Gananda Blue Panther Gazette

Weekly Newsletter of Gananda Central School District

September 25, 2019

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Reminder - Friday is a half day for students

Friday, September 27 is a half day for all GCSD Schools. Dismissal times are as follows: Richard Mann Elementary: 11:30am Gananda Middle School: 11:10am Ruben A. Cirillo High School: 11:17am GPrep: 11am

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Reminder: All Chromebooks need to be fully charged when brought into school each day.

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Alumni Games

Calling all past volleyball, basketball and soccer players! The Gananda Alumni Association will be hosting an alumni volleyball, basketball and soccer game this year. All games will be held on Saturday, October 5. The coed soccer game starts at 11:00 am, the volleyball game at 12:00 pm, and the coed basketball game at 3:00 pm. Th. If you are interested in playing in any of the games, email Dawn Nodar.

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I heard....is it true?

Gananda Central School District recognizes the importance of communication with parents, community members, students and staff. While every effort is made to ensure that accurate information is shared, it is not uncommon for rumors or myths to be circulating throughout the community. As such, we have started a page on our website entitled, "Fact Checker Page." This page is dedicated to providing accurate information about GCSD. If you see or hear information about GCSD that you believe is inaccurate you can have it fact checked! Please send your contact information, the facts you would like checked, and where you found the information to Shannon Bergstresser, Public Relations Specialist, at: Sbergstresser@gananda.org. The first fact check: The turf field cannot be used for JV or Varsity Football Games. Is it true? Check out the answer on the Fact Checker Page!

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REMINDER: Rules About Dogs on School Grounds

We love four legged friends but have rules in place to keep everyone safe. As a reminder, dogs are not allowed on school grounds during school events. We will allow dogs to be walked on school grounds during non-school and non-event hours, but they must be on a physical leash and you must clean up after your dog. Our goal is to keep both human and four legged friends safe!

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Did you know?

Flu season can begin as early as September and last as late as May. Your best bet is to get a flu shot early in the season so your body has a chance to build up immunity to the virus. It takes about two weeks for the flu shot to protect you.

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Helpful Documents

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Mark Your Calendar: Elementary School Picture Day

The elementary school picture day is on Monday, October 7. Order forms and additional information will be coming soon!
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Gananda Middle School has an Instagram Account!

The middle school has created an Instagram account and you are invited to follow it! There will be photos posted regularly showing what the students are working on in class, along with other activities throughout the year. To follow us, scan the middle school nametag (The photo to the left of this story). If you are unsure how to do this follow these instructions: Go to your Instagram profile, tap on the three-line button in the top-right corner, and choose the Nametag tab. Then tap Scan a Nametag at the bottom of the screen and scan the nametag. Otherwise, you can just search Gananda_MS.

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Concession Volunteers Needed!

Gananda Sports Boosters is looking for high school students to volunteer at the concession stands during games this year. Volunteer hours would count as standard volunteer hours and are not included in the GDFS hours. Students would be working with an adult at the concessions at all times. Various opportunities are available so those interested are encouraged to contact the Gananda Sports Boosters directly at: sportsboosters@gananda.org.
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Financial Aid Night at Ruben A. Cirillo High School Tomorrow!

The counseling office is excited to host our annual Financial Aid Night tomorrow, Thursday, September 26th at 7:00pm in the high school library. Mr. Joe Bailey, Director of Financial Aid at Genesee Community College, will conduct a presentation on all things related to financial aid for post-secondary education, including the ins-and-outs of the FAFSA, scholarships, grants, loans, filing deadlines and more! This presentation is one of the most important you can attend as a family as you prepare for the next chapter in your student’s educational life. PLEASE make every attempt to bring your student with you to this presentation - making an informed decision about college includes an awareness and understanding of the financial aid process and obligations. We look forward to a packed house!

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Gananda's Homecoming Dance is Saturday, September 28

Students in grades 9-12 are invited to attend the homecoming dance on Saturday, September 28 from 7-10pm at Ruben A. Cirillo High School. Tickets are on sale for $5. Pizza and soda will also be available. The dance is made possible by Ruben A. Cirillo High School Student Congress.

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Upcoming Can/Bottle Drive

Save the date and save your cans! The Gananda Girls Soccer program will be holding a can drive on October 12.

Please help support our Gananda Girls Soccer program by leaving your empty cans and bottles in bags by 9am on your doorstep or driveway. The soccer athletes will be around to collect them. You can also drop your cans off at the elementary school from 9:00am-12:00pm.


Thank you for helping us keep the soccer program strong!

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Gananda Dollars for Scholars News and Events

Did you know that you can start gathering volunteer hours as soon as you leave 8th grade? Just download a volunteer log from the Gananda Dollars for Scholars webpage, and start recording your high school volunteer experience!

Jar Wars is coming Next Week September 30th through October 4th!

Elementary Students: Bring in those PENNIES! The class that collects the most wins a prize! The buckets will be set up at the Dining Hall entrance.

Middle and High School Students: Bring in loose change and/or dollars. In the HS, the class that collects the most money gets points at the end of spirit week that will count towards you class competition.


Amazon Smiles

Did you know that you can help GDFS by shopping online? If you use Amazon, you can help raise money for scholarships! Simply start off by going to AmazonSmile, and select Scholarship America, Gananda Dollars for Scholars as the organization you want to support. From then on, you just go to AmazonSmile to shop and you have access to the same site as Amazon or Amazon Prime. That's it! About 0.5% of your purchase before tax will be donated to GDFS.


Fall United Way Campaigns Area Wide

Did you know that you can designate Gananda Dollars for Scholars on your annual United Way Pledge form? Just write in the code#3323 on your form and your pledge will come to GDFS! Don't forget also to check and see if your employer supports Matching Donations. Many area employers do. Thanks for considering to support GDFS!


Gananda Dollars for Scholars, Rewarding Achievement, Supporting Potential

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