A Note from Mrs. Hammer
Dear CGS Families…
As we head into the holiday season, I find myself filled with gratitude and joy. There is truly something magical about this time of year at CGS. Over the past few weeks, our hallways have been buzzing with excitement, wonder, and anticipation. From cheerful conversations, elf antics, spirit days, creative projects, and holiday sing-a-longs, it has been a gift to experience the magic of the season alongside our students, staff, and families.
Leading the CGS community continues to be an incredible honor. Every day, I am reminded how special this building is because of the people inside it. Our students bring curiosity and joy. Our staff bring passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to children. Our families bring partnership and trust. Together, we create a place where children feel known, supported, and celebrated.
As we look ahead to 2026, there is so much to be excited about. The new year holds opportunities for continued growth, learning, and connection, and I cannot wait to step into it together. At the same time, I hope the upcoming holiday break offers space to slow down and savor what matters most; time together, shared laughter, quiet moments, and meaningful traditions. These are the experiences that fill our cups and prepare us for what comes next.
I encourage families to use this break as a chance to truly unplug from the busy pace of everyday life and to help children return rested, relaxed, and recharged. Setting simple intentions for the new year rooted in balance, kindness, and connection can make a powerful difference for both children and adults.
In that same spirit, I am encouraging all CGS staff to fully disconnect during the holiday break. This means no checking email, no lesson planning, and no managing Seesaw. Our staff give so much of themselves all year long, and this time to rest and be present with their loved ones is essential. I kindly ask families to help make this possible by “gifting” our staff that uninterrupted time away from school. It is one of the most meaningful ways to support them and, ultimately, our students.
Thank you for sharing your children with us and for being such an important part of our CGS community. I am deeply grateful for the trust, warmth, and partnership that define our school. Wishing you a holiday season filled with joy, peace, and connection, and a wonderful start to 2026!
And a quick reminder…when sending an email communication to me, please also include Mrs. Morrison (kmorrison@coventryct.org).
**There will be no Weekly Splash next week due to the incredibly shortened week! You’ll want to ensure you read this edition so you’re ready to return in the new year!**
CGS PTO News & Events
SAVE THE DATE: Disney on Ice - Saturday, January 17th. Orders are due by January 7th.
Original Works orders containing fragile items are available for pickup in the front office. You may also contact the PTO for alternative arrangements: cgsptoct@gmail.com
Next PTO Meeting: January 6th at 6PM in person in the CGS library. You may also join us remotely: https://meet.google.com/mbw-cung-yjp
A Peek Inside Our Week
See photos of some of the special moments we shared this week.
Highlights include: Spirit Days, CCMC PJ Day, PBIS raffle rewards,
And be sure to check out our December High Tide Heroes. We had the privilege of recognizing a lot of role model students this week!
A Quick Message from Nurse Dunnack
Did you know that PUP (PickUp Patrol) is not just for transportation changes!!! You can easily report your student’s absence through the app too!! This information will be received by the front office, nurse and your child’s teacher with only a few clicks!!
As winter weather sets in, we often see an increase in seasonal illnesses. Colder temperatures mean more time spent indoors, which allows germs to spread more easily. Common flu-like symptoms including a fever should remain at home until fever free for more than 24 hours without the use of any fever reducing medications. Stomach bugs also tend to spread quickly through close contact; we ask that students remain at home until they are free of vomiting and diarrhea for more than 24 hours. Nosebleeds are also more common in winter due to dry indoor air that can irritate and dry out nasal passages. Adding a humidifier to your child’s bedroom at home may help. Staying well hydrated, practicing good hand hygiene, and encouraging rest can help us reduce the spread of illness during the winter months.
Winter Weather & Wear Reminder: It is important that appropriate winter wear is sent in with your student(s) every day (warm jackets, hats, gloves, or mittens). Please also pack snow clothes on days when there is snow on the ground (add snow pants and boots to their winter weather gear). We recommend that snow gear travel to/from school daily, so it has the opportunity to dry out in between recesses!
Spare Clothes: Please make sure your student has a set of seasonally appropriate clothing in their backpack in case of an “accident” or spill. The health office has a limited supply of clothing. Should your child borrow clothing from the health office, be sure to return it promptly after laundering.
As always, thank you for your continued partnership. It helps our school remain a nurturing, healthy and supportive environment for all.
Winter Afterschool Clubs & Activities
CGS is pleased to offer a variety of afterschool student clubs and activities this winter for students in Grades 1 & 2!
To help families plan ahead, we’ve compiled a list of all upcoming clubs, including details to help you and your student choose the best fit.
Club and event sign-ups are now open. Please note that some registration periods will close soon, so we encourage you to sign up as early as possible!
For any questions about clubs or registration, please contact Chris Kessler at ckessler@coventryct.org.
Ask Me About...
Below you’ll find 2-3 questions from your child’s grade-level team and specials’ teachers that connect directly to what they’ve been learning; both in academics, related arts, and in social-emotional learning lessons. These are great conversation starters to help your child share, reflect on their day/week, and celebrate their learning with you.
Ask your KINDERGARTNER…
- What are the seasons of the year?
- What should you wear in each season?
- Go on a shape hunt in your house and find a flat shape and a solid shape.
Ask your 1st GRADER…
- How do you solve 12-9 using the taking from a ten and counting on strategy?
- What fun facts can you tell me about holidays from around the world? (Israel, India, Italy, Mexico and USA: Kwanzaa/Christmas)
- Can you spell fang, song, ring, and lung? Can you mark the words to show the glued sounds?
Ask your 2nd GRADER…
- Are you traveling during winter break? If so, are you traveling north, south, east or west?
- Would you measure your favorite toy in inches, feet, or yards? Why?
- What is your favorite holiday story?
Mark Your Calendars!
CGS Student/Staff Holiday Spirit Days: December 12th - December 23rd Spirit Day Calendar
CHS Carolers Visit CGS: Monday, December 22nd
Early Release - Winter Break: Tuesday, December 23rd
Winter Break: December 24th - January 2nd
Welcome Back to School: Monday, January 5th
Beach Day - Schoolwide Spirit Day: Monday, January 12th Beach Day Flyer (Shhh…it’s a surprise!)
NO SCHOOL - MLK Jr. Day: Monday, January 19th
Events in the Larger Community
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