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 8: 9/30/24-10/4/24
Dear GQES Families,
As we finish our first quarter this school year, I want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of teaching and practicing good manners here at school. Manners not only reflect kindness and respect toward others but also help create a positive, welcoming community where every student can thrive.
When children consistently use polite language—such as saying "please," "thank you," "excuse me," and addressing others with respect—it fosters mutual understanding, cooperation, and builds self-confidence. These habits make daily interactions smoother and encourage a sense of empathy and inclusiveness in the classroom, on the playground, and beyond.
By reinforcing good manners at home and in school, we are equipping our children with important life skills. These skills will serve them well, both in their academic growth and in their relationships with others. Thank you for your continued support in promoting respectful, thoughtful behavior in our school community. Together, we can help shape our students into kind and considerate individual
Another topic that affects all of us in today’s world—technology usage--- and the importance of monitoring what children are exposed to, both visually and verbally.
While technology can be a great tool for learning, research has shown that too much screen time, especially unmonitored, can have negative effects on developing brains. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than 1-2 hours of screen time per day for children aged 6 and older. Studies have shown that children who exceed these limits are at higher risk for attention problems, sleep disorders, and developmental delays. Excessive use of technology can reduce face-to-face interactions, which are critical for developing social and communication skills.
Additionally, exposure to inappropriate language and content online can have lasting effects on a child's emotional and behavioral development. Unfortunately, many platforms and games contain content not suitable for young minds, which can lead to early desensitization to harmful language and behaviors.
It’s crucial that we remain mindful of what our children are seeing and hearing, as this has a profound influence on their overall growth and well-being. Here are a few steps that may help:
- Set clear screen time limits for your child.
- Use parental controls to filter and monitor content.
- Encourage more outdoor play, reading, and family time.
- Engage in conversations about what is appropriate language and behavior.
By working together, we can ensure that our children have a healthy balance of technology and meaningful interactions, and that they are shielded from harmful content.
A few updates:
- The weather is changing because it's almost fall! 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. Thank you!
- Please keep sending your child to school every day, on time, and ready to learn. Here is some information on why attending school is so important: Attendance Matters!
- 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!
- Next week starts Red Ribbon Week where we focus on being drug free! Stay tuned for those fun dress up days!
- Literacy Night: Literacy Night will be held at DMIS from 5:30-7PM on Thursday, October 10th. The theme is camping, and there will be reading, writing, arts & crafts, food, and S'mores.
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, Garland R. Quarles Elementary School
(540) 662-3575 (Phone)
(540) 662-8449 (Fax)
