GBR December 2025 Newsletter

A Note From the Principal's Office
Hello, December!
Can you believe we’re already approaching the halfway point of the school year? Our GBR community continues to amaze me—your teamwork, positivity, and care for one another make this such a special place.
Last month, we focused on Love Your Passengers, and it was wonderful to hear about how students chose to lift each other up through kindness, encouragement, and cooperation. From classrooms to hallways to the playground, our Golden Arrows showed what it means to care for the people around them.
This month, our Energy Bus rule is Enjoy the Ride. December can get busy, but it also brings countless moments of joy, wonder, and connection. We’re encouraging students to notice the little things that make them smile, to be present, and to approach each day with positivity. At home, you can help keep that spirit alive by sharing moments of gratitude or asking simple reflection questions like, “What made you happy today?” or “What made you laugh?” These conversations help kids—and adults—remember to appreciate the good around us.
As many of you know, I have been away on maternity leave, and I want to express my sincere appreciation for Mrs. Olson, who has been doing a fantastic job supporting our school in my absence. I am incredibly grateful for her leadership, care, and commitment to keeping things running smoothly.
I am already so excited to return in January and see everyone again. I can’t wait to hear about all the growth, celebrations, and Golden Arrow moments that have happened while I’ve been away.
Thank you for being such an important part of our journey together. Let’s make this December one to remember—and continue to find joy in the ride!
Warm regards,
Mrs. Pierson
Dates to Remember
There will be no school on the following dates due to Winter Break:
❄️Monday, December 22, 2025 through Tuesday, January 2, 2026.
School will RESUME on Monday, January 5, 2026. 🍎
We hope that you have a joyous and peaceful holiday season!
December 10, 2025: PTA Meeting, 3:45 PM @ GBR
December 22, 2025: Winter Break Begins
January 5, 2026: School Resumes
January 14, 2026: PTA Meeting,3:45 PM @ GBR
January 19, 2026: No School - Martin Luther King Day
January 29, 2026: GBR School Conferences
Gertie Belle Penny War
We raised a whopping $2,125.92 during Penny Wars for the Veteran's Day fundraiser for Midwest Honor Flight! Way to go, Golden Arrows!
Caring Kernel Awards
The Caring Kernel Award is given monthly to teacher nominated students who have shown to go above and beyond. Students are chosen for showing kindness to others at school or within the community, showing true Kernel spirit, having a positive attitude, demonstrating great sportsmanship at school activities, and overcoming hardships in school or at home.
Thank you to the Kiwanis Club of Mitchell for sponsoring this honor!
Congratulations to Hayden R, Lucas C, Jaynae F, Jando P, Evie W, and Nancy M!
Attendance Awards
The Attendance Award is given monthly to the teacher whose students have the best overall attendance! Winning classes get a chance to spin the prize wheel from Mrs. Kapfer.
Congratulations to Ms. Hart's Class!
GBR PTA Updates
Event Information
All are welcome! Please join us in the KGL Classroom for December's PTA Meeting.
Papa Murphy’s Fundraiser Week!
From December 10–15, enjoy a take-and-bake night while supporting GBR! When ordering online, be sure to use the code DONATE to support the GBR PTA. Papa Murphy’s is generously donating 20% of online sales that are placed using the code. 🍕
Cold Weather Means Warm Outdoor Gear!
1st and 2nd Grade Concert
Friendly Reminder!
School doors unlock every morning at 7:30am
Breakfast is served every morning from 7:30am to 8:10am
School begins every day at 8:15am
School ends every day at 3:15pm
*Please drop off your child/ren to school as close to 8:00am as possible, especially if they are not eating breakfast, as there is limited supervision in the commons.
**If your child/ren will be late to school, absent from school, or leaving school for any reason during the school day, please call the school office at 605-995-3091 to inform the office staff. All doctors' notes can be faxed to our school office at 605-996-6610. We ask for a doctor note anytime a student misses a day of school due to illness and/or medical appointments of any type. Thank you!
American Education Week Proclamation
Hally Larson represented GBR at the Mayor's Proclamation for American Education Week.
GBR Adopt an Ornament Tree
Dear Families,
Our Adopt an Ornament Tree is up and ornaments are ready to adopt! If you and/or your family is interested in helping another family out this season, please visit our Tree located in the office. Once you select an ornament, please let Jenny or Mary know your name and what number you chose. We just want to account for each number so they don’t get removed or misplaced by mistake.
The ornaments are all numbered and have gift suggestions, along with the gender and age of each participating household member. You are not obligated to get all the suggestions listed, at least one clothing and one non-clothing item for each person listed would be appropriate. Please bring the gifts wrapped and labeled with age and gender to school along with the ornament by December 17. We will arrange gift pick-up with the families.
Thank you and Happy Holidays!