GIS School Newsletter
February 2021
GCS Mission Statement
Important Upcoming Dates
February 10 & 22.....................................................................................5th Grade Vision Screening
February 16-March 1.........................................................Chocolat Haus Spring Fundraiser Begins
March 18-20.......................................................Chocolat Haus Spring Fundraiser Product Pick Up
March 26.................................................................................................End of Third Marking Period
March 29-April 2...........................................................................................No School - Spring BreakP-T Conferences
NWEA Reports
Spring Fundraiser Kickoff - February 16!
Thank you in advance for supporting our students and the Alpine Chocolat Haus!
Valentine's Day Protocol
Kiln
GIS is fired up with a new kiln! Last spring the Otsego Community Foundation, in conjunction with the Gaylord Intermediate School Parent/Teacher Organization, purchased a new Skutt kiln for the Art Department at GIS. The new kiln is large enough to hold and fire about 75 student projects at a time! Not only is it large, it is up to date with the latest technology. We cannot thank the Otsego Community Foundation and the Gaylord Parent/Teacher Organization enough for making this dream come true. Students will be able to create clay projects and expand their art experiences while at GIS!
Thank you to our amazing parents and community!
Teacher Requests for Next Year
GIS Annual Education Report
Accepting Differences
By Kate Martell, GIS Counselor
During the month of February and March, I will be going into the classrooms to talk with students about accepting differences. We will discuss what makes us different from each other, how our differences affect our viewpoints, and how we can accept and respect those differences. We will also talk about how not being able to understand others' differences can result in bullying, along with what bullying can look like, sound like and reasons for it. Students will practice appropriate ways to respond if they experience bullying behavior, or if they witness bullying and knowing when to ask for help from a trusted adult. The lesson will also emphasize the importance of showing confidence and appreciating one's differences. If you have any questions, or would like additional information about this topic, please feel free to contact Kate Martell directly, (989)731.0856 ext. 1509.
MEEMIC Agency
Otsego Community Foundation Grant
Our staff noticed an increased need in our students' social emotional health and felt that we could really use some tools to help meet their varying needs. Ronda Davis, GIS Responsible Thinking Classroom coordinator and Kate Martell, GIS counselor, completed an application for a grant through the Otsego Community Foundation, and GIS was so excited to actually receive it. With this grant we have been able to purchase sensory items such as 3 hopscotch platforms, sensory walk, a balance board, fidget items, wobble seats, stand up desks, fingertip pulse monitors, bouncy bands, craft supplies, florescent light covers, speaker system and so much more. We are finding these items are offering our students a variety of ways to calm their emotions and hopefully give them the tools to self-regulate. This would not have been made possible without the generosity of our community and the Otsego Community Foundation. Thank you for supporting our students!
Standing Desk
Balance Board
Sensory Tiles
Vision Screening
Few 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 and staff 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.
Preschool Next School Year
GCS Preschool will be hosting an Open House for the 2021/22 school year in late February. If you have a child or know someone that will be 4-years old by November 30th, 2021, please stay tuned for details. For more information, please contact Preschool Supervisor, Sherri Ryan at (989) 731-2648 x1646 or visit our website at gaylordschools.com.
GIS Contact Information
Sean Byram, Assistant Principal
Email: rowleyl@gaylord.k12.mi.us
Website: gaylordschools.com
Location: 240 East 4th Street, Gaylord, MI, USA
Phone: 989.731.0856