GDS Newsletter January 2023

January 2024

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Principal Message

Dear GDS Families,

Happy New Year, and welcome to 2024!

As we usher in January, we're approaching the conclusion of the first semester, marking the first actual grade for year-long classes. For non year-long classes, grades are determined per quarter. To ensure a smooth transition, please encourage your student to collaborate with their teachers, complete pending tasks, and submit all assignments by the end of the semester on January 25, 2024.

We're excited to announce our Winter Fest on January 25th! Winterfest is a day dedicated to enjoyable activities for students. This year, we've organized off-site trips such as ice skating, bowling, and the Ski and Snowboard Club. On-campus activities include the highly anticipated Dodgeball Tournament, Arts and Crafts, movies, and more. Stay tuned for further details!

With the commencement of Semester 2, our preparations for the 24-25 school year will also kick off. We plan to initiate the registration process for our current 6th and 7th graders during the week of January 29th. All information shared with students will be made available to parents. Subsequently, we will visit current 5th-grade students at their respective schools during the week of February 5th. We encourage families to review and select courses together from the provided sign-up sheets. While we strive to accommodate all preferences, due to our school size, it might not always be possible. Priority is given to Music courses, World Language Courses, as well as required classes. Please be attentive to this information and don't hesitate to reach out with any inquiries.

I'd like to extend my appreciation to Mr. Zaspel, an 8th-grade Math and Social Studies Teacher who admirably assumed the role of Interim Associate Principal this fall. Mr. Zaspel has performed exceptionally in this role, and we'll miss his contributions as he transitions back to the classroom for the second semester. For those who've collaborated with Mr. Zaspel this school year, please continue your engagements with Ms. Koch or Mr. Kamoku. Along with this, we can not go on without also thanking and showing a heartfelt appreciation for Mr. Shenk. Mr. Shenk is a beloved building sub who has worked with us for years and filled in full time as a Math and Social Studies teacher in Mr. Zaspel’s teaching absence. Mr. Shenk did the most amazing job!

We hope everyone had a delightful winter break! Please continue engaging with your students about their school experiences, both socially and academically. With our collaborative efforts, we can achieve remarkable things!

Warm regards,

Kris

January’s Safety Drill - Tornado/Severe Weather (Shelter) Drill

GDS will hold a tornado/severe weather (shelter) drill on January 16th for all students and staff.

The safety of our students is a top priority which is why it’s important for students to be present for monthly drills. This shelter drill is designed to help students understand what they can do to protect themselves in the unlikely case of a critical event. In all cases of a safety drill, our staff will inform students beforehand of the drill and what they can expect so they are fully prepared. We follow best practices to use trauma sensitive language and exercises to mitigate fear and anxiety during the drill.

What your student will experience: Staff will prepare students by explaining the purpose of the drill, what they can expect and what they will need to do during the drill. The drill will begin when the tornado warning alarm sounds throughout the building using the public address system. The noise of the alarm will be loud and the classroom and hallway clocks will display the Tornado Warning. Staff will calmly and quietly guide students to the nearest place of shelter in the building. Once all students and staff are in this space, staff will take attendance to ensure everyone is accounted for. Staff and students will be given the all clear after the building has been identified as safe. After the drill, staff will use trauma sensitive language to help students process the experience. No visitors, staff, or students will be allowed to enter or leave the building during the drill.

Students with sensory and other special considerations will be accommodated according to their needs.

For resources on how to communicate with your student(s) about the importance of safety, visit our website.

MGEF Newsletter

Click to read the Monona Grove Education Foundation Fall 2023 Traditions Newsletter.

New Infinite Campus Attendance Feature

Does your student have an upcoming absence? Entering an absence request is quick and easy, and can be done using your desktop computer or the Parent Portal app on your mobile device. Follow these simple steps:

Log in to your Infinite Campus Parent Portal account.
Select More from the Navigation area.
Select Absence Requests.
Fill in the required information, including the date and reason for the absence.
Submit your request.

2024-25 School Year Calendar

Visit our website to view the approved 2024-25 school year calendar.

School Nutrition

Breakfast/lunch menus and Free and Reduced FAQ and application available HERE.

GDS New Grading Practices

GDS is implementing new grading practices this year. Click HERE for more information and ways you can support your student

Message from the School Nurse

When to keep sick kids home? Read more here

Silver Eagle Showcase

Please encourage your student to sign up for an audition if they have a special skill or talent. Students can perform as a group or individually.

You can sign up:

ONLINE- at https://t.ly/M7oDV
IN PERSON- in the cafeteria during lunch, look for the sign up sheets by the water fountain.
QR CODE- Look for flyers around the school!

GDS PTO News

Follow GDS PTO on Facebook for updates.

Scrip Order Form

Join our Cloud HD Video Meeting

us06web.zoom.us

THANK YOU!

Work Permit Update

Work permits are now done by parents from home.

The online application is available to parents of minors 24/7 from any computer, tablet, smartphone, or similar device.

Access the site using these instructions. Payment is made directly to DWD.

Once application process is complete, DWD will mail a paper copy of the permit directly to the employer.

Ski and Snowboard Club

The GDS Ski & Snowboard Club will be taking a trip on Thursday, January 25, 2024! Our trip will be to Cascade Mountain in Portage, WI. The trip is limited to 80 students. If there is a high level of interest, a lottery will be held for trip spots. Students do not need to have any prior ski or snowboard experience to participate. Students can pick up an interest form in the GDS office- forms MUST be returned by 8am Friday, January 11th. Late forms will not be accepted.

Chess Club is Back!!!

When: Mondays Now thru Mon. Mar 11

Where: World Language Pod

Time: 3:15-4:50 pm

(late bus available to take students to Monona. Leaves GDS at 5 pm. Arrives at the HS at 5:30)

How to sign up: Stop by the main office

Attendance

If your student will be absent from school for any reason, call (608.839.2175) or email ([email protected]) anytime 24/7.

Leaving School Early

Please send a note with your student or email ([email protected])the office first thing in the morning. We will issue them a permit to leave class early and update their attendance status.

Pay Fees and Update Info

MGSD requests families pay fees and update demographic information (such as cell #, address, email, etc...) through the Infinite Campus Portal.

5301 Monona Drive, Monona, WI 53716 Phone: (608) 221-7660 Fax: (608) 221-7688