Gullett Gazette - Feb. 5, 2025

Dear Gullett Caregivers,

Happy February! Even though this is the shortest month of the year, we have so much learning happening and so many events creating wonderful memories for all. From our school-wide Lunar New Year celebration this Friday (wear red!) to our traditional Kindergarten 100th day parade on Monday, February 10th to Career Day on the 21st, we know February will be a month to remember! We are also excited to celebrate Black History Month in our classrooms and continue to support our students learning core academic skills needed for their future success.

February 17th is a student holiday that is designated for spring conferences so that teachers can hold meetings with caregivers on an as needed basis. Teachers will reach out to you should they need to have a conference with you, however please let them know if you have any concerns and would like to meet as well.

Today we are kicked off our LOVE your School Fun Run! The event day itself will take place on February 14th. We would love to have you join us and are asking for you to RSVP on our google form (Visitor Sign Up) so we can streamline checking adults in on that day. Our goal is to raise $50,000 to build our Outdoor Aquatic Classrooms and extend our learning. At Gullett, we have a rich history of caring for animals and the environment that make Gullett a school like no other place, and we want to bring these values back to the heart of our educational experience. With your support, we aim to build a space that fosters curiosity, creativity, and environmental stewardship. We can’t wait to deepen our connection to nature and learn about the environment through hands-on experiences. As a family, please work together asking friends and family to donate on your student’s Donation Page at MyBooster.com. The best part is, you can still support our school just by sharing about the fundraiser! Students will also participate in an amazing character enrichment program called “Castle Quest”, teaching students about how to be brave and live with character. We believe that with your support, we can provide a transformative experience that empowers students to see the connections between their actions, their community, and the global environment. Every student gets a free t-shirt and every student participates regardless of financial contributions. If we reach our $50,000 goal we will end the day with teacher inflatable races for students to cheer for.

Finally, I want to thank you all for your continued support of our teachers and our fabulous school. I love walking our campus and observing the amazing things happening at Gullett. Your children are engaging daily in learning activities that allow them to grow and extend their thinking. Students are learning critical social skills and building their confidence everyday. Please be sure to thank your teachers for all they are doing-February is a perfect time for that! Those sweet words of encouragement mean so much to them!

Sincerely,

Tammy Thompson

Proud Principal, Gullett Elementary

This month, we focused on celebrating differences and fostering a culture of curiosity, empathy, and understanding. Through thoughtful discussions and engaging activities, we explored how learning about each other can help reduce fear and judgment.

One key idea we emphasized was that when someone or something is different from what we’re used to, it can sometimes feel unfamiliar or even intimidating. However, by taking the time to ask questions, listen carefully, and genuinely get to know one another, we learned that these differences can enrich our perspectives and strengthen our sense of community.

Here are some highlights from our learning this month:

• Open Conversations: Students practiced respectful questioning techniques to better understand each other’s unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

• Story Sharing: We read The Sandwich Swap by Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah, which helped us see the beauty in both our similarities and differences.

• Empathy Exercise: We practiced active listening.

These experiences not only allowed us to build connections within our classroom community but also empowered students to carry these lessons into their everyday lives.

As we continue to celebrate diversity, here are a few ways you can support these lessons at home:

• Encourage conversations about differences and similarities within your own family.

• Explore books, movies, or cultural experiences that highlight diverse perspectives.

• Model curiosity and openness by asking thoughtful questions when encountering something new or different.

Thank you for your continued support as we nurture a welcoming and inclusive environment where every child can thrive.

Hello, Gullett Musicians!

This new year is musically off to the races! Fourth and second grades have started preparing for their yearly programs, we were visited by Lamar Musical Theatre to see a selection from their performance of Annie Jr. We also welcomed first grade family members, who joined us both live and over Google Meet for an Informance where they got to see what a (mostly) average day in music class looks like. This happened during We Love Austin Music Week, when we learned about how our city was dubbed the Live Music Capital of the World and watched performances by various artists who have graced the Austin City Limits stage. We will soon be in a very busy time of year, so stay tuned for more info on Music Memory, programs from Kindergarten and 2nd grade, and finally the Talent Show!

Here are some of our upcoming events.

(Spoiler alert, it’s going get crazy after Spring Break)

• 3/3: Young People’s Concert (4th/5th)

• 3/25: 4th Grade Program–Texas!

• 4/5: Austin ISD Recorder and Ukulele Festival (by audition)

Let us know if you have any questions!

Sincerely,
Will Jurgens and Marc Sustaita

Gullett Music Staff

This month we are practicing volley skills! Kindergarten through 2nd grade students have begun volleying with balloons and beach balls, and 3rd through 5th grade students have started with beach balls and progress to volleyball trainers. In addition to serving, bumping and setting, students will learn how to communicate positively with one another and be part of a team!

Additionally, on gym days, we have started our gymnastics unit. This unit offers a great opportunity for students to improve their strength, flexibility, balance and coordination. Throughout the unit students will learn foundational skills such as rolls, weight transfers and basic vaulting techniques while also emphasizing safety and proper form!

Wellness lessons this month are all about the muscular system. Not only will students learn the names of many muscles, but they will also learn about how to take care of their muscular system by warming up properly and engaging in exercises to improve muscular strength, endurance and flexibility.

~ Coach Garcia, Coach Rose, and Coach Victor

February-Black History Month, Career and Technical Education Month

2/10 - Farm Stand, 100th Day of School and Kinder Parade

2/14 - Love Your School Fun Run! PK-K-1 @ 8am, 2-3 @ 9am, 4-5 @10 am

2/17 - Parent Teacher Conferences

2/20 - Spring Picture Day

2/21 - Career Day

2/25 - CAC Meeting

2/27 - Author Visit 3-5 Stuart Gibbs

3/3 - PTA Meeting 6 pm