News from our Principal 

Dear Parents,

I didn’t know exactly what to expect from my first California winter in 15 years – but snow down to the foothills of Mt. Diablo has surpassed any expectations I may have had!  The lower temperatures are taking their toll on students who are not dressed warmly enough.  Please consider layering short-sleeved tops over long sleeves to give students added warmth both in the classroom and outside.  Winter coats or sweatshirts are a must for trips to and from school, and for recesses.

We have piles of left-behind coats in the multi-use room’s Lost and Found box.  Please look for lost items now; anything remaining after Friday, December 18th will be donated to a local agency.  Labeling your child’s belongings can be a help in keeping track of them.  If you do, please write first and last names on the inside of coats, backpacks and lunch boxes – not on the outside where a stranger may be able to read it.

During the Winter Recess I am hoping that bike racks in the small parking lot will be relocated.  Some of them will be moved to the open area in front of the multi-use room in front of the Gator mural.  Others will be moved to the playground between Kidstop and the alleyway gate.  Students who ride bikes or scooters to school should dismount as they come onto Corritone Court and walk their bikes to the rack.  Students who enter through the alley should walk their bikes from Eveyln and lock them to the racks on the playground.  With these changes I hope to reduce congestion and give us more security for the bikes.

I have had the pleasure of reviewing report cards for each of our Gregory Gardens students.  It is wonderful to see that so many of our students are meeting or exceeding our grade level expectations for academics and citizenship.  Others may be struggling in certain areas, but the good news is they are working hard and trying!

I would like to recognize all of our students for their hard work – and to remind all of us that sometimes the deepest learning comes from making mistakes.  So don’t ever be afraid to try!  Parents, your contributions for helping your child establish routines for getting homework done and back to school are invaluable.  Establishing routines now will help your child accomplish goals throughout his/her life.

You may have noticed the boxes for Food Donations on campus this month.  You will soon be seeing boxes for donations of Warm Coats that will be shared in our community with those in need.  We appreciate any contributions you can make that will help this winter be less harsh for children and families.  Involving children in giving also helps to make them aware of the needs of others.  Through sharing some canned food, a warm coat, a helping hand, or an encouraging smile, we can all impact the lives of others.

I hope each of you have a wonderful Winter Break and a Happy Holiday Season.

We’ll be right here ready to greet you on January 4th, 2010!

Sincerely,

Cheryl Kolano