GSD E-Blast May 2024

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Each spring, we take a moment to honor the exceptional individuals who truly make GSD the amazing community it is. From our dedicated staff, teachers, and administrators to our invaluable volunteers, each plays a significant role in shaping the vibrant learning environment our students deserve. Their unwavering commitment to fostering joy and growth in our classrooms is evident from the first greeting in the morning until the last bell rings, ensuring that every day at GSD is filled with promise and possibility. We often speak of the collective effort it takes to nurture our students and each other, and our village stands as a testament to that shared commitment to excellence. To all our remarkable GSD staff and volunteers, your contributions do not go unnoticed; you are the heartbeat of our community. Please take a moment this month to express your heartfelt gratitude to these extraordinary individuals for their tireless dedication and profound impact on the lives of our students. Thank you for truly making a difference!

Your Partner in Education!

Amy Conway

Superintendent

Research shows that being happy and positive primes the brain to be more successful and productive. Promoting positivity will enhance our student’s academic ability and develop them into happy and positive thinkers and leaders. Each month we will highlight a building or staff member that is spreading “The Orange” (Happiness) through Gibraltar!

Do you have a child at home who will be five years old on or before September 1, 2024? Do you know someone who does, perhaps a friend or a neighbor? If so, Gibraltar School District has a spot waiting just for them in our kindergarten classrooms next year! Gibraltar School District offers both a traditional Kindergarten program as well as a Young Fives Kindergarten program. Both of these programs have a strong focus on the math and literacy skills needed for a solid foundation through the course of the formative elementary years. Registration is now open!

https://www.gibdist.net/page/kindergarten-and-young-fives-information

Students from local schools recently competed at the HOSA, Future Health Professionals State Leadership Conference. Three students placed in the Top 8 but six students have earned a spot at the HOSA International Leadership Conference in Houston Texas by placing in the top 3 for their event. Here they will compete with over 10,000 future health professionals in their chosen category. Representing Carlson High School is Isabella Seifert in CPR/First Aid

Our very own Josi Ericson applied for and won a $2000 grant for the Carlson Clothes Closet from the Robert J. Roll Agency. Josi has done a wonderful job organizing and procuring clothing and monetary donations for our Carlson Clothes Closet. Way to go Josi!

The CHS Spring musical, "SpongeBob," was a fantastic success! Our CHS students showcased their remarkable singing, dancing, and acting talents, bringing to life the hilarious and captivating story of SpongeBob's quest to save Bikini Bottom. A heartfelt thank you to Mr. Brockington, Mr. Vandergriff, and Ms. Rowe for their unwavering support and countless hours devoted to guiding and nurturing our talented students. Additionally, we express our deep appreciation to the numerous parents and dedicated staff volunteers whose assistance contributed to the success of this extraordinary production.

Shumate Middle School celebrated a PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) reward event in April, where students were recognized for their consistent demonstration of being respectful, responsible, and safe within the school community. As part of the festivities, members of the Creative Cinema Club took center stage, delighting the 730 students that earned the reward with their engaging skits. These talented performers showcased their creativity and talent, spreading joy and laughter throughout the school. The event not only served as a reward for exemplary behavior but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and pride among the students, reinforcing the values of positivity and good conduct.

Chapman Fourth Graders had a blast on their field trip to United Skate in Lincoln Park. During this field trip, they began with a STEM lesson that was taught, followed by time for students, teachers, and parent volunteers to skate together! Students learned how STEM plays a very important role in sports, especially in roller and ice hockey. They learned how three different kinds of motion can make a difference in the outcome of a game. They also learned how roller skates and inline skates used in roller and ice hockey work.

Hunter Elementary hosted their first Peer-to-Peer Family Night this month. It was a chance for the students who work together and their families to come together to play games, make picture frames, eat snacks and get to know one another more. This event was well attended and a heart-warming evening as parents got to watch their students demonstrate leadership skills and witness lasting friendships being built at school.

Parsons loved celebrating the Solar Eclipse as a school community. Our 4th grade students went to Lake Erie Metropark where they did a Planet Walk, made UV bracelets, discussed totality, and learned about constellations. Everyone in the school learned about the phenomenon of a solar eclipse and how to protect your eyes during STEM class. During the actual solar eclipse, students gathered outside on the playground. Some students could be heard counting down, like a New Year's party, as the sky got darker and darker. Even with hundreds of students outside, the only sounds that could be heard were exclamations of awe and wonder. It truly was an "out of this world" experience.

Our Wild About STEM Spring Innovation Night was an absolute marvel! From riveting robotics demonstrations and captivating displays from the natural history museum to thought-provoking #EdwardStrong PBLs and inspiring student-led initiatives, the evening was a celebration of innovation and STEM learning. Attendees had the chance to delve into the intricacies of creating playdoh, constructing terrariums, designing cardboard creations, experimenting with glow-in-the-dark art, seeing theater set builds, and engaging in bridge-building challenges. Our Wildcats' dedication to STEM learning shone brightly, showcasing their boundless creativity and passion for discovery. A heartfelt thank you to all the families who joined us for this extraordinary event! We extend our deepest gratitude to our Weiss students for their tireless efforts in bringing these projects to life, and to our dedicated Weiss staff for their invaluable support in organizing this unforgettable evening filled with endless learning opportunities.

On Earth Day, students at LVS banded together for a meaningful cause, dedicating their time to cleaning up the environment. Armed with gloves and trash bags, they combed through every corner of the school grounds, diligently collecting litter to restore the beauty of our planet. But their efforts didn't stop there; they also embarked on a mission to support global communities in experiencing the wonder of solar eclipses safely. Through their initiative, they gathered over 600 used and unused solar eclipse glasses, knowing that in the hands of those in need, these glasses could offer the gift of witnessing celestial phenomena without risking eye damage. Their actions showed their commitment to environmental stewardship and global solidarity in order to help perserve our planet!

Transportation would like to recognize Melody Sherlock as the outstanding support employee for the month of May. Mel has been a Bus Driver for 22 years and is one of our trainers for our drivers. Mel’s two children graduated from Carlson and will have a granddaughter attending Parsons next year. She is always willing to help as needed and goes the extra mile for her students. Mel is a true asset to our team, and we appreciate all that she does.

When we say school nutrition professionals are heroes, we mean it! That’s why we celebrate them every spring with the annual School Lunch Hero Day. Join schools across the country that are recognizing the difference these team members make for every child who comes through their cafeteria. The Kitchen Staff provides healthy meals to students – not only preparing food but also serving it with a smile and kind words, encouraging children to try new things, and giving them all the nutrients their growing bodies need.

Share with your Gibraltar student to thank the kitchen staff everyday and especially on School Lunch Hero Day.