Working on a weekend at SU
Our teachers came to Shenandoah University to learn about ways to incorporate writing!
Learning about how to write through the day!
More GQES representatives at the Shenandoah Valley Writing Project Conference in Winchester this weekend!
A Message from GQES Administration!
GQES Vision: Thriving Literacy Community in a STEM School
GQES Mission: Chameleons RISE (Raising Intentionality by Strengthening Expectations)
GQES Belief: Chameleons Got HOPE!
Week 10: 10/14/24-10/18/24
Dear GQES Families,
Regular school attendance and being on time are essential for academic success. Consistent attendance ensures students don’t miss critical instruction, practice, or classroom activities that build their knowledge and skills over time. Being punctual fosters responsibility, minimizes classroom disruptions, and sets a positive tone for learning. Research shows that students with good attendance are more likely to stay engaged and achieve better outcomes, while frequent absences can lead to learning gaps and hinder academic progress.
Reference: Attendance Matters. "The Importance of Showing Up: Why Attendance Matters for Student Success." AttendanceWorks.org
For Wednesday, 10/16/24, we are participating in Unity Day: Wear and share ORANGE on Unity Day to show support of bullying prevention. #UnityEveryDay Bullying can be prevented, through sharing kindness, promoting acceptance, and encouraging inclusion.
We hope to see you this Thursday, 10/17/24 from 3:00-6:00pm for Student Led Conferences. If you are not scheduled for a conference or need assistance, please contact your child's teacher and/or call our office at 540-662-3575. We want to help our students grow and learn and become literate. Please know our Reading Specialists, Ms. Estep and Ms. Highstreet and our English Language Learner Team (Dr. Daraban, Ms. Covarrubias, Ms. Williamson, and Ms. Luden) will also be in our lobby to share ideas on how to help your child acquire language and gain access to breaking the code as a reader and writer! Visit with them for ideas and strategies.
Reading regularly at home builds fluency, comprehension, and a love for books. Here are a few simple ways you can help:
- Create a Routine: Set aside 15-20 minutes daily for reading. This can be independent reading or reading together.
- Talk About Books: Ask open-ended questions like, “What was your favorite part?” or “What do you think will happen next?”
- Model Reading Behavior: Let your child see you reading for enjoyment.
- Celebrate Progress: Praise effort and improvement, no matter how small. Consistent encouragement makes a big difference.
We are excited to partner with you in your child’s educational journey. Your involvement, both at home and through events like student-led conferences, plays a vital role in their growth and success.
Safety Information:
- If you are a parent who lives in location A or B or C on the extended walk zone, please know we need you to stay on the public sidewalk around our school. Please resist cutting through our playground when you walk your child to school as this is a safety concern.
- As always, see something, say something no matter where or when or why or who or what. We all need to keep each other safe.
A few updates:
- The weather is changing. Remember, we go outside often and regularly. If it's raining, you may wish to put your child in rain boots and/or send a rain coat or umbrella. It's most important to put your child's name on their belongings to reduce the possibility of the item being lost. Also, it is very important to NOT send in valuables. If you need assistance, please call our office at 540-662-3575.
- Let's get to UPLIFTING! See: https://youuplift.com/garland-r-quarles-elementary-kindness-wall/. All Chameleons can submit uplifting messages from parents to teachers or from additional students to teachers or to additional students! Let's Uplift each other!
If you have any questions or concerns, please each out to us at 540-662-3575. Thank you for partnering with us to help your child thrive!
Sincerely,
Joanie Hovatter, Principal Jennifer DiMarco, Assistant Principal
Garland R. Quarles Elementary School
(540) 662-3575 (Phone)
(540) 662-8449 (Fax)
