As the school year comes to a close, it is time to think about summer. Hopefully, READING is on your list of things to do! With report cards, information was sent home regarding the annual ”Be a Blue Ribbon Winner by Reading” summer reading program that GCPS does with the Field Day of the Past. We also sent home the elementary Reading Olympics 2013-2014 reading lists with all 3rd - 4th graders and the middle school list with 5th graders.  If you are interested in being a Reading Olympian - why not get a head start and read this summer?

There are other programs in the community. Stop by the Goochland Public Library and find out about their summer reading program, “Dig Into Reading”. Also, Barnes & Noble book store has a summer reading incentive, “Imagination’s Destination”.

If you are just in need ideas of what to read, check out the links below.

James Patterson’s Read Kiddo Read

A Book and a Hug - you can even find out what type of reading superhero you are!

What Should I Read NEXT? - is great site to find books like the ones you have already read and loved!

And why not have someone read a book to you! Visit StoryLine to have a celebrity read one!

Last night GES had it’s annual Student Talent Show. Mrs. Watts, our music teacher, coordinates this event. Out of all the ‘extra’ things that take place here at GES through out the year, this one is undoubtably the best! Students really shine on this one evening of the year. We had about 25 acts… lots of very talented children. Talents ranged from singing and dancing to Hula-hooping and dog tricks to piano playing and comedy skits. Not to mention the SECRET ACT performed by 3 GES Dudes! It proved to be a very entertaining night! Here are some of the high-lights:

Our MC’s for the evening:

Singing:

Dancing:

Miscellany:

Last week, GES celebrated its many volunteers with our annual Volunteers Breakfast. Counselor, Linda Davidson, coordinates both the annual Volunteer Orientation and Volunteer Breakfast. This year’s theme was “Our Volunteers are Real TREASURES”, which was evident with the lovely decorations. There was live entertainment provided by our very own students Mia T., Juliana B., Camille M., Carter D., Jessie S. and Lilly Y.

We sincerely appreciate all that our volunteers do. Tasks range from being room ‘moms’ and helping in classrooms to copying handouts, cutting out games/activities, creating bulletin boards, computer activities with students, helping in the library and art room, being a lunch buddy (reading buddy), being guest readers, helping with PE, among many other things! Our volunteers are not only parents of current students, but also former teachers of GES, Rotary Club members, Goochland residents and even staff family members. Our school would not be the wonderful learning environment that it is with out them! While, we know that not all of our volunteers made it to the breakfast, we had quite a few!

Here are some pictures of the attendees.

Tonight is Goochland Elementary’s Reading Night at the Diamond.... For all kids who participated in the Go Nuts For Reading reading incentive program sponsored by the Richmond Flying Squirrels. Ticket Vouchers were sent home with students LAST week. Game starts at 6:35pm, but arriving early is a good idea! If you want to participate in the Parade with Nutzy you need to be there at 5:45. Families may purchase additional tickets at the game. Don’t miss out on this fun evening if you participated in the program!! 

It’s Yearbook Time!  Your 2012-2013 GES Yearbooks are IN and looking fabulous!  Please plan on purchasing one THIS Monday when they go on sale, April 15th!  The cost will be $20.00.  You can bring a check made out to GES or cash.  Yearbooks will be sold on a first come, first serve basis! So, don’t miss your chance to purchase this year’s memories caught forever in time! 

In a few short weeks spring SOL testing will begin.
Here’s the schedule:

April 30 - Science 5

May 1 - Science 3

May 2 - History 4

May 3 - History 5

May 7 - History 3

May 8 - Reading 5

May 9 - Reading 4

May 14 - Reading 3: Part 1

May 15 - Reading 3: Part 2

May 16 - Math 5: Part 1

May 17 - Math 5: Part 2

May 21 - Math 4: Part 1

May 22 - Math 4: Part 2

May 23 - Math 3: Part 1

May 24 - Match 3: Part 2

May 28 - Make Up Testing

Each test will begin at the start of the school day. Teachers are working hard preparing students for the upcoming tests, but there are a few things you can do at home! It’s important that students arrive to school on time, get a good night’s sleep and eat a good breakfast!

Hoping everyone has a wonderful Spring Break… beginning tomorrow at 1:00pm early dismissal. Maybe some warmer weather will come our way?

Upon students’ return on Monday, April 8th, we will be in the home stretch for our Spring SOL testing, which begins April 30th at GES. Teachers will be working hard to get all 3 - 5 graders ready for testing. We also have our annual Reading Olympics Competition on April 9th. If you know a GES Reading Olympian - wish them luck! Book Fair will be here Monday, April 8th - Tuesday, April 16th. GCPS will have its yearly AG Day here at GES for all county 4th Graders on April 11th.  GES will host its annual Volunteer Breakfast on the 19th of April. AND Mrs. Watt’s Talent Show is scheduled for the 25th! That’s a lot of dates to add to your calendar:) Be on the look out for information coming home or call the office.

Please plan to attend the Annual PTA Dinner and Auction on Thursday, March 21st @ 5:30 - 8:00pm.
New menu this year! BBQ and Chicken Nuggets catered by Haywood Grill.

Dinner Prices include sides and a drink: Adults $8.00 and Children $4.00

Schedule:

5:00 - Doors open for Silent and Live Auction Preview

5:30 - Dinner: BBQ platter for adults, chicken nugget platter for children

6:00 - GES Kindergarten performance, with GES chorus immediately following

6:45 - Silent auction bidding ends

7:00 - Live Auction followed by announcement of Silent Auction winners

Lots of great items have been donated for auction, make sure you come out and see what’s up for bidding!! Students have also been working hard on their handmade items in Art with Mrs. Ware! If you have any questions, would like to donate items for auction, or would like to volunteer please contact PTA Board Members: Lia Goff or Kelly Clarke.

Hope to see you there!

That March is Music In Our Schools month? Check out our music teachers’ blogs, Andrew Snead & Kim Watts, to see what’s going on in music encore class and chorus.

GES received a very unexpected surprise today.... a $500 grant from the Exxon Mobil Educational Alliance program. GES was nominated by Jerry Taylor of Taylor’s Exxon...We sincerely thank him for nominating us. The $500 will be used for science and math materials. If you happen to be in Taylor’s, make sure you say thanks! 

Kindergarten registration will take place at each of the three GCPS elementary schools April 11.
See this flyer for more info…
K_registration_flyer_2013.pdf
You may also call the school’s office if you have any questions.

This week we celebrate Read Across America and Dr. Seuss’s birthday, which was Saturday, March 2nd. The schedule of events are:

March 4: Hat Day -Wear your red and white Cat in the Hat hats (or other hat)

March 5: Crazy Hair Day- come with crazy hair in honor of the WHOs in Horton Hears a Who

March 6: Silly Socks Day- for Fox in Socks

March 7: Wear Green - for Green Eggs and Ham

March 8th: Dress up as your favorite Dr. Seuss Character

Along with the above daily activities, we will be hosting a Door Decorating contest with each classroom. Some doors have already been decorated and they look GREAT! You might come across some green eggs for breakfast this week.... and there is an ESSAY writing contest.
Each student is encouraged to write a short (age appropriate) essay explaining the following:

My favorite Dr. Seuss book is ___________ .”

Essays are due to the library by Thursday, March 7th. No late entries will be accepted. In the event of school closings or delays, essays will be due to the library on the first day back to school after closings. An Award (book fair gift certificate) will be given to the winning essay writer in each grade level.

This year at GES, we have incorporated the 7 Habits of Happy Kids, the ideas and books of Stephen R. Covey. The idea behind this is that greatness can occur if the GES community adheres to the habits.

Be Proactive

Begin with the END in Mind

Put First Things First

Think Win-Win

Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood

Synergize

Sharpen the Saw

To revitalize these ideas and methods we had a wonderful assembly hosted by 2nd grade. They created & recorded skits to show the 7 habits in action. We had a visit from the superhero - HABIT MAN!

Who reviewed the 7 habits with the kids in a very entertaining way!

We had the GHS Football Coach - Mr. Fowler and a couple of the football players (all GES alumnus) talk about how living and working by the 7 habits ensure success - on all levels - at home, school and at sports.

A group of 4th graders - led by teacher, Mr. Beasley, sang their 7 Habits Song.

Ask your kids about the 7 Habits Today!

GCPS Community-
As we begin to develop next year’s school calendar, it is critical that we have a clear perception of our greater school community’s feedback. We invite and encourage our parents, students, staff, and general community members to let us know your thoughts about the school calendar.

Click Here for the Online Survey

This survey will be available in paper form at each school and the Central Office. We will accept feedback through Friday, February 22, 2013.

Career Day at GES was a phenomenal success. We sincerely thank all the people who came out and shared their experiences and wisdom with our students. We also thank, guidance counselor, Linda Davidson, for all her hard work getting all the presenters together and organizing the event.

Careers represented today were:

contractor, Mr. Frago

farmer, Mr. Harper

entrepreneur (White Hawk Cafe), Mr. Hazelton

VA Dept. of Forestry, Mr. Wright

physical therapist, Mrs. Kelley

optometrist, Dr. Michaels

entrepreneur (Goochland Drive-In), Mr. Heidel

fraud reviewer, Mrs. Maier

Goochland Fire Dept., Lt. Taylor

quilt artist, Mrs. Dewey

Veterinarian, Dr. Washburn/Mrs. Flory

Meteorologist (channel 6), Mr. Goldberg

President, Parrish Strategic Solutions, Mr. Parrish

mining engineer, Mr. Storey

engineer, Mr. Hamzey

NASA project manager, Mr. Kemmerly

GES Community - help support the GES PTA by dining in (or out) at Frida’s Mexican Restaurant this Saturday, February 9th. GES PTA will receive 10% of proceeds. You must bring the attached flyer.
Fridas_Spirit_Day_02_9_13.pdf
Check out their menu here!

As usual...we have lots going on at GES!!

February Events:

Feb. 4th: 100th Day of school assembly @ 8:45am
Feb. 5th: GES Schoolwide Enrichment Day
Feb. 7th: Parent/Teacher Conferences: 3:30 - 7:00pm (please call office to schedule an appt.)
Feb. 8th: Career Day - Morning & K-2 Social - Afternoon
Feb. 9th: Conundrum Day
Feb. 12th: GES Student Presentation at School Board Meeting
Feb. 18th: HOLIDAY - Schools Closed
Feb. 22nd:  3-5 Social - Afternoon
Feb. 26th:  7 Habits Assembly

GES Students - We need your help!! Do you buy a school lunch? No? Why not? We need your input on the lunches served in GCPS. Follow this link to take a brief survey by February 5th. Your participation is appreciated!

January is a very busy month here at GES. From report cards....to spelling bees...to plays...we’ve got it all!

January:

January 9: MP2 report cards go home
January 14: GES Speaker Day - Dr. Richard Carchman
January 15: MP2 Honors Assembly (9:00am &10:00am)
January 16: WACKY WEDNESDAY - Mix and Match Day
January 16: County Spelling Bee @ GES - 6:30pm
January 17: Miss Nelson is Missing production (9:00am & 1:15pm)
January 18: Student Early Dismissal (1:00pm)
January 21: Schools Closed - MLK Day
January 23: WACKY WEDNESDAY - Twin Day
January 23: PTA Meeting @6:30 - Superintendent, Dr. Lane, presents budget
January 30: WACKY WEDNESDAY - Super Bowl Day (support your favorite team...)
January 31: 100th Day of School Assembly 8:45 - 9:15

The faculty and staff of Goochland Elementary School wishes everyone a wonderful BREAK!! Schools reopen for students on January 7th, 2013.

We have a lot going on in the next several weeks.

November:

7th: Bella Sicilia Spirit Night: 4-9pm

8th: Bella Sicilia Spirit Night: 4-9pm

8th: 4th Grade Field Trip to Jamestown

9th: SCA Officer Speeches & Elections

9th: PTA Fall Bazaar after school - Start your Holiday Shopping!

12th: Fall Book Fair Open for shopping 8:00am - 3:30pm

13th: Fall Book Fair Open for shopping 8:00am - 3:30pm

14th: Fall Book Fair Open for shopping 8:00am - 3:30pm

15th: Fall Book Fair Open for Shopping 8:00am - 3:00pm AND 6:00 - 7:00pm for Family Night

15th: Grandparents’s Day Visits - K-2 - during lunches

15th: PTA Meeting and First Grade Performance - 7:00pm

16th: Fall Book Fair Open for Shopping 8:00am - 1:00pm

16th: Grandparents’s Day Visits - 3-5 - during lunches

20th: Kindergarten Thanksgiving Performance 9:00am

21st - 23rd: Schools Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday

December:

6th: Winter Program 2nd - 5th Grade - GHS Auditorium @ 7:00pm

12th: GES Spelling Bee: 9:00am

13th: Frida’s Mexican Restaurant Spirit Night: 4:00-9:00pm

14th: MP2 testing begins

20th: MP2 testing ends

20th: Early Dismissal - 1:00pm

21st: Student Holiday/Teacher Work Day

24th - Jan. 4th: Winter Break

It was a special day for all students in grades 2 - 5! We held our mock elections. Not only did we hear speeches by the democratic and republican candidates:

Students, 2nd - 5th, got to vote for the candidate of their choice.

The online election is being hosted by Studies Weekly. You can check the national results here!
A special thanks goes out to, counselor, Linda Davidson for putting this together for GES! This has been an awesome experience for our students. We also thank the parent volunteers for making the voting process like the real voting poles! 

Parent-Teacher Conferences are being held November 1st from 3:30 - 7:00pm. Please call the school office @556-5321 to schedule your conference today. Times are at a first come/first served basis, so call soon to get your best time. If you are unable to make the conference on Nov. 1st, or would prefer a phone conference, please contact your child’s teacher(s) directly. You can find e-mail addresses here.
We hope to see you all!

GES Community - Plan to head out to the ANNUAL PTA Trunk or Treat event Saturday, October 20, 2012. It will be located at the Goochland Elementary School Track. Vehicles can park around the track from 4:15 - 5:00pm. To ensure safety, gates will promptly close at 5:00pm and vehicles may not leave until the event is over at 7:30pm. If you can’t stay for the entire event… consider walking in! Park at the school’s lot and come and go at your leisure. There will be hayrides, DJ, car decorating contest, food from White Hawk Cafe, and plenty of fun. Come dressed in your best with plenty of treats and good cheer to share!

Admission: $10.00 per vehicle in advance & at the gate AND $4.00 per person walk-in in advance and $6.00 per person at the gate.

Schedule of Events:

5:30 - Parade of Costumes

6:00 - Trunk or Treating

6:30 - Costume Contest Winners Announced

We hope to see you all dressed in your best costumes, enjoying fellowship and entertainment!

It’s that time of year again!

Goochland County Schools’ preschool staff,
in collaboration with the Goochland-Powhatan Parent-Infant Education program,
are offering free developmental screenings to Goochland County residents.

If you have or know of a child between the ages of birth and 5 years of age and would like to know more about the child’s development,
come visit the upper level of the Goochland Elementary School Annex on Thursday, October 11th between the hours of 8:30 AM and 3:00 PM. 

Screenings look at a variety of skills including speech and language, thinking and listening, movement and fine motor skills and provide a snapshot of a child’s development.
Vision and hearing screenings will also be available. 

Call Wendy Murray at 556-5631, ext. 3209 or 556-5321 or Chris Power at 657-2010.

It is time for the PTA Reflections Contest.  The theme this year is “The Magic of a Moment”.  Each morning, an announcement will encourage students to consider their artistic skills in one of the six categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Musical Composition, Photography, Visual Arts.  All students are encouraged to participate.  We want to inspire your child’s creativity in all categories.  There is no limit to the number of items submitted nor to the categories chosen.

If you are interested, you can find the general rules, forms and applications for entry online at http://blogs.glnd.k12.va.us/aware/pta-reflections-contest-2012/ .  If you do not have access to the online information, you child will be supplied with printouts of the forms needed. Call the school if you have any questions!

Thursday, September 27th is Spirit Night at Bella Sicilia Restaurant in Goochland. Please consider eating dinner at the new restaurant here in Goochland Courthouse! Students will bring home a flyer on Thursday. In order for GES to receive 10% of proceeds, you must present the flyer at the restaurant. Get a great dinner and help out GES at the same time. You can’t go wrong, the pizza’s great!

This Sunday, September 23rd, GES students will be recognized at the Field Day of the Past. Students who participated in the summer reading incentive program “Be a Blue Ribbon Winner by Reading” will be presented a certificate at 2:30 on Sunday. We had 40 students participate!! Way to go!! Details, treats, ticket to the fair, and freebies will be sent home tomorrow with those students.

SEE YOU AT THE FAIR!

The Annual PTA Back to School Night is Thursday, September 20th. Please see the GES PTA blog for more information. We hope to see you all! Back to School Night is an important night! Meet your child’s teacher(s) and find out how things work in their classrooms.... you can learn academic & classroom behavior routines & expectations. There will be a baked goods sale, with items from Devil Monkey Ice Cream Parlor. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the GES PTA. 

I bet you’ve heard your child talk about “be proactive, begin with the end in mind, put first things first, listen first, think win-win, synergize, and sharpen the saw.” These are the 7 habits of happy kids. We want all our students at GES to be happy!! Read principal, Tina McCay’s, blog to learn more about what GES faculty and students are doing to become LEADERS!

In order to reduce the congestion of traffic on Route 6, we will be changing our dismissal time by five minutes.  New dismissal times:

2:55 Car Riders
3:10 All Buses Dismissed

This change will begin Monday, August 27, 2012

Student Arrival

8:05-8:20

After 8:20 students are considered tardy.

Student Dismissal

3:00 Car Riders

Buses should pull out at 3:15

We had a great opening to the FIRST DAY of school! Teachers and students alike are ready to start the year. It’s going to be a great one!

Students happy to begin the year!

Buses arrive bright and early…

Principal, Mrs. McCay, walks a Kindergartener into the building.

Mrs. Alvis walks her Kindergarten class down for their very first day of school!

Mrs. Gordon’s class…

Mrs. DeLong’s class…

Can you believe summer is over? Where did the time go? GES teachers and staff are well relaxed and ready to go!!

Some dates to put on your calendar:

Aug. 20th - First day for students

Sept. 3rd - Schools closed for Labor Day

Sept. 11th - Volunteer Orientation - 8:45am

Sept. 20th - PTA Back to School Night

Here are the supply lists for the new 2012-2013 school year. Note: there has been a change with orientation and open house dates that were previously published.

Kindergarten Supply List
First Grade Supply List
Second Grade Supply List
Third Grade Supply List
Fourth Grade Supply List
Fifth Grade Supply List
Sixth Grade Supply List

The following link has all the information you need to get started on your registration for the best summer opportunity available!!! We hope to see you this summer:
Summer_STEM_Camp.pdf

Kindergarten

First Grade

Second Grade

Third Grade

Fourth Grade

Fifth Grade

Sixth Grade

While students in grades 3 - 5 are busy taking SOL tests, end of year events are in the works!! See what’s planned below:

May 17 - Kindergarten field trip to Maymont Park
May 25 - 1st Grade field trip to Maymont Park
May 28 - Memorial Day Holiday - Schools Closed
May 29 - FIELD DAY
May 30 - Kindergarten field trip to Alvis’ Farm and Picnic
May 30 - 5th Grade Graduation (8:45am) & Pool Party @ the YMCA (11-3pm)
May 31 - 2nd - 4th Honor Assembly (9am) & Class Picnics
May 31 - Mobile Dentist visits GES (12 - 1pm)
May 31 - Goochland Public Library Visits (2:30pm)
June 1 - Last day of school - Report Cards go home

If you have any questions concerning these events, please see your child’s teacher’s blog for more information. You may also call the office @556-5321. 

The annual GES Talent Show will be Thursday evening, starting at 6:30. All Talent Show participants need to be in the MUSIC Room by 6:10. But before you head to the Music Room, head on down to the LMC for the Annual Spring Book Fair.... doors open at 5:30 and will remain open until all customers are finished. It will NOT reopen after the Talent Show. 

Do you need to register your child for school? Please join us on April 19, 2012 for Kindergarten Registration Day. Learn more details about this event on Dr. Stephen Geyer’s blog. 

This is just a reminder of the GCPS dress code. We have seen several students in our halls with inappropriate clothing and shoes. Students must wear shoes that are appropriate for running and playing during PE and recess. Please NO FLIP FLOPS or open backed sandals. Also remember that shorts (and skirts) must be finger tip length and within 2 - 3 inches of the knee. Shirts sleeves must go to shoulder - no spaghetti strap tank tops. Failure to follow these guidelines could result in a phone call home and need for a change of clothing. We appreciate your support!

Here is what the GCPS handbook says:

Students shall dress in an appropriate manner that is not distracting to themselves or to other students or that interferes with the orderly process of instruction. Inappropriate dress includes clothing, jewelry or any personal belongings that advocate violence, gang affiliation, alcohol or drug use. Clothing that is sexually suggestive, advertises obscenities or reflects adversely on persons due to race, gender, creed, national origin, physical, emotional or intellectual abilities is not permitted.

The following are examples of inappropriate dress: halter-, tank- or tube-tops, bare midriffs, and biker shorts. Shoes should have a strap or solid back. Students may wear appropriate shorts (fingertip rule, 2-3 inches above the knee) during warm weather. Hats may not be worn inside the school building. It is important that appropriate and safe clothing and athletic shoes be worn for physical education classes and recess.

Ms. Blane Cope, GES Artist in Residence, spent a second Friday afternoon at the school on Feb. 3rd.  The visiting classes included 5th graders and Kindergarteners.  The students were wonderful and asked many questions. Mrs. Rebecca Massey, GES parent volunteer, and Dr. Stephen Geyer also enjoyed the artist’s presentation.

Ms. Cope demonstrated her craft and began to stage students for full figure silhouettes to become part of the GES permanent piece of art work.  It will be a large collage of silhouettes depicting life at Goochland Elementary.  The work will be hung above the doors leading upstairs to the left of the office door.

The students were very excited to see a “real” artist at work!
Ms. Cope will return to GES on Friday, Feb.24, 2012.

Fifth Grader, Jacob M. sits patiently while his silhouette is done by Ms. Cope.

Ms. Cope works on a silhouette.

A first grade class learns all about creating silhouettes.

Parents: We are in the process of developing the 2012-13 school calendar. Your feedback is important. Please take a few minutes and complete this survey if you would like to provide input regarding next year’s school calendar. We will collect feedback until Friday, February 24, 2012.

FEBRUARY

February 7 - Naglieri Testing - Kindergarten

February 10 - GES I/E School Wide Enrichment Day & Teacher Planning

February 15 - 5th Grade SOL Field Test Writing Prompt

February 17 - Early Dismissal - 1:00

February 20 - Schools Closed - President’s Day

February 24 - 3 -5 Social (3:15 - 5:15) Permission form required.

February 29 - K-2 Social (1 - 2pm)

February 29 - 3rd grade field trip to Carpenter Center

January

3rd - 27th: PALS (K-3) screening window

3rd - 13th: Gifted Referral window

5th: Report Cards Issued

11th: I/E Planning Day & Chuck E. Cheese PTA Fundraiser

12th: Semester 1 Honor Roll Assembly - 2nd & 3rd @ 9:00am, 4th & 5th @ 10:00am

16th: Holiday - MLK Day

18th: County Wide Spelling Bee, 6:30pm @ GHS Auditorium

19th: PTA Sponsored “Barter Players: Just So Stories”

25th: Math Professional Development - 3:45 - 5:00 @ GES Cafeteria

Students will be on Holiday starting 1:00pm, Friday, December 16th through Monday, January 2nd. Students return, Tuesday, January 3rd. 

Just a reminder that Dr. Underwood will be at GES discussing the budget. Any parents who would like to attend are welcome. The meeting will begin at 3:30.
At 7:00pm tonight, the GES 3rd graders and 4th & 5th grade chorus will present the Annual Holiday Program. It will be at the GHS auditorium.

Nov. 23 - 25: Schools Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday
Nov. 30: Mobile Dentist at GES
Dec. 7: Winter Program (3 - 5) @7:00pm in the GHS Auditorium
Dec. 8: GES Spelling Bee 9:00am in GES Cafeteria
Dec. 9 - 14: MP2 Testing
Dec. 16: Early Dismissal
Dec. 19 - Jan. 2: Schools Closed for Winter Break

If you have any questions about these dates, please contact the GES office at 556-5321. 

The in school Book Fair has closed, but the online Fair is open until Sunday, November 20, 2011 - 11:59pm. You can make any purchases online - free shipping to benefit the GES Library.
Thanks for your support!

**BY RESERVATION ONLY**All forms were due earlier this month.**

On November 16th - Grandparents of K - 2 students are invited to eat lunch with their grandchildren. The schedule is as follows:

K Alvis - 12:10 - 12:45

K Gordon - 12:05 - 12:40

K Jones - 12:15 - 12:50

1st Casteel - 11:45 - 12:20

1st Farr - 11:45 - 12:20

1st Stacey - 11:50 - 12:25

2nd Cachina 11:15 - 11:50

2nd Routson/Webb - 11:15 - 11:50

2nd Gooding - 11:20 - 11:55

On November 17th - Grandparents of 3 - 5 students are invited to eat lunch with their grandchildren. The schedule is as follows:

3rd Parker - 10:55 - 11:30

3rd Truscott - 11:00 - 11:35

3rd Young - 11:00 - 11:35

4th Carter - 11:35 - 12:10

4th Demas - 11:35 - 12:10

4th Driscoll - 11:40 - 12:15

5th Chewning - 12:15 - 12:50

5th Cosby - 12:15 - 12:50

5th Meiller - 12:20 - 12:55

Multi-grade Lingor -12:20 - 12:55

AND while you are here...why don’t you stop by the library and check out the great selection of books available for purchase!! Can’t make it to GES for Grandparents day? Check out the book fair online here, GES Online Book Fair.

Come on out and show your support for Goochland Elementary School this Thursday.

From 6 - 7, stop by the LMC (aka - the Library) for the annual FALL BOOK FAIR. There is a great selection of books available. All proceeds directly benefit the library...

At 7pm sharp, a brief general membership PTA meeting will be held in the cafeteria. The budget will be presented by the treasurer. Spirit wear will be on sale.

Directly following the PTA Meeting, the K - 2 students will perform their FALL PROGRAM in the cafeteria. Don’t miss it!! Mrs. Watts, our music teacher, never disappoints!

We look forward to seeing you on November 10th!

Tired of playing on the same old playground equipment? Bored at recess? We’ve got the solution for you!! Enter the “Rally For Recess” contest - hosted by Dannon Danimal products.

Now until 2/8/2012 HELP GES win the ultimate playground by purchasing specially marked packages of Dannon products!

Check out the GES PTA Blog for full details. It’s simple, follow these steps:

Purchase a participating item to get CODES.

Plus, get a FREE code by mail.

Enter Code at the Rally For Recess website, follow instructions once there.

Or turn in your codes to the school. A bin will be located in the cafeteria for collection. Then the PTA “Operation Free Money” Committee will enter the codes for you!

These codes = points… the more points we earn the best chance we have of winning a new playground!

Parent/Teacher Conferences will be tomorrow October 26th. THERE IS NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS. If you haven’t called the front office to make your appointment (appt. times begin at 12 and end at 6:30pm) please do so soon. Times are filling up quickly. If you’d prefer another date or time, or a phone conference, contact your child’s teacher directly. 

The Annual PTA Trunk or Treat will be help October 22, 2011.

The festivities begin at 5:00 pm. The gates will open at 4:15 to begin parking...all cars MUST be parked by 5:00 pm. Cars may not leave before 7:30 pm. This is to ensure everyone’s safety! If you must leave before 7:30 or need to arrive after 5:00, you may walk in.

A flyer went home with all students earlier this week. More information can be found on the flyer or by visiting the GES PTA blog.
Cost is $5.00 per car - if purchased before 10/18. $7.00 per car if purchased at the gate. Walk ins are $3.00 PER person.

Trunk or Treat is a great and safe way for all GES community members to celebrate the fall!! Come in costume, with treats to share and enjoy the fun!!

**RAIN DATE: Sunday, October 23, 2011**

Goochland County Schools’ preschool staff,
in collaboration with the Goochland-Powhatan Parent-Infant Education program,
are offering free developmental screenings to Goochland County residents.

If you have or know of a child between the ages of birth and 5 years of age and would like to know more about the child’s development,
come visit the upper level of the Goochland Elementary School Annex on Thursday, October 13 between the hours of 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM. 

Screenings look at a variety of skills including speech and language, thinking and listening, movement and fine motor skills and provide a snapshot of a child’s development.
Vision and hearing screenings will also be available. 

Call Wendy Murray at 556-5631, ext. 3209 or 556-5321 or Chris Power at 403-5924. 

On Wednesday evening, October 5, 2011, the Goochland Drive-In is showing the PG movie “Dolphin Tale.” The gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the movie begins at 7:15 pm. The movie is exclusively for Goochland County residents, and the fundraiser will benefit Goochland County Elementary School PTA’s. Special discounted admission prices for everyone will be offered.
Adults & Kids 12+: $3.00
Kids 4-11: $1.00
Babies: Free
A majority of the proceeds will benefit all three local Goochland County Elementary School PTA’s.
We encourage you to bring your families and join us for a fun evening under the stars.

On September 22nd, Ken Brown, from the Goochland Rotary Club, delivered dictionaries for each of our 60+ 4th graders. This is a wonderful thing the Rotary Club does each year. It is great that all of 4th graders will be able to have a dictionary of their very own! Teachers also think it’s wonderful - students will be able to complete assignments, look up words and definitions, and even take them home for homework if needed!
Thank You Rotary Club of Goochland!!

Thursday, Sept 8th is the kickoff for the GES PTA Fall Fundraiser.  The PTA is selling Entertainment Books this year to raise money for student and teacher programs.  One entertainment book and an instruction packet is going home with each student on Thursday, Sept. 8th.  Please make every effort to reach our minimum goal of 1 book sold per student. Each entertainment book costs $30.  All orders and payments must be received back at the school no later than Tuesday, September 27th.  If you need additional books or have any questions, please contact Colleen Williams at or 545-0825.  If you do not plan to participate, please return the book back to your student’s teacher as soon as possible.

Welcome, Welcome, Welcome!!!!
BACK TO SCHOOL ICE CREAM SOCIAL
Please Join us at Goochland Elementary on Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Cost: 50 cents per pre-packaged ice cream.
Time: 6:30 to 7:00 Ice Cream Time in Cafeteria
7:00 to 7:20 Brief PTA Meeting and Teacher Introductions.
7:20 to 8:00 Meet and greet classroom time with your teacher(s).

We have many new teachers to introduce. Here’s what they have to say!

Jennifer Cosby (5th Grade):

My name is Jennifer Cosby and I am so excited to be working with such a stellar team of educators here at GES this year. I graduated from Goochland High School in 1997 and from there I attended JSRCC, East Tennessee State, and finally came home to obtain my B.A. in English and Creative Writing from VCU. I received my post-bachelors in Elementary Education from Mary Baldwin College. This will be my first year teaching in a public school system. For the past four years I’ve taught Pre-Kindergarten classes as well as the Head Start Class at GES. I grew up and still live in Goochland and I cannot think of any other setting that I would rather be teaching in. I enjoy visiting museums, art, classic literature and poetry, and most of all, I love to travel. I love spending time with family and friends. My four-year-old son Keller is the funniest, most famous person I know. Everyday is a new and curious adventure. I look forward to an amazing year.

Alison Gooding (2nd Grade):

Welcome!  I am so excited to be working with you this year!  This is my first year in Goochland County.  Before coming to GES I taught in Chesterfield County and Newport News. I am originally from the Hampton Roads area, a small town called Poquoson, VA. I received my undergraduate degree from Radford University and my graduate degree from Christopher Newport University.  In my free time I like to travel.  I’ve been all over Europe and last summer I went to China. Second grade is a fun and exciting year!

Andy Meiller (5th Grade):

My name is Andrew Meiller, and I am happy to be returning to Goochland schools AND to GES- I taught 2nd grade here way back in 1999!
Although I have been working as an educator in another county the last four years, I did not leave Goochland altogether- I live in the west end of the county with my wife, who is a kindergarten teacher at Byrd Elementary, my two kids (who attend school at Byrd), my dog, and my cat.  You will often see me out on the soccer fields or running up and down the roads of Goochland! 
I look forward to working closely with the 5th graders and the GES community to make 2011-2012 an excellent year! Feel free to contact me at any time!

Bari Nixon (Special Education):

Born in Winston-Salem, NC and lived in Statesville, NC for most of my life. I moved to Maine when I was a freshman in HS. I attended Brandeis Univ. one year where I was a member of the women’s bball team. I then transferred to Guilford College in Greensboro, NC. I played 3 years of college bball there before becoming an asst. coach for two seasons. I moved to Richmond in 2002. I taught in Henrico for 7 years (6 years at Adams Elem. and 1 year at Glen Allen HS). When not injuring myself, I enjoy playing pretty much any sport as well as coaching. I love to read and am a self-proclaimed beach bum.

Tara Stacey (1st Grade):

My name is Mrs. Tara Stacey. I have an undergraduate degree from VCU in Sociology as well as a masters degree in Elementary Education. I have four years teaching experience in Northeastern North Carolina. Over the summer I relocated back to the Richmond area. I love to go to the beach, read, travel, and shop. I am delighted to be teaching in Goochland County and can’t wait to get started this school year.

Jackie Young (3rd Grade):

Hi! My name is Jackie Young and I am teaching 3rd grade this year at GES!  This is my first year at GES and I am so excited!  I absolutely love working with students and am looking forward to all the fun activities we will be doing this year!  My favorite color is blue and I love going out to eat and movies with friends.  I graduated from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College and obtained my master’s degree from the University of Richmond.  I am looking forward to a great school year!!

Please plan to attend G.E.S. Business Night! 

Date:  August 18, 2011
Grades 1-5 Parent Visitation:  3:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.  (Teachers will break from 5-5:30 for dinner)
Kindergarten Orientation:  1:00 P.M. to 2:30 P.M.
Pre-School Visitation:  4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M.

This is a great time to meet the teacher, bring supplies, pay fees and talk to those friends you haven’t seen all summer!!! 

Be on the lookout for the following summer reading forms in your child’s report card:  GCPS Elementary Summer Reading List, Field Days of the Past: Blue Ribbon Readers, and the Reading Olympics Book List (for rising 4th & 5th grade students only).

GCPS Elementary Summer Reading List

This list will be in report cards for all rising 1st through 5th grade students.  Students are encouraged to read books from the list that are on their independent reading level.
For more information, please visit Tina McCay’s Blog.

Field Days of the Past: Blue Ribbon Readers

Students can choose to read 10 books over the summer and record them on the Field Days of the Past reading log.  All forms must be signed by a parent or guardian and returned to Tiffany Ray, the GES Library-Media Specialist, by September 2, 2011.  Students who participate in this program will be honored and recognized at the Field Days of the Past in the fall.  They will also receive a blue ribbon from the fair and a goody bag!  Students may use books that they read from the GCPS Elementary Summer Reading List, the 2011-2012 Reading Olympics Book List (grades 4 & 5), or books of their choice.

2011-2012 Reading Olympics Book List (grades 4 & 5)

Reading Olympics is a reading enrichment program for students in the 4th and 5th grades.  These students will be given a list of 38 specific titles for the Reading Olympics program and may begin reading books from that list over the summer.  In the fall, teams will be formed and students will begin to practice competing to see how well they comprehend the books.  Students are not expected to read all 38 books from the list and are not required to participate in this program. 
For more information, please visit Tiffany Ray’s blog.

Pamunkey Regional Library

If you are interested in participating in any of these wonderful programs, be sure to visit the Goochland County Public Library, part of the Pamunkey Regional Library this summer.  The public library hosts not only a summer reading incentive program, but a number of fun events and activities during the summer months.

There will be an informational meeting for parents of GCPS students entitled “Charting Their Course” by GHS Principal Francie Ball and GMS Principal Johnette Burdette. Mrs. Ball and Mrs. Burdette will outline the various routes to graduation, the credits and courses needed to graduate, what options are available at GCPS, and how to plan which courses your child should take to earn his or her diploma. The meeting will be held in the GHS cafeteria at 6PM on Tuesday May 10, and is cosponsored by the Gifted Advisory Committee, the NAACP, and all of the PTAs. It is never too early to begin planning for your child’s education, so please plan to attend this important meeting!

The spring schedule for SOL testing follows:

May 10: Reading 5

May 11: Reading 4

May 12: Reading 3 - Part 1

May 13: Reading 3 - Part 2

May 16: Math 5

May 17: Math 4

May 18: Math 3

May 19: Science 5

May 20: Science 3

May 23: History 5

May 24: History 4

May 25: History 3

May 26: Makeups

May 27: Makeups

It is important that your child(ren) arrive at school on time each day for testing. They also need to get a good night’s rest and breakfast. Thanks for your cooperation during SOL testing! Teacher’s have been working hard all year to prepare your children.

GES wishes everybody a happy, healthy and relaxing Spring Break. Schools will reopen Monday, April 25th. 

K Registration will be held at the three GCPS elementary schools on April 7th from 8am - 4:30pm.

Children can register if they will be five years old on or before September 30 of the upcoming school year. You will need to bring proof of residency - two of the following: pay stub, deed, mortgage, current lease, utility bill, etc. with name and address of applicant.

You will need to provide a certified birth certificate for the child, a completed school entrance health form (obtain a form at the school or visit http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/immunization/documents/SchoolForm.pdf) by the start of the school year. Without the health forms your child will not be able to start school. If you have them by April 7th, please bring them then.

Your child will need the following immunizations:

Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussis

Haemophilus Influenzae Type b

Hepatitis B Vaccine

Polio Vaccine

Measles, Mumps, Rubella

Varicella (Chickenpox)

GES students continue reading their Mouse and the Motorcycle or Muggie Maggie books for the GES READS ONE BOOK program. Many wonderful activities have been turned in by students. It is awesome to see so many students participate in this program. We are currently beginning Week 3 of our reading schedules...

We also continue to read books for the Richmond Flying Squirrels - Go Nuts For Reading incentive program. Students received a book mark on March 1st. Students just need to read 8 books by March 24th to earn a free ticket to a game on May 17th at the Richmond Diamond. Please make sure book marks are sent back to school by March 24th. We need to mail our orders for free tickets on March 25th.

Why not stop by and eat lunch with your child during the week of March 14th - 18th. Book Fair is here! It will be open daily in the LMC from 8:00 - 3:15.

Our monthly School Wide Enrichment Day (21st) will center around the book 14 Cows for America by Carmen Agree Deedy. Visit this site to learn more.

We will wrap up our month with a school wide dress up as your favorite character… this will be on March 31st.

We hope that you have enjoyed the activities thus far. Our goal is to promote reading in a fun and meaningful way. Any encouragement you can offer at home is an added plus!!

There will be school on Monday, March 14th. This previously was a student holiday. It is now a snow make up day. 

Come on out to GES on Thursday, March 10th for our Annual PTA Spaghetti Dinner & and Silent Auction.

5:00 - 6:30: Spaghetti Dinner (includes salad, spaghetti, roll and drink)

5:00 - 6:45: Silent Auction Bidding - “Experience Virginia with Family and Friends”

7:00: PTA Meeting, Chorus Performance & Winner of Auction Items

Please visit the Annual Spring Book Fair in the Library Media Center to check out the great selection of children’s books available for purchase.

Bring a nonperishable food item, The PTA Community Outreach Committee will have donation boxes for Goochland’s Food Pantry.

For more details about the Auction Items - visit the GES teachers’ weblogs.
And for more information about the evening visit the PTA weblog. 

This spring, more than 200 third-graders in Goochland County Public Schools will make a difference for the environment with Project Plant It!, a program developed by Dominion to educate children and plant trees. Earlier this year, teachers received a comprehensive kit packed with creative lesson plans, posters, stickers and certificates. Each student will receive a tree seedling to plant at home in celebration of Arbor Day, April 29. The kit and tree seedlings are provided by Dominion at no cost to the schools. The website, Project Plant It!, features videos about trees, an interactive vocabulary game, a Forest Adventure Word Scramble and a fun tree trivia quiz. Also, a new online Activity Guide is filled with many family-friendly projects, such as “Be a Scientist” and “Be an Artist,” to help children get out of the house or classroom and into the dirt! All of the teaching materials align with the state SOLs for Language Arts, Science, Math and Social Studies. Throughout the Richmond region, more than 10,000 students are enrolled in the program for 2011. Since 2007, Dominion has distributed more than 100,000 trees in seven states through Project Plant It! That’s equivalent to 250 acres of new forestland according to the Virginia Department of Forestry. For more information and to download activities and lesson plans, visit www.ProjectPlantIt.com.

This is for parents of rising sixth graders. Learn about registration for classes as well as basic information about GMS. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions. Bring your fifth grader with you.

The 5th grade parent night will be Monday, February 21 at 6:00 p.m. It will be held in the GHS/GMS Auditorium.

For more information, contact:
Stacey Rainbolt, GMS Counselor
, 556-5320

CALENDAR INPUT NEEDED
The 2011-12 School Calendar Committee is asking for your input. Please use this link to offer your suggestions as we begin the process of building next year’s school calendar. Paper copies of the survey can be obtained at the front desk of each school and the central office.

Feedback will be accepted through Monday, February 21, 2011.

Please plan to attend the Valentine’s Social this Friday from 3:00 - 5:30. The cost is $2.00 at the door. Students MUST have the permission slip signed in order attend the dance. We ask that students please bring a snack to share. Third graders should bring a healthy snack, fourth graders should bring a salty snack and fifth graders should bring a sweet snack.
Pictures will be taken, the cost is $2.00 each. DJ David Clough will be spinning tunes. Regular school attire is appropriate, but if students wish to bring a change of clothes, they may. We ask that students be picked up promptly at 5:30. Any questions, please contact Rachel Wiggins at 556 - 2402. 

Parents and visitors of GES need to make sure they enter the school building through the front entrance, you will need to be buzzed in.  Please make sure you stop at the main office to get a visitor’s pass. Please do not go to any other entrance and knock on the doors to be let in. This is for the safety of each and every student who attends GES. We need to be aware of any visitors in the building at any given time. It is also important that you remember to stop at the office, do not go directly to your child’s classroom.
Thank you for helping us keep GES safe!! 

This assembly is to honor 2nd - 5th grade students who have earned A Honor Roll or A/B Honor Roll for the Second Marking Period. If you are unsure of your child’s status, please contact the school. We hope to see all parents of these students.

There will be a meeting on January 12, at 7:00 p.m. in the GMS Auditorium, for parents who are interested in learning about the new middle school Honors/Pre-AP program slated to begin in the 2011/2012 school year. Mrs. Johnette Burdette will present details on the program and answer questions afterwards. 

GCPS elementary students will be released at 1:00 on Friday, December 17th.
We hope that all of GES families, friends & staff will have a SAFE and Happy Holiday. 

The GES community really proves they care! We raised tables and tables of nonperishable food items for the Goochland Christmas mother. It’s amazing what we can do when we all pitch in together!!

November

Mon., 1: Man to Man Monday program begins

Tues., 2: School Wide Focus on “critical thinking skills”, 3rd Grade Field Trip to Monticello

Wed., 3: OLSAT Testing for grades 2 & 5

Thurs., 4: Parent-Teacher Conferences - 3:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Fri., 5: 4th Grade Field Trip to Jamestown/Williamsburg

Mon., 8: Fall Book Fair begins- 8:00 a.m - 3:30 p.m.

Tues., 9: Fall Book Fair - 8:00 a.m - 3:30 p.m., School Wide Focus on “study skills”

Wed., 10: Fall Book Fair - 8:00 a.m - 3:30 p.m.

Thurs., 11: Fall Book Fair - 8:00 a.m - 3:15 p.m., Faculty Mtg. 3:15 p.m., Book Fair Parent Night - 6:00 - 7:00pm, PTA Budget presentation (with Dr. Underwood) and Magician Performance - 7:00 p.m.

Fri., 12: Fall Book Fair ends - 8:00 a.m - 3:30 p.m.

Tues., 16: School Wide Focus on “test taking skills”

Tues., 23: School Wide Focus on “writing skills"/School Wide writing day

Wed., 24: Thanksgiving Holiday Begins

Mon., 29: Students Return

We hope all our GES families will make it out for our annual Trunk or Treat. The event will be held at the GES track. The gates will be open for cars to park from 4:15 - 5:00. Gates will close promptly at 5:00. No cars will be allowed to leave until 7:30pm to ensure everyone’s safety. If you can’t make it for the entire event, walk-ins are welcome!! Just park in a parking lot near the track.
The cost of the event is $10 per vehicle parked or $4 per person walk-in.
Decorate your car, dress in your costumes, bring dinner to eat and (of course) candy to share!!!
Don’t have time to make dinner or snacks? Whitehawk Music Cafe will be providing food and beverage for purchase (cash only).

Evening’s events include:

DJ

hayrides

costume parade

trick or treating

costume contest winner announcement

If the event is cancelled due to rain - it will be held Sunday, Oct. 24th.

The PTA Reflections Program is here again at Goochland Elementary. Students are encouraged to participate in this national, creative arts contest! Every year, students from around the country submit original work centered around one theme. This is such a great opportunity to express your creativity, but you must begin working on your entry soon! This year’s theme is Together We Can and it presents many opportunities for self expression. Think about how you could respond to this theme. What is important to you? And then get started! You might decide to write an essay, create a painting or make a video!  Students may submit more than one entry, in more than one category, but each entry requires an entry form.  Parents may learn more about Reflections and download entry forms and rules for each category at http://ptareflections.org/cs/about_reflections or request materials from Mr. Case.

Categories include: Dance Choreography, Film/Video, Literature, Musical Composition, Photography and Visual Arts

Each submission must be accompanied by an entry form signed by a parent.

No names on front of submissions. We use a blind judging process. Names must be written on the back side of submissions.

Follow all the rules for your category.

All entries due to Mr. Case by Monday, Nov. 1.

Questions? Please feel free to email Mr. Case at or Mrs. Sundstrom at .

Let’s get CREATIVE!!!!!!

The PTA fall fundraiser is going on now. This year students are selling Virginia Diner nuts & goodies. Brochures were sent home earlier this week. Please consider selling and/or purchasing items. Virginia Diner is an extremely reputable company and is from right here in Virginia!! If you love nuts of any kind- this is the thing for you.
The sale ends Friday, Oct. 15th. Please make sure all orders and payments are collected and returned to school by then.
For students that sell at least 10 items, Mr. Austin has a special treat for them! As well as for the teacher/class that sells the most!
You can click here for online orders and website info.

Picture Day is Wednesday, October 6th. To purchase pictures - students MUST prepay. Please make sure payment is sent to school tomorrow in the Lifetouch envelope. Even if students aren’t buying pictures, their photos will be taken for the yearbook. 

Mrs. Kauffman, GES’s Enrichment Resource Teacher, taught GES kids all about puppets. They had a fun filled day. They got to see puppets in action - by watching video clips of the Sound of Music and the Muppet Show. The learned the difference between hand puppets, stick puppets and marionettes. They even got to try the hand puppets out. BUT if wasn’t all fun… Mrs. Kauffman and her sidekick, Earl, went over the Code of Conduct with the students.

We hope all the GES families can make it out for PTA Back to School Night. It begins at 7:00 pm with a short PTA meeting. The 2010 - 2011 budget will be presented. Visit the GES PTA Blog for more details. Families will then visit classrooms from 7:20 - 7:40 and from 7:40 - 8:00 (if you have two students here at GES!)
PTA dues this year are $5.00. Please make sure you stop by the PTA table and join the PTA. We are striving for 100% membership with both families and staff.
The PTA has also scheduled many fun events this year. All dates can be found on their blog. Please mark your calendars, the proceeds for these events directly benefit GES! Some already scheduled are Trunk or Treat, Holiday Program, Chuck E. Cheese Night, and Spaghetti Dinner.
The PTA Virginia Diner Peanut Fundraiser is back!! More details about that coming soon…

All incoming Kindergarten students/parents are encouraged to come out to meet their teacher, Thursday - August 19th, from 1:00 - 2:30, during Kindergarten Orientation.
For grades 1 - 5, students/parents are encouraged to come out to meet their teachers and pay school fees, Thursday - August 19th, from 3:00 - 7:00, during GCPS Business Day. 

Come out to GES on August 12th, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm, for a Watermelon Social. The GES PTA is holding this special event so that GES students and parents can meet Mr. Austin, our new principal. 

Here are the K - 5 supply lists for the 2010 - 2011 school year.

• Kindergarten
• First Grade
• Second Grade
• Third Grade
• Fourth Grade
• Fifth Grade

The three Goochland Elementary Schools are trying to raise funds to support the GCPS Reading Olympics program. Come on out this coming Saturday to the Short Pump Barnes & Noble to help support the cause. The Reading Olympics is an enrichment program for 4th and 5th graders. Students who wish to participate read books from a selected list and then teams compete in the spring on their knowledge of books read. 

As SOL testing draws to a close for the 2010 school year, we want to extend a special thanks to all of our GES students who have put forth their best efforts each and every day. We appreciate our students using test taking skills and strategies while testing, in addition to taking their time, staying focused, and checking over their work. We commend you for a job well done. In addition, many of our parents provided breakfast,snacks, and juice to all grade levels. The children thoroughly enjoyed the great food, and the faculty sincerely appreciates your support and generosity. Here’s to another great year! Thank you, all.

The following is a list of websites that can be used to help review for our annual spring SOL testing. This list is appropriate for both at school and at home SOL review. Testing begins May 20th, with 3rd grade reading. Students have practiced here at school, but the following is can be practiced at your leisure.

1. http://iq.poquoson.org/
SOL Released Test Practice for all subjects and grades.  It also gives you
a percentage grade at the top

2. http://education.jlab.org/solquiz/
Jefferson Lab for Science and Math SOL Released Test Questions only.
Choose more options to choose a particular SOL Released Test or a certain
strand.

3. http://www.solpass.org/
SOL Games for Social Studies and Science for K-12.  (Subscription based)
Click on Elementary and then choose Social Studies or Science.  There are
4th grade games (jeopardy, millionaire, soccer, matching etc.) under the
5th grade Science link. 

4. http://www.rockingham.k12.va.us/resources/soltechintegration.htm
SOL Technology Integration Webpage for K-12 by SOL and subject.  I am
adding SOL Review PowerPoints, Smartboard Notebook lessons, and SOL Review
websites weekly.

5. http://web.dps.k12.va.us/ParkAve/SOLactiv2.htm
Danville’s SOL activities, tests, and more.

6. http://teachers.henrico.k12.va.us/staffdev/baedke_c/SOL/Sol_review/Welcome.html
One of Henrico’s SOL Review Website

7. http://teachers.henrico.k12.va.us/etrainers/whitlow_s/sol.html
Another Henrico SOL Review Website

8. http://scott.k12.va.us/solpractice/
A great site from Scott County.  Thanks Scott County. 

9. http://tinyurl.com/googlesurveyreviews
This is not a pre-created review site.  It is a creative way to present review for your students. When you create a google survey for review, the results/answers are automatically delivered to you in a spreadsheet format.

10.  http://tinyurl.com/photopeachreview
This is another online tool to create an interactive review/quiz. 

It’s back!!! The Ye Olde Time Store will be opening Monday, April 26th and run through Friday, April 30th. Students in kindergarten, first and second grade have been working hard making colonial items for the store.  The store will be open each day from 11:00 - 12:45, during all lunches. Students, parents, and staff are all welcome to shop! Some of the items available are bonnets, pot holders, yarn dolls, pillows, aprons, tic tac toe boards, wooden cars & snakes, magic wallets, arrowhead necklaces, marble bags and much more!! Prices range from $1.00 - $8.00, with most items costing just $3.00 or less!
Students may also mail a postcard from the post office in the mercantile to anyone at Goochland Elementary for just 5 cents!
Please consider making a purchase at our annual Ye Olde Time Store, as all proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the students of Goochland Elementary. Much needed supplies and items will be purchased with money raised.

Yearbooks sales started Monday, March 29th!!! They will be available to pre-order until April 15th for $17.00.  After they arrive May 7th, the price will increase to $20.00.  We encourage students to purchase a yearbook in advance to receive this lower price.  Information went home with all students, just fill out the form and return payment in an envelope and send to school.

On Thursday, March 25, 2010, fourth grade students from Goochland Elementary participated in VCEE-VCU Mini-Market Day, which took place in downtown Richmond.  The Virginia Council on Economic Education and Virginia Commonwealth University in partnership with Genworth and Martin’s sponsored this annual event for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders.  The goal of the program is to engage students in learning about economics, so they can apply what they learn to life-like situations.

Students have worked hard all year to learn as much as possible about economics and entrepreneurship.  Their knowledge was put to the test when they developed their own products, marketing strategies, and opened their own businesses on Mini-Market Day.  Students bought and sold their products with other participating 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders from around Virginia. 

In addition to learning about economics and entrepreneurship, students have learned how to make and manage money.  They already had some money, which were called Mini-Market Bucks, to buy products at Mini-Market Day because they have earned pay checks for completing jobs (and paid taxes) throughout the year.

A record number of GES students won awards at the event.  Karna J. earned Entrepreneur of the Year for her class.  Faith G., Karna J., Hanah M., and Ciera O. won Best Marketing Strategy for the way they showed off their gorgeous “recycled” jewelry products.  Chloe L., Jackson S., and Corwin W. won the award for Most Innovative Product for their animal decorated candy holders and piñatas.  All GES students sold out of their products before the end of the event (which was also a school record), but Chloe, Jackson, and Corwin impressed everyone when they sold out in the first 10 minutes!

GES Award Winners:

This student is dressed to impress!

This student even sold her table cloth and display!

Participating students had a picnic lunch at Tredegar Iron Works (students saw the Fall LIne too!):

Math Night will be held on Thursday, March 25 from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. in the GES cafeteria.  It promises to be a fun-filled, family evening.  Math Night is great way for parents and students to enjoy mathematics together.  There will be many games for students and families to play! There will be estimation stations where students can win prizes.  Students will also be able to use different types of manipulatives, such as tangrams.  There will be resources for each family to take home so that they can continue the math fun at home.

Please join us, as this promises to be not only a fun, but educational evening for the whole family to enjoy!! 

On behalf of the GES Faculty and Students, we want to thank each and every person who kindly donated reams or cases of paper to GES for student use. Your generous contributions will certainly benefit the classrooms for needed assignments second semester. We thank you again for your continued support of our educational programs and daily instruction. We also appreciate the efforts of GEPA in organizing this community effort for all Goochland Schools.

On Tuesday, March 23rd, all elementary chorus groups will sing for the event entitled, “Let It Ring… A Night of Freedom”. The program will he held in the Goochland High School Auditorium and will begin at 6:30 p.m. The program will consist of several freedom inspired sessions created and presented by fourth and fifth grade students from each of the three elementary schools, Randolph, Goochland and Byrd. The chorus group will kick of this event with several musical selections beginning promptly at 6:30 p.m., followed by special presentations of the students.

We hope you all can come out and support the GCPS elementary chorus students!! It promises to be a wonderful evening of music presented by our very own talented students!!

Due to the rain over the past 24 hours and the forecast for tonight and tomorow,
GES PTA Night at the Goochland Drive-in Theater has been postponed one week.
The new date for “Charlotte’s Web” at the Goochland Drive-In Theater is
Saturday, March 20th
*Note the new start time due to daylight savings weekend
Gates open at 5:30 and the movie starts around 7:30

Admission is only $2 per person
All admissions proceeds will be donated to the PTA!

Bring your friends and neighbors!  Come early to play on the playground and
to enjoy delicious and affordable concessions!
Hope to see you there!