GIS School Newsletter
December 2020/January 2021
Important Upcoming Dates
December 10......................................................................Flu Shots Available To Students @ GIS
December 23-January 1.............................................................................................Holiday Break
January 4................................................................................................................School Resumes
January 18.....................................................................PD For Teachers/No School For Students
January 22.......................................................................................End of Second Marking Period
January 29........................................................................Report Cards Sent Home With Students
March 29-April 2............................................................................................................Spring Break
Message from the Principals....
While our goal for each and every child is to provide a quality education that inspires them to achieve their potential, no matter what platform we are using, our first priority is the safety and health of our students and staff. We will continue to work diligently with the Health Department of Northwest Michigan to maintain a safe learning environment for our students and follow our Return to Learn Plan during face-to-face instruction.
With the spirit of the season upon us, one of the best quotes we've seen that relates to this year is, "This is not the year to get everything you want. This is the year to appreciate everything you have." We know that these times are challenging, but when we focus on what we appreciate, it makes it a little more tolerable. Please know that we have much appreciation for our families and community and for the gift that they give us each day. Your child is the BEST gift to all of us and we hope that your family has a blessed holiday season!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Putnam and Mr. Byram
Picture Retake - POSTPONED
Thank you for your understanding!
Kiwanis Canned Food Drive
Chromebooks Need To Be Returned
Returning to Face to Face Instruction Reminders
- Facial Coverings - Due to the new Emergency Order that MDHHS announced on October 29, 2020, students and staff are required to wear their masks at all times, except during meals.
- Health Screener - Please remember to screen your child every day before sending them to school. We ask that you do not send your child to school if they are sick.
- Hygiene and Social Distancing - Please remind your child the importance of proper hand washing and sanitizing. We will be practicing proper hygiene at school, along with social distancing.
- Contact Tracing - We work closely with the Health Department of Northwest Michigan to determine the need for contact tracing. If the school or Health Department notifies you that your child has been in close contact with a positive or probable case, we ask for your patience and understanding with this process. We will error on the side of caution to keep each and every one of our students safe and healthy.
- Dress for the Weather - We go outside for recess as often as possible. We will be outside for recess unless the wind chill is below zero on the Fahrenheit scale or the conditions are just too wet to be out in the elements. Please make sure that your child brings appropriate coats, hats, gloves or mittens, and boots.
- School Hours -8:25 A.M.-2:40 P.M
- Emergency Drills - Emergency drills will be practiced throughout the school year.
Counselor’s Corner
By Kate Martell, GIS Counselor
Resiliency
It’s hard to prepare physically and mentally with so much uncertainty around us right now. Even though it’s difficult to control the unknown, one thing that we can do is help build resiliency in our children. Resiliency is the ability to bounce back from stress, challenges and adversity. When we are more resilient we are more adaptable, and we can emotionally heal and keep moving forward. I have already been amazed at the resiliency I have seen in our students. They have met these new challenges head on, have shown flexibility and understanding. Some ways as caregivers that we can continue to foster this resiliency is by:
- Supportive relationships. We only need one reliable supportive adult relationship to help teach vital coping skills.
- Maintaining a positive outlook or being optimistic. If they tend to look at the glass half empty, let them know that a situation can be viewed differently.
- Asking for help. Often times we think that dealing with things on our own makes us brave or independent. Letting our kids know that strength comes from knowing when we need help and we do not have to carry burdens on our own.
- Modeling resiliency. Allowing our children to see our emotional world at appropriate times will allow them to see that sadness, frustration and anxiety are all natural feelings we all experience, but that they can be managed appropriately.
Resiliency is a trait that will build their confidence and help them find success throughout their life.
Flu Shots at GIS
GCS Food Service Information
GIS Contact Information
Sean Byram, GIS Assistant Principal
Email: rowleyl@gaylord.k12.mi.us
Website: www.gaylordschools.com
Location: 240 East 4th Street, Gaylord, MI, USA
Phone: (989)731-0856