Happy Holidays!

On behalf of the Gary D. Wright Elementary School Staff, we would like to wish you Happy Holidays!  Enjoy the Winter Break and we look forward to welcoming our Wildcats back to school in 2022!

Student Council's Holiday Spirit Week

Fall Picture Retake Day - Monday, December 6

As a reminder, on Monday, December 6, Gary D. Wright Elementary School will be hosting our Fall Picture Retake Day with Lifetouch.  Students who were absent on our Fall Picture Day (September 17) should plan to get their pictures taken as well as any student who has recently enrolled at Gary D. Wright Elementary School (since September 17).  Lifetouch is also available to retake any photos of students whose families are interested in that option.  

Happy Thanksgiving

On behalf of the Gary D. Wright Elementary School Staff, I would like to wish all of our Wildcat families a Happy Thanksgiving!  As a reminder, Parent Teacher Conferences will take place on Monday, November 22 and Tuesday, November 23.  We will be observing Fall Break from November 24-26, 2021, where District 300 offices and schools will be closed.  

PBIS Student Recognition

Congratulations to the following Wildcats who were recognized by their teacher for being outstanding models for our school-wide expectation of being ready to learn:

Kindergarten

Gianna Hetzel, Maddox Shelton, Kadence Kolecke, Liam Schleiffer, Delany Anderson, Lazaro Manzo-Ramos, Hailey Lesher, Oberyn Loiseau, Elizabeth Hirschbein, Anthony Manzella, Adelina Karich, Kane David

First Grade

Brooklyn Mosakowski, Mason Betts, Jayla Burgess, Benjamin Hetterscheid, Leah Langton, Jaxson Haney, Evelyn Wahrer, Kacper Minkiewicz, Makayla Doonan, Kobe Prathan, Alana Rapp, Cannon Ackerley

Second Grade

Zoey Rochford, Remington Simpson, Adalyn Georgeoff, Graeme Schmit, Mia Grijalva, Rider Johnson-Dowiat, Olivia Gross, Maddox Yang, Scarlett Odisho, Jackson Legions, Everly Birkhead, Jackson Land

Third Grade

McKenzie Thorpe, Michael Parry, Lyla Busse, Jude Terry, Elise Yang, Noah Diekman, Arabella Hughes, Luke Zaworski, Knox Clayborn, Ethan Parker, Aubrey Babitsch, Jamie Ramsey

Fourth Grade

Brooke Vandusen, Andrew Brey, Sofia Schmit, Vaughn Gohde, Alaina Tagalos, Karter Tesoro, Daniella Garcia, Ardit Ballazhi, Kayla Duffy, Raiden Miranda, Violeta Sanchez, Reid Majcher

Fifth Grade

Koraline Marincic, Brandon Tait, Isabella Blanchard, Caden Hummrich, Ellianna Kinkelaar, Yahir Valle, Chelsea Abdallah, Nathan Wisniewski, Alexis Bailye, Owen Franz, Evelyn Terry, Jackson Grabert

Congratulations to Our October Safety Patrollers of the Month!

Congratulations to the following Gary D. Wright Elementary School fifth grade students, who have been recognized as Safety Patrollers of the Month:

• Allisyn Pope
• Keith Sabuhoro

So Much To Be Thankful For

November is a month to give thanks and reflect on all of the things that we have to be grateful for.  I would like to take an opportunity to share some of the many reasons why I am grateful to be a part of the Gary D. Wright Elementary School learning community.  

I am grateful for our community partners, including The Milk House, who so generously donated ice cream to the GDW Staff as part of our Halloween costume theme - ice cream!  Our special treat was delicious and very much appreciated!  

I am also thankful for the Hampshire Fire Department and the Hampshire Police Department!  The Hampshire Fire Department sponsored public education events held throughout the month of October, where they donated goodie bags to our students, hosted a coloring contest, and more!  Both the Hampshire Fire Department and Hampshire Police Department help keep our school and community safe.  They help assist us when we practice safety drills, and we are thankful for them serving as role models in our community.

I am so thankful for Mr. Gary D. Wright, who is an incredible mentor and inspiration to me.

I am thankful for the D300 Food Pantry and to everyone in our community who helped support our recent personal care product drive that was sponsored by our staff and the 5th Grade Student Council!

I am thankful for our students and staff and PTO for the many ways we have been working to spread kindness throughout our school and community.  Recently, our PTO decorated our school's lobby area with a beautiful fall theme.  Our students have been participating in daily kindness challenges, and the students pictured below made me a beautiful sign!

I am thankful for our Veterans and all those who have served and are serving our country.  This week, we honored Veterans Day in many ways including special classroom activities.  To name just a few, Miss Pagano's First Grade students learned about the different uniforms each branch of the military wear.  They created a project where they thanked a Veteran.  In Mrs. Lupo's Kindergarten Class, students engaged in a Veterans Day brain break including marching.  In Miss Johanson's music class, students learned about patriotic songs and then conducted a march by John Phillip Sousa.  In Mrs. Smith's Fifth Grade Class, students were able to interview Mrs. Smith's dad, who is a veteran.  

I am thankful for the support of our Wildcat Families and look forward to seeing you next week during Parent Teacher Conferences!

What or who are you thankful for?  I encourage our Wildcat students, staff, and families to join me in reflecting on why we are grateful to be a part of the Gary D. Wright Elementary School learning community.  Feel free to send a note or email to someone who you are particularly thankful for.  Let's spread kindness like confetti!

Happy Halloween, Wildcats!

On behalf of the GDW Staff, we would like to wish our Wildcat students and families a Happy Halloween!

Hampshire Fire Protection District's Fire Prevention Month Coloring Contest

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

• Kindergarten: Gael Zepeda
• First Grade: Myla Greco
• Second Grade: Adrian Leech
• Third Grade: Jocelyn Canella

GDW PTO's Culver's Night

The GDW PTO's Culver's Night was a huge success!  Our Wildcat Staff volunteered to serve both drive-thru and dine-in customers, many of which were our very own GDW students and families!  It was a wonderful event and I would like to thank Culver's, the GDW PTO, our GDW staff volunteers, and our GDW students and families for making this evening out so special!  

Mrs. Moore's Third Graders Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

As part of Gary D. Wright Elementary School's Hispanic Heritage Month activities, Mrs. Moore's Third Graders researched biographical information about influential Hispanic figures who have made significant contributions to politics, sports, music, art, literature, television, space exploration, and more!  The students posted their research as well as inspirational quotes from their famous individuals.  Way to go, Wildcats!

The Return of GDW's Annual Fifth Grade Egg Drop

Friday was a wonderful day, because for the first time since 2019, GDW was able to host our Annual Fifth Grade Egg Drop!  As part of Fifth Grade's Science Unit of Study on Earth's Forces, students have been learning about gravity.  In collaborative teams, students worked to apply their learning while designing a contraption with the goal of protecting an egg from cracking as it lands on the ground after being dropped by GDW Staff from our school's roof.  To make the event even more special, our Fifth Grade students were cheered on by their Kindergarten Buddies!  The cheers of encouragement and celebration were absolutely heartwarming!  Way to go, Wildcats!

District Holiday

District 300 will be observing a District Holiday on Monday, October 11, 2021.  As a result, Gary D. Wright Elementary School will be closed on Monday, October 11.  We look forward to welcoming our Wildcats back to school on Tuesday, October 12! 

Congratulations, Safety Patrollers of the Month!

Congratulations to the following Gary D. Wright Elementary School fifth grade students, who have been recognized as Safety Patrollers of the Month:

• Jimena Rochel
• Kaiden Massimb

Way to go, Wildcats!

Happy First Day of Fall!

 

Today, September 22, 2021, marks the first day of Fall 2021!  As we enter the fall season, we can expect the weather will begin to change, with a wider range in temperatures that students will be experiencing between morning arrival and afternoon dismissal.  Dressing students in layers is a great way to ensure they have options when experiencing cooler morning temperatures and warmer afternoons.  Also, getting fall coats and sweatshirts ready for the upcoming cool weather days is a great way to ensure your child will be prepared for the elements!  

GDW's Staff Supports #TessaStrong and Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.  Throughout the month, GDW Staff have been raising awareness and supporting the cause.  This year, as part of the GDW Staff's efforts, we have proudly joined our community in supporting #TessaStrong.  Tessa is the cousin of one of our GDW families and she has been fighting Neuroblastoma.  On Tuesday, September 14, GDW Staff wore #TessaStrong shirts in honor of Tessa's 2nd Birthday!  #TessaStrong

Fall Picture Day

 

We are excited to announce that Lifetouch will be at GDW on Friday, September 17 to take student and staff photos.  Photos will be taken for ALL students, to be included in the GDW yearbook.  They will also be available for purchase, and ordering details were sent home via a Lifetouch flyer in students' backpacks on Friday, September 10.

• Students will be photographed in the gym during their designated classroom time.  

• Students will practice social distancing while waiting in line and will be wearing a mask until the moment they have their photo taken.

Labor Day

 

School Safety Drills

District 300 is committed to the safety of all students and staff.  In compliance with state law, we conduct several safety drills throughout the year. These drills include: bus evacuation drills, fire drills, law enforcement drills, and severe weather drills. These drills are conducted to better prepare students and staff in case of an emergency.

Virtual Open House

We look forward to seeing our Wildcat Parents and Guardians online on for Gary D. Wright Elementary School's Virtual Open House this week!  Please see the schedule below for each grade level's date and time.

Happy First Day of School, Wildcats!

It was so great to celebrate the first day of school with all of our Wildcat students and staff!  A huge thank you to Sweet Signz for this amazing welcome back display in the front of our school!  We really appreciate it!  Happy First Day of School, Wildcats!  

Welcome Back, Wildcats!

 We are gearing up for an exciting week at Gary D. Wright Elementary School as we kick off the 2021-2022 school year!  Tomorrow we welcome our Wildcat Staff back to school and on Thursday, August 12 we will be celebrating the First Day of School!  We can't wait to see all of our Wildcat Students on Thursday!  Welcome back, Wildcats!

Congratulations and Happy Retirement, Mrs. Seiler!

Congratulations to GDW's Principal's Secretary, Mrs. Sally Seiler, on her upcoming retirement!  Mrs. Seiler's last day of work will be Monday, August 2.  I am so grateful to Mrs. Seiler for her dedication to D300 and her service to Gary D. Wright Elementary School since we opened our doors on September 6, 2007.  In her role as Principal's Secretary, Mrs. Seiler has been a tremendous support to me throughout the past seven years and I will miss her dearly.  I wish Mrs. Seiler all my best in her retirement!     

Congratulations, GDW Fifth Graders!

Congratulations to our fifth grade students as you complete your elementary school years at GDW and move on to middle school in the fall!  You are a very special group to me because I have had the privilege of knowing many of you since you were in kindergarten, when I began my principalship at Gary D. Wright Elementary School!  It has been a joy watching you learn and grow throughout the past six years.  I know you are going to accomplish great things!  Keep working hard and doing your best, and please stay in touch!

 

GDW's Band & Orchestra Zoom Concert

 Tonight we were able to gather together virtually to enjoy GDW's Band and Orchestra Zoom Concert.  During the concert, we learned about our students' favorite things about band and orchestra.  We also got a glimpse into their practices, and we were able to enjoy several musical selections.  A huge thank you to GDW's Band and Orchestra Teacher, Miss Mitchell, for coordinating such a wonderful music-filled evening.  Also, congratulations to all of GDW's Band and Orchestra students.  You have worked so hard this year and shown true dedication to learning a new instrument...even during remote learning!  We are very thankful to our teachers and families who have shown continued support to our students' music education.  Way to go, Wildcats!

Staff Appreciation Week

This week, we celebrated our Wildcat Staff during Staff Appreciation Week.  Gary D. Wright Elementary School has an incredible staff who make our school a great place to learn!  They are simply the BEST!  A huge thank you to our amazing PTO and parent community, students, and local businesses for all of the many acts of kindness and appreciation you shared with us throughout the week!   

GDW PTO's Virtual Paint Night

A huge thank you to our GDW PTO for coordinating this evening's Virtual Paint Night!  Our very own Mrs. Lupo facilitated the evening, and since it's Earth Day, she led us in painting trees.  Our Digital Learning Coach, Mrs. O'Hara provided technical support throughout the event.  It was an awesome way to bring our Wildcat Learning Community together as we created beautiful masterpieces while celebrating Earth Day.  Each tree was unique and special, just like our Wildcat students!  

Registration is Now Open for Students Returning to District 300 for the 2021-2022 School Year

Registration is now open for students returning to District 300 for the 2021-2022 school year and must be completed online using Campus Portal (commonly called Infinite Campus Parent Portal). 

Registration for returning students must be completed by May 28, 2021.

Please note: students can only be registered by their legal guardian.

To process your student’s registration for the 2021-2022 school year, please access your Campus Portal account from a computer (the registration process cannot be completed using a smartphone). The link to registration is in your Campus Portal account.  

Once logged in to Campus Portal, refer to the left side of the homepage

Select and click the More option

Once the list expands, select and click the Online Registration option.

You can register your student online by visiting: www.d300.org/BeginRegistration. Online registration resources, including answers to frequently asked questions, are available on this page.

For additional support, an Online Registration Instruction Guide is available by clicking here. 

If you have not activated your Campus Portal account, please email portal@d300.org to request your “Campus Portal Activation Key Code.”

Please note: If you have a new address or if you need to add a new student since your last registration, you will need to submit proof of address along with your registration application. For complete details on how to submit documents and the type of documents needed, please refer to the Online Registration Instruction Guide. 

For families that encounter difficulties with the online registration process (including those without a computer or internet access), please contact your school’s registrar. Your message will be returned in the order it was received. Should you encounter technical issues while completing registration, please email OLR@d300.org.

Please note, the District 300 Technology Department recommends using Chrome or Firefox internet browsers to complete the online registration process. Pop-ups must be enabled prior to beginning the registration process.

Picture Retake Day

 

Dear Wildcat Families,

We are excited to announce that Lifetouch will be returning to Gary D. Wright Elementary School for Picture Retake Day on Friday, April 16.

In-Person Students:

● In-person students needing picture retakes will be photographed in the gym during the school day from 8:00-11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 16.

● Students will practice social distancing while waiting in line and will be wearing a mask until the moment they have their photo taken.

Remote Students:

● Remote students needing picture retakes will be photographed in the GDW Gym anytime from 12:30-1:30 p.m. on Friday, April 16. This

time is after dismissal of our in-person learners, as April 16 is an Early Release Day.

● Students and one parent/guardian should enter our school using the main entrance at the front of the building, proceeding through the

lobby, and entering the gym where photographers will be located.

● Students and parents/guardians will practice social distancing while waiting in line and will be required to wear a mask until the moment

their photo is taken.