Weekly GUFS Newsletter
April 16, 2021
A Message From the Principal, Mrs. Emig
Dear GUFS families,
As the warmer weather approaches, we will be using the courtyards and the pavilion for outdoor instruction. We are also setting up three tents next week for additional shade while we utilize our outdoor spaces. As we know, being outside is a strong environmental measure against covid! Thank you for continuing to stress to your children the importance of distancing, mask wearing and hand washing.
I want to also share the GREAT news that we hired a new Middle School English Language Arts teacher, Maura Shanks, who will begin on April 26th. Ms. Shanks rose to the top among several candidates who were screened and interviewed throughout our rigorous process. Ms. Shanks is beyond thrilled to start her new role here at Garrison! I want to thank Kristina Antonucci who successfully covered the assignment during the past few months! Ms. Antonucci will remain here at GUFS as a substitute for the remainder of the year as she is a valuable member of our community.
Middle school families, please be on the look-out for an introductory letter coming soon from Ms. Shanks.
Lastly, I want to send Mrs. Fortini, our incredible math teacher, warm wishes as she begins her maternity leave on April 23rd. Mrs. Fortini has been working on her transition plan with Michael Roman who will begin on April 26th as the middle school math teacher. We welcome back Mr. Roman to our Middle School Team!
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or concerns. I am always here for you!
With Gratitude,
Allison Emig
MS First Week of Switching Classes was a Success!
Students in grades 5-8 began switching classes for core subject areas and specials throughout the day. The students have been using their own lockers in between classes as well. The students have been responsible by continuing to follow the protocols to ensure safety. So far, the switching of the classes has been successful! Thank you to all of the teachers and students for doing such a wonderful job with the new procedures.
6th Graders Create Collage on Display at the Desmond Fish Library in Recognition of National Poetry Month
Thank you to the PTA and GCEF
State Testing Update
Session 1 ELA multiple choice is an untimed test and will be administered on Tuesday, April 20, 2021. Typically there are more sessions but only Session 1 will be administered this year. The make-up sessions will be administered on Thursday, April 22 in the event your child is absent. We anticipate beginning the test at 9:00 a.m. and should take approximately 60-90 minutes. However, your child will be allotted more time to complete the test if needed. Your child must be present to take the test in-person as it is not being offered remotely. If any iTutor student wants to come to school to to take the session 1 portion of the test, please contact Mrs. Emig via email at aemig@gufs.org. Mrs. Emig is happy to answer any of your additional questions via email regarding the ELA state test.
Please be sure that your child gets a good night sleep the night before, eats a healthy breakfast that morning, and is on-time for school. These steps will help to reduce testing anxiety and increase alertness. If your child is worried about the test at all, please reach out to Jessica Van Dekker (jvandekker@gufs.org) or Krista DiDiego (kdidiego@gufs.org) so they can provide additional comfort and support for your child.
Student Drop-Offs Update...
Student Drop-Off is at 8:15am (not at 8:10am)
Buses are moving through the parking lots prior to 8:15am and it is important that students arriving via car-drop off not unload until 8:15am. The safety of our students is a priority and we request that those dropping off children in private transportation adhere to the 8:15am drop-off.
Use Nelson Lane Entrance for Arrival
As a reminder, all parents are to use the Nelson Lane entrance for student drop-off (not the traffic light entrance). For elementary student drop-off, you may not drop off students on the connector road because there is no sidewalk. Please drop off your child in the circle along the sidewalk. Thank you for your support with keeping our students safe during the arrival time.
Nurse Melissa's Corner
Please remember that a 2 layer face mask is recommended for the safety of our community. It is also important to have a well fitted mask, one that does not slip below the nose or gap at the cheeks. This link below has helpful hints on mask wearing:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html
Thank you so much for your continued support!
I will also continue offering COVID-19 testing for GUFS students on Monday morning, April 19th. If you wish to have your child tested, please email me to schedule your appointment.
Be well,
Nurse Melissa
845-494-1758
Kindergarten Orientation will be held April 27th from 10am-11am
Parents who have registered their child(ren) for Kindergarten for the 2021-2022 school year are invited to attend our Kindergarten Orientation taking place on Tuesday, April 27th from 10:00AM to 11:00AM at the Pavilion behind the school (weather permitting) or in the gymnasium (rain plan). This is a parent only event as the children will have an opportunity to see the school during Kindergarten Screening on May 11th and May 12th.
Come meet other Kindergarten parents and enjoy a presentation hosted by Principal Allison Emig; Kindergarten teacher, Stacy Ricci; and additional supporting teachers to the Kindergarten classroom. Nurse Melissa will also be present to answer questions regarding COVID-19 safety measures at GUFS.
If you have a child turning 5 years old by December 1, 2021 and you have not yet registered them for Kindergarten, there is still time to register and attend the Kindergarten Orientation! Please complete the student registration packet and email it to Catherine Mariani in the Main Office at cmariani@gufs.org. Once your registration is received, you are welcome to attend the event and sign up for your May 11th or 12th Kindergarten screening time.
Kindergarten Screening May 11th and 12th
Our 2021-2022 incoming Kindergarten Students will have a screening day on May 11th from 12:00pm-1:00pm and from 1:30-2:30pm and again on May 12th from 12:00pm-1:00pm and from 1:30pm-2:30pm. Parents will be invited to come in to drop-off his/her child(ren) at their scheduled screening time to Mrs. Ricci's room. After that time, parents will depart so that the student can be screened for Kindergarten placement. Sign-ups for this event will be available during Kindergarten Orientation on April 27, 2021 for those who have not already signed up for a date/time.
On May 11th and 12th, our current Kindergartners will be dismissed at 11:15am. All other students will have a full day of school these days.
GUFS 5th and 6th Graders Ready to Set Sail on the Clearwater Sloop this May!
Our 5th and 6th Grade classes will be taking a day between May 18-20th to sail on the Clearwater Sloop. Learn more about the educational experience our GUFS students will receive aboard the Clearwater by viewing the video below (as seen on the Clearwater Sailing Classroom Website).
MS Students Will Begin Taking Field Trips to the Desmond Fish Library
GUFS COMMUNITY SECTION
Community Organizations & Resources on The GUFS District Website
Saturday, May 22, 2021: GCEF's Spring 2021 "Capture the Moment" Photo Portrait Fundraiser at Boscobel House and Gardens
Come support our students in grades K-12 who reside in the Garrison Union Free School District! On Saturday, May 22, 2021, the Garrison Children’s Education Fund (GCEF) will be holding a safe, socially-distanced family-friendly Spring 2021 fundraiser at the beautiful Boscobel House and Gardens. All proceeds will benefit experiences, supplies and equipment for the students of Garrison.
“Capture the Moment” is a family photo portrait opportunity with professional photographer (and proud GUFS parent!) Erin Wik, featuring the majestic Hudson River in the background.
To register, follow 3 easy steps below:
1. Sign up for a 15-minute session at this link: Capture the Moment
-be sure to choose your time on the drop down menu to the right
- Please Promptly Pay $300 to confirm your session
- by check (preferred) made out to "GCEF" and mailed to: GCEF, PO Box 262, Garrison, NY 10524
- by check (preferred) made out to "GCEF" through backpack mail with the name "Joey DeMarco, Mrs. D'Onofrio Grade 6" on the envelope
- by Paypal on the GCEF.net web site via this link: Pay via PayPal scroll down and click the donate button
- Once we receive payment, you will receive an official email confirmation securing your spot.
Questions? Email or call Alejandra Awad alejandraawad@yahoo.com or (917) 815-3606
Thank you for improving our children's educational experience!
*The Garrison Children’s Education Fund (GCEF) is a community-based, nonprofit foundation that enriches the educational experience of children in grades K-12 who reside in the Garrison Union Free School District. All donations are fully tax-deductible.
GCEF is excited to be funding $16,827.00 in grants for the spring 2021. Some of these grants include continuing Mindful Yoga classes, Clearwater Sloop, Living History Program and middle school recess materials.
The GCEF Board,
Karen Nelson, Julia Wynn, Phoebe Geer, Katie Cucchiarella, Alejandra Awad, Cecile Weiland,
Jennifer Mercurio, Jeanne Clemente, Laura Schimming
Earth Day 4/22: Join the Philipstown Fights Dirty Campaign to Achieve Carbon Neutrality by 2040
Please register here
Share this FB event with your local network.
Lost & Found
Calendar Reminders
- Report Cards are posted to the parent portal today 4/9
- Earth Day is 4/22
- NYS ELA Assessments for Grades 3-8 (Session 1 only) 4/20 and 4/22
- Kindergarten Orientation: 4/27/21
- Kindergarten Only: 11:15am Dismissal 5/11 and 5/12 (Kindergarten Screening for New Kindergartners)
- May 18 - 20: 5th and 6th Grade Field Trip to Sail the Clearwater Sloop
We are GUFS!
Email: slusardi@gufs.org
Website: https://www.gufs.org/Domain/4
Location: 1100 NY-9D, Garrison, NY 10524
Phone: 845-424-3689
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/garrisonufs/