There is nothing like a tropical style rain and wind storm to lead us off to vacation. Thank you to everyone who made today's drop off and dismissal go as smoothly as possible. The storm did not dampen the holiday spirit and excitement though. We are always so appreciative of the energy that today brings and to see so many parents put the time, effort, and commitment in to making this a joyous day for the students.
On the Friday we return, January 6th, it will be the 80th day of school and like we did last year on the 90th day, we thought it would be fun to celebrate this day with a Theme Day. So dust off your shoulder pads, banana clips, stonewash, and nylon... It will be 80's Day. We can't wait to see the nostalgia fill the halls.
In the new year, Mr. Mitchell will begin having Coffee with the Principal regularly throughout the year. The hope is that these coffees will provide an opportunity for parents and community members to engage in a dialogue about GMS in order to share the great things happening here every day. The first one is scheduled for January 20th at 9:00 AM.
As everyone begins some well earned and much deserved time off we wish you all the warmest of wishes for a restful, joyous, and healthy holiday break. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Prosperous New Year to you All.
Hannaford Helps
Do you shop at Hannaford? If you do then please help Hannaford support GMS by just doing your regular grocery shopping!!
Shopping In-Store
SHOP – Look for shelf tags on over 1,500 participating products.
CHECK OUT – Collect your School Dollars from an associate at checkout.
DEPOSIT – Drop your School Dollars in the Hannaford Helps Schools collection tower in-store.
Hannaford To Go
SHOP – Look for the apple icon on over 1,500 products online.
CHECK OUT – Receive your School Dollars with your receipt.
DEPOSIT – Drop your School Dollars in the Hannaford Helps Schools collection tower in-store, or send them to school with your child.
With winter weather around the corner, a message has gone out reminding parents and staff of the procedures we will follow to delay or cancel school due to inclement weather. Our goal is to make a decision based upon current safety conditions the morning of the event no later than 5:00 AM. The school district will provide 5 methods of notification of school cancellation or delay: Facebook, email, text, website, and WMUR followed by a final phone message. We will not be contacting any other media outlets, so please be sure to monitor these 6 methods.
News from the PTO
The PTO would like to wish everyone a very happy and healthy holiday season! We look forward to seeing you all in 2023!
January PTO meeting: Please save the date for our next meeting on Tuesday, January 10th at 6:30pm via Zoom. We hope to see you there!
Attention all 4th Grade Families: Here is the link to submit photos for this year's yearbook! This will be the link to submit all current year photos. If you have any questions, please email gmsyearbook2023@gmail.com.
Newsletter: Our December Newsletter includes PTO news as well as a fun winter word search!
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 to our volunteers for all that you do!
December PTO Newsletter
News from the Community
No News at this time
Repeated News/ Long Term Info to Know
Though it may be hard to believe, we are getting close to the time of year where weather may become a factor in our school days. While we are not ready to utter the "S Word", please know that Chromebooks will only be issued to students, on Remote Days, if they have paid their insurance. For more information please Follow this link:
Chromebook Insurance Information
If you need assistance in making these arrangements, please reach out to Mr. Mitchell.
From Food Services
All schools offer breakfast every morning to our students! The cost of breakfast is $1.75, and is open a half hour before school begins! If you have any questions regarding the school breakfast program please reach out to Food Service Director lcrowley@litchfieldsd.org for more information!" For Kindergarten families, please use THIS LINK to place a daily order for breakfast.
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.
