Principal Newsletter

Friday, January 8, 2021

January 8, 2021 Newsletter

Dates to Remember:

  • 1/18/21- NO SCHOOL- Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday
  • 1/27/21- ALL SCHOOL MEET- 11:30 a.m.
  • 1/29/21-NO SCHOOL- Turn around day (Please note date change)

Dear Gill Community,

The events of Wednesday in Washington, DC were deeply troubling, especially during the pandemic year with so many uncertainties and anxieties already present. Many children may have seen or heard some of what happened, with the myriad of opportunities for media to connect with us in so many facets of our lives. Some of my teachers did report that this event came up during classroom discussions. Please be reassured that teachers were provided resources and are prepared on how to address topics of political events as well as events that are of highly volatile and upsetting nature. Staff only clarify and correct the information students share, and in no way offer their own political views or perspectives on the events. As parents, providing your children with reassurance that you are prepared to keep them safe, acknowledging their feelings, and responding to their questions with honesty can be very effective ways to support them. As a school community, we do not condone violence nor support these types of responses in a democratic society.

Just a friendly reminder, if your child is going to be absent, please call the office and leave a message at 863-3255. Attendance IS being taken daily, and we are trying to ensure that students are present and attending as much as they can. If the student is late signing in and the teacher has already sent the attendance, they are still absent in the system. Some of you may have questioned the attendance numbers in the report cards, so if your child is late, please inform the teacher or Marie Hutchinson so she can adjust their attendance from an absence to a tardy.

Enjoy the weekend, and warmest wishes for a healthy and safe New Year!

Lisa Desjarlais, Principal