Friday, December 9, 2022

December 9, 2022

 


Griffin Memorial School News

At GMS, We THRIVE

December 9, 2022
GMS Families,

            Last weekend over 70 GMS students took part on the performance of Wizard of Oz. Congratulations to all that were and involved and thank you to everyone who played some role in putting this together. This show did not just bring three schools together, it brought a town together. What a way to show the world the greatness of Litchfield!

            This past week classroom teachers reached out to families who have not yet paid their Chromebook Insurance. We are now officially on snow watch and know it could come at anytime. If you are expecting a Chromebook, to come home with your child for remote weather days, please make sure to pay this insurance or reach out to Mr. Mitchell with any concerns or to make arrangements. 

           We look forward to next week's PTO Holiday store taking place. The energy that this event brings adds a air of holiday spirit and excitement to the building. Thank you to the many PTO volunteers who help provide this opportunity to our students. Happy Shopping!

          Earlier this week, the SAU issued a press release regarding a potential land purchase for a new elementary school. We know that this has sparked much conversations in town. Please encourage anyone with questions to reach out to Mr. Mitchell. This is the start of a very important conversation and we are committed to getting as much information out so that everyone who wishes to be can be informed.

Be Well, Be Curious, and THRIVE,

Dan Mitchell, Principal
Maura Clinton-Jones, Assistant Principal

Upcoming Dates
December 12-14PTO Holiday Store
December 13PTO Meeting Virtual 6:30 PM
December 26 - January 2Holiday Break

GMS News

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.

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.

News from the SAU/ Superintendent

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 Holiday Store is next week! The holiday store is scheduled for December 12th - December 14th (with a tentative back up plan for December 15th). Each class will have the opportunity to visit the store so students can do some holiday shopping. To volunteer at the holiday store please sign-up here!  To read more about the store click here and to see photos of the inventory click here. To help with the students' shopping experience a wishlist will go home for you to review with them.

December PTO meeting: Our next meeting is Tuesday, December 13th at 6:30pm via Zoom. We know December is a busy month but we hope to see you there!

Holiday Cheer Meal for GMS Staff: The PTO is planning a holiday lunch for GMS staff on December 21st. If you are interested in donating an item, please click here

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 a school event, volunteering in the library, planning/coordinating an event, working on projects from home, 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

Toy Drive

Hi I am a sophomore at CHS and for my sophomore project, I am holding a holiday drive to benefit the Massachusetts General Hospital for Children. I am collecting throw blankets, lego kits, matchbox cars, pillow cases, or any oys or crafts a kid can use while in the hospital. Please help me brighten some holidays! Benefits kids 0-18 years. There will be a box placed outside of the GMS Office.

Thank you - Rowan S.

Repeated News/ Long Term Info to Know

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.



229 Charles Bancroft Hwy. Litchfield, NH 03052

(603) 424-5931

Past Editions of the GMS School News can be found at: https://griffinnhnews.blogspot.com/


                                                                                                




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