Important Dates
October 3: Dr. Newsom's Birthday!
October 6: 1st Grade Field Trip
October 9: Homecoming
October 13: Santa Pictures
October 15: Kinder Field Trip
October 19: Atlas Interim 1 Testing Begins
October 20 & 22: Parent/Teacher Conferences
October 22: Family Night (Outdoor Movie)
October 23 & 26: Fall Break (No School)
October 30: 2nd Grade Field Trip
October 30: Snack Store
Breakfast and Lunch Menus
Click here to see the online breakfast and lunch menus
Grab-and-Go Breakfast
Morning Arrival
We kindly ask that students head directly to the cafeteria for breakfast as soon as they arrive at school. There's no need to hang up their backpacks, as this only reduces their time to savor a healthy breakfast before starting their day.
Please Note: Any student who chooses to go to the playground without having breakfast first will not be permitted to return to the cafeteria once the school day begins at 7:55 AM. We encourage you to motivate your child to take advantage of the FREE, healthy options provided by our fantastic cafeteria staff before embarking on their day of learning.
Breakfast Schedule
In an effort to minimize class time missed by students, GDE is introducing a Grab-and-Go Breakfast available after 7:55 AM. This will be a convenient, easy-to-eat item that tardy students can take to their classrooms to enjoy
Hot Tray Breakfast: Ends at 7:55 AM
Grab-and-Go Items: Served after 7:55 AM
Possible Grab-and-Go Items: Whole Grain Donuts, Whole Grain Honeybuns, Whole Grain Poptarts, Whole Grain Waffles, or Whole Grain Muffins (Juice and milk are provided).
Outdoor Classroom
To celebrate the opening of our Outdoor Classroom, we are inviting families to participate in a special fundraising opportunity. Students can create a personalized stepping stone that will become a permanent part of our Outdoor Classroom pathway. Each stepping stone is $25, and this is a wonderful way for students to leave their mark while supporting the continued growth and enhancement of this exciting learning space.
Specials Color Days
Keep track of your student's specials rotation for October using the color schedule below!
🟥 Red Days: Oct 5, Oct 13, Oct 21
🟧 Orange Days: Oct 6, Oct 14, Oct 22
🟨 Yellow Days: Oct 7, Oct 15, Oct 27
🟩 Green Days: Oct 8, Oct 16, Oct 28
🟦 Blue Days: Oct 1, Oct 9, Oct 19, Oct 29
🟪 Purple Days: Oct 2, Oct 12, Oct 20, Oct 30
⬛ No School: Oct 23, Oct 26
What Is a Golden Paw?
Golden Paws: Celebrating Our Lions
When do students earn a Golden Paw?
When we see a student putting one of the 7 Habits into action, we recognize their leadership with a Golden Paw!
The 7 Habits
Be Proactive
I am in charge of my choices.
Begin With the End in Mind
I make a plan.
Put First Things First
I do important things first.
Think Win-Win
I look for ways we can both succeed.
Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
I listen before I speak.
Synergize
I work well with others.
Sharpen the Saw
I care for my body and mind.
Keep the conversation going at home: Ask your Lion: “Which habit did you practice today?”
State Testing Is Coming!
We are excited to share that we will begin state testing on October 19 – November 6.
This important assessment helps us measure student growth and shows all the amazing things your child has learned!
Testing Schedule
Kinder & 1st Grade:
October 19–22
2nd Grade:
October 27–28
Make-Up Tests:
Remaining days, October 29–November 6
Please help us make this a successful experience by making sure your child is prepared and ready each day.
Ways You Can Help:
Make sure they get a good night’s sleep.
Provide a healthy breakfast.
Remind them to be present and ready.
Get them to school on time.
Encourage them and remind them how capable they are!
Thank you for your support!
Outdoor Movie Night / GDE Family Night
All GDE students & families are invited!
Inside Out 2
When It Happens
5:45 PM:
Gather & set up
6:00 PM:
Movie starts!
What to Bring & Details
Chairs
Blankets
Snacks
Drinks, etc.
Popcorn will be provided!
Special Feature:
Sharing tips to handle overwhelming and complex feelings.
Take-home sensory kits will be available while supplies last
.
This event is FREE and open to all GDE students and their families!
Outdoor Movie Night Volunteers Needed!
Please consider help us make our Family Night a success! Sign up link below!
Popcorn Volunteers for Fall Family Movie Night
Mrs. Jones has asked PTO to donate popcorn for the Fall Family Movie Night on October 22. We will be purchasing the popcorn and bagging it October 22 at 8:00am in the GDE cafeteria. We would love help bagging the popcorn to get it ready for a fun family night. Thank you for your help!
Coach P’s Corner
GDE Physical Education Newsletter
August–October
Unit 1: Personal & Social Responsibility
What We’re Learning
We’re kicking off the year by talking through our routines and learning how to follow directions. We’re focusing on respect, responsibility, and safety.
Our Learning Targets
I can compare behaviors that demonstrate respect as well as disrespect of self and others.
I can engage in physical activities with responsible interpersonal behavior.
I can apply safety principles.
What’s Coming Up
August
Routines
Procedures
Locomotor skills
September
Spatial awareness
Movement concepts
Intro to rock wall
October
Intro to stations
Parachute
Passing & catching
How You Can Help at Home
Your learners are being assessed in PE during Unit 1 on participation, PE procedures/rules/expectations, and what that might look and sound like in day-to-day life.
Play safe
Play respectful
Play responsible
Play kind
A Note From Coach P
I’m excited for a great year of learning, movement, and growth! Thank you for partnering with me to help our Lions become strong in body and character.
— Coach Melissa Pittman
Safe. Respectful. Responsible. Kind.
Recyclables Wanted!
The GDE Library is collecting clear plastic water and soda bottles for an upcoming project, and we need your help gathering supplies. Deliver to Mrs. Jones
Donating your rinsed, empty bottles with their lids intact provides our students with materials for hands-on learning activities. Please ensure the bottles are smaller than 2-liter sizes. Repurposing these everyday items allows our kids to practice resourcefulness while engaging in new activities in the library.
Get ready for our upcoming school events with these latest updates on the GDE Snack Store and our 2026-2027 birthday celebrations!
Birthday Celebrations
Treat Day Dates 2026–2027
September 25October 30
November 20
December 18
January 29
February 12
March 19
April 30
May 14
If you would like, please send a treat to help us celebrate your student’s birthday!
PTO Updates & Events
Sunshine Cart
Looking for a fun way to thank our teachers & staff? Sign up to host the Sunshine Cart!
Events
Fall Festival Meetings
October 6 at 3:45 PM
October 27 at 3:45 PM
Spirit Chain Sales:
October 5–8
Popcorn Prep:
October 22 at 8:00 AM, GDE Cafeteria
Fall Festival:
November 6 at 4:00 PM
Committee Members Needed
Help make our Fall Festival a success & sign up to help today!
Let’s Connect!
Email: Glennduffy.pto@gmail.com
Glenn A. Duffy Elementary PTO
The original graphic also includes QR codes for the Sunshine Cart signup, Fall Festival committee signup, and PTO connection information
Support the 2026 Glenn Duffy Fall Festival
Help us bring the carnival fun to life!
The Glenn Duffy PTO is hosting our annual Fall Festival on Friday, November 6th.
This fun, family event includes:
Carnival games
Chili supper
Online & silent auctions
Becoming a Presenting Sponsor
Support the event with a monetary donation of $200 or more and receive:
Your logo displayed at the event
Social media shout-outs
Recognition in event promotions
Donate a Silent Auction Item or Basket
Have a product, service, or themed basket you’d love to promote? Auction donations directly support school activities for students and teachers all year long!
Why It Matters
All proceeds from the Fall Festival help fund student programs, classroom materials, staff appreciation, and more.
Your contribution makes a direct impact on our school community!
Additional Benefit
Because we are now a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, your tax-deductible donation directly supports our school and may qualify for a tax write-off.
Interested or have questions?
Email us at
glennduffy.pto.fallfestival@gmail.com
