The Chameleon Connection: RISE

Mrs. Cootware, also known as Cootware the Great, was voted by colleagues to represent GQES as our Teacher of the Year. Thank you for all that you do daily for our students, school and community, Mrs. Cootware!

During his visit, he toured the school, stopped by classrooms, recorded our morning announcements, and even participated in a PE session with our 3rd-grade students using the Lu interactive system. His genuine interest in our school and willingness to connect with everyone, from our students to our Superintendent, made a lasting impression.

🌲Our kindergarteners are using their fine motor skills as they manipulate scissors to cut out a special shape! Can anyone tell what they are making? 🌲

🚂First grade students visited the Alamo where they boarded the Polar Express and made a trip to the North Pole! What a great time!

What a surprise to see so many of our former GQES students as they joined us during our lunches!

GQES Vision: Thriving Literacy Community in a STEM School

GQES Mission: Chameleons RISE (Raising Intentionality by Strengthening Expectations)

GQES Belief: Chameleons Got HOPE!

Week 19: 12/16/24-12/22/24

Dear GQES Families,

Please plan to come to our Annual Holiday Concert at 9:00 am on Friday, 12/20/24. Bring your identification, come early, and be patient as we work through the check-in process. Mrs. Edwards and our Chameleon Choir have worked hard for this performance! Friday, December 20, 2024 is an early release day with dismissal at 11:45am.

As we enter this final week before the holiday break, we want to thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students’ learning and growth. This season is a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time together as a family, and we encourage you to keep your child’s learning journey in mind over the break. Reading together, practicing math facts, and even discussing everyday activities like cooking or shopping are great ways to keep their minds sharp and curious. School will resume on Monday, January 6, 2025, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back with renewed energy for the second half of the school year!

Last week, we had the honor of hosting State Senator Timmy French at Garland R. Quarles Elementary. He was impressed by the hard work of our students and the dedication of our staff, as well as the vibrant and welcoming culture of our school. It was a proud moment for all of us, and it highlighted the incredible things happening in our classrooms every day. On behalf of the entire Quarles team, we wish you and your family a joyful, restful holiday season and a happy New Year. Thank you for being such an important part of our school community!

At Garland R. Quarles Elementary, we believe in the value of fresh air and physical activity for our students' health and well-being, even if it is cold outside. That’s why our daily schedule includes four outdoor recesses. Time spent outside allows children to engage in active play, recharge their minds, and build important social skills. Outdoor play also helps reduce the spread of germs, as it provides a break from enclosed spaces where illnesses can circulate more easily. Fresh air and exercise contribute to stronger immune systems and healthier, happier kids! As the weather changes, it’s important to ensure your child is dressed appropriately to enjoy their time outdoors. Layers, coats, hats, gloves, and sturdy shoes or boots will keep all of us comfortable and focused on having fun.

If you have any questions, please reach out to us at 540-662-3575.

Sincerely,

Joanie Hovatter, Principal

Jennifer DiMarco, Assistant Principal

Garland R. Quarles Elementary School

(540) 662-3575 (Phone)

(540) 662-8449 (Fax)

12/16/24: Last Day of Chameleon Choir until 4:00pm

12/17/24: Kindergarten Field Trip to Discovery Museum

12/20/24: Winter Sing-Along & Concert at 9:00am

12/20/24: Early Dismissal at 11:45am

1/6/25: Students Return from Winter Break

Please note, we will be rescheduling our Movie event that was on the calendar for 12/18/24 for a later date in the school year.

The WISH grant is funding an opportunity for WPS families to learn more about children's mental health. WISH will purchase copies of Dr. Jonathan Haidt's book, The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness for each family who responds to our invitation. You may recall this book was the focus of the Fireside Chat hosted by the First Lady of Virginia on September 19th.

Order form: https://bit.ly/wps_wish_book

Video link: https://bit.ly/wps_wish_chat

Inclement Weather: WPS Expectations: Learning

https://secure.smore.com/n/j3bf1

We finished up our semester 1 After School Tutoring on 12/12/24! We will send home information in January regarding our semester 2 After School Tutoring.

See the 2024-2025 School Calendar

Parent/Student Handbook 2024-2025

If you would like to view, here is Bryce Hamilton's Accidental Experts podcast showing the importance of our multiple recesses and the rationale for implementing them at GQES:

Here are the links:

https://youtu.be/4VhVQCjshCI?si=KMSot_7XnZ_-tm85

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/accidental-experts-with-bryce-hamilton/id1733294868

If you don't want to watch it, no worries.

It's approximately 30 minutes.

Thank you!

ELA (Reading) and Math Supports for Parents to Help Students

Then, click on GQES's icon for the lunch menu. The menu is now interactive----you can discover hover your cursor over the food item and you will see nutrition information.

Sometimes, buses or routes can change. Always, verify with our front office for any transportation questions. Thank you!