Gullett Gazette - October 3, 2023

Dear Gullett Caregivers,

I cannot believe that October is here! We have definitely had a busy and fun filled September. With our Chris Barton author visit, Dot Day, McCallum Ballet Folklorico and Jazz workshop assemblies, our Gecko schedules have been packed with awesome experiences. Thank you as well for coming to Back to School Night and Parent-Teacher Conferences. The home school partnership is appreciated and is so important to your Gecko’s success.

October is shaping up to be just as jam packed! We are thrilled to have gardening under way again and to start welcoming our Guardian of the Geckos volunteers. I know our library volunteers are also busy planning an amazing book fair and our teachers continue to be so thankful for our Apple Core classroom support.

Speaking of our caregiver support, our PTA is currently working on building our “Gecko Fund” which is one of the two major fundraisers that support all enrichment programs for students as well as directly supporting our teachers here at Gullett. We are so fortunate to be able to pool our resources to create amazing programming that makes our school so special. Please consider making a small donation as any and all amounts are appreciated. You can find information about this on Konstella and can donate via CheddarUp!

This month we are looking forward to celebrating the Month of the Bilingual Child, Dyslexia Awareness and Bullying Prevention. Students and staff are encouraged to wear orange on Unity Day, Wednesday, October 19, to show they care about safe and supportive schools and communities. The following week is “Be Kind to Your Mind (Red Ribbon Week)” and we will be talking about all the ways to take care of ourselves and others. There are several “dress up” days on Konstella and we have added a reminder feature as well. We kept it limited to things students will likely already have in their (or your) wardrobes, so we can still show our spirit but keep it relatively simple. CATCH night is towards the end of October as well as Book Fair. Don’t forget that applications for our Gullett School Business Fair are due at the end of the month. More info is included below. There is something for everyone here at Gullett!

As you may have seen, there are changes happening around the campus here at Gullett. The fence is under construction and that will impact some of our arrival and dismissal procedures. We anticipate it being completed by the end of October. Gullett was also allocated money from the 2022 AISD bond. With these funds, we are expected to be getting several improvements and upgrades. How the bond translates into school improvements is something we discuss in detail at our Campus Advisory Council meetings each month-please join us if interested in learning more!

On Monday, November 6th I will be doing a parent presentation from 5:30 - 6:00 pm in the library for the Human Sexuality and Responsibility curriculum. This curriculum will be taught in December for grades K-5. Following that will be our November PTA meeting from 6-7pm.

I am excited for all the community events for the fall, cooler temps and being able to continue to support our Geckos and teachers as they “Grow to Glow” this year! Thank you all for your continued support of our Geckos!

Sincerely,

Tammy Thompson

Proud Principal, Gullett Elementary

During the month of September, counseling lessons focused on self-awareness and the role of the school counselor, including how students can request support whenever they face challenges that interfere with learning. We started each lesson with an opportunity to practice regulating and relating to our environment, including mindfulness practices such as the 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Exercise. With the help of The Rainbow Fish , our PK and KG students discovered how the wise octopus is like the school counselor! 1st-2nd grade students practiced distinguishing between “rock problems” and “playdough problems” and they identified ways that the school counselor provides support. 3rd-5th grade students played The School Counselor Game (Family Feud style!), and we enjoyed reconnecting as we practiced teamwork.

We can all benefit from being fully present in the moment while paying attention to our thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment. Mindfulness helps children manage stress, improve focus and concentration, enhance emotional regulation, and foster a greater sense of empathy and kindness. You can promote mindfulness at home by creating peaceful and inviting spaces where children can relax and practice mindfulness when needed and by encouraging open conversations with your child about their feelings and experiences. Here are some resources for you to explore::

• Books

• Sitting Still Like a Frog by Eline Snel

• Breathe Like a Bear by Kira Willey

• I Am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness by Susan Verde

• Apps and Websites:

• Headspace for Kids

• Smiling Mind

• TODAY Parenting Guides provide benchmarks and tips for your child’s academic, physical, and social emotional growth.

Please reach out to me with any questions or concerns (deanna.mahan@austinisd.org or 512-414-2082 EXT 56028).

~ Ms.Mahan

Book Fair begins at the end of October! We can't wait! You can see the Book Fair site and upcoming library events in the library newsletter.

~ Mr. Temple

Hello, Gullett Musicians!

Something you will hear a lot in newsletters this year: we’ve had a very busy time around the music rooms this month! Fifth grade gave a great performance after only 26 days of school, 3rd-5th graders were visited by the Austin Jazz Workshop, and we are gearing up for a few more programs before the end of the semester, as well as covering our TEKS-based curriculum.

We are still collecting funds for recorders for 3rd-5th grade. Please see School Cash Online, or send $4 cash/check per student and expect a receipt. The sooner we have payment, the sooner we can order and start playing instruments!

Here are some upcoming music events:

• 10/17: 3rd Grade Program–Nightsong

• 11/10: Veterans Day Assembly (All)

• 12/16: All-City Choir (selected 3rd-5th)

• 12/18-12/20: Share Day! (All)

As always, please email us with any questions!

~Will Jurgens and Marc Sustaita (Mr. S), Gullett Music Staff

There has been a lot happening in art this month!

• K-1 are wrapping up Unit 2 Line and Shape-- Kinder is making shape Dinos and 1st is about to start some Eric Carle Inspired Collages. They will begin Unit 3: Color and make some Fall themed art in the coming weeks.
• 2nd- 5th are wrapping up Unit 2: Artists, artworks, and Art techniques, with beginning of the year projects based on artists and will be moving into Unit 3: Artists Plan, explore, and express with 2nd grade creating Superhero cityscapes and looking at figure-ground relationships and 3rd-5th Learning to use the supplies in the choice-based studio and make their own plans for projects.

Before the month is out, everyone will be in Unit 4: Artists give and get feedback where we will be doing gallery walks, art critiques, writing artist statements, and putting art on artsonia.

In AISD Kinder-1st grade Art Curriculum is based on the Elements of Art and the Principals of Design and our 2nd-5th Grade Art Curriculum is based on the Studio Habits of Mind

• Classroom Wishlist for Ms. Leatherwood and Ms. Luecke

• Sign the permission form for Ms. Leatherwood's National Board Journey here
• Artsonia: Connect a parent account to your student by clicking on this link.
• Don't forget to check out the Contest Folder for Art Contests!

~ Ms. Leatherwood and Ms. Luecke

What we are learning:

We are currently in our Throwing and Catching Unit where students will review and practice a variety of throwing and catching skills. For wellness, we are learning about the components of fitness.

CATCH Night:

Gullett Elementary will be hosting our annual Coordinated Approach to Child Health Night or CATCH Night on Tuesday, October 24th from 5:00-6:30 pm. This is our annual health and wellness fair! This event will feature a wide range of wellness topics, activities, interactive booths, giveaways, and more! This event is for all Gullett community- students, families, and staff.

Do you or someone you know own a business related to health, wellness, fitness? Have a passion for all things mind, body, and soul?! Then look no further! If you (or someone you know) are interested in hosting a small booth/table/activity area at CATCH night, please send them our way! In previous years we’ve welcomed fitness boot camps, dental offices, kiddie camps, after-school programs, yoga studios, pedestrian/bike safety, massage therapy, blood pressure checks, cooking classes, crossfit, and more. If interested, please complete the form below! We are looking for about 6 more organizations/programs to join us this year! We would love to have you!

https://forms.gle/bQwRnasjj3PwAVd79

Ms. Garcia and Coach Rose will contact you for confirmation! Thank you!

~ Ms. Garcia, Coach Rose, and Coach Victor

Attention students! Would you like to start your own business? Then apply to this year’s Gullett Children’s Business Fair. You will create your own product or service and then set up your own booth and sell your creation at our Business Fair here at Gullett! You will make money and feel great for running your own business. We have space for only 30 businesses, so please apply by October 31. The fair will be held March 30, 2024. To apply for the Fair, scan the QR code of any of the Business Fair signs around campus, and that code will take you to the Business Fair web site. https://www.childrensbusinessfair.org/austintexas

• October - Dyslexia Awareness Month, Month of the Bilingual Child, Bullying Prevention Month
  
• 10/2-6 - Custodian Appreciation Week

• 10/13 - Good Morning, Gullett!

• 10/16 - Transportation Appreciation Week

• 10/17 - 3rd Grade Performance

• 10/20 - Picture Day

• 10/23 - Red Ribbon Week

• 10/24 - CAC, CATCH Night 5-6:30 pm

• 10/30 - 11/4 Book Fair begins!

Samantha Greenleaf, Assistant Principal

GROW to Glow!

Email: gullett@austinisd.org
Website: www.gullettgeckos.com
Location: 6310 Treadwell Boulevard, Austin, TX, USA
Phone: 512-414-2082
Facebook: facebook.com/gullettgeckos
Twitter: @GullettElem