Gullett Gazette - May 5, 2025

Dear Gullett Caregivers,

May Gazette???? How did this happen? These next few weeks will fly by as we make memories and celebrate a year of learning. Thank you again to our many volunteers here at Gullett! From volunteering their time and expertise to contributing additional funds to just overall moral support and kind words, we are so fortunate to have such a giving community.

As I reflect on this school year, I know none of it would be possible without the amazing teachers we have at Gullett. The dedication and care they show for every student, and the time that they put in to ensure all of our students have experiences beyond the curriculum is truly inspiring. Next week, May 5th-9th is Teacher Appreciation Week and our PTA has so many wonderful ways they are celebrating our teachers each day. From words of gratitude to yummy food, our PTA appreciation team really knows how to make sure our teachers are shown how much we value their hard work.I hope all of you are able to take a moment to let your teachers know how much you appreciate them.. Teachers love treats as much as the next person (and we have plenty of that coming their way!), but the words of gratitude from parents and students are the most meaningful gift of all.

As we look towards closing out this school year over the next few weeks, we have so much to celebrate! Our Geckos are thriving and our community is as engaged as ever. Your children have grown so much academically, socially, and emotionally and have made many great memories and friendships. I can’t wait for our Talent Show on May 27th and the many end of the year celebrations in the classroom!

One day in the future (and the future is just a few short weeks away for some), you will be sitting at the end of the year 5th grade promotion ceremony on the last day of school, looking back on what a great elementary school experience your child had. Several years later, we will welcome you back to Gullett for our Annual Senior Walk for our graduating class. This is a wonderful tradition we look forward to at the end of the year, and I love hearing the Seniors chatter about “remember this…” and “it looks so small!” and “is so and so still here? I wanted to see them!”

For those of you joining us for Camp Gecko, we are thrilled to have you for another few weeks. For those of you that have other summer plans, we can’t wait to see you back on August 19th for the first day of school. Finally, for those of you that are heading off to other adventures outside of Gullett next year, please remember that once a Gecko, always a Gecko.

I continue to be so thankful to be able to serve our community, staff and students and am looking forward to a wonderful end to the year, a summer filled with memories and a new beginning in August. Gullett truly is a school like no other place!

Sincerely,

Tammy Thompson

Proud Principal, Gullett Elementary

We were excited to focus on courage this month! Courage is “doing what is right, helpful, and kind—even when it’s hard or scary.” Whether it’s speaking up for a friend, trying something new, or standing strong in tough times, courage helps us grow into confident, caring people.

Throughout the month, students explored the many ways courage shows up in everyday life. We shared stories, participated in discussions, and celebrated moments of bravery big and small. It was inspiring to see students recognize that courage doesn’t always roar—sometimes, it’s a quiet voice that says, “I’ll try again tomorrow.”

We all have courageous moments in our lives. Many of us have seen people practice courage in ways that deeply moved and inspired us. Stories are powerful tools for building connection and understanding. We encourage you to take some time as a family to share your own stories of courage.

Here are some helpful prompts to get the conversation started:

🗣️ A time I (or someone I know) showed courage was ______________.
💬 An act of courage that changed or challenged me was ______________.

Thank you for being our partners in supporting your children as they grow into brave, kind, and resilient individuals. We can’t wait to see how they continue to show courage in the weeks to come!

~ Ms. Mahan

Hello, Gullett Musicians!

This month we had great groups of students prepare for both the Recorder and Ukulele Festival and Music Memory Festival, the 2nd grade Wild Things performed an all-star program, and Ms. Coronado (Mr. Jurgens’ student teacher) was hired into team AISD as next year’s music teacher at Mathews Elementary! Things quiet down the first half of May but end with a bang. We’ll see you on the other side!

Here is what’s standing between us and sweet sweet summer:

• 5/15: Talent Show Auditions due (3rd-5th)

• 5/15: Talent Show Crew Interest Forms due (5th only)

• 5/20: The Adventures of Mother Goose–Kindergarten Program

• 5/22-5/23: Share Day

• 5/27: Geckos Got Talent

Let us know if you have any questions!

Sincerely,
Will Jurgens and Marc Sustaita

What we are learning

Students in all grade levels are working on their striking skills. While this unit can include many different games and activities, this year we are focusing on batting, paddle skills and floor hockey. We will wrap up the year with soccer skills.

Additionally, students in grades 3-5 have been taking part in the FITNESSGRAM physical fitness test. The FITNESSGRAM consists of various activities to measure each student’s aerobic capacity, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility.

Wellness lessons this month are all about safety. Topics include pedestrian, cycling, skating, and scooter safety as well as water and sun safety. It’s a great time to review these safety lessons as we head into the summer months!

May- Asian American Pacific Islander & Jewish American Month, National Inventors & National Physical Fitness & Sports Month

5/19 - Senior Walk, Device Check In

5/20 - Kinder Mother Goose Performance

5/26 - Memorial Day Staff & Student Holiday

5/27 - Talent Show

5/29 - Last Day of School, 5th Grade Promotion

6/2-6, 9-13 - Camp Gecko

8/19 - First Day of School!