Dear Mt. Gap Families,

Welcome back! I hope you all enjoyed a restful and fun Fall Break. As we return to school on Monday, October 13th, we’re excited to continue the great momentum we built during the first nine weeks. I’m so proud of our students’ hard work and the partnership between our families and staff, together, we’re making Mt. Gap a wonderful place to learn and grow.

As we begin the second nine weeks, we’ll keep focusing on academic progress, positive behavior, and the importance of daily attendance. Every day matters, being present helps students stay connected, confident, and ready to succeed.

Thank you for your continued support and encouragement. With your partnership, I know this next part of the school year will be just as strong, and even more exciting, as the first! ❤️🩶

With Grizzly Pride,

~Principal Warren

Rooted in Strength. Driven by Excellence.

We recently celebrated Attendance Reporting Day, and it was a popping success! Students enjoyed popcorn and fun as we recognized their efforts to show up every day, ready to learn.

At Mt. Gap, we believe every day matters, because each day in class helps students grow, connect, and succeed. Right now, about 72% of our Grizzlies have excellent attendance, and we’re working together to help that number grow even more!

In Alabama, attendance plays a key role not only in your child’s success but also in our school’s state report card. When students miss 18 or more days in a school year (about two per month), it counts as chronic absenteeism, even if those absences are excused. Regular attendance keeps students on track and strengthens our entire school community.

Let’s keep the momentum going, Grizzlies Families, because you make our attendance POP! ❤️🩶

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What a fun and exciting week at Mt. Gap! We celebrated our first quarterly PBIS Celebration with a school-wide game of BINGO, and our Grizzlies had an amazing time!

This celebration recognized students who consistently show their Grizzly B.E.S.T
B: Be Responsible
E: Engage in Learning
S: Show Respect
T: Think Before You Act

We’re so proud of our students for their positive behavior and school spirit! Our next PBIS Celebration will take place in December, and we can’t wait to share more details soon! ❤️🩶

As we return to school, we’re excited to “fall back” into our routines and procedures that help students feel confident, focused, and ready to learn.

We’re looking forward to a wonderful week ahead filled with learning, growth, and plenty of Grizzly spirit! ❤️🐻🩶

Wed. October 15:
- PreK-White day
- Severe Weather Drill
Fri. October 17:

Duty free-lunch
Report Cards Go Home

Mon. October 20th-Nov 14th:

2nd-5th ACAP Practice

Wed. October 22:
- PreK-Brown day

Thurs. October 23:
- Spirit Night: Chick Fil A (5-7pm)

Fri. October 24:

Trunk-O-Treat

Mon-Fri. October 27th-31st:

Red Ribbon Spirit Week

Fri. October 31st:

1/2 Day for Students

Our Mt. Gap community takes pride in keeping our school beautiful and welcoming for students, staff, and families.

PTA member Shannon Jones is coordinating volunteer efforts to help with school grounds, planting, weeding, cleanup, and small outdoor projects throughout the year.

If you’re interested in lending a hand, please complete this short form. Thank you for helping make Mt. Gap shine!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeSUTzXG5uqKjct2dfkXejO2RCz9H8iGNTCFYMQ6rKA-XAKIA/viewform?usp=header

We want your mornings to run smoothly and safely! Please keep the following in mind:

🔒 Safety First

Drive slowly and stay off your phone in the car line.
Do not drop students off before 7:30 AM—staff supervision begins at that time.

🧒 Pre-K Drop-Off

Pre-K parents must park and sign in at the front door entrance (lower office).

⬆️ Keep the Line Moving

Pull as far forward as possible to allow more cars into the line.
Staff members (see numbers on map) will be stationed along the sidewalk to assist.

🎒 Be Ready to Go

Have backpacks, lunchboxes, and jackets within reach.
Staff will help students with their belongings once they exit the car.

🚫 Stay in Your Car

Do not exit your vehicle in the drop-off line.
If you need to walk your child in or visit the office, please park in a designated area.

⏰ Late Arrival

Arriving after 8:00 AM? Please walk your child to the Welcome Center to sign in.

New Weapon Detection Systems – Beginning October 2024

Starting in October 2024, all elementary schools, including Mountain Gap, was equipped with Weapon Detection Systems as part of HCS’s commitment to campus safety.

"The goal of the new systems is to continue to promote campus safety while maintaining a smooth, efficient entry process for students," said Dr. Clarence Sutton, HCS Superintendent.
"Our team has worked diligently over the past several months to configure and hire staffing for Opengate, and these new systems will be another important factor in our campus security protocols."

What to Expect:

All students will be required to remove laptops and walk through the detection system during morning entry.
The process is designed to be quick, seamless, and stress-free.
This is part of an ongoing safety initiative from the 2024–2025 school year.
All guest will also be expected to go through this system when visiting.

We appreciate your support as we continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of all students and staff.

After a full day of learning, our goal is to ensure every student gets home safely and efficiently. Please help us by reviewing these important guidelines:

📌 Daily Dismissal Plans

Make sure your child’s teacher knows how they’ll get home each day.
Emergency transportation changes must be called in to the Welcome Center—preferably by noon.

🧒 Pre-K Pick-Up

Pre-K dismisses before the rest of the school.
Pre-K parents may begin parking after 1:45 PM along the curb or in the parking lot.
If you’re also picking up a K–5 student, please pull all the way forward while waiting for the 2:30 PM release.

🚦 K–5 Pick-Up Procedures

Please park along Versailles Drive and wait for a staff member to direct you into the line at 2:30 PM.
Be courteous to our neighbors—do not block driveways.

🚘 Display Your Car Number

Your child’s car number should be clearly visible on the rearview mirror or dashboard.
Numbers will be called from the street, and students will be ready for pickup at the loading area.

🙋‍♀️ Stay in Your Vehicle

A staff member will assist your child and their belongings into your car.
If you need to buckle them in, please pull forward to the “Buckle Up” area so the line can keep moving smoothly.

We have three groups of walkers at Mountain Gap Elementary. Please review your child's route and talk with them about safe walking habits before school begins.

🟢 Green Shoe Walkers

Travel north on Versailles Drive, alongside the playground.

⚫ Black Shoe Walkers

Travel south on Versailles, beside the gym and across the blacktop.
May turn left or right onto Mountain Gap Road or cross the road.
A crossing guard or HPD officer will be stationed at Versailles & Mountain Gap for safety.

🐾 Cub Walkers

Wait in the cafeteria until 3:00 PM, when they are picked up by older siblings from Mountain Gap Middle.
They then walk home with their middle school sibling.

✅ Safety Reminders
Please remind your child to:

Use the correct route
Walk with a group, when possible
Follow all crosswalk and adult instructions
Avoid running or horseplay

Your support helps ensure a safe journey home for all of our walkers!

Students in 3rd–5th grade are welcome to ride bikes or scooters to and from school.

Safety First!

Please remind your child to wear a helmet, use designated crosswalks, and follow all safety rules.
Riders should walk their bikes or scooters while on campus.

At dismissal, bike and scooter riders will line up and exit with our Black Shoe Walkers.

Bus route information for the 2025-26 school year will become visible in the PowerSchool Parent Portal beginning on July 21, 2025.

This year, all students at Mountain Gap Elementary and Middle will receive free breakfast and lunch each day!

🥪 A la carte items such as chips, Rice Krispies treats, ice cream, and more may be available for purchase.

No forms or applications are needed—just bring an appetite!

Stay informed and involved in your child’s academic progress all year long!

📊 Grades are available through PowerSchool.
Parents and students can log in to view:

Current grades
Attendance records
Report cards
Teacher comments

Be a part of the Mountain Gap community by joining our Parent Teacher Association (PTA)!

When you join the PTA, you’re supporting:

Student events & enrichment activities
Teacher appreciation & classroom support
Campus improvements & school spirit

Whether you have a little time or a lot, your involvement matters—and makes a big impact!

Stay connected, get involved, and help make Mountain Gap the best it can be!

📍 Welcome Center: 256.428.7720
📘 Facebook: Mountain Gap Schools

📧 Email Contacts:

Principal: Ms. Warren – angelear.warren@hsv-k12.org
Assistant Principal: Ms. Elliard – kendra.elliard@hsv-k12.org
Registrar/Administrative Assistant: Mrs. Lucente – lisa.lucente@hsv-k12.org
Counselor: Mrs. Baker – anna.christian@hsv-k12.org
Library/Media Specialist: Mrs. Turner – melissaann.turner@hsv-k12.org
Clerical/Attendance: Mrs. Steves – kara.steves@hsv-k12.org
Cafeteria Manager: Mrs. Beshears – wynona.beshears@hsv-k12.org
School Nurse (Nurse Casey): grace.casey@hsv-k12.org

Grizzly News You Can Use

Week of October 13, 2025

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From Principal Warren's Desk From Principal Warren's Desk

Grizzly Glimpses Grizzly Glimpses

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The Week Behind Us The Week Behind Us

The Week Ahead The Week Ahead

Upcoming Events Upcoming Events

PTA Support Needed PTA Support Needed

🚗 Morning Drop-Off | 7:30–8:00 AM 🚗 Morning Drop-Off | 7:30–8:00 AM

🚗 Afternoon Car Pick-Up | 2:30–2:45 PM 🚗 Afternoon Car Pick-Up | 2:30–2:45 PM

Afternoon Walkers at MGES Afternoon Walkers at MGES

🚲 Bikes & Scooters 🚲 Bikes & Scooters

🚌 Bus & Transportation Information 🚌 Bus & Transportation Information

Breakfast & Lunch at MGES Breakfast & Lunch at MGES

Menus Menus

Student Lunch Accounts Student Lunch Accounts

💻 Check Grades Online 💻 Check Grades Online

🤝 Join the PTA – Make a Difference! 🤝 Join the PTA – Make a Difference!

Mountain Gap Elementary School Website Mountain Gap Elementary School Website

📞 Contact Information – Mountain Gap Elementary 📞 Contact Information – Mountain Gap Elementary