It is hard to believe that we have already reached the end of September, but here we are. If the calendar and the weather weren't reminders, then the Third and Fourth grade being introduced to the Scarecrow Jamboree certainly was. After yesterdays assembly the students were abuzz with creative ideas and aspirations. We are so excited to see what they come up with. Third and Fourth grade parents will be receiving an email with more information.
For the month of November, in recognition of Veteran's Day, we will be creating a Wall of Heroes here at GMS. We would like to hang the pictures of all Veterans connected to GMS or Litchfield. This wall will then hang each year and hopefully be added to. If you are a Veteran or would like a Veteran featured please fill out THIS FORM. You can include a photo in the form or send one in, if you send one in we will keep it so it may hang each year so a print is fine. We encourage you to share this link with anyone you would like.
A reminder that this upcoming week is a four day week for students. We hope the extra day off on Friday provides them all the rest they deserve from their hard work during this initial stretch to start the year.
From the District - To achieve greater clarity around our COVID practices, we have revised the familiar Protocol Chart into 3 columns. Please use this chart when deciding how to proceed with sickness in the home. As always, we endorse following CDC guidelines for vaccination (get a booster), handwashing and masking.
News from the PTO
Griffy Gear is back! There are a variety of sizes and colors for both children and adults! Online orders can be placed until October 5th.
October PTO meeting: please join us for our next meeting on Tuesday, October 11th at 6:30pm via Zoom. A link will be provided on the PTO FB page (GMS PTO NH 2022-2023). We look forward to seeing you!
Griffy Store is back for another exciting year (please see attached flyer)! To keep the store running we need VOLUNTEERS during recess times. Please consider volunteering for one of the slots. You can Sign-up here!
Save the Date: Pumpkin Festival will be Friday, October 28th from 6pm - 8pm! More information to follow about the event and ways to help make the night successful.
Newsletter: Our October Newsletter includes PTO news as well as some fun Halloween activities!
Attention all GMS Volunteers - GMS would like to apply for a Blue Ribbon Award this year and in order to do so, we need to keep track of volunteer hours. We are currently using a Google form to track. Please be sure to enter any time you may have spent volunteering this school year. Some examples include baking for the back to school breakfast bash, volunteering in the library, planning/coordinating an event, etc. Thank you for all you do!
October Newsletter
News from the Community
Community Blood Drive
On October 24th, in coordination with the American Red Cross, GMS will be sponsoring a Blood Drive at the Open Doors Community Church. More information about signing up can be found in the flyers below.
Flyer
Flyer2
Repeated News/ Long Term Info to Know
End 68 Hours of Hunger and the Litchfield School District 2022-2023
The End 68 Hours of Hunger Program and Litchfield Schools are pleased to inform you about a free, confidential food program which provides students with meals from Friday after school until they return to school on Monday morning. If meeting the weekend nutritional needs of your child is challenging at this time, we would like to help meet that need. All food is non-perishable and easy to prepare. If your child has any food allergies, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate this need. Nut products are included for those who are not allergic, but children are informed that they are not to open the bags until a parent can review the contents.
Each week, bags containing food will be provided to students at school. Students will bring the bag home on the bus or by whatever mode of transportation they have at the end of the day. If you prefer, parents may pick up the bag at school. Please contact your GMS School Social Worker Jada Tessier for further information jtessier@litchfieldsd.org.
End 68 Hours of Hunger Sign Up
Pick Up Procedures
Those utilizing parent pick up are asked to fill in the large loop at the designated time. Please have the colored pick up slips that were sent home, as these act as verification for our staff. If you arrive early for your designated time, you will be directed to a waiting line in the parking lot until your group time.
Pink Group (Last Names A-G): 2:45
Yellow Group (Last Names H-O) 2:52
Blue Group (Last Names P-Z) 3:00
Buses: 3:10 targeted departure
Absence Reporting Email
The GMS office now has a dedicated email address to use to report your child tardy or absent: GMSabsences@litchfieldsd.org. You can also find it on the Griffin Memorial School homepage, on the top, left side under “ABSENCES”.
When you send an email please include the following information:
*Child’s first and last name
*Teacher
*Reason for absence
If you would prefer to leave a voicemail message when your child is absent or tardy you are still welcome to call 424-5931 and then hit “2” when you hear the automated message. Please remember to include the above information in the voice message.
Please note that when you email or leave a voice message saying that your child “will be out” then the absence is recorded as unexcused. Please tell us the reason for the absence so it is documented correctly.
From the Lunchroom
School Breakfast and Lunch is no longer free for all students. Be sure to load student's account with money, or send in a check to the school. For information about Free and Reduced lunches please click here.
Chromebooks
For parents of Grades 1-4 students: Chromebook Take Home Fee is $5 per school year for each student. This fee will allow students to take home Chromebooks during remote learning days. If this fee is not paid the student will not be sent home with a Chromebook in preparation for a weather related remote day. If this fee presents a financial hardship please reach out to Mr. Mitchell.
