GOODNOE GAZETTE
September 2, 2022
THERE IS NO SCHOOL TODAY, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2ND & MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5TH (LABOR DAY)
I hope your children enjoyed the first week of school and had positive feedback to share with you! Thank you for your help in making the transition a smooth one, and I appreciate all of those families who were able to attend our Back to School Night presentations. During conversations with your children they may have shared that we completed two fire drills this week. As we move throughout the first few months of school we will continue to practice safety drills.
I have enjoyed meeting so many GES families over the past few weeks. Times such as arrival and dismissal have afforded me this opportunity. Over the next few weeks I plan to assist with our bus dismissal procedures and will be mainly stationed at the bus loading areas.
This is a friendly reminder that toys or sport equipment from home are not permitted to be brought to school. Past experiences with damaged or lost items have informed us that it is best for these items to remain at home. I appreciate your understanding and support to reinforce this message. Additionally, as the warm weather typically looms please refer to the Dress and Grooming section of the Parent-Student Handbook.
I want to wish all families a fun and safe holiday weekend!
Beth
“Please be aware that the COVID lunch waiver received for all elementary students to receive free lunch that has been in effect the past three years HAS NOT been granted this upcoming year.”
IMPORTANT DATES
SEPTEMBER
- Friday, September 2nd and Monday, September 5th - No School (Labor Day Weekend)
- Thursday, September 8th - Back to School Picnic 5PM - 7PM
- Wednesday, September 21st - PTO Meeting - 7PM
- Monday, September 26th and Tuesday, September 27th - No School (Rosh Hashanah)
OCTOBER
- Wednesday, October 5th - No School (Yom Kippur)
- Monday, October 10th - Picture Day
- Wednesday, October 12th - Early Dismissal (AM Kindergarten attends)
- Monday, October 24th - No School (Diwali)
PLACARDS
A placard was provided to car riders this week. Placards must be displayed in full view for staff to see, when you or your designee are picking up students as car-riders. If your child is an infrequent car-rider, please be sure to store this placard in a safe place for those random times when you will be picking up your child.
TRANSPORTATION CALL CENTER INFORMATION
A "Call Center" will be in operation at the beginning of the school year, providing a live contact in our Transportation Department to help answer questions.
Reach the Call Center directly at 215-944-1010
- Reach the Call Center directly at 215-944-1010
- Find Call Center information at this link.
- The hours of operation are 6:30-9:30 AM and 2:00-5:00PM during the school week.
- Call Center will be active from August 29 through September 16.
The STEAM Lab is up and running in F9!
Students in grades 1-6 have been enjoying introductory lessons and discussions about what the STEAM special is. They are learning that it is OK to try challenging things, to make mistakes, and to work together to solve problems. Mrs. Molishus and Mr. Schmoyer want students to ask lots of questions as they explore this new and exciting special.
Library News
I am so excited to be back at Goodnoe as your children’s librarian again this year! It was so wonderful to see students excited about borrowing books from the library. Their book joy was contagious! Please remind your children to keep their books in a safe place at home and return them on their library day each week. A reminder on your phone works well for this.
Kids need lots of books! Please have a quick chat with your younger children about an appropriate amount of books you would like them to take out from the library (1-10). It may then be helpful to bring a tote bag on library day:) I look forward to an amazing library year with your children. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Kris Topley
Librarian
Notes from the music room
Welcome back to the music room! Classes have been enjoying our welcome songs and activities this week including our all school song “Funga Alafia” and reading and singing our favorite book “All Are Welcome!” Check our welcome songs on our “GES All School Songs” Webpage https://sites.google.com/crsd.org/ges-all-school-songs/home
Special Note to 5th and 6th grade families: All 5th and 6th graders are invited to join chorus this year! We will be rehearsing on Monday and Friday mornings at 8:30am. Students are welcome to join the morning that works best with your family schedule. Keep an eye out for an email next week on how to sign up. Directions will also be posted in the Music Google Classroom. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to Ms. Milliken at Cmilliken@crsd.org
Band Recruitment
Band lessons are available to students in 4th through 6th grade. If interested in playing an instrument for the first time (beginner), please fill out the attached Lesson Registration Form and return it to Mr. Papazian at school or email (gpapazian@crsd.org) by Wednesday, September 14, 2022. Returning students need not fill out this form.
SCHOOL COUNSELOR'S CORNER
The new school year always involves making new friends. Some children have an easier time making new friends than others. Around the world, successful friendship depends on the same fundamental skills. Important social skills that help children build friendships are:
Understanding the emotions and perspectives of other people;
Knowing how to show sympathy and offer help to friends in need;
Feeling comfortable, secure and being able to trust other people;
Being able to participate in conversation and join in games;
Being capable of cooperation and compromise;
Knowing how and when to apologize and make amends; and
Being understanding (and forgiving) of other people’s mistakes.
These skills require experience, effort and practice. Children work on these skills during the school day with their peers, but these skills can also be reinforced at home. If your child is having difficulty making friends, some ideas that can be helpful include:
Invite a classmate or neighbor over for playdates.
Have your child participate in a social activity such as Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts, or participate in a team sport.
Communicate with your child’s teacher about your concerns.
I am always available to help with any social concerns. I work with students in small groups during lunch and non academic times to provide an opportunity for children to practice friendship skills and make social connections. Please reach out if you think your child may need help working on these skills.
Stephanie Rothrock
School Counselor srothrock@crsd.org 215 944-2176
SEPTEMBER LUNCH MENU
The September lunch menu is available on the homepage of the GES website, and you can find it at the following LINK and pictured below.
To avoid confusion, please review the lunch options with your child each day. Don't hesitate to get in touch with the cafeteria manager at GESCafeteria@CRSD.org if you have any questions.
HOME ACCESS CENTER
HAC Opening:
The HAC (Home Access Center) is now available to students and families to find out classroom assignments and transportation information for your student(s). You can access the HAC log-in through the Council Rock website.
Demographic Information:
At the start of every school year, the Council Rock School District requires parents/guardians to verify their demographic information through the Home Access Center (HAC).
It is important to know that District/School Notifications, Emergency Contacts, Medication Authorization information, etc. are directly dependent upon your completion of this process.
To update your student’s demographic form:
- Login to HAC.
- Click on “Update Registration”
- Click on “NEW” in the middle of the screen to open the Demographic Update Form 2022.
FREE/REDUCED LUNCH AND INTERNET INFORMATION
For any student to be considered for free or reduced-price meals for the 2022-23 school year, an application must be completed to determine eligibility. Please be aware that the COVID lunch waiver received for all elementary students to receive free lunch that has been in effect the past three years HAS NOT been granted this upcoming school year. To apply for free or reduced-price lunch:
- Visit https://www.compass.state.pa.us/compass.web/Public/CMPHome to apply online (includes language options other than English)
- Click on this link to download a paper copy of the 2022-23 Free and Reduced Lunch Application
- Pick up a paper copy of the application at Chancellor Center or at any school office
- More eligibility information is available on the Council Rock website
If not applying online via COMPASS, please email your completed application to kmoody@crsd.org or mail to Council Rock School District, Attn: Free and Reduced Lunch Program/Karen Moody, 30 N. Chancellor St., Newtown, PA 18940. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. Additional support is available for internet access. Please click the links below to learn more.
FAMILY TRIP FORMS
Click the following LINK for the form to be completed for Family Educational Trips. Handwritten letters are accepted, however this form is preferred. Please be sure to submit the form/letter at least ten (10) days prior to your trip, for approval. This can be sent to school with your child or emailed electronically to Mrs. Susan Bogucki at SBogucki@CRSD.org
GES PARENT-STUDENT HANDBOOK
ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL PROCEDURES
All parents dropping off/picking up their children will do so by making a LEFT upon entering the parking lot, and follow the loop around the little house and then another LEFT into the loop located in front of our school entrance. Cars will exit the parking lot by the school sign. Van & bus riders will arrive/depart on the blacktop that is located outside of the gym entrance.
Please review the map below, which reflects the above information. Visitor parking is located by the main entrance of the school. There will be staff outside assisting students during our daily arrival and departure times. They will also be present to assist new parents as they learn this procedure. Signs are present as well. *A placard will be provided to each car riding family at the start of the school year. Please display this placard in your windshield.
Walker Procedures
- Please meet your child at the front of the building or on the school side of Andrew Drive.
- If you give permission for your child to walk home without an adult, we will need this arrangement provided to the school in writing.
It's time for the Goodnoe Garden Fall Plant Sale
Brighten up your doorstep and support the Goodnoe Garden with the Goodnoe Garden Fall Plant Sale! The Garden is a wonderful resource and outdoor classroom for our students and all funds raised will be used for maintaining and planting the Garden this school year!
Choose from 8" mums for $9.50 (or 3 for $25) in yellow, orange, purple, white, and red and this year ornamental kale for $6.
Pick-up is Thursday, September 22 at pick-up and drop-off (including K).
Our Annual Back-to-School Picnic is a great chance to grab a blanket and picnic basket to enjoy our beautiful campus with fellow Goodnoe families. Come join us on the back fields at Goodnoe for some old-fashioned school-community fun next Thursday, September 8th from 5-7pm. This event is open to all current Goodnoe students and their families, no charge. Be sure to stop by the PTO tent to buy some school swag or to contribute to our largest fundraising drive through our PTO Membership - don't worry, no obligation to donate your time. But we will have all the details to help you get in the know! The rumors are true - we like to put the fun in Goodnoe and we can't do it without your help! Can't wait to see you on Thursday, September 8th!
JOIN THE PTO
Be our partner and join the PTO today! Your annual membership allows access to our online directory, connecting you with Goodnoe families and for special pricing at all PTO events this school year. 100% of your dues and donations will directly fund PTO programs and purchases for the 2022-2023 school year and will allow support for our school, enrichment, and community connections.
Join today: https://www.gespto.org/form/m/202777
MEDICATION DROP OFF
If your child requires medications or additional medical supplies during the school day this year, please drop them off with Katie Engelhardt between the hours of 8:30 am - 3:30 pm. If you are unable to deliver your child’s medication during these times, please contact the school nurse directly to make an appointment at katie.engelhardt@crsd.org or call 215-944-2109.
Please note that medications cannot be accepted without a medical order and/or action plan signed by both your child’s health care provider and parent/guardian. All medications must be in a pharmacy labeled container in accordance with our medication policy. Extra copies of all forms may be found on our district website under Department/Special Services/Health Services: https://www.crsd.org/Page/237
If you have any medical concerns you would like to discuss in further detail, please do not hesitate to contact the health office.
Thank you for your support!
Katie Engelhardt, RN, CSN, M.Ed
Certified School Nurse
Goodnoe Elementary (M/W/Th/F)
215 944 2109
Wrightstown Elementary (T)
215 944 2309
HEALTH FORMS
Below are Health Forms required for student health records for next school year. Please note that an Immunization Record is not considered proof of a Physical Exam, as these indicate different types of visits. When asking for Physicals, we are looking for proof of a well visit.
- Kindergarten: A dental and physical dated 07/01/2021 meets the requirement for entry into kindergarten. Up to date immunizations records are also required.
- Third Grade: A dental dated after 07/01/21 meets the requirement for entry into third grade. This can be submitted at any time this school year.
- Sixth Grade: A physical dated after 07/01/21 meets the requirement for entry into sixth grade. This can be submitted at any time this school year.
2022-23 Council Rock Attendance Policies
Please take a moment to review this year's attendance letter from the school district that outlines information regarding Council Rock's policies on student absences. You can find the letter at the link below.
STUDENT DISMISSAL PLAN 2022-2023
Making sure your child is safe is of utmost importance to us. It is very important that we know your dismissal plan. If your plans change during the course of the year, please send your child’s teacher a note so the office can be notified of the change. On the note, please include your child’s name, day of week for the change, method of transportation, start date and end date (if any).
If you need to make a “one-time” change to your dismissal plans, please send a note in the morning with your child. Please include the following information on the note:
Date of dismissal change
Child’s first and last name
Method your child should go home (ie: car, walk, bike, bus, Champions, etc.)
If your child will be going home with a different parent, include that parent’s name
If you have a change in dismissal that arises during the day, please do not email that teacher. Instead, you should call the office directly and they will let the classroom teacher know of the change. We ask that you call the office and not email this information for a few reasons. Sometimes our internet is down and we may not be able to access email that day and therefore would miss your message. Similarly, we do not always get to check emails until after dismissal has occurred or we are absent and we would not have been aware of your message until after 4:00PM.
Please click on the following FORM or click on the button directly below to access a form where you can note how your child will dismiss daily. Please complete this form no later than Wednesday, August 24th.
CREF 5th and 6th Grade Glow Dance
Join CREF and your local PTO/PTA/HSAs for a Back-to-School Glow Dance presented by The FUGE to celebrate 5th and 6th graders across the district!
The event will include a dance complete with an energetic DJ, glow elements, drinks, and a donut bar! While the kids are burning off their energy, we invite the adults to gather in the Parent VIP Lounge to enjoy appetizers and drinks.
The Glow Dance is a great way to connect with other 5th and 6th grade students and their families across the district in preparation for coming together in middle school. Proceeds from the Glow Dance support your school and innovative learning initiatives throughout the district. Click here to register!
NOTE- This is not a drop off event.
LITTLE HAWKS COUNCIL ROCK HS SOUTH PRESCHOOL
As part of the Early Childhood Education and Careers course at CR South, the school runs an on-site preschool program for high school students to teach preschool children. The program is in need of preschool children to enroll for this school year.
Little Hawks Council Rock HS South Preschool 2022-2023 has spots open for enrollment! Here is some information:
- 3 year old+ Must be potty trained
- $150/year
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:50-10:30 am
Enroll here: https://forms.gle/tqZRXtDGxN5xCHyK9
Goodnoe School Hours
School will begin before Labor Day on Monday, August 29th.
School hours:
Student arrival 8:45 - 9:10 a.m.
Student dismissal begins at 3:35 p.m.
Kindergarten hours:
A.M. Kindergarten hours 9:10 - 11:45 a.m.
P.M. Kindergarten hours 1:10 - 3:35 p.m.
GES BACK TO SCHOOL PICNIC
We hope to see you there!
Thursday, Sep 8, 2022, 05:00 PM
Goodnoe Elementary School, Frost Lane, Newtown, PA, USA
PTO MEETING
Wednesday, Sep 21, 2022, 07:00 PM
Goodnoe Elementary School, Frost Lane, Newtown, PA, USA
Goodnoe Elementary School
Principal
Email: bfox@crsd.org
Website: https://www.crsd.org/goodnoees
Location: 298 Frost Lane, Newtown, PA, USA
Phone: (215) 944-2100
Twitter: @BethFox_GES