GVA North Families,
Welcome back from Thanksgiving Break! I hope everyone enjoyed some family time this past week and is ready to dive into a busy December here at GVA North.
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i-Ready Testing Begins this Week
Students will begin i-Ready testing for the middle of the year starting this week. Our middle school students will begin testing on Tuesday and our elementary students will start on Wednesday. Students will continue to test into the week of December 8th. Please help your students prepare by making sure they bring their devices (grades 6th-8th), get a good night's rest, and eat a big breakfast.
As an added incentive, our students will be trying to earn a Spirit Week for their efforts during iReady testing. The students will need to earn a total of 3,000 tickets to receive their Spirit Week. Students can earn a ticket for working hard during the testing time or by beating their mid-year goal. Please encourage your child over the next two weeks to earn their tickets! I am feeling confident that our PUMAS will surpass the goal of 3,000 tickets but we won’t announce the days for Spirit Week until the students have officially won.
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GVA North Earns GOLD Status!
We’re excited to share that U.S. News & World Report has once again ranked GVA North as one of the best elementary and middle schools in Colorado! This year, we reached GOLD STATUS, meaning we have ranked as high performing for three or more years in a row. We are incredibly proud of our students, staff, and families whose hard work and partnership make this achievement possible. If you want to read more or see additional rankings, you can learn more here.
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Winter Holiday Concert
Our Performing Arts team has been hard at work preparing for the Winter Holiday Concert on December 10th from 5:00–7:00 PM in the gym. Families will enjoy performances by Ballet Club, Orchestra Club, Concert Band, and a special preview from our upcoming spring musical, Coco. All GVA North families are invited to attend and we hope you can join us for this festive celebration.
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Thornton Chamber of Commerce Cookie Exchange at GVA North
We are proud members of the Thornton Chamber of Commerce, and this year, we are thrilled to host their annual Cookie Exchange right here at GVA North on December 11th from 5-7pm. GVA Families are invited to attend this event. Families will receive a special box to collect treats from local businesses, meet Santa and the Grinch, and enjoy a fun, holiday-filled evening. Registration is recommended to reserve your spot. We hope to see many of you there!
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Here’s to a great week of our students showcasing all they have learned in the first half of the school year and celebrating their successes!
Ms. Byrd
Principal, GVA North
cbyrd@gvaschools.org
| | Upcoming Events & Important Dates | |
Fundraiser Pickup Reminder – December 2nd
Our fundraiser pick-up is here! On Tuesday, December 2nd, please make sure to stop by the loading dock between 3:45 PM and 6:00 PM to pick up your items if you did not choose to have them delivered to your home.
Due to limited volunteer availability, we will not be able to deliver items to students before dismissal; all orders must be picked up by families after school.
Thank you so much for your support and understanding! If you have any questions or concerns, please email the PTO President, Carina Estrada, at GVANPTOPresident@gmail.com.
Order distribution will begin no earlier than 3:00. Parents arriving between 3:00-3:45 will need to wait in the pickup lines until they are able to park in one of the lots. We suggest planning to pick up your order after 3:45. Please be prepared to wait in line to pick up your order.
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Skate City Spirit Night – Holiday Scavenger Hunt! 🎄🎅
Join us for a fun night hosted by the PTO!
📅 Monday, December 8th
🕔 5:00–7:00 PM
📍 Skate City-Westminster
Bring your friends and family for skating, music, and a festive Holiday Scavenger Hunt! Don’t miss this fun way to celebrate the season and show your school spirit!
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Snuggle In and Read Donations Needed by December 18th
Elementary students are invited to snuggle up for cozy reading, hot chocolate, and a special story on December 18th. There may even be a few surprises along the way!
We’re looking for donations to help make the day magical. Items can be dropped off at the front desk. Thank you for helping keep this GVA North tradition alive!
Donation Items Needed:
- Hot Chocolate (large tins preferred)
- Warm Cups with Lids
- Marshmallows
- Mini Candy Canes
- Rudolph or red-themed decorations
| | Sibling Registration for Kindergarten for the 2026–2027 School Year! | | |
It’s hard to believe, but it’s almost time to begin Kindergarten sibling registration for the 2026–2027 school year!
The first step for all families interested in enrolling a sibling is to complete our Family Interest Form.
We plan to open sibling registration in mid to late November, so please make sure to complete this form as soon as possible to secure your child’s spot!
Please note: currently enrolled students do not need to re-register. Families will receive a confirmation of enrollment form in December for continuing students.
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It's Time to Order Your Yearbook
- Go to: treering.com/validate
- Enter your school’s passcode: 1016952594002835
- Customize your 2 free pages!
- Regular price: $36.65
Read More
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Did You Download the GVA App Yet?
Available for iOS and Android devices, this all-in-one app helps parents, students, and staff stay connected and informed—whether it’s emergency alerts, school news, upcoming events, forms, or daily updates. Download the app today!
Read More
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Sponsors Needed to Help Us Cultivate Our School's Garden Vision
We're looking for support to build Garden Boxes:
- Engraved Metal Plate to be placed on one of the 5 boxes - $350 Donation.
- Please reach out to Lisa Hillman with any questions or ways to donate at lhillman@gvaschools.org.
Read More
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Earn Cash Back for GVA North with Ongoing Fundraising Opportunities
Partner organizations that help GVA North earn cash back year-round include:
- King Soopers
- Box Tops for Education
- American Furniture Warehouse
- Milk Caps for Moola
Learn more about our partner organizations and help earn money for GVA North through your everyday shopping.
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Your Voice Matters: Keep GVA North Safe
Creating a safe environment at GVA North takes all of us working together. That’s why we encourage students, parents, and community members to share any concerns they may have.
If you see something or hear something that doesn’t seem right, use our confidential reporting system to submit a concern. Reports can be made anonymously, and every submission will be taken seriously and reviewed promptly.
Read More
| | Community Events & Resources | |
Need Food Assistance?
Due to the federal government shutdown, SNAP benefits for November may be delayed. School meals are still available. If you need additional food before your SNAP benefits are available, there are local resources that can help:
GVA North
Colorado 211
Feeding Colorado
Hunger Free Colorado Food Resource Hotline
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Free Therapy for Colorado Youth
I Matter provides up to six free therapy sessions for any Colorado youth 18 and younger. This Mental Health Awareness Month, support mental health wellness for youth, and visit IMatterColorado.org to sign up for in-person or telehealth services in English, or YoImportoColorado.org for services in Spanish.
- Youth 12 and older can sign up for services without parent or guardian consent.
- Youth 11 and younger can have their parent or guardian sign them up.
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