Gearity PDS

Greetings Gearity Families:

Door Replacement Next Week: Please be aware that the main entrance and preschool doors are being replaced either Wednesday or Thursday. I have been assured that students and parents can enter the doors safely during dismissal and arrival. I have notified the business office that the half day Pre-K classes dismiss at 11:30 or arrive at 12:30 so the installation crew will avoid working on the main entrance door at this time. If you arrive at the school while the crews are working, call the office at 371-6515 and we will help you gain access to the building.

The Spring Book Fair is the Week of April 20th: The PTA is still in need of volunteers to help with the books fair. Click on this link if you are able to help. You can assist your child with getting a head start on summer reading by purchasing books from the fair. More information about summer reading will be coming in a few weeks.

Mark your Calendar - Muffins with Moms is April 23rd! Muffins with Moms will be on April 23rd from 8-9 am in the gym. (Outside if the weather cooperates) We will have donuts, pastries, coffee and juice for all attendees to enjoy. We will have kosher items available along with allergy free options. If a student's mother is not available, an important woman in your student's life is welcome to bring them including grandmothers, aunts, step-moms, big sisters, close family friends, etc... This is a great opportunity to meet your children's classmates and their family members while enjoying some sweet treats with your student(s). Muffins with Moms uses a drop in format so you can come early or late and do not need to stay the whole time since we know that many adults will need to get to work. We hope you can join us since we usually have outstanding turnout for this great community building event.

OST Testing Starts April 14th! All 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students across the state of Ohio take reading and math assessments each Spring. 5th grade students also take a science exam. Our students will take their reading exams on April 14th and 16th. The math exam will be given April 28th and 30th. The science exams will be given on May 5th and 6th.

Kindergarten Readiness Camp: Families with incoming Kindergarten students will be offered the opportunity to participate in a 5 week Kindergarten Readiness Camp - see the flyer below for details.

PTA Needs Your Help! As we approach the end of the school year, we hope you have enjoyed attending all of our school community building events including the ice cream social, Father's Walk, Homecoming Parade, Family Glow Dance, and Ice Skating event. These activities, along with the book fairs, only happen because of the support of the PTA. We need volunteers to join our executive board so we can continue to sponsor these amazing events next year. The time commitment is limited as we share the planning responsibility and want to honor your time as working parents. Please see the flyer below and share your interest in helping as we need you!

We are always looking for volunteers to assist with specific events. Click on this link if you are able to help with the Spring Book Fair. We will also be requesting donations for our Teacher Appreciation events in May - more details to come. The PTA will be meeting April 28th to discuss Teacher Appreciation and our officer positions for next year - you can join the meeting with this link.

Mr. Mc Nichols

Principal, Gearity Professional Development School

Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District

5th Grade End of Year Activities Info:

As the end of the school year quickly approaches, we wanted to touch base about the special activities we have planned for the fifth graders.

On Wednesday, May 27th the 5th grade students will get a class shirt that will be signed by their classmates. Afterwards, the students will have a grade level party to celebrate their time together. We will also rehearse for the 5th Grade Sendoff.

On Thursday, May 28th at 2:00 we will celebrate the fifth graders’ time at Gearity by having a promotion event. After a few short remarks, students will be called up to the stage one by one to receive a certificate and any awards. After the ceremony, families will have the opportunity to take photos and celebrate. The promotion event will be held in the gym. Due to the size of the gym, each student will only be allowed to have four guests attend the promotion ceremony, tickets will be issued to each student for their families. Please stop by the office during school hours to pick up your tickets - pickup dates will be announced by mid-May.

On Friday, May 29th students can stay home or assist with cleaning out their desks.

If you have any questions please contact Mr. McNichols at p_mcnichols@chuh.org. The fifth grade team looks forward to an end of the year celebration that celebrates the successes of the entire fifth grade!

Emily Elliott Kristin Schultz Marilyn Bruening Patrick McNichols

Peek at the Week - Next Update When We Return from Spring Break!

Kindergarten
- Reading – Students are identifying characters and major events in stories, responding to questions through drawing/writing.
- Writing – Students writing to answer questions.
- Math – focuses on building foundational geometry skills (shapes, positions, and attributes).
Parent Tips
- Ask your child to retell a story (who, what happened first/next).
- Practice identifying shapes around the house (e.g., “Find a rectangle”).
- Encourage drawing and labeling to answer questions about books.
Grade 1
- Reading – Students are comparing stories to understand perspectives.
- Writing – Writing focuses on poetry and informational pieces.
- Math – Math emphasizes basic addition concepts.
Parent Tips
- Read two similar stories and ask how they are alike/different.
- Write simple poems together (rhyming or describing).
- Practice quick math facts using everyday objects (snacks, toys).
Grade 2
- Reading – Students are analyzing story elements, text features, and vocabulary,
- Writing – Writing includes poetry with attention to organization.
- Math – Math focuses on data representation and interpretation.
Parent Tips
- Ask your child to summarize stories (beginning, middle, end).
- Measure household items using rulers or compare lengths.
- Encourage revising writing by adding details to poems.
Grade 3
- Reading – Students are identifying main ideas, and text structure.
- Writing – Writing focuses on opinion pieces with supporting reasons.
- Math – Math includes measurement and problem solving.
Parent Tips
- Ask your child to explain the main idea of an article and give evidence.
- Have them write opinions (favorite food, book) with reasons.
- Practice telling time, measuring, or solving real-world math problems.
Grade 4
- Reading – Students are using evidence from texts, analyzing characters and vocabulary.
- Writing – focuses on narrative development.
- Math – Math includes geometry and measurement concepts.
Parent Tips
- Ask “What evidence supports that idea?” during reading.
- Encourage storytelling with clear beginning, middle, and end.
- Practice measuring (cooking, building, or DIY projects).
Grade 5
- Reading – Students are analyzing themes, text structures, and point of view.
- Writing – Writing emphasizes clear, organized informational texts.
- Math – applying advanced measurement/data concepts.
Parent Tips
- Discuss themes or lessons from books and how characters respond.
- Have your child explain information they’ve learned (teach you something new).
- Use real-life data (sports stats, weather) to discuss patterns and graphs.

Important Links!

School Supply Lists: Gearity Elementary

Food Service: You can see the monthly menus by clicking on this link.

Registration Information: New student registration can be completed online or in person. Find instructions, required documents, and contact information here. Please share the registration link with new neighbors or friends who may need help getting their children registered for the start of the school year.

Student Code of Conduct: Link to the Student Code of Conduct and Anti-Bully forms.

District Plan for Communications with Persons with Disabilities

The District has adopted a plan for communications with persons with disabilities, which is available at the following link: Communication Plan. The plan establishes procedures to ensure that the District's communications with persons with disabilities, including applicants, participants, members of the public, and companions with disabilities, are as effective as its communications with others.