I had to share the picture above because…it is so true! There seems to be something magical about being the first in line in school and this phenomenon actually stays true for most 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders too. The importance of being first in line holds even more power when students are lining up to go to recess. I had a chance to observe this and other interesting behaviors during lunch periods this week. Since parents can’t always be here to see what it looks like, I hope to share some important reminders.
1. Please ask your child if they are eating what you pack each day. So much food gets thrown out. When I ask students why they are throwing away their food I get two common answers. “I’m not hungry,” and, “I don’t like that.” This could be an opportunity to pack less food or possibly ask your child to bring the extra food back home.
2. Check in with your child about how lunch and recess is going. It can be helpful to know who your child is sitting by at lunch and playing with at recess. Some students choose to sit by themselves inside and outside. It is always okay to take a break during the day and take a moment by yourself, but hopefully you hear that your student is getting a chance to socialize and get some exercise too.
3. Lunch and recess for children are often a release. They use this time to run around, get silly, use their imagination and have fun. I love watching students doing all of these things. Sometimes that release of energy comes in the form of hitting others, playing rough or arguing over the rules of a game. This can take the fun out of this special time with friends. Ask your child if he or she has ever had to talk to an adult about his or her behavior in the lunchroom or outside. Not all incidents come to the principal’s office because we know students are still learning self-control. Checking in with your child can lead to some good reminders about behavior expectations.
Thanks for your support and partnership as always!
Winter Wonderland is less than a month away! Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 3rd from 9:00AM to 1:00PM. Your family won’t want to miss this Grace McWayne tradition!
We can’t make this event happen without your generosity! Click this link to go to our Amazon “birthday” registry and when you check out, be sure you select Karie’s name ship directly to Karie and save yourself the trouble of having to get the items to us. Add a gift receipt if you would like us to know who the items are from!
For those who are new to Grace McWayne, Winter Wonderland is a kids shopping event where they can purchase reasonably priced items for family members with the help of a 5th grade Elf. The best part is you don’t have to take each child shopping on their own, and they leave with gifts wrapped and ready to give! All of the gift items are between $1-10 each.
Keep your eyes peeled next week for a Sign Up Genius to sign up for an hour time slot to shop and also to volunteer! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Kara Barr (karambarr@yahoo.com or 858-442-1842) or Karie Friedman (kariefriedman@gmail.com or 630-677-6624).
Thank you for your help in making this a magical event for our kids!
Karie and Kara
Restaurant Night – McAlister’s Deli
On Wednesday November 9th you can support the GMS PTO during lunch OR dinner at McAlister’s Deli on Randall Rd. in Geneva! From 10:30AM-8:00PM, present this flier at the register and McAlister’s will donate back 20% of your purchase!
Spirit Wear Sale – Starts Next Week
The PTO will be selling Grizzly and Bulldog gear from Monday November 7th – Tuesday November 15th! Please watch for the flier and shopping link to be sent out on Monday. Items will be delivered in time for Christmas!
Walking Wednesday Updates:
Monday was the day for a Halloween Dance Party celebration for those grades that reached their 100 mile goal! From conga lines to the chicken dance, a fun time was had by all! We will be continuing to walk outside during Wednesday lunch recess while the weather cooperates. Parents are welcome to join, please check in to the front office before joining us on the black top.
GMS Volunteer Opportunities:
Thank you to the GMS families that volunteered at the November Feed My Starving Children event!
Grizzly Kids is hosting another volunteer opportunity for ALL GMS families and staff members at Feed My Starving Children on January 10th from 4:30-6:15. Students and family members (over the age of 5) are all welcome! At this event, volunteers will work together to package and box MannaPack Rice which is a specially formulated blend of protein, carbohydrates and key nutrients. MannaPack Rice is culturally acceptable worldwide and will be sent to partnering countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, Middle East, North and Central America and South America.
You can register HERE for the January event. If you have any questions, please reach out to Kellie Myers (kellie.myers@bps101.net).
School / District News:
Referendum
Just like homeowners need to replace roofs and air conditioners every 10 or 15 years, so do our schools. BPS101’s bond referendum on the Nov. 8 election ballot will enable the district to complete renovations and repairs at all of our schools, including replacing roofs, HVAC, piping, windows and doors, and address other operational maintenance needs. Passage of the referendum will allow the BPS101 school board to issue school building bonds and generate funds for capital improvements without increasing the district’s bond and interest levy. Find out more at: www.bps101.net/boft
BPS101 often receives requests from community organizations to distribute informational fliers to students in their backpacks. In an effort to be environmentally conscientious, we use an electronic format to deliver this information, which we call “Backpack Mail.”
