Greetings, GES Friends and Family!
Some of our landmark year-end events are taking place this week: Pete escorted the 8th graders to the high school for a visit on Monday, and Step-up Day (students visit their future classroom) will take place on Thursday. While we still have important work to wrap up, it’s time to begin celebrating the achievements, progress, and relationships the year has brought. Please check out this week's news, below.
Important Dates & Events
PORTFOLIO NIGHT– Wednesday, June 2, 3:30-6:00 pm. Join us for this special opportunity to visit your child's classroom, see student work on display, as well as view your child's portfolio in a safe distance manner. Sign up for a time HERE! Contact your student's teacher if your family prefers not to be on-site, to make arrangements for their portfolio to be viewed at home.
OUTDOOR DAY!- Next Tuesday, June 1 will be a day filled with fun outdoor activities for all! Students should dress in layers for the weather, wear comfortable outdoor footwear, and plan to be outside for the day. Lunch will be eaten at school, as usual, but some off-site field trips are also in the works. Details will come from classroom teachers later this week.
PLANT SALE UPDATE- Thank you to all the volunteers that helped make the plant sale run so smoothly, as well as to all the customers who made purchases. May your garden produce abundantly! The sale will continue for walk-in customers while plants remain. There is still a good selection of tomatoes and some other vegetables, as well as a few flower selections. Repeat customers encouraged!
GES T-SHIRTS AVAILABLE - The indigo colored shirts have a logo that commemorates this year's plant sale with students, plants and the words, "Great Things Grow Here". They are available in child sizes: S, M, L, XL, and adult sizes: S, M, L, XL. Child sizes are $15 and adult are $18, payable with cash or check to GES. You can send payment to school in an envelope with the size marked on the front. Here's a picture of what they look like (Thanks to our model, Ms. Nikki!):
CROSSWALK SAFETY - For safety reasons, please keep your child on the sidewalk after they exit your vehicle, not on the street. They can then safely cross with the crossing guard. Thank you!
NO SCHOOL - This Friday, May 28 and next Monday, May 31 for Memorial Day weekend.
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL - Friday, June 4.
FREE LUNCH ON THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!- In honor of our 8th grade graduates there will be free Great Lunch for all on June 4, thanks to the GES School Board's generosity! Menu: Hotdogs.
SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL PARENT SURVEY - Available HERE.
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PETE'S RETIREMENT- After fifteen years as Director at Great Expectations School, Peter James is retiring on June 30. His calm leadership, positive outlook and problem-solving abilities have given strength and encouragement throughout the years, and he will be greatly missed. Due to Covid restrictions that remain in effect, there will not be a community gathering to celebrate this milestone event. However, Pete would love to hear from any of the families and professionals he has worked with through the years. We know he has touched so many lives! Feel free to send your retirement wishes to him at:
Great Expectations School
550 East 5th Street
PO Box 310
Grand Marais, MN 55604
Alternatively, you may email him at peter.james@greatexpectationsschool.com
Photos of the week: As we mentioned in last week's newsletter, the Bear Cubs enjoyed a day at George Washington Pines. The Bear Cubs have been learning about jobs in our community, and on their outing got to learn more about the Forest Service and see firsthand the kinds of work that they do. As always, please call the office if you have any questions on school related items. I am glad to assist you!
Lesa