Spring is here! Here are three important things to know for April:

1. Testing for grades 3-5 will begin in our building on April 8th. Please make sure to have students get quality sleep, eat breakfast at home or at school, and most importantly attend school each day in April. This is a great time for students to show what they know and step up to the academic challenge of the test at their grade level!

2. The Energy Bus focus for April is Desire, Vision, and Focus. This month learners will be focusing on who they want to be at home and at school, and how the rules of the Energy Bus can help them in becoming a better friend, helper, and learner. Here are some Energy Bus focuses questions to ask learners:

- What is your positive vision for school right this month?

- Were you able to fuel anyone's ride today?

- Who or what are you trying to become? Are you using the Energy Bus rules?

3. If you haven't heard, Mr. Gubbrud will not be returning to Gertie Belle Rogers next year. Instead, he will be taking over as the Assistant Principal at Mitchell Middle School. The search is underway for a new principal at GBR. It is likely that a new principal will be in place to begin in August at GBR by the end of April.

With spring weather finally approaching, please make sure your child comes to school dressed appropriately for the day. The temperatures can fluctuate each day. Please make sure your child comes to school with a spring jacket or a warm sweatshirt. Students will still be required to go outside for recess.

Information about Classroom Requests will be coming out mid-month. This information will come out in the form of a link to both your devices (text and email) as well as on social media.

Attention parents: it is time to complete the annual update for your student(s). Please click below for further information on how to complete this necessary step in your child(ren)'s education!

Spring testing for our 3rd-5th grade students will be conducted through the month of April. These tests are mandatory for all students in grades 3 through 5 and are taken yearly. Here are some tips for your family if you have a student taking tests this year:

1. PERSPECTIVE

While these tests are important to assist in gauging the growth of learners, putting too much emphasis on your child's test scores can make them feel pressure that could negatively affect the outcome. No single test provides a clear picture of a learner.

2. SUPPORT HEALTHY HABITS

Sleep and nutrition can have a huge impact on your learner! One of the most helpful things you can do as a family is support these healthy habits to set learners up for success. Well-rounded meals and a healthy sleep routine will help to maximize your learner's potential!

3. TALK TO YOUR CHILD ABOUT TEST TAKING

Ask your child about taking tests. How do they feel about taking them? Help them to realize that this is a challenge to step up to, and not a contest. Talk to your child about the importance of doing their very best and representing themselves in the best possible way!

Upcoming Dates to Note:

• Monday, April 1, 2024 - No School/Easter Monday
• Tuesday, April 2, 2024 - 1st Grade Reader's Cafe (rescheduled from 3/26/24) @ GBR
• Monday, April 15, 2024 - No School/Staff Development Day
• Tuesday, April 23, 2024, through Friday, April 26th, 2024 - GBR Book Fair
• Thursday, April 25, 2024 - 1st Grade Concert, 6:30pm @ GBR
• Thursday, April 25, 2024 - 2nd Grade Concert, 7:30pm @ GBR
• Week of April 29, 2024 - Delta Dental Mobile at GBR
• Various dates in May 2024 - Class Field Trips (see below for more information)
• Tuesday, May 7, 2024 - 5th Grade District Band Concert @ Mitchel PAC
• Monday, May 13, 2024 - GBR 5th Grade Recognition @ Mitchell PAC
• Thursday, May 16, 2024 - Last Day of School!!

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.

The February 2024 student recipients are pictured below. From left: Aislyn Ryther, Eli Washburn, Freyja Bryant, Ellie Peschong, Paxton Puepke, and Jack Fontenot.

Thank you to the Kiwanis Club of Mitchell for sponsoring this honor!

Toward the end of the year, students will have the opportunity to attend a field trip with their classmates. This is a privilege for each student and must be earned by being a positive and respectful leader at GBR. To determine which students are allowed to attend the field trip, we will review the individual student discipline referral, academic progress, and behavior actions. Again, this expectation was shared with all students at the beginning of the school year. Certainly, we want all students to represent our school in a positive manner if they earn the privilege to attend the field trip.

The following field trip dates have been scheduled:

Begindergarten - Monday, May 13, 2024 - Dodd Farm

Kindergarten - Tuesday, May 7, 2024 - SF Washington Pavilion

1st Grade - Tuesday, May 7, 2024 - Brookings Children's Museum

2nd Grade - Thursday, May 9, 2024 - DeSmet

3rd Grade - TBD

4th Grade - TBD

5th Grade -Tuesday, May 14, 2024 - Pool party at Mitchell Rec Center

As the dates of the field trips get closer your child's teacher(s) will be sending information home. PLEASE review folders/backpacks/communication apps for this.

Yearbook order forms were previously sent home with your child(ren). If you are interested in ordering, please return your completed order form to the GBR school office no later than April 10, 2024.

You may also pre-order online by clicking on the below link!

Purchased yearbooks will be distributed to students upon receipt from Mark's Photography.

Looking for a fun Springtime family activity? Look no further - get your kids outside and into the garden with this fun and easy DIY!