Note from Mr. FitzGerald

Greetings Guilford!

As is always the case, many amazing things are taking place here at school. Last night, we were able to meet many of the new families coming to us next year from Hammond ES.  During our orientation, we were able to give them a mini-version of Back To School Night, while at the same time, answer any questions they had for us. I could not be more excited to have them join us next school year. They will undoubtedly make our great school even greater. Tonight, our chorus will be performing for the community at 6:30. Having just witnessed the morning concert, I can tell you the chorus is incredible! Thank you to all of our extraordinary families for the tremendous donations you sent in for our Food Drive.  In all, we were able to donate 2700 boxes/cans of food, all of which weighed more than 1900 lbs!!! Your donations truly made a difference! Congratulations to 3rd grade, for they are the grade level that donated the most! As a result, they have earned a movie and popcorn hour.  The next Paw Prints will be sent home on Wednesday, February 5th. If there is anything you need between now and then, do not hesitate to contact me. Have a great rest of your day.

Justin FitzGerald
Proud Guilford Principal

                                       Dates To Remember for 2020

January 2020
1/22-1/24 - No Half Day Pre-K
1/27 - Schools Closed - Professional Work Day
1/28 - Spirit Day - Hat Day
1/29 - Spirit Day - Sweat Suit Day
1/30 - Spirit Day - Crazy Sock Day
1/31 - Spirit Day - Jersey Day

February
2/3 - Report Cards Issued
2/4 -  School Closed and Office Closed - Election Day
2/6 - Title 1 Family Night Cozy Reading and Math Night
2/13 & 2/14 - School Close 3 hours early - Parent/Teacher Conferences
2/14 - Spirit Day – Red/Pink Day
2/17 - Schools and Offices Closed - Presidents Day
2/28 - Spirit Day – Superhero Day

GES News

Building Resilience

All youth face difficulties which can range from traumatic losses to every day disappointments.  The ability to cope and recover (or “bounce back”) after a setback is important to their success.  Experts call this “resilience,” and it’s a skill that can be learned.
You can help your child develop resilience by taking the following steps:

• Model a positive outlook.  Children will learn from your ability to bounce back from difficulties.  When faced with a challenge yourself, model an “I can do it” attitude.  Remind yourself and your child that the current problem is temporary, and that things will get better.
• Build Confidence.  Comment frequently on what your child does well.  Point out when he demonstrates qualities such as kindness, persistence, and integrity.  
• Build Connections.  Create a strong loving family and encourage your child to make good friends.  This will help ensure that she has plenty of support in times of trouble.  
•  Encourage goal-setting.  Teach  children to set realistic goals and work toward them one step at a time.  Even small steps can build confidence and resilience.  
• See challenges as learning opportunities.  Touch times are often when we learn the most.  Resist the urge to solve your child’s problem for him – this can send a message that you don’t believe he can handle it.  Instead, offer love and support, and show faith in his ability to cope.  Remind him of times when he has solved problems successfully in the past.  
• Teach self-care.  Many challenges are easier to face when we eat well and get enough exercise and rest.  Self-care can also mean taking a break from worrying to relax and have some fun.  
• Help Others.  Empower your child by giving her opportunities to help out at home or do age-appropriate volunteer work for her school, neighborhood, or place of worship.  

Remember: With your help and support, children can learn to be more resilient.  For more information and parenting tips go to https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/preventionmonth/resources/tip-sheets/

Other Helpful Ideas:  Resilience Handouts 

Attendance Procedures: When your child has been absent, please send a note in immediately on your child’s return to school.  The note should be sent within 2 days of returning and include:

•     student’s name
•     date(s) of absence
•     REASON FOR ABSENCE
•     parent signature

A doctor’s note is preferred for medical appointments.  We encourage you to have your child attend class both before and after medical appointments when possible.

Fever Policy
Howard County Public Schools require that any student with a temperature over 100.0 stay home from school. If your child has a fever, here are some tips to remember:

•     Check your child’s temperature about every 4-6 hours when awake.
•     Encourage fluids
•     Give a fever reducing medication such as Ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) or Acetaminophen (Tylenol).  Follow the dosing instructions on the package.
•     Keep your child at home when ill or having a fever (100F or above).  Students should stay home until fever free WITHOUT a fever reducing medication for 24 hours. Consult with your health care provider if fever persists and/or symptoms worsen.
•     Encourage your child to wash their hands frequently.  Persons coming into contact with the child should also wash their hands.

If you have any further questions, please contact the health room.

Clean Out Your Closet Challenge

Guilford is participating in the Clothing to Cash Recycling Program

Help our school raise money!  We accept New and Used clothing, shoes, sneakers, towels, textiles, and stuff animals. We want items in ALL conditions unwanted, outgrown, and out of style.

All items must be in a plastic bag and tied shut.  Look for the large white collection bin in the school parking lot.  Collections will be Reworn, Repurposed or finally Recycled.

Save our landfills and give your items a second life.   This is a easy way for our school to raise money. Help support our school & save the environment one bag at a time!

Community News and Programs

Please visit the Community News and Programs and the HCPSS News page on the HCPSS website for announcements of upcoming events and programs sponsored by non-profit organizations.