The 21st Century Grant has been an Incredible Success!
GCS will be having a Go Home Early Drill on November 25, 2025.
Jr.-Sr. High School will be dismissed at 11:00 AM
AND students at the
Elementary School will be dismissed at 11:15 AM
🌟 American Sign Language Club Spotlight! 🌟
Through our 21st Century Grant Program, students in our ASL Club have been learning how to communicate in amazing new ways! 🙌
So far, we’ve practiced signing the alphabet, numbers, colors, friendly greetings, family, and emotions — and we’re getting really good at our receptive ASL skills too! 💬
Some of our favorite activities include ASL Bingo and Jeopardy, where students get to show off their growing knowledge while having fun with friends. 💡👏
We’re so proud of our students’ enthusiasm and dedication to learning American Sign Language — a skill that helps make our school community more inclusive and connected. 💙🤟
📸 Check out some photos of our amazing signers in action below!
#GrotonElementary #SOARR #RedhawkPride #21stCenturyLearning #ASLClub #InclusiveEducation #LearningIsFun
Through our 21st Century Grant Program, students in our ASL Club have been learning how to communicate in amazing new ways! 🙌
So far, we’ve practiced signing the alphabet, numbers, colors, friendly greetings, family, and emotions — and we’re getting really good at our receptive ASL skills too! 💬
Some of our favorite activities include ASL Bingo and Jeopardy, where students get to show off their growing knowledge while having fun with friends. 💡👏
We’re so proud of our students’ enthusiasm and dedication to learning American Sign Language — a skill that helps make our school community more inclusive and connected. 💙🤟
📸 Check out some photos of our amazing signers in action below!
#GrotonElementary #SOARR #RedhawkPride #21stCenturyLearning #ASLClub #InclusiveEducation #LearningIsFun
🎨✨ Deck the Crafts is back at Groton Elementary! ✨🎨
Need gift ideas or just love to craft? Join Groton Youth Services for Deck the Crafts — a creative after-school program where students in grades 2–5 make fun holiday projects that double as amazing handmade gifts!
📅 Wednesdays: November 5, 12, 19 & December 3, 10, 17
🕒 3:00–5:30 PM
📍 Groton Elementary School
Let’s get in the holiday spirit together through creativity, giving, and fun! 🎁
🎨 Register for free today: https://bit.ly/GrotonRYS
#GrotonElementary #GrotonYouthServices #DeckTheCrafts #RedhawkPride #HolidayFun #Creativity #Community
Need gift ideas or just love to craft? Join Groton Youth Services for Deck the Crafts — a creative after-school program where students in grades 2–5 make fun holiday projects that double as amazing handmade gifts!
📅 Wednesdays: November 5, 12, 19 & December 3, 10, 17
🕒 3:00–5:30 PM
📍 Groton Elementary School
Let’s get in the holiday spirit together through creativity, giving, and fun! 🎁
🎨 Register for free today: https://bit.ly/GrotonRYS
#GrotonElementary #GrotonYouthServices #DeckTheCrafts #RedhawkPride #HolidayFun #Creativity #Community
🎉 Calling All Future Scientists! 🧪🤖
Groton Youth Services is bringing The Brainy Bunch to Groton Elementary School this November and December!
Each week, students in grades 2–5 will dive into hands-on experiments exploring how and why things work — from robotics to chemistry and beyond. This after-school program promises to be fun, educational, and full of surprises!
📅 Thursdays: Nov. 6, 13, 20 & Dec. 4, 11, 18
🕒 3:00–5:30 PM
📍 Groton Elementary School
💡 Grades 2–5
✨ Register for FREE today!
👉 https://bit.ly/GrotonRYS
#GrotonElementary #RedhawkSTEAM #TheBrainyBunch #GrotonPride #FutureScientists
Groton Youth Services is bringing The Brainy Bunch to Groton Elementary School this November and December!
Each week, students in grades 2–5 will dive into hands-on experiments exploring how and why things work — from robotics to chemistry and beyond. This after-school program promises to be fun, educational, and full of surprises!
📅 Thursdays: Nov. 6, 13, 20 & Dec. 4, 11, 18
🕒 3:00–5:30 PM
📍 Groton Elementary School
💡 Grades 2–5
✨ Register for FREE today!
👉 https://bit.ly/GrotonRYS
#GrotonElementary #RedhawkSTEAM #TheBrainyBunch #GrotonPride #FutureScientists
🎉 Groton Elementary School PTO Presents: The Fall Dance! 💃🕺
Get ready for a fun-filled evening of music, laughter, and community!
📅 Date: Friday, November 7th, 2025
🕕 Time: 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 Location: Groton Elementary School Gym
✨ Every child must be accompanied by an adult.
🍿 Food will be available for purchase
Get ready for a fun-filled evening of music, laughter, and community!
📅 Date: Friday, November 7th, 2025
🕕 Time: 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 Location: Groton Elementary School Gym
✨ Every child must be accompanied by an adult.
🍿 Food will be available for purchase
FALL back this weekend!
Groton Elementary Families,
The parade is ON! After reviewing the radar and hourly forecast, it looks like we’ll have light rain during the parade. Please be sure to bring rain jackets and umbrellas just in case.
This year, students will make two loops around the route so everyone can see their student(s). If the weather shifts, we may adjust to one loop.
If you’ve sent in a note to pick up your student after the parade, please sign them out in the GES Gymnasium once doors open at approximately 2:20 PM. After signing out by last name, you’ll move to the opposite side of the partitioned gym to pick up your student(s). This new setup should help keep everyone out of the rain.
We kindly ask that only ONE adult per family enter the gym to sign out and pick up students due to limited space.
***UPK–3 families: Please follow directions from Mr. Lockwood.
Important: All cars must be moved from the bus loop in front of the gym by 2:50 PM to allow buses to arrive for dismissal.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation. Our students are so excited to show off their costumes — it’s going to be a great parade day at Groton Elementary!
Just a reminder, if you plan to pick up your child after the parade on Friday, please send in a note with them tomorrow (Thursday). The parade starts at 2 PM on Friday.
“Fill the Pumpkin” Event
Sat. Nov. 1st at the football game, Ross Field - 11 AM
Please send a note by Thursday if you're picking your child up after the parade this Friday.
🎃 Spook-Tacular Family Night at Groton Elementary! 👻
What an incredible evening filled with creativity, laughter, and community spirit! Families explored spooky STEM challenges, made Halloween slime, crafted origami bookmarks, painted pumpkins, built bone bridges, designed haunted houses, and even created magnificent broom keepsakes and candy-corn math bracelets.
Congratulations to Graeson Robinson, Hayden Houck, and Beau Dexter for guessing the closest number of Reese’s Pieces in the jar!
A huge thank you to our amazing staff for organizing such fun-filled activities and to the 21st Century Grant for helping make this event possible for our students and families.
Events like this remind us what makes Groton such a special place—where learning and fun go hand in hand! 💫
#GrotonElementary #RedhawksSOARR #SpookTacularFamilyNight #CommunityStrong
Our Kindergarten and 2nd grade students visited Moore's Tree farm in Lansing. Students learned about Christmas trees, the life cycles of pumpkins and goats, as well as facts about chickens and eggs. Students were given a hay wagon ride around the farm as well. Students also had time to jump on their giant pumpkin jump pad, play in the corn crib, ride bikes around a racetrack and play on giant games such as skee-ball, human foosball and other yard games. All students had a fun and educational trip!
Friendship Club Week #4
October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and that was our focus in Friendship Club today! 💙
We read the book “The Recess Queen” and talked about what it means to be a good friend. Students then worked together to sort pictures into two categories — being a good friend and not being a good friend — helping them reflect on their own choices during playtime.
To finish, we watched “Be an Upstander – Prevent Bullying: A NED Short”, a great video encouraging students to stand up for others and be an upstander instead of a bystander.
Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/eeqQCyQOCPg
At Groton Elementary, we continue to build a culture of kindness, empathy, and respect — one friendship at a time. 💛
October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and that was our focus in Friendship Club today! 💙
We read the book “The Recess Queen” and talked about what it means to be a good friend. Students then worked together to sort pictures into two categories — being a good friend and not being a good friend — helping them reflect on their own choices during playtime.
To finish, we watched “Be an Upstander – Prevent Bullying: A NED Short”, a great video encouraging students to stand up for others and be an upstander instead of a bystander.
Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/eeqQCyQOCPg
At Groton Elementary, we continue to build a culture of kindness, empathy, and respect — one friendship at a time. 💛
Dear Groton Elementary School Families,
I am writing to inform you that we will be conducting a lockdown drill on Friday, October 24, 2025. As always, our primary focus is on ensuring the safety and preparedness of all our students.
During the drill, students will practice following lockdown procedures in their classroom under the guidance of their teachers and staff. These drills are crucial for ensuring that everyone in our school knows how to respond calmly and efficiently in the event of an emergency.
As a reminder, we will not provide specific times for the drill to preserve its effectiveness, but we wanted to notify you in advance per the new New York State regulations.
We understand that drills like these can be sensitive, and we approach them with the utmost care to ensure students feel safe and supported throughout the process. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact the main office.
Thank you for your continued partnership in maintaining a safe learning environment for all.
I am writing to inform you that we will be conducting a lockdown drill on Friday, October 24, 2025. As always, our primary focus is on ensuring the safety and preparedness of all our students.
During the drill, students will practice following lockdown procedures in their classroom under the guidance of their teachers and staff. These drills are crucial for ensuring that everyone in our school knows how to respond calmly and efficiently in the event of an emergency.
As a reminder, we will not provide specific times for the drill to preserve its effectiveness, but we wanted to notify you in advance per the new New York State regulations.
We understand that drills like these can be sensitive, and we approach them with the utmost care to ensure students feel safe and supported throughout the process. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact the main office.
Thank you for your continued partnership in maintaining a safe learning environment for all.
Groton Elementary School Fall Festival & Parade – October 31, 2025: Family Letter and Map
October 23, 2025
Dear Families:
This year we will be holding a “Fall Festival” on Friday, October 31st. Teachers have fun, fall-themed activities planned for students to participate in during the school day. We would like to invite you to join us at the end of the day for our traditional “Fall Parade” beginning around 1:50 pm.
We are asking students not to wear their costumes to school but to bring them with them and put them on before the parade if they would like to dress up. Thankfully, we have lots of helpers this year to assist with the costume changing process. Students can wear fall colored clothes, Groton spirit gear, dress up as their favorite book character or choose another costume that is “school-appropriate,” and does not promote or display a violent or graphic theme. Swords, guns, knives and bloody makeup cannot be part of the costume. We know many of the pre-made costumes are pricey, so we hope some of these other ‘fall’ themed ideas will be more economical and just as much fun.
This year the parade will begin at the far side of the building near the modified softball field/concessions stand. Students will follow the sidewalk, loop around the bus circle and enter the main entrance to return to their classrooms. This will give families more room to spread out along a bigger area so you can easily take pictures and enjoy watching the parade.
Taking your Student(s) Home After the Parade?
> As we prepare for the upcoming parade, we want to ensure a safe and efficient pickup process for our students, staff, and families.
> Please be aware that it may take some time for students to return to their classrooms and gather their belongings. Additionally, students will remain in their costumes if they are being picked up.
> To help us plan effectively, kindly send a note with your child on Wednesday or Thursday (October 29th/30th) if you intend to pick them up.
> Student pickups for UPK-4 through 5th grade will take place in the GES Gymnasium. Students will be signed out by last name rather than by grade level. Designated tables will be set up in the gym to assist families in signing out their children efficiently. Once you have signed-out your student(s) please wait outside of the Gymnasium for pick-up.
> For UPK-3 students, they will be dismissed as normal at 2:45 PM in the lobby area.
> Please remember to sign out your child before leaving.
> To ensure the safety and security of everyone, families are kindly requested to remain outside, in the GES Gymnasium, or in the lobby area. Thank you for your understanding.
If the weather is inclement, I will send out a notification using Thrillshare/Rooms by 11:30 AM canceling the parade. Students will still have the opportunity to dress-up and have their regular Fall themed activities/party in their classrooms.
If you have any questions about the Fall Festival or Parade, please email your child’s teacher. We are excited for students to enjoy some “Fall fun” this year and we look forward to seeing you at the parade!
October 23, 2025
Dear Families:
This year we will be holding a “Fall Festival” on Friday, October 31st. Teachers have fun, fall-themed activities planned for students to participate in during the school day. We would like to invite you to join us at the end of the day for our traditional “Fall Parade” beginning around 1:50 pm.
We are asking students not to wear their costumes to school but to bring them with them and put them on before the parade if they would like to dress up. Thankfully, we have lots of helpers this year to assist with the costume changing process. Students can wear fall colored clothes, Groton spirit gear, dress up as their favorite book character or choose another costume that is “school-appropriate,” and does not promote or display a violent or graphic theme. Swords, guns, knives and bloody makeup cannot be part of the costume. We know many of the pre-made costumes are pricey, so we hope some of these other ‘fall’ themed ideas will be more economical and just as much fun.
This year the parade will begin at the far side of the building near the modified softball field/concessions stand. Students will follow the sidewalk, loop around the bus circle and enter the main entrance to return to their classrooms. This will give families more room to spread out along a bigger area so you can easily take pictures and enjoy watching the parade.
Taking your Student(s) Home After the Parade?
> As we prepare for the upcoming parade, we want to ensure a safe and efficient pickup process for our students, staff, and families.
> Please be aware that it may take some time for students to return to their classrooms and gather their belongings. Additionally, students will remain in their costumes if they are being picked up.
> To help us plan effectively, kindly send a note with your child on Wednesday or Thursday (October 29th/30th) if you intend to pick them up.
> Student pickups for UPK-4 through 5th grade will take place in the GES Gymnasium. Students will be signed out by last name rather than by grade level. Designated tables will be set up in the gym to assist families in signing out their children efficiently. Once you have signed-out your student(s) please wait outside of the Gymnasium for pick-up.
> For UPK-3 students, they will be dismissed as normal at 2:45 PM in the lobby area.
> Please remember to sign out your child before leaving.
> To ensure the safety and security of everyone, families are kindly requested to remain outside, in the GES Gymnasium, or in the lobby area. Thank you for your understanding.
If the weather is inclement, I will send out a notification using Thrillshare/Rooms by 11:30 AM canceling the parade. Students will still have the opportunity to dress-up and have their regular Fall themed activities/party in their classrooms.
If you have any questions about the Fall Festival or Parade, please email your child’s teacher. We are excited for students to enjoy some “Fall fun” this year and we look forward to seeing you at the parade!
We will be conducting our first lockdown drill tomorrow, October 24th.
🎃 One More Sleep ‘Til Halloween! 👻
We’re celebrating with PJ Day at Groton Elementary on Thursday, October 30th!
Wear your favorite cozy pajamas and get ready for a fun day before all the Halloween excitement! 🧡🕷️
#GrotonElementary #RedhawkPride #SpiritDay #PJDay #HalloweenFun
We’re celebrating with PJ Day at Groton Elementary on Thursday, October 30th!
Wear your favorite cozy pajamas and get ready for a fun day before all the Halloween excitement! 🧡🕷️
#GrotonElementary #RedhawkPride #SpiritDay #PJDay #HalloweenFun
📚✨ Groton Central School District - Books at Night ✨📚
Video Link to Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17HCE8QZaP/
It’s Books at Night time, Redhawks! 🦅
Tonight’s story is extra special — it reminds us that everyone has a voice, even if they don’t use words to speak. 💬❤️
🎥 Staff Reader: Elizabeth A. Marchewka, M.S. CCC-SLP
💬 Speech and Language Pathologist
📖 Book: “I’ve Always Had a Voice”
✍️ Written by Tania Wieclaw | 🎨 Illustrated by Yulia Frolova
This gentle, rhyming story celebrates all the amazing ways children communicate — through AAC, sign language, gestures, and expressions. It’s a beautiful reminder that every voice deserves to be heard and celebrated. 🌟
Perfect for ages 2–6, this story helps young readers learn about understanding, inclusion, and kindness — and gives families a chance to talk about how we all share our thoughts and feelings differently.
💡 Family Resources:
🗣️ Learn more about AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication):
👉 speechandlanguagekids.com/aacpage
🤟 Learn more about American Sign Language (ASL):
👉 nad.org/resources/american-sign-language/learning-american-sign-language
So snuggle up, press play, and enjoy this heartfelt story with your family tonight! 💕
#BooksAtNight #GrotonReads #RedhawkPride #GrotonCSD #LiteracyMatters #Inclusion #EveryVoiceCounts
Video Link to Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17HCE8QZaP/
It’s Books at Night time, Redhawks! 🦅
Tonight’s story is extra special — it reminds us that everyone has a voice, even if they don’t use words to speak. 💬❤️
🎥 Staff Reader: Elizabeth A. Marchewka, M.S. CCC-SLP
💬 Speech and Language Pathologist
📖 Book: “I’ve Always Had a Voice”
✍️ Written by Tania Wieclaw | 🎨 Illustrated by Yulia Frolova
This gentle, rhyming story celebrates all the amazing ways children communicate — through AAC, sign language, gestures, and expressions. It’s a beautiful reminder that every voice deserves to be heard and celebrated. 🌟
Perfect for ages 2–6, this story helps young readers learn about understanding, inclusion, and kindness — and gives families a chance to talk about how we all share our thoughts and feelings differently.
💡 Family Resources:
🗣️ Learn more about AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication):
👉 speechandlanguagekids.com/aacpage
🤟 Learn more about American Sign Language (ASL):
👉 nad.org/resources/american-sign-language/learning-american-sign-language
So snuggle up, press play, and enjoy this heartfelt story with your family tonight! 💕
#BooksAtNight #GrotonReads #RedhawkPride #GrotonCSD #LiteracyMatters #Inclusion #EveryVoiceCounts
