Monday, October 30, 2017

October is Bullying Prevention and Awareness Month



As we enter the month of October, let's not forget the importance of Bullying Awareness and Prevention. It is important for parents, staff and students to Recognize, Report, and Refuse bullying.


Bullying Is:
  • A person being hurt, harmed or humiliated with words or behavior.
  • Sometimes repeated behavior, but it can be a single incident as well.
  • Being done intentionally.
  • One sided. Bullying is not conflict.
  • Unfair. There is an imbalance of power.
  • When the person being hurt cannot ignore, walk away from, or stop the problem.
Remember, don't ever be a bystander, be an Upstander instead!
                                  If you see something that is wrong, DO something to make things right. 
  • Don’t ever join in bullying!
  • Support the victim. Show your concern and offer kindness!
  • Stand with the victim and say something.
  • Reach out to others in friendship.
  • Report bullying to an adult.
 Click HERE to watch a video made by some UPSTANDER 5th graders at Great Falls.

The BEST way to stay bully free is for each of us to follow the Code of Conduct:

BE RESPECTFUL! Be polite. Appreciate the differences in others.
BE COMPASSIONATE! Be sensitive to the perspectives, needs and feelings of others.
BE COURAGEOUS! Don't be afraid to be YOU. Stand up for yourself and others.




Gorham School Department Bully Report Form

Great Websites for Information:
http://www.stompoutbullying.org/index.php/campaigns/national-bullying-prevention-awareness-month/
http://www.pacer.org/bullying/nbpm/
http://www.stopbullying.gov/blog/2015/10/05/october-national-bullying-prevention-awareness-month

Thursday, August 17, 2017

September is Attendance Awareness Month!


Dear Great Falls Families,
As we begin the school year, I want to welcome you back as a partner in your child’s education. We value, appreciate, and seek out your involvement and collaboration for the success of your child.


Our goal this year is to ensure that every student attends school every day possible. Positive attendance is a key ingredient to keeping kids on track and engaged.


Being present daily in school has a huge impact on a student’s academic success starting in kindergarten. Families play a key role in making sure our students understand why attendance is so important for success in school in life.


Some absences are unavoidable due to health problems or other circumstances. But, we also know that when students miss too much school— regardless of the reason – it can cause them to fall behind academically. Your child is less likely to succeed if he or she is chronically absent—which means missing 18 or more days over the course of an entire school year. Absences can add up quickly. A child is chronically absent if he or she misses just two days every month!!


Research shows:

  •   Children chronically absent in kindergarten and 1st grade are much less likely to read at grade level by the end of 3rd grade.
  • Students can still fall behind if they miss just a day or two days every few weeks.
  •   Absences can affect the whole classroom.


Clearly, going to school regularly matters!



When our students are not at Great Falls School, we notice because we care. We don’t want your child to fall behind in school and get discouraged.


Please ensure that your child attends school every day and arrives on time. Please familiarize yourself with the school calendar when scheduling for vacations and medical appointments.



Let us know how we can best support you and your children

so that they can be present in school, on time, every day. 


We want your child to be successful in school!


More Resources:


CELEBRATING GRATITUDE

    N o v e m b e r                                a time of celebration   Thanksgiving is a well-known November holiday celebrated by famil...