KITELET FROM THE DIRECTOR
March 31, 2025
Dear GCS Families,
Despite the cold, rainy weather (and even a few flakes of snow) that surrounded us this past weekend, we are certainly welcoming all the changes that spring brings to us! We are seeing signs of new life popping up in our patio planters, classrooms are preparing seeds and plantings that will fill our greenhouse and traveling grow lights, and with a few more days of warm weather, our playground will be ready to unwrap the climbers and take down the swings. The daylight that extends well into the late afternoon is so appreciated, and the hallways are much more open without mountains of snow gear piled onto hooks. I am sure that families appreciate having lighter loads to carry into the school each day. We do have some clean up and small tasks to complete on our playground if you have an hour or so to spare on Saturday, April 12th for our Spring Spruce-Up 2025!
COMMUNITY ROOM
Construction continues toward the completion of the Community Room, and things are really starting to take shape. Wiring and AV infrastructure are complete, wallboard has been installed with a first coat of paint, and the ceiling with acoustical panels is in process. We are in the design stage of selecting flooring and finishes, and the completion is within sight. With fingers crossed, this new space will be ready by mid-May for young children to run, play, and experience the endless possibilities.
CURRICULUM DAY
We appreciated the learning, hard work, and camaraderie that the staff were able to experience during our March Curriculum Day. Thank you for allowing us the time to be together for sharing and growing. The staff were able to participate in two trainings, one embracing our theme of a “Sense of Belonging”, and the other enhancing our knowledge of “Handwriting/Letter Formation Groupings”. Teachers also had time to collaborate on children’s portfolios, we gathered for a preliminary brainstorming session and viewing of new playground equipment, and finally, the school had many hands to help with some TLC projects. Special thanks to the Board of Directors for coordinating and facilitating a fun play date at the Mill Works for GCS families!
SUMMER CAMP
With Registration for the upcoming school year in September behind us, we are now focusing on our summer fun. Many families are confirmed for GCS Camp, and we are just beginning to reach out to incoming families. Please check in at the front desk for any limited openings that we have left if you have not yet enrolled.
WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD
As a nationally accredited children’s center, we look forward to NAEYC’s Week of the Young Child every year! This special week focuses on the needs of young children and families, and raises awareness about the importance of early childhood education. At GCS, classrooms will engage in special activities, we will hold our annual school-wide Peace Picnics, and GCS will host children’s performances with Magician, Steve Charette on Monday, April 7th to kick off the week. As it is not a school day for TTh families, they are invited to attend our 1:15 PM performance in the Big Room. Be on the lookout later this week for more exciting details about this week of celebration!
LITERACY EDUCATIONAL LECTURE
A Reminder that we are hosting an informational session, “Supporting Children’s Literacy: The Science of Reading” with Applewild School’s Amy Jolly. Please RSVP at events@grotoncommunityschool.org by Thursday, April 3rd if you plan to join us on Monday, April 7th at 7pm.
COMMUNITY CONNECTION – STRONGER TOGETHER
Groton Community School has always valued community connections and bringing generations together. Young children bring great joy and light to senior citizens, while seniors reflect back loving warmth and their special joy of life. It is a win-win for all and we are “Stronger Together.” With this in mind, former Kindergarten Teacher, Jolene Zukauskas, and our Aqua Room Teacher, Jennie Fitzkee, are teaming up to begin an exciting new community program. This fun-filled event will take place the second Tuesday of each month from 1:30-2:30 PM at The Groton Center located at 163 West Main Street in Groton. Please share with your friends and neighbors or join this fun if the timing works for you. Please let Bonnie know at the front desk if you are interested in bringing your child for the first session which will be held on Tuesday, May 13th. It will be a fun hour of intergenerational songs, activities, and stories.
On the same theme, GCS Staff enjoyed participating with the Groton Interfaith Community and Boy Scouts in helping to prepare and serve the Groton Community Dinner this March. We saw many familiar faces and met new ones, too!
CONGRATULATIONS!
We’d like to congratulate the Larsen family on the birth of their son, Kai (brother, Reiner, is in the TTh PM Blue Room).
THANK YOU!
Thank you to the TTh AM Blue Room for a delicious “Fun Friday” lunch consisting of soup, a charcuterie board and desserts. These days are so appreciated by the Staff!
Thank you to the following families for donating to our “Stock-the-Staffroom” in March: Jillian Doyle, Kristen Lampros, Caitlin Mahoney, and Angela Trowbridge.
We’d also like to thank the Engstrom family for a math game, and to the Nuccio family for staff snacks & beverages.
Until next time…
Linda Kosinski, GCS Director
DATES TO REMEMBER
Monday – Friday, April 7th – 11th
The Week of the Young Child
Monday – Friday. April 7th – 11th
Spring Apparel Sale
Monday, April 7th
GCS Educational Lecture for Parents/Guardians
7:00 PM
Monday, April 7th
TTh Families are invited for Magician Steve Charette at 1:15 PM
Friday, April 12th
Spring Spruce-Up
9 AM – 3 PM
Monday, April 14th
Board Meeting – 7:30 PM
Friday, April 18th
Good Friday
NO SCHOOL
Monday – Friday, April 21st – 25th
Spring Vacation Week
NO SCHOOL0
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