GCS Christmas 2021 Newsletter

Greetings Grace Christian School family and friends!! My name is Tim Fairchild and I joined the GCS family in July of 2020. Prior to my time at GCS, I worked 33 years in the El Paso Gridley School System: 17 years as a classroom teacher and 16 years in administration. I’m onsite at GCS on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays and available as needed on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It has been my pleasure thus far to work with the talented staff and students at our school. I love their dedication and the positive culture that has been established over the years. I’d like to take this opportunity to share with you some of the positive changes that have happened over the last 18 months as well as exciting goals we have on the horizon. Benchmarking students 3 times a year Academic Benchmark testing is an assessment that measures students in comparison to other students at their grade level. We benchmark our students 3 times a year: in the fall, winter and spring. This allows us to gauge students’ academic progress and growth during the school year. Based on the assessment results and teacher input, we’re then able to establish enrichment or remediation activities to best meet the needs of each student.

If you have any questions regarding our school, please feel free to reach out to me at tfairchild@gcsgators.org . We welcome visitors and feedback as we continue to serve Our Father and the students at GCS.

Heggerty Curriculum Implementation The Heggerty Phonemic Awareness program was added for our PreK and K-1st students in the winter of 2020. The researched based program assists our primary teachers in developing necessary phonics and fluency needed for our students to become good readers. The teachers have embraced the added resource and the students enjoy taking part in the mini-lessons each day. Curriculum at GCS The primary curriculum for our students is the Christian based Bob Jones University Curriculum. This accredited program provides our students with a sound academic foundation and has every lesson in all subjects rooted in Biblical scripture. In addition, we supplement our curriculum in math and reading with Study Island, an online academic program. This program provides our students with extra practice in the reading and math standards at each grade level. Technology Each student has access to a touchscreen laptop at GCS. This allows us to utilize technology in providing our staff and students with additional resources needed to meet each child’s academic, social and spiritual needs.

Reviewing our report cards Educating parents on social media challenges What’s on the horizon for 2022 and beyond?

Establishing a mentoring program as our students transition to high school Following up individually with parents regarding family social and spiritual needs

GCS students have been very active partnering with local schools to participate in IESA sporting events. So far this year, we have had: Softball (Natalie Zimmerman, Carley Vitzhum, Courtney Krause, and Adalyn Pulliam); Baseball (Chancy Haas and Sam Dewald); Cross Country (Brody Karr); Cheerleading (Carley Vitzhum, Violette Torkelson, Adalyn Pulliam); Basketball (Natalie Zimmerman, Carley Vitzhum, Courtney Krause, Adalyn Pulliam, Brody Karr, Sam Dewald); and Volleyball (Natalie Zimmerman, Carley Vitzhum, Violette Torkelson, Courtney Krause, Trinity Smith). Athletics is an integral part of the overall educational experience providing students with valuable lessons in time management, discipline, integrity, hard work, and physical fitness. If you get a chance to come out and support our student-athletes, they would love to see you.

The students and staff paid tribute to our heroes when they presented their annual Veterans Day program. Directed by Miss Brianne Sanders, the students sung beautifully and the night was perfect. Thanks to our GCS alumni for singing the Military Medley song with the students. It was great to have you back. Let's not forget what our veterans have done for us!