image of 4 smiling jack-o-lanterns with text of GRAIS updates, October 30, 2022

Dear Intermediate School Families,

Thank you to all who volunteered at the Halloween social last Friday.  We had a wonderful time!  I cannot express how grateful we are for the overwhelming number of donations of supplies from families.  Thank you so very much!  

STEM Project:

The students at GRAIS had some really thoughtful and exciting model bridge designs during STEM week last week! The students engaged in determining what type of shapes and structures would create the strongest model bridge design using only toothpicks and marshmallows for materials! They researched, planned, imagined, created, tested and had great discussions about how to improve the design. They discussed what they would change or keep next time and why.  We were also proud to see so much cooperation and teamwork they exhibited as they were planning, building, and testing the bridges with their classmates. 

Grade Five Swim:

The first round of swimming lessons will again be held during physical education classes, starting on November 3rd and running to November 23rd. The second round will be March 20th to April 13th.

This means that your fifth grader will need a bathing suit, towel, and goggles, with their names on them for each P.E. class.  Students with long hair are also encouraged to bring a hair tie.  Students should wear a swimsuit that they feel comfortable in and that is suitable for a swim class.   Swim shirts and shorts are allowed for all students.  

As a Red Cross certified lifeguard for 22 years and a certified Red Cross Water Safety Instructor with over 15 years experience as a swim instructor, please let me assure you that the students will be focusing on swim technique and basic water safety in the safest manner possible.  The swimming curriculum will follow Red Cross swim level standards.  

Students will be given 10 minutes at the end of class to shower and change.  Wet swimwear and towels should be brought home to be dried and returned for the next P.E. class.  

If you have any questions concerning this program please contact me via email at rireland@freelake.org 

Square 1 Art:

Square 1 Art  order packets/catalogs will arrive at GRAIS and will be sent home with all students during the week of the 14th.  Items make wonderful keepsake gifts!

Campus Programs:

Please see a new flyer on a drama program for children at https://www.freelake.org/documents/campus-programs/campus-programs/339416

PTO News:

The PTO would like to thank everyone who attended the social last Friday, including the volunteers!  Thank you for all the donations. The generosity shown is greatly appreciated!  Without the help of everyone, events like this wouldn’t be possible.  Additionally, we have great news about the Midland catalog fall fundraiser.  It has been extended until November 1st, so anyone with last minute orders may get them submitted ASAP! This has been the best year yet for this fundraiser, so again thank you for your support.  

Our next meeting is on November 15th at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom.  The login information will be sent out before the meeting.  As a reminder, meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month.  Be on the lookout for spiritwear and the next opportunity to volunteer for the annual turkey trot event.  The sign-up will be sent out the first week of November for this event.

Dates to Remember:

In-service Day/No School for Students - November 1st

Veterans Day/No School - November 11th

PTO Meeting at 6:30 p.m. - November 15th

Picture Retakes - November 16th

Annual Turkey Trot - November 23rd

Thanksgiving Recess - November 23rd at 11:30 a.m - November 25th

First Trimester Grades Close - November 29th

Respectfully, 

Dr. Sullivan

508.923.3506 x 3150/esullivan@freelake.org

Our weekly memo may also be found in the Sunday memo from the superintendent of schools.

Follow the district on Twitter @FLRSDsuper and on Instagram @FLRSDsuper.