Dear Gilchrist Elementary Families and Community,

Welcome to a brand-new school year! As your principal, I am thrilled to welcome our returning students, new families, and dedicated staff back to Gilchrist Elementary. A new school year brings fresh energy, new opportunities, and a renewed commitment to the success and well-being of every child who walks through our doors.

This year, we are excited to align with Superintendent Melissa Cole’s inspiring vision for our district. At Gilchrist Elementary, we are embracing the culture of a "One-Room Schoolhouse." In a traditional one-room schoolhouse, community and connection are everything: learning is a shared journey, every child is known by name, and success isn't left to classroom teachers alone. From our certified teachers and instructional assistants to our custodial crew, office staff, and cafeteria team, our entire staff shares the responsibility for student success. Every adult in our building is here to mentor, support, and advocate for your child. We are also deeply grateful for our strong community partners whose collaboration enriches the programs available to our students and families every day. To bring this vision to life, we offer rich in-house learning environments and support systems, including:

• Title I Room: Targeted academic support and resources in reading and math designed to meet individual student needs and accelerate learning.
• Project-Based Learning (PBL) Classrooms: Hands-on, engaging instruction that challenges students to solve real-world problems.
• Preschool Promise: High-quality early childhood education that builds a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
• Student Support Room: A dedicated space focusing on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) to ensure every student develops the emotional resilience and social skills needed to thrive both academically and personally.

Mark Your Calendars! Passport to Learning Event: We invite our entire community to join us for our Passport to Learning event  from 4 to 6 p.m., Aug. 27. Come tour our campus, meet our dedicated team, explore our programs, and check out the fantastic new updates around our school, including our newly remodeled bathrooms! We are also honored to share that Superintendent Melissa Cole will be attending to embrace our school community, connect with families, and answer any questions you may have about the upcoming year. It is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the start of the school year together.

Every Day Counts - Bell-to-Bell Instruction: As we embark on this year, we want to emphasize the critical role that consistent attendance plays in your child’s growth. We run a full day of state-required academic standards from bell to bell. Arriving on time and staying through the end of the day ensures your child doesn't miss key instruction, hands-on group projects, or valuable social-emotional learning opportunities.

Together as a school family and community, we are going to make this an extraordinary year for our students. Thank you for your continued partnership, trust, and support.

Warmly,

L. Heather Bond
Principal, Gilchrist Elementary School