Dolphin Digest
Family Weekly Update: October 30, 2022
Gilpin Manor Elementary
Dr. Jessica Casbolt, Assistant Principal
Ms. Lauren Kegley, School Counselor
Ms. Misty Pearson, Community School Advisor
Ms. Maggie Buto, Title I Resource Teacher
Ms. Melissa Pratt, Title I Resource Teacher
Mr. Charlie Givens, Student Services Resource Teacher
Ms. Jessica Janusz-Grimes, Student Mental Health Professional
Email: dfoskey@ccps.org
Website: www.ccps.org/gmes
Location: 203 Newark Avenue, Elkton, MD, USA
Phone: 410.996.5040
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GilpinManorElementary/
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Message from the Principal
Hello Gilpin Families,
This week, we will wrap up the final week of the first marking period of the school year. Now is a good time to examine your child's grades in the PowerSchool Parent Portal, discuss progress with teachers, and make sure any final assignments are completed on time. Also during this upcoming week, we will once again work with the Youth Empowerment Source to host a My Family Matters event. The event is scheduled for Thursday, November 3, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. and will include dinner as well as information about trauma. Please see the flyer below. We hope you can join!
During the month of November, our character trait of the month focuses on kindness. This trait is a way we are nice and show care for others. To support this focus, we will celebrate World Kindness Day on November 14. Our Principal's Book of the Month is 'Kindness to Share from A to Z' by Todd and Peggy Snow. This is a fun book that uses the alphabet to share different ways we can show kindness to others. Throughout the month of November, I encourage each of you to find different ways - big or small - to show kindness to loved ones, friends, colleagues, school staff, and neighbors!
At Gilpin Manor, we strive to be a support system for our GMES students and families. If you are in need of assistance, have questions, or just need to check-in, please email me at dfoskey@ccps.org or contact the school at 410-996-5040. Dr. Casbolt, our assistant principal, can also be reached at jkcasbolt@ccps.org. I hope you are safe and well!
And, as always, be kind to one another.
Fondly,
Don Foskey
#WeCan
Reminders:
- Please complete the Meal Benefits Application form. We appreciate your support!
- If your child is a car rider, please complete the Car Rider Loop Application form.
- Check out the cafeteria meal menu.
- Check out details about our Community School Advisor and Community Schools.
School Budgeting: 2023-2024 School Year
While it might seem a bit strange, this is the time of year when we begin budgeting and planning for the following school year. As we begin working on our 2023-2024 school year budget, we would greatly appreciate your thoughts and input. Please take time to complete the following survey no later than Wednesday, November 2, 2022. Survey: https://forms.gle/eaX1AB6fbd5ij3B98
Important Dates and Upcoming Events
October: Bullying Prevention Month
- Monday, October 31: Classroom fall festival celebrations
- Monday, October 31: First grade field trip to Milburn Orchards
November: Military Family Appreciation Month & Native American Heritage Month
- Wednesday, November 2: New Family Welcome Breakfast
- Thursday, November 3: 5th grade field trip to Fair Hill Nature Center
- Thursday, November 3: Dolphin Pride Day - Patriotic Day (Wear red, white, and blue!)
- Thursday, November 3: My Family Matters from 5:00-7:00 p.m.
- Friday, November 4: End of Marking Period 1
- Sunday, November 6: Daylight Saving Time (Adjust clocks - fall back one hour)
- Monday, November 7: No School - Professional Day for Staff
- Tuesday, November 8: No School - Election Day
- Wednesday, November 9: Marking Period 2 Begins
- Friday, November 11: Veterans Day - Assembly at 9:30 a.m.
- Friday, November 11: Early Dismissal - Students dismiss at 1:30 p.m.
- Monday, November 14: World Kindness Day
- Monday, November 14: PTA Meeting at 6:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, November 15: Math and Science Night from 5:00-7:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, November 16: PTA Spirit Night at Chipotle
- Thursday, November 17: Donuts with Grownups at 8:00 a.m.
- Thursday, November 17: Report Cards for Marking Period 1 issued
- Friday, November 18: Student Marking Period 1 Gatherings
Car Loop
Once again this school year, we will operate two car loops to ensure the safety of students, families, and staff members. Students in grades Preschool, PreK, Kindergarten, and their siblings will use the smaller car loop at the front of the building. Students in grades 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, will use the car loop on the library side of the building. The library side of the building will require parents/guardians to enter down by the public library entrance.
To use the Car Loops, families must complete a GMES Car Rider Loop Application Information Sheet. You may do this electronically here: Car Rider Loop Application.
Principal's Book of the Month
We are excited to continue our ‘Principal’s Book of the Month’ program at Gilpin Manor. Throughout the school year, Mr. Foskey will select a book that will be given to every GMES student. During the month, students are encouraged to read the book. Teachers may complete activities with the book in classrooms as well.
The ‘Principal’s Book of the Month’ program will help us continue to build our learning community. One book will give us a common experience to discuss with our entire school family. Our books might have gentle messages, celebrate a person or event, or give us ways to discuss our Gilpin values. These books are intended to highlight something special and bring joy to our lives. We hope you and your child will read our book of the month.
AVID: Advancement Via Individual Determination
Bookworms
Attendance
Arrival: 8:45-8:55 a.m. Dismissal: 3:30-3:45 p.m.
Attendance at school each and every day is very important. This make sure students have consistent access to teachers and learning experiences. We will share weekly attendance rates for each grade level and the whole school each week.
Check out this great resource about attendance at school: Absences Adds Up!
Our goal each week is for each grade level, and our school overall, to have 92% or greater attendance. Attendance rates for this week are posted below:
PS: 85.7% PK: 88.0% K: 87.3% 1st: 91.2%
2nd: 88.1% 3rd: 92.9% 4th: 95.6% 5th: 90.1%
Overall: 90.3%
Congratulations to 3rd grade and 4th grade for surpassing our goal of 92%!
Cafeteria News
Gilpin Manor is very fortunate to be able to offer a free breakfast and lunch to every student. To access the meal menu, please see this link: Meal Menu.
Students are invited to get a meal from the cafeteria or to bring one of their own.
Check out the MD SNAP-Ed Facebook page for more information on cooking demos and other great nutrition information - https://www.facebook.com/EatSmartMD
PTA Post
Please look for the membership forms that will go home with students the first week of school.
If you are interested in joining the PTA, a committee, or have any questions, please email us at gilpinmanorpta@gmail.com
2022-2023 PTA Board Members:
- President - Renee' Sayers
- Vice President - TBD
- Treasurer - TBD
- Secretary - TBD
- Past President - Sabrina Roberts
- GMES Staff Liaison - Kelly Strawbridge
Be sure to 'Like' our Facebook page - Gilpin Manor PTA.
GMES Schedule
Office Hours: 8:00 am. - 4:30 p.m. (M,T,TH,F) 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (W)
School Hours - PreK-5th Gr: 8:45 a.m. - 3:35 p.m. (M,T,TH,F) 8:45 a.m. - 1:50 p.m. (W)
School Hours - Preschool: AM Session- 8:45 a.m. - 11:50 a.m. PM Session- 12:50 p.m. - 3:35 p.m.