Green Wave Nation

"Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today!"

--Malcolm X

• Feb. 14 - AEL PTO Sweetheart Dance 4:00-6:00 pm
• Feb. 15-23 - Schools Closed - February Break
• Feb. 24 - FY26 Budget Hearing - Jon Zon Community Center 6:30 pm
• Feb. 26 - Ja'Duke Suessical Kids Dress Rehearsal -4th grade only -5:30 pm GHS Auditorium
• Feb. 27 - Ja'Duke Suessical Kids 6:00 pm GHS Auditorium - Free Admission to All

Reminder that sometimes we have to decide to close schools, have an early dismissal, or delay the opening due to weather or other factors to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff.

Decisions are made after consultation with a number of key people in Greenfield, including the Department of Public Works, GPS Facilities Director, GPS Transportation Coordinator, Travel Kuz, and GPS Food Services. The Superintendent also communicates with other superintendents from districts in the area. These communications begin on or around 4:15 a.m. and continue throughout the early morning. We aim to make a decision before 5:15 a.m. Once the decision has been made it is shared on the district website, television stations, and radio stations. The Superintendent also sends an all-call, email, and text to families.

We realize that at times, parents/guardians may not agree with the decision to keep schools open. Please contact your child’s school if you choose to keep them home in these circumstances. It is very important that you keep your contact information updated so that we can keep you informed.

Thank you

February is social awareness month. Let's model for our students how social awareness can be developed:

1. Practice empathy: Try to put yourself in someone else's shoes and share their feelings

2. Be curious: Ask questions instead of judging.

3. Be kind: Treat others with kindness, even if you do not agree with them.

4. Listen actively: Pay attention to what others are saying.

5. Cooperate: Work with others to find solutions and achieve shared goals.

Thanks to the student leadership of senior, Shane Toomey, who also serves as one of the School Committee Student Representatives, there is a new feature to the monthly School Committee meetings called "Student Life." Shane took the initiative and worked with the Superintendent to discuss how there could be more student voice and representation at these meetings in addition to the reports on clubs and sports. Shane said, "We really want to accent some of the more positive sides of student achievement that doesn't always get covered in clubs and athletic reports." The first presentation was given by Devonne Brown, senior and co-founder of the Students of Color group. We are certainly proud of this new addition to the School Committee meetings and even more proud of our students.

Greenfield Middle School students did not let National Weatherperson Day go by on February 5, 2025. They took the time to recognize their teacher and very own weatherperson, Mr. Bevacqua, who's been providing weather updates to GPS for many years.

Another week and another wave of rock stars in the Green Wave Nation showing everyone how truly wonderful and amazing our students are! 💚

Natalia Cody has quickly made her mark as a standout athlete and leader at Greenfield. As a freshman, she is already a three-sport varsity athlete, competing in basketball, soccer, and track. Though she began the basketball season on JV, her relentless work ethic, determination, and commitment to improvement earned her a well deserved spot on varsity. Natalia is a positive force on and off the court always bringing energy, encouragement, and a contagious smile everywhere she goes whether it be in the game, on the bench, or in the halls of GHS.

Her dedication extends beyond athletics as well as she is a high honors student, a member of the Key Club, and is an active participant in student council, where she serves as the secretary of her class.

Natalia’s work ethic, leadership, and enthusiasm make her not only a standout athlete but also a role model for her teammates and classmates. Natalia represents what it truly means to be part of Greenfield athletics and the Greenfield community. Go Natalia and go Green Wave!

Seniors are seeing their high school winter sports careers come to a close and we wish them the best! See highlights from Senior Night for the GHS Green Wave hockey team as well as highlights of our girls' basketball seniors.

Ssssshhhhhh! This week the faculty and staff of Greenfield Public Schools pulled off an underground staff only spirit week. Students started to catch on mid-week after seeing so many staff wearing the same thing every day! Needless to say, it was a lot of fun and built comraderie among the faculty and staff while also entertaining our students. Great job!

1. Keep moving
Exercise as a family; ride bikes, take a walk, go swimming or play games outside.

2. Be positive
Make heart health fun by incorporating games into your family activities or walk to a park for a healthy picnic dinner. Celebrate successes to promote a positive sense of self-esteem.

3. Limit screen time
Excessive screen time leads to a sedentary lifestyle and constant snacking, which increases the risk for obesity and cardiovascular disease. Limit TV, computer and phone time to two hours each day.

4. Schedule check ups before sports season
If your child is an athlete, have him visit the pediatrician for a physical evaluation to rule out the risk of sudden cardiac death. While this is rare in otherwise apparently healthy teens, it must be addressed to identify those who are at risk.

5. Go to the grocery store together
Learn more about reading nutrition labels and make it fun for your child. Staples in your kitchen should be 100 percent whole wheat or grains, low-fat dairy products, poultry, fish and nuts.

6. Keep healthy options on hand
When your child gets home from school, give him healthy snack options such as whole grain crackers and string cheese, hummus dip and vegetables, Greek yogurt with apple slices, nuts and dried fruit.

7. Make dinner a family affair
Involve your child in cooking and planning meals.

8. Check salt intake
Avoid processed foods and keep salt shakers off the table.

9. Stay involved
Be an advocate for your child and others. Insist on good food choices at school. Make sure your child's pediatrician is monitoring cardiovascular indicators like BMI, blood pressure and cholesterol. Contact public officials on matters of the heart. Make your voice heard.

10. Be realistic
Set realistic goals and limits. Small steps and gradual changes can make a big difference in your child’s health over time, so start small and build up.

Melissa Bednarski - District Nurse Leader

Greenfield Public Schools

melbed1@gpsk12.org

For your convenience, please find links to our school handbooks below..