Week of August 3
First full week!
After a successful first full week back, we are really getting into the swing of things! We welcomed our new PreK Owls this week and we are so excited to have a building full of all of our students now. Some happenings around GSES include DIBELS testing starting next week for K-3, laptops are being distributed, and our Outdoor Classroom is getting some finishing touches so that students can start enjoying that space. We have also welcomed our school turtle who will live in the Outdoor Classroom. She doesn't have a name yet, and we are excited to open our Turtle Naming Contest soon!
Important Arrival Reminders
Car-riders: Please only drop students off in the car rider line (unless you are a PreK parent). No cars should be in the bus drop-off area as this is a major safety concern.
No cars should be passing buses.
Carline Readiness
Thank you for helping us keep arrival and dismissal safe, smooth, and moving! A few quick reminders that make a big difference:
- You must have your car-rider car tag visible at all times in the car-rider lanes. If you do not have one, you will have to pull to the front of the building and walk in to pick up your student.
- Choose your lane with your exit in mind. When you reach the first set of cones, use the sidewalk side if you plan to turn right when exiting and the playground side if you plan to turn left. Once you've chosen a lane, please stay in that lane through the exit rather than merging over to turn in the opposite direction. This helps keep traffic predictable and moving safely.
- Have students ready to go. In the morning, please have shoes on and tied, breakfast finished, backpacks ready, and goodbyes complete so students can exit safely when you reach the unloading area. Students should not exit the vehicle until given an "all clear" from car rider staff. All students need to exit the car on the right-hand side.
- Our car line staff and administrators are focused on student safety and traffic flow during arrival and dismissal. If you need to connect with us, please call or email the school or your child's teacher so we can give you our full attention.
We appreciate everyone doing their part to make our car line a little easier and safer. You can review detailed arrival and dismissal procedures below.
26-27 Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
IMPORTANT: Please Watch Our Arrival & Dismissal Procedure Videos (BELOW)
Please take a few minutes to review our arrival and dismissal procedure videos as we prepare for the new school year! In addition to the video, below are some important reminders to review.
- PreK Families - Our PreK drop-off will be at the back door of the new wing.
- Walker Entrance - Walkers are permitted to use walker entrances on EITHER side of our campus for convenience.
- Safety Measures - We have two crossing guards, one stationed at the crosswalk to Grayson Place neighborhood and one stationed at the faculty/staff entrance to ensure everyone's safety.
- Parking - Faculty and Staff parking is located at the back of campus. The side parking lot will be designated for visitors.
- Speed bumps - These were recently installed on the faculty/staff/visitor entrance side to keep our traffic flow safe; please be mindful of them as you come through.
- TRAFFIC Reminder - Faculty/Staff/Visitor Entrance: This entrance will ONLY allow RIGHT turns onto Taylor Road during these times:
- Morning: 7:20 AM - 8:05 AM
- Afternoon: 2:20 PM - 3:00 PM
This is a directive from the Huntsville Police Department to help prevent traffic congestion and keep our school zone safe for everyone.
Thank you for your cooperation in making arrival and dismissal smooth and safe for all our students and families.
Mark your Calendar!
Upcoming Events at GSES (see the PTA calendar at the end of the newsletter for all upcoming events)
Tuesday, August 25 - Open House (more info below)
August 27 - September 4 - Scholastic Book Fair
Sept. 1 - School portraits (more info below)
News from the School Nurse
If you still need to drop off medicine with the school nurse, please read below!
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Please be sure to drop off your student's medications with Nurse Lisa Turner. If you need to make special arrangements to drop off medications, you may contact Nurse Lisa at lisa.turner@hsv-k12.org
HCS Medication Reminders for Families
As we prepare for a safe and healthy school year, please remember that all medications brought to school must be delivered directly to the school nurse. Students should not transport medication to or from school unless they have been approved to self-carry a medication in accordance with district policy.
Before any medication can be administered at school, a completed and signed Prescriber/Parent Authorization (PPA) form is required for each medication. Please ensure all required forms are completed before bringing medication to school.
When bringing medication to school:
- Prescription medications must be in the current pharmacy-labeled prescription container.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) medications must be in their original, unopened (sealed), manufacturer-labeled container, with the student's name clearly written on the package in permanent ink.
- A parent/guardian must deliver the medication to the school nurse.
When medication is received, the parent/guardian and the school nurse will verify and document the amount of medication received.
If you have questions about medication requirements, obtaining or completing a Prescriber/Parent Authorization (PPA) form, or your child's medication needs at school, please contact your school nurse before sending any medication to campus.
Thank you for helping us ensure medications are handled safely and in accordance with district policy.
HCS Parent Portal - Need Help?
Bus Route Reminders
Bus route information for the 2026-27 school year can be viewed in the Powerschool Parent Portal. Parents will have received an email with bus assignment information at the primary email address the district has on file in Powerschool for parents who have completed the registration process. Parents who have any questions about route placement should call the Transportation Call Center at 256-428-6911.
News from your counselors
Guidance lessons have started!
Guidance classroom lessons are state mandated. Our counselors, Mrs. Kelly and Ms. Raphael, teach the district approved PATH (Prevention and Awareness for Total Health) curriculum. Your student will learn age-appropriate content about life skills and character development. Please reach out to the counselors with questions or concerns. We are here to support our students and families.
GSES Attendance Information
August Breakfast Menu
August Lunch Menu
GSES Gear!
Show your school pride!
Scan the QR code to order GSES grade-level shirts or other attire for both students and families!
News from Huntsville High Theatre
Gifted and Talented Education News
School and District Calendars
Huntsville City Schools 26-27 Calendar
- Grades, Classwork & Assignments: Contact your child's teacher first
- Attendance: gses.attendance@hsv-k12.org
- Registration: Michelle Jones at michelle.jones@hsv-k12.org
- School Nurse: Lisa Turner at lisa.turner@hsv-k12.org
- Librarian: Jaime Hopkins at Jaime.hopkins@hsv-k12.org
- IT Support: If your student has difficulty with the internet or digital learning platform please reach out to our HCS IT Department at helpdesk@hsv-k12.org or 256-428-6900.
- School Fees & Finances: Michelle Jones at michelle.jones@hsv-k12.org
- School Counselors: Jennifer Kelly at jennifer.kelly@hsv-k12.org and Maya Raphael maya.raphael@hsv-k12.org
- Cafeteria Manager: Mercedes Pride (mercedes.pride@hsv-k12.org)

