December

Elementary Music-Mrs. Gartin


It’s hard to believe that we have already finished the 1 st quarter at GMG, and it’s time to start thinking about the Christmas concerts in December. Here’s what we’ve been up to in the elementary music room, and information about our upcoming performances.


In Grades K-2, we’ve been focusing a lot on moving with the music, as well as singing A-Cappella (without accompaniment). Each month, we’ve been “sing-reading” the “There was an Old Lady” books, and it’s been a wonderful time.


In Grades 3-6, we’ve been exploring different instruments. In each grade, we just finished a unit in either recorder or kazoo, where the students got hands-on experience learning about different types of music. The third grade classes have been playing kazoos in class, the 4th and 5th graders just completed a recorder unit, and the 6th graders just spent some time working on ear training with Boomwhackers. Students are put into teams to play through specific popular tunes, and have to guess the song by their actions.


The 5th and 6th grade bands are also doing great-gearing up for their Christmas concert! The bands will kick off the 4-6 concert, and can’t wait to show off what they’ve been working on in class.


I’m proud to announce this years’ December Concert theme: North Pole Musical. It is a presentation of Christmas Songs as songs by the characters who hang out with Santa way up North. Examples of the songs that will be performed will include: The No Christmas Blues, The Nutcracker Megamix, and the Heart of Christmas.


The K-3 Winter Concert is scheduled for Monday, December 5, at 6PM, in the Elementary Gymnasium. The 4-6 Winter Concert is scheduled for Thursday, December 8, at 6PM, in the Elementary Gymnasium. Student participants in the concert are encouraged to dress up in “North Pole clothing” (as elves, Santa, Mrs. Claus, Reindeer, etc.) or dress in Sunday best. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.


Have a blessed time this holiday season, and I hope I get to see you at the concerts!



Elementary Scholastic Book Fair

By Mrs. Perron

The Scholastic Book Fair was back and it was a major success! During the fall conference week at the beginning of November, the elementary held a Scholastic Book Fair and this was the first time the book fair had been back since Spring 2019. The elementary library received 50% of the sales and will be going towards new books to put on the bookshelves. Thank you to everyone who supported the book fair and with great news, the book fair will be back in the spring during conference week in March!



Veteran’s Day Ceremony

By Mrs. Busch


The GMG Elementary held their Veteran’s Day Ceremony on Thursday, November 10, 2022. We were honored to have the Gladbrook American Legion Color Guard present the colors to begin and end our Veteran’s Day program. We had over 26 Veterans attend our ceremony with family and friends. Mrs. Allie Dolan, our fourth grade teacher, led us with the singing of the Star Spangled Banner. We had Specialist Jen Purvis share with us about her journey while serving. Petty Officer First Class Tim Michener, talked with all of us about the heroes among us. Our K-6 students did an amazing job and took so much pride in the singing of the song You’re a Grand Old Flag! Our Veteran’s Day Ceremony concluded with donuts, coffee, and juice in the cafeteria with our Veterans, family members, and students. Thank you everyone for honoring our Veterans and making our Veteran’s Day Ceremony wonderful.

Elementary Holiday Celebrations

By Mrs. Busch


The month of December brings many reasons to celebrate! Our elementary staff is participating in a door decorating contest. Please feel free to stop in and look at the creative work of our staff. The staff will have their doors completed by Friday, Dec. 16th. Our students will be judging the ‘best’ door. Lastly, the week of Dec.19-22nd our staff and students can participate in the holiday dress up days.


Door Decorating:

  • Decorating Contest: Staff will have their door completed by Friday, Dec. 16th

  • Students vote on Wednesday, Dec. 21st

Dress Up Days for the Week of Dec. 19-22

  • Monday, Dec. 19th–Pajama Day

  • Tuesday, Dec. 20th-Festive Colors: Red/Green Day

  • Wednesday: Dec. 21st: HolidayHats/Accessories

  • Thursday, Dec. 22nd- Ugly Sweater Day