THE MIGHTY OAK
April 29, 2016
Come join us at Sparkles for our “Skate Night” on Tuesday, May 3rd, from 6:00 – 9:00pm! Family and friends are all welcome! There will be skating, music, and even an indoor playground, which is great for those little ones who cannot skate. They have Laser Tag too! Remember - you have to pay for Laser Tag at time of entrance to get the discount. You will be charged full price ($3.00 per game) if you decide to play later. If you and your kids are hungry, Sparkles has a great menu. All the information and prices will be on the small white flyer that will come home with your kids. Please fill it out and bring it with you to Sparkles for our drawing. Remember kids, the class with the most participants will win a fun class party. Come have some family fun. Join us on Tuesday, May 3rd, from 6:00 - 9:00pm. Hope to see you there!
Volunteers Needed for Teacher Appreciation Luncheon
The PTA is organizing a Luncheon for the wonderful Gwin Oaks teachers on Friday, May 6th. In order for our teachers enjoy their lunch, we are in need of volunteers to help out in the Lunchroom. We have 3 short shifts, please check your calendars to see if you can come in and help. Click on the link below to sign up.
https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/30e0d4ca9a722a6fd0-teacher/8604488
Media Matters
On May 9th students in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade will have an author visit with Carmen Deedy. Carmen Deedy is an internationally known author and storyteller. She has performed at the White House, Kennedy Center, Disney Institute, on Broadway, and National Public Radio and written six highly-acclaimed books - The Library Dragon, Secret of Old Zeb, The Tree Man, Agatha’s Feather Bed, The Last Dance, Martina the Beautiful Cockroach and 14 Cows for America. Her two newest books are The Cheshire Cheese Cat and The Return of the Library Dragon. Students can purchase her books to have them signed during the visit. Look for a book order form in this week’s Friday Folder.
Reading Takes You Everywhere
Does your child love to read? If they do then take a picture of them reading and send it to Mrs. Amolo. You can email a copy of the picture to Sharon Amolo at sharon_amolo@gwinnett.k12.ga.us. Please include your child’s name and where they were reading. Pictures will be featured on the scrolling announcements, the Media Center webpage, and in the Mighty Oak.
Lillibeth Mallory reading with her dog.
Musse Nebiy reading at Walt Disney Universal Studio during spring break.
Seth Slater Sunny-Lee Alsobrook met Mary Matilda at Georgia's oldest book store over spring break.
Jackson Taylor reading on Liberty Island in New York Harbor.
Gwin Oaks is packed with great readers. This year we had over 700 students earn the Reading Award for 100% participation with their reading logs. Students who completed the program will receive a reading medal and attend a Reading Celebration with entertainer Chad Crews on May 10th.
Students who completed the Six Flag tickets reading program will have their tickets sent home in May.
Summer is almost here. Summer reading lists for kindergarten through fourth grade will be sent home by Friday, May 13th. As always the list will focus on reading from a list of suggested authors and genres and not specific titles. Students who complete the summer reading list will be invited to a summer reading program at the beginning of next school year. The list will also be on the school website and the Media Center page. If you have any questions after the lists are distributed, contact Sharon Amolo at sharon_amolo@gwinnett.k12.ga.us before the school year ends.
What is the Summer Reading Program?
It’s a fun and free way to encourage kids to read. Reading during school vacations helps maintain and even improve reading skills, and it’s fun! From May 21 through August 13, 2016, readers of all ages can set a goal, keep track of their reading activities, and collect great prizes.
Who can join?
Anyone can participate in the Summer Reading Program. All ages are welcome to participate. A separate program for teens (rising 6th graders and up) is also available.
How do I sign up?
Students signed up at school and are ready to participate in all of the fun activities planned at the public library.
When am I finished?
Together, parent and child set a goal. Once the goal is reached, come into the library and collect great prizes! Kids will receive a Certificate of Recognition, coupons from local sponsors, and a free book (while supplies last). Don’t forget to enter the weekly drawings for a chance at additional prizes!
Will there be any special events?
Yes! In June and July there will be programs for elementary school students, programs for teens, puppet shows, character visits, and special guest performances by artists, musicians, and entertainers. All programs are free.
PTA Treasurer Nominee
Namrata Trehan is our 2016-17 PTA Treasurer Nominee
PTA Members will vote for the nominee at the Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast on May 13.
Field Day
Field Day is coming up on May 18th and May 19th! This year we'll have exciting new events and Field Day T-Shirts. T-Shirt order forms are coming home in Friday Folders this week, and you have until April 26th to order.
You may also order your Field Day T-Shirts online at:
https://squareup.com/store/gwinoakspta/
Don't delay! Order your field day T-Shirts by April 26th.
* T-Shirt purchase is optional.
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION
Do you have or know a kindergartner who will be attending a GCPS elementary school in the fall? For the 2016-17 school year, Gwinnett is using an easy-to-use, secure registration system that will allow you to complete many of the required forms online. Online Registration is available beginning April 4th and is open 24 hours a day for NEW KINDERGARTENERS ONLY.
If a family who is registering a kindergarten student has older students already enrolled in GCPS, PLEASE DO NOT register siblings at this time. More information about returning students will be available soon.
Useful Resources
Mark your calendar for May 5th 12-6pm when we will have Kindergarten Registration at Gwin Oaks... a day when new students and parents can complete the registration process.
In order to make the registration process on May 5th much quicker, we strongly encourage parents to complete the online registration prior to that date.
Middle School Summer Camp
Maxwell High School of Technology is hosting our annual Middle School Summer Camp May 31st-June 3rd. The flier in the link below states the camp is for current middle school students; however, we welcome current 5th graders as well.
Put in Your Bid Now!
Gwin Oaks has some exciting items up for bid. Would you like a front row seat to our May award ceremonies? What about the 5th grade promotion ceremony at Grace? How about a VIP parking spot for SpringFest? Click on the link to bid today!
https://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/auctionhome.action?auctionId=246690027
ABOUT US
Gwin Oaks Elementary
400 Gwin Oaks Drive
Lawrenceville, GA 30044
Elementary 770-972-3110
The mission of the faculty and staff of Gwin Oaks Elementary is to facilitate a safe and supportive environment where excellence in learning for all children results in responsible
and productive citizens and lifelong learners.