From the Head of School
We have completed our first full week of on-campus instruction and it was a great success. The students continue to settle in and practice their new routines. They enjoyed meeting our new music teacher, Tyler Graves, and learned how to position their bodies and breathe properly to get the best sound. I had the pleasure of watching her work with a group of sixth grade boys and they were all totally engaged and having fun while learning. All students in preschool through middle school have music with Ms. Graves.
It is so nice that the K – 8th students have the chance to interact with one-another on the yard at lunch this year. They eat with their classroom pods but are allowed to play together on the yard afterwards. Some of our 6th grade boys have been doing a nice job of showing leadership in the soccer games that are played daily. They demonstrate our Tribes agreements by making sure the teams are fair and that everyone who wants to gets a chance to participate in a meaningful way. Some of our younger students have excellent skills.
Totpot - Hot Lunch Program
Our hot lunch program began this week and many students were excited to try it. The portions are substantial and the food is well prepared and tasty. Everything is individually packaged and labeled with the student’s name. Information can be found below if you are interested in ordering lunch for your student.
You can read the information here and register for the program online. First time users must create an account using "Valley17" as the school's password.
Cooking with Coach B
Speaking of food, the Middle School cooking elective prepared their first meal this week. Coach B., who is a former chef and excellent cook, is teaching the class. He taught them proper handling of a knife, the difference between Kosher and regular salt, and different techniques for chopping ingredients that go into their pasta sauces.
Back-To-School Night Thank you to all the preschool parents who joined us for Back-to-School Night last night. The partnership between school and home is extremely important as we support your child’s growth and learning. Back-to-School night for grades K-8 will be on September 23rd.
Chapel and Bible Study at GPS Many of you have asked when Chapel and the optional Bible Study classes will begin. Chapel will be held on the second Wednesday of the month starting in October. Parents are welcome to attend. Preschool chapel will be in the morning at 8:45 and chapel for K-8 will be from 2:30 – 3:00 p.m. More information will follow in the coming weeks and Pastor Jim will be available at the K-8 Back-to-School night to answer any questions you may have. Weekly Bible study classes will most likely begin in October as well. The person who was going to teach the classes is no longer able to do so and Pastor Jim is looking for a replacement. Once that person is in place, we will meet with him/her to discuss plans for the class. Families will be provided with a syllabus for the class before being asked if they would like their student to attend.
High School Admissions Information The 2022-2023 High School admissions season is underway. Middle School students that are interested in either of these schools should visit the school's website for more information. The 8th grade visit day slots fill up quickly. Notre Dame
Visit days start Sept. 10, 2021
Open House - 11/14/21 10am - 1pm
HSPT workshops start 10/01/21
Louisville
8th grade visit day - 11/5/2021
Open House - 12/5/2021 Contact Mrs. Shibel for more information.
Announcements
Parking Lot Reminders
Please remember:
The speed limit is 10 mph.
Be cautious of younger students and older visitors when backing out of your parking space.
Parents dropping off in the morning are asked to stay with their student until they have been cleared by the GPS staff to come on to campus .
Preschool parents must walk their student to their classroom in the morning.
Students in Kindergarten through 8th grade may use carpool drop off.
All parents must park and pick up their student in person at the designated area or classroom.
Help us keep the parking area safe for all of the GPS community.
GPS Clothing Store
Order your GPS clothing from our school store. Share your school spirit with polo shirts, sweatshirts and hats. Refer to the 2021-2022 dress code requirements for information.
Orders are being filled as inventory becomes available and should be completed in the next 2 weeks. Students in Kindergarten through 8th grade should dress in solid color polo shirts if they are waiting for an order.
Dress code will be enforced once all orders have been filled.
Staff Spotlight
Meet Angela Goree
Angela provides support in the Kindergarten through grade 3 classrooms three days a week. She has only been here for a week and everyone loves her already. Let's get to know Mrs. Goree.
Hello my name is Angela and I have been teaching for 2 decades. In that time, I have worked with children and young adults of all ages. I began my teaching career in college working at a children’s fitness center. Since then I have been a tutor, taught after school enrichment classes, taught child development classes, and created and taught my own virtual classes via Outschool. I am excited to get to connect with students in person again at GPS!
In school I majored in Drama, and the arts have been a big part of my life. I love to find ways to use the arts to engage learners when introducing or reinforcing concepts. My goal as a teacher is to help children build self confidence as well as mutual care and respect for others and our world. I enjoy finding outside of the box ways to make what they’re learning more tangible and accessible.
On a personal note, I have been married to my husband Lester for 7 years. We have 2 young children who keep us very busy. For fun, I like to visit theme parks, in fact I used to be a Tour Guide at Universal Studios Hollywood! I enjoy going to the beach or getting outside as well.
Welcome to GPS Angela!
Quick Links
Order Totpot Lunch
GPS Clothing Store
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