February 2026
February 2026
We hope you’re enjoying this winter season!
Please be sure to check the school calendar for upcoming events and closings, and check your child’s backpack daily for any notes or updates from their teacher.
Our lost and found has many unclaimed items. Feel free to stop in and take a look if your child is missing anything.
If you need help with forms, payments, or general questions, the school office is always happy to help.
Please remember to review the following to ensure absences are excused.
On skyward, you are able to request an absence under the attendance tile.
- located on your dashboard
A written note can be sent in with your student the following day, when they return to school.
(Hand to teacher, they will send to the office)
Parents are also able to e-mail the secretary with absence requests, or excuses.
E-mail Beckie Carroll RCARROLL@GASD-PA.ORG
Also, If your child is tardy they need to have an excuse, otherwise they are considered unexcused.
It is not necessary to call into the school if your child will be absent.
A note will still be required when they return.
What is One School, One Book?
The concept is simple: every student and staff member in the school reads the same book over a specified period of time. This shared experience transforms our entire school into one giant book club, fostering a sense of community and a lifelong love of reading. When we all read the same story, it creates a “buzz” in the hallways, classrooms, and—we hope—at your dinner table.
This year, we have chosen the New York Times bestseller, Dogtown, co-authored by Newbery Medalist Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko.
Dogtown is a unique shelter that houses three types of residents: stray dogs, misbehaving dogs, and discarded robot dogs. The story follows:
Chance: A real, three-legged dog who has been at the shelter for a long time.
Metal Head: A robot dog who may be made of wires but has a very real heart.
Mouse: A clever resident who isn't a dog at all!
Together, these characters embark on an adventure to find their “forever homes,” exploring themes of friendship, belonging, and what it truly means to be “real.”
Your child should have received their very own copy of the book to keep. We invite you to read along with them at home, following the attached reading schedule. Whether you read aloud together before bed or discuss the chapters during your morning commute, your involvement is key to making this program a success. Classrooms will be reinforcing the chapters as well!
James Gettys Kids Heart Challenge
Dear Parents and Guardians,
James Gettys Kids Heart Challenge is happening during your child’s Physical Education Class the week of February 9th. Students will be learning about healthy heart choices the Month of February, and ALL students will participate in the Kids Heart Challenges Physical Activities!
If families choose to register their child online for the Kids Heart Challenge, the directions are on the attached envelope that was sent home (there is also a QR code to register as well). Donations for the American Heart Association may be made online through your registered child’s site or sent back to school in the attached envelope. If choosing to send a check, please be sure to write the check out to “American Heart Association”. The thank you gifts given for donation amounts are on the attached envelope. Donations can be made from today until February 19, 2024.
Instant Students donation gifts will be distributed the week of Feb. 9th during their Kids Heart Challenge event day. The thank you gifts that need to be ordered will be distributed 2-4 weeks after the event.
The American Heart Association donations support educational teaching materials, heart research and families who are facing heart related challenges.
Finn’s Mission
The American Heart Association is excited to extend our work with the NFL to support improving health outcomes at home and beyond through Hands-Only CPR education. Students that complete Finn’s Mission (all 7 activities) will earn an entry for two tickets to Super Bowl LIX in 2027, AND our school will be entered to receive a $10,000 Fitness Equipment Makeover for every 18 students who complete Finn’s Mission.
I am looking forward to this Engaging Healthy Heart Event which teaches positive values and overall well-being for our children and families😊
Mrs. Michele Pecaitis
James Gettys Health and Physical Education Teacher
Kids Heart Challenge Coordinator
