Message from the Principal:
Here it is, October, and we are half way through the first quarter. During the first part of the school year students have worked hard at learning classroom and school routines. In the classrooms, students are working at building caring communities where they can support one another in their learning.
A classroom goal that all students are currently working on is building stamina for reading. This includes the number of minutes that students are able to stay focused on reading and the total number of minutes they are reading each day. It is fun to see each of them rise to this challenge and the excitement they have in describing their successes.Another classroom goal has been for students to build their math fact fluency. Students are practicing daily in the classrooms to build their use of addition, subtraction, and multiplication facts. Parents can help student achieve these goals faster by encouraging students to practice at home.
To build a positive school environment, students have also learned about the behavior expectations for many of our common areas. In the hallways, students move quickly and quietly between locations. They are becoming more aware every day of how their voices carry in our building and how important it is for them to be respectful of others who are learning. In the cafeteria, we have set out extra tables and have given students the option to sit where they are most comfortable. Students have learned that it is important to be good citizens in the lunchroom by maintaining an appropriate voice level, being respectful of others space and cleaning up after themselves when it is time to leave.
On the playground, students have been provided opportunities for games and activities. With each new activity there are new rules that must be learned. In everything they do, students are guided to be kind to themselves, kind to others, and kind to the environment.
As we move forward through the remainder of the year, students will continue to build their understanding of what it means to be kind to themselves, kind to others and kind to the environment. We are so proud of our students and the positive growth they have made in one short month. As we look forward to the end of our quarter we want to invite parents to come share with us as we celebrate some of these successes on Thursday, October 28th during our awards ceremony.
Have a great October and look below for some things to know for the month.
3rd Grade Reading Ohio State Test | Parents, we will administer the 3rd grade Reading OST the week of October 18th. It is important that all 3rd grade students come to school on time and ready to test with a good breakfast and attitude in the morning. Please provide them with encouragement when you send them off to school.
October Is Bully Prevention Month
My name is Laura Gooch and I am the school social worker at Garfield. I am in the building every Thursday. I wanted to introduce myself and explain my role. I am available to assist you and your family with the following:> Social-emotional support sessions with students;
- > Connection to community resources (such as housing, food, clothing, utility assistance);
- > Crisis intervention;
- > Assistance with making referrals for parents who are interesting in enrolling their child in counseling.
If I can assist with any of the above, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. I can be reached by e-mail at [email protected] or call the school and ask for the social worker. To learn more about Bullying and how to take stances against it. See the LCS Social Work Team flier HERE
A few notes about arrival & dismissal
- Parents, beginning October 4th at 2:30 PM we will begin dismissing grades 1st through 5th out of the Main doors. Preschool and Kindergarten will continue to dismiss out of our East doors. After examining our dismissal procedures, we felt this was in the best interest of our students and parents.
- No pets are allowed on campus during drop-off and dismissal times unless they stay inside parents' cars. Thank you for your support and understanding.
- We ask for your patience with arrival and dismissal. We have a systematic process to get approximately 200 students in and out of school as safely and efficiently as possible. Modeling rule/law-following, safety, and respect will benefit our children in countless ways!
- Anytime you need to change the dismissal method for your child, please be sure you notify the school in writing or by phone. Otherwise, your child will be dismissed by their regular method. Please notify the school if your child is NOT riding the bus, day care or attending Boys and Girls Club, if notification is not given prior to dismissal your child will be placed on the bus or sent to Boys and Girls Club.
- Parents who arrive late for dismissal, after the car line is empty, will need to come to or call the office to pick up their child. Parents should be at the school at 2:30 PM for dismissal. Staff members need to use the time after school for meetings, conferences, and lesson planning.
Dates to Remember
October 8 | NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS/NEOEA DAY
October 15 | End of 1st Grading Period
October 18 | Fall Picture Day
October 19 | Literacy Night/Family Fall Fest
October 28 | 1st Quarter Awards Ceremony
October 29 | NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS/WAIVER DAY