![page background](https://cdn.smore.com/_fr/desks.392ede45.jpg)
Principal's Pen
February 2024: Volume 7 , Issue 7
Gale Elementary School
Home of the Tigers!
An 'A' Rated School
Website: https://galees.tusd1.org
Location: 678 South Gollob Road, Tucson, AZ, USA
Phone: 520-731-4500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GaleTigersTUSD
Greetings Tiger Families,
This quarter is really crunch time. It is imperative that students are present and on time every day. With fall benchmarks complete, we are using that data to guide us in reteaching and providing
interventions where needed. In addition, we have a new quarter full of standards students need to master so we are prepared for state testing in the spring for grades 3 through 5. Additionally, all K-3 students will take DIBELS which measures literacy growth and oral fluency for third-grade students. However, all teachers assess within instruction daily and weekly providing interventions as needed, so we are on top of academic needs. That is why it is critical that your child arrives on time and only misses school if it is absolutely necessary.
In partnership,
520-731-4504
Free meals in all 87 TUSD schools!
We are excited to share this update from Food Services!
"All students enrolled at any of our 87 school campuses may receive breakfast and lunch at no charge. Being able to expand CEP from our current 60 CEP schools to all 87 schools is a tremendous impact in our efforts to address food insecurity and equitable access to school meals within our community. This eliminates meal debt moving forward and allows us to provide free meals as part of the school day to all students. CEP allows Tucson Unified to provide nutritious meals to all students at no charge to support optimal learning across all of our schools." It is wonderful to see many more students enjoying meals prepared in our cafeteria. If you would like for your to eat breakfast, please drop them off in the loop located in front of the cafeteria no later than 7:30 a.m. so that they can eat and get to class on time.
TAX CREDIT
Please remember to make a tax credit contribution to Gale Elementary School. Contributions can be made at TUSD Tax Credit website or by clicking the button below! Donations for 2023 can be made until April 15, 2024.Thank you for your continued support and generosity. You ROAR!
DATES to REMEMBER
đź’ť February
February 5-9 Scholastic Book Fair
February 8-9 Parent Conferences and Early Dismissal at 10:55
February 16 PTC Committee Meeting
February 21 Rodeo Picnic
February 22-23 Rodeo Break No School
🍀March
March 1 Spring Fling
March 5 McDonald’s Night 4-8
March 8 Grading Day No school
March 11-15 Spring Break
March 20 Professional Learning Day No School
March 29 Spring Holiday No School
OPEN ENROLLMENT & 5th GRADE FAMILIES
Students cannot be assigned teachers until they are registered for the 24-25 school year. This is especially important for our 6th Grade Expansion as slots filled will determine how many teachers are assigned to Gale.
6th Grade Expansion Update
Dear 5th Grade Parents and Guardians,
We have some important updates regarding our 6th-grade model that we want to share with you.
Currently, we have just enough students to form one 6th-grade class. In light of this, we're pleased to announce that Mrs. Rogers, who brings with her extensive middle school experience, will be leading this class. Mrs. Rogers is enthusiastic about this opportunity and is committed to preparing our students for their transition to middle school.
As part of her approach, Mrs. Rogers will be implementing a comprehensive curriculum that combines sustained rigor with elective classes. These electives will include opportunities for students to refine their leadership skills, engage in community service projects, and explore their interests in music and visual arts. We believe that this well-rounded approach will not only support academic growth but also foster personal development and a love for learning.
We understand that choosing the right educational path for your child is a significant decision. Whether you opt for a comprehensive program at a middle school or choose to have your child remain here at Gale for 6th grade, your decision plays a crucial role in our planning process.
To facilitate our planning efforts and ensure a smooth transition for your child into the next academic year, we kindly ask that you register promptly. Your cooperation and proactive approach are immensely valuable as we strive to provide the best possible educational experience for your child.
Should you have any questions or require assistance with the registration process, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Your input and feedback are invaluable to us, and we're here to support you every step of the way.
February is BUSY
This month is short so make every moment count by being on time. We have Love of Reading week as well as the Rodeo Picnic coming up! Check out your class newsletters for more detailed information.
Family Engagement
Please reach out to our School Community Liaison , Chrissy Van Cleve for event information, student support, or community resources by email or 520-731-4500. Our upcoming family engagement focus group provides vital information and parent perspective which helps drive Gale’s future family engagement goals. Chrissy will be reaching out to parents regarding participation in the two hour process soon.
Email: chris.langston@tusd1.org
Phone: 520-731-4500
CHARACTER STRONG & TIGER TRAITS
Character Strong and Tiger Traits are basically character traits we teach and encourage children to use in order to help them be more successful students and members of our society.
You can support our efforts by discussing the meaning of each trait and the role it plays in your child’s life. It is important for you to notice and recognize your child as s/he practices using their traits even at home.
Every week we highlight a different trait. This month's Tiger Traits are Integrity and Sportsmanship.
Counselor's Corner with Ms. Meraz
Happy February, Tiger Families,
WOW! January flew by! Last month, the students worked on problem-solving skills and explained and differentiated the difference between big and small problems through discussions and activities.
Minuet Meetings are back! I will hold them with all the students during their counseling lesson time in February. This will help me connect with all the students, assess their immediate needs, and collect data.
National School Counselor Week (NSCW) will take place from February 5 to 9. I will post some data from our counseling program on class dojo Monday, February 5th.
Why Elementary School Counselors?
The elementary school years set the foundation for developing the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary for children to become healthy, competent and confident learners. Elementary school counselors have an impact on these years by implementing a school counseling program and collaborating with school staff, parents and the community to create a safe and respectful learning environment. By providing education, prevention, early identification and intervention, elementary school counselors help their students achieve academic success, develop an understanding of career opportunities and develop social/ emotional skills in response to issues they face. Elementary school counselors hold a master’s degree and required state certification in school counseling. Maintaining certification includes ongoing professional development to stay current with education reform and challenges facing today’s students. Professional association membership enhances the school counselor’s knowledge and effectiveness.
-American School Counselor Assocation
Read the attachment for more info on the vital role elementary school counselors play within the school.
Cheers,
Ms. Meraz, MA
(P): (520) 355-5388 (Google Voice)
SPIRIT FRIDAYS
Classes with the highest percentage of students wearing Gale t-shirts get to display our coveted Spirit Sticks for a week. Ms. Osollo delivers the sticks to winning classrooms immediately following our Tiger Assemblies.