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It’s time again for BOOK MADNESS, Gillispie Library’s annual book tournament! Students vote for their favorite picture books and chapter books in three rounds starting with our “sweet sixteen” titles and narrowing them down until we crown a champion for each division. All of the titles in this year’s epic battle were published in 2023. They represent a variety of genres (graphic novels, realistic fiction, humor, fantasy, and nonfiction) and a diverse group of authors and characters....

During a January Morning Circle in Willow, teachers asked students for ideas on what they'd like to create in the pretend play area. After many suggestions, they collectively decided to build an airport and airplane right in their classroom!  The children happily shared their interests in airplanes and airports, sparking a discussion on their mechanics and functions, particularly focusing on security scanning systems and luggage checks.  Together with teachers, they designed and constructed a pilot's cabin complete with...

The best part of rainy days? The muddy puddles that follow. Our friends had so much fun splashing in the mud, as was evident from the laundry we've sent home lately! Wearing boots and spare clothes, they laughed and danced in our outdoor classroom's expansive mud area. In the mud, they can play, create, or dig to their heart's content. Our teachers have also set up a mud kitchen, where students can engage in sensory, role-playing, imaginative,...

Last Friday, friends in Willow were treated to a special Lunar New Year Celebration! After learning about the Year of the Dragon, they crafted beautiful dragon puppets with lights. With their cfreations in hand, they embarked on a joyful parade through all the preschool classrooms, extending warm wishes for a Happy Lunar New Year to their friends!...

On Tuesday, both first-grade classes attended a live webinar with authors Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen. The duo read their picture book Triangle and took questions from the audience.  Although there was a large, nationwide audience attending this event, one of the questions that we submitted was selected! Jacob asked, "How did they start working together?" Before co-authoring this book, Mac and Jon shared that they became friends when they discovered that they both loved the Frog...

"Ms. Busick, it's snowing!" The Grade 6 girls were yelling in delight! They ran outside in their PJs to find themselves in a Narnia-like winter wonderland, in awe of the enormous, magical snowflakes coming down.  For one of our students, this was her first time experiencing snow, bringing her so much joy. They quickly dressed so they could have a snowball fight before it melted. Snow was not in the forecast, so our students were sure snow...

We are celebrating National School Counseling Week and asked Ms. Sara to tell us a little about her day as Gillispie’s School Counselor!  Ms. Sara logs many steps every day! She goes from engaging in fun activities in Early Childhood classes and providing social-emotional lessons in Elementary classes, to conducting small group sessions and meeting with students individually. She uses every opportunity to explore Gillispie’s campus and connect with each child so they feel seen and loved. In...

This week, we celebrated World Read Aloud Day with two virtual author visits, an author talk, and read-alouds! Two Virtual Author Visits: Fifth graders enjoyed a virtual visit from Lisa Moore Ramée, author of several novels, most notably A Good Kind of Trouble. She read aloud from her latest novel, Mapmaker, and afterward shared insights into her writing process. Her key piece of advice to those who want to become a writer: READ!  Ms. Cohn's fourth graders visited with...

Ms. Cohn's class started collaborating with the Design Team on a year-long business project! Students have been divided into three small business groups, focusing on product development, marketing, advertising, production, and sales.  On May 24th, the three businesses will showcase and 'sell' their products for donations at the Spring Arts and Design Showcase, with proceeds benefiting two charities - one for endangered animals and the other for Rady Children's Hospital.  Furry Friends, one of the businesses, is crafting...

Last Friday, our preschool friends welcomed four firefighters from Fire Station #13! Excitement filled the room as a big-ladder red fire truck appeared outside the window. Firefighters Brea and Jake focused on fire safety. When they asked emergency-related questions, the children confidently knew 911 and pledged to inform a teacher or adult about any hazards. They also learned how to STOP, DROP & ROLL! A highlight was when firefighter Brea showcased her full gear, from heavy pants to...

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