
GPS District Digest (v5, i06)
Stories, news, and updates from Greenwich Public Schools

I Remember You
It is that time of year where we are reminded to be grateful for all that we have. Here in the GPS District Digest newsroom, we are appreciative of our ~3k subscribers and everyone that takes time out of their busy schedule to reach out with amazing feedback.
We would like to think that you invite us to lunch every other Thursday during the school year. Is there a better companion to your turkey sandwich and cranberry juice than all good things GPS?
So, cozy up to that cup of soup, open up your bag of chips, and get ready to be entertained.
Enjoy Issue No. 6 and thank you for your support.
GPS District Digest
A Veterans Day to Remember
Veterans Day celebrations are special. Veterans Day celebrations are extra special at Greenwich Public Schools.
Our students spent the majority of their day in the classroom and at ceremonies honoring America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
We are able to share some amazing images from across the district with our loyal readers and an incredible slideshow that you will not want to miss.
Parkway School
Western Middle School
Greenwich High School
GHS Roots & Shoots Drive
Thomas the Tank
You read about Greenwich HS junior, Thomas McKinney, in the local media, correct?
An ambassador for a litter-free ocean, Thomas has helped organize and host many community cleanups, including the one this Saturday, November 18 at Cos Cob Park from 2:00-4:00 PM. Come on down and help out! Volunteers are encouraged to show up with gloves and long pants.
Since GHS students are required to obtain a certain number of volunteer hours, maybe these events are for you! His events offer up to two hours of volunteer hours.
Follow him on Instagram to get all of his updates at @thomasmck5.
Oh Take Me In Your Arms
Did your friendly neighborhood squirrels go to town on your pumpkins yet?
If not, our community partners at Waste Free Greenwich will be hosting its second annual "Great Pumpkin Rescue" on Saturday, November 18 from 1:00-4:00 PM at Living Hope Community Church in Old Greenwich. Sponsored by Curbside Compost, the event aims to collect pumpkins for composting and to raise awareness about food waste in our community. Last year, the Great Pumpkin Rescue diverted over 2,000 lbs. of pumpkins from the waste stream.
Bring your pumpkins to be composted and stay for the fun! This free, family-friendly event will feature a pumpkin toss and lawn games, including pumpkin bowling, spooky ring toss, pumpkin bean bag toss and gourd tic tac toe. Earn raffle tickets for a chance to win prizes to green your home. The Waste Free Greenwich team will also conduct a compost demonstration to share tips about backyard composting and other ways to cut food waste.
For more information, head to the events page on WFG's website.
Rocket J. Squirrel probably has enough saved up, anyway.
Sign 'Em Up 2023-2024
Loyal readers of the Digest will remember that each year, we like to put the spotlight on student-athletes that participate in "Signing Day" events at Greenwich High School.
For many sports, especially in Division I, National Signing Day has become a celebrated event for those student-athletes that expect to attend Division I and Division II colleges and universities next year.
Recently, 13 proud student-athletes, representing 10 different schools, announced their intentions.
Seated (l to r): Julia Doss, crew, Stanford University; Anna Clark, crew, University of Southern California; Marcus Chung, crew, Harvard University; Hayley Dionis, volleyball, Furman University; Anna Donovan, equestrian, University of California, Davis; Emma Abbazia, lacrosse, University of Maryland, Julia Acosta, soccer, Fordham University.
Standing (l to r): Samantha Jaffe, crew, University of California, Berkeley; Estella Zeppelin, crew, University of California, San Diego; Payton Foster, swimming, Harvard University; Catherine Kinglsey, crew, Bucknell University; Sydney Jee, swimming, Bucknell University; Evelyn Sherman, crew, Bucknell University.
A Takeover in the Swamp
Earlier this month, Eastern Middle School Assistant Principal Mr. Anthony Duncan took over the district's social media account from the 10th Annual Gator Walk. The walkathon is Eastern’s one and only fundraiser for the year and the money raised goes to student activities, including clubs, sports, music programs, and field trips. Each homeroom competed for special prizes to show which class has the most school spirit.
Head to the school's News & Social Media page to see the full takeover!
You can follow Mr. Duncan on social media from his account, @Eastern_AP, to get all of the inside stuff at EMS.
Andrew, the Grand Champion
Back in volume 5, issue 2 of the GPS District Digest, loyal readers learned that GHS alumni and current Pennsylvania State University freshman, Andrew Hanna, was named a finalist in the 2023 Chevron Tractor Restoration Competition for completely restoring a 1942 Farmall M.
Guess what? Earlier this month in Indianapolis, Andrew Hannah was named the Grand Champion and walked away with a $10,000 check and the coveted Grand Champion belt buckle!
Way to go Andrew!
A Harmonious Encounter with Excellence
Recently, Greenwich High School's band and orchestra students had an extraordinary experience at Greenwich Symphony Orchestra rehearsals. Our talented young musicians were given a unique opportunity to sit onstage alongside seasoned professionals during the orchestra's rehearsal, providing them with an up-close and personal look into the world of symphonic mastery.
During this exceptional event, students not only witnessed the precision and dedication of the GSO, but also actively engaged with the musicians, asking questions and gaining insights into the intricacies of orchestral performance. Moreover, they had the privilege of meeting the Maestro himself, Stuart Malina, a renowned conductor whose expertise has enriched the cultural landscape of our community.
As part of our ongoing commitment to fostering a love for the arts among our students, the GSO has extended a generous offer to all GHS students: free tickets are available for them to attend upcoming performances. This invaluable opportunity allows our young musicians to further immerse themselves in the world of classical music and witness the magic of live orchestral performances.
To secure these complimentary tickets, interested students can reach out to their music department teachers, who will provide details on the process.
Looking ahead, mark your calendars for the next captivating performance by the GSO on Saturday, January 27 at 7:30 PM and Sunday, January 28 at 3:00 PM at GHS' Performing Arts Center. This upcoming event will feature the remarkable talent of Indian-American violinist Maya Anjali Buchanan, whose artistry promises to captivate audiences of all ages. The program will include masterpieces by Beethoven and Shostakovich, creating an unforgettable evening of musical brilliance.
Disney’s Aladdin KIDS at ISD
GPS X-Cellent Adventures 📱
We love sharing good news with our 2,066 closest friends on the GPS X (Twitter) account, @GPSDistrict.
Follow us, but only do it if you are a member our families, students, staff, or community that want to see all of the good things happening around the District. No negativity from us!
At the Digest, we love to show you some of our favorite posts from around the GPS social media world, including from some new accounts on Instagram.
Do you have a favorite social media account? Let us know!
To Our Loyal Readers...
- If you have a great story or photograph to share from our schools inside the District, alert the good folks in the GPS District Digest newsroom. They want to know!
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- Are we having fun yet?
- Karen and Linda: Now all the things that we've been through, you should understand me like I understand you.
Email: communications@greenwich.k12.ct.us
Location: 290 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich, CT, USA
Phone: (203) 625-7415
It is the Mission of the Greenwich Public Schools to:
- • Educate all students to the highest levels of academic achievement;
- • Enable them to reach and expand their potential; and
- • Prepare them to become productive, responsible, ethical, creative and compassionate members of society.