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Gilmer Independent School District

Excellence | Achievement | Character | Commitment

2026 October Newsletter

Posted Date: 10/01/26 (04:47 PM)
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GECC

October Newsletter

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Dear Parents/Guardians,

Can you believe how quickly time has flown? It’s already October! Our students have been busy and enthusiastic about taking part in all kinds of fun and engaging learning activities every day.  They are involved in developmentally appropriate learning centers that reinforce reading and math concepts, as well as centers focused on exploration and play.These centers are great for helping them develop communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills in a playful, supportive environment.

October is a pretty busy month for us, so take a quick moment to check out all the exciting upcoming events and activities we have planned. We’d love for you to join us!

Lisa Killebrew 
Principal
 
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End of First Nine-Weeks

The end of first nine-weeks is rapidly approaching.  This means that we will have our first drawing for students who have had perfect attendance during the 1st 9-weeks of school.  The bikes that are in the main hallway will be given away to two perfect attendance girls and two perfect attendance boys!  

Mr. Henry Troell, from State Farm Insurance, has generously agreed to donate four more bikes to be given away for perfect attendance at the end of the second nine-weeks.  
 

Tater Tot Attendance Challenge

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The Tater Tot Attendance Challenge is really heating up as several of the classrooms have two or three completed Mr. Potato Heads on the attendance graph!  We still have another full nine-weeks left before the winner is announced and every class still has a good chance of winning a free Tater Tot Party.
 

Attendance Matters

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Dr. Appointments and Excuses

If you pick your child up for a doctor’s appointment during the day and he/she returns to school on the same day or the next morning and you provide us with a doctor's note, your child will be counted as present for the day. 

If your child is absent and/or goes to a doctor’s appointment please send a parent note or a doctor’s note with them when they return to school or send the excuse to our secretary, Tori Baxter or Liz Sebastian, through ParentSquare.  This will allow us to mark the absence as “excused”.  Notes may be submitted up to 3 days after an absence or an early pick-up.  
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National Custodian Day

October 2nd is National Custodian Day, and we just want to take a moment to give a big shout-out and heartfelt thanks to all the amazing custodians:  Rachel Patton, Paul Freda-Petty, and Zoey Jackson.  We sincerely appreciate your dedication and effort in keeping our building clean, safe, and looking new.
 

CLI Report Cards

Academic reports will go home on October 7th.  Please be sure to check your child’s folder for the report card envelope.  Keep the CLI report at home and be sure to return the envelope and the signed parent/guardian signature page.
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Caldwell Zoo Trip

On October 9th, students will be going on a trip to Caldwell Zoo.  If you have not already sent in your child’s permission slip, please do so by Friday, October 2nd.  If you need another permission slip, please contact your child’s teacher.  
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Yamboree Grounds Trip

On October 9th, Mrs. Ingram’s students will be going to the Yamboree Grounds for a fun filled day!
 

Yamboree Days: School will not be in session October 12th -16th

Please enjoy the time off with family and friends.  We will see everyone back at school on Monday, October 19th.
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2nd Year Anniversary

October 21st marks the second-year anniversary of the opening of GECC!  On this special day, we are asking everyone to help us celebrate by dressing in orange and black to show our GECC and Buckeye pride!  Thank you for your continued partnership and please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher with any classroom questions or concerns.  
 

Fall Picture Day – October 28th

We will let you know when order forms are being sent home. You will also have the option of placing your order online and we will get that information to you as soon as it becomes available.
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Red Ribbon Week - October 26th – 30th

Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free.

Please see the information below about the special dress-up days.
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Halloween - October 30th

Students may wear school appropriate costumes which means no blood, masks, or weapons. If you chose to send your child in a costume, make sure that it will not interfere with using the restroom quickly. If costumes become a distraction, he/she may be asked to change clothes.
 
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November 3rd 5:00pm-7:00pm

Camp Learn-A-Lot

Be sure to join us for Camp Learn-A-Lot for and enjoy fun and engaging activities.  More details will be in the mid-October communication.
 
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October 2nd – National Custodian Day
October 7th – CLI Report Cards Sent Home
October 9th – Zoo Trip and Yamboree Grounds Trip
October 12th – 16th  - Yamboree Days (No School)
October 19th – Classes resume
October 21st – 2nd Anniversary GECC Opening – Wear Orange and Black
October 26th – 30th  Red Ribbon Week
October 28th – Fall Picture Day
October 30th – Halloween Dress-up Day
November 3rd – Camp Learn-A-Lot