Garden Valley Elementary

Please save the date! Garden Valley will hold their holiday program titled Around the World at Christmas Time.🌎This program fits with our Garden Valley is Going Places theme for our 23-24 school year. This program will feature our kindergarten and 1st grade students only. It will take place on Thursday, December 14th at 5:30pm in the Missouri Ridge gymnasium. Please mark this date on your calendars and make plans to have you child/children at Missouri Ridge by 5:15pm. Can’t wait to hear Christmas🎶🎵 from around the world from our students! 🌎🎄

On Friday, November 3rd we held our rescheduled October Grizzly Gathering for our monthly school family assembly. At this Grizzly Gathering we started with our Brain Smart Start, we noticed those who had been showing compassion which was our SEL word of the month, as well as those who have been composed. The students also performed a song about calming their brain that was taught to them by Mrs. G. in music. The students also learned some problem solving strategies using the problem solving Time Machine. Mrs. Shirk, our instructional coach, and Deputy Celander acted out a recess situation with rough play that turned into fighting. They went back in time and learned to problem solve in a better way. The first picture is our students who were noticed for being compassionate. They are students who are showing kindness to others in our school family. Look at all those kiddos! The second picture are the student who were noticed for being composed. They use the Safe Place and/or Active Calming Center when needed to become composed so they can be ready to learn. We are proud of our Grizzlies!

We would like to invite you to a 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦 on Wednesday, November 8th at 6:30 PM in the Williston High School Auditorium (please use Door 9). We will be working with our consultants, RSP & Associates, to gather your input about the potential building of two elementary schools. It is imperative that we work together and collaborate with one another on what the future looks like for the students in our school system. It is important that we have innovative curriculum. It is also important that we have spaces conducive to the 21st Century for our youngest learners. We ask that you join us to gather essential information, provide your input, ask questions, and assist us in doing the absolute best we can for our students, our community and our school district. Please note that there will be another forum held on Monday, December 18th. You are welcome to attend one or both dates. Additionally, a community survey will be sent out to staff, parents and community members following the first forum. Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, November 8th at 6:30 PM. Questions? Please email Communications@WillistonSchool.org ~ WBSD7

On Tuesday afternoon before the class festivities started, the Garden Valley staff had a SECRET surprise for the students. We met for a special Grizzly Gathering where we told the Secret Stories. Secret Stories are a teaching and learning tool that help explain WHY letters make the many different sounds that they do. At this Grizzly Gathering Mrs. G told the Secret Stories which were acted out by our staff. The students were able to hear the Secrets for the Superhero Vowels, Sneaky y, er/ir/ur, ch, ph, sh, th, and wh. The teachers will keep telling these Secrets and others and the students will be looking for the Secrets and using them to help remember what sounds the letters make. Watch the Garden Valley Secret Stories here:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xea4Xg7-wItDA-QS8Tl7VT2owPJZ51Bp/view?usp=sharing

"𝗡𝗢 𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗟" 𝗗𝗔𝗬𝗦 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥 November is just around the corner, and we have some important 𝗡𝗢 𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗟 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 to mark on your calendar! 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟬: WBSD7 is closed on November 10th in observance of Veterans Day, which is November 11th. There is no school school, all district staff have the day off, and the District Office will be closed. 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆-𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟮-𝟮𝟰: There is no school November 22nd through November 24th for Thanksgiving Break. 🦃 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆: The district office will be open regular hours. 🦃 𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆: All district staff have the day off, and the District Office will be closed. 🦃 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆: The District Office will be closed for in-person visits, but you can reach the district office by phone during regular hours. 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿: https://5il.co/1r1wa With gratitude for our amazing students, families & staff...Thank You! 𝗪𝗕𝗦𝗗𝟳 #wbsd7 #noschool #veteransday #thanksgivingbreak #gratitude

We want to take a minute to thank all the families who attended our Parent-Teacher Conference nights last week! We had good attendance. We had 107/131 students' families attend conferences in person, by phone, or virtually. This means that 82% of our families were able to attend. If you missed your time or were not able to schedule, feel free to contact Ms. Tanya or your child's/children's teacher to visit about their first quarter. ​A BIG thank you to our PTO who provided taco in a bag supper for the teachers on Tuesday night! Some reminders about this week: The Book Fair has been extended to Monday and Tuesday of this week due to the winter weather last week. On Tuesday, October 31st we will be having a "Secret" Grizzly Gathering at 1pm. Following that will be class Halloween parties. Students are able to wear their costumes in the afternoon. No face paint, masks, or scary costumes are allowed. Each class will be having their own celebration from 1:30-3:00. Please reach out to your child's/children's teacher if you have questions about their class plans. On Wednesday, November 1st it is picture retake day. Please plan on retakes if you were not able to have your picture taken the first time around or you would like a retake. The Bookmobile will also be at Garden Valley on Wednesday. Please remember Bookmobile forms and/or books. On Friday, November 3rd we will be having our rescheduled October Grizzly Gathering where we will learn about Safe Places and our Active Calming Center along with noticing those who have shown compassion this month and those those who are practicing composure. Winter is here! A reminder that the students WILL go outside unless is below -10 degrees! Winter coat, snow pants, snow boots, gloves and a hat are required winter gear each day. Staying inside is not an option. Students will stand on the basketball court if they do not have winter gear on. The school district is fathering resources for those who may be in need of winter gear, Please be on the look out for these resources on ParentSquare.

LOCATION SWAP for 11/13/23 & 5/13/24 Regular School Board Meetings There has been a change to the locations of the Regular School Board meetings scheduled for November 13, 2023, and May 13, 2024. REVISED MEETINGS DATES/LOCATIONS: November 13 – Bakken Ridge Center - WMSCC May 13 – Garden Valley Elementary School View the Revised 2023-2024 School Board Meeting Schedule here: https://5il.co/1zcjg #wbsd7 WillistonSchool.org

This is a reminder that there is 𝗻𝗼 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄, 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟳𝘁𝗵, as previously scheduled on our district calendar. Please stay warm and safe!❄️ We look forward to seeing all of our students back in school on Monday, ready to finish the month strong! ​ Have a fantastic weekend! WBSD7 District Calendar: https://5il.co/1r1wa #wbsd7 #noschooltomorrow

Due to the winter storm and unsafe conditions, tomorrow will be a Virtual Learning Day. 🔸This means there will be no in-person school for students and staff tomorrow, October 26th. 🔸All practices, games and other school related activities are canceled for tomorrow. 🔸Teachers will utilize either ParentSquare or Google Classroom to communicate student assignments and expectations. REMINDER: There is 𝗡𝗢 𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗟 𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟳𝘁𝗵, as noted on the district school calendar. https://5il.co/1r1wa Weather Information: weather.com Road Condition Information: travel.dot.nd.gov Questions? communications@willistonschools.org willistonschools.org #wbsd7

WEATHER-RELATED ANNOUNCEMENTS: School will dismiss at the regular time today. In-town buses will run, but the routes will likely take longer to get students to their designated stops due to the snow. Campus Club (the after school childcare program) is cancelled today. Parent/Teacher conferences at WMSCC for this evening will be rescheduled – date TBD. Staff are preparing for a possible Virtual Learning Day tomorrow. Additional details will be provided to parents and staff to inform everyone whether tomorrow will be an in-person school day or a virtual learning day. WBSD7 Administration Weather Information: weather.com Road Condition Information: travel.dot.nd.gov Questions? communications@willistonschools.org

With the current Winter Storm Watch in effect from late tonight until late Thursday… We are preparing for the POSSIBILITY of District 7 needing Virtual Learning Day(s). Today, Students brought their school-issued Chromebooks/devices home - JUST IN CASE! IF district administration determines that the weather warrants a Virtual Learning Day: All parents and staff will be alerted via ParentSquare Notifications (Text/Email/Call simultaneously). It will also be posted on our website, social medial and shared with local media. REMINDER: There is NO SCHOOL on Friday, October 27th, in accordance with our District Calendar https://5il.co/1r1wa Weather Information: weather.com Road Condition Information: travel.dot.nd.gov Questions? communications@willistonschools.org willistonschools.org #wbsd7

With the current Winter Storm Watch in effect from late tonight until late Thursday… We are preparing for the POSSIBILITY of District 7 needing Virtual Learning Day(s). Today, Students brought their school-issued Chromebooks/devices home - JUST IN CASE! IF district administration determines that the weather warrants a Virtual Learning Day: All parents and staff will be alerted via ParentSquare Notifications (Text/Email/Call simultaneously). It will also be posted on our website, social medial and shared with local media. REMINDER: There is NO SCHOOL on Friday, October 27th, in accordance with our District Calendar https://5il.co/1r1wa Weather Information: weather.com Road Condition Information: travel.dot.nd.gov Questions? communications@willistonschools.org willistonschools.org #wbsd7

If you have seen the forecast you know that winter is coming! There is a good chance of some measurable snow on Wednesday and Thursday of this week. Let's hope that we do not get the 8-12 inches that is predicted! That means that it is time for winter gear. Required winter gear includes: snow pants, snow boots, winter coat, hat and gloves. We will go outside until it -10 below degrees Fahrenheit. We have two recesses a day, morning recess before school until 8:10 and then a 20 or so minute lunch recess. Not having proper winter gear will not be a reason to stay inside for recess. If a student is not dressed for the weather they will go outside, but will only be able to stand on the basketball court area. We are happy get winter gear for your child/children if you need. Please contact Mrs. Heser at the school. Thank you!

Part of our Garden Valley Grizzly GROWL is the W which stands for We believe in safety first. We had our second fire drill of the school year, which was perfect timing, since it was just Fire Prevention Week. We are required to have the Williston Rural Fire Department present at least one fire drill a year. Yesterday the Williston Rural Fire Department Chief, Brett Williams, was on hand with his fire truck. He made sure everything went smoothly and that our procedure was effective. I am proud to report that he said that our school did great! Everyone was out and accounted for quickly and we were able to have an all clear and get the students back in class. YAY! In our school district we use the I Love You Guys standard response protocol for all safety drills, Thought the school year we will be conducting other safety drills including hold, secure, lockdown, more evacuation drills for fire, and a shelter drill. Practicing these drills can be scary for kids, but knowing what to do in an emergency is the best way to keep everyone safe. We are always sure to disengage stress after drills by taking our breaths. Find out more about our I Love You Guys standard response protocol here. https://iloveuguys.org/The-Standard-Response-Protocol.html

Our SEL words of the month is compassion. In a world where you can be anything, be kind. Our Garden Valley School Family showed compassion and kindness last week by brining in donations for our school food pantry. Together our Garden Valley School Family brought in 424 food items for our Garden Valley food pantry. Thank you for donating!

WHS Drama Club Presents: CLUE ~ High School Edition ~ Friday, October 27 @ 7:00 PM Saturday, October 28 @ 2:00 PM Sunday, October 29 @ 2:00 PM Ticket Prices: Adults $10, Students $8 Tickets include refreshments. This play runs about 1.5 - 2 hours based on intermission length and service times.

Just a reminder that we are one week out from our first night of Parent Teacher Conferences. Parent Teacher Conferences and our Fall Targeted Title 1 Meeting will take place on Monday, October 23rd and Tuesday, October 24th from 4:30-7:30pm each night. Classroom teachers have all sent out appointment sign-ups on ParentSquare so if you have not already signed up for your time, please do so ASAP. We would love to see 100 percent of our parents are Parent Teacher Conferences. If you need help with scheduling this, please contact your child/children's teacher. During each night of Parent Teacher Conferences we will be holding an ongoing meeting for our Fall Targeted Title 1 Meeting. This will take place in Room 3 in Building 1. At Parent Teacher Conferences you will be receiving Student Eligibility letters letting you know if your child/children was identified as a Title 1 reading or math student. If you receive this letter, we ask that you stop by Room 3 for some quick parent information. ​One of our two Book Fairs will also take place ​the nights of Parent Teacher Conferences in the library. Stop ​by the library at these times to purchase some books for your family and help our school earn some funds as well. Thank you! We look forward to seeing you on Monday and Tuesday!

Schedule Reminders for THIS WEEK 𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦: October 18 - Early Dismissal at 11:00 AM (sack lunch available) October 19 & 20 - NO SCHOOL (fall break) Next Week 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗧/𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗙𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗦: 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 October 23 & 24 from 4:30 - 7:30 PM - Garden Valley - Hagan - Lewis & Clark - McVay - Missouri Ridge - Rickard - Wilkinson 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘀 October 25 & 26 from 4:30 - 7:30 PM - ASB Innovation - Bakken Ridge - Coyote Center 𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦: October 27 - NO SCHOOL 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿: https://5il.co/1r1wa

On Tuesday our school had a visit from the Williston Rural Fire Department for Fire Prevention Week. The fire fighters showed the grass truck and demonstrated for the students how they can spray water to put out a fire. That was a big hit! Chief Williams also selected the winner of the poster contest from Garden Valley. Congratulations to first grader, Eden, on the winning entry. 🚨🚒

Our SEL word of the month in October is compassion...in a world where you can be anything, be kind. Let’s show compassion for others in our School Family by brining in perishable items to stock our Garden Valley food pantry the week of October 9-13. Please donate if you are able. Thank you for helping us show kindness to others.