GSD E-Blast
January 2023
Dear GSD Families,
Happy New Year and welcome to 2023! With a new year, we want to encourage everyone to get involved with events that are happening in all of the schools up until the end of the school year. Set a goal to be a positive supporter of all the amazing things your child's school has to offer! As a reminder, the end of the semester is quickly approaching, so please make sure to check in on your child to make sure they are ready to finish the semester strong!
Have a fantastic 2023!
Your partner in education,
Amy Conway
Superintendent
Sparks Corner
Research shows that being happy and positive primes the brain to be more successful and productive. Promoting positivity will enhance our student’s academic ability and develop them into happy and positive thinkers and leaders. Each month we will highlight a building or staff member that is spreading “The Orange” (Happiness) through Gibraltar!
Parsons Staff Spread Christmas Cheer
Parsons staff celebrated the last Monday of the year by passing out candy canes to students entering the school building and coming off the bus. There were lots of smiles, thank yous, and hugs as students entered the building greeted by their teachers dressed up in funny costumes and Christmas colors. Research shows that greeting students each morning increases student engagement and a sense of belonging. Parsons is dedicated to creating a positive community culture!
Carlson High School
Carlson HS Unified Basketball Team
Carlson has joined forces with local downriver schools to participate in the unified basketball league. Our team consists of students from all different programs in our school and relies heavily on partnership between students to ensure that those who don’t traditionally get to experience the thrill of competition get to shine. We are so proud of all of our Marauders working together in this fantastic show of sportsmanship and camaraderie. It is a can’t-be-missed event!
6th Annual Christmas Feast
The community was entertained earlier this month by music teacher, Robert Vandergriff and Shumate and Carlson HS Choirs at the 6th Annual Christmas Feast. This Medieval themed event included wonderful food, drink, laughter, and song!
Chapman Elementary School
Chapman’s first-grade classes celebrated Friendsgiving on November 23rd. All of the students learned about the differences and similarities of Wampanoag and Pilgrim life, were able to try traditional Thanksgiving dishes, shared why they were thankful for the friends and family in their life, and wrapped up the celebration by performing Thanksgiving themed nursery rhymes to their families. Our celebrations were a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season.
Hunter Elementary School
A December to Remember at Hunter
December was a month packed with learning and memories at Hunter Elementary. The month kicked off with the Kindergarten classes celebrating Grinch Day, where all the learning was Grinch-themed! The HFSA purchased new Spheros for STEM class and a new sound system attachment for the gym. Next, the third graders traveled to the Henry Ford Museum for some Michigan history learning. Finally, the WATCH D.O.G.S. program was jam-packed with volunteers working with students. Thank you for a great month Hunter community.
Parsons Elementary School
Cookies with Santa was a huge success at Parsons. Students had the opportunity to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, make a Grinch ornament, write a letter to Santa, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, and listen to a Christmas story. Carlson high school students volunteered their time to set up the event and pour hot chocolate. The Santa Shop was open for families to shop. Parsons PTO did a wonderful job organizing an event that will be remembered!
Downriver STEM @ Weiss
December Peer-to-Peer Event
During the December Peer-to-Peer event at Downriver STEM at Weiss, upper elementary students (called "links") had the opportunity to work with their younger peers to create snowman door hangers. The positive, supportive atmosphere allowed the students to build meaningful connections with each other, while also improving their academic skills, independence, and social engagement. The Peer-to-Peer program is a crucial part of the school's commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all students. The younger peers thoroughly enjoyed learning from and interacting with their older "links", and the upper elementary students did an excellent job supporting and guiding their peers through the activity.
Lakeshore Virtual School
Celebrating the Holidays
Everyone enjoys the festivities around the holiday season. At LVS, students brought their own mug to enjoy fresh hot chocolate and holiday treats before winter break. As they enjoyed their snacks, students showed their creativity by painting Christmas tree ornaments to take home and then played classic board games against each other and staff. In addition to campus festivities, staff, the Gibraltar Kiwanis Club, and the LVS Leadership Club wrapped and donated gifts to our Adopt-a-Family event to help spread the gift of giving to families in need. LVS greatly appreciates all the donations to help families enjoy the holiday season!
Shumate Middle School
Holiday Cheer
Shumate Middle School choir and band students spent the last week of school spreading some holiday cheer with their beautiful voices and instrumental abilities. On Monday, December 19 our SMS choir performed in front of a packed house and did a wonderful job with the direction of Mr. Robert Vandergriff. The following night, led by Mr. David Brockington, the SMS band took the stage and played in front of family and friends. All students did a tremendous job and have shown so much musical growth since the first day of school.
Transportation Department
It was another successful year for our Gibraltar Rockwood Rotary and GSD food drive! Our volunteers unloaded the bus at the Gibraltar Food Pantry and we appreciate all of the donations this year. We have collected 29,336 pounds of food over the last ten years!
We would like to thank all the staff, students, and families for spreading kindness, happiness and holiday cheer.