GATOR NEWS

Telephone (410) 880-5900 Fax (410) 880-5902

www.hcpss.org/gces

January 21, 2016 Vol. 18 No. 18

Principal’s CornerDear Gorman Crossing Family & Friends,

On Wednesday, January 20th, 50 of our students were honored at a Celebration of Achievement sponsored by the Council of Elders.

The Council of Elders, in partnership with the Department of Student, Family and Community Services of the Howard County Public School System, holds an annual celebration where African-American students receive an award for their academic achievements.

We would like to congratulate the following students for receiving this honor:

Christabel Akolo, Amy Awosika, Naomi Belay, Kendi Caldwell, Kendall Cochran, Justin Eusebe, Enioluwa Fatukasi, Charles Jackson, Joshua Jackson, Tefari Lake, Kyla Mahasa, Najia Mason, Canyon Moore, Muhammad Oloso, Adedamola Opadina, Kayla Parkins, Nathaniel Pendleton, Anya Precil, Sejlo Sedegbe, Brandon Shuman, Imani Smith, Aedan Taku, Gian Tavarez-Carrasuillo, Skylar Taylor, Kimora Turner, Jasmine Ukonu, Tiyana Waldron, Allyssa Adair, Toluwani Adelaja, Chidozie Anyanwu, Vera Awodele, Jeremiah Caldwell, Christian Cunningham, Murphy Davis, Kania Dozier, Ryen Eley, Shelby Foulks, Liliana Giraud, Christian Jackson, Nicolas Mazzei-Williams, Jordan Moore, Kearsten Moore, Rylan Morton, Heran Mulleta, Kyndall Nasir, Xavier Onwu, Bryce Smith, Ogoluwasubomi Taiwo, Max Yil

We are so proud of our students for all of their hard work, and we are grateful to our families for all of their support.

Sincerely,

Deborah Caldwell, Principal deborah_caldwell@hcpss.org

DATES TO REMEMBER

Feb 4th – ES/MS close 3 hrs early for ES/MS parent/teacher conferences. No half-day Pre-K/RECC

Feb 5th - Schools closed for students – ES/MS parent/teacher conferences

Feb 8th – Schools closed for students – Countywide Professional Learning Day

Feb 15th – Schools and offices closed – Presidents’ Day

GIRLS ON THE RUN

Girls on the Run is back this Spring!!!! Online registration will begin February 15 at noon! There will be two sessions every week (Wednesdays and Thursdays) starting on March 16 from 4:00-5:15 pm and ending on the week of May 29th. There will be a culminating celebration 5K in Columbia on June 4, 2016. Online registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Sign-up link and more information to come soon...so stay tuned!

Thanks,Ms. Kuligowski, Mrs, Kennedy, and Mrs. Kelly

Help Us Get More Smiles in the Yearbook!Upload your photos of school events to

http://community.lifetouch.com

Enter Gorman Crossing's Code:

NCMTGU

Uploaded images will be considered for the yearbook.  Please submit photos that are at least 300 DPI to ensure acceptable print quality for the yearbook.  Note: Photos from social media websites may not be acceptable quality.  Please consider this when uploading impages.

Gorman Crossing Elementary School | 9999 Winter Sun Road Laurel, MD 20723 | (410) 880-5900 |

NEWS FROM THE RECC PROGRAM

The Gorman Crossing Regional Early Childhood Center (RECC) Learning Together Peers (LTP) program is now accepting applications for three-year-old classes only for the 2016-2017 school year. Class schedules vary by program and are subject to change; however, we anticipate openings in the 4-day/week 2.5 hour/day class and the 4-day/week 4 hour/day class.  (Classes do not meet on Wednesdays.) Parents must provide transportation. These classes include children with and without disabilities.  We are looking for students with age-appropriate social and communication skills to serve as peers in the program.  The

program’s focus is helping all children develop communication, literacy, math, problem solving, motor, and social skills to promote kindergarten readiness.  Children MUST be 3 years of age for the 2016-2017 school year (born between September 2, 2012 - September 1, 2013 - NO EXCEPTIONS.) Parents may pick up an application package in the school office beginning February 16, 2016. A $25 refundable application fee must be returned with the packet and the check should be made payable to GCES. All applications must be returned by noon on March 22, 2016.  Please note: A very limited number of openings are available for children without disabilities.  Children are selected based upon screening information given on the application form and the “Ages and Stages Questionnaire,” as well as observations of the child’s participation in a playgroup. If necessary, a lottery process is conducted.

Rae Ann Kaylie Pre-Kindergarten Teacher/ RECC Team LeaderGorman Crossing Elementary School 410-880-5900

HCPSS – Road to Kindergarten

Do you have a child who will be 5 years old by September 1, 2016?

Please join us for an information session about Kindergartenin the Howard County Public School System.

At this workshop you will learn:

• Expectations for school readiness (and receive a Ready for Kindergarten toolkit).

• Details about the kindergarten program.

• Information about HCPSS kindergarten registration.

• Ways that families and children can be supported during

the transition to kindergarten.

Choose a session that is convenient for you. No registration required.

Child care is available at each session for children ages 2 and older. Please allow at least 15 minutes extra for child care sign in.

If Howard County public schools are closed for inclement weather, the session is canceled.

All sessions will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m.

Hammond High School8800 Guilford Road, Columbia 21046Tues., January 26, 20166:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Howard High School8700 Old Annapolis Road, Ellicott City, 21043Mon., February 1, 20166:30 - 7:30 p.m.

SNOW DATE – will only be held if one of the above sessions is canceled atCentennial High School4300 Centennial Lane, Ellicott City, 21042Wed., February 3, 20166:30 – 7:30 p.m.

For more information...Visit www.hcpss.org/schools/kindergarten-registration/www.facebook.com/HoCo.road.to.kindergarten

Or call 410-313-5693

Murray Hill Music Boosters Invites YOU for a Night of Fun

Please join us for a dinner and a night of fun!  We are having our annual Family Night Gift Card Bingo on Friday, January 29, 2016 at 7:00pm at MHMS Cafeteria.  Doors will open at 6:30pm as we will be selling pizza by the slice and concessions.  Our Bingo games will begin at 7:00pm.  All proceeds go directly to our band, chorus, drama and orchestra.  Please see the attached flyer.  We hope to see you there!

COMMUNITY NOTICES – the following events are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Howard County Public School System

Crisis Text LineHelp at your fingertips, Crisis Text Line serves anyone, in any type of crisis, bullying, self-harm,

and more. A live, trained Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds quickly to help you move from a hot moment to a cool moment and to stay safe and healthy. Text START to 741-741, anonymous and confidential.If you have any questions or would like more information about Crisis Text Line, please contact Laurie Carson at lauriecarson@verizon.net for more information or to volunteer, visit www.crisistextline.org.

Center for Creative Life and LearningThe Girls on Fire Mentoring program is designed to help girls build self-esteem. The program targets Girls age 8-14, 8-11 and 12-14. Girls participate in a variety of art forms activities and self-esteem building group sessions. Meets the 4th Sat. each month at the Columbia Art Center. For information call 410-312-0758.

Columbia AssociationThe Columbia Art Center offers a wide variety of Art Classes for   portfolio development and personal interest.   For list of classes or check out the Winter Brochure visit   www.columbiaartcenter.org . For inquiries or to register, please call Columbia Art Center at   410-730-0075.

Columbia AssociationThe Columbia Art Center offers a variety of Art Classes for children of all ages and a new Youth Artistic Masters Certificate Program. For inquiries or to register, please call Columbia Art Center at 410-730-0075 or email art.staff@columbiaassociation.org.

Food on the 15thVolunteer opportunities for students of all ages. We collect, sort and deliver free non-perishable groceries directly to low-income Howard County senior citizens. To learn more about what we do, visit our website at www.foodonthe15th.org/. We are always looking for students and groups to do food drives for us.  We can be reached at foodonthe15th@gmail.com.

Howard County Recreation and Parks Volleyball classes starting this Jan., you can view all of the programs and get more info at http://www.howardcountymd.gov/volleyball.htm. Just click on the Youth Volleyball Programs and Leagues link. For questions, please contact Carson Nickell at cjnickell@howardcountymd.gov or 410-313-4720. To register, call 410-313-7275.

Howard County Government Jump Bunch Kids by JumpBunch Kids, Inc., 2-5 yrs / 6 classes starting Jan 23 / $75 JumpBunch classes are a wonderful opportunity for parents and children to interact in a fun, engaging, and noncompetitive environment during an introduction to multiple sports and fitness activities. Info: Amanda Bartell, 410-313-1694 or abartell@howardcountymd.gov

Howard County Government Bricks4Kidz LEGO After School Laws of Motion. Grades K-5 / 6 classes starting Jan 26 / $99 www.bricks4kidz.com/ellicottcity-md or Adam Wienckowski, 410-313-4714 or awienkowski@howardcountymd.gov

Howard County GovernmentKid Empowerment Smashing ANTs & Leadership FUN-damentals Combo.

Grades 2-3 / 7 classes starting Jan 28 / $119 + $20 materials New and continuing students welcome. www.SmashingANTs.com or Adam Wienckowski, 410-313-4714 or awienckowski@howardcountymd.gov

Candlelight Concert SocietyJunie B.’s Essential Survival Guide to School by Theatreworks USA, Sun., Jan. 31, 2 & 4 p.m. Smith Theatre Columbia, MD. www.candlelightconcerts.org 410-997-2324.

Howard County Government KidzArt After School Grades K-5 / 6 classes starting Feb 1 / $108. Enjoy a fun, unique, confidence-building art experience. Our drawing based curriculum delivers highly engaging and educationally rich creative experiences that amaze and delight. Create a masterpiece each week. Info: Melissa Calleri, 410-313-4721 or mcalleri@howardcountymd.gov .

North Laurel Community CenterMother and Son dance, Sat. Feb. 6, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Mothers (or special adults) and sons, ages 3-12 are invited to an evening jam-packed with fun to include refreshments, live DJ, dancing and more. Inclement weather date is Feb. 20. Preregistration is required. Contact: Ashley Jones 410-313-0459 or amjones@howardcountymd.gov.

Howard County GovernmentChess Club After School with Silver Knights Chess Company Grades K-5 / 14 classes starting Feb 9 / $185 Learn how to play chess from highly rated professional chess instructors who have coached many state and national champions. All chess supplies provided. (No class 3/29, 4/26.) Info: Adam Wienckowski, 410-313-4714 or awienckowski@howardcountymd.gov

Columbia OrchestraThe Columbia Orchestra presents the Young People’s Concerts on Sat., Feb. 20, at 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., at the Jim Rouse Theatre are Wilde Lake High School. Visit us at www.columbiaorchestra.org or call 410-465-8777 for tickets.

Howard Community College Educational Foundation cordially invites you to the annual Silas Craft Collegians Dinner to benefit the Silas Craft Collegians Scholarship Endowment and Program. The Chinese dinner buffet will be served continuously from 5-8 p.m. on Mon., Mar. 7, at 7091 Deepage Drive in Columbia.  Tickets are $45 per person and the Silas Craft Collegians Endowment receives 100% of the proceeds from the ticket sales to the event.  For more information or to purchase tickets, please call the Development Office at Howard Community College, 443-518-1970 or visit www.howardcc.edu/sccathunan .

Howard County GovernmentYouth and Teen Model Call. Young men and women are invited to participate in an audition to perform in the 4th annual Fashion Show produced by Sean Gibson of Model Citizen Models. Model Call for 8-10 year olds will run from 1-2 p.m.; Model Call for 11-17 year old will run from 2-3 p.m. Fashion Show will take place on Sat., Mar. 19. Preregistration is encouraged, but not required. Registration: 410-313-7275. Information: Holly Harden, 410-313-4625 or hharden@howardcountymd.gov   Columbia Association

Howard County Library System, Howard County Public School System, and the Columbia Association Art Center are calling on students in grades K to 12 to enter the annual Choose Civility Poster and Video Contest.Posters and videos should be submitted by Mar. 25 by mail or in person to:Monica Herber, Columbia Association Art Center, 6100 Foreland Garth, Columbia, MD.

Counselor’s Corner: Katie Tasch School Counselor GCESKatie_Tasch@hcpss.org

How is your child spending his/her Gordy Bucks?PBIS Weekly/Bi-Weekly Events for January by grade level:

PBIS Weekly/Bi-Weekly Events for February by grade level:

Grade 1/8 1/15 1/22 1/29Pre-K Count $5

Gordy StoreCount $5 Gordy

StoreCount $5

Gordy StoreCount $5

Gordy StoreK

Class ChoiceFun Friday/Winter

Nature Walk Gordy ShopFun

Friday/Make Gak Day

1st Shaving CreamParty

AirplanesParty

Play DoughParty*

Bingo in cafeteria*

2nd

Gordy Store Gordy Store & Team Building

Gordy StoreGet Your

Groove On PBIS

Celebration3rd Stinky Feet Activity of Choice

Time(Read/Draw/Color)

- AM

Swop Desks with a Friend

TBA

4th Gordy Coupons

(1/4)

Snowball 2 truths & a lie (1/12) Game

Rooms

Reward Coupons

5th Tech Device Incentive

Team Building Activity –

Hula Hoop Races

Tech Device Incentive

Indicates parent volunteers needed. Please contact your child’s teacher if you are willing to be a volunteer for the given date and activity above.

Grade 2/4 2/12 2/19 2/26Pre-K Count $5 Gordy

StoreCount $5

Gordy StoreCount $5

Gordy StoreCount $5

Gordy StoreK Fun

Friday/Dance Party

Lunch Date with Gordy the Gator

Playdate in another

classroom

Fun Friday/Choose

A Seat Day1st Groundhog

CraftHula Hoop

ContestBird

Feeders* Limbo Party2nd

Gordy StoreGordy Store & Team Building

Gordy Store Board Game Day PBIS

Celebration3rd TBA TBA TBA TBA4th Reward

CouponsSeat Swap Reward

CouponsCompliment

Notes5th Team Building Tech Device

IncentiveTeam

BuildingTech Device

Incentive