Select a destination GPS-Home Bus Routes 08-09 Calendar 08-09 CAP: District CAP: Schools District Improvement Plan District Policies Driving Directions Forms & Applications Free & Reduced Application Health News & Forms In the News Job Application Job Opportunities Kindergarten Registration Lunch Menus MCAS Schedule 2007-08 MCAS Schedule 2008-09 Mission Statement NCLB Report Cards Parent-Student Handbook Powerschool @ GPSK12 Presentations Professional Development Calendar School & District Profiles Special Education Special Education-MA Defs Special Education PAC Summer Reading (K-5) Summer Reading (Middle) Summer Reading (High School) Superintendent's Journal Superintendent's Updates Teacher Evaluation Title 1-Parents Wellness Policy

GPS Email

Staff Directory

GPS
PowerSchool

Central Office

School
Committee

Job Openings

Home

Schools

Greenfield
High SchoolX

Greenfield
High School
Athletic Forms

Greenfield
High School
Sports Schedule

Poet Seat

Greenfield
Middle School

Federal Street

Newton School

Academy of
Early Learning

Math Sites 4
Fun & Practice

Parental
Involvement

Site Map

Greenfield Schools: 2008-2009
Moving Forward with Vision & Innovation

December 6, 2008

Brrrr. Is it December already? Freezing weather is here. It's time to plan for snow days. Will each parent be ready with a plan for early dismissals or late school openings? Please plan early. It is too cold for children to be outside waiting for a bus or parent.

December is an interesting month. On the one hand we are bombarded by happy tingling, jingling music, and joyful advertisements for buying and giving presents; and on the other hand we have religious celebrations for quiet, family traditions. December is considered the most stressful month of the year for families, singles, and children.

To balance December's pleasures and pressures, consider checking suggestions for managing the season's stress. Websites dedicated to "holiday stress management" suggest, such as: 1) curtail exciting video games and television this month—it's just too much stimulation, 2) stay with good nutrition—not too much sugar and sweets, 3) take the pressure off spending, consider homemade gifts from the heart, and 4) rely on and create family traditions--peaceful times together; if you do not have traditions—create some for this season. Sing, visit, have book readings, indoor picnics. Take advantage of free concerts that abound.

In December, schools have concerts and special events. The high school concert is Wednesday, December 11th, at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium. Mr. Calcari deserves his fine reputation as masterful music director. The concert will feature songs in African and Hebrew and traditional carols. I'm looking forward to joining the chorus at the piano.

Remember—plan, plan, plan for your children and cold weather. No matter what is happening with school being open, do not drive or let teens drive if you do not think it is safe.

Best wishes for a low-stress, safe, and wonderful December season.

Susan Hollins
Interim Superintendent