Gibbons January 2020 Newletter
Year in Review
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Dear Gibbons Community- The newsletter this month is a little different. Consider this a “sneak preview” of the annual town report.
“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character- that is the goal of true education.”
-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The theme at the Gibbons Elementary School for the 2019-2020 school year has been “New Beginnings.” Major changes have included:
-New principal at the Gibbons School
-New state-of the-art Stoughton High School
-New Superintendent of Schools
-New literacy program at the elementary level (Reading/Writing Workshops)
-New STEM program at the elementary level (STEMSCOPES)
-New ELL program at the Gibbons School
-New Gibbons School Kindergarten playground
The Gibbons School has always been a place of active and engaged learning. Our classrooms provide students with an atmosphere that promotes learning through risk- taking, hard work and effort. The Reading and Writing Workshop model adopted by the school system has been embraced at the Gibbons Elementary School by our wonderful, dedicated teachers. This research-based program encourages students to become better readers and writers by immersing them in literature designed to capture their imagination and unlock their potential. The new “STEMSCOPES” science curriculum provides students with hands-on science, technology, engineering and mathematics activities within the classroom and in our updated science lab.
Once again the “Character Counts” initiative has been utilized to help meet the social-emotional needs of our student body. The concepts of responsibility, respect, citizenship, self-control, integrity/honesty, compassion, tolerance/patience, confidence, perseverance, cooperation are celebrated and recognized throughout the year. Each month a specific character trait becomes the focus of the entire school and students that are able to demonstrate the character trait “in action” are honored. When you visit the school, you may notice the inspirational quotes in the hallways and classrooms around the school that support these important ideas. We also send this message to students on a daily basis: “The harder you work, the smarter you will become!”
Our vibrant Gibbons School Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) continues to support the school in many different ways. In August the PTA hosted a very successful ice cream social that hundreds of students and parents took part in. In October the PTA planned a “trunk or treat” family event that was enjoyed by all that were able to participate. The “Fun Run” organized by the PTA raised nearly $17,000 for the school. These fundraising efforts help pay for field trips and other special events at the school. The PTA also coordinates “Popcorn Fridays” at the Gibbons School which are a big hit with the students and staff alike.
Before school and extended day academic and enrichment programs were offered to our students throughout the year. The offerings this academic year were focused on mathematics, literacy, wellness and the development of social emotional skills. Hundreds of Gibbons Elementary School students enrolled in these programs over the course of three trimesters. Additionally, many students participate in the vacation Humanities and STEM programs at the middle school, along with the “Knights of Summer” program.
A major goal we have at the Gibbons is to instill a life-long love of reading. In January our annual Reading Rally takes place with a series of skits performed by teachers to promote character through reading. The Rally kicks off a week long read-a-thon which includes a visit from a community leader to each classroom. The summer reading kick-off in June has also become an annual event here at the Gibbons School. Students are treated to a “book walk” down a sidewalk overflowing with books. The students then select books they would like to take home and read for the summer.
The English Learners (EL) program at the Gibbons School is in its first year and is thriving. Our EL teachers, along with the entire teaching and support staff, have welcomed our EL students with open arms. Support is provided for our EL students within the classroom and in small groups outside of the classroom, when needed. Strategies employed by teachers during the course of the school day, along with the high expectations we have for all of our students, help create the conditions for all of our students to succeed.
The Gibbons School opened its doors in 1971. It has a long tradition of academic excellence. It is with great pride that I submit this yearly report to the Town of Stoughton. On behalf of the entire staff at the Gibbons Elementary School, we are deeply appreciative of the support we receive from our community. We are all in this together.
DG