We refer to this week as "the week before the week before." It is that week before the week before a vacation where anything can happen and the energy of the impending vacation starts to come through. This week was no different. The excitement was palpable throughout GMS. This morning's weather just added an additional element to the mix. Thank you to everyone who made this morning's drop off go as smoothly as possible, despite the weather.
Yesterday we had the opportunity to gather again as a whole school community for another whole school meeting. At this meeting we bid a happy retirement to our old mascot Stripes and welcomed our new mascot Griffy. His name was chosen by our students and we welcome him to our family. Check out our Facebook and Instagram for photos.
Last Night, our Chorus, led by Ms. Magoon once again delighted us with their Holiday Show. The talent here at GMS never ceases to amaze us and it was displayed yet again last night. Kudos to Ms. Magoon and the GMS Chorus!
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. Be on the lookout for more information.
Next week is sure to be festive with the upcoming holidays and break. Everyone has worked so hard that a little celebration is warranted. Right now classroom parties are planned for Friday the 23rd, however as the season dictates we will keep a close eye on the weather and may make a change if something is in the forecast. This decision will be made early enough for any adjustments that may need to be made.
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
Holiday Store Wrap Up: This week we welcomed our K-4 students to the Holiday Store where they picked out gifts for friends and family. We loved seeing all the smiles and big hearts come through the store. A big thank you to all our volunteers for wrapping, donating supplies to decorate the hallway, setting up, helping our friends shop, cleaning up, etc. The shop would not have been possible without the support of our GMS community. A special thank you to our coordinators, Jen Ireland, Becky Duchesne, and Taylor Boisvert for a successful PTO Holiday Store.
January PTO meeting: Please save the date for our next meeting on Tuesday, January 11th 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
2023 Lean to Ski and Snowboard School Program Registration is now open at McIntyre Ski Area for GMS!
Dates/ Time: Wednesday's 4pm-6pm
( 1/4, 1/11, 1/18, 1/25, 2/1)
Registration closes December 20th at 9:00am.
Registration "Little Macs" ( PreK, K) 1 hour lessons
https://www.mcintyreskiarea.com/product/gmkindergarten/?schoolname=Griffin%20Memorial|0
Registration "Mighty Macs" (1-4th grade) 2 hour lessons
https://www.mcintyreskiarea.com/product/griffinmemorial/?schoolname=Griffin%20Memorial|0
Please feel free to reach out with any questions
Melissa Feeley ( GMS ski coordinator) mkfeeley@gmail.com
News from the Community
Litchfield Lacrosse
Interested in playing lacrosse? The Litchfield Lacrosse Association is hosting a FREE recruiting and skills clinic at the Bedford Sportsplex on Dec. 18th from 6-8 pm. No equipment needed! Please see the attached flyer for more information.
Lacrosse Flyer
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.
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.
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