Gower West News
December 16, 2023
Winter Spectacular!
By Spectacular 2nd Graders!
An audience of more than 300 family members and friends were treated to an AMAZING performance by Gower West's 2nd graders on Thursday night! This winter themed concert had everyone excited about the thought of snowfall and the fun that comes with it! Thank you to Ms. Brinkley and a HUGE THANK YOU to the 2nd graders who shared their enthusiasm and talent! We may have a few future stars in our midst!
â¤ď¸ Gower Hearts at Work â¤ď¸
A Gower Tradition
Gower Hearts at Work has been a tradition since 1992. Rather than purchase a gift for someone at school, parents and friends have the option of donating money to Gower Hearts at Work. The Gower staff endorses the idea of giving donations to Gower Hearts at Work instead of receiving gifts. The staff enjoys the personalized gift certificates generated by the Student Council when a donation is made in their name.
This year the student council has chosen to donate to the Hesed House in Aurora:
Hesed Houseâs mission is to feed, clothe, shelter the homeless and give people a chance to hope again. Hesed House is a national model for ending homelessness -- one person, one family at a time. Because Everyone DESERVES DIGNITY
We are proud of this Student Council tradition. There is no measure for this projectâs success. The value comes from our young people who find that giving is truly much better than receiving.
If you wish to help, please send your donations and requests for certificates to Gower Middle or Gower West by Thursday, December 21st.
How to donate:
Please print out the form found in the Virtual Backpack or write on a piece of paper to whom the certificate(s) should be made out - you may include as many names as you would like on the form. There is no minimum amount of money requested
Certificate(s) will be delivered before the winter break
Any questions please email tlange@gower62.com
Checks payable to âGower Student Councilâ - one check is sufficient for multiple students and multiple certificates
Please have your child turn this form in along with the donation to their first-period teacher at Middle or their classroom teacher at West by December 21st.
Sincerely,
Greg Hey and Tammy Lange
Gower Middle School Student Council Advisors
GW Service Club - Giving Week
THANK YOU! from the 4th grade Service Club
This "Season of Giving" was incredibly successful because of our very generous Gower West families! This year's 4th grade Service Club Gower Giving Week supported three different organizations around our community: a People's Resource Center, Toys for Tots, and the West Suburban Humane Society. Thank you for your support and generosity! Many will have a warmer winter and/or happier holiday thanks to Gower West!
Purchase GW Spirit Wear!
Shop Gower West Spirit Wear!
Show your Gower West pride by purchasing spirit wear! Shop here now! Your purchase of spirit wear supports Gower West Elementary School, specifically rewards for Gower Gladiators who are respectful, responsible, and kind! We earned $122.56 during the Holiday Sale! Thank you, as always, for your support!
Congratulations to This Week's W.O.W.s!!!
Gower's 2024 Science Showcase
For Students in Grades 4 - 8
Registration Deadline EXTENDED!
In mid-November, students in grades 4-8 received an informational packet about Gower's 2024 Science Showcase on February 15th from 6:00-7:30 pm at Gower West Elementary School. If your student wants to participate, there is a form in the packet that needs to be completed and turned in by December 22nd. In this showcase, there will not be formal judging, but rather feedback cards with affirmations and recommendations. Please encourage your student to participate in this great STEM opportunity! If you have questions, please feel free to contact your child's teacher, Mrs. Bowman at sbowman@gower62.com, Mr. Hey at ghey@gower62.com, or Mrs. Laratta, Assistant Superintendent at rlaratta@gower62.com.
BAM Theatre Registration - THIS Week!
Opens 12/20 @ 8:00 AM!!
CALLING ALL VKs AND DISNEY VILLAIN FANS!
We're thrilled to share that BAMtheatre will be back at Gower West Elementary this spring, bringing an extra dose of After School Theatre Enrichment excitement! This term, join us for a villainous good time where students will channel their wicked charms in âRotten to the Core: Songs of a Disney Villainâ featuring songs from the Descendants and other iconic villains.Mark your calendars! There will be two after school sessions held simultaneously. One session will be held on Tuesdays and one session will be held on Fridays beginning February 20th and 23rd. BAM's comprehensive structure features a blend of captivating activities, games, and rehearsals, all culminating in a showcase on the final day for friends and family to enjoy. Secure your spot prontoâavailability is limited, and these classes are known to fill up fast!
#AfterSchoolTheatreMagic
Registration is open on 12/20 @ 8:00 AM!
This December we're teaming up with Gower 62 PTO to help raise money to support The Gower Cares Closet, a program that helps Gower School District 62 students and families in need. This program provides school supplies, clothing, new shoes, personal care items, sports equipment and field trip sponsorships. Our goal is $2,000, and we have raised $865.00 so far! We have just over one week to make our goal.
The Gower Foundation will match donations up to $1,000.00! Donations will be accepted for this program through December 22! Click the link below to donate today and thank you in advance for your generosity!
Upcoming Events at Gower West
Please Mark Your Calendars
Monday, December 18
Pajama Day
Tuesday, December 19
Fun Hat & Fun Socks Day
2:25 Spanish Club
2:25 2nd/3rd Brownies
7:00 Board of Education meeting
Wednesday, December 20
Beach Day
7:10 4th grade Chorus
8:00 BAM Theatre registration begins
2:25 Science Olympiad
2:25 Young Rembrandts
Thursday, December 21
Festive Hair Day
7:10 3rd grade Chorus
2:25 Beginner Band rehearsal
Friday, December 22
Holiday Flare Day
Early Release Day
11:00 Dismissal for Kdg - 4th
AM Preschool 8:00 - 9:15
PM Preschool 10:00 - 11:15
The Gower Foundation Needs You!
The Gower Foundation has an open board position! We are looking to fill the Secretary position. Come be a part of a wonderful organization alongside some really fun people! đ Applications are being accepted until January 1st. If you have any questions about the open positions, please reach out to one of the trustees!
Link to the secretary position description can be found here
Link to the application can be found here.
Blood Drive at Gower West - 1/26/24
We are still looking for blood donors & event volunteers for the Gower West Blood Drive! DID YOU KNOW? We are currently in a national blood shortage and every donation helps! Every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood and or platelets. A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood. One donation can help save more than one life.
If you are able to donate blood, we ask that you consider signing up. If you are unable to or uncomfortable donating blood, we can still use your help in volunteering during the event.
When: Friday, January 26th from 1pm-5:45pm
Where: Gower West
How to Help: There are two ways to help for this important event:
1) Sign up to donate blood here!
2) Sign up to be a volunteer during the blood drive here!
Am I Eligible to Donate?
There are certain requirements that are necessary to be a whole blood or power red donor. You can find more information at this site: https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/eligibility-requirements.html.
What Happens After I Sign Up?
After you sign up, you will receive information from the Red Cross that will give you details on what to do before/after the donation, how to pre-register, and any other information you need.
What if I Have Another Question?
Feel free to email Maribeth Jankowski (imanot2@hotmail.com) or Meredith Mosconi (masigler@gmail.com) with any further questions.
Be a VIP at your child's next school event!
Front Row Frenzy is still going strong!
Click the links below to purchase raffle tickets for VIP seating and parking at your child's 2024 school events! For the events with no seating, you can win one reserved premier parking spot. Each event will have 4 winners.
Text âGower2023â or âGower2024â to 33100 for direct links
Attention 8th grade parents, donât miss out on your chance to win front row seats and reserved parking at graduation! Text â GowerGraduationâ to 33100 for direct links
Proceeds from these raffles will go to support The Gower Foundation's mission of providing enrichment opportunities for students and resources for Gower staff. Information about The Front Row Frenzy can also be found on the Gower Foundation Website.
Click here for 2024 events