K-4. Upon reviewing your child's report card, please contact your child's teacher to arrange a parent conference if you have any questions.

3. After School Tutoring: We will be sending home information later in January regarding our semester 2 After School Tutoring which will start in February.

4. Remember, when we return to school, we will again emphasize our routines and procedures to maintain safety for everyone!

Thank you for being an essential part of our Quarles community. Together, we will make this semester a great one! If you have any questions, please reach out to us at 540-662-3575.

Sincerely,

Joanie Hovatter, Principal

Jennifer DiMarco, Assistant Principal

Garland R. Quarles Elementary School

(540) 662-3575 (Phone)

(540) 662-8449 (Fax)

1/2/25: Teacher Work Day (No School for Students)

1/3/25: Professional Development Day (No School for Students)

1/6/25: Students Return from Winter Break (weather can impact this return date)

1/6/25- 1/31/25: K-3 VALLSS Assessment Window

1/6/25- 1/31/25: Kindergarten VKRP Assessment Window

1/8/25: Report Cards will be sent home

1/8/25: Pre-K Field Trip to Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum

1/16/25: Family Literacy "Glow Night" Event last Daniel Morgan Campus, 5:30-7:00 p.m.

1/20/25: NO SCHOOL: MLK Jr. Day

1/21/25: Reading Winter Growth Assessment for 3rd & 4th Grade

1/23/25: Math Winter Growth Assessment for 3rd & 4th Grade

1/31/25: 1st Grade Field Trip to Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum

WPS Next Two Years: Approved Calendars

Upcoming approved WPS Calendars

• 2025-2026 School Calendar

• 2026-2027 School Calendar

https://secure.smore.com/n/0u84k-january-wps-family-newsletter?ref=email

See the 2024-2025 School Calendar

Parent/Student Handbook 2024-2025

If you would like to view, here is Bryce Hamilton's Accidental Experts podcast showing the importance of our multiple recesses and the rationale for implementing them at GQES:

Here are the links:

https://youtu.be/4VhVQCjshCI?si=KMSot_7XnZ_-tm85

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/accidental-experts-with-bryce-hamilton/id1733294868

If you don't want to watch it, no worries.

It's approximately 30 minutes.

Thank you!

ELA (Reading) and Math Supports for Parents to Help Students

Then, click on GQES's icon for the lunch menu. The menu is now interactive----you can discover hover your cursor over the food item and you will see nutrition information.

Sometimes, buses or routes can change. Always, verify with our front office for any transportation questions. Thank you!