Dolphin Digest
Family Weekly Update: January 9, 2022
Gilpin Manor Elementary
Mark Etzel, Assistant Principal
Lauren Kegley, School Counselor
Misty Pearson, Community School Advisor
Maggie Buto, Title I Resource Teacher
Melissa Pratt, Title I Resource Teacher
Charlie Givens, Student Services Resource Teacher
Email: dfoskey@ccps.org
Website: www.ccps.org/gmes
Location: 203 Newark Avenue, Elkton, MD, USA
Phone: 410.996.5040
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GilpinManorElementary/
Note from the Principal
Hello Gilpin Families,
Now that we have experienced the first week back from winter break, we want to thank you for your commitment to helping students get back into their routines. Even with our inclement weather delays and closures, students are readjusting to school again. We regularly revisit expectations, praise student effort, and remind students of our PBIS Core Values of Respect, Responsibility, Perseverance, and Safety. I ask that you continue to do the same so our students hear the same message from both school and home.
As we have navigated our first few days back, one hot topic has been the ongoing Pandemic. Please call the school at 410-996-5040 with any COVID-related questions you might have for your child. It is very important that we are made aware right away if your child(ren) has been exposed to an individual who has tested positive or if they, themselves, have tested positive. Speaking with myself or Mr. Etzel will help determine appropriate next steps. If your child is experiencing symptoms (fever, headache, etc.), please have your child remain at home and call the school.
Due to the inclement weather and wanting our students to have the most opportunity to adjust to routines and be prepared for mid-year benchmark assessments, we have updated the timeline for our tests for students in grades 1-5. Please see the revised dates in the Calendar section later on in this newsletter.
As shared previously, our January 'Principal's Book of the Month' is 'Frog and Toad are Friends'. As we reconnect with one another at school, friendship will be a valuable focus. To support this work, we will consider ways that we make friends, maintain positive relationships, and help others. I encourage you to explore the book and packet that comes home and chat with your child(ren) about friendships that are important to them.
Finally, I want to share an important update with you. Our school nurse, Nurse Perez, has made the difficult decision to leave Gilpin Manor. She must tend to some personal matters and has decided to move on to a new opportunity. We wish her all the best. In her absence, please ask to speak with myself or Mr. Etzel if there are COVID or other emergency situations you need to share with the school. We will have a substitute nurse for now until Nurse Perez's replacement is hired.
At Gilpin Manor, we strive to be a support system for our GMES students and families. If you are in need of assistance, have questions, or just need to check-in, please email me at dfoskey@ccps.org or contact the school at 410-996-5040. Mr. Etzel, our assistant principal, can also be reached at mcetzel@ccps.org. I hope you are safe and well!
And, as always, be kind to one another.
Fondly,
Don Foskey
#WeCan
COVID-19 Updates from CCPS - January 2, 2022
National Mentoring Month - Seeking Mentors at Gilpin Manor!
CCPS Parent Communication Survey
CCPS is committed to continuous improvement and works to solicit feedback from our family
stakeholders. In this spirit, we are asking you to take the time to complete the survey linked below that will help us gauge how we can better communicate with you.
Direct Survey Link: http://ow.ly/L7N150HpwOZ
Smore Link: https://www.smore.com/uqbck
Technology Access Survey
Principal's Book of the Month
We are starting a new program at Gilpin Manor. It is called ‘Principal’s Book of the Month.’ Throughout the school year, Mr. Foskey will select a book that will be given to every GMES student. During the month, students are encouraged to read the book. Teachers may complete activities with the book in classrooms as well.
The ‘Principal’s Book of the Month’ program will help us continue to build our learning community. One book will give us a common experience to discuss with our entire school family. Our books might have gentle messages, celebrate a person or event, or give us ways to discuss our Gilpin values. These books are intended to highlight something special and bring joy to our lives. We hope you and your child will read our book of the month.
CCPS Virtual Support
CCPS will soon offer virtual support for all students after school hours. CCPS teachers will provide support for Reading, Writing, or Math. These support sessions will be conducted after the school day through Schoology using a Zoom link.
If you are interested in registering your child for this support, please register HERE. A separate form should be completed for each child. Once we have processed your request, you will receive an email to access your support session.
Cafeteria News: Lunch Update
Social-Emotional Learning
Throughout the second marking period, our students will work through our Second Step Elementary unit 2 which focuses on emotion management. Children will learn how to identify and label emotions and use emotion-management strategies--including stress management for older students--to calm strong feelings.
To support families with SEL, below are a few resources:
- Second Step Program: Information for Families (see sample lessons!)
- Resource Guide to Social and Emotional Learning
- Let's Talk SEL
Do you have a question about SEL at Gilpin Manor? Ask it here: GMES SEL Family Questions
Community School Advisor: Connection
Power School Parent Portal
Important Dates and Upcoming Events
January: Braille Literacy Month & National Mentoring Month
- Jan 12 & 13 - Fair Hill visits Kindergarten (Jan 12-Andrews, Klunk; Jan 13-Nichols)
- Friday, January 14 - Early Dismissal Day (Students dismissed at 1:30 p.m.)
- Monday, Jan 17 - No School - MLK Day
- Week of Jan 17 - Acadience Reading testing for students in grades 1-5
- Wednesday, Jan 19 - Family Life Lessons parent/guardian presentation at 2:30 p.m. (lessons for grades 4 and 5 during health)
- Wednesday, Jan 19 - STEM Story Hour for Grades K-2 with APG 5:30-6:30 p.m. (virtual event) Registration Required: RSVP Here.
- Monday, January 24 - PTA Meeting 6:00-7:00 p.m. (all are invited to attend!)
- Tuesday, January 25 - Marking Period 2 Ends
- Wednesday, January 26 - Marking Period 3 Begins
February: Black History Month
- Wednesday, Feb 2 - Global School Play Day
- Wednesday, Feb 2 - Groundhog Day
- Thursday, Feb 3 - Reports Emailed to Families
- Thursday, Feb 3 - Dolphin Pride Day: Sports Team Day!
- Week of February 7 - National School Counseling Week
- Monday, Feb 7 - Anti-Bullying Posters due (for anyone choosing to participate)
- Week of Feb 14 - Math MAP testing for students in grades 2-5 (Feb 14 & 15)
- Week of Feb 14 - Reading MAP testing for students in grades 2-5 (Feb 17 & 18)
- Thursday, Feb 17 - Random Acts of Kindness Day
- Friday, Feb 18 - Early Dismissal (students dismiss at 1:30 p.m.)
- Monday, Feb 21 - No School: Presidents' Day
- Wednesday, Feb 23 - Marking Period 3 Interim Period Ends
- Friday, Feb 25 - Teach of the Year Nomination Materials due
- Week of Monday, Feb 28 - Read Across America Week
CCPS Anti-Bullying Poster Contest
Kynnedi showing her creation to Ms. Spangler!
Car Loop
Our car loop operates with two car loops again this school year to ensure the safety of students, families, and staff members. Students in grades Preschool, PreK, Kindergarten, and their siblings will use the smaller car loop at the front of the building. Students in grades 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, will use the car loop on the library side of the building. The library side of the building will require parents/guardians to enter down by the public library entrance.
To use the Car Loops, families must complete a GMES Car Rider Loop Application Information Sheet. You may do this electronically here: Car Rider Loop Application.
Attendance
Attendance at school each and every day is very important. This make sure students have consistent access to teachers and learning experiences. We will share weekly attendance rates for each grade level and the whole school each week.
Check out this great resource about attendance at school: Absences Adds Up!
Our goal each week is for each grade level, and our school overall, to have 90% or greater attendance. Attendance rates for this week are posted below:
PS: 89.8% PK: 74.7% K: 79.3% 1st: 81.9%
2nd: 83.1% 3rd: 80.6% 4th: 80.4% 5th: 81.7%
Overall: 80.9%
This was a tough week for attendance, which we understand was impacted by illness and inclement weather. We look forward to a stronger week next week!
Please see Dr. Lawson's Elementary School Update from October 4, 2021: Elementary Update.
Check out the MD SNAP-Ed Facebook page for more information on cooking demos and other great nutrition information - https://www.facebook.com/EatSmartMD
PTA Post
Please look for the membership forms that will go home with students the first week of school.
If you are interested in joining the PTA, a committee, or have any questions, please email us at gilpinmanorpta@gmail.com
2021-2022 PTA Board Members:
- President - Sabrina Roberts
- Vice President - Renee' Sayers
- Treasurer - vacant
- Secretary - vacant
- GMES Staff Liaison - Kelly Strawbridge
Be sure to 'Like' our Facebook page - Gilpin Manor PTA.
GMES Schedule
Office Hours: 8:00 am. - 4:30 p.m. (M,T,TH,F) 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (W)
School Hours - PreK-5th Gr: 8:45 a.m. - 3:35 p.m. (M,T,TH,F) 8:45 a.m. - 1:50 p.m. (W)
School Hours - Preschool: AM Session- 8:45 a.m. - 11:50 a.m. PM Session- 12:50 p.m. - 3:35 p.m.
CCPS and GMES Resource and Support Information
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