Goshen Creek Elementary

Dear Goshen Creek Families,

Happy November! I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your continued partnership and support throughout our school community. Thanks to your incredible generosity and involvement, our recent Big Kahuna Fundraiser was a tremendous success! We raised a total of $36,815.39, and I am thrilled to share that 100% of these funds will be dedicated to updating and enhancing our Goshen Creek Elementary playground.

Playground Update: We are actively collaborating with playground equipment vendors and exploring grant opportunities to maximize these funds to create an engaging, safe, and fun space for our students. As soon as we have a finalized graphic layout and plan, I will share that exciting information with you.

Big Kahuna Delivery: Mark your calendars! On Monday, November 3, 2025, Big Kahuna will deliver the fundraiser products to campus, and information about pick-up will be shared soon.

Big Kahuna Party Bus: Tuesday, December 16, 2025

In addition, this week we will be sending home information about our School Store Partnership and Book Buddies program. These programs are designed to help build credits that will allow us to utilize a book vending machine on campus to incentivize reading, giving students the chance to earn tokens and trade them for books as a reward for their hard work throughout the year. It is simple to get started and to help Goshen earn credits by signing up & using the card when you are making purchases for all things at stores such as: WalMart, Old Navy, & so many more on your normal day to day purchases. Thank you for supporting our efforts to build a positive culture of readers at Goshen Creek!

Red Ribbon Week in Summary: We had a fantastic week celebrating healthy, clean lifestyles during Red Ribbon Week. Together, we continue to build a strong foundation for our students’ futures. We want to give a big shoutout to our amazing counselor, Chrystal Sisk & our Springtown Lions Club for helping to fund the purchase of 700 apples for our students to wrap up the week. Those apples were delivered by our admin team & Watch Dogs as a symbol of being committed to living a clean & free lifestyle.

Watch Dogs in the News: Another exciting highlight is the successful kickoff of our Watch Dogs group—a dedicated team of fathers and strong role models who will be a consistent, positive presence on campus. Last week, those dads help welcome students to campus, supported in Red Ribbon Week treats, and supported in Physical Education. They will help welcome students, assist during lunch and rotations, support Power Hour, and aid during dismissal. Their involvement is invaluable in fostering a safe and supportive environment for our students.

Lastly, please take a moment to review the upcoming November events below—you won’t want to miss these important moments:

Week 13 (Nov 3-7)

• Nov 3 - GCES Home Connection Project through Gratitude Jars
• Nov 3-7: Paw Store Open for Students during Power Hour to Purchase Experiences in Exchange for their Hard Work on Campus
• Nov 3: Big Kahuna Delivery in Gym between 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• Nov 4: 12:40 PM SHS Band Send off to State Motorcade
• Nov 5: Chris Barton - Author Visit to Goshen during Rotation
• Nov 6: 4th Grade Girls Empowerment Challenge during Power Hour with Coach Watson
• Nov 6: Report Cards go Home
• Nov 7: Celebration Assembly 7:10 - 7:45 AM
• Nov 7: Student Choose Love/ Student Sharp Pine Lunch-Lunch with Loved Ones During Regular Lunch Times (If your child received an award, you will receive a call from the front office on Monday, November 3, 2025.)

Week 14 (Nov 10-14)

• Nov 11: Veterans Day
• 7:10-8:00 AM Veterans Breakfast
• 8:30 AM All School Veterans Program
• 12:45-2:45 PM 4th Grade visit to SHS for Elementary School-wide Veterans Day Performance
• 6:30 PM 4th Grade Veterans Day Program (4th Grade only)
• Nov 11: Watch Dogs Official First Meeting & Rally 4:00 PM - 5:00 at GCES in the Cafeteria
• Nov 13: 4th Grade Field Trip (Medieval Times)
• Nov 14: 2nd Grade Field Trip (Zoo)

Week 15 (Nov 17-21)

• Nov 19: Adventure Dash Rally during Rotation (PE & Coach Watson Fundraiser)
• Nov 20: at 6:00 PM 2nd Grade Music Program

Thanksgiving Break: Nov 24-28

Thank you again for your partnership, support, and dedication to making Goshen Creek Elementary a wonderful place for our students to learn and grow. Together, we are making a difference!

Warm regards,

Wendy Ashley

Principal

Goshen Creek Elementary

School Store - Book Vending Machine

The SchoolStore & Maximizing Purchases to Earn Credits for Goshen to Have a Book Vending Machine to Reinforce and Encourage a Love for Reading.

Here's a link to help you learn more about how the program works:

1st Day https://videos.schoolstore.com/kick-off-video-l

2nd Day https://videos.schoolstore.com/day-2-video-l

Monday, November 3, 2025: Information & a student lanyard will come home from Goshen.

It is a simple sign-up by sharing emails. School Store partners with you to help Goshen earn credits by you using the card during your regular shopping to earn points or credits towards our campus having a book vending machine. Each six weeks, students will have the opportunity to earn a token to exchange for a book to keep. One student from each class will be recognized each six weeks. We hope to grow this program and students to have more opportunities to fall in love with reading and to earn tokens to earn books as well.

Wendy Ashley, GCES Principal Email: WAshley@Springtownisd.net

Amy Baker, GCES AP Email: ABaker@Springtownisd.net

Katie Orsburn, GCES AP Email: KOrsburn@Springtownisd.net

Chrystal Sisk, GCES Counselor Email: ChSisk@Springtownisd.net

Officer Dews, GCES SRO Email: NDews@Springtownisd.net

Denisse Corona, GCES Principal Secretary Email: DCoronaIbarra@Springtownisd.net

Nikki Wiens, GCES Receptionist Email: NWiens@Springtownisd.net

Jody Atchley, GCES PEIMS Clerk Email: JAtchley@Springtownisd.net

Ashley Hall, GCES Nurse Email: AHall@Springtownisd.net

🎉 Parents, let's make our Goshen staff members feel appreciated! If a certain staff member has gone above and beyond to brighten your child's day, let them know! 💖 Complete this form, and our admin team will deliver treats to share the love. Who deserves a shout-out? 👏 #GoshenFamily

A Gratitude Jar is a simple and meaningful way to build gratitude at home. It’s a container where family members regularly write down things they are thankful for on small pieces of paper and place them inside. Over time, the jar fills with positive thoughts and reminders of the good in life.

What is a Gratitude Jar?

The Gratitude Jar serves as a visual and interactive tool to encourage noticing and appreciating everyday blessings. It helps shift focus from stress or complaints to gratitude and joy. Reading the notes or books that celebrate gratitude together can boost family connection and happiness.

Easy Ways to Incorporate a Gratitude Jar at Home

1. Choose Your Jar: Use any container—a mason jar, a decorated box, or a recycled jar. Make it special by letting everyone decorate it.
2. Set a Routine: Pick a consistent time to add notes, like after dinner, before bed, or on weekends.
3. Keep Materials Handy: Place the jar with small slips of paper and pens nearby so it’s easy for everyone to participate.
4. Make It Simple: Encourage all ages to write or draw something they feel grateful for—no need for long sentences.
5. Share and Reflect: Once a week or month, gather to read the notes aloud and celebrate the positive moments together.
6. Use Prompts if Needed: For inspiration, use prompts like “Today, I’m thankful for…”, “Something that made me smile…”, or “A kind thing someone did…”
7. Celebrate Milestones: When the jar fills up, celebrate by emptying it together and reflecting on all the gratitude collected.

This easy practice turns gratitude into a fun family habit that grows positivity and appreciation over time.

All students that receive the 2nd Six Weeks Sharp Pines or Choose Love Ambassadors Awards will have the opportunity to have a special guest on Friday, November 7th during lunch. If your child receives one of these awards, you will receive a call from the front office and a message to remind you from your child's teacher. On Friday, we will have the opportunity to recognize 33 Sharp Pines and 33 Choose Love Ambassadors. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the front office so we can help answer any questions that you might have.

Your Back-to-School Guide is here and ready for you! It's packed with everything you need to get your child’s school year off to a smooth start—school supplies, start times, and more!

Find your child’s campus page, check out the details, and make sure you're ready for the first day.

Click here to view: bit.ly/sisdbacktoschool

We can't wait to welcome everyone back on August 13th—it’s going to be a great year! #PorcupineFamily #BackToSchool

Health Services
Nurses now need parent permission to provide care such as first aid, health checks, or screenings (unless it's an emergency).
Without opting in on this form, your student will not be able to visit the nurse—even for something like a Band-Aid

These forms are required for the 2025–2026 school year, and it’s very important that they are filled out as soon as possible.

"Opting in" will help us ensure we can continue supporting your student in every way possible

𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 & 𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓-𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔!

It’s time to submit your application for free or reduced-price school meals. A new application is required every school year—even if your student received benefits last year.

Apply online at www.schoolcafe.com or download the SchoolCafe app to get started.
Quick
Confidential
Could help even if you don’t think you qualify

Every application submitted helps support our schools. Don’t wait—apply today! #PorcupineFamily

The first day of school is two days away!

If your child will be riding the bus this year, don’t forget to complete the Bus Rider Registration Form so we can get them safely to and from school. Please call the bus barn at 817-220-1700 to verify registration and Goshen at 817-220-0272 to confirm first day, first week, & normal mod of dismissal procedures.

Fill out the transportation form here: bit.ly/busridershipform

Let’s get ready for a great school year! #PorcupineFamily #BackToSchool2025

Our assembly begins promptly at 7:30 AM. It is crucial that all students arrive on time, prepared, and ready to begin. During our assemblies, we will cover:

• Goshen's Golden Rules
• Social norms and character lessons
• Activities to build reading stamina
• Celebrating our birthdays

Additionally, every six weeks, we will recognize our students’ hard work through our celebration assemblies, where we honor achievements in honor roll, attendance, Sharp Pines, and Choose Love Ambassadors.

We encourage all parents to sign up for Skyward Access, as it is essential for monitoring your child's grades and progress throughout the school year. More information will be coming soon about our student handbook & grading information.

Attendance Information

Attendance Information- All absence excuse notes/letters are to be sent to Mrs. Jody Atchley in the front office. If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact her at JAtchley@Springtownisd.net.

Attendance Laws- Regular school attendance is essential. Absences from class may result in serious disruption of a student’s education. The student and parent should avoid unnecessary absences. Two important state laws—one dealing with compulsory attendance and the other with how attendance affects the award of a student’s final grade or course credit—are discussed below:

1) At the elementary level, students are considered absent if they come to school 20 minutes after the start of the school day or if they are checked out from school 20 minutes before the end of the school day.

-Upon returning to school after being absent, late to school, leaving early from school, or sent home, the student must bring a note that is signed by the parent/guardian that describes the reason for the absence

-When a student incurs three or more unexcused absences within a four-week period, the law requires the school to send notice to the parent. The notice will:

• Remind the parent of his or her duty to monitor the student’s attendance and require the student to attend school;

• Inform the parent that the district will initiate truancy prevention measures.

A court of law may impose penalties against the parent if a school-aged student is deliberately not attending school. The district may file a complaint against the parent if the student incurs ten or more unexcused absences within a six-month period in the same school year.

2) Attendance for Credit or Final Grade (All Grade Levels) To receive credit or a final grade in a class, a student must attend the class at least 90 percent of the days it is offered. A student who attends fewer than 90 percent of the days the class is offered will be referred to the attendance review committee. The committee will determine whether there are extenuating circumstances for the absences and how the student can regain credit or a final grade.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we kindly ask that you take a few moments to review our morning and afternoon drop-off zones. The Parent Hub contains more detailed information regarding these procedures, which are designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of our student pick-up and drop-off.

Car Tags:
Your child will receive their car tags with student ID numbers during the Meet the Teacher event. These tags will be essential for parent pick-up starting on day one. All parents, guardians, or individuals picking up students must display their car tags visibly in the window.

Identification Check:
If you do not have your car tag, you will be required to park and present identification for student safety.

Emergency Contacts:
Please ensure that all your current information is up to date within Skyward. Make sure that anyone who may pick up your child is listed as an emergency contact.

Helpful Tips for Smooth Drop-Off/Pick-Up:

• Familiarize yourself with the designated drop-off zones and their procedures.
• Arrive a few minutes early to reduce wait times.
• Follow all staff directions to ensure the safety of all students.
• Remind your child of their pick-up location and process.

We appreciate your cooperation as we work together to keep our students safe. Thank you for your attention to these important details!

Six Helpful Tips to Help Prepare Your Child

1. Practice Name Responses:
   Have your child practice responding after hearing their first and last name. This will help them respond quickly during dismissal when we call names.

2. Arrival Time for Pick-Up:
   Please don’t arrive for student pick-up until 3:00 PM. Students will not be released until 3:20 PM. Arriving at three helps prevent traffic jams on Pojo and Highway 199.

3. Use Your Car Rider Tag:
   Ensure you have your car rider tag every day. This is crucial for the safety and efficiency of the pick-up process.

4. Be Kind in Line:
   Remember that the first week can be challenging. Kindness and patience in line will help us all succeed.

5. Assistance with Buckling Up:
   If your child needs help buckling up, please pull into the parking lot or out of the way of the loading zone. This allows the line to continue moving smoothly.

6. Observe Speed Limits:
   Speed bumps have been added in both the pick-up and drop-off lines to encourage slower speeds and enhance safety for everyone.

After a few weeks, the pick-up line will clear in just 15-20 minutes. We appreciate you sharing your precious child or children with us and working together to ensure everyone is safe, secure, and successful.

Warm regards,

Wendy Ashley
Principal
Goshen Creek Elementary School