Holiday Hoopla

GDW's Holiday Hoopla helped bring some holiday cheer to our Wildcat families.  The event featured a holiday store where students could shop for presents for their family and friends, holiday-themed crafts and games, some challenging math problems to solve, spectacular musical performances by HHS musicians, and a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.  This event would not have been possible without the many volunteers who assisted, including our PTO, GDW Staff, and HHS students.  Also, a HUGE thank you to Santa and Mrs. Claus for making the trip from the North Pole to Gary D. Wright Elementary School!  Happy Holidays, Wildcats!

April 1st, 2019 Declared a Student Attendance Day for all District 300 Schools

In the interest of student and staff safety, District 300 closed all schools on November 26th due to heavy area snowstorms. In response to this emergency closure, District 300 has officially declared April 1st, 2019 as a student attendance day.

District 300’s 2018-2019 school calendar had designated April 1st, 2019 as a non-student attendance day in the event no emergency days or closures had been authorized. The November 26th closure has prompted April 1st to transition to an official student attendance day.

District 300’s spring break will run from Monday, March 25th through Friday, March 29th. All students are expected to return to school on Monday, April 1st.

For more information about the District 300 calendar, please visit d300.org/Calendars.

GDW Second Graders & PBIS Committee Organize #GrinchForGood Food Drive to Benefit D300 Food Pantry

This holiday season, Gary D. Wright Elementary School students and staff are excited to grow our hearts three sizes bigger, just like the Grinch!  To make this happen, our school will be participating in the #GrinchForGood campaign by organizing a seasonal food drive to benefit the D300 Food Pantry.  Please click here for more details.  

GDW Staff & Families Work Together As Mathematicians

A huge thank you to Mrs. Karen Raistrick, District 300 Math Coach, for providing challenging and engaging math problems for our Wildcat students, staff, and families to solve.  Many of our families and staff took on the challenge and were spotted applying their mathematical knowledge during parent teacher conferences.  Both collaboration and problem-solving skills were utilized as a result.  Way to be mathematicians, Wildcats!

PTO Mom Son Bowling

GDW's PTO hosted their annual Mom Son Bowling event.  This year's event took place at Bowlero.  Our Wildcat Moms and Sons enjoyed an evening filled with bowling, laser tag, arcade games, and more.  A fun time was had by all!

Third Grade Presents "Americans We"

Congratulations to GDW Music Teachers, Miss Crater and Mr. Valdivia, along with our Third Grade Students on a stellar music performance.  The students performed patriotic songs as part of their program, entitled "Americans We".

GDW Choir Performs at Chicago Wolves Game

In honor of Veterans Day, the Gary D. Wright Elementary School Choir, directed by Miss Crater, performed a medley of patriotic songs at the Chicago Wolves Game.  Our school even made an appearance on the jumbotron!  This was a wonderful opportunity for our Wildcats, and I would like to give thanks to Miss Crater, the Chicago Wolves, our GDW Choir and their families, and to all of those who served or are serving in the United States Military. 

Happy Halloween, Wildcats!

Hampshire Fire Protection District Recognizes GDW Students for Fire Prevention Month Coloring and Home Escape Plan Contest

Congratulations to the following Gary D. Wright Elementary School students, who were winners of the Hampshire Fire Protection District's Fire Prevention Month Coloring and Fire Escape Plan Contest:

• Avery Magnetta - Kindergarten
• Miles Barnes - First Grade
• Chelsea Abdallah - Second Grade
• Ava Albarracin - Third Grade

Second Grade's Spooktacular Music Performance

Congratulations to GDW Music Teachers, Miss Crater and Mr. Valdivia along with our Second Grade Students on a music performance that was nothing short of spooktacular!  Way to go, Wildcats!

Dr. Scarpino Visits GDW

Today, Dr. Scarpino, D300 School Board Member, visited Gary D. Wright Elementary School.  During his time at GDW, Dr. Scarpino was able to capture many photos, which can be viewed by visiting his Facebook page: Dr. David J. Scarpino, D300 School Board Member.  On behalf of the Wildcats, I would like to thank Dr. Scarpino for a wonderful visit!

PTO Walk-a-thon Exceeds Fundraising Goal!

This year, the GDW PTO's Walk-a-thon fundraising goal was exceeded, and over $30,000 was raised!  As a result, Mr. Cappas and I dressed up as a narwhal and chicken and headed to the roof for the day, which was our school-wide incentive for meeting the fundraising goal.  Thank you to everyone who supported the PTO Walk-a-thon!

A Visit From Mr. Gary D. Wright

Today was an extra special day at school, because we were able to spend it with Mr. Gary D. Wright.  During his visit, Mr. Wright saw all of the great things we have been learning about, including the Fire Prevention Education lessons brought to us by the Hampshire Fire Department.  He also spent time in the cafeteria visiting with students and staff.  We enjoyed spending time with Mr. Wright and look forward to future visits with him! 

ILMEA Elementary General Music Festival

Congratulations to GDW Music Teacher, Miss Crater, and to the following fifth grade students for their participation in the 2018 District 9 Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) Elementary General Music Festival:  Jack DiCosola, Mia Campion, Maddie Franz, Olivia Lucas, and Calle Mejdrich.  This Saturday, the group traveled to Palos Heights and represented Gary D. Wright Elementary School well as they engaged in a variety of musical experiences.  Way to go, Wildcats!

Columbus Day Weekend

PTO Walk-a-thon 2018

Our annual PTO Walk-a-thon was such a fun-filled fundraiser.  I would like to extend a heart-felt thank you to everyone who supported this event, including our PTO, parent volunteers, HHS students & staff, and all of our community partners.  Here are some highlights of the PTO Walk-a-thon 2018...

Second Grade Brookfield Zoo Field Trip

Today, GDW Second Grade students and staff took a field trip to Brookfield Zoo.  A huge thanks to our parent volunteers for spending the day with us!

Fifth Grade Field Trip To Camp Duncan

GDW fifth graders took a field trip to Camp Duncan, where they spent the day engaging in activities that fostered team-building and outdoor education.  We would like to thank all of our chaperones for volunteering to spend the day with us.  As you can see from the photos below, this trip afforded our students many great experiences that we hope they will have fond memories of for years to come.

Birthday Wishes

A little birdie must have told our Wildcats that my birthday was this weekend.  After visiting some classrooms on Friday morning, I received a surprise from Mrs. Graham's class, where they decorated my office door.  It was really fun to hear all of the students' guesses as to how old they think I am. Thank you for the birthday wishes! 

Wildcat Night At HHS Football Games

To help kick off Wildcat Night at Hampshire High School's football games this evening, HHS football players, cheerleaders, and staff visited Gary D. Wright Elementary school this afternoon!  Since we were already outside after practicing our fire drill evacuation procedures, the WHIP-PURS greeted their Wildcat superfans and passed out t-shirts, lanyards, and water bottles.  We are so proud of the WHIP-PURS and thankful for their visit as well as the cool swag!  Good luck tonight and throughout the season!  Go WHIPS!