The Ram Reminder ~Families~

Dear GCE Families,

Now that autumn weather has arrived, we want to share a few quick friendly reminders to keep our school days running smoothly:

• Jackets & Outerwear: Please send your child to school with a warm coat or jacket each day as temperatures drop during outdoor recess.

• Label Everything: Please label your child’s jackets, coats, sweatshirts, and lunchboxes with their first and last name so we can quickly return any lost items.

• Maintain Routines: Our students are wonderfully settled in and thriving! Continuing consistent morning and bedtime routines at home helps keep their momentum going strong.

Thank you so much for your continued partnership and for sharing your amazing children with us every day. We love watching them learn and grow!

Mrs. Hinote
Principal, Greene County Elementary

If your child has a change of plans after school - please contact the office. Our staff will follow the after school routine for your child unless we hear differently from you. This is to ensure your child's safety. Thank you!

We have had reports that our initial emails or replies have shown up in parents Junk or SPAM folder. Please check these folders periodically in case one of our emails has ended up there. If you are expecting a reply from a staff member - please check these folders! Thanks!

• 10.6 GCE Flu Shot Clinic (see below for details)
• 10.20 Parent-Teacher Conferences & Book Fair (more info to come soon!)
• 10.22 Parent-Teacher Conferences (more info to come soon!)
• 10.23 No School - Teacher Professional Development
• 11.25-27 No School - Thanksgiving Break

Greene County Public Health will be having flu shot clinics for students and staff at the following locations on:

GCE Tuesday, Oct 6th 9:00-10:30

You must register online:

School influenza English- https://www.nightingalenotes.com/cf/bpslswhhfvkjn

School influenza Spanish- https://www.nightingalenotes.com/cf/bpszxpflslcbl

Your child must be able to sit still in a chair independently while the flu shot is administered. If your child is unable to, you will be contacted by the school nurse and notified that your child did not receive the flu shot.

Please bring the original photos back with you if your child is getting a retake. Thanks!

GCCSD partners with the Food Bank of Iowa to provide food for students and families who may need a little extra support.

Food pantry items are sent home in student backpacks on Fridays and may include items to help create a meal or supplement your family’s pantry. All students are eligible.

We will begin sending pantry bags home in October. If your family would like to participate, please sign up below:

Many families have already been approved for 2026–27 free or reduced-price meals. If your family has already been approved, no action is needed.

If your student received free or reduced-price meals last year but has not yet been approved for 2026–27, benefits will end October 8. Beginning October 9, meals will be charged at the full-price rate until a new approval is received.

Questions? Contact Heather Hadley at hadleyh@greenecountycsd.net.

Need to apply? Complete the application below:

Responsibility is the character trait for the month of October. We have had a great start to the year - and are looking forward to watching our students show how RESPONSIBLE they can be!

We will continue to have a law enforcement presence in the school from time to time. Throughout the year, students and staff will also practice emergency drills—including evacuation, shelter, hold, secure, and lockdown.

These drills are an important part of keeping everyone prepared and safe in case of an emergency. Please know your child may come home and talk with you about these drills.

Email: hinotea@greenecountycsd.net
Website: https://www.gccsd.k12.ia.us/o/gcel
Location: 401 East Russell Street, Jefferson, IA, USA
Phone: 515-386-3178

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreeneCountyES