Originally delivered on 10/4/2020 8:14 pm

SUBJECT: Monday Messages October 5, 2020

MONDAY MESSAGES

The weekly newsletter of Guilford Lakes PTO.  Please send newsletter submissions no later than Friday, 1pm of each week.  Submissions are to be emailed to ubermomom@yahoo.com

October 5, 2020
MEET HENRY PRESCOTT

We wish to welcome and introduce the new PE teacher at our school. Mr. Prescott is from Portland, Connecticut, and graduated from Xavier Catholic High School.  He graduated from the University of Colorado - Boulder and has joined us to teach physical education to our students, after serving as a PE teacher at Lincoln Academy Charter School in Arvada, Colorado for the past three years.

Mr. Prescott enjoys sports of every type - golf, tennis, basketball - anything that gets him outdoors and keeps him active.  

In summer 2015, Henry participated in a cross-country bicycle ride to raise money for Parkinson's Disease awareness, research, and support of those living with the disease.  The 3400-mile sea-to-sea ride commenced in Seattle, Washington, ended in Connecticut, and raised $40,000 for the Davis Phinney Foundation and three other Parkinson's nonprofits.

He was working as a personal trainer at the YMCA at the time and the 43-day ride pulled him far from his comfort zone, but was an unforgettable experience for him.

As a child in Portland, CT, Henry knew that he would always want to add value to others' lives no matter whatever he grew up to be.  He credits a physical education teacher for influencing him to be a life-long learner, to be healthy and happy, and to 'practice what he preaches'.  This is Mr. Prescott's goal for Guilford Lakes students.  

Fun Facts

Mr. Prescott has no siblings, but his mother is an identical twin, so his cousins were much like siblings to him as he grew up.  Henry lists Elon Musk, Kobe Bryant and Geno Auriemma as inspirations to him based on their work ethics, perseverance, and their commitment to perpetual improvement.  Henry's favorites:

Favorite food - fried shrimp

Favorite color -  aqua blue

Favorite ice cream flavor - butter pecan

Click the video below to meet Mr. Prescott!

Click to see Mr. Prescott's intro video
We Need Your Help!

Our PTO has been unable to hold any fundraisers since the onset of Covid-19.  Though this has brought some hardship on our coffers, we are so excited to kick off our very first fundraiser of the school year - with Charleston Wrap.  Here is your opportunity to get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping, and also help us reach our fundraising goals this fall.  

Shop Now!

Click the bow above to see the online catalog.  Every purchase helps your PTO provide events, enrichments, activities, supplies and also funds for our Playground Project.  This catalog is more than just wrapping paper - there are 2500+ gift ideas at your fingertips.


Note from the PTO President

Happy Fall Guilford Lakes Elementary School!

We are through the first few weeks of the school year and everyone should be congratulated!  Teachers/Staff/Faculty-THANK YOU so much for all the hard work you are doing for our students!  We know how challenging this is to navigate and you are all just amazing!   Parents-Thank you for your support and understanding during this time! Students-Thank you for showing us how adaptable you are to these changes and for keeping a smile on your (masked) face!

Starting October 2nd, we began our first fundraiser, The Charleston Wrap! Begin your holiday shopping for wrapping paper, holiday decor, food, etc!  You all should have received the email flyer!  In November, we will begin 3 virtual enrichments as well as a virtual scholastic book fair!  Make sure you check our website daily for updates!  Also, keep an eye out for the return of Square 1 Art!!

4th Grade Families - Red Ribbon Week is a Banner Week!

RED RIBBON WEEK, which is celebrated annually October 23-31, is the nation's oldest and largest drug prevention awareness program.  It is tradition at Guilford Lakes for one 4th grade family to create a banner based on the Red Ribbon week theme and that banner to be displayed in the school gymnasium.  We are looking for one 4th grade family - or more if you'd like to work together on the project - to design and create a fabric/felt banner for this year's campaign theme,

BE HAPPY.  BE BRAVE.  BE DRUG-FREE

Please reach out to Ashley Sanchez or Dawn Carafeno if your 4th grade family is interested in creating this year's banner.


NO SCHOOL OCTOBER 12

Guilford schools are closed on Monday, October 12, 2020 in observance of Columbus Day.

RECESS AIDES AND LUNCH AIDES NEEDED

We are still looking for lunch and recess aides.  We can be flexible if needed to arrange for you to work the days your children are in school.  Click the picture to apply.

SPIRIT WEAR PICKUP THIS WEDNESDAY

If you have ordered any spirit wear in the past couple of weeks, please remember that pickup is this Wednesday, October 7, between the hours of 4pm-6pm, in front of the school.  

School Pictures

Picture Day is coming and ordering is completely online this year, No white cards.  COHORT A will be photographed next Tuesday, October 13th, during school hours.  

COHORT C students with appointments will be photographed between the hours of 4pm-6pm.


Visit the Lifetouch website to place orders.  mylifetouch.com  Use ID for our school: EVTTZPR8D.  

SECRETARY'S SPACE

This week, I am looking for Guilford Lakes students who love to write.  We would like to offer a space in our newsletter monthly, or even more frequently, for a student to submit an original short story, poem, or other written piece.  If you have a budding young writer, please consider asking them to submit their work to be published herein.  


I am always happy to include appropriate content into our weekly newsletter.  If you'd like to add any story, event, request, or other content, please be sure your submissions are emailed to me no later than 1pm on Friday of each week.   I am looking forward to hearing from you with suggestions for fall and winter enrichments, or any feedback you have for our PTO! Click my face to send me an email!


Thank you!  

Dawn M. Carafeno, PTO Board Secretary

click to contact Dawn
SPIRIT WEAR ON DISPLAY

Some of our Lakes students wearing Guilford Lakes spirit wear!  They wear it well.  Show us your spirit wear.  Submit photos to any board member.  

ENRICHMENTS COMING UP!

We are excited to offer virtual after-school enrichments beginning in November.  Each class will meet for 45-60 minutes, one day per week, for five weeks.  Cost will be a flat rate of $50 per student, per 5-week class.   All classes are virtual, and all will begin at 4:30pm on the designated weekday it is scheduled.  

All supplies and materials for the enrichment classes will be provided to students and the cost is included in the tuition fee.  Class descriptions will be available on our website at the end of the week.


Your choices for enrichment will be:

Mondays:  STEM

Wednesdays:  Fired Up! Art

Thursdays:  American Sign Language


Registration for PTO members who have registered and paid their dues will open on Tuesday, October 13.  General registration will open for others on Thursday, October 15.  Each class will enroll a maximum of 16 students.

Scholastic Book Fair is Coming

We will have our Virtual Book Fair November 9-22, 2020.  Keep watch for more details coming soon.  Let's raise readers!

Are BOXTOPS your bag?

We are seeking a volunteer to be our Boxtops for Education chairperson.  This position is not a large commitment of time, but is very important for our PTO.  Please reach out to Ashley Sanchez or Courtney Summa-Barbour if you are willing to help the PTO with Boxtops for Education.

FREE MEALS FOR GPS STUDENTS

During COVID-19 Guilford Public Schools Dining Services will be able to provide free breakfast and lunch meals to all children under the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) school nutrition program. Students are entitled to a single breakfast and lunch each day.

There will be 3 options for students to access free meals:

In-Person Learning at School

  • K-8 will order lunch during homeroom or first period and it will be delivered to the classroom. 

Daily Meal Pick-Ups During Distance Learning 

  • Breakfast and Lunch Meal Kits will be available for pick-up Monday through Friday at 10AM at your closest school.
  • Wednesday will be a three-day meal pick up to include meals for the weekend.
  • Please fill out our Meal Pick Up form to order meals for daily pick up. 

Meal Delivery to GCC Before & After School Care All Day Program Locations

Please fill out the forms separately for each student and each day you are requesting meals so we can have the meals ready for you. If you do not order in advance there may be a delay or chance we do not have meals available. 

The exchange and delivery of meals will take place in compliance with the recommendations from our local health department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with regard to social distancing and keeping to small groups. To provide a safe and contact free exchange of meals, If you see people waiting, please wait in your car or at least 6 feet away from others.

To request a special meal, please fill out the Dietary Restricted Meal form or email Dining Services Director Erica Biagetti at biagettie@guilfordschools.org.

SHOW OFF YOUR SPIRIT WEAR!

We've got spirit, yes we do...

we've got spirit; how about you?!  

The PTO wants to see you and your students wearing your spirit wear!  Please take photos of yourself or family wearing any item of Guilford Lakes spirit wear, and email the photos to a Board member.  Show your Lions Pride by showing off your school spirit wear in photos. 

email to ubermomom@yahoo.com or amycripe519@gmail.com or claire.kinkade@gmail.com or ashshan06@gmail.com or barbourc@guilfordschools.org 

Classroom Liaisons

Contact your classroom parent liaison for updates on classroom happenings, teacher gifts, schedule questions, etc.  Find your parent liaison by clicking PK-1or 2-4

MANDY RYAN'S MEMORANDUM

A reminder of the drop-off schedule. 

Staggered arrival times are: 

8:50 - 9:00 - PreK and K

9:00 - 9:10 - Grades 1 and 2 

9:10- 9:20 - Grades 3 and 4 

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Staggered Pick-Up times are:

3:15 - 3:20 - PreK and K

3:20 - 3:30 - Grades 1 and 2 

3:30 - 3:40 - Grades 3 and 4 

Older siblings should follow the schedule of their youngest sibling. 

Membership

Become a Member today to support our Students and Staff all year long!

Become a Member Today!
PTO DUES BENEFIT ALL OUR STUDENTS

Your contribution of $30 per household helps us fund programs for the 2020-2021 school year.

Click Here to Donate
Sign Up Opportunities
Upcoming Events
Wednesday, October 7
4:00p Spirit Wear Pick Up
Monday, October 12
No School- Columbus Day
Tuesday, October 13
9:30a Picture Day
Friday, October 16
6:00p Fall Family Fun Festival-CANCELLED
Wednesday, October 21
4:00p Spirit Wear Pick Up
Wednesday, October 28
9:05a PLC: Early Dismissal for Students
Tuesday, November 3
No School- Professional Development Day
Wednesday, November 4
4:00p Spirit Wear Pick Up
Thursday, November 5
7:00p PTO General Meeting
Monday, November 9
12:00a Parent Teacher Conferences
12:00a Online Scholastic Book Fair
Tuesday, November 10
12:00a Online Scholastic Book Fair
12:00a Parent Teacher Conferences
Wednesday, November 11
12:00a Online Scholastic Book Fair
Thursday, November 12
12:00a Online Scholastic Book Fair
Friday, November 13
12:00a Online Scholastic Book Fair
Saturday, November 14
12:00a Online Scholastic Book Fair
Sunday, November 15
12:00a Online Scholastic Book Fair
Monday, November 16
12:00a Online Scholastic Book Fair
9:30a Picture Retake Day