candy corn

November 1st, 2024

School Calendar 2024-25

IMPORTANT DATES

November 3rd - Daylight Savings Ends

November 5th - No School - District PD Day

November 11th - No School - Veteran's Day

November 25th - Evening Teacher Conferences

November 25-27th - Dismissal at 12:17 pm - Teacher Conferences

November 28 & 29 - No School - Thanksgiving Recess & Native American Heritage Day

Halloween Week of Highlights

This week, we had a fun time building our school community in so many ways while we celebrated the fun of the Halloween season. From classroom celebrations and activities to specials, we also had our very own Mrs. O’Neill and Ms. Woods dressed as Koo Koo, ready to pop into a classroom and lead a spirited movement break!

Spooky Gym Fun

Last week, they practiced throwing a variety of objects, aiming at fun targets while practicing their accuracy with underhand throwing. This was a student favorite class again this week, with students practicing their overhand throwing skills. 

Technology/Stem Experiments

Candy corn science and predictions - what more could you ask for?

Music Class

In Music this week, each class had a chance to play Pass the Pumpkin! Students sang the song in D minor and moved to the beat by passing a miniature pumpkin around the circle. Younger students played a steady beat on tone bars and xylophones, and older students added rhythms and improvisations in D minor pentatonic (a 5-note scale).


Nate the Great, Therapy Dog, ended our week by spreading unending smiles, giving and receiving love, bringing everyone together, and relieving all those life stressors!


Parent/Guardian Notes Required for any changes in Dismissal

If your child(ren) has a change in dismissal from their normal plan, a written note or email to the teacher is required. Please be sure to send that note the same day noting the change. From there, those notes go to the office, where we verify the change and create a bus slip for the bus drivers. This ensures students are going where their parents have arranged and provides permission to the bus drivers to take them (or drop them off at a different stop). Students are not allowed to change their dismissal plans on their own.

Healthy Bites - Skeleton Strong Kids

Hey Parents,

Let's talk bones! It seems like a perfect time of year, as we see images of skeletons all over for Halloween. Here at Swallow Union, we even have a skeleton named Mr. Bones! Strong bones are like superpowers for our kids. They help them grow taller, run faster, and even think better.

Here's how to boost their bone power:

  • Fuel up: Give them foods like milk, yogurt, cheese, and leafy greens—think spinach, kale, and broccoli—these are calcium champions! Vitamin D is also a must. Fish, eggs, and fortified cereal that is low in sugar are great sources.

    • Fun fact: Did you know that calcium helps build strong teeth too? So, those yummy dairy foods are a win-win!

  • Get moving: Running, jumping, and playing outside are awesome for building strong bones. Think tag, basketball, or even just dancing around the house.

    • Tip: Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine, like taking a family walk or bike ride.

  • Limit sugary drinks: Too much sugary stuff can steal calcium from their bones. Water, milk, and juice are better choices.

    • Remember: It's okay to have treats occasionally, but moderation is key.

  • Sleep tight: Getting enough sleep helps their bodies grow and repair. Aim for around 8-10 hours a night.

    • Fun fact: During sleep, your body releases hormones that help build and repair bones.

  • Be safe: Teach them to wear helmets when needed and avoid risky stuff. Falls can hurt those bones.

    • Tip: Set a good example by wearing your helmet when appropriate.

Bone health is linked to other aspects of health, such as muscle strength and balance, which is very important for our kids. Have any questions? Feel free to reach out.

-Nurse Jen, Nurse Kate, and Mr. Bones

PTO Updates

  • Trivia Night: Friday, November 15, 7 pm. Adult night out, snag that sitter now!

  • Fun Fridays: Want to show how much we appreciate our teachers and staff? Sign up for a Fun Friday as an individual or a class! Fun Friday Sign-Up

Groton Dunstable Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC)

SEPAC WEBSITE

GDRHS Presents….