With a long leave of absence right around the corner, I'm reminded of the days leading up to the birth of my two children. I've been on a cleaning frenzy, everything in sight must be organized, and at any moment I could burst into tears or laughter depending on which way the wind blows. My kids aren't really sure how to handle me so they're just staying the heck out of my way and actually picking up after themselves. How's that for a silver lining?

I've also been busy preparing for the return of YOUR children, and I can't tell you how excited I am to welcome them back. While I'm sad to miss the first week back for our 7th and 8th graders, I'm still very grateful that I'll be able to meet our 6th graders for the first time. It'll be so nice to have kids in the building again that I may end up just following them around all day, which I'm sure they'll find super weird. #sorrynotsorry

Wishing you all a fabulous weekend! If you have questions about returning to school at all, please don't hesitate to reach out to me.

Beginning Tuesday, January 19th, Gregory Middle School will offer the opportunity for Evening Academic Assistance for all students. Gregory teachers will be available on Monday - Thursday from 5:45 - 8:45 PM to assist students with any academic needs.

If you need help with homework or late work, have a question about an assignment, or need some assistance getting organized, “Evening Academic Assistance” is available to you.

Zoom links will be posted on “Counselor Connection” Google Classroom page for each grade level. Look under the “Classwork” tab for “Evening Academic Assistance.”

Please see below for a list of novels that need to be returned during this distribution.

NVHS Class of 2025

Starting January 18th the Gregory Basketball Coaches are offering the opportunity for a fundamental skill development camp including:

• shooting

• footwork

• passing

• ball-handling

• strength & conditioning

• basic basketball IQ

Based on the current metrics, we will be running two separate groups during each week. Sessions will run from 3:05-5:35 pm on Monday, Wednesday, Friday one week and Tuesday, Thursday the next week with the schedule allowing equal time for both groups. As of right now, we will start virtually with the hope of moving to in-person as the metrics allow.

The fee for the entire camp is $125 payable through Pushcoin. A current physical on file with the school nurse is required for the activity. Please submit the Google Form Basketball Participation by Noon on Friday, January 15th.

The Yearbook Club needs your help. Some of you have already been sending us pictures of what it’s like to be learning from home, and the pictures are fabulous. The Yearbook Club would like you to submit pictures of the following: Pajama Day, Winter Wonderland, Your Favorite Hobby.

Send your pictures to:https://www.hjeshare.com password: gregory (all lower case).

We ask that you limit your pictures to one or two per subject and make sure they are school appropriate. Thank you for taking the time to add some exciting pictures to our yearbook. The deadline for pictures is January 25.

Any questions please feel free to ask: andrea_arnold@ipsd.org or sue_lichter@ipsd.org.

Materials:

• You can build an actual snow character, or use this template to create a character.

• To decorate you can use paper, glue, paint, markers, pipe cleaners, fabric, or other craft items or snowperson materials. BE CREATIVE!

• • Build, draw, or color a snow character.

  • Your snowperson must represent a book character.

  • Take a picture of your completed snow character and submit via this form.

  • All entries are due by 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 18th.

  • Voting will be January 21-22; winners will be announced on Tuesday, January 26th.

  • Winners will receive free books and gift cards!

Please contact Mrs. Bevan (esther_bevan@ipsd.org) with questions.