Weekly GUFS Newsletter
May 7, 2021
A Message From the Principal, Mrs. Emig
Math State Testing Session 1 was completed this week for Elementary School Students. Next week, on Tuesday, May 11th, Middle School will take the Math State Test.
The school grounds are looking gorgeous! Thank you to the Philipstown Garden Club volunteers who dedicate their time to beautifying our school property for all to enjoy!
We want to wish all of our Garrison moms a happy Mother's Day. We so appreciate the many hats you wear, all the juggling that you do, and the nurturing and care that you provide for your children. Your partnership within the GUFS community is critical in helping to bridge the learning process between home and school. Don't forget to take care of yourself. Prioritizing yourself is so important so you have the energy and stamina to give motherhood your all.
With Gratitude,
Allison Emig
Middle School Took First Research Field Trip to the Desmond Fish Library This Week
First Softball and Baseball Game of the Season: May 14, 2021
Collaborative STEAM Project Completed by 5th Grade Students
One Point Perspective Gallery
GUFS Celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week May 3rd - May 7th
Yearbook Orders
Yearbook Ads/Sales Are Now Open Online
* Ad Sales are open until 5/31/2021 (must complete online).
* Yearbook sales are open until 6/3/21 for book pre-ordering.
Please go to www.yblive.net & select "Shop Online". Find your school through a State/City Search and order from the Garrison Store.
We are ordering a limited amount so please order in advance to secure one for your family. You will definitely want to look back and remember this school year!
PLEASE NOTE 8th grade parents do not need to purchase yearbooks for your graduates, these will be gifted to them.
Please direct any questions to your yearbook advisors: Jessica Van Dekker and Melissa Harris (jvandekker@gufs.org, mharris@gufs.org)
Spirit Wear Orders
New Garrison Spirit Wear for this year is on sale!
The online store will be open from April 26th to May 10th.
For the latest in Garrison apparel, check out our online store by texting the following five digit catalog code: ELEPC to 559.900.3222 or order online at fancloth.shop/ELEPC
*All orders must be placed online and all orders will be shipped to your home!
*Sale will start on Monday, April 26,2021 and close on Monday, May 10,2021
All orders are purchased online and will be shipped directly to your home!
8th Grade Events: SAVE THE DATES
- Friday, June 4th from 6:30pm-8:30pm: 8th Grade Dance- 8th Graders will be inviting our current 7th grade class to the 8th grade dance at our School Pavilion.
- Friday, June 11th at 10:00 AM: 8th Grade Award Ceremony at our School Gymnasium.
- Thursday, June 24th at 6:00 PM: 8th Grade Graduation at our School Gymnasium. Details to be announced.
Cell Phones to Be Stored Away During the School Day
Math State Testing Session 1 Update
The Middle School Students (Grades 6-8) will take the State Test on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at 9:00 AM. The make-up session for grades 3-8 will be administered on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at 9:00 AM
The Session 1 Math State Test is a multiple choice and short answer test and takes between 60 and 90 minutes to complete; however, it is untimed and your child will be alloted more time to complete the test if needed. Your child must be present to take the test in-person as it is not being offered remotely.
Students: Please get a good night sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and be on-time for school. These steps will help to reduce testing anxiety and increase alertness.
If your child continues to be worried about the test at all, please reach out to Jessica Van Dekker (jvandekker@gufs.org) or Krista DiDiego (kdidiego@gufs.org) so they can provide additional comfort and support for your child.
Kindergarten Screening May 11th and 12th
Our 2021-2022 incoming Kindergarten Students will have a screening day on May 11th from 12:00pm-1:00 PM and from 1:30-2:30 PM and again on May 12th from 12:00 PM-1:00 PM and from 1:30 PM-2:30 PM. On May 11th and 12th, our current Kindergartners will be dismissed at 11:15 AM. All other students will have a full day of school these days.
Parents of our incoming 2021-2022 school year Kindergarten students are invited to drop-off their child at their scheduled screening time with the teachers at the front door of the school. After that time, parents will depart so that the student can be screened for Kindergarten placement.
Please know that school buses will be parked in front of the school at 2:30 PM for school dismissal. When you arrive to pick up your child at 2:30 PM, please park across the street at St. Philips. Please walk to the front door of the school to pick up your child.
If you have a screening appointment scheduled and you are not able to attend, please email Catherine Mariani in the Main Office at cmariani@gufs.org.
Reminder to Vote: Annual School Budget Vote
and School Board Elections:
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Garrison School Gymnasium
1100 Route 9D, Garrison, NY 10524
Nurse Melissa's Corner
Nurse Melissa continues to offer COVID-19 testing for GUFS students on Monday mornings. The next testing date is Monday, May 10th. If you wish to have your child tested, please email Nurse Melissa at mdefonce@gufs.org to schedule your appointment.
Nurse Melissa is also accepting donations of pants or short for kids between age 5-8. Please bring any donations to the main office in a bag clearly labeled "Clothing Donation - Nurse Melissa"
Also, as the weather gets warmer, the children need to hydrate more. Please send in water bottles!
GUFS 5th and 6th Graders Ready to Set Sail on the Clearwater Sloop this May!
Our 5th and 6th Grade classes will be taking a day between May 18-20th to sail on the Clearwater Sloop. Learn more about the educational experience our GUFS students will receive aboard the Clearwater by viewing the video below (as seen on the Clearwater Sailing Classroom Website).
GUFS COMMUNITY SECTION
Community Organizations & Resources on The GUFS District Website
A Message From GCEF
Dear GUFS community,
The Garrison Children's Education Fund (GCEF) wishes to express admiration and gratitude to the teachers, administrators, staff, School Board and families of Garrison for the continued success of school this year, both in-person and virtual. It has been a year unlike any other, and we are so proud of GUFS' community!
GCEF is a non-profit, community-based foundation that enriches the educational experience of the K-12 students of Garrison. Each year, we approve new grants for innovative programs, field trips and educational supplies; anyone is eligible to apply for a GCEF grant! This spring, GCEF is thrilled to underwrite the first approved field trips in over a year (grades 4 and 5 on the Clearwater Sloop), as well as new Middle School recess equipment, Living History Middle School program, Eagle program with Constitution Marsh, and a continuation of funding the expanded K-8 yoga program.
Looking ahead to the 2021-22 school year, GCEF invites your Fall 2021 grant applications through the upcoming deadline of Tuesday, June 1st, 2021. We welcome applications from all members of our community, and are proud to partner with GUFS parents and employees in new grants for next year. You can read more about how to submit a grant HERE .
GCEF is excited to collaborate with each of you on expanding Garrison students' unique and wonderful learning adventure!
Best regards,
Karen Nelson
President, GCEF
The Hub Virtual Marathon: May 1 - May 31, 2021
This event enables the Hub to provide FREE services and programming for those struggling with Mental Health and/or addiction issues.
Saturday, May 22, 2021: GCEF's Spring 2021 "Capture the Moment" Photo Portrait Fundraiser at Boscobel House and Gardens
Come support our students in grades K-12 who reside in the Garrison Union Free School District! On Saturday, May 22, 2021, the Garrison Children’s Education Fund (GCEF) will be holding a safe, socially-distanced family-friendly Spring 2021 fundraiser at the beautiful Boscobel House and Gardens. All proceeds will benefit experiences, supplies and equipment for the students of Garrison.
“Capture the Moment” is a family photo portrait opportunity with professional photographer (and proud GUFS parent!) Erin Wik, featuring the majestic Hudson River in the background.
To register, follow 3 easy steps below:
1. Sign up for a 15-minute session at this link: Capture the Moment
-be sure to choose your time on the drop down menu to the right
- Please Promptly Pay $300 to confirm your session
- by check (preferred) made out to "GCEF" and mailed to: GCEF, PO Box 262, Garrison, NY 10524
- by check (preferred) made out to "GCEF" through backpack mail with the name "Joey DeMarco, Mrs. D'Onofrio Grade 6" on the envelope
- by Paypal on the GCEF.net web site via this link: Pay via PayPal scroll down and click the donate button
- Once we receive payment, you will receive an official email confirmation securing your spot.
Questions? Email or call Alejandra Awad alejandraawad@yahoo.com or (917) 815-3606
Thank you for improving our children's educational experience!
*The Garrison Children’s Education Fund (GCEF) is a community-based, nonprofit foundation that enriches the educational experience of children in grades K-12 who reside in the Garrison Union Free School District. All donations are fully tax-deductible.
GCEF is excited to be funding $16,827.00 in grants for the spring 2021. Some of these grants include continuing Mindful Yoga classes, Clearwater Sloop, Living History Program and middle school recess materials.
The GCEF Board,
Karen Nelson, Julia Wynn, Phoebe Geer, Katie Cucchiarella, Alejandra Awad, Cecile Weiland,
Jennifer Mercurio, Jeanne Clemente, Laura Schimming
Lost & Found
Calendar Reminders
- 5/10: Last day to order Garrison Spirit Wear
- 5/11 NYS Math Assessment for MS Grades 6-8 (Session 1 only) at 9:00 AM
- 5/11: Kindergarten Only: 11:15am Dismissal (Kindergarten Screening)
- 5/12: Kindergarten Only: 11:15am Dismissal (Kindergarten Screening)
- 5/12 NYS Math Assessment Make-up Date for Grades 3-8 (Session 1 only) at 9:00 AM
- 5/14: First GUFS Baseball and Softball Games of the Season
- 5/18-5/20: 5th and 6th Grade Field Trip to Sail the Clearwater Sloop
- 5/31: Yearbook Recognition Ad Sales Deadline
- 6/3: Yearbook Ordering Deadline
We are GUFS!
Email: slusardi@gufs.org
Website: https://www.gufs.org/Domain/4
Location: 1100 NY-9D, Garrison, NY 10524
Phone: 845-424-3689
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/garrisonufs/