GSD E-Blast March 2024
Dear Parents and Guardians,
The warm weather is a clear indication that Spring is almost here. GSD has been buzzing with activity, as some of our sports teams are competing at the State level in the coming weeks, and our amazing CHS Marching Marauders performed at the national level by marching down the streets of Disney World! I am thrilled to share that our CHS Top Ten students have been recognized for their outstanding academic achievements. They have worked hard, persevered, and dedicated themselves to their studies, and we are proud to see them in the spotlight. Please take a moment to check out the highlights from the previous month, and I hope you feel as impressed as I am with the continued success of our talented students and staff.
Your Partner in Education!
Amy Conway
Superintendent
Spark's 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!
Hunter Families School Association Spreads Orange
Every Friday in February the Hunter Family School Association planned an orange surprise to say thank you to the staff! The special days included themes like, "Donut you know you're the best," and "Super Bowl Treats for Super Teachers." The HFSA is often planning thoughtful acts of joy and appreciation! Many parents volunteered to donate for Super Bowl Snacks day to help make it grand! The HFSA has also spread kindness by planning and funding an engaging assembly for the students almost every month of the school year.
Kindergarten Round Up is Coming!
Do you have a child at home who will be five years old on or before September 1, 2024? Do you know someone who does, perhaps a friend or a neighbor? If so, Gibraltar School District has a spot waiting just for them in our kindergarten classrooms next year! Gibraltar School District offers both a traditional Kindergarten program as well as a Young Fives Kindergarten program. Both of these programs have a strong focus on the math and literacy skills needed for a solid foundation through the course of the formative elementary years. Registration opens very soon, on February 12. Once you register, please join us for an informational night, for parents and prospective students, on April 16 at 6:00. These will be held in each elementary building. Visit our website for more information!
https://www.gibdist.net/page/kindergarten-and-young-fives-information
Carlson High School
Congratulations Carlson's Top Ten!
Our Top Ten students for the Class of 2024 have been announced. These students are not just academically outstanding in the halls of Carlson HS, they are involved in many extracurricular and philanthropic endeavors outside of Carlson HS. They are wonderful leaders in our communities!
Congratulations to all of our students and thank you for always striving for academic excellence. We can't wait to see what your amazing futures hold!
Valedictorian: Arianna Pate
Salutatorian: Tilly Oppelt
3: Evan Jones
4: Bryce Gresham
4: Bethany Sanders
6: Quinn Burgei
7: Jack Hedke
8: Madelyn Fox
9: Ella Balogh
10: Jaya Roethlisberger
Shumate Middle School
PBIS Upstanders at SMS!
Mrs. Brown's Advisory students have recently formed the "Shumate Upstanders" group. These students help promote the PBIS initiatives that are taught during advisory. So far, our upstanders have completed several "Expect Respect" banners as well as many 3 word posters such as "Just Be Kind", "Stop, Walk, Talk" and "Stop Means Stop". These are displayed throughout the building as positive behavior reminders for all students!
Chapman Elementary School
Watch DOGS Return to CES!
We're excited to announce that Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads Of Great Students) is back at Chapman! A huge thank you to all the fathers and father-figures who are generously dedicating their time to spend school days with our students. Your presence makes a significant impact on our school community, providing invaluable support and positive role modeling for our students. Welcome back, Watch D.O.G.S.! We're grateful for your involvement and commitment to our students' education and well-being.
Hunter Elementary
Second Annual Science Day Hosted at Hunter
Through the thoughtful and laborious planning of Hunter STEM teacher Mrs. Brown, with the support of several other teachers, Hunter hosted their second Science Day for all students. Students from all grade levels travel to multiple station to engage in hands-on science learning including topics like, jump spiders, constellations, green screens, magnets, bees and animal features such as bird beaks and elephant ears. Mrs. Brown invited the Metroparks, her own mom (the bee keeper) and many Hunter parent volunteers to help teach students and run each station. It was an amazing and fun learning experience!
Parsons Elementary
Thanks to the efforts of our PTO, we have had some amazing events this month! Our Grandparents' Breakfast was full to capacity. Grandparents and grandchildren ate a delicious breakfast in Parsons gym, took pictures in the photo booth, and had time to shop the Book Fair. Our Book Fair was the perfect transition to Reading Month with all of our Parsons readers snagging great deals on lots of books. Finally, we had a ton of fun at Bingo for Books where Parsons teachers called out bingo numbers and students took home loads of books. Our PTO gave out over 400 books! We appreciate the commitment of PTO in creating an array of family events that bridge home and school.
Downriver STEM at Weiss
In February, Downriver STEM at Weiss hosted another phenomenal Career Day, providing invaluable insights from professionals across diverse fields. Our students had the opportunity to learn from professionals in various fields, including a firefighter, CEO, programmer, DTE lineman, electrical engineer, government worker, HVAC worker, interior designer for cabinets, K9 law enforcement officer, lawyer, nutritionist, occupational therapist, PE teacher, police officer, and software engineer. Career Day aligns seamlessly with our annual commitment to expose students to various career paths, emphasizing how these professions foster a growth mindset and are interconnected with STEM fields. Thank you to everyone who helped make this day possible!
Lakeshore Virtual School
Celebrating Ourselves
February was a month of celebration for our students at LVS. Our Leadership Club organized two events for our school that allowed students to celebrate themselves and others. First, they wrote positive quotes on sticky notes to post in the CHS bathrooms for International Boost Your Self-Esteem Month. Students thought of their own or found quotes online to spread around the school and help others know that they are amazing human beings and should be proud of themselves. February is also Black History Month which allowed our students and staff to bring in dishes to share and speak about their heritage and culture. While enjoying each others food and culture, they also learned about Black History Month and important events and people in black history.
Food Service Update
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and schools provide millions of breakfasts to hungry children. This gives us reason to celebrate!
Research has shown that breakfast can have a positive impact on a student's learning throughout the day, leading to increased focus, fewer absences, and better test scores. In honor of National School Breakfast Week, which takes place from March 4-8, the Gibraltar School District is celebrating the significance of a nutritious school breakfast in providing students with the necessary energy for success. We encourage all students to check out the breakfast options available at their school and start their day off right with a healthy meal served every morning.