October was a great month with many things going on around the “Grove.” Students and staff were able to take advantage of a few days off for Fall Break. This was a great time to rejuvenate and get a little rest. It was great to see so many parents attending parent conferences either in-person or virtually. This was one of our most well-attended conference week’s over the past few years. In the long run, this will greatly benefit our students as good communication between teachers and parents plays a significant role in their academic success.

As a reminder, our second digital learning day of the year will take place on Friday, November 3rd.

The week of November 13 -17 is American Education Week. During this week, we will participate in the county’s annual Principal For A Day program. Ms. Adrianna Butler, Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, will be joining me on Tuesday, November 14 to see what it’s like to be a principal at Walnut Grove Elementary. I know she will enjoy her time at Walnut Grove and will be very impressed with our students and staff.

If you are traveling over the upcoming Thanksgiving Holiday season, please be very careful and I hope you enjoy the time you get to spend with your family, relatives, and friends.

Sincerely,

Dr. Dale Pugh

International Night will be Thursday, March 21, 2024, from 5:30 - 7:30 PM at Walnut Grove.

We would love for you to share your cultural heritage at our 2nd Annual International Night by hosting a booth or workshop, spotlighting a business, preparing a student performance, or by giving a student interview prior to the event for the morning news. If you are interested in participating, please complete the form below.

If you have any questions, please email Christy.tate@gcpsk12.org

We are excited to complete the WGES Love My Library fundraiser ending November 6th. Love My Library Book Fairs are a fabulous fundraiser that not only supports our library, but also gives our readers the opportunity to earn BOOKS and prizes! Love My Library Book Fairs are a simple, easy way to support the school community, while also benefiting your student. Who doesn’t want to build a home library, while building the school library too?

Students brought home information on activating their personal LOVE MY LIBRARY dashboard on Monday, October 23rd & 30th. You will find this to be the easiest fundraiser possible. By simply activating your child’s personal page and using the promotional tools found there, friends and family anywhere in the world can show their support for your reader. 100% of donations benefit the students and the Walnut Grove Media Center – 50% of donations raised by students allow them to purchase books on the Love My Library dashboard and 50% of the donations benefit the Media Center.

Fundraiser Goal: $14,000

If we meet our goal, Magician, Jeffini, will visit Walnut Grove

Funds raised will allow us to:

¨ Host Author Shanda McCloskey in March for All Students.

¨ Purchase a Books for Book Vending Machine

¨ Purchase a Glow Forge Aura for student use

¨ Extend Digital Subscriptions

¨ Purchase Osmo Educational Systems

¨ Purchase Books for the Media Center

The Georgia Parent Survey is designed to give parents an opportunity to share input with the Georgia Department of Education. It contains 24 questions. Parents may complete the survey using a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet. Parents without internet access should contact their child’s school to arrange to complete the survey at the school. The data parents provide by completing this survey will be used as part of the calculation of the School Climate Star Rating. Survey responses are anonymous and will be submitted directly to the Georgia Department of Education for analysis. Individual data results from the Georgia Parent Survey will not be available to system or school personnel or the public and will not be posted online. Please provide your voice for Gwinnett County Public Schools by clicking the link and completing the survey.

Please join us in congratulating our five local school winners for the PTA Reflections Competition.

• Visual Arts - Emma G. 5th Grade
• Dance - Simone W. 3rd Grade
• Photography - Jaina N. M. 3rd Grade
• Literature - Diego 4th Grade
• Literature - Ivan S. 4th Grade

This year's theme, celebrating creative self-expression is "I Am Hopeful Because...". Our winners, chosen by a panel of judges in each respective field, will advance to the regional PTA Reflection Competition.

In addition, the photography and visual arts submissions will be displayed at the Hudgens Center for Arts at Gas South District. Stay tuned for information about our recognition ceremony for all of our PTA Reflections participants.

Why is early learning important?

A child's early years lay the foundation for all that is to come. Research shows that the human brain is at its most receptive between birth and three years of age. It is key to student success.

Want to learn more?

Come be a part of a new program at Walnut Grove - Little Learners Academy.

These hour-long play sessions are once a month and designed for parents and their children ages birth to five.

The dates are November 8, December 6, January 10, February 7, March 6, April 10 & May 8

The Walnut Grove Elementary School yearbook order is open. There is no guarantee that there will be extra yearbooks to purchase later. Secure your yearbook by ordering one today!

Thank you to the following families that have donated funds this year to help stock our book vending machine that is located in the media center:

• Fleming family
• Gong family
• Muramoto family
• Nishi family
• Ngo family
• Salikhov family

Want to help keep our vending machine stocked with books for the students? You can make on donation on Mypaymentsplus ---look under Activities---WGES Books for Book Vending Machine

November

• November 2nd: Spirit Night at Sparkles from 5-9 PM
• November 3rd: Digital Learning Day (Students will learn from home).
• November 6th: Last Day for Love My Library Fundraiser
• November 8th: Little Learner's Academy
• November 9th: Last Running Club Meeting
• November 20th-24th: Thanksgiving Break (No school)

December

• December 1st: PTA Parent Night at the Holiday Shop from 5-8 PM the Chorus Concert at 6 PM
• December 6th: Fall Picture Retakes
• December 6th: Little Learner's Academy at 10 AM
• December 18th - January 4th: Winter Break

• Authorized visitors are welcome to sign in at the front office and join their child for lunch. However, outside food and packages are not permitted.
• Checkouts are not permitted past 2:45 PM
• Taking photos and videos are strictly prohibited.
• Outside birthday treats are not permitted, but we would love to celebrate your child's birthday through our Hooray, Hooray Birthday program. 🥳