Look at our PreK students during Mindful Morning Time! Sitting in a circle, listening, and focusing together—such big skills for so early in the school year. We are so proud of their progress already.

Hopefully you were able to incorporate the love language of physical touch last week to "fuel your child’s love tank.” Whether it was more hugs, high fives, fist bumps, sitting next to each other, or an all out wrestling match in the living room, for our kids that speak the love language of physical touch, they need this to feel loved.
The next love language we are exploring is a hard one for me: gifts. I am not a good gift-giver or a good gift-receiver. I don’t like clutter or “things” without a purpose. I am far too practical and can’t think far enough ahead. However, it’s important to speak all 5 love languages to our kids so they can learn to speak them in time. They will have friendships and relationships with people who receive all 5 love languages differently. If someone they love speaks the love language of gifts, but they are unwilling to give gifts, that relationship will not be as strong.
For children whose primary love language is receiving gifts, a thoughtful token makes them feel noticed, cherished, and deeply loved. The gift itself becomes a lasting symbol of love---something they can see or hold onto, even when you’re not around.
It is important to remember that it is NOT about spoiling your child or showering them with presents. Instead, it’s about intentional giving---small reminders that say: I was thinking of you. In my house, it’s something as simple as a surprise fountain Ski or a bag of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos because I was thinking about you.
Here are some practical ways to show love through gifts: notes and drawings slipped into a lunchbox or on a mirror, a unique rock or flower, a homemade bookmark or bracelet, or surprising them with their favorite treat “just because.”
Don’t forget: It’s not the size or the cost of the gift that matters, it’s the size of the love behind it.
The next love language we are exploring is a hard one for me: gifts. I am not a good gift-giver or a good gift-receiver. I don’t like clutter or “things” without a purpose. I am far too practical and can’t think far enough ahead. However, it’s important to speak all 5 love languages to our kids so they can learn to speak them in time. They will have friendships and relationships with people who receive all 5 love languages differently. If someone they love speaks the love language of gifts, but they are unwilling to give gifts, that relationship will not be as strong.
For children whose primary love language is receiving gifts, a thoughtful token makes them feel noticed, cherished, and deeply loved. The gift itself becomes a lasting symbol of love---something they can see or hold onto, even when you’re not around.
It is important to remember that it is NOT about spoiling your child or showering them with presents. Instead, it’s about intentional giving---small reminders that say: I was thinking of you. In my house, it’s something as simple as a surprise fountain Ski or a bag of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos because I was thinking about you.
Here are some practical ways to show love through gifts: notes and drawings slipped into a lunchbox or on a mirror, a unique rock or flower, a homemade bookmark or bracelet, or surprising them with their favorite treat “just because.”
Don’t forget: It’s not the size or the cost of the gift that matters, it’s the size of the love behind it.

Shining the spotlight on Jax, who turned in an impressive time of 13:42 in the Open Race at the Albers/Damiansville Invitational today. Keep up the hard work and determination.

Today, our Lady Bulldog Cross Country Team brought home 2nd Place at the Albers/Damiansville Invitational.
Top finishers were:
Autumn – 5th Place
Gracyn – 10th Place
Sydney – 11th Place
Mia – 14th Place
Kynslee – 20th Place
Keep running STRONG, Lady Bulldogs!
Top finishers were:
Autumn – 5th Place
Gracyn – 10th Place
Sydney – 11th Place
Mia – 14th Place
Kynslee – 20th Place
Keep running STRONG, Lady Bulldogs!

Join us for the Red Cross Blood Drive at Germantown Elementary on Tuesday, October 14. Every donation helps save lives.
Date: Tuesday, October 14
Location: Germantown Elementary School
Sign up here: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=Germantown
Your donation makes a difference. Schedule your spot today.
Date: Tuesday, October 14
Location: Germantown Elementary School
Sign up here: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=Germantown
Your donation makes a difference. Schedule your spot today.

It's Meet Day! Our Cross Country Bulldogs travel to Damiansville for action after school today. The first race is scheduled to start at 4:30.
Getting STRONGer stride by stride.
Getting STRONGer stride by stride.

Individual highlights from today’s GES Invitational!
Elias – 2nd place (Open)
Kyler – 3rd place (Varsity Boys)
Cruz – 4th place (Open)
What a great effort by our Bulldog Cross Country team today.
Elias – 2nd place (Open)
Kyler – 3rd place (Varsity Boys)
Cruz – 4th place (Open)
What a great effort by our Bulldog Cross Country team today.

Sending a BIG shoutout to our Lady Bulldogs and Bulldogs Cross Country teams for bringing home 2nd place finishes at today’s GES Invitational at Schoendienst Park. Way to run STRONG, Bulldogs!

Check out this week's Tuesday Tidbit.

Germantown Elementary School invites community members to an informational session on Qualified Charitable Donations (QCDs) on Thursday, September 18, from 9:30–10:00 a.m. in the school cafeteria. Learn how individuals age 70½ and older can make tax-free charitable contributions directly from their IRA while supporting the school’s effort to build a new gym. Donuts and coffee will be served.

It's Meet Day! Our Bulldogs host the GES Invitational at Schoendienst Park after school . The race schedule is as follows:
Girls Varsity 4pm
Boys Varsity 4:30pm
Open 5pm
Getting STRONGer stride by stride.
Girls Varsity 4pm
Boys Varsity 4:30pm
Open 5pm
Getting STRONGer stride by stride.

In the whirlwind of school schedules, sports practices, and all of the distractions, it's easy to overlook one of the most powerful ways kids feel loved: physical touch. For some children (even our older kids), a hug after school or a snuggle before bed isn’t just nice---it’s essential.
When physical touch is a child’s primary love language, it becomes their clearest way of feeling connected, secure, and emotionally full. These small moments matter more than you may realize. Here are a few ways to speak the love language of physical touch every single day.
*Start and end the day with touch: a morning hug or sitting next to each other before bed.
*Celebrate with contact: a high-five, a fist bump, a hug, a playful nudge.
*Make room for closeness: Sit next to each other while watching a movie, scroll mindlessly right next to your teen rather than in separate rooms.
*Play with purpose: Wrestle, give a piggy-back ride, or dance together.
As our kids get older, their comfort with touch may shift. You may notice them pushing back a little --- and that’s okay! Notice their cues, their body language, listen to what they say, and stay in tune. Your middle schooler may resist a hug in front of his or her friends, but at home after a hard day, it may be just what he or she needs. When they are “peopled out” or angry, the idea of physical touch may be repulsive, but give it a day or 2 (or an hour or 2), and it may be welcomed with open arms. The key is to respect their boundaries, listen to the word “no,” and show love in the ways they receive it best.
When physical touch is a child’s primary love language, it becomes their clearest way of feeling connected, secure, and emotionally full. These small moments matter more than you may realize. Here are a few ways to speak the love language of physical touch every single day.
*Start and end the day with touch: a morning hug or sitting next to each other before bed.
*Celebrate with contact: a high-five, a fist bump, a hug, a playful nudge.
*Make room for closeness: Sit next to each other while watching a movie, scroll mindlessly right next to your teen rather than in separate rooms.
*Play with purpose: Wrestle, give a piggy-back ride, or dance together.
As our kids get older, their comfort with touch may shift. You may notice them pushing back a little --- and that’s okay! Notice their cues, their body language, listen to what they say, and stay in tune. Your middle schooler may resist a hug in front of his or her friends, but at home after a hard day, it may be just what he or she needs. When they are “peopled out” or angry, the idea of physical touch may be repulsive, but give it a day or 2 (or an hour or 2), and it may be welcomed with open arms. The key is to respect their boundaries, listen to the word “no,” and show love in the ways they receive it best.

What an opening meet at Lebanon for our Varsity Lady Bulldogs as well. The team captured 1st Place overall with Top 10 runs from Autumn (3rd), Gracyn (6th), Sydney (8th), and Mia (9th).
We are Bulldog STRONG!
We are Bulldog STRONG!

Our Varsity Bulldogs came out running STRONG in today’s season opening meet at Lebanon. Led by Kyler’s 1st Place finish, along with Bentley (2nd), Myles (4th), and Tristan (9th), the Bulldogs claimed 1st Place as a team.

Tomorrow is our first Feel Good Friday of the school year, and the theme is beach. Students are encouraged to wear their HOUSE t-shirts as we dive into a day full of connection, fun, and activities that support our social-emotional well-being.

It's Meet Day. Our Cross Country Bulldogs travel to Lebanon after school for the first meet of the season.
Getting STRONGer stride by stride.
Getting STRONGer stride by stride.

The pairings for the Germantown 6th Grade Girls Basketball Tournament have been released. In first round action, our Lady Bulldogs take on St. Rose at 5:30 on Monday, September 15.
Play Hard, Play Smart, Play Bulldog Strong.
Play Hard, Play Smart, Play Bulldog Strong.

When lunch includes bananas… you call in the experts. Thanks to our kitchen crew (and their Minion friends) for always bringing smiles to the cafeteria.

This afternoon, Mr. Albers’ bus route west of town will be running late. A combine is blocking the road near the egg company, requiring him to take a longer alternate route to reach drop-off locations.

Introducing the Class of 2029! They’ve stepped into junior high with courage, flexibility, and determination, navigating new classrooms, new teachers, and new routines. They are learning what it means to be Bulldog STRONG every single day.

