Order your 2023-24 GD Yearbook!

Order your 2023-24 GD Yearbook!

 

This year, GD will be using Treering as its yearbook provider. This change comes with some amazing benefits and perks, including:

 

  • Each student’s yearbook has the option to have 2 custom pages that are only printed in your student’s yearbook, for free. Upload your own photos, write a heartfelt letter about the year, whatever you would like!

  • The option to choose between hardcover and softcover yearbooks.

  • All online ordering – no need to send in money

If you order by October 31st, you receive 10% off your purchase!

CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR YEARBOOK!

If your 7th and 8th grade student(s) are interested in yearbook club with Mr. Barber, an interest form will be going out in the upcoming weeks. Treering offers a very student friendly platform to have them heavily involved in the design process of our yearbook!

Gardner-Dickinson welcomes ParentSquare as it’s new communications platform

Gardner-Dickinson is thrilled to announce ParentSquare as it’s new communications platform to better connect our parent community with their students’ teachers, support staff and administration.

 

ParentSquare offers some exciting features such as:

 

  • Direct messaging and communication between parents, teachers, support staff or administration

  • A very user-friendly mobile app to keep you in contact without having to open your email or log onto a computer

  • Integrations such as GD’s Google calendar, which you can keep track of directly from the app or PS website

  • Alerts regarding school closings, delays, etc.

  • Posts directly from class specific teachers such as photos, permission slips, polls, files, newsletters, and more!

 

We are excited to implement ParentSquare into our daily workflow to better increase culture and communication at GD! More details and instruction will be provided at Open House (9/13 at 5:30pm for grades PK-5, 9/14 at 5:30pm for grades 6-8)

 

We encourage everyone to download the app on your mobile device by searching “ParentSquare” in your app store.

 

If you’re interested in viewing a quick tutorial from ParentSquare, please click the link below:

https://parentsquare.talentlms.com/catalog/info/id:132,cms_featured_course:1

Sign up for GD Soccer!

Dear 7th and 8th graders:

Reminder: If you’re interested in playing soccer this fall, please fill out the form below! Sign up and collect the correct paperwork to start practice on the first day of school, Wednesday September 6th at 2:30pm. Please fill out the form herehttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSea3lr01nCDOyYsQHnfq3Iu1HJ628k4h743RglLqaHFE1Uncg/viewform?usp=sf_link

 

Please email Coach Lantz or Coach Parker with any questions.

Affordable Connectivity Program

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides all households in our district $30 a month assistance if they are enrolled in the Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program and/or the School Breakfast Program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision.

What is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)?

  • The ACP is a federal program to help eligible households pay for internet service.
  • The ACP provides eligible households a discount of up to $30 per month off their internet bills for households not located on qualifying Tribal lands and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands.
  • There are several ways to qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program such as participating in the Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch or School Breakfast Program, including the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP); participating in certain other federal assistance programs, including Medicaid, SNAP, WIC benefits, or Federal Pell Grants (current award year); or having a household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
  • Eligible households can find out more and enroll by visiting getinternet.gov.

Please consider applying if you meet the conditions and reach out if you need any assistance.

PTA Back to School Celebration – September 5th 2:30-5:30pm

Join us for a Back to School Celebration on Tuesday, September 5th at the GD playground, sponsored by the Wynantskill PTA! The event will include free food, an obstacle bounce house, fun games on the playground, and more! Stop by any time between 2:30-5:30pm. See you there!

Wynantskill UFSD welcomes Principal Shannon Toomey

Wynantskill UFSD is thrilled to welcome Ms. Shannon Toomey as its new principal! Please see a letter to GD families below from Ms. Toomey:

 

Hello Gardner-Dickinson Families,

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as I assume the role of Principal at Gardner-Dickinson School starting July 1st. I have met many of the students and some of the families over the past few weeks while visiting school, attending the PTA and BOE meetings and during the recent meet and greet.  I am already feeling the strength and kindness of this community, both in the warm welcomes I have already received, but more importantly, in the conversations with the amazing children who come to GD every day.

I am thrilled to be joining the team at Gardner-Dickinson School. I am coming from 21+ years as a special education teacher and literacy specialist at Boght Hills School in North Colonie CSD. I have a strong background in behavioral supports and working collaboratively with staff and families.

Personally, I have two boys, Keene (age 14) and Kade (age 12). My spouse, Becky, is a school counselor and as a family we enjoy many outdoor adventures, including hiking, boating and fishing. During the summer and into the fall, I will work hard to learn as much as I can about all things GD. I hope to be able to meet all the students and families and gain insight into the things that make Wynantskill UFSD great as well as any things you feel could use improvement. I would like to learn what you feel my priorities and focus should include.

I hope to honor all the hard work and traditions already in place at Gardner-Dickinson while also bringing a fresh perspective. I am most interested in establishing strong communication and collaboration among all the stakeholders in the district. One of the most vital aspects of our important work as educators is ensuring that all students feel safe coming to school each day. We will do this by creating a warm and welcoming environment for your child or children, while working together closely and collaboratively.

I will be working set days throughout the summer and plan to attend the PTA meeting on 7/20 and hold a meet and greet beforehand at 5pm.  I hope the last few weeks of the school year go smoothly, and that everyone enjoys a fun-filled and rejuvenating summer break!

Please feel free to reach out to introduce yourself, set up a meeting, or with any questions or concerns. I look forward to working closely with all of you to continue to make Gardner-Dickinson an exceptional school community.

Shannon E. Toomey