January 31, 2023
Dear GCS Families,
In the midst of these frigid cold days, and with January just behind us, we are reminded that winter is hanging on for quite a bit longer. The forecast for the days ahead proves this point. The ice, snow, and cold temperatures can certainly be inconvenient, but when the sun is sharing its warmth and the temperatures aren’t quite so extreme – oh such a delight in the eyes of young children. While it certainly takes a bit longer to get dressed for outside time, the playground is full of young children sledding on our hill, snowball making, and having great fun with friends trudging through the snow. Dressing in winter gear is not an easy feat… and so much is happening in terms of development. There is motor planning, fine and gross motor development, physical coordination, patience and perseverance, and even friends helping friends. I was excited to get a recent surprise email from my most favorite ice cream shop ever, Rota Spring in Sterling. They announced their opening day, which is scheduled for Saturday, March 4th. To me this means warmer weather, and Spring is not far off in the distance… only 46 more days to be exact! While we still have to deal with Winter weather, thinking of the warmer temperatures and ice cream ahead helps to ease the pain ever so slightly.
Parking Lot
The weather also plays a role in making the parking lot more difficult to navigate. Please be mindful that the parking lane that runs along the front of the school is a fire lane, and parked cars are not permitted. Please allow us to help you if you are unable to park and come inside, especially those of you with other young children as passengers or if someone is not feeling well. We are happy to help! Just pop your head into the front entrance to get our attention or feel free to give us a call.
Children’s Mid-Year Observations
Teachers have worked incredibly hard over the past several weeks observing, assessing and completing individual Children’s Observation forms. I hope you enjoyed reading about your child and their many successes, as well as perhaps some areas for growth and development. We look forward to seeing our families this Friday for the scheduled Conference Day. We will have coffee and treats for adults to enjoy while waiting and “to go” snacks for children on their way out. Just a reminder that we will offer childcare from 8am – 4pm for children that are 2.9 and older. We are unfortunately, not licensed for younger children.
Registration 2023-24
Registration packets for the next school year will be distributed by weeks end via Constant Contact, so please keep your eyes out for an email from us. There is quite a bit of information for you, so please take some time to read it carefully and reach out to us with questions. We are happy to get you a hardcopy if you prefer. Just let us know at the front desk. Application forms can be returned anytime beginning now until next Friday, February 10th by day’s end. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have questions about the process, or your selections. Teachers will also be able to advise you on Conference Day.
GCS Kindergarten
Selecting a Kindergarten Program is an important decision. To help guide you with this decision making, GCS is hosting a Kindergarten evening on Thursday, February 9th at 6:30PM. Our Kindergarten Teacher, Stella Andrews and her Assistant, Becca Ranney will share the philosophy and some special features of this fabulous program, along with curriculum highlights and program schedule. We will also add some details about the Extended Day portion of the program. Please RSVP at the front desk or reg2@grotoncommunityschool.org if possible, so we know how many to expect. This is purely an information night for those looking to ask questions and learn more about the program.
Summer Camp
So many of you have been asking about our Summer Camp Program. Information will not be ready to share for another month or so, but the schedule will be up on our website in a couple of weeks so you will have dates and offerings.
Congratulations!
Congratulations to the Clinton Family on the birth of their son (sister, Evie, is in the TTh Yellow Room).
Thank You!
Thank you to the Babin family for their donation of boxes & bubble wrap, to Bob Cerrone for plastic shopping bags, and to Debbie MacDonald & Sterilite for plastic bins. We’d also like to thank our January “stock-the-fridge” donors for snacks & beverages for Staff: Megan Dube, Carrie Eubank, Lindsey Guaraldi, Laura Hankin, Gina Jackson, Kim Montilli, Chelsea Reyes, Selina Wilder, and Jill Wilson.
Until next time…
Linda Kosinski, GCS Director
Dates to Remember
Friday, February 3rd
Parent/Teacher Conferences
No School
Thursday, February 9th
Kindergarten Information Night
6:30 PM
Friday, February 10th
Registration Forms Due
for In-house Families
Monday, February 13th
Board Meeting – 7:30 PM
Monday – Friday
February 20th – 24th
Winter Recess
No School
Sunday, March 5th
Annual Open House
11 AM – 3 PM
(Potential Families 11 – 1; Friends and community 1-3)