GATOR NEWS

Telephone (410) 880-5900 Fax (410) 880-5902

www.hcpss.org/gces

January 15, 2016 Vol. 18 No. 17

Principal’s CornerDear Gorman Crossing Families and Friends,

Next week marks the end of 2nd Quarter. This means that report cards and conference time are quickly approaching. This year, all Howard County Schools began using Synergy to set up conferences. Teachers have been setting up their schedules and they are getting ready to meet with all of you.

The February conference window is from Thursday, February 4th to Friday, February 5th. There is a half-day for students on that Thursday and schools are closed for students on that Friday. 

Please note that individual staff members establish conference times within the window.

They may offer combinations of the following:

Thursday afternoon, Thursday evening, Friday morning, and Friday afternoon.

There will be no evening conferences on Friday.

When scheduling your conference, I encourage you to sign up early.  This conference window is shortened from the fall and therefore there are less available meeting blocks. We will do our best to accommodate all families.  Conference times will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. If you find that the teacher no longer has any available slots, please contact your child’s teacher directly.

Conference registration begins on Wednesday, January 20th at 10:00 am and it ends on Monday,

February 1 at 10:00 am.

Please make sure you have an account on HCPSS Connect. If you have not done so already, log onto http://www.hcpss.org/connect/ to set up your account. This is where you will set up your conference time.

If you have difficulty with your account, please call the front office between the hours of 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, and we will be able to provide assistance.

As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me via email or by phone.

Sincerely, Deborah Caldwell, Principaldeborah_caldwell@hcpss.org

School Emergency Closing Information Sources

When inclement weather or other events result in school closings or delays, the HCPSS website, http://www.hcpss.org, is the first and most complete source of information. HCPSS also uses several other channels for message delivery.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Jan 18th – Martin Luther King Jr. Day – schools & offices closed

Jan 22nd - Schools close 3 hrs early. No half-day Pre-K/RECC End of marking period

Feb 4th – ES/MS close 3 hrs early for ES/MS parent/teacher conferences. No half-day Pre-K/RECC

Feb 5th - Schools closed for students – ES/MS parent/teacher conferences

Feb 8th – Schools closed for students – Countywide Professional Learning Day

Feb 15th – Schools and offices closed – Presidents’ Day

NEWS FROM THE PE DEPT – SAVE THE DATE

Mark your calendars for a FREE FAMILY GORMAN CROSSING Wellness Committee event… FIT2Order’s FIT Family Night!

When: January 19, 2016 (snow date: February 23, 2016)

Time: 6-8pm

Highlighted stations to include: Kid Friendly Boot Camp, Karate, Zumba, Yoga, Dance Party Finale, Parent Nutritional Workshop

A parent or guardian MUST accompany children to the event.

To register for the event, go to www.fit2order.com, hover on wellness programs for drop down menu and select registration, click on FIT Family Gorman Crossing register now. On registration form, please also click on ADD ADDITIONAL REGISTRANT to include all family members attending. For more information, please contact Candice Kuligowski or Kimberly Kennedy at candice_kuligowski@hcpss.org or kimberly_kennedy@hcpss.org

Our Gorman Crossing Family Fitness Night will be held on Tuesday, January 19th, from 6-8pm (Snow date 2/23).  We are in need of volunteers in order for the evening to run smoothly.  Some volunteers will have the opportunity to also participate, just like an event attendee.  Please contact Kim Kennedy or Candice Kuligowski if you have any questions or

concerns.  We look forward to seeing you there!www.SignUpGenius.com/go/9040F45A4AD2CA13-family

Please visit this link to register to attend the event: http://bit.ly/1NE1Cek

Please visit the link below to sign up for a volunteer spot: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/9040F45A4AD2CA13-family

Kim KennedyGorman Crossing Elementary SchoolPhysical Education Teacher410-880-5900Empathy * Includer * Developer * Belief * Restorativehttp://gcespe.weebly.com/

GIRLS ON THE RUN

Girls on the Run is back this Spring!!!! Online registration will begin February 15 at noon! There will be two sessions every week (Wednesdays and Thursdays) starting on March 16 from 4:00-5:15 pm and ending on the week of May 29th. There will be a culminating celebration 5K in Columbia on June 4, 2016. Online registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Sign-up link and more information to come soon...so stay tuned!

Thanks,Ms. Kuligowski, Mrs, Kennedy, and Mrs. Kelly

NEWS FROM MRS. WOOD

Students in 5th grade have demonstrated an interest to start a Newspaper Club. Information was presented to students during their lunch period last week and applications have been distributed. All interested 5th graders are encouraged to provide a writing or drawing sample since space is limited for this seminar. Please note that the seminar will be held weekly during your child's recess. Stay tuned for more details once all applications have been reviewed. Please return all forms to Mrs. Wood by January 21st.

Rachael WoodGT Resource TeacherGorman Crossing ES

NEWS FROM MRS. HYUN

4th Grade GT Seminar Announcements Thanks to many 4th graders who joined the I Spy a Math Concept Seminar.  The last group will complete their photos and riddles soon.  Thank you to the PTA for your support for the program!  The next 4th Grade GT Seminar will be the Rubik’s Cube Challenge!  Mrs.

Christine Hyun presented the seminar to all 4th grade students last Friday.  Several students have already signed up!  If your student is still interested, remind him or her that application forms are in the 4th grade pod area.  Any interested 4th grade student may sign up as long as s/he can commit to attending the class, one time per week, during recess. The classes will start in February and most likely run for 6-8 weeks.  Due to the anticipated response, we may make different sessions like we did for the I Spy Seminar.   If your student is interested, please return the application form by Friday, Jan. 22, 2016. 

Students who choose to participate in this seminar will learn and practice spatial skills, logical reasoning, problem solving, perseverance, patience, and more!  If you want more information about the benefits of the Rubik’s Cubic challenge, visit http://www.youcandothecube.com/math-twist/

NEWS FROM THE RECC PROGRAM

The Gorman Crossing Regional Early Childhood Center (RECC) Learning Together Peers (LTP) program is now accepting applications for three-year-old classes only for the 2016-2017 school year. Class schedules vary by program and are subject to change; however, we anticipate openings in the 4-day/week 2.5 hour/day class and the 4-day/week 4 hour/day class.  (Classes do not meet on Wednesdays.) Parents must provide transportation. These classes include children with and without disabilities.  We are looking for students with age-appropriate social and communication skills to serve as peers in the program.  The program’s focus is helping all children develop communication, literacy, math, problem solving, motor, and social skills to promote kindergarten readiness.  

Children MUST be 3 years of age for the 2016-2017 school year (born between September 2, 2012 - September 1, 2013 - NO EXCEPTIONS.) Parents may pick up an application package in the school office beginning February 16, 2016. A $25 refundable application fee must be returned with the packet and the check should be made payable to GCES. All applications must be returned by noon on March 22, 2016.  Please note: A very limited number of openings are available for children without disabilities.  Children are selected based upon screening information given on the application form and the “Ages and Stages Questionnaire,” as well as observations of the child’s participation in a playgroup. If necessary, a lottery process is conducted.

Rae Ann Kaylie Pre-Kindergarten Teacher/ RECC Team LeaderGorman Crossing Elementary School 410-880-5900

HCPSS – Road to Kindergarten

Do you have a child who will be 5 years old by September 1, 2016?

Please join us for an information session about Kindergartenin the Howard County Public School System.

At this workshop you will learn:

• Expectations for school readiness (and receive a Ready for Kindergarten toolkit).

• Details about the kindergarten program.

• Information about HCPSS kindergarten registration.

• Ways that families and children can be supported during the transition to kindergarten.

Choose a session that is convenient for you. No registration required.

Child care is available at each session for children ages 2 and older. Please allow at least 15 minutes extra for child care sign in.

If Howard County public schools are closed for inclement weather, the session is canceled.

All sessions will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m.

Atholton High School6520 Freetown Road, Columbia, 21044Thurs., January 21, 20166:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Hammond High School8800 Guilford Road, Columbia 21046Tues., January 26, 20166:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Howard High School8700 Old Annapolis Road, Ellicott City, 21043Mon., February 1, 20166:30 - 7:30 p.m.

SNOW DATE – will only be held if one of the above sessions is canceled atCentennial High School4300 Centennial Lane, Ellicott City, 21042Wed., February 3, 20166:30 – 7:30 p.m.

For more information...Visit www.hcpss.org/schools/kindergarten-registration/www.facebook.com/HoCo.road.to.kindergarten

Or call 410-313-5693

Murray Hill Music Boosters Invites YOU for a Night of Fun

Please join us for a dinner and a night of fun!  We are having our annual Family Night Gift Card Bingo on Friday, January 29, 2016 at 7:00pm at MHMS Cafeteria.  Doors will open at 6:30pm as we will be selling pizza by the slice and concessions.  Our Bingo games will begin at 7:00pm.  All proceeds go directly to our band, chorus, drama and orchestra.  Please see the attached flyer.  We hope to see you there!

THIS WEEK’S GOLDEN GATORS

Kindergarten

Ruppe Pettit Flynn Cook

Respectful: Kiara Morris Respectful: Sejla Memic Respectful: Cara Zorij Respectful: Lilyrose Emeogo

Responsible: Mark Kuruvila

Responsible: Julian Ragamus Amaya

Responsible: Leah Campos

Responsible: Milena Tabligan

Ready: Adeela Amtulhai Ready: Drew Perlin Ready: JP Valentino

Ready: Oluwa Awoyemi

1st GradeLewis Gilroy Nix Mersich SternRespectful: Lauren Rosser-White

Respectful: Alex Tanner

Respectful: Eshal Khan

Respectful: Kaelyn Scott

Respectful: Karis Le

Responsible: Zachary Berres

Responsible: Maya Shanbhag

Responsible: Alina Tran

Responsible: Sierra Ashby

Responsible: Mackenzie Galotta

Ready: Amaya Adaranijo

Ready: Alexis Bradley

Ready: Malina Tran

Ready: William Weissenburger

Ready: Arjun Challa

2nd GradeMcQueen Paxson Contreras Gibbs Steinberg KellyRespectful: CJ Thomas

Respectful: Wyatt Heffner

Respectful: Rohan Puri

Respectful: Alaina Yoch

Respectful: Sadie Flaker

Respectful: Jayne Shrier

Responsible: Giselle Teyes

Responsible: Veronica Parraguirre

Responsible: Juan Giron

Responsible: Joshua Humphreys

Responsible: Kaito Berrios

Responsible: Juan Giron-Martinez

Ready: Sophie Tan

Ready: Noah Eng

Ready: Narveer Singh

Ready: Alyssa Niburg

Ready: Kimberly Estrada

Ready: Johan DeLeon

Kindness: Bennett Gullion

KIndness: Ava Patel

Kindness: Juan Giron Martinez

3rd GradeBow Rubin Isacco ReinhardRespectful: Jaden Baek

Respectful: Jayden Streelman-Jones

Respectful: Damilare Olusanya

Respectful: Tony Perez

Responsible: Vamsi Bellam

Responsible: Diana Kirk

Responsible: Naomi Fotang

Responsible: Allison Guerra-Moran

Ready: Kasey Basili

Ready: Alyana Whitfield

Ready: Shreeya Thakre

Ready: Mason McDonald

4th GradeHolden Sutcliff Mills IrvingRespectful: Cole Respect: Abbas Respectful: Reece Clark Respect: Kayla

Folkenberg Hussain ParkinsResponsible: Vaishnavi Aditya

Responsible: Mahi Patel

Responsible: Christabel Akolo

Responsible: Samuel Son

Ready: Morgan Butler Ready: Aedan Taku Ready: Dustin FlakerReady: Samantha Nguyen

5th GradeReid Howard Hobbs Kim-MunroeRespectful: Seamus Sumor

Respectful: Elisa Baek

Respectful: Tyler Geesaman Respectful: Miles Scott

Responsible: Mariana Payne

Responsible: Caleb Stimpson

Responsible: Murphy Davis

Responsible: Jaylene Mejia Ramirez

Ready: Blane Moore Ready: Kyndall Nasir Ready: RJ Williams Ready: Ethan Hankins

COMMUNITY NOTICES – the following events are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Howard County Public School System

Gorman Crossing ES Parents:Howard County Recreation & Parks are offering the following After School Classes this Winter! 

Some begin next week so please register ASAP to save your spot and ensure these classes have enough children to run.

To Register:  CLICK HERE and type in the course number of the program (ex RP3379.601), or you may register over the phone at 410-313-7275 (8am-4:30pm, My-F).

Chess Club After School with Silver Knights Chess Company

Grades K-5 / 14 classes starting Feb 11 / $185

Learn how to play chess from highly rated professional chess instructors who have coached many state and national champions! Time is evenly split between lesson and play. Lessons range from learning the rules to advanced tournament strategies. Open to all ES grades and experience levels. Playtime is structured to pair you against an opponent of similar skill. All chess supplies provided. (No class 3/31.) Info: Adam Wienckowski, 410-313-4714 or awienckowski@howardcountymd.gov.

RP3322.601 4-5 PM Thursday  

Spanish After School by International School of Languages

Grades K-5 / 8 classes starting Jan 20 / $135

Learn a new language while exploring the culture and traditions of countries where Spanish is spoken. Learning is enhanced by playing games, singing songs, reading poems, creating crafts and other hands-on activities. Classes are taught by native speakers who are engaging, fun, motivating and experienced teachers. Info: Melissa Calleri, 410-313-4721 or mcalleri@howardcountymd.gov.

RP3301.602 4-5 PM Wednesday

After-School Indoor Soccer

8-10 yrs / 6 classes starting Jan 21 / $47

The world’s most popular game awaits you. Boys and girls learn and improve basic skills such as dribbling, trapping, shooting, passing, defense and team play. Coaches use a variety of drills, games and scrimmages to make learning fun and exciting. (No class 2/4, 2/11, 2/18.) Info: Brian Wyman, 410-313-4705 or bwyman@howardcountymd.gov.

RP6701.613 4-5 PM Thursday

Kiddie Indoor Soccer

5-7 yrs / 6 classes starting Jan 21 / $47

Are you ready to play the world’s most popular game? Boys and girls, learn basic skills such as dribbling, trapping, passing, shooting, defense and team play, all in a fun and encouraging environment. (No class 2/4, 2/11, 2/18.) Info: Brian Wyman, 410-313-4705 or bwyman@howardcountymd.gov.

RP6700.613 5-6 PM Thursday

After-School Dodgeball

7-10 yrs / 6 classes starting Jan 25 / $47

This is a great way for all ability levels to stay active, be a part of a team and have fun! Learn and play variations of dodgeball. Worried about safety? We use foam balls (gator skin) that are designed for accuracy and minimize the risk of injury. (No class 2/1, 2/8, 2/15.) Info: Brian Wyman, 410-313-4705 or bwyman@howardcountymd.gov.

RP6200.601 4-5 PM Monday

LEGO NXT MINDSTORMS After School with Club SciKidz

Grades 3-5 / 8 classes starting Jan 25 / $149

LEGO NXT Mindstorms is for those of you who have little or no LEGO Mindstorms experience. Explore the world of engineering by building complex robotic systems! Curriculum lessons developed by Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Academy and provide a series of real-life activities, covering topics within science, technology, engineering and mathematics. (No class 2/8, 2/15, 3/28.) Info: www.clubscikidzmd.com or Adam Wienckowski, 410-313-4714 or awienckowski@howardcountymd.gov.

RP3356.602 4-5:15 PM Monday

Bricks4Kidz LEGO After-School Transportation Timeline

Grades K-5 / 6 classes starting Jan 27 / $99

If you like planes, trains and automobiles, then this class is for you! Build motorized models of a dragster, a railroad crossing gate, an airplane and more! Bricks4Kidz is a STEM-based program that teaches science and technology concepts using LEGO bricks. Info: www.bricks4kidz.com/maryland-clarksville-fulton-marriottsville/ or Adam Wienckowski, 410-313-4714 or awienckowski@howardcountymd.gov.

RP3379.613 4-5 PM Wednesday

Little Tykes Hoops Basketball

3-4 yrs / 6 classes starting Jan 30 / $75

Having fun is sure to be a slam dunk! Children learn beginner basketball concepts such as dribbling, passing and shooting through a curriculum of exciting and fun-filled games and activities. Parents are encouraged to follow the coach’s instructions to assist in the games and activities. Info: Amanda Bartell, 410-313-1694 or abartell@howardcountymd.gov.

RP6086.608 1:30-2:15 PM Saturday

Mighty Kickers Soccer

3-4 yrs / 6 classes starting Jan 30 / $75

GOAL! Coaches provide a high energy, fun introduction to soccer. Mighty Kickers uses a creative, age appropriate curriculum to introduce basic soccer skills to kids including dribbling, passing and shooting while providing an entertaining and friendly atmosphere! Parents are also encouraged to follow the coach’s instructions to assist in the games and activities. Info: Amanda Bartell, 410-313-1694 or abartell@howardcountymd.gov.

RP6705.608 2:30-3:15 PM Saturday

Minecraft Programming After School with C3 Cyber Club

Grades 4-5 / 6 classes starting Feb 2 / $145

Looking for a fun way to learn programming? How about using a game you love. Using a custom mod called “Computercraft,” learn how to program robots called “Turtles” inside the world of Minecraft. Utilize problem-solving skills by learning how to program your robot to complete various tasks and objectives such as programming turtles to automatically build, mine and craft items and structures. Be introduced to programming if-then-else statements, for-while loops, and implement your own functions using LUA, a simple scripting language. Info: Adam Wienckowski, 410-313-4714 or awienckowski@howardcountymd.gov.

RP3326.614 4-5 PM Tuesday

NEW! Disney’s You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown by Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts

6-11 yrs / 11 classes starting Feb 29 / $205

Join Charlie Brown, Lucy and Snoopy. This musical puts the adventures of Charlie Brown and friends to music! Join them as they celebrate Valentine’s Day, play on a baseball team and catch the bus for the first day of school. Perform a full stage production and learn theater curriculum. Immerse yourself in a season of dancing, singing, acting, technical skills and theatrical vocabulary. A performance for friends and family ends the season. Bring a nut-free snack to be eaten while supervised between school dismissal and when class begins. Students will be escorted from Gorman Crossing ES to Murray Hill MS after school by program instructor. (No class 3/28.) Detailed class info: www.howardcountymd.gov/music_theaterarts.htm. Info: Melissa Calleri, 410-313-4721 or mcalleri@howardcountymd.gov.

RP1041.602 Murray Hill MS 4-5:15 PM Monday

Crisis Text LineHelp at your fingertips, Crisis Text Line serves anyone, in any type of crisis, bullying, self-harm, and more. A live, trained Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds quickly to help you move from a hot moment to a cool moment and to stay safe and healthy. Text START to 741-741, anonymous and confidential.If you have any questions or would like more information about Crisis Text Line, please contact Laurie Carson at lauriecarson@verizon.net for more information or to volunteer, visit www.crisistextline.org. Candlelight Concert SocietyJunie B.’s Essential Survival Guide to School by Theatreworks USA, Sun., Jan. 31, 2 & 4 p.m. Smith Theatre Columbia, MD. www.candlelightconcerts.org 410-997-2324

Grade 1/8 1/15 1/22 1/29Pre-K Count $5

Gordy StoreCount $5 Gordy

StoreCount $5

Gordy StoreCount $5

Gordy StoreK

Class ChoiceFun Friday/Winter

Nature Walk Gordy ShopFun

Friday/Make Gak Day

1st Shaving CreamParty

AirplanesParty

Play DoughParty*

Bingo in cafeteria*

2nd

Gordy Store Gordy Store & Team Building

Gordy StoreGet Your

Groove On PBIS

Celebration3rd Stinky Feet Activity of Choice

Time(Read/Draw/Color)

- AM

Swop Desks with a Friend

TBA

4th Gordy Coupons

(1/4)

Snowball 2 truths & a lie (1/12) Game

Rooms

Reward Coupons

5th Tech Device Incentive

Team Building Activity –

Hula Hoop Races

Tech Device Incentive

Glen Mar ChurchSecond annual Day of Service: Mon., Jan. 18 , (MLK Jr. Day) 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.   Family- oriented short-term service opportunities. Free and open to public. Come for an hour or come for the day.   Glen Mar Church: 4701 New Cut Road, Ellicott City.   Visit us at www.glenmarumc.org or call D.C. Veale at 410-465-4995 ext. 205.

North Laurel Community CenterHoward County Teen Clubs, Fri., Jan 29, 3:30-5 p.m., North Laurel Community Center, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Rd, Laurel, MD. Volunteer and earn service hours while learning important leadership and life skills. Please register online or by calling Recreation & Parks 410-313-7275 (Course Number RP2880.503).  For more information, please contact Christine Lyons clyons@howardcountymd.gov

 Counselor’s Corner: Katie Tasch School Counselor GCESKatie_Tasch@hcpss.org

How is your child spending his/her Gordy Bucks?

PBIS Weekly/Bi-Weekly Events for January by grade level:

PBIS Weekly/Bi-Weekly Events for February by grade level:

Indicates parent volunteers needed. Please contact your child’s teacher if you are willing to be a volunteer for the given date and activity above.

 

 

 

Grade 2/4 2/12 2/19 2/26Pre-K Count $5 Gordy

StoreCount $5

Gordy StoreCount $5

Gordy StoreCount $5

Gordy StoreK Fun

Friday/Dance Party

Lunch Date with Gordy the Gator

Playdate in another

classroom

Fun Friday/Choose

A Seat Day1st Groundhog

CraftHula Hoop

ContestBird

Feeders* Limbo Party2nd

Gordy StoreGordy Store & Team Building

Gordy Store Board Game Day PBIS

Celebration3rd TBA TBA TBA TBA4th Reward

CouponsSeat Swap Reward

CouponsCompliment

Notes5th Team Building Tech Device

IncentiveTeam

BuildingTech Device

Incentive