THE MIGHTY OAK
Weekly Calendar
August 18............................Dogwood Pizza Spirit Night
August 25............................In-person Curriculum Night K-2 6-7pm
August 27............................In-person Curriculum Night 3-5 6-7 pm
Specials Rotation
August 10.................................Day 4
August 11.................................Day 5
August 12.................................Day 6
August 13.................................Day 7
August 14.................................Day 1
Transportation
First Week Arrival
Doors open at 7:35 AM, and the tardy bell rings at 8:15 AM.
We know traffic will be busy on Wednesday, and we truly appreciate your patience with our police officers, crossing guards, staff members, and bus drivers.
During these first few days of school, students will be learning how to safely board and exit the bus, while our drivers are still getting used to their routes. Please rest assured that your bus will arrive at its stop, though it might run a little late as everyone adjusts.
Please make sure your child knows how they are going home each day. Having a clear plan helps us support your family and eases any first-week worries for your child.
Dismissal
Our end of day bell rings at 2:45 PM. Please note that no students may be checked out after 2:00 PM. If you arrive after 2:00 PM, please join the car rider lane for afternoon pick-up.
All buses will be navigating afternoon routes and may experience delays during the first few days of school. To ensure every student learns the dismissal process safely, we allow extra time for loading buses, especially for our Kindergarteners and 1st graders. Rest assured that your child will arrive safely at their designated bus stop.
Thank you for your patience with our police officers, crossing guards, staff members, and bus drivers as we work together to get everyone home safely!
Car Rider
Please do not line up for dismissal before 2:00 PM, and kindly keep driveways and crosswalks clear.
To help our afternoon line move as quickly and safely as possible, please follow these guidelines:
Display your car rider number prominently so staff members can record it.
If you do not have a car rider number, please have your photo ID ready for pick-up verification.
Student safety is our top priority. We truly appreciate your patience and partnership with our police officers, crossing guards, staff members, and bus drivers as our students learn these new dismissal routines!
Communication with Teacher
Communicating with Your Child's Teacher
Open communication with your child's teacher is essential for a successful school year!
ParentSquare and email are the best ways to reach out to your child's teacher directly.
Common reasons you might need to contact the teacher include:
Transportation changes: Please notify us as early in the day as possible if your child's dismissal routine changes.
Lunch & dietary needs: Questions regarding lunch accounts, packed lunches, or food allergies.
Absences & appointments: Early dismissals or planned absences.
Beginning next week, our students will be taking the i-Ready Fall Assessment in Reading and Math. This assessment provides valuable information about each student's strengths and areas for growth, helping us personalize instruction to meet their individual learning needs. To learn more about i-Ready and how the assessment supports student learning, please watch this informational video:
Free Family Literacy (English) Classes
The International Newcomer Center offers FREE Family Literacy (English) Classes for parents/guardians & caregivers of GCPS students. These classes are designed to help families strengthen their English reading, writing, and speaking skills in a supportive and welcoming environment. By improving English skills, families will be prepared to support their children's education and overall success. Registration and placement testing will take place in August - no appointment is needed.
What: Family Literacy Class Registration & Placement Test
When: August 25, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM or August 26, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Where: International Newcomer Center 495 Maltbie St. Lawrenceville GA 30046
Free Reduced Lunch Application
Curriculum Nights
Prek-2nd: August 25th at 6:00-7:00 pm
3rd-5th: August 27th at 6:00-7:00 pm
Families are invited to preview the presentation and then drop-in to connect, ask questions, and partner with us for a successful year ahead.
MEDIA MATTERS
Broadcast Club
Fifth grade students who are interested in joining the Broadcast Club need to apply by Monday, August 17. Students can apply through this link or through the Student Landing Page link in their portal.
Broadcast Club members meet before school, 7:50-8:15, for 4 weeks to produce the morning news show. The Broadcast Club will consist of up to 36 students.
Parents must send a message to Sharon Amolo through Parent Square (emails are not accpeted) by the application deadline (Aug. 17 before 3:00 PM). This is what will be used to communicate about club acceptance, payment, upcoming schedules, and the field trip.
Application Steps:
1. Child fills out the application.
2. Parent sends message to Sharon Amolo through Parent Square with; 1. Parent name (first and last) 2. Student Name (first and last) 3. Which club your child is applying for.
3. Application and Parent Square message are submitted by Aug. 17 before 3:00 PM.
4. Ms. Amolo will notify parents through Parent Square on Aug. 19 to let them know if there child is in the Broadcast Club. Parents will visit MyPaymentPlus to pay the club fees, complete the field trip form (to WSB-TV), and select the t-shirt size.
Summer Reading
Congratulations to all the students who completed their summer reading. The Books and Scoops Reading Celebration will be on Monday, Aug. 24. Students will play a couple of games, enjoy an ice cream sundae, and receive a free book. Students who completed the whole Bingo card will be able to select a prize from our prize vending machine. If you have any questions you may contact Sharon Amolo through Parent Square.
The first Beanstack Reading Challenge will begin after Labor Day. Information will be in the Mighty Oak and sent out through Parent Square.
♟️ Chess Club is Back! We’re excited to announce that fall Chess Club registration is now open at Gwin Oaks Elementary School! Whether your child is new to chess or ready to sharpen their skills, Chess Club is a fun way to build strategy, critical thinking, and sportsmanship. We will meet on select Wednesdays from 2:45–3:45 p.m. Please reference the flyer attached. Be sure to register early using the fall registration link below before spots fill up!
Shaleah Zambino-Chess Club Sponsor
Play2Learn
Do you have a child that is between the ages of birth - 5? We would love for you to join our Play 2 Learn classes at Gwin Oaks Elementary.
Come play with us in Play 2 Learn at Gwin Oaks Elementary. Parents and children ages birth - five are welcome to attend. Please contact Amy Simmon at amy.hough.simmon@gcpsk12.org for more information and to enroll.
PTA
Join the PTA before September 7th to help your child's class win a donut party!
Free Family Literacy (English) Classes
The International Newcomer Center offers FREE Family Literacy (English) Classes for parents/guardians & caregivers of GCPS students. These classes are designed to help families strengthen their English reading, writing, and speaking skills in a supportive and welcoming environment. By improving English skills, families will be prepared to support their children's education and overall success. Registration and placement testing will take place in August - no appointment is needed.
What: Family Literacy Class Registration & Placement Test
When: August 25, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM or August 26, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Where: International Newcomer Center 495 Maltbie St. Lawrenceville GA 30046
Back to School Forms
Car Rider
Morning Car Rider Reminder
Each morning, car rider drop-off begins at 7:35 am. We request you enter the car rider line no earlier than 7:35 am and no later than 8:05 am. This is the time frame during which the line will be moving for arrival and ensures that your child will not be tardy for school.
Attendance Matters
Attendance Matters!
Missing a day of school here and there may not seem like much, but absences add up!
When a student misses 2 days a month... They will miss 20 days a year
The will miss 30 hours of math over the school year.
The will miss 60 hours of reading & Writing over the school year.
They will miss over 1 Year of school by graduation.
When a student misses 4 days a month... They will miss 40 days a year
The will miss 60 hours of math over the school year.
The will miss 120 hours of reading & Writing over the school year.
They will miss over 2 Years of school by graduation.
Checking out Students
Final Gwin Oaks Check out time is 2:00 pm
Order your yearbook today!
Hands-on Music Piano Club
www.southernartmusic.com
learn piano after school, at Gwin Oaks!
Mondays Sept 14-Dec 14
Tuition $300 Registartion Fee $15
Need Payment Plan? We've got you covered!
Discounts for siblings available!
Have questions? Visit our website, for policies, or give us a call!
GASP! Stay at your school
Outdoor play
Affordable tuition
Homework Help
Quick Easy Pick-up
Healthy snacks
STEM arts, crafts and karaoke
We accept CAPS
Limited Space Register Now!
Community
Brookwood Lacrosse
- Season Starts in September through November
- Practice at Bethesda Park
- Games on Sundays
ABOUT US
Gwin Oaks Elementary
400 Gwin Oaks Drive
Lawrenceville, GA 30044
Elementary 770-972-3110
The mission of the faculty and staff of Gwin Oaks Elementary is to facilitate a safe and supportive environment where excellence in learning for all children results in responsible
and productive citizens and lifelong learners.