Geist Gazette
October 21, 2018
GEIST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Website: https://ges.hseschools.org/
Location: 14051 East 104th Street, Fishers, IN 46037
Phone: 317-915-4260
Twitter: @Geistgators
Notes from the Principal
In my fifteen years of administration, I have seen many children's toys and games come and go. Some of these items interfere in the school setting and some don't. Remember the fidget spinner? Silly bands? Furby? Zhu Zhu pets? I don't know about you, but I'm still picking silly bands out of my sweeper that still exist in our house. Please don't even get me started about the Zhu Zhu pets that still make that obnoxious noise in our house!
The most recent toy and game of choice is Fortnite. Now this game has made its way into the school not because they are playing it at school (they are not allowed), but because students are thinking about it, reacting to it, and commenting about it. I have had more parents ask about this game more than any other toy or game I've seen in my years of education. I continue to refer parents to Common Sense Media.
I respect that as parents, we all have different criteria for moves, games, etc. When my children ask about a movie, my children will ask and they know what I'm going to say... Let me check Common Sense Media. This website gives great feedback as to why a movie is PG-13. Is it consumerism, sex, violence, drinking and drugs, positive message, etc? These help me know how to follow up with questions I can have with our girls.
This is a great website to get feedback on books, movies and games. As parents, it is SO hard to keep up with all that is coming out and I'm thankful for such a great resource. I encourage everyone to consider this resource when your children ask about a piece of media that you do not know much about.
As I stated, I have received numerous questions from parents specifically about Fortnite. Below are some excerpts from Common Sense Media about Fortnite. You may find the information helpful.
*****
Is Fortnite appropriate for kids?
For some parents, the cartoonish, bloodless style of the action in Fortnite makes the violence less problematic than the aggressive gore in other popular shooter games. But the game's online chat feature -- especially in Battle Royale -- could expose younger players to offensive language or mature content from random strangers. Common Sense doesn't recommend games with open chat for kids under 13, but with the right controls and parental guidance, this can be a tween-friendly alternative to violent first-person shooters.
What age should kids be to play Fortnite?
Common Sense recommends Fortnite for teens 13 and up, primarily because of the open chat and action violence.
*****
Thank you for all you do to help our school. Have a safe and enjoyable break!
Christi Thomas, Principal
Artists of the Week for Oct.1
K: Blake G. in Mrs. Powells' class
1: Drew C. in Mrs. Diamond's class
2: Isabella C. in Miss Schmitt's class
3: Anthony R. in Ms. Harvey's class
4: Jacob F. in Mrs. Scott's class
Artist of the Week for Oct. 8
K: Addison J. in Mrs. Gamble's class
1: Sloan S. in Mrs. Cameron's class
2: Vincent K. in Mrs. Friedle's class
3: Molly M. in Mrs. S./Mrs. Miller's class
4: Johann D. in Mrs. Brown's class
Writers Workshop & Reading Celebration with Mrs. Erickson & Miss Rose
Global Studies - Chinese
This week and next week, K and 1 students are learning animals in Chinese, the Chinese dragons, and the story behind the Chinese zodiac. 2nd and 4th grade students will be learning how to say some body parts in Chinese such as head, hand, nose through games and singing. They will also learn how to say “I have” and the measure word “ge” in Chinese. With the numbers they learned last week, they will be able to form sentences such as “I have one mouth” and “I have two eyes”.
During the week of October 29, students will be tasting a Chinese fruit candy called haw candy flakes as part of the cultural experience. Please take a look at the nutrition label (pictured). If you do NOT wish your child to taste the Chinese haw candy flakes, please fill out the Opt-Out form by following the link below and submit your response by October 22nd, 2018.
Link to the Opt-Out form online:
Mrs. Cook's students at Gator Gallop
The weather made us practice flexibility by crowding into the gym!
The 1st Grade Team getting silly with Gator Ade
Friends of the Library
Thank you and congratulations to the October Friends of the Library members. Books have been donated by Drew C., Annabelle D., Kendall S., Harper C., Nevin H., Nathan B., Emma V., Audrey B., Brayden B., Will L., Grant L., Matthew L., Ethan R. and Harper M.
High Five Friday with the Fishers Police Department
Picture Retakes will be October 25
- Order forms will be sent home with students who were absent on our original picture day or have enrolled since then.
- Any student who wants/needs their picture retaken should return the school picture packet that was sent home. Bring the picture packet to school on October 25 and give it to the teacher.
- Orders may be placed online at inter-state.com/order using the code: 33884VB.
GES Runners at the Liger Mile XC Meet
Cafeteria Menu Changes on Oct. 24 and Oct. 31
October 24th - Pizza Calzones
October 31st - To celebrate Global Studies Chinese week we will serve Orange Chicken with Asian rice , Egg Roll and a fortune cookie!
Mrs. Many's class digs the new dino pit!
Mrs. Keller, Lauren and Allison enjoy a sunny moment
Thank you FPD
HSE Schools Community Insider
Please check out the following new events on the Community Insider.
- NEW SESSION OF CHESS CLUB AT GEIST ELEMENTARY
- HSE Family Friendly Haunted House
- HSE Wrestling Cub Registration
- All Treat, No Tricks Fishers High School