March 21, 2024
As we kick off the final leg of the 2023-24 school year, I thought I would take this opportunity to share a few updates with you. It has proven to be a busy year at GES with lots of work being put into creating positive change for our school district.
The Phase 1 construction project has largely wrapped up with the installation of lockers being the only task yet to be completed. We have received our occupancy permit and have been using the two new classrooms for a multitude of things such as IAR testing, SEL Family Night activities, PreK screenings, kindergarten testing, etc. This summer, our custodial staff will be busy relocating classrooms to better meet our needs. The two newly constructed classrooms will be home to Transitional Kindergarten and PreK. Miss Rutz’s first grade classroom and a second grade classroom will transition into those vacated rooms in the primary wing. The intermediate wing will be made up of a second grade classroom, a third grade classroom, 2-fourth grade classrooms, and a K-4 special education classroom. The only change in the junior high wing will be the transition of what is now a third grade classroom into a second junior high special education classroom. We look forward to taking full advantage of our new space for the 2024-25 school year.
With any luck, Phase 2 of our construction project, the gym, will start within the next year. A Capital Campaign Committee was established last August. The committee’s goal is to raise $750,000 to close the funding gap for a new gym. Members of the committee have been working diligently to coordinate an epic ‘Come Down Event’ for Saturday, September 21. The Raise the Roof Rock Fest will be held at Schoendienst Park and includes five rock-n-roll acts from local to big time. Entertainment will start at 3:00pm and conclude at 11:00pm. Bands will be unveiled and tickets will go on sale in April. Be on the lookout for exciting announcements in the weeks to come. For updates on this event, like the Raise The Roof -Rock Fest Facebook page and subscribe to the website. If you or your business would like to learn more about becoming a sponsor, send your inquiry to: raisetheroof@ges60.org.
While we bring this school year to a close, we will also be busy preparing for next school year. One of our biggest tasks is to fill all vacancies. With Mrs. Garren transitioning to teaching the second section of junior high special education next school year, we have an opening for a junior high science teacher. The position has been advertised for nearly two months. At this point in time we only have two applicants. If you know anyone that is qualified and might be interested in joining our Bulldog family, please encourage them to reach out to me at rbecker@ges60.org.
With Mrs. Strake’s departure from the classroom and the incoming fourth grade class being split next year, we also have two elementary teacher vacancies. While the applicant pool is very thin, I am pleased to share that we have some topnotch candidates in that pool. I anticipate making recommendations to fill the elementary teaching positions at the April meeting of the Board of Education.
As the challenge of hiring and retaining teachers who meet GES's high standards grows, we continue working hard to find ways, big and small, to attract qualified candidates. One of those recruitment tools entails approving a policy that allows the children of GES employees to attend school at Germantown tuition free. Senate Bill 2390 was signed into law on June 29, 2023. This bill allows local school boards the option to approve a policy to waive tuition for non-resident students if the student is a child of a district employee, certified and non-certified. After months of discussion at our monthly meetings and conversations with other superintendents in our region, at our most recent meeting of the Board of Education we formally approved Policy 2390- Tuition Waiver for Children of District Employees. Effective March 13, 2024, GES employees may request that their K-8 child attend GES tuition free. One might wonder why we would approve such a policy. The answer lies in our unwavering commitment to maintaining the excellence of education we are known for at Germantown Elementary School. As the challenges of hiring and retaining qualified teaching candidates continue to mount, we recognize the critical importance of attracting top talent to our district. By offering tuition-free enrollment for the K-8 children of GES employees, we not only support our dedicated staff but also create a strong incentive for them to remain part of our educational community. This policy not only enhances the ‘benefits package’ for our employees but also fosters a sense of belonging and investment in the success of GES among our staff and their families. Ultimately, it is a strategic investment in the future of our school and the quality of education we provide to our students.
In preparation for the upcoming school year, we recently released our 2024-25 school calendar. The first day of school for our TK through 8th grade students will be Wednesday, August 14.
As a school district, we are always looking for ways to grow and improve. We are asking that parents take a few minutes of time to complete a very short School Improvement Survey. Your responses to the survey questions will be used to drive the goal setting process for the 2024-25 school year. Click here to complete the survey.
Thank you for your continued support of all things Bulldog related. By working together, we are better served to provide the community children with an educational experience that will prepare them for future success in life.
With Bulldog pride,
Robin