Beautiful GQES Queens!!!
Ms. Jenny Ramsey and Ms. Heather Williams were excellent honorees to be queens for GQES!!! We appreciate and value their work!!!
Teacher of the Year at GQES!
We celebrate Mr. Eddie Simmons as the 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year for GQES!!!
A Message from GQES Administration!
Chameleons RISE: Raising Intentionality Strengthening Expectations for students, teachers, administration, and families.
Week: 38: 5/6/24-5/10/24
Dear GQES Families,
Hope you had a great mini-vacation last week!!! Our Annual Apple Blossom Parade at GQES was amazing! Beautiful weather, too! Hopefully, you were able to see our live broadcast of the parade last week on Facebook! Our pre-K, K, and 1 students and teachers did a phenomenal job as participants in the parade! Well done!!!
This is TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK!!! You can support your child's teacher and thank them in many ways. Here are a few suggestions:
It is time for our SOL testing this week. As parents/guardians, you can help us. Here are some important concepts for you to acknowledge:
Testing Tips for Parents
1. Make sure your child gets plenty of rest the night before the test.
2. On the morning of the test, your child needs to get up in plenty of time so he/she won't feel rushed.
3. Feed your child a good breakfast. Research shows that children do better on tests if they have had a good breakfast.
4. Do as much as you can to make your child feel comfortable. Try not to say things to make him/her feel more nervous.
5. Reassure your child that no matter the outcome of the test you will still love him/her. Encourage them to simply do their best.
6. Take an active role in your child's education throughout the school year. Let your child know you are interested in his/her learning by taking part in the entire process.
7. When the scores are sent to you, talk to your child's teacher and/or principal. This will help you to understand them more clearly.
8. Give your child praise even if he or she didn't do well on the test.
More suggestions:
Test Taking Tips for Parents: Preparing a student for a Testing Session – For Parents
Make sure your child gets an ample, normal amount of sleep the night before the test
Mark testing days on your calendar to help remind you and your child when the testing will take place and plan your preparations.
The student should eat a nutritious and filling breakfast. Avoid high sugar cereals which can make the student hyper and/or unfocused.
Set aside time each night prior to the test for several weeks to review the concepts that will be covered
Work with teachers and administrators at your child’s school to find materials to work on at home in preparation for the test
Make sure the student is on time (if not early) on the day of testing
Set a backup alarm to avoid the possibility of oversleeping
If you child is sick please contact the school immediately to inform them.
Working with Students who are anxious about testing – For Parents
Try not to put too much pressure on the student. Reinforce that as long as they worked hard in preparation and did their absolute best you will be proud of them.
Have the child visualize success. Encourage them to rehearse what it will feel like to get a good score on the test.
Work with them to focus on breathing. Stress is often caused by insufficient oxygen to the brain. Work with the student to take time before the test begins to take a number of deep, cleansing breaths, exhaling slowly. Focusing on breathing by taking some time when stress levels rise helps to focus the mind during testing.
Encourage your child to review the night before the test, but avoid cramming. Cramming is rarely if ever effective. A longer, more systematic schedule of short reviews will prepare the student better.
Try to use positive language when talking about expectations of the test. Do not overinflate the student’s expectations but also try to avoid negative wording (e.g. replace “you are going to fail this test if you don’t study” with “if you don’t study you aren’t going to pass this test.”)
Plan for a fun outing or treat for your child after the test has been completed.
Keep a positive attitude about testing in general around your child and emphasize
their ability to demonstrate what they have learned rather than the consequences of not passing
A few upcoming dates include:
- 5/9/24: SOL Testing for grades 3 and 4
- 5/14/24: SOL Testing for grade 4
- 5/16/24: SOL Testing for grades 3 and 4
- 5/20/24-5/24/24: Make Up SOL Testing will occur for any student missing an SOL, as it is a mandatory requirement at the local, state, and federal level
- 5/23/24: Annual Chameleons Got Talent Show at JHHS Patsy Cline Auditorium: 5:00-6:30 pm
- 5/30/24: Last Day of School: early dismissal at 11:15am
- 6/10/24-6/27/24: WPS District-wide Elementary Summer School 8:00-1:00. More information to come.
If you have questions or concerns, always feel free to contact 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)
It's time to register for Preschool and Kindergarten!
Do you have a child who will be 4 or 5 by September 30? Everything you need to know about registration is on our registration website: bit.ly/WPSregistration2024
-Registration and eligibility events start soon! Physicals and vaccinations will be offered as listed on the registration website.
-You must bring your required documents, including birth certificate, TWO proofs of residency, physical exam, immunization record, and income verification for PreK only
-We will be using a new system for online registration and an email address is required to register
We can't wait to welcome your student and family to Winchester Public Schools!
