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UPCOMING DATES:
Oct. 2 - Art Enrichment Session 1 Orientation at 9:15am in the Cafeteria
Oct. 2 - Custodian Appreciation Day
Oct. 3 - No School (Rosh Hashanah)
Oct. 4 - No School (Teacher Work Day)
Oct. 15 - Last day to order class year t-shirts
Oct. 23 - General PTA Meeting at 10:30am via Zoom
Oct. 26 - Fall Festival 12-4pm in the field, court behind the school
Oct. 31 - Reflections Contest submission deadline
FCPS School Year Calendar for 2024-2025
Click HERE to catch up on the helpful and important information
sent by the school on September 20, 2024.
PTA and GFES Collaboration
Did you know teachers and administrators are members of our PTA and PTA Executive Board?
We welcome our dedicated teacher liaisons—Mrs. Barber, Mrs. Campion, Mrs. Grant, Ms. Murphy, Mrs. Roberts, and Mrs. Walter! Their participation not only highlights their commitment to our school community but also reinforces the invaluable partnership between our educators and parents.
The teacher liaisons serve a crucial role in bridging communication and fostering collaboration between the PTA and the school’s teaching staff.
Here’s a closer look at their contributions:
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Facilitating Communication: The liaisons play an essential role in ensuring that information flows smoothly between the PTA and teachers. They keep the teaching staff informed about upcoming PTA events, programs, and initiatives—like our annual fundraiser and community outreach projects—while also relaying important feedback, ideas, and concerns from teachers back to the PTA. This two-way communication fosters a culture of transparency and mutual respect.
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Providing Insights: As key voices within the school, our liaisons bring invaluable insights on educational matters. They help the PTA align its efforts with the specific needs and priorities of the school. For instance, when planning events, they consider how these activities can best support curriculum goals and enhance student learning experiences. Their expertise ensures that decisions made by the PTA are not only informed but also in the best interest of our students and staff.
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Encouraging Collaboration: The liaisons actively promote teamwork between teachers and parents, facilitating stronger partnerships that support student success and drive meaningful school improvements. They encourage parents to engage with teachers during events, fostering an environment where ideas and concerns can be shared openly. This collaboration is vital for creating a cohesive community focused on student achievement.
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Supporting PTA Events: Mrs. Barber, Mrs. Campion, Mrs. Grant, Ms. Murphy, Mrs. Roberts, and Mrs. Walter do not just serve as liaisons; they are actively involved in organizing and participating in PTA-sponsored activities. Whether it’s the Back to School Night, Movie Night, Skate Night, or Diversity Fair, their contributions help ensure that these events align with our school's goals. They also encourage teacher participation, reinforcing the idea that these events are for everyone in our school community.
We warmly invite all families and staff members to join our Great Falls Elementary PTA and volunteer for the exciting student events planned for this school year! Your involvement makes a meaningful difference, and together we can create a supportive environment that fosters the growth and success of all our students. Let's work hand in hand to enrich our school community!
Membership is only $20 and supports PTA operations, gives you voting rights at all PTA general meetings, and entry into raffles for tickets and parking for PTA events!
Join Now >> https://www.gfespta.com/membership
Annual Reflections Contest
The Reflections program helps students with both art appreciation and helps boost their confidence in their own artistic abilities. Each year over 300,000 students in pre-K through 12th grade create original works of art based on a given theme.
Students submit their completed works of art in one or all of the available arts categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography and Visual Arts.
Entries are due October 31st, 2024.
Click here to learn more and download the entry form.
 
Movie Night Success! And raffle winners...
The GFES PTA wants to extend an enormous THANK YOU to the over 600 Roadrunner students & family members who attended this year's show. Our amazing team of volunteers came together and pulled off a fun night for all. Thank you so much volunteers!! A very special thanks goes out to Erica Ashlock and Caroline Rogers for their hard work chairing their event.
Additional thanks to Barnes and Noble, Kaylyn’s Nail Spa, the Creamery, Mookie’s, Subway, Thelo Greek, Zamarod, Oliver’s Butcher Shop, and the Conservatory Dance Studio for their generous donations to our Movie Night Raffle, and congratulations to our winners!
We are still waiting for two people to claim their raffle prizes! If you have one of the following raffle tickets, please reach out to schoolspiritvp@gfespta.com to claim your prize!
White Ticket # 15777-633
White Ticket # 15777-520
Finally, there were a few items left behind after Movie Night! If any of the below items are yours, please reach out to schoolspiritvp@gfespta.com.
Thank you so much!!
Art Enrichment Session 1:
The First Art Enrichment Orientation Session is Wednesday, Oct 2nd at 9:15am in the GFES Cafeteria. All AE classroom leads and volunteers for the first sessions are encouraged to join.
October 2, 2024 is Custodian Appreciation Day!
Wednesday, October 2nd is Custodian Appreciation Day! Today and every day we celebrate the GFES custodial team for their commitment to our students, staff, and community. Not only do they support the maintenance of the school and grounds but they also work outside of school hours to open the building to the community for practices, meetings and events. GFES has the best custodial staff around and we are so thankful for all they do!
Girls on the Run Update:
Girls on the Run had a great first week of practice! Although the rain kept us inside, we still had fun - learning about connecting as a team and our ability to make choices. Of course we ran a few laps, too. Go GOTR!
 
Order your Class Year Shirt Today!
We are continuing the GFES tradition for grade level class t-shirts! Each class year has its own color which will remain the same throughout the student’s entire GFES career. Students can wear these shirts on field trips, spirit days and other school events. These shirts can also make great mementos to remember their elementary school days at GFES! This year, we are thrilled to offer two types of quality shirts. Don’t miss out on this great tradition and order today here! Last day to order is October 15.
Option 1: Bella + Canvas Cotton Tee, $10
Option 2: Sport Performance Tee, $11
Roadrunner Giving Campaign
The PTA is asking our Roadrunner families to please consider donating to our ANNUAL Roadrunner Giving Campaign! We hope to have many generous families donate and need the continued support to continue assisting our school with the many programs, activities the PTA supports.
We have some wonderful incentives this year to encourage our wonderful families to donate! New this year: donate at least $250 to the RGC by October 31st and you will be entered into our raffle to be PRINCIPAL FOR THE DAY!! Other incentives include:
40% of families join/donate - School-Wide Pajama Day
50% of families join/donate - Popsicles for all students
60% of families join/donate - School-Wide Dance Party!
At our first general PTA meeting of the year, we will share what the PTA’s goals are and how we will actively assist our students, teachers and families. More information on the time and location of the meeting will be shared shortly.
To view our Roadrunner Giving Campaign flyer, please click HERE!
Save the Date: General PTA Meeting
Wednesday, October 23rd at 10:30am via Zoom
We will introduce our leadership team, provide details about what the PTA does for the and with the school, along with update the membership of the goals for this school year. Please join us! Call details will be provided closer to the date of the meeting.
Community Offering 1
Join the doctors at Great Falls Physical Therapy for Kids Field Day!!! On October 3, 2024 from 5-6pm. Remember, this is a day off of school... why not come and let the kids get some energy out!
Email info@greatfallspt.com to sign up or Register by clicking HERE.
Payment collected at arrival.
Community Offering 2
YOUTH RUGBY HAS STARTED!
4-10: Boys & Girls NON-CONTACT/NO RISK
10-18: Contact Tackle, Boys & Girls
See website for location & times www.rugbyVA.com
Contact: Gary Coetzee gary@greatfallsrugby.com
Northern Virginia, boys & girls, all agesCamaraderie, Teamwork, Leadership
Community Offering 3
The Spooktacular has moved to the Sunday before Halloween!
It's no trick- same beloved tradition, just on a different day! Join us on Sunday, October 27th from 5-7pm. Dress up and come to the Village Centre Green to trick-or-treat with Celebrate Great Falls sponsors, local merchants, and community organizations in a safe environment right in the heart of town. The whole family can visit the Haunted House, enjoy spooky music and have your picture taken.
More details can be found at https://celebrategreatfalls.org/halloween
If anyone - person, family, company - is interested in becoming a 2024-25 Corporate Sponsor, please click HERE to learn more information on how our school can benefit from your sponsorship as well as promoting your business through out the school year!
Be sure to click HERE to become a Corporate Sponsor!
We already have generous families and businesses that have donated and will be featured on our website and Facebook Page coming soon!
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The PTA now has an Instagram account, please follow and share! We will duplicate what is shared on our Facebook page. |
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Follow the PTA on Facebook! Share with friends and new GFES families.
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