GIS School Newsletter
September/October 2020
Important Dates
October 5.............................................................................No School for Students/PD for Teachers
October 30...........................................................................Half Day Students, Dismissal 11:25 A.M.
A Message From The GIS Principals...
First and foremost, it is great to be back and to see our students, whether it is online or in the classroom! The start of this school year is nothing like we have ever experienced in our combined years in education. Our learning environment, instructional models, and routines are drastically different than just a year ago. The hours of careful planning for this school year, along with a great deal of patience and support from parents and students, have resulted in a smooth start to the school year. There were unforeseen challenges that needed some adjustment, which was expected. However, after a few short weeks things are operating very well. This is partly due to our parents partnering with us to make this the best school year that we can for our students.
Thank you for...
- continuing to exercise caution and patience in the parent parking lot during drop off and pick up times. The safety of our children is our top priority. We appreciate everyone doing their part to make this time go smoothly and safely.
- partnering with us with online instruction. This is new to everyone and we appreciate parents understanding that this is a work in progress and we are doing what it takes to make this learning experience as enriching as it can be.
- reminding your children the importance of wearing a mask at school for the common good. Students have done a great job wearing them appropriately.
As we continue to navigate through this school year, our decision-making will be based on the academic, health, and social-emotional needs of each and every one of our students.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Putnam and Mr. Byram
School Pictures - September 29
Halloween
GIS Announcements and Reminders:
- October 30- Half day for students. Lunch and breakfast will be served. 11:25 A.M. dismissal.
- Student Arrival/Dismissal- The 20-21 school day is 8:25-2:40.
- GIS Office Hours- 7:00 A.M.-3:45 P.M. (989)731-0856
- School Health Screener- Please remember to screen your students before sending them to school.
- Masking- Masking at GIS is required for all students, staff, and visitors. Details about masking requirements can be found in the Return-To-Learn Plan on the district’s website.
- Lunch/Breaksfast menus-can be found on the district website
Summer Feeding Program extended to all face to face and online learning families!
Introducing Our New Teaching Staff At GIS!
Alan Massey-Gym Teacher
I have teaching experience at Boyne Falls, North Ohio Elementary, South Maple Elementary, Gaylord High School, and Joburg for a grand total of 19 years. The years sure have flown by. I entered the teaching profession because I wanted the opportunity to help kids and families. I definitely made the right choice! I attended college at Central Michigan University and Grand Valley State University. On a personal note, I love the outdoors and sports. My favorite hobbies include deer hunting, fishing, bear hunting, mountain biking, football, basketball, and golf. My family is by far the most important thing to me. My wife Amy is an outstanding third grade teacher at North Ohio Elementary. I am blessed with three wonderful children. Mikaiyla and Mackensie are starting their first year of college and Aiden is in Kindergarten at North Ohio Elementary. I have been looking forward to this school year! Make it awesome!
Theresa Payton-Fifth Grade Teacher
I am a Gaylord native and I was lucky to be born and raised in this northern Michigan community. I am blessed with a husband and two young sons. We recently relocated from North Carolina, and are enjoying all the attractions Michigan has to offer. Spending time with my extended family, staying active and cooking are a few of my favorite activities. I graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. I enjoy creating learning that is fun and engaging for all the students. I was blessed to have some impactful teachers in my past who gave me a love of learning. I hope I can instill that in each one of my students. I am honored to be a part of the Gaylord Intermediate School, and am excited to see each and every child’s growth throughout the year.
Elizabeth Reynolds - Fourth Grade Teacher
My name is Liz Reynolds. I graduated as valedictorian from Holy High school, and received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Michigan State University (Go Green!). I have taught fifth grade in the Crawford AuSable School District, preschool at the Grayling Cooperative Preschool and Trinity Lutheran Preschool, middle school math and science at St. Mary’s, and high school math at Alba. I am excited to be here in my hometown teaching fourth grade at GIS! I love working with kids and helping them to achieve and become the best that they can be. Teaching is my passion, and I look forward to collaborating with the fantastic team here.
I live in Gaylord with my husband of twenty-five years, Kevin, and twin children, Rebecca and Daniel, who are juniors at Gaylord High School. I enjoy volunteering in our community, taking long walks, going to the movies, watching the Blue Devil Marching Band perform, and traveling. I have an adventurous side, and many people are surprised to hear that I went sky diving, bungee jumped out of a hot air balloon, and have been white water rafting. On my travels with my family, I took an elevator to the top of the Eiffel Tower, climbed up Mount Vesuvius, hiked the spiral staircase of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and visited onion domed churches in St. Petersburg, Russia. One of the things that I am proudest of is my Girl Scout troop, which I have led since the girls (now in eleventh grade) were in first grade. I feel as though I have started my next great adventure here with Gaylord Schools, and I couldn’t be more excited for an amazing year!
Alissa VanOosten-Fourth Grade Teacher
My name is Alissa VanOosten and I was born and raised in Gaylord. I attended Gaylord Community schools from Kindergarten through high school, and I am very excited to be teaching in our Gaylord school district! After high school graduation, I received my under-graduate degree from Western Michigan University and I have completed my Accelerated certification with residency program in Elementary education from Saginaw Valley State University. My husband and I have two children who attend Gaylord Intermediate school. You can usually find us at a sporting event or enjoying all activities that northern Michigan has to offer. Teaching was an easy choice for me because I have a natural passion for working with children. I believe each and every child deserves someone who believes in them and wants to help guide them to find their personal success! I love kids, I believe that they are our future, and I want to be that effective teacher that makes a difference in their life!