Bulldog Bulletin - "TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF, TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER, TAKE CARE OF THIS PLACE" - Thomas Gregg Neighborhood School
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Bulldog Bulletin TGNS FAMILY NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 "TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF, TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER, TAKE CARE OF THIS PLACE" A NOTE FROM MR. PIPPIN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear Families, Just like that, the first quarter of the school year has concluded! We have really enjoyed having all students in person and know the quality of learning experiences is much better this way! I am looking forward to our first PIT Day of the year on October 7, 2021. I encourage you to schedule your conference with your child's teacher. This is a great opportunity for you to connect with your child's teacher about their progress and review their report cards. Wishing each of you a happy and healthy fall season! Best, Mr. Pippin 2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR Please make note of TGNS school year calendar, August 2, 2021- May 2022. The calendar for the 2021-2022 school year can be found here or by clicking the calendar icon. SEPTEMBER THEME
SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER Thursday, September 27 Friday, October 1: Thursday, November 4 Day 6 Food Group School Custodian Thursday, September 30 Appreciation Day Friday, November 5 Mobile Dentist 6th Grade Balloon Release Day 6 Picture Day! for Bullying Prevention Month Wednesday, November 10 Parent Cafe Thursday, October 5 Day 12 Saturday, November 13 World Kindness Day Thursday, October 7 Food Group Monday, November 15 PIT Day #1 - E-LEARNING Day 12 DAY FOR STUDENTS Thursday, November 18 Friday, October 8 Food Group Professional Development Day - E- Thursday, November 18 LEARNING DAY FOR Picture Day Retakes STUDENTS Tuesday, November 23 October 11-15 Day 6 Fall Break - NO SCHOOL November 24 -26 Saturday, October 16 Thanksgiving Break Men's Tour Event Monday, October 18 National Boss’s Day October 18-22 Spirit Week Wednesday, October 20 Day 6 Unity Day Thursday, October 21 Food Group
Wednesday, October 27 Parent Café Daystar Kindergarten Fair Thursday, October 28 Day 12 Friday, October 29 Classroom Halloween Celebrations TGNS PICTURE DAY IS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30! Purchase forms will be sent home with students in their backpacks.
TGNS FALL CLASSROOM CELEBRATIONS Each TGNS Classroom will have their own Fall Party on Friday, October 29! We are asking parents to donate the following to their child's classroom if you are able: Store-bought BAGGED candy Store-bought Treats (cookies, cupcakes, etc.) - Please no homemade! Non-Food Treats (pencils, stickers, toys, etc.) Store-bought INDIVIDUAL drinks (juice boxes) - No Soda COSTUMES: We are allowing all students to wear costumes to school on Friday, October 29. Please follow the guidelines below: No Weapons of any kind (swords, knives, guns, etc.) Students must come dressed in their costume, we will not allow anyone to change. SCHOOL HOURS (7:05AM -2:30PM) We need your student at school every day and on time. Our doors open at 7:05 and students need to be here by 7:30. This gives students 25 minutes to eat breakfast and settle in. Academics start first thing in the morning; if students are late at all, they are missing important information. Student Dismissal and Pick Up School is dismissed at 2:30pm. Students must be picked up by 3:00pm. School police will be contacted if students are not picked up. COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS REMINDER! ALL students, staff, and visitors will be required to wear a mask at all times. PLEASE send your child to school with a mask every day. We have limited supplies of replacement masks. Click the picture to review our full list of protocols. 2021-2022 STUDENT HANDBOOK
Please take time to review our new Student Handbook. Physical copies can be picked up in the school's front office. SCHOOL DRESS CODE REMINDER Please be advised school uniforms are required as part of the dress code. If you are uncertain of this dress code, please click the Dress Code picture to review the entire policy. ATTENDANCE MATTERS Absences can affect the whole classroom if the teacher has to slow down learning to help children catch up. Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school—and themselves. Start building this habit in grade school so they learn right away that going to school on time, every day is important. Good attendance will help children do well in high school, college, and at work.
WHAT'S FOR LUNCH? Curious what is available each day for your child for breakfast and lunch? Click the image to review the IPS Food Service menus. As always, breakfast and lunch are free for all students. This year we are excited to announce a daily vegetarian/vegan option for lunch. SCHOOL MESSENGER Parents/Guardians can take advantage of the text messaging service to receive important school-based and district news. It is really simple to just follow three easy steps: Text 67587 Send Text Reply Yes or Y to receive messages You can also opt-out of these messages at any time by simply replying "Stop" to any of the messages.
What is the Bulldogs of the Month program? Every month each teacher will select one student from their class to be the BULLDOG of the Month! The teacher will decide what student has shown positive behavior, academic effort, and good attendance. Those students are acknowledged for their achievement and exemplifying the TGNS Core Values. See below for our September 2021 Bulldogs of the Month: Developmental PK Moore – Kyra Nixon Kindergarten Matterson – Liam Vallecio Waugh – Amar Morris Bussberg – Marlei Kelley First Grade Perkins – Ailyn Nava Schlegel – Emely Lara Rodriguez Sheldon – Rayne Peoples B. Johnson – Odyssey Muir Second Grade Beaman – Carolina Ramirez Fields – Franklin Ortega-Ortiz Carlstrom – Maria Casiano Quezada Monts – Daisy Martinez Leyva Third Grade McKiernan-Allen – Samantha Hernandez Avila Farmer – Amalia Ramirez Orozco Adams – Jessie Peterson Hedge – Khayden Harris
Fourth Grade McMickle – Demerius Frierson Diaz – Sa'Nia Thomas Hanley – Grevil Hernandez Ramos Frazier – Osiris De Leon Garcia Fifth Grade Pauley – Maryori Cardona Markiewicz – Serefinah Corney Waterman – Berenice Rebollo-Estrada Heminger-Ferguson – Chris Zambrano-Jimenez Sixth Grade Jones – David Garcia Trebing – Adriana Lopez T. Wagner – Arkeelah Washington Life Skills L. Wagner – Edinson Cardona Baltazar Crockett – Nitsa Lopez-Santos
INTERMEDIATE LIFE SKILLS TEACHER: MS. CROCKETT This school year marks Camille Crockett’s 2nd year teaching at Thomas Gregg. She shares it is her first teaching position since graduating from college. Ms. Crockett was understandably nervous starting her teaching career amidst the height of a global pandemic. She adds, “it was an interesting experience, to say the least. My colleagues were very supportive, and I had (and still have) a fantastic teaching partner”! Camille has learned many things while teaching at TGNS at which she believes can’t be learned anywhere else. It is an exciting opportunity to help students grow into what they want to be. For this reason, she is eager for her journey of teaching and what the future holds for students. Ms. Crockett shares her favorite part about working at TGNS? “My favorite part about working at TGNS is the students that come into my room and their eagerness to learn. I also have a very supportive teaching partner who has helped me become the best teacher for myself and my students. I am very grateful for all the support that I have received from my colleagues. I would not have wanted to start my first year of teaching at any other school”. Most rewarding thing about being an educator or working in a school setting? “I believe that the most rewarding thing about being an educator is watching your students create goals for themselves, work hard for those goals, and seeing them achieve their goals. This year, my students have been talking about what their own, personal, daily goal is. After stating their goal, they think about what steps they need to take in order to achieve it. This is something that we are going to continue working on this year. I am excited to continue to watch them grow”.
Ms. Crockett shares her favorite success story. “My favorite success story so far was being able to build meaningful relationships with my students virtually so that when I finally got to meet them in person, we already had a relationship and bond! I was nervous starting out virtual because I feared it would make it difficult to build a relationship with my students and that it would make it hard for them to come into my room and want to learn from me, but it turned out to be the opposite! I was very lucky to have the amazing students that I have now who love learning and were very open to their new teacher!” Educational Background: Camille graduated from IUPUI in 2020 with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and a special concentration in Special Education - Mild Intervention. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Special Education and working towards her certificate in Intense Intervention. Fun Fact: Ms. Crockett was born and raised in Tennessee until the age of 8 years old. She played the cello for four years and played in a youth philharmonic orchestra for a few months. Camille originally went to college for pre-med and was concentrating on genetics but found out that she felt the most joy working with and teaching children. “I decided to switch majors during my second year of college. I continue to have a strong interest in science and the medical field but decided to follow my passion for working with children”. Hobbies/ Interest: In her free time, Ms. Crockett enjoys watching anime and playing video games. She loves being on the lake and enjoying camping with family. Besides she likes to hike, ride jet skis, and really just do anything that has to do with nature and being outdoors. “If I could go on vacation anywhere, I would choose to go camping in the mountains or to a different country, like Ireland! I enjoy learning new things and find that I am continuing to learn from my students every day”.
SPECIAL EDUCATION PRIMARY LIFE SKILLS TEACHER: LAUREN WAGNER (MS. W) The 2021-2022 school year will be the 10th year of teaching for Lauren Wagner. Ms. Wagner has spent all 10 wonderful years at Thomas Gregg in which she has been teaching before TGNS became an innovation school. The staying power is accredited to her love for the school/community. Ms. W. adds, “I have not been able to even think about going anywhere else!” Ms. Wagner shares her favorite part about working at TGNS? “I love my Life Skills team; my partner in crime teacher Camille Crockett is the greatest team member I could ask for! The community environment of the building is very encouraging and inspiring. I really enjoy being involved with the neighborhood and community outside of the school building as well; it's important for students to have a "whole village" approach to learning. I like how everyone is involved in and committed to the learning and overall well- being of our students”. Most rewarding thing about being an educator or working in a school setting? “This is a hard question to answer because I don't think I can narrow it down to just one thing. I love being able to work with students and watch them make huge steps of progress over years with them in my classroom. Nothing makes my heart more happy than when I see my students practicing what I have been teaching them! I also love to see my students included with their friends and being filled with joy”! Ms. Wagner shares her favorite success story. “My favorite success stories are always with my students who start in my room as Kindergarteners, sometimes not able to fully communicate, and by the time they leave my room in 3rd grade, they are able to use a communication device or communicate verbally! I also similarly love when students have physical limitations that they are able to work on and learn to improve or overcome. I had a student who started with me by using a wheelchair to get around, and by the time they moved onto the next classroom, they were walking independently”! Educational Background: Ms. W. holds a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education from Purdue University and a Master's Degree in Special Education from Ball State University. Fun Fact: In high Ms. Wagner was in an all girl's show choir and played the smallest bass drum on the marching band drumline. Hobbies/Favorite Food: Hobbies include any sort of crafting/artsy activity (crochet, cross- stitch, watercolor, tie-dye, sewing) and CrossFit. You can always find her at the gym after
school! Favorite foods are wood-fired pizza, Mexican cuisine, and sweets. “I have been to Nicaragua 3 times but not necessarily for vacation; my goal is to hike around Yellowstone this year”! MS. PAULEY’S 5TH GRADE Ms. Pauley’s 5th grade class engaged in outdoor learning during Day 6. The topic: "What is Science?" Students learned about science as a process having the opportunity to observe the natural world around them. They were asked to make claims and support their claims with evidence. Student's really enjoyed the day and learned so much about using their 5 senses to observe! THANK YOU TGNS STAFF
Compliments of the Admin team, Thomas Gregg staff enjoyed a special surprise. To show appreciation for all their hard work, a sweet bar was provided filled with all the favorite goodies. Thank you TGNS staff for going above and beyond to ensure students and families have the best learning environment!
Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays are right around the corner! If you anticipate your family will need financial assistance during the holiday season, please reach out to our Student Services staff as soon as possible by calling the school at 317-226- 4215 or contacting the individuals below directly: Sheila Mays, Social Worker - sheila@thomasgregg.org DJ Graham, Community School Coordinator - dgraham@jbncenters.org Alvaro Borrero, Family Navigator - aborrero@jbncenters.org We cannot guarantee assistance, but will do our best to connect your family to available resources.
COVID-19 RESOURCES FOR INDIANA HOUSEHOLDS IndyAMP COVID-19 Refinance Program: Apply at https://www.indyamp.org/. For more information please click here, call 317.932.3777, or email info@indyamp.org Coronavirus Eviction & Foreclosure Prevention Guide: https://www.in.gov/ihcda/4464.htm Rental Assistance outside of Marion County: Indiana Emergency Rental Assistance (IERA) program at www.indianahousingnow.org (materials in English and Spanish) IndyRent Assistance (within Marion County): https://indyrent.org/ Sign up to get your COVID vaccination if you are 12+ years old: https://vaccine.coronavirus.in.gov/en-US/ THOMAS GREGG FOOD GROUP PROGRAM NEED FOOD ASSISTANCE?
If you would like to sign up for the Food Group Program you will be required to be present from 12:30pm -2:00pm to help set up, unload, sort, and distribute groceries. Currently, we have several slots available. Please read the above flyer for parent expectations of the program. Time: 12:30pm-2:00pm Date: Every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month Location: Thomas Gregg Gymnasium Upcoming Dates: 10/7/21 10/21/21 11/4/21 11/18/21 12/2/21 12/16/21 If interested contact : Mr. DJ: 317-624-2781 dgraham@jbncenters.org Mr. Alvaro: 317-762-3924 aborrero@jbncenters org
FOOD URBAN COMMUNITY RESOURCES IN LEAGUE COMPASS THE DRIVE-THRU Community Compass connects Indianapolis residents to COMMUNITY FOOD GIVE - critical food resources and John Boner Center AWAY nutrition assistance. The Food Distribution (Every Community Compass contains Date: Every Tuesday Monday -Friday ) a finder for such resources as Time: 10:00am Time: 1:00-3:00pm food pantries, Supplement Address:777 Indiana Ave. Address:2236 E. 10th Nutrition Assistance Program Location: Indpls Urban Street (SNAP) and Women, Infants, League Location: Door#2 and Children (WIC) retailers and clinics, hot meal sites, farmers’ *No ID required. For more Westminster markets, and other food related information call 317-693-7603 Food Distribution events, and more. Time: Every Mon/Thurs. 9:00am-12:00pm Every 2nd & 4th Saturday (Feb.13,27,Mar.13,27) Senior Day: Every 3rd Wed 9::00am-12:00pm (Feb,17,March 27) Address:2325 E. New York Street Service boundaries are as follows: North: 10th Street South: Southeastern Blvd East: Rural Street West: Pine Street/I-65/I-70 Note: Those who live outside this area will be served once and redirected to other pantries closer to your place of residence. Brookside School #54
Food Pantry open to the public Date: Scheduled for 2nd Wednesday of every month Time: 4:00pm-6:00pm Address: 3150 E. 10th Street Indianapolis First Free Methodist Church Food Pantry open to the public Address: 1215 Tecumseh St Indianapolis, IN 46201 Hours: 10:00 – 11:30 am (Please note these hours have changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic). This pantry is typically open Mondays 10:00 am – 1:30 pm, but has changed these hours until further notice). Linwood Christian Church Address: 4424 E Michigan St Hours: Wednesdays 10 am – 12 pm Phone: 317-357-8771 Requirements: Must show proof of address. Must live in the following boundaries: North: E. 21st St, South: E. Washington St, East: N. Emerson Ave, and West: N. Rural Shepherd Community Center Address: 4107 E Washington St Phone: 317-375-0203 Crossroads AME Church (just added September) Time: Every Saturday from 11:30am -1:30pm Address: 4602 N. College Phone: 317-515-6414
MARION COUNTY ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM About the Program The Marion County Low Income Housing Energy Assistance Program (EAP) provides financial assistance to low-income households to maintain utility services during the winter heating season. This 2021-2022 program will include assistance with electric, heating, and water (when funding is available). The John Boner Neighborhood Center and many community organizations within Marion County are collaborating to deliver the 2021-2022 Marion County Energy Assistance Program. Beginning October 1, TGNS families that would like to apply for energy assistance can receive help with their application directly at TGNS through our JBNC Family Navigator, Alvaro Borrero. To contact Alvaro, please call the school at 317-226-4215 or email him directly at aborrero@jbncenters.org. To learn more about Eligibility, Click Here. YOGA: TODDLER AND ME Description: The 3rd Friday of every month yoga is offered to caregivers and their little ones, ages 0 – 5. This is an opportunity for healthy, playful activities you can enjoy with your little ones. We know that as a caregiver for little ones it can be difficult to find time to build community and socialize. This is perfect, no- stress event to socialize with others in the same stage of life as you. *Yoga mats will be provided. All you need to bring is yourself and your little one. Date: October 15 Time: 11:00am-12:00pm Location: Union Apartments Address: 2407 E. Michigan St.
JAZZERCISE: TODDLER AND ME Description: The 4th Friday of every month join us for Jazzercise for caregivers and their little ones, ages 0 – 5. This is an opportunity for healthy, playful activities you can enjoy with your little ones. We know that as a caregiver for little ones it can be difficult to find time to build community and socialize. This is a perfect, no-stress event to socialize with others in the same stage of life as you. Come and get your DANCE on! *Yoga mats and other exercise items will be provided. All you need to bring is yourself and your little one. Date: Friday, October 22 Time: 11:00am-12:00pm Location: Union Apartments Address: 2407 E. Michigan St. You have been invited to join us for the upcoming Parent Café. Date: Wednesday, October 27th Schedule: 4:30pm - 6:30pm Theme: "TAMING THE MONSTER" RSVP Deadline: Monday, October 25th RSVP Link: https://jbncenters.formstack.com/forms/parent_caf_registration Zoom Link: Once you RSVP, you can expect a follow-up email including the zoom link information. Description: Parent Cafe gives parents a chance to come together, listen, talk, build friendships, & support each other around the five protective factors. Those protective factors are listed below: Resilience Relationships Knowledge Support Communication Gift Card:
Each family will receive a gift card to enjoy for attending. (included in the RSVP link). Attendance Requirement: If you cannot stay online for at least the first hour we ask that you plan to attend the next Parent Café on Wednesday, November 10th. The link will be shared at a later time. LOCAL AUTHORS WORKSHOP Each month a local author will host a writing workshop for youth ages 6-18. Attendance is free, and registration is a phone call away. Participants will receive a journal, coloring pencils, writing pencils, flash drive, and a tote bag. Location: East Washington Branch Library Date/Time: Call the East Washington Branch Library for more information on scheduling Address: 2822 E. Washington St. Indpls, IN 46201 Phone: 317-275-4360 Some Library programs may require registration via phone call or in person. Currently all in- person program attendees are required to wear a face covering if over 2 years old. THE CREEK CHURCH ADOPT A TGNS STAFF MEMBER
In efforts to show appreciation for educators, members of The Creek Church congregation have chosen to support by adopting a
TGNS staff person. Throughout the year teachers/staff memebers can expect special gifts and encouraging messages. Prior to the beginning of the school year, each staff member was asked to complete a questionnaire to help with the process (i.e., relevant classroom needs, favorite snacks, books, and choice of foods, etc). Mr. Evans (SEL Teacher) and Ms. Watterson (Kindergarten Teacher) were the first to receive their gifts. Thank you, Creek Church, for taking the initiative to celebrate TGNS staff in such a special way! DINE WITH A DOCTOR Thomas Gregg, in partnership with John Boner Centers hosted a COVID-19 Vaccination Info Session for Families. The event was geared towards TGNS and Brookside 54 families with students 12years old (12yrs old or older by November 1st). Students in this age group are now eligible to take the vaccine. Physicians Carrie Leathers, MD, and Lilian Manzano, CMA, were present to answer questions and share information on COVID-19 vaccinations for youth. Participants enjoyed dinner and students (12yrs old) are eligible for a $75 Kroger gift card incentive with proof of vaccine card. Despite the small number of attendees, Dr. Leathers did say that the discussion had was productive and both families expressed that they are now motivated to get vaccinated. We are happy about this and are hoping that talking to these families will have a positive impact on others as they share their experience with members of the community.
If you missed this event and would like to take advantage of the $75 Kroger gift card the offers will last until November 30th. To be eligible you will need the following: Be a Thomas Gregg or Brookside 54 student 12yrs old or older by November 1st Any student 12 years old and older, in accordance with current vaccine regulations, can submit documentation of full vaccination. Must be fully vaccinated Full vaccination means either 1 dose of the Johnson & Johnson or 2 doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. The Pfizer vaccine doses must be taken 21 days apart and the Moderna vaccine doses must be taken 28 days apart, so keep this in mind if you are trying to meet the deadline of November 30th for the vaccine incentive. The gift card incentive will be offered only for student vaccinations, but we encourage the other family members to get vaccinated as well. Contact Mr. DJ for any questions or concerns. I will then make the connection for students to receive their gift card. (Mr. DJ: 317-624--2781 or dgraham@jbncenters.org). COMMUNITY CHAT
Beginning September, every month during Food Group, Thomas Gregg Neighborhood School will invite one partner to share resources from the community. This “Community Chat” (30- minute development meetings for parents prior to our food delivery) will occur at the beginning of Food Group from 12:30pm -1:00pm. The allowed time serves as a great opportunity to share information from our roster of valuable community partners. Big Green was present to share resources and inform parents about their organization. During our Community Chat Laura Henderson (Program Manager /Big Green Indpls) provided families with grow bags. Each grow bag included a 3-gallon salad garden to take home. Parents had the option to choose from a selection of seeds to start their gardens. A three- step of instruction was given on how to care for the salad garden: Step One: Location Step Two: Water Step Three: Harvest In addition, Jeff and Gab from Westminster were present to share with families the many services available to support families in the 46201 community. Information was also shared with families about their annual Christmas Basket Program. Thank you, Laura, and the Team at Big Green for providing grow bags and educating our parents on gardening! Besides a thank you to Jeff Gabe and the Westminster team for
offering many supports and resources towards our families. SMILE MOBILE VISITS TGNS The Smile Mobile is a division of the Marion County Health Department that provides onsite dental services. A total of nine students were served on September 16th. We are anticipating more students who will also take advantage of the dental service offered on their return visit on September 30th. Thanks to our partners at MCHD for giving Thomas Gregg students this opportunity each year. THE CREEK MENTORS & CLASSROOM CHAMPIONS The Creek Church provides volunteers for both its Creek Mentors and Classroom Champions Program. A total of 20 volunteers are assigned to students and classrooms throughout the week. Creek Mentors – The mentoring program assists with students' social-emotional and academic needs. Each with its own mentor. It is a great way for students to engage one-on- one with a positive adult figure through its “Getting to know you activities”.
Classroom Champions - Classroom Champions serve in various ways as classroom helpers, update bulletin boards, assist with guiding reading, and other tasks requested under the direction of teachers. Thank you Creek volunteers for the valued time and efforts you spend with each of our students. PARTNER PRAISE LOOKING FOR A JOB? Click the link to visit the website for current employment opportunities. DAYCARE/AFTERCARE RESOURCES If you are in need of resources for daycare, please see the options below: East 10th Children and Youth Center for aftercare program. Contact Info: Emily Nauth emily.nauth@east10th.org Westminster for aftercare program as well. Contact Info: Jamie Tedford
Jamie.tedford@westmin.org Daystar for aftercare program Contact Info: Lisa Bowling daystarchildcare@daystar.org All programs offer transportation from TGNS to their sites. If you any questions you will need to email the provided contacts. QUOTE OF THE MONTH HELPFUL LINKS TGNS Website TGNS Staff Contact List 21-22 TGNS Student Handbook 21-22 TGNS Manuel del Estudiante 21-22 Indianapolis Public Schools John Boner Neighborhood Centers
Questions?: Should you have any questions, please email info@thomasgregg.org or call the school at 317-226-4215! We will be happy to assist you in any way we can. STAY CONNECTED! Facebook @thomasgregg15 2302 E Michigan St, Indianapol… ross@thomasgregg.org 317-226-4215 thomasgregg.org
You can also read