May in Review

June Happenings:

June 4 Garfield Elem day at BullFrogs game 1:05

June 4 NO PTO Meeting

June 7 4th Grade Recognition 1:45

June 9 Last Day of School-early release at 11:30

June 19 Summer School First Day

July Happenings:

July 3-5 No Summer School

July 19 Last Day of Summer School

August Happenings:

August 23 Garfield Elementary Open House - 3:30-5:30

September Happenings:

September 5--FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL & PICTURE DAY

Garfield Families-

It's hard to believe that this will be the last newsletter of the 2016-17 school year. The time sure flew by. As I sit back and reflect on my first year as part of this Garfield family, I can't help but smile. Some really great things happened here and what is really exciting is those really great things will continue into next year. As we close out this year, I'd like to just take a minute to give credit to those who made this year so great!

We have an amazing group of teachers that work so hard to support, guide, nurture, and challenge all the amazing kids that go to school here. Any amount of pride or success I have felt this year was directly related to the efforts of these teachers. I shared with the students on the first day of school this year, that one of the most incredible things about teachers, is the fact on the 1st day--even though they don't hardly know you yet, they already care deeply about you. This group of teachers then proceeded to prove this point the entire year.

Our students--wow--what neat group of kids. To watch 1st graders learn to read is like watching a caterpillar turn into a beautiful butterfly. As a parent with my own 1st grader, I was able to watch the transformation at home and at school. It was incredible to see their young minds learn the complicated task of learning to read. They worked so hard, never gave up and made huge growth. Way to go! Parents, be sure to give those 1st graders an extra hug! Learning to read is hard work!!!

All of our students worked hard. Our data is proof of their efforts. For the 1st time we asked students to set a goal for their reading growth. Many of the kids achieved their goal. Students were much more aware of their responsibility to their own learning this year. Our students embraced the character development program this year as well. We learned that school isn't just about learning to read and do math, but also to learn to be respectful citizens that will have a positive impact in our society. They responded to this challenge well.

To our 4th graders--good luck as you being a new adventure at the middle school. Remember your roots came from Garfield--and Garfield kids are respectful, responsible, and safe! And--if you learned anything--- you know you can do anything if you're willing to practice, never give up, and believe in yourself! Go get em' 4th grade.

Thank you to our PTO! What a great group of people to work with. It was so obvious that this group of parents are completely dedicated to our teachers and kids here! I have never worked with such a supportive group. Thank you on behalf of all of here at Garfield! You are the behind the scenes helpers to much of our success!

Lastly, thank you to the parents! Your support this year has had a tremendous impact on our success. There are not enough thank yous to go around to truly show the appreciation for your support.

I am very much looking forward to next year and our continued effort for growth and improvement. I'm looking forward to getting to know more families. Thank you all for being part of my first year!

Don't forget in between baseball games, soccer games, camping, fireworks, and fun to set aside some quiet moments for reading, playing games that support adding and thinking, taking a nature walk to explore and discover! You can ask your child to write about their most favorite play of the game or the best part of a camping trip. Have fun---learning is fun!

Have a wonderful summer!

Ms. Cassandra Schultz

Throughout the month of April, the Garfield Student Council held a penny drive to help fund Marinette’s Community Rec Center. Together, the staff and students collected $320.22. The Community Foundation was so pleased and impressed, that they invited some the of the Student Council members to be part of the groundbreaking ceremony held at the new site adjacent to the High School. Braxton, spoke on behalf of Garfield while Donovan, Olivia, Bryanna, Emma and Scarlett presented Mayor Genisot with Garfield’s donation. After the donation, the students grabbed a shovel and helped break ground with community leaders. What an exciting day for the Garfield students and Marinette!

Garfield Students showed growth in writing! Mrs. Schultz and Mrs. Sadowski used this rubric to grade a random sampling of student writing grades 1-4. This rubric is one example of descriptors we used to look for student growth in writing skills. As a parent you have probably seen a few writing samples come home with your child throughout the school year. Every Garfield student has a writing portfolio where a couple pieces of writing will be kept every year. Your child will receive this completed portfolio at their 4th Grade Recognition. Talk with your child about their writing. They love to share their stories!

STAR Reading Data

At Garfield Elementary School we have been working hard all year to monitor our reading data and have used these posters as visual reminders of growth we have seen in our students. Over 95% of students showed growth in reading this school year according to our STAR Reading assessment taken in the spring. All Garfield students set a targeted growth goal with the guidance of their teachers. 55% of all Garfield Students met that targeted growth goal for the STAR Reading Assessment.

The teachers celebrated Teacher Appreciation week May 8-May 12 with goodies and a special lunch. Goodies during the week were provided by the fabulous Garfield PTO and our district office, & Mrs. Cunningham and Mrs. Schultz provided an amazing lunch to say THANK YOU for all you do!!! Teachers were able to take alittle longer lunch time to enjoy the wonderful food.

A growth mindset is a belief that we can get smarter through hard work and practice. This means that struggling with something difficult doesn’t mean you’re not smart. It’s a chance to grow your intelligence. Growth mindset is all about trying hard, using good strategies, and getting the help you need.

Having a growth mindset is a popular notion in the field of education right now, however it is commonly misunderstood. It might seem like growth mindset implies that everyone has exactly the same potential in every domain, but that’s not quite true. Instead, growth mindset means that everyone’s intellectual ability can always be further developed. A benefit of a growth mindset is that it helps you stay motivated to stick it out when things are difficult, but telling students not to quit won’t do that alone. You have to truthfully convince kids that their efforts will result in increased ability ( because ability can grow!) and remind them that they’re learning when something is hard for them to do.

Research shows that a growth mindset is critical to school success and linked to the character grit or perseverance. A growth mindset predicts increased academic achievement and can help narrow achievement gaps. Having a growth mindset means understanding that intelligence can be developed. In others words, we can grow and learn from our mistakes.

Front row: Tegan Athey, Kiana Campbell, Jerzee Trusty, Hunter Schneider, Levi Kuenzli

Back row: Isaiah Piotrowski, Victoria Menor, Emma Bayerl, Madison Kunick, Hannah Anderson, Hayden Giese, Brody Schievink

We were visited by Alan Kazam the Magician on May 24th. His popular self-esteem show encourages kids to recognize the fact that it’s WHO YOU ARE ON THE INSIDE that matters and why you should never give up! It also emphasizes the value of teamwork, believing in yourself and getting along with others. 'I CAN DO IT Attitude!!!

All 3rd & 4th grader boys & girls in the Marinette School District compete against each other in various track & field events. All participants compete in at least 2 events and all participants receive ribbons. The Junior Olympics have been going on for about 35 years. Photos compliments of PhotoSmith Photography

Second grade students spent the week learning about birds and their habitats.

New Student Registration Process for the Upcoming Year!

Hello Parents! Coming later this summer, you'll see a complete change in the way we request your emergency information, address, phone numbers, etc. for the upcoming school year. We are moving to an online registration process and you will be in control of making any changes to your personal information whenever there's a need. Just think: no more lines in the office to turn in or fill out paperwork! You won't even have to make a special trip to the school to pick up paper forms--they can easily be filled in online!

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU: It is very important for us to have your current email address, as we will be delivering this information, as it unfurls, via email and through our Skyward Family Access portal.

If you have not already done so, please provide your child's school with your email address. Additionally, if you have never logged into the Skyward Family Access portal, now would be a good time to start! If you do not know your credentials, you can retrieve them yourself if we have your email address on file. If you have any questions, simply call your child's school and they can assist you.

More information will be delivered at regular intervals during this summer - stay tuned!

All 1st graders took a field trip to Lambeau Field and Badger Park.

Mrs. Borths Class also took a field trip to the Stephenson Library.

The second grade took a field trip to the Bay Beach Wild Life Sanctuary.

On Monday, May 8th, Garfield students were treated to a performance of “The Elixir of Love” by Opera for the Young. This performance was sponsored by the Garfield Elementary music program.

Opera for the Young, based out of Madison, Wisconsin, brings live professional opera to elementary school audiences. All productions are fully staged, sung in English, adapted for students and performed by a cast of four singers and an accompanist. Sixteen Garfield students appeared on stage in chorus and cameo roles.

The Elixir of Love showcased elements that come to define Opera for the Young, beautiful, challenging music, engaging relevant stories and many opportunities for student participation.

A huge thank you to Opera for the Young for providing this wonderful experience for our students.

Email: jcunning@marinette.k12.wi.us
Website: http://gar.marinette.k12.wi.us/
Location: 1615 Carney Boulevard, Marinette, WI, United States
Phone: 715-735-2400