The FALL LIBRARY SPOTLIGHT shares her reflections on the GCS Library.
"My favorite part about our library is that there is something for everyone. Whether you like non-fiction, fiction, fantasy, fairytales, or biographies, the library has everything. It's also a place where I can focus and read or do some work. The librarian is always there to help and talk to me about books I want to read or have already read."
Thank you, Ms. Wentworth, for sharing the thoughts and perspectives of our students regarding the library!
The 2nd graders have been learning about non-fiction books with Ms. Wentworth in their Library Skills class. They were so engrossed looking at various topics - wolves, spiders, weather, plants, mummies, shipwrecks, and more. Once the timer went off after five minutes, they exchanged books with each other so they had an opportunity to check out the different topics. They were so excited to share some of the information they discovered with each other.
Highlighting Mr. Henderson's commendable effort in crafting a dedicated bulletin board exclusively for our library's Spotlights, Recommended Reading, and Library-Sponsored Events! Thanks to the initiative of our librarian, Mrs. Wentworth, a welcoming space has been created for students from PreK through High School to engage in discussions, share book recommendations, study, and explore the vast world that books can unfold for them. Thank you - Mr. Henderson and Ms. Wentworth!
Our First Graders in Mrs. Eastland's class are exploring the Animals Surviving and Thriving unit in our First for ME curriculum, an interdisciplinary, whole child-focused instructional program. Our 1st Graders delved into learning about animals in the Art Studio where they made animal sculptures from clay; in the Building Studio where they made animal habitats; in the Library Studio where they read books about animals; in the Writing Studio where they researched field guides and wrote about animals; and in the Dramatization Studio where they acted out animal behavior.
Mrs. Benway, our Grade 4 Teacher, has enriched her teaching approach by incorporating coding and robotics programming. Actively researching best practices and undergoing professional development, she, along with Mrs. Watt (Grade 5 Teacher), seamlessly integrated coding and robotics into our upper elementary curriculum. Through weekly sessions, students eagerly expand their skill sets. The success of this initiative prompted the organization of an after school Coding and Robotics Club, currently boasting 15 members with a substantial waitlist. THANK YOU to Mrs. Benway and Mrs. Watt for inspiring enthusiasm and fostering the development of 21st Century skills! Photos from Coding and Robotics Club.
Enjoy additional pictures from our Middle School art programming.
Enjoy more artwork from our Kindergarten artists!
Mrs. Poiss' expertise in art education extends from Kindergarten through High School. Drawing on her rich background as a practicing artist and art educator, she nurtures our young artists and fosters an atmosphere of skill development and creativity. Come out and tour our student art displays at the Holiday Art Display and Music Concert on December 14.
Varsity basketball kicks off on Monday 11/20! Boys will practice from 530-7 followed by the Girls from 7 to 830! We look forward to a strong and competitive year led by two great coaches! Go Lakers!
Thank you - SRO Josh Guay, SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions), and the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety for bringing Ethan Fisher of CHOICES MATTER to GCS. His insightful presentation underscored the importance of our daily choices and decisions, illustrating how they can profoundly shape not only individual lives but also the lives of others.
Thursday, November 16 is an EARLY RELEASE day for students! All students are dismissed at 11:30am. Pick up and Bus dismissal routines will run as usual - just earlier. Parent/Teacher conferences are in the afternoon and evening. If you have any questions - call 695-2666.
Don't forget that tomorrow is picture retake day!
We had a last minute opportunity to bring this amazing program to our school and we are seizing the opportunity!
Fall Sports Awards Ceremonies will be held this week: Middle School Boys and Girls Soccer and Golf will be in the auditorium at 1:45 on Monday, Varsity Boys and Girls Soccer and Golf will be in the cafeteria at 6:00pm on Tuesday.
Important Information for spectators and fans at tomorrow's Boys Varsity Southern Maine Final Game at Waterhouse Field in Biddeford.
Game time: 6:00pm
Uniforms: White (away) Uniforms
Captains and Coaches meet with officials, Team Intros, National Anthem: 5:50-6:00
Parking - John F Kennedy School on 64 West Street. Handicap Parking available at the stadium.
Entry - Spectator entry is on Prospect Street between Stadium and St Louis Baseball Field
Tickets - No tickets are available at the stadium. Tickets must be purchased online at www.gofan.com $5 students and seniors, $10 adults.
Mrs. Mason's Second Graders engaged in owl pellet dissections as part of their October Science unit where they explored the fascinating world of bats and owls.
Our 7th Grade Science class conducted an experiment to examine how various variables impact photosynthesis - using the floating leaf disk assay.
Kindergarten's book of the week - Bippity Bop Barbershop - inspired inspired imaginative play in the dramatization center, where students and staff members had fun cutting, curling, washing, and foiling hair!!
Mr. Sherman's AP Psychology class constructed candy neurons in a hands-on activity to explore the workings of the nervous system.
Pre-K has started Unit 2 of our curriculum - Friends.
During this unit children will explore the concepts of friendship, how to be a good friend, and ways to resolve conflicts with friends.
1. Creating invitations for friends complete with names, the day of the week, and the party's start time!
2. Hosting celebrations in our dramatization center involves preparations, selecting the party's host, and choosing the guest list!
3. Washing dishes in our discovery center. Working together to wash and dry dishes.
4. Painting pizzas at our art easel. Following a recipe and adding toppings.
5. Fine motor practice with our rainbow colors.
6. Name practice - building our name with magnetic letters and playdoh.
