PTO Ice Cream Social

This evening's PTO Ice Cream Social was the perfect way to celebrate the end of our first week of school and the beginning of an amazing school year!  Thank you so much, PTO, for providing cool treats on a warm summer night for our Wildcat Families.  We appreciate your generosity and all of the awesome events you plan for us throughout the year!

First Day of School 2019

On Tuesday, August 13, we celebrated the first day of school and welcomed our Wildcats to the start of another amazing year at Gary D. Wright Elementary School.  We were honored to have Mr. Gary D. Wright himself join in our first day festivities.  During the day we also participated in The R.O.A.R. Show, which was an assembly hosted by Al "The Respect Guy".  During the assembly, we learned more about our school-wide expectations of being respectful, responsible, and ready.  It was truly a pawsome day and we look forward to an outstanding year of building relationships in our learning community while learning, growing, and having fun!

Teacher Inservice Days

Our Wildcat Staff has had fun learning together during our August Inservice Days.  Today, one of our activities provided us with the opportunity to learn how to tie a tie!  For some of us, it was our first experience learning this skill.  We added some challenges for others who were familiar with the concept.  In the end, we all achieved success and enjoyed the experience.  We look forward to welcoming our students back to school tomorrow!  It's going to be an amazing school year!

School Supply Drop Off Event

It was so much fun to welcome our Wildcats back to school at our annual School Supply Drop Off Event.  We look forward to kicking off the first day of school on Tuesday, August 13!

Kindergarten Kick-Off

Today, GDW welcomed our incoming kindergarten students and their families to our Kindergarten Kick-Off Event.  During Kindergarten Kick-Off, students and their families enjoyed taking a bus ride, eating a snack in the cafeteria, playing on the playground while enjoying Kona Ice, meeting our staff, visiting their classrooms, and learning about kindergarten and the upcoming school year at Gary D. Wright Elementary School! Welcome to the Class of 2032!

GDW Recognized as Midwest PBIS Network Gold Level Recipient

It's time to celebrate! Gary D. Wright Elementary School is among 300+ Illinois schools that were recognized by the Midwest PBIS Network for our PBIS implementation during the 2018-2019 school year.  PBIS is a school-wide framework aimed at closing achievement gaps and increasing the number of students who graduate ready for college or a career. National research shows that full implementation of this type of framework leads to improved student outcomes.

This framework has helped us increase the consistency of effective instruction for all students, build staff knowledge and skills to support all learners, use data to proactively identify and provide support for students, and shift to a culture that supports stronger relationships with students and their families. 

As a result of our work, we are being recognized by the Midwest PBIS Network at the Gold level. This award helps us celebrate our efforts as we progress toward full implementation.

Way to go, Wildcats!

NAESP's "Report to Parents": Exercise Kids' Minds During the Summer

The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) offers a monthly publication, Report to Parents.  This month's Report to Parents, "Exercise Kids' Minds During the Summer" offers fun, brain-friendly activities to keep children engaged throughout the summer.  Click here to access this report.