Gullett Gazette - May 1, 2023

Charting Our Course in the 2022-2023 school year!

Principal's Post

Dear Gullett Families,

I am in shock that I am sending out the May Gazette. Where did this school year go?

The next few weeks are going to absolutely fly by and Memorial Day will be here before we know it. It was so wonderful to see so many of our volunteers joining our staff at our potluck luncheon, and I loved having a chance to visit with parents at Viva. It was a huge turn out, and I am in awe of the support our community shows for our school. From volunteering their time and expertise to contributing additional funds to just overall moral support and kind words, we are so fortunate to have such a giving community. This past week we celebrated “Poem in Your Pocket” day and we had our Art Show. It was such an incredible experience to see what our students have created this year!

As I reflect on all we have accomplished this year, I know none of it would be possible without the amazing teachers we have at Gullett. The dedication and care they show for every student, and the time that they put in to ensure our students have experiences beyond just the curriculum with special events, field trips, and STEAM lessons is truly inspiring. Next week, May 8th-12th is Teacher Appreciation Week and our PTA has so many wonderful ways they are celebrating our teachers each day. I have attached the flier of activities for the week so you can see what our PTA has in store for everyone. PTA is looking for treats on May 10th with this sign up!

I hope all of you are able to take a moment to let your teachers know how much you appreciate them. In a climate where teachers are leaving the profession in large numbers, we are so lucky to continue to have our wonderful teachers stay committed to Gullett. Teachers love treats as much as the next person (and we have plenty of that coming their way!), but the words of gratitude from parents and students are the most meaningful gift of all. We have attached an “All About My Teacher” page that you may want to complete with your child along with a note for Friday the 12th. It is always so fun to see those responses!

On Tuesday, May 16th (new date!), at 6 pm, we will have “Good Evening, Gullett: All Things 23-24!” PTA and I will be co hosting this hybrid meeting to discuss budget priorities, initiatives, staffing, scheduling, etc. for the 23-24 school year. Please join us to learn more and share your thoughts.

As we look towards closing out this school year over the next few weeks, we have so much to celebrate! We finally had a full “normal” school year! Our Geckos are thriving and our community is as engaged as ever and even more present on campus. Your children have grown so much academically, socially, and emotionally and have made many great memories and friendships. I can’t wait for our Talent Show on May 22nd, Story Wranglers, Kindergarten “Mother Goose” performance, and the many end of the year celebrations in the classroom!

One day in the future (and the future is just a few short weeks away for some), you will be sitting at the end of the year 5th grade promotion ceremony on the last day of school, hopefully looking back on what a great elementary school experience your child had. Several years later, we will welcome you back to Gullett for our Annual Senior Walk for our graduating class. This is a wonderful tradition we look forward to at the end of the year, and I love hearing the Seniors chatter about “Remember this…” and “It looks so small!” and “Is so and so still here? I wanted to see them!”

Gullett truly is a school like no other place! I continue to be so thankful to be able to serve our community, staff, and students and am looking forward to an exciting end of the year.

Sincerely,

Tammy Thompson

Proud Principal, Gullett Elementary

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Counselor Chronicle

This recent rotation of counseling lessons focused on learning about the relationship between careers and interests. Students were able to identify at least three interests and link them to potential careers.

We look forward to continuing to explore this topic at our Career Day on May 12th. Please ask your student what their interests are and what careers they think might be a good fit for them.

~Ms. Garland and Ms. Mahan

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Library Letter

Check out the Library Newsletter for information on classes, birthday books, online library catalog, Mackin Via, in store book fair, and author visit recap!

- Mr. Temple

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Music Monthly

Hello, Gullett Musicians!

April, like the rest of this school year, flew by! We had an awesome student program by the Wild Things in 2nd grade and had guest performers from the Austin Symphony Percussion section and the McCallum HS Cello Choir. To cap the month, we were represented so well by our Geckos at the annual Music Memory Celebration. Looking ahead to the end (!), we still have the Kindergarten program, Geckos Got Talent (with help from the 5th grade Crew), and another edition of Share Day.

Not much time left, but here's what we're up to:

Kindergarten: Program Prep
1st: La and Child's Chant
2nd: Mi Re Do pattern and Takadimi
3rd: Low So and Takadi
4th: High Do and Syncopation
5th: Fa and Triple Meter

Please let me know if you have questions!

~Mr. Jurgens

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The "Art"icle

THANK YOU to all the people who volunteered to make our art show amazing, I hope everyone managed to stay safe in the storm, I hope you came by and loved the show!)

Frames & Original art that was purchased online by 5pm Monday will be left at the school for pick up the rest of the week. The virtual Art show has been extended to May 5th- Sales made after 5pm Monday, reproductions, and unsold artwork will be shipped to the school 2 weeks after the close of the virtual show.

Big thank you to the parents who filmed blurbs about their art careers! The kids love seeing people they know! If you missed it and want to send a video of your art related career, click here for more information.

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

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P.E. Press

In PE, we are wrapping up Fitnessgram for 3rd-5th grades. They all did a wonderful job! We will be concluding the year with the Striking and Soccer Units. On wellness days, we have been covering all things related to safety including water safety, sun safety, pedestrian & bicycle safety etc. and we will wrap the year with lessons related to substance abuse and tobacco. Thank you all for your continued support this year!

If you would like to volunteer or would like to donate some goodies, please follow the link to sign up HERE.

Thank you!

~ PE Team (Coach Rose, Coach Garcia, and Coach Victor)