GES Newsletter- Getting Started!

The following information was included in a phone call that went out to families at 5:30 PM on Tuesday 8/10. This weekly wrap-up (e-mail, phone call & video) is a key way to receive important information about relevant announcements and upcoming events.

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GES Family,

Welcome back!

The school year is approaching quickly! For our Kindergarten families and students WELCOME! Kindergarteners will be joining us on Monday, August 16th, and the rest of our students on Tuesday, August 17th. This will be a long newsletter with a lot of information, so I won't be long-winded here. But, allow me to share the following:

It is not lost on this Garfield teaching team that you are extending a great deal of trust in us to teach and care for the needs of your very special children. You are giving us the best of you, and we will give you the best of us in return. This is a partnership, and we can't wait to get started.

This school is a special place. We are so proud to be Grizzlies, and are so happy that you have chosen to be Grizzlies with us!

So, with no further ado, let me pass along some key information to get you prepped for next week. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.

OH! And check out the welcome back video I just made for you linked on the button below and here.

See you soon!

Your proud Principal,

John Kleiber

john.kleiber@tsd.org

970-613-6002

• Your school supply list for the 21-22 school year has been posted on our school website It can be accessed here (I've also included a picture below this blurb).
• We have 60 pre-filled TEF back packs complete with school supplies available at our front office right now. If that would support your family, all you need to do is drop by the front office, and pick one out for your GES student!

Monday 8/16 will be a kindergarten transition day for just our kindergarten students. The details for that day are:

• The day will be a half day for students. The day will start at 7:50 and conclude at 11:30 AM
• We will have a first day of school picture station outside our Southern "Mosaic Room" (there is a map below)
• Students will receive breakfast at school, But there will not be lunch on this day.
• Please do bring students with their bags full of supplies!
• Please do bring a water bottle
• Please do send a snack

Parents, you're invited!

I would like to invite you to a breakfast with the Principal after dropping your Kinder Grizzly off. We will meet in the Mosaic studio, or out on the south lawn (if it is a nice morning). I will be giving tours of the building, offering some logistical information about the school day and school systems, and answering any questions you have. I will also be introducing you to a member of the PTA board, and the VITAL coordinator who will talk to you about visiting and volunteering at Garfield this year.

GOOD NEWS!

Breakfasts and lunches will continue to be free for all students, during 2021-2022. Your student may bring a home lunch if they wish, otherwise, just help your student review the monthly lunch menu so they can decide on having "main" (the main course for the day) or PB&J.

I would ask one favor from all families. While all families will receive the benefit of free meals for the duration of the year. We as a school benefit greatly from having as many families as possible complete the annual Free and Reduced benefits packet. I am asking for you to complete the packet, even if you don't think you would qualify.

Complete your annual packet here! Thank you!

Your students lunch schedule is pictured below. Most grade levels have students going outside to play before lunch each day.

What is the story on class lists?

• Class lists will be posted on the Kindergarten (for Kindergarten only) and 1st - 5th graders on the main school doors at 3:30 PM on Friday, August 13th.

What can we expect this year as compared to last year?

• We have decided to keep our "soft start" to the school day. This means that the playground is closed each morning and afternoon (before and after school) when your kids arrive at school (between 7:45 and 8:00, or 8:45 and 9:00 on Wednesday) they will walk directly to their classroom exterior door (1st grade is your hallway exterior door) and come on in to start with breakfast and start of day activities.
• As of right now parents and students are not required (but may choose to) wear masks while on campus at Garfield.
• The water spigot on the drinking fountains remain closed. Water bottles are a necessity at school (we do have fill stations ready to go!)
• We will not have a lost and found again this year- Please write your student's name inside jackets and coats so we can help to return lost items to owners before the end of day each day.
• We will continue to be attentive to cleaning and sanitizing efforts in school.
• The bottom line- Healthy kids are kids who are able to attend school! We want and need your kids in school! We'll do everything we can!

Student Arrival and Dismissal:

• All students should arrive to school between 7:45 and 8:00. They should come into their classroom once they arrive at school (the playground is closed)
• Kindergarten will dismiss daily at 3:05 at the south Mosaic entrance.
• 1st- 5th grade will dismiss daily at 3:10 with the dismissal bell.
• Wednesdays are late start days. Every Wednesday the school day starts at 9:00 (students may arrive at school between 8:45-9:00)
• Safety at drop-off means using our crosswalks, and following directions of our supervising staff outside. The staff parking lot is closed to all pickup and drop-offs.

Can I come into the school (visit and volunteer)

• We would love to have you! Please work with your classroom teacher on any scheduled visits or times to volunteer so we can be sure we are communicating with you about the correct procedures to prepare for that day!
• Please register on the VITAL page of the TSD Website

How do I pick up my student early?

• Bring your photo ID
• Come to the front door and ring the doorbell
• You will be admitted to the front corridor where our front office staff will assist you.

Attendance Attendance Attendance!

• Student attendance is a focus for us this year! We need your student in school! If your student is indeed sick, or family circumstances necessitate a day out of school, please communicate with the office by calling 613-6090.
• Let us know If there is anything we can do as a school to support you with attendance. We're here to serve and help. Just holler!

Student devices

• We are prepared to check out an individual device to each student at GES . Our K-2 students will receive iPads, and our 3-5 students will receive Chromebooks. These devices are stay at school devices. We'll work with you to accommodate needs should we experience any quarantines or closures.

Monday, August 16th:

• Kindergarten students 1st day (7:30-11:30)
• Breakfast will be served
• No lunch

Tuesday, August 17th:

• A full day of school for all students! WELCOME TO THE 21-22 school year!
  
• Campus opens at 7:45- students should come straight to classrooms (staff will be outside, on campus to support you in finding those doors)
• A watermelon or similar summer treat social will be held after school for all families and students on the blacktop (Playpad behind the school)

Wednesday, August 18th:

• Late start day- School begins at 9:00 AM (dismissal is at 3:10)

Thursday, August 19th:

• Back to School Night (grade-level specific details will be communicated soon)

Friday, August 20th:

• Your first Friday Wrap-up Celebration newsletter and video to "Wrap-Up" the week!

Principal of Garfield Elementary School

Email: john.kleiber@thompsonschools.org
Website: www.thompsonschools.org/garfield
Location: 720 Colorado Avenue, Loveland, CO, USA
Phone: 970-613-6002