Everybody needs a little Carl and April in their life. They do it all at GES from cleaning buses to sprucing up the parking lot with paw prints and everything in between. We appreciate all the time and energy they put into preparing the building and grounds for the 2023-24 school year.
We are excited to unveil our theme word for the 2023-24 school year, FIERCE.
With a FIERCE heart and an unstoppable spirit, we are gearing up for a year filled with growth, learning, and making a positive impact together. The following traits will be the focal point of our HOUSE meetings:
FOCUSED: We will sharpen our focus, set goals, and conquer challenges head-on. The 2023-24 school year will be all about aiming high and staying on target 🎯 .
INDEPENDENT: We will embrace our independence and unique talents. Our Bulldog FIERCE spirit will guide us as we explore new horizons and take charge of our learning journey.
EAGER: We will approach each day with enthusiasm and a hunger for knowledge. Our curiosity will lead us to exciting discoveries and endless possibilities.
RESPONSIBLE: As Bulldogs, we will take pride in being responsible members of our school community. We will practice leading by example and taking ownership of our actions.
COMPASSIONATE: A kind heart can make a big difference. We will spread compassion, support one another, and make our school a place where everyone feels valued and cared for.
EFFICIENT: Time management and efficiency are the keys to success. We will commit ourselves to working smart, making the most of every moment, and achieving our goals with Bulldog determination.
Let’s get our Bulldog FIERCE on and make this a year to remember.
Did you know that early childhood programs, such as Transitional Kindergarten, have a positive impact on cognitive development. Studies indicate that around 70% of children who attend preschool exhibit higher cognitive abilities, including improved problem-solving, critical thinking, and memory skills.
As luck would have it, we have openings in our tuition-based Transitional Kindergarten Program. What are you waiting for? Join our Bulldog family today. Call (618)523-4253 or email rbecker@ges60.org for more information. Enrollment is open for 4 and 5 year-olds in Clinton County.
Take advantage of this opportunity to set your child up for future success in life.
A parent/athlete fall sports meeting will be held in the cafeteria at 6:30 on Monday, August 21 . All parents of students planning to participate in cross country, girls basketball, boys basketball, and cheerleading during the 2023-24 school year are encouraged to attend the meeting with their athlete(s).
Get your shop on at Dick's Sporting Goods August 4-7 and receive 20% off your purchase.
Thank you to Susan Knapp for spotlighting the great work of the Germantown Kernel Nut Club. The KNC is nuts about kids. We are grateful for the many ways they make a difference in our community.
PTA members, Jackie Rakers, Alyssa Loepker, Stephanie Hemker, Anne Huelsmann, Allison Schroeder, and Danielle Ribbing, present Superintendent Becker with a check for $9675 from proceeds raised through the annual PTA Raffle. The money will be allocated to maintaining and upgrading technology throughout the district. We appreciate our PTA Board for their time and efforts during the 2022--23 school year as well as the support of the school community with selling and buying raffle tickets.
Please give a warm Bulldog welcome to Miss Caroline Kenow. Miss Kenow, a 2014 graduate of GES, continued her education at Mater Dei High School before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience with a Minor in Psychology from Saint Louis University. Presently, she serves as a Registered Behavior Technician at Orchard Behavior and Learning Services in Chesterfield, where she dedicates herself to cultivating the capacity of individuals with autism, social-emotional behavior, and related challenges. Having recently moved back to Germantown to be closer to family, Miss Kenow sought out the opportunity to work at GES, bringing her expertise and passion to contribute to her hometown. With aspirations to expand services for children in the area, her commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of young learners makes her a great fit at GES. We are excited to welcome Miss Kenow back to GES as she takes on the role of PreK and RtI paraprofessional.
Did you know that preschool exposure, such as Transitional Kindergarten, significantly contributes to language and communication development. Research indicates that approximately 80% of children who attended preschool exhibit better language skills, vocabulary, and communication abilities than those who did not attend.
As luck would have it, we have openings in our tuition-based Transitional Kindergarten Program. What are you waiting for? Join our Bulldog family today. Call (618)523-4253 or email rbecker@ges60.org for more information. Enrollment is open for 4 and 5 year-olds in Clinton County. Don't miss out on this opportunity to give your child a head start in their educational journey.
Please give a warm Bulldog welcome to Miss Kayla Rutz. Miss Rutz recently completed her student teaching in first grade at St. Jacob Elementary and graduated from McKendree University. She has worked with young children for the Highland Parks and Recreation Department since 2017 serving as a day camp leader for the Korte Rec Center for the past 3 years. While young in her career, she has several years of experience working with primary age children. Miss Rutz is highly driven, hard working, and possesses strong leadership skills. We are confident she will give our students her best this year and inspire them to learn and grow. We are excited to welcome Miss Rutz o GES as she takes on the role of first grade teacher for the district.
The school office will be closed on Friday, July 28.
Please give a warm Bulldog welcome to Miss Meghan Felts. Miss Felts worked as a paraprofessional at GES during the 2021-22 school year. Last school year, she decided to take a paraprofessional position closer to home in the Nashville School District. Lucky for us, she wanted to come back. Miss Felts is finishing up her associate's degree from Kaskaskia College and plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in elementary education from SIUE while working at GES. We are excited to welcome Miss Felts back to GES as she takes on the role of K-4 special education paraprofessional for the district.
This week's summer challenge is to to embark on "Screen-Free Adventures" by limiting screen time and exploring alternative activities that foster creativity, connection, and outdoor exploration. Set aside dedicated time each day to unplug from screens and engage in activities such as reading, playing board games, going for nature walks, or having quality family time. Let's discover the joys and benefits of reducing screen time while creating lasting memories together. Are you up for the challenge? Join us on this screen-free adventure and let this week unfold with new experiences and meaningful connections!
One of our goals going into the 2023-24 school year is to take the ORDINARY and add a little EXTRA to create moments that serve to generate a love for learning. The fun and excitement will begin on Monday, August 14, as we celebrate Bulldogpalooza for the first time at GES. What is Bulldogpalooza? Bulldogpalooza is an engaging and festive open house event organized by a school that proudly identifies with the Bulldog as its mascot. This year, we have decided to transform our ORDINARY Open House into an energy filled event by adding a little EXTRA fun - music, games, snacks, and drinks - provided by the Germantown PTA.
So, mark your calendars for Monday, August 14th, and join us at GES as we kickstart the school year with Bulldogpalooza!
Please give a warm Bulldog welcome to Mrs. Danielle Ribbing. Danielle earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from the University of Missouri Columbia. She worked at Maschhoffs for a period of time before deciding to make a career change. That career change took her to Comprehensive Care Pharmacy where she worked as a pharmacy technician for several years. Danielle has a special place in her heart for children. Her 3 children attend GES. The past 2 years she has followed her heart and worked with children in the school setting as a substitute teacher and paraprofessional. Danielle has aspirations to get her teaching degree in early childhood education. What better place than Germantown to get experience while working towards her goals. Danielle is very active in the school community. She recently served 4 years on the GES Board of Education, the last 2 as Board President. She is a strong supporter of the school and an advocate for educators. Immediately after her time on the Board concluded, she was approached with the opportunity to serve as the PTA President. Given her desire to be involved, she embraced the opportunity. While Danielle is a familiar face at GES, this will be a new role for her. We are confident that her desire to do her best and be her best for the children will help us in our continued efforts to take GES from good to great. We are excited to welcome Danielle to GES as she takes on the role of full time substitute teacher for the district.
Did you know that early childhood education, such as Transitional Kindergarten, helps children develop self-regulation and behavior management skills. Research suggests that approximately 70% of children who attended preschool exhibit improved self-control, emotional regulation, and positive behavior compared to those who did not attend.
As luck would have it, we have openings in our tuition-based Transitional Kindergarten Program. What are you waiting for? Join our Bulldog family today. Call (618)523-4253 or email rbecker@ges60.org for more information. Enrollment is open for 4 and 5 year-olds in Clinton County.
Unlock the potential of your child's future with our Transitional Kindergarten Program. Don't miss out on this opportunity to give them the best start in life.
This week's summer challenge is to embark on a "Kindness Crusade" by performing at least one act of kindness every day. Whether it's helping a neighbor, writing a heartfelt note, or spreading smiles wherever you go, let's make this week all about kindness that radiates positivity throughout our community. Are you up for the challenge? Together, let's create a ripple effect of kindness that lasts far beyond the summer months.
Please give a warm Bulldog welcome to Miss Rylie Johnson. Rylie was a member of the GES Class of 2014. After graduating from Mater Dei High School in 2018, she attended Southeast MIssouri State where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in 2022. She taught 4th, 5th, and 6th grade ELA at Scott County Elementary School in Sikeston, Missouri, last year and will be returning home to Germantown for the 2023-24 school year to teach third grade and coach 5th and 6th grade volleyball. We are thrilled to welcome Rylie back to GES. #OnceABulldogAlwaysABulldog
Please give a warm Bulldog welcome to Miss Rylie Johnson. Rylie was a member of the GES Class of 2014. After graduating from Mater Dei High School in 2018, she attended Southeast MIssouri State where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in 2022. She taught 4th, 5th, and 6th grade ELA at Scott County Elementary School in Sikeston, Missouri, last year and will be returning home to Germantown for the 2023-24 school year to teach third grade and coach 5th and 6th grade volleyball. We are thrilled to welcome Rylie back to GES. #OnceABulldogAlwaysABulldog
Let It Go! Three simple words that we sometimes struggle to put into practice. Join us for this week's summer challenge, the "Let It Go" challenge, where we encourage you to release the pressures and worries of life and make this week a memorable and carefree experience for you and your family. What are some possible ways to "Let It Go"?
1️⃣ Let Go of Screens: Reduce screen time for both you and your children. Encourage outdoor play, family bonding, and creative activities that don't involve electronic devices.
2️⃣ Let Go of Busy Schedules: Embrace the beauty of free time! Give your family the gift of unstructured moments, allowing for relaxation and exploration.
3️⃣ Let Go of Comparisons: Celebrate your child's unique abilities and growth. Avoid comparing their achievements to others and focus on their individual progress and personal development.
4️⃣ Let Go of Stress: Practice self-care and model a calm and positive mindset for your children. Make time to enjoy quiet moments together.
5️⃣ Let Go of Helicopter Parenting: Grant your children more independence and freedom to make age-appropriate decisions. Foster their confidence and problem-solving skills.
6️⃣ Let Go of Perfection: Embrace mistakes as valuable learning opportunities. Encourage resilience and a growth mindset in your children by allowing them to take risks and learn from failures.
7️⃣ Let Go of Grudges: Foster healthy relationships by letting go of unresolved conflicts. Encourage open communication, forgiveness, and understanding within your family.
8️⃣ Let Go of Fear: Encourage your children to embrace new challenges, try new activities, and step out of their comfort zones. Teach them that it's okay to make mistakes and that growth comes from facing fears.
There are countless ways to "Let It Go". Choose one or more areas to focus on this week and release what no longer serves you. There's no right or wrong way to "Let It Go," as long as you find what resonates with you. Join us as we embrace this week's challenge and "Let It Go".
