Universal Trip

Parents -

This is just a reminder that the students will be attending Universal Studios on Monday.  They need to be at school Monday morning between 700-715 a.m. as buses will pull out at 730. Please report to your HR teacher to check in for attendance purposes.  Please remind your students to wear their aqua 5th grade shirts on Monday and to be sure to load up on sunscreen as the weather forecast is shooting for sunny weather. Also, please DO NOT bring any electronic devices (i.e. IPods, game players or cell phones). They will be left on the bus unattended while we walk throughout the park.

Also, the students will be receiving a voucher in Universal Studios money to be used to purchase food and/or drinks throughout the day.  However, if your child would like to purchase souvenirs at the park or you think they might need more for food/drinks/ etc, you might want to send them with some "just in case" money.

We should be arriving back at school around 500-530 Monday evening.  So, for those of you who are unable to chaperone, please make sure you or someone will be at Gorrie to pick up your child by then.

Thank you so much and we are looking forward to Monday!

The 5^th Grade Team

Welcome Ms. Cahill

Dear Fifth Grade Families, 

            As the second half of the school year gets underway, I would like to start off by introducing myself. My name is Krista Cahill and I will be interning for Mr. Catania in your son/daughter’s fifth grade classroom. I am from Danvers, Massachusetts where I grew up with my parents and younger brother Stephen who is a freshman at Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston.  I made the decision to attend The University of Tampa first, in all honesty, because I knew I couldn’t turn down the beautiful weather.  When I discovered that their Education program is one of the best in the state, my decision was quickly solidified.  On campus, I am involved in the Kappa Delta Pi, which is an international honors society for education, and am a member of Delta Gamma.  Outside of the classroom, I love to spend time with close friends and family, but I also absolutely love taking Spinning/indoor cycling classes or doing something active.  Sometime in the future, I hope to become a certified Spin instructor and share my enthusiasm for cycling with others.  I can’t wait to hear about what types of hobbies or activities your children enjoy as well as understanding how they learn best.

            I have learned so many valuable teaching techniques throughout my time in UT’s program and have enjoyed spending time in various classrooms in Hillsborough County.  After graduation, I plan to stay in Tampa and hope to teach at an elementary school in the area. This internship is the last step I will take before receiving my Bachelor’s Degree in elementary education from UT and I am extremely lucky to be spending it here at Gorrie Elementary. I will be present in the classroom from mid-January through the beginning of May. I am very much looking forward to getting to know you and your child in the upcoming weeks. We will have many wonderful experiences and opportunities to learn and grow together in the days ahead. 

I look forward to meeting you!

Sincerely,
Ms. Cahill

Migrant Family Gifts

December 2, 2013                                                                     

Dear Gorrie Families,

This season of caring and sharing is an opportunity for us to help other families celebrate the holidays in a special way.  Classes have decided to be responsible for providing another family with items to make their holiday brighter for children who are less fortunate.

When you are out shopping please think of the family our class is helping.

Any gift you purchase should be sent into school wrapped and tagged.    On the tag, please include the child’s name and what is in the package.  This will enable us to avoid any duplication that may occur.  We are concentrating on the children, but small parent gifts would also be appreciated.

Thank you for your support and generosity.  I know that each family will be forever grateful for making the holidays a joy for their children.

The gifts will be picked up early on Friday, December 13th.

Sincerely,

Nicholas Catania

5^th Grade

Gorrie Elementary

Mr. Catania’s Class Family

#264 – Campos/Hernandez Family

                Age        Gender          Clothing       

Lorena          8             Girl                10                 

Kevin          5             Boy                6                   

Augustin       2             Boy                3                  

Cin                1             Boy                18 Mos           

Cake Walk 2013

Hello-

As many of you know, the Cake Walk is one of the main fundraisers 5th Grade uses to help offset the cost of our end of the year Universal Field Trip. Therefore, it is REALLY crucial for us to have tons of support in making the Cake Walk a success. This year, Lauren Greer (mother of Antonio in Ms. Stetekluh's Class), has graciously volunteered to take on the task of organizing an AMAZING Cake Walk at the Fall Carnival on Friday, October 25th here at Gorrie. Below, you will find a link that you can access to sign up to either donate food items or supplies, help organize and set up the day of the event, or work and clean up during and after the event. We are looking for the following items from each class:

• 12 cakes from each class for the Cake Walk; 
• 6 donations of baked goods from each class (each consisting of 12 individually-wrapped, baked items) for Bake Sale;  
• 5 people per class to help with operations of the Cake Walk and Bake Sale; volunteer DJ to operate the music player
• Plus donations of Rope and 2 Five-Gallon Buckets

Here is the link to sign up:

• https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AuACGRSJE9YedFFJSkFBUjczY0VPQ2FPQUFSeFZZZnc&usp=sharing

• If you have any questions, please contact our Cake Walk coordinator, Lauren Greer at lauren529@yahoo.com

We look forward to a successful Cake Walk this year!

Red Ribbon Week

Next week is Red Ribbon Week at Gorrie! Below is the schedule for how we would like students to participate next week and show their support. Thanks!

         Red Ribbon Week 

Tuesday October 22-Friday October 25^th 

Tuesday: “I am a “Jean” ius-Wear jeans

Wednesday: “Sock” it to drugs- Wear crazy socks 

Thursday: “Follow your dreams”- Wear pajamas

Friday: “Red”-y to Live Drug Free and Make a Difference – Wear red clothes 

*note: Monday the 21^st is a non student day 

Trucks, Trucks, and more TRUCKS!

The Great American Teach In is very soon and we are looking for numbers and contacts of those who have access to trucks. These trucks will be used for display at the Great American Teach In. This includes fire trucks, limousines, cherry pickers, cement mixers etc. Please email Susie Demesmin at susie.demesmin@sdhc.k12.fl.us. if you can help! 

Conference Calendar

During the month of October, I will be holding conferences to discuss your child's progress so far this year. Please follow the link to sign up for one time slot. Thanks!

• https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xoa8Z8bqkV4328E7qRtbUqC4RKY9KY_EZTjDzpThE24/edit?usp=sharing

I hope to see each of you to discuss how your child is doing this year!

-Mr. Catania