Gator Gazette
March 2019
PTA President's Message
Wow, March got here fast! The last few months have been great but watch out because March is jam-packed with awesome activities and events that are going to be just as much fun so be sure you that even if you choose not to participate you still come out and support you fellow Gregg Gators.
First up this month is our free movie night, where we’ll be showing Ralph Breaks the Internet and enjoying free popcorn for all on March 1st. This is always a fun and relaxing evening for kids and families to come in their pj’s and relax in the gym. We hope to see many of you there.
The district Science Fair on March 16th has always proven to be a great show of experiments from all the schools and we’re excited to see what our Gator have to contribute again this year. On March 17th we have a team of students shaving for St. Baldrick’s, it’s not too late to signup or help donate to our team, you can find a link on our Facebook page (Hugh Gregg Elementary PTA). Spring pictures will be coming up on March 20th so keep your eyes peeled for info to be coming home soon about that yearbook fundraiser. We also have Alligator Idol coming up at 1pm on March 24th, so please stop by C-PP Middle School and watch all of our very talented Gregg Gators perform.
A quick shout out to all the students who participated in our annual spelling bee this past month, they did an amazing job and it was a great experience for all involved. The kids studied hard and it showed, a big thank you to everyone who helped make that happened, especially Mrs. Emanuel for organizing it.
There will be three PTA board positions opening up at the end of this year, President, VP and Treasurer. If you are interested in running for one of these positions please let Charlie Bosket, the head of our nominating committee know.
Remember the PTA meetings are open to everyone and we are always happy to have new help and new ideas. We hope to see many of you at our next meeting. Our meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm in the school’s cafeteria.
Thank you to all of the volunteers that have helped with the events and activities over the years we could not have done them without you!!
Michelle Roberts
PTA President
March Dates below....
March Dates to Remember
3/1- PTA Movie Night 6pm
3/5 - Kindergarten fall 2019 registration day
3/5 - PTA, 6:30 pm in Cafeteria
3/6 - Half Day, Dismiss @ 11:15 PT Conferences, elementary only
3/12 - Half Day, Dismiss @ 11:15 PT Conferences, elementary only
3/13 - Kindergarten fall 2019 registration day
3/14 - Hat On day (donations for St. Baldricks)
3/15- No School for students, Staff Conference Day
3/16- Science Fair
3/17 - St. Baldrick's Shave Event @ CPPHS 3-6 pm
3/18- 3/22 - Student Council Spirit week. Monday 3/18 wear GREEN
3/19 - Half Day, Dismiss @ 11:15 CTA Work Day, elementary only
3/20- Spring Portrait Day
3/21 - End of Marking Period 2
3/22 - 3rd Grade Recorder Assembly
3/22 - Alligator Idol Dress Rehearsal CPPMS
3/24 - Alligator Idol CPPMS, 1pm show time
3/29- MP2 Reading Reward Day grades 1-5 who have met their MP 1 & 2 goal
3/29 - Report Cards sent home
Principal's Post
Dear Gregg School Families,
Spring is approaching and learning is in full swing here at Gregg School. As you may know, this is a time of year that students make the most academic and social learning improvements. Make school a priority. Very soon the weather will change with spring right around the corner. It can be challenging to keep our children focused on learning. What can you do to make school a top priority for your child? Keep these ideas in mind:
- Make attendance your number one priority. Let your child know that unless they are sick, they must attend school (and be on time.) Make an effort to schedule appointments after school hours.
- Show you care. Talk about school activities and projects. Make an effort to attend as many school events as you can.
- Remain positive. Try to set a positive example for your child, even when your own day has been challenging. If you show a positive attitude about your work, your child may feel better about their own.
One important reminder is that our school has a wellness policy which reinforces good nutrition during the school day. Please be mindful about sending beverages and foods for snack or lunch that give your child(ren) the healthy nutrition they need to be productive, engaged learners all throughout the day. Candy, sugary treats/drinks, and potato chips are foods to be avoided, and we often remind students that these foods should stay at home.
As we continue with our Parent-Teacher Conferences (March 6th & 12th) educators are often asked one important question, “What do you think I can do at home to help my child be more successful at school?” My answer is very simple, “Read with your child every day. Let them see you read.” Before, during, and after the reading, encourage your child, begin a discussion about the story, ask questions, visualize the story, offer information, share personal thoughts, and connect the story to real-life situations. Make the time an enjoyable experience and let your child see that reading is fun. Celebrate this special time together!
Also, students in grades 3, 4, and 5 will be venturing into the first state assessment cycle with the English Language Arts test on April 3 and 4. During the week that your child is testing, make certain that your son/daughter rests properly each night, arrives for school on time, and experience minimal distractions at home. Note that students test in the morning following the announcements.
Everyday boys and girls are leaving their coats, jackets, sweaters, hats, mittens, and lunch boxes on at school. Those items without student’s names are picked up and brought to our lost and found located near the cafeteria lunch line. When the pile gets high, we donate these items however we prefer to get them to their owners. Please be sure to check or have your child check the lost and found before Spring Break in April.
Highlights this month include: PTA Movie Night, Parent Conferences, Kindergarten and Pre-K registrations, the Science Fair, Spring Picture Day, Alligator Idol, the 3rd Grade Recorder Concert, the MP2 Bee A Reader Incentive Reward AND THE LAUNCH OF OUR NEXT ONE SCHOOL ONE BOOK INITIATIVE! Whew! We are busy!
As always, THANK YOU for being our partners in this important work helping your child enjoy learning and prepare for a bright future!
Wishing you the best,
Mrs. Ann Collins
https://cpp.typingclub.com/
NEW GATOR GAZETTE FORMAT
We will continue to email a link and print for those who prefer that method. If you prefer to opt out, sign up via the link at the end/last page). Thank you for your patience as we work this out.
3rd Grade Spellers
2nd Place: Kendyl Ross
3rd Place: Owen Sauter
4th Grade Spellers
2nd Place: Lena Edlemann
3rd Place: Tie- Kiera Poorman & Jack Spencer
5th Grade Spellers
2nd Place: Colin McLaughlin
3rd Place: Avianna VanGorder
BEE sure to bring your CHOMP CARD to Parent Teacher Conferences!
Remember, the PTA is still using the Gregg Gator Chomp Card. This small card can easily slip into your wallet so that at special school events that you attend you can earn yourself a “chomp.” Once your card is full of “chomps,” turn it in to be entered to win incredible prizes including family date nights, local family adventures and our year end grand prize: A Yeti Cooler! Once your card is full stop into the office and exchange it for a new one to start over again. The more cards you fill up, the more chances you have to win!
Mind Full or Mindful By Mrs. Friends, School Social Worker
Students at Gregg have been learning mindfulness. Grades K through 2 had 6 weeks of activities blending yoga movement and mindfulness practices prior to Christmas break. Grades 3 through 5 are currently participating in a Mindful Movement. We are discussing how our brains are amazing computers, taking in information from our environment, sorting, synthesizing and continually learning new information. But what happens when a computer has too many “programs” open, the computer does not work optimally, it gets slow/sluggish and in extreme cases may “crash”. Our brains, much like a computer can act similarly when overstimulated or called upon to “multitask”. When this happens, our bodies give us distress signals. Our breathing becomes shallow and choppy, our heart races, we become sweaty/clammy, we begin to fall trap to negative self-talk.
In Mindful Movement, students learn breathing strategies, guided meditations and movement to calm both their bodies and brains. I want to give students strategies they can use when experiencing anxiety, stress, anger or frustration. I am so impressed with your students and their openness to learn and practices these strategies. When asked how they feel following these activities, I am hearing comments like: “I feel calm”, “I feel peaceful”, “I feel focused and ready to learn”. These are actual quotes from students. I cannot tell you how energizing and encouraging it is to hear these comments. Giving students tools that they can use to regulate their emotions is the whole premise behind teaching mindfulness practices. I continue to be impressed by how open our Gregg Gators are to learning new practices. Their openness and enthusiasm speaks to the climate at Gregg and to your support at home. Good job!
March Madness: ONE SCHOOL, ONE BOOK RETURNS!
The benefits of reading aloud are remarkable. Studies have shown that reading to children helps them to listen better and longer, to build bigger vocabularies, to understand concepts better, to feel positive about both books and learning – and much more.
When an entire school reads the same book, the buzz and excitement around the book augments these benefits. Reading a book together brings the added joy of building and expanding a sense of community among students, parents, teachers, and staff – and beyond. At Gregg School, bus monitors, SRO, custodial and cafeteria staff -EVERYONE- is included.
Our school is planning a month of One School, One Book activities, which will enhance each school day and , we hope, enrich our students’ homes during the month spent with our book. Like most schools who do this, we had such a successful experience with THE WILD ROBOT that our children and our families eagerly asked us to plan another one.
STAY ALERT GATORS for HINTS of our NEXT TITLE!
Some Children's Book Titles to Promote Courage
- Courage by Waber
- Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun by Dismondy
- Only One You by Kranz
- The Bravest of Us All by Arnold
- Lost! A Story of String by Fleischman
- Pegasus as told by Mayer
- Thank you, Mr. Falker by Polacco
- Thunder Rose by Nolen
- Sheila Rae, the Brave by Henkes
- the Little Yellow Leaf by Berger
- The Recess Queen by O'Neill
March Character Trait: Movies That Inspire Courage
Courage is a common theme for movies and one of the character strengths and life skills essential to kids' overall growth and success. From superheroes to animated adventures to true stories of overcoming adversity, many great films feature courageous characters standing up for what they believe in. But courage isn't only about fighting monsters and bad guys. It can be demonstrated by stepping up for someone, sharing work with others, or simply being yourself. It's important for kids to learn the value of taking on challenges despite risks, speaking up for what's right no matter what, and being true to their convictions. These awesome movies highlight courage in ways that are central to the story, proving that bold action wins out over cowardice.
Some Family Movie Titles to Watch/Talk about Courage
- The Adventures of Milo and Otis
- Finding Nemo
- Monsters, Inc.
- Mulan
- Aladdin
- Born in China
- The Iron Giant
- The Lion King
- The Sound of Music
- The Wizard of Oz
- Big Hero 5
- The Good Dinosaur
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
- The Incredibles
- Spy Kids
- Brave
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/movies-that-inspire-courage
CPP 2019 Kindergarten Registration Dates Set
On Tuesday, March 5th, Wednesday, March 13th and Thursday, March 21st, the Corning-Painted Post Area School District will hold kindergarten registration for those children who will enter school in the fall of 2019. Children who will be 5 years old on or before December 1, 2019, are eligible for registration. At the time of registration, parents need to provide the school with medical histories, immunization records and a birth certificate or other proof of birth date. Registration will be held between 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
You will be sent an appointment date and time from your child’s school. If you are unable to make the appointment time, please call the main office of your child’s school to reschedule.
You should receive information from the school your child will attend by early March. If you do not receive any information by early March, or if you have any questions, please call the office at 962-1514
Your child does not need to be present for the registration.
CPP Head Start/Pre-K Registration
All dates will run 9 am-5 pm in the United Way Conference Room (Second Floor of the Corning Library).
No appointment is necessary.
March 7th & March 26th,
April 9th & April 23rd,
May 15th, May 29th, &
June 4th
- Your child does not need to be present for the application.
- There is free parking located across the street from the library.
- This is a self transport program; no busing will provided for preschool students selected to attend.
- Call 607-973-2903 with questions
Curriculum based school readiness program designed to help children develop physically,emotionally, socially, cognitively, and creatively.
Two programs: 3 year old home based program & 4 year old center based programs
PTA Announces Date for Spring Pictures
Its Spring Portraits time again!
Spring portraits will be taken on Wednesday, March 20th.
PLEASE NOTE: The spring portrait program runs differently from the fall portrait program. A spring portrait package will be sent home with every student that is photographed.
You will have a chance to look through the portraits and decide which, if any, portraits you would like to purchase.
After you make your selections, all you have to do is return the portraits you don’t want along with payment for the ones you do want.
If you do not want any portraits: No problem! Just return the entire package back to school.
If we get 100% of the packages returned: either paid for and/or sent back to the school by the deadline, we will win a bike that will be raffled off at the end of the school year!!!
PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A FUNDRAISER TO PAY FOR OUR SCHOOL YEARBOOKS! Your participation is appreciated.
Third Grade Audubon Bird Study
Fourth Grade Thiebaud Treats (Cupcakes)
FIfth Grade Aurora Borealis
Still Collecting...Gregg School is still collecting Box Tops & Pull Tabs.
BEE Recognitions for February
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