Dear GES Families,

I hope this message finds you well. As we approach the end of another remarkable school year, it's hard to believe how quickly time has flown. It feels like just yesterday that we were warmly welcoming our students to embark on an exciting educational journey. I want to take a moment to express my deep appreciation for the invaluable partnership we share with our families in fostering the academic and social-emotional growth of our students. Together, we have achieved great things, and I couldn't be more proud of our students and teachers. Go Mustangs!

It is crucial that you assist your child in practicing their school skills in enjoyable ways during the summer. Engaging in activities such as writing letters, keeping a diary, reading daily, and playing math games will help prevent the "summer slide" that educators often mention. By stimulating your child's mind daily, you will ensure they return to school in the fall ready to embrace new knowledge.

While enjoying your summer break, I also urge you to make time for outdoor activities. Whether it's fishing, running, biking, swimming, rafting, or engaging in creative pursuits during your free time, it is important to strike a balance. Children grow in so many ways, and providing them with opportunities for both physical and mental rejuvenation is

essential.

Please remember that the first day of school for students is Monday, August 28. I want to take this opportunity to express my utmost pride and gratitude to the dedicated GES staff who work tirelessly to provide quality instruction and positive behavior support for all our students. I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to our community for your continued partnership and support. Your unwavering commitment to our school is truly commendable, and I am grateful for your presence in our GES family.

In closing, I wish you all a safe and joyous summer vacation. May this break be filled

with cherished moments and rejuvenation.

Warm regards,

Mr. Seefried

Principal

Our Summer Experience program is a fun mix of academics, adventure, and creativity.

1st and 2nd grade students will stay with their "home group" throughout the program and will rotate, with their home group, through various activities. The activities may include: Art, STEM, Garden/Nature, Physical Activities and Games! Students will also work on academics through a variety of hands-on activities.

3rd-5th grade students will choose activities they are interested in during registration. They will rotate between 2-3 activities daily, with a break between each activity.

• Session 1: June 12 - June 29
• Session 2: July 10 - July 27

Monday-Thursday, 8:00 - 11:30.

The cost is $25/student.

Registration is now open!

Click HERE for more information

Gunnison County Food Pantry is offering food free of charge for families with children in need. Bags are packed with fresh, nutritious, and easy to prepare meals and snacks to enjoy over

weekends and extended breaks.

If you believe your child/children are interested in participating in the Gunni-Pack program, please return this form to your local school’s front office.

English - application

Spanish - application

August 28th - First day of School

When packing a lunch for your child, there are a few things we would like you to keep in mind…

• The 25 minutes allotted for lunch include coming into and getting settled in the lunchroom and 5 minutes for clean-up and line up. Many times that leave about 20 minutes to eat if the child takes his/her time finding a seat.
• There are only 2 microwaves in the lunchroom.
• Students from 2nd to 5th grade are allowed to use the microwaves themselves. Lunchroom Supervisors warm up items for 1st graders.
• Items that only need to be warmed up work best.
• If possible, please precook items like Mac & Cheese, Ramen and the like. Please send it in a microwaveable container. The small cups that need to be cooked often leave a big mess in the microwave and take too much time.
• Food items that require a cooling time after cooking leave a very small window of time in which your child must eat it.
• We do not have access to bowls or plates for your child to use. If you send something to be warmed up that is wrapped in foil, please include something they can put the food on to put it in the microwave (a paper towel, half of a paper plate, or something similar).
• We do not have access to very hot water for Cup O’ Noodles. They take so long to soften up that most kids just take a bite and throw the rest away. Please send them in precooked in a plastic container that can be quickly reheated.
• Noodles that come in a Styrofoam cup can’t go in the microwave.
• Please make sure your child knows how, and is capable of opening prepackaged items that you send. Practice opening Lunchable packages, plastic containers, juice boxes, etc.

Thank you for your assistance and understanding. Please contact your child's teacher if you have any questions.

-Cash is not accepted. Remember to manage your student's account and add funds on mypaymentsplus.com and use their 6-digit student ID to create an account. Meal balances are accruing, so be sure to manage your student's account on mypaymentsplus.com.

Checks are accepted at the front office. Include your student's name and 6 digit ID and indicate that it is for meals. Thank you!

Free and reduced-price meal applications: If you think your family may qualify based on income or qualifying programs (SNAP, TANF, FDPIR) or homeless, foster, migrant, then please complete the free and reduced-price meals application. This online application is the fastest and easiest method. Paper applications are also available in the school office. Please reach out to Kristen Osborn, kosborn@gunnisonschools.net with questions.

Kristen Osborn MS RD, School Nutrition Director, Gunnison Watershed School District (970) 641-7714

-Pre-fund your student's Meal Account: mypaymentsplus.com

-Save time and complete your Free and Reduced Meals Application online! https://frapps.horizonsolana.com/GUNW01

-Find out if your household qualifies for food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP!

-Visit https://cdhs.colorado.gov/snap, or call toll-free Hunger Free Colorado Food Resource Hotline: 855-855-4626 Mon-Fri 8AM-4:30 PM.