Gator Alley Newsletter

Happy November!

With the end of October comes the close of Quarter 1! Students in grades 6–8 began their new exploratory blocks this week, and report cards will be sent home soon. As we move into November, please note that this month includes only one full week of school. In addition to a few scheduled days off for holidays, we’ll also have two half-days (November 12–13) for conferences. Information about conferences can be found in the Weekly Wrap-Up emails.

This week, we will meet with each grade level team to review important student data from last year and the start of this year. Our conversations will focus on attendance, academic progress, and student behavior. Using this data to guide our decisions will help us continue to strengthen our work together and support every student’s success.If you did not get a chance, take a look at this letter to families that discusses our instructional focus for the year.

A huge shout-out to our fall student-athletes! Both varsity soccer teams have state tournament games this week. Last week, our Boys Soccer Team played an exciting semi-final game in the Western Mass Tournament—our first semi-final appearance in several years! In addition, our Girls Cross Country Team earned the Pioneer South League Championship and will also compete in the state tournament. Congratulations to all of our student-athletes for their incredible effort, teamwork, and sportsmanship—and a big thank-you to our dedicated coaches and our athletic director, Mr. Bonenfant, for their leadership and support.

As we enter the third month of the school year, it’s exciting to see the momentum growing across our classrooms and community. The strong start we made in the first quarter has built a solid foundation for continued growth, engagement, and achievement. We’re grateful for the ongoing partnership of our families and staff as we work together to support every student’s success. As a quick reminder, please ensure students charge their Chromebooks at home or bring their chargers to school each day so they’re ready to learn and participate fully.

If you have questions please do not hesitate to reach out to me, at wsullivan@grsd.org or 413-685-1109, or Assistant Principal Zeh at vzeh@grsd.org

Best,

Dr. Sullivan, Principal

Past Editions:

Welcome Back Newsletter

October Newsletter

Ms. Keeler and her Grade 6 exploratory class led a successful fundraiser called “Bingo Beats Cancer.” Families and community members came together for an evening of fun and generosity, playing multiple rounds of bingo, winning exciting prizes, and enjoying a delicious dinner provided by Our Mother’s Kitchen. Through their hard work and enthusiasm, the class raised an impressive $691 to support the fight against cancer. The event was a wonderful example of teamwork, community spirit, and student leadership in action.

The Student Council Semi-Formal was Friday, October 24. The night was filled with laughs, dancing, great food, and memories. Thank you to Mrs. Wing for organizing the amazing night!

On Thursday, October 23, a presenter from Sandy Hook Promise came to GRS to deliver the second part of their program titled Say Something. The purpose of the program is to empower students to stand up for one another and report things to make their school and community safer. We are working with the organization to secure an app to make reporting easier and anonymous.

Our Later Gators program is up and running on Tuesday and Thursday. If you have any questions or are interested in joining, please reach out to Ms. Keeler at akeeler@grsd.org.

As a reminder, all students and families can access our Gateway Free and Sustainable Store. Families can find clothing, food, and other resources. Please reach out if you have any questions.

Now that we are more than a month into the school year, NEST has started to take on its regular rhythm and purpose. Earlier in the year, students spent time building connections within their assigned NEST groups through team-building activities designed to strengthen collaboration, leadership, and a sense of belonging. These included creating a NEST name and crest, as well as fun challenges like cup-stacking, where every member played a role in constructing the tallest tower.

More recently, we’ve transitioned into our ongoing NEST schedule. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, students meet in their assigned NEST groups of 15–18 students from grades 8–12. Alongside engaging activities, students have completed iWellness surveys and participated in grade check-ins with their Navi-Gators. These sessions help ensure that students’ academic progress and social-emotional well-being continue to be supported and monitored throughout the year. Tuesdays and Thursdays are spent in Flex where students are self-selecting activities ranging from car maintenance and woodshop, to Jeopardy, origami and Dungeons and Dragons. In addition, students can get extra help from teachers or work on their extended studies projects in ELA.

Last week was also Bullying Prevention Week. Students in NEST participated in a kindness campaign where they created affirmation chains, played kindness Bingo, and took a pledge to be kind to their classmates.

This Friday, November 21, the PTO is hosting a movie night. Entry is free and snacks are available for purchase . If you have any questions, please reach out to the PTO President Kristina Schultz at kschultz@grsd.org.

Email: wsullivan@grsd.org
Website: grsd.org
Location: 12 Littleville Road, Huntington, MA, USA
Phone: (413)685-1100