Dear Caregivers,

This afternoon, you will be receiving an email from your child’s teacher introducing themselves. If you do not receive this email by 5pm, please reach out first thing in the morning on Thursday and we will assist you. We want everyone to know where to go for Gecko Kick Off from 4-5 pm on Thursday the 13th. We can’t wait to see you all then for the smiles, hugs, photo ops and fun to kick off the 26-27 school year! You can pick up your supplies in the cafeteria and be sure to check out the gym for PTA info and our photo booth. Teachers will have their classrooms open until 5, but feel free to stay and visit with other families on the playground. The gym will be open for our photo booth as well until 5:30.

I sent a letter recently talking about arrival, dismissal and sharing the student handbook. You can find that very detailed letter here! Please check it out so you can ask your teacher any lingering questions at Kick Off on Thursday. Of course our amazing office staff is here to help as well!

I wanted to take a quick moment to explain more about how we form our classes. Preparing classroom rosters is a collaborative effort amongst all staff members and administrators in the building. This process begins in the spring and can take several weeks, and even go well into the summer.

There are many contributing factors that go into creating a classroom roster. The personalities and relationships of the students, how many students are receiving exceptional services, the amount of students who are being pulled out for small group instruction, the academic levels of the students, past student interactions, social emotional skills, and maturity. Again, this process takes several weeks to complete as we strive to balance our classes.

Please take time to process next year’s classroom with an open mind and positive heart. Changes affect your child and other classrooms, the schedule of other students receiving services, the schedule of the support for teachers providing interventions for your child and others, the culture of the new class, and may have an effect on the teacher’s schedule itself.

A few things to think about as we start the school year…

1.) Partner with the teacher to communicate and collaborate. Be very specific and transparent about your child’s needs, your child’s teacher wants to know all they can!

2.) Understand that in elementary school we're focused on social development as well as academics, which includes preparing children to be able to adapt to multiple people with different personalities. We are confident your child will learn and thrive in these dynamic and diverse settings!

3.) Most importantly, understand that we have the same goal which is for your child to receive a world class education, in a safe and nurturing environment, and grow academically and socially to meet their full potential.

4.) Here at Gullett, we are fully dedicated to ensuring that all our teachers and staff are caring, dedicated, student-centered, engaging, and passionate people that love learning and children! We work as a team to support all of our Geckos!

Thank you for reading, considering, and supporting all our children and staff. We are so excited to welcome our children and families back to school!

Sincerely,
Tammy Thompson
Proud (and very excited!) Principal, Gullett Elementary