G-A Superintendent Newsletter

Facilities Committee Meeting: Come join us!

Ramily Resources: Social Media Safety

Superintendent Excellence Awards

RISING RAM: Information on how your 4th and 8th graders transfer to new buildings

Upcoming Events, Fundrasiers, and More: So much fun planned! Don't miss it

Building Newsletter Sections

Community Section: Things going on in the community? Send me info and I'll add it here!

This committee will help support and guide efforts related to facility needs, building improvements, long-term infrastructure planning, and maintaining safe, functional spaces for everyone.

Interested in helping create plans for the next few years around faciliites?!?! Join me March 3 at 6:30pm at the High School Library.

Each month, our newsletter highlights family resources on behavior, family routines, mental health, and more. These resources are curated by our counselors, social workers, behavior team, and family liaisons to support and empower families.

OK2SAY: Click to view: Ways to Report

Stopbullying.gov: Click to view: How to Report

Connect Safety: Click to view: Family Guide on Parental Controls

Acceptable Use Agreement: Click to view student device agreement

Cell phone/electronic device policy: Click to view handbook (see pg 12)

This proposal is structured so that it does not increase the millage rate above what homeowners are currently paying. The millage rate is the amount of tax per $1,000 of taxable property value. A “no-increase millage” means the rate stays the same. It does not go up because of this proposal.

How This Is Different from a Tax Increase

• A tax increase would mean humans pay more money each year than they did before.

• This proposal asks voters to continue paying the same rate you already pay, even as the district borrows money for specific capital projects.

Because the current rate is going down in future years, this proposal essentially locks in the current rate instead of letting it fall. The result is that the district can secure funding for needed projects without increasing your tax burden.

The District will be canvassing on March 14th, if you'd like to get out in our community and volunteer please contact me at lindsey.newton@garams.org, FB Messenger or send me a text and I'll get you the arrangments.

Each day is a fun way to celebrate March is Reading Month! Join in!

Please check dates if possible before scheduling vacations, appointments, etc. Thank you!

We know that transition years—like moving from 4th to 5th grade or 8th to 9th grade—can bring a mix of emotions: worry, anxiety, excitement, and everything in between. To help support students during these important milestones, check out our Rising Ram Program!

• Each week we celebrate at least one staff member for their hard work and dedication to the staff and students at G-AHS. During November we celebrated the following staff:

  • In February we celebrated National Counselor Week. We are so thankful for all that Bethany Stanton does for our school. In the month of February she organized a Career Fair and there were over 35 different industries present. What a great opportunity for our students

• Special thanks to Lindsey Neal. Not only is she our Health Teacher, but she is also teaching an Explore Class this year. This Explore class was created as a result of a grant that we obtained for the past two years that provides opportunities for students that have interest in the education field to experience first hand what it is like to teach. Our high school students are paired up with a teacher in the district. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays students step into those Primary and Middle School classrooms and provide support, observe their assigned teacher, and apply new skills they learn with Mrs. Neal on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The excitement as they leave for their “internships” that day in their matching uniforms is so inspiring. We love watching the education field grow.

• Our high school staff is amazing! We have been learning more strategies this year to differentiate learning in the classroom using data and ideas to support more cognitive engagement from all of our learners. We engage in Instructional Rounds a couple times of year and teachers get an opportunity to observe and learn from one another. They then engage in professional learning that is aligned to our areas of focus. Our teachers are working hard to provide relevant, engaging learning for students!

Our Big Ram/Little Rams made cards for seniors in our community as their Service Project for February. They have a big heart for others!

“Stir Friday” Students in Mrs. Neal’s Life Skills Class learning some important slicing and dicing skills while making stir-fry! Students were learning how to maximize nutritional value in a meal that can be created in a short amount of time with limit resources.

• Scholarships: Check the document here for the latest scholarship postings. G-A Foundation Scholarships application is due February 14th!

• Semester 2 Schedule Changes: Semester 2 changes can be requested until February 6th.

CTE Applications Deadline Extended! CTE applications for the 26-27 school year are now due February 13th. Please see Mrs. Stanton with any questions.

• March 2-Winter Break, No School

• March 3-University of Toledo Visit for Juniors and Seniors

• March 3-Disasterville National Guard Event for 9th-12th Graders

• March 5- Field Trip to Eaton for 9th Graders

• March 6-Sycamore Learning Center SAT Preparation for all Juniors

• March 18-PD for Teachers, Half Day for Students

• March 19-Talent Show Tryouts-HS Multipurpose Room 5:30-7:30

• March 26-Half Day of School, Spring Break Begins!

• March 27-April 5

Our December and January Hall of Fame winners are Madalyn Randell, Camila Murphy, Owyn Shoup, and Alannah Snyder. The Hall of Fame award recognizes outstanding student work and kindness shown to others. Congratulations!!!

The Middle School Student Council will be hosting a St. Patrick’s Day themed dance on Wednesday, March 18th from 5:30-7:30 pm.

Our 8th Grade students traveled to the High School for the Rising RAMS event on Tuesday, February 24th. This was a day of fun-filled activities that involved getting to know the HS expectations, clubs, teachers, and staff.

Our winter Parent-Teacher conferences are approaching! They will be held on Wednesday, February 25th, from 4:15-7:15 and on Thursday, February 26th from 1:00-3:00 and 4:00-7:00. All middle school conferences will be “drop-in” style.

Our 8th grade students will be traveling to the High School on Tuesday, February 24th, for the Rising RAMS event. 8th Grade Students will spend the morning at the High School getting to know expectations, clubs, teachers, and staff.

Our 7th graders learned about the health benefits of yoga during health class with Mrs. Neal and her intern, Mr. Spring!

The Kalamazoo Area Math and Science Center will be hosting a 5th Grade Informational Night on Wednesday, March 4th, from 6-7 pm. Please see the flyer that was sent through email and Class Dojo for more information.

The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority. This week, we held a schoolwide assembly to review our district’s zero tolerance policy regarding threats. During this assembly, we spoke directly with students about what constitutes a threat and made it clear that any threat—whether spoken, written, online, or made in jest—is not permitted within our school building. Even comments intended as jokes can cause real fear and disruption, and therefore will be taken seriously.

This policy is in place to ensure that every student feels welcome, safe, and able to focus on learning each day. We ask for your partnership in reinforcing this message at home by speaking with your child about the importance of thoughtful words and responsible behavior. Together, we can maintain a positive, respectful, and secure environment for all students.

We are getting ready to kick off the spring athletics seasons. Come on out to cheer on your RAMS tennis, track, baseball, and softball teams this spring! Schedules coming soon!

Doors open at 7:55 for all students who are eating breakfast. Students must go directly to the cafeteria upon entering the building and they must get breakfast. Students will remain in the cafeteria until 8:05. Doors open to ALL students at 8:05.

Classes start promptly at 8:14. Please make sure all students are dropped off no later than 8:10 each morning.

February 18th: Half Day for Students

February 25th: Parent/Teacher Conferences 4:15-7:15

February 26th: Half Day for Students K-12, P/T Conferences 1:00-3:00 and 4:00-7:00

February 27th: No School for Students K-12

March 2nd: No School, Mid-Winter Break

Key points about negative impacts of video games and phones on children:

Video games and phones can lead to addiction to gaming, poor sleep habits, decreased attention span, poor academic performance, increased aggression, social isolation, irritability when not playing, neglecting other activities, potential for developing mental health issues, impacting other important aspects of life like school, and physical issues like eye strain and repetitive stress injuries from excessive play.

Please be mindful at home. School life and home life work in tandem in order to be successful.

Thank you for helping to support the wellbeing of our kiddos.

Way to go Little Rams!

"Thanks for supporting our young Reading Rams. These following community members volunteer on average 6 hours a week, helping our Rams to learn to love reading!!

Jackie S.C., Joy C., Joyce H., Karen W., Katie L., Lara J. , Lauren A., Linda D. , Megan L., Teri R., and Tiffany M.

2nd and 3rd graders participated in a "Fossil Dig" using chocolate chips and tools. They also got to look at cool rocks, fossils and sharks' teeth. There was also an opportunity to keep a shark's tooth.

These students were selected by Mrs. Westerhouse to have their artwork on display until March 22 at the KALAMAZOO INSTITUTE OF ART STUDENT ART SHOW:Carson Krim, Eliana Tores, Linkon Martinez, Ryan Thomas, Olivia Marr, Avery Collins, Adrielle Scott, Lillian Mazza, Avalyn Mulder, Jaxson Passage, Sawyer Pride, Vayda Rateike, Amelia Force, Nolan Kurtz, Everly Kerr, Truett Gillespie, Karlee O’Donnell, Riley Collins, Nate Watson, Sophie Pride, Weston Johnson

Some students in my class who are ready for a math challenge are using Lego bricks and play-doh to learn about equal groups in multiplication!

Walker’s Window into Counseling:

Dealing with strong emotions

When your student is displaying some strong feelings, it's important to validate and help them name those feelings. It is important for them to start learning that what they are feeling has a name and that it's ok to have big feelings. Encourage them to take some time and space in a safe space for them. Once they have calmed down, then you can process with them what led to those big feelings. When they are calm and regulated is the time to teach them how to handle big feelings, not in the moment of escalation. Teach them strategies like walking away, taking breaks in safe spaces, taking deep breaths, and using words to express feelings are great strategies to start with. It is also important to demonstrate to your children how you handle big feelings. They watch their grown-ups closely to learn these things. If they see their grown-ups handling big feelings poorly, they will learn the same. Take time to practice together and have those conversations. Hopefully with time, you will see a difference in how your child handles their big feelings.

Ball’s Expectations

Students have been working hard after a cold January of testing and returning to routine. We are staying focused on behaviors when there are less adults to remind us of our expectations, such as the cafeteria and recess. More students leads to more fun, but can also lead to more opportunities to stray off course. Preventative measures such as designated recess areas, alternative indoor recess plans, and reviewing expectations before dismissal to the playground have been helpful in reducing our instances of behavior that does not demonstrate RAMS expectations. Sometimes, using recess time to make amends for mistakes can be valuable for students to understand that their behavior was not helpful to others. A pep talk from Mr. Ball, Mr. Russell, or Mr. Sportel also goes a long way in helping students reset and do their best!

Galesburg-Augusta Primary Elementary Families,

I am excited to help create a community of lifesavers and am asking you to join me. Sign up under our school Check this off your list in less than one minute and receive a wristband just for joining the team.

This year, we have an important goal: 100% of our families learning the lifesaving skill of Hands-Only CPR! It only takes a few minutes to learn, and it can make all the difference in an emergency.

1. Sign Up: http://www2.heart.org/goto/GalesburgPrimary OR download the free “AHA Schools” app.

2. Raise funds to help kids with special hearts.

3. Complete Finn’s Mission: Complete all 7 steps, learn Hands-Only CPR, and be entered to win two Super Bowl tickets!

Let’s work together to create a community of lifesavers. Thank you for your support in helping us achieve this incredible goal!

Shoe fitting and take home will be Wednesday, March 11th, 2026.

Feb. 27 and March 2nd - No School -Mid Winter Break

March 6th - Kids Heart Challenge

March 10th - 3rd and 4th Grade to Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra

March 13th - 4th Grade “Dream Project” to Eaton/Cummins

March 19th - Pre-K Murray / VanHorn to Bimbos Pizza

March 24th - 3rd Grade Music Performance

March 25th - Pre-K Turner / Bell to Bimbos Pizza

April 23rd - All Pre-K to Frederick Meijer Garden

April 23rd - Kindergarten Orientation 6:00-7:00 at the PS School

April 29th - Rising Rams 4th grade to 5th grade orientation

May 20th - Last day for Pre-K students

May 20th - 4th Grade “Dream” Presentations at Eaton/Cummings

May 21st - RAMping Up

May 29th - Primary School Field Day

June 4th - Spring Walk-to-school

The 3rd Annual GABCA Spring Craft & Vendor Show will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 9am to 3pm at the Galesburg-Augusta Primary School. Currently accepting vendors for this show! The application is attached.

A yearly tradition in our community!

CRAFTING WORKSHOP! Located in Galesburg, MI. Looking for something to do with friends/family? Schedule a craft event where we create seasonal crafts and everyday craft projects in a workshop setting. Visit website below to schedule events and learn more!

9406 E K Ave. Unit #2, Galesburg, MI, United States, Michigan

(269) 816-8448

designeventswithromey@gmail.com

designeventswithromey

designeventswithromey.com