Happy Wednesday! I hope everyone is having a great week!
First, I want to say THANK YOU again for making our Fall Festival such a wonderful success! Seeing our students, families, and staff come together was such a reminder of why we do what we do. We are building something special at GPA, and I couldn't be more thankful for this team!
A Few Wednesday Reminders
Report Cards
Thank you for helping get report cards home yesterday! Please continue collecting signed report cards as students return them. Remember that some families may need an extra day or two due to work schedules or other circumstances. Let's extend a little grace while still encouraging responsibility.
Red Ribbon Week – October 26–30
Next week is Red Ribbon Week! We are excited to celebrate making healthy choices, being kind, and living drug-free! Here are our daily themes:
- Monday – Sock It to Drugs! Wear crazy socks! Only socks may be crazy. All other clothing must follow our regular dress code.
- Tuesday – Team Up! Wear your favorite sports jersey! Dress-code-approved bottoms are required.
- Wednesday – Bright Futures Ahead! Wear neon or bright colors! Dress-code-approved bottoms are required.
- Thursday – Plaid to Be Drug Free! Wear western clothing or plaid! Dress-code-approved bottoms are required.
- Friday – Costumes for a Cause! Wear your favorite character costume! No masks, face paint, or weapons of any kind. Costumes must be school-appropriate.
Important Dress Code Reminder: Monday through Thursday, students must wear GPA dress-code-approved bottoms. This is not a full dress-down week! Students must participate in the day's theme to wear themed clothing. Students who are not dressed according to the theme and dress code may be asked to change.
Friday is the ONLY day dress-code bottoms are not required!
Let's have fun with this week and encourage our students to participate!
PEBA Open Enrollment – Deadline October 31!
Just a friendly reminder that PEBA Open Enrollment ends October 31, 2026!
Please take a few minutes to review your benefits and make any necessary changes for 2027.
Important: If you currently participate in a Medical Spending Account (MSA), Limited-use Medical Spending Account, or Dependent Care Spending Account (DCA), you must actively reenroll if you wish to continue participating in 2027. These accounts do not automatically renew.
You can review your benefits and make changes through MyBenefits.
For additional information, visit the PEBA Open Enrollment website.
Please don't let this deadline sneak up on you!
SC Lead – Important Reminder
Please remember that all questions, concerns, or issues regarding SC Lead must come through GPA Administration.
Staff members should not contact the South Carolina Department of Education directly regarding SC Lead. All communication with the state regarding SC Lead will be handled through our administration.
If you need assistance, have questions, or encounter an issue, please reach out to us first. We are happy to help and want to make sure we are all following the proper procedures.
Thank you for your cooperation!
Classroom Expectations
As we settle into the second nine weeks, please continue reinforcing classroom procedures, routines, and behavior expectations. Consistency is so important, and our students need clear expectations from all of us.
This is also a great time to give our students a fresh start. Let's make sure we are recognizing positive behaviors just as much as we are addressing concerns.
Gradebook Pacing – Second Nine Weeks
As we begin the second nine weeks, please make sure you are keeping your gradebooks updated and staying on track with our grading expectations.
By the end of this week, your gradebook should reflect the following:
Middle School (6th–8th Grades)
- At least 2 minor grades in each academic subject.
Elementary School (3rd–5th Grades)
- ELA: At least 2 minor grades
- Math: At least 2 minor grades
- Science: At least 1 minor grade
- Social Studies: At least 1 minor grade
Please remember that grades should be entered consistently throughout the nine weeks rather than waiting until the end. This helps our students and parents stay informed and gives us opportunities to identify students who may need additional support.
Please use our Gradebook Pacing Spreadsheet to stay on track.
Thank you for staying on top of this! Consistent grading and communication make a big difference for our students.
Communication with Families
Please continue keeping parents informed, especially when you notice academic or behavioral concerns. A quick phone call or email can make such a difference. We want our families to feel like partners in their child's education.
Remember, parents should never be surprised by an ongoing concern. Communication is key!
Blazer Spotlights
Keep those Blazer Spotlights coming! I absolutely love recognizing our students for their accomplishments both inside and outside the classroom. Sometimes a little recognition is all it takes to make a child's entire week!
Wednesday Wisdom
“Every day is a fresh start. Make it count by choosing what's right, not what's easy.”
I say this to our students often, but I think it is just as important for us as educators.
Some days are easy, and some days require a little more patience, flexibility, and grace. We are all human, and we are all learning as we go.
One thing I hope we never lose at GPA is the ability to give each other grace, support one another, and remember that we are all working toward the same goal.
We are still growing, still learning, and still building our traditions. Not everything will be perfect, and that's okay. What matters is that we continue showing up, doing what's best for our students, and moving forward together.
I hope you know how much I appreciate each of you. I see the long hours, the extra effort, and the countless little things you do that often go unnoticed.
Thank you for loving our students and for choosing to be part of this Blazer family!
Let's finish this week strong!
Mrs. Davis