GVS Family Newsletter

Grantham Village School

75 Learning Drive

Grantham, NH 03753

603-863-1681

frontoffice@gvshawks.org

Principal: Kristen Reed

kreed@gvshawks.org

Weather permitting we will have an off-site evacuation drill on Tuesday, October 21. This drill starts as a fire drill, and then we move off campus to the town building.

When you come to GVS to drop something off or pick up your student, please ring the doorbell on the wooden post to the left of the main door. A GVS staff member will communicate with you through the "talk box".

Changes to protocol for safety:

• If you are picking up your child, you will let the office know (by communicating through the "talk box"), and you will be asked to wait for your child outside.
• If you are dropping something off for your child, you will let the office know (by communicating through the "talk box"), and you will be asked to leave the item(s) near the front door, or you will be buzzed into the foyer to leave it there. Office staff will make sure your child gets what you have dropped off.
• If you need to have direct contact with office staff, you will be buzzed into the foyer to communicate through the window.

The Grantham Village School campus (drive around the school, trails around the school, playground, etc) is closed to the public during the school day, 7:30am - 3:30pm, when children are present.

We love every minute with our GVS students!

Arrivals after 8:30 are marked tardy.

Unless prior arrangements have been made with Mrs. Reed, student drop off should only be happening at the front entrance/playground.

Only students who are registered for the Before School Program (BSP) may attend the BSP. Those students who are registered should not be dropped off before 7:30 am. There is no staff on duty to watch children who are dropped off before 7:30.

Everyday lunch was from a different country. Thursday was trivia questions with prizes. Attached are pictures of lunches from Tuesday and Thursday. Wednesday was also apple crunch day, where everyone got apples.

4th graders at GVS are learning about figurative and literal meanings of a great heart. We are also getting ready to read a book in our unit called Love That Dog. As a celebration of our learning and reading we are sponsoring a pet food and supply drive for the Upper Valley Humane Society. We are hoping you might consider donating to the cause!

Here is how you can help:

• When: The drive is taking place now until the end of the first week of November

• What: We are accepting donations of (per The Upper Valley Humane Society)

Enrichment Food Items

• Peanut Butter

• Spray Cheese

• Cream Cheese

• String Cheese

• Hot Dogs

• Pumpkin

• Canned Chicken

• Low Sodium Beef & Chicken Broth

Pet Diets

• Dry & Canned Dog & Puppy Food

• Dry & Canned Cat & Kitten Food

• Greens for Small Animals

Cleaning & Care

• Cat Litter

• Litter Scoops & Pans

• Bleach

• Scrubbing Sponges

• Laundry Detergent (Ideally Unscented)

• Paper Towels

The FUN Stuff

• Interactive Cat Toys

• Cat Towers

• Slow Feed Bowls and Toys

• Soft & Hard Chew Toys

• Soft Treats

Thank you in advance for your generosity!

Grade 4 Grantham Village School

• Friday, October 24 - GPTG Community Movie Night at 6:30pm
• Monday, November 3 - Photo retakes: Proofs that come in beforehand will have a code listed that is unique to your student for potential reorders. If you have any further questions, please let us know by emailing us at frontoffice@gvshawks.org

We have had 32 students become GVS Math Mavericks this year!

Grab a printed copy at school or access it online here:

https://www.mathinaction.org/grantham-village.html.

Completed challenges can be submitted by turning the packet into Mrs. Hutchins!

Photo retake day is Monday, November 3. The photographers will only be here for an hour or so, so make sure your student is at school first thing that morning if you plan to have your child's photo retaken. Please notify the office and your child's teacher if your student will participate in retake day.

If you preordered photos and want a retake, please send your photos back to school with your student so that we may return them to the photographers. Pre-Ordered photos have not yet been delivered to the school and will arrive prior to retake day.

Early and intentional writing instruction gives students the foundation they need for academic success, effective communication, and lifelong literacy.

1. Supports Reading Development

• Writing reinforces phonics, spelling, and vocabulary — key parts of learning to read.
  

• When students write, they’re practicing sound-symbol relationships and building word recognition.

2. Builds Communication Skills

• Writing helps children express ideas clearly, organize their thinking, and communicate with purpose.
  

• It strengthens both oral and written language — essential for participation in class discussions and social interactions.

3. Develops Critical Thinking

• Writing requires students to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information.
  

• Even simple sentence writing helps children think about cause and effect, sequence, and logical relationships.
  
  

4. Connects to Every Subject

• In math: explaining reasoning and problem-solving.
  

• In science and social studies: writing reports, reflections, and summaries.
  

• Writing deepens comprehension by turning passive learning into active processing.

5. Prepares for Later Academic Demands

• By upper elementary, students must write to demonstrate understanding, not just for language arts.
  

• Strong writing skills in elementary school predict success on middle and high school writing tasks.

6. Builds Confidence and Voice

• Writing allows students to share their ideas, opinions, and creativity.
  

• When students see their progress, it fosters a sense of pride and competence.
  
  

Writing isn’t just a skill — it’s a tool for learning and thinking.
Early and intentional writing instruction gives students the foundation they need for academic success, effective communication, and lifelong literacy.

https://www.readingrockets.org/topics/writing/articles/mary-amatos-tips-parents-how-encourage-creative-writing

K-6 th Grade Basketball registration for the 2025/2026 Season is open. Click HERE to learn more about the program and to register for the season. Volunteer coaches and parent helpers needed for ALL levels of play. Please consider checking the Volunteer box during the registration process. Paid game day jobs are also available.

Sat. October 25 from 3:00-6:00 at The Grantham Rec Park, 19 Shedd Rd. - Join the Community for the BIGGEST Trunk or Treat in the area! Its sure to be a HOWLING good time.

For More Information Click HERE

Join in the fun and help us make this Trunk or Treat THE BEST YET. Read more about registering your "trunk" and sign up HERE

Grantham Recreation will accept donations of Halloween Candy starting on Wednesday, Sept. 10th. Donated candy will be distributed to the homeowners along Routes 10 and 114 who entertain the largest volume of trick or treaters on Halloween. Thank you for helping offset the Halloween candy costs for your neighbors along the Trick or Treat route.

Candy Donations can be dropped off in the donation bin located in the Town Hall lobby during regular business hours.

5:00-7:00 pm

Route 10. Downtown Grantham.

Be sure to visit the Town Building, Fire Station, Library, and the United Methodist Church on your trick-or-treating travels.

For more information, click HERE

GPTG is our local parent group. They put on amazing activities and fundraisers throughout the year and are some of the unsung behind-the-scenes people who make things happen for our students and staff.

Please note that the original newsletter sent out via C-folders had a type-o; correct date, incorrect day of the week. We hope to see you and your family for a movie under the stars on FRIDAY, October 24th. Movie-type snacks will be available for purchase.

For more information or to join the GPTG, please check them out here.

And thank you, GPTG, for all you do!

The Grantham Parent Teacher Group (GPTG) would like to invite anyone interested in showcasing their business to be a sponsor for our 2025-2026 GVS Student and Family Directory. This is a fantastic opportunity to enhance visibility to families in our community while simultaneously supporting our wonderful school.

Thank you for considering this partnership.