As we continue our journey on the "Energy Bus for Kids," I'm thrilled to highlight Rule Five: "Enjoy the Ride." This rule speaks volumes about the joy of learning and the excitement of the journey we're all on together.

Life, like a bus ride, has its twists, turns, ups, and downs. Yet, it's our attitude and approach that make the ride worthwhile. When we adopt a mindset of enjoyment and appreciation for each moment, we discover the true magic of the journey.

We have been working all year on instilling the power of positivity into students at GBR. The companion to this power is the joy of learning! These ideas go hand in hand as we move into the second semester.

By embracing Rule Five, we encourage our students to:

1. Embrace Positivity: Every day presents opportunities for growth and learning. With a positive attitude, challenges become chances to develop new skills and talents.

2. Celebrate Progress: Learning isn't just about reaching the destination; it's about savoring every step of the journey. Whether it's mastering a new concept or making new friends, celebrating progress fuels our enthusiasm.

3. Find Joy in Learning: Learning is an adventure! Whether it's exploring a new subject, diving into a book, or engaging in hands-on activities, there's joy in every discovery.

As we traverse the school year, let's remind ourselves to embrace Rule Five - "Enjoy the Ride." Let's encourage our young learners to greet each day with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a joy for learning.

Together, as a community dedicated to fostering a love for education, let's make every moment count and create an atmosphere where our students not only learn but also "Enjoy the Ride."

Thank you for being part of this incredible journey with us.

• Please send appropriate weather gear for your learner(s) as we DO go outside if the temperature, or wind chill, is zero degrees or above. Please also send shoes to change into as we do not want our learners in boots all day. We have a limited supply of extra gloves, mittens, and hats.
• Call or visit the school office to update your contact and/or emergency contact information.
• Sign up to receive school related notifications by downloading the app. Go to www.schoolinfoapp.com, or download the Mitchell School District app on your iPhone of Android device. You can choose Gertie Belle Rogers if you'd prefer to only receive 'what's happening' at Gertie Belle Rogers Elementary.
• Doors open and supervision begins at 7:30am daily. We do not have supervision prior to this time. Please make note as we will have some very cold mornings, that students will be waiting outside before 7:30am. We ask that only those students who are wanting to eat breakfast come prior to 7:45am. We ask that students who are not eating breakfast at school come as close to 8:00am if at all possible.
• School begins each day at 8:15am! We have been seeing many students coming in after 8:15am, thus being counted absent or tardy by their teacher. Please remind your student if arrival is after 8:15am he/she must stop in the office for an admit slip.

Reminder: No school on January 15, 2024 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. day!

At the monthly assembly in December, a Midwest Honor Flight representative presented to the students. The students learned how the program serves our US veterans. At the end of the presentation, the GBR Student Council presented the representative with a check in the amount of $2003.70. This money was collected during the Penny Wars activity that took place in the month of November.

The Caring Kernel Award is given monthly to teacher nominated students who have shown to go above and beyond. Students are chosen for showing kindness to other at school or within the community, showing true Kernel spirit, having a positive attitude, demonstrating great sportsmanship at school activities, and overcoming hardships in school or at home. Below is a photo of the November 2023 student recipients: (from left) Eva Milan, Kinsley Knippling, Vivienne Lyle, Luke Sommer, Alejandro Perez Cassutt, and Josie Bietz.

Thank you to the Kiwanis Club of Mitchell for sponsoring this honor!

On December 12, 2023, GBR Student Council members rang bells at County Fair in Mitchell for the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign! What a wonderful way to spread Christmas cheer!

In December, students from Mrs. Brua's 1st grade class won a game hour for having best attendance. Way to go kids!