Dear Families,
Here are our weekly reminders and updates.
Important Dates:
- December 9- PTO Meeting, 6 pm VIRTUAL only
- December 12- CCMC PJ Day! GHR - PJ Day 2025 Flier (002).pdf and PJ night at Veterans Auditorium
- December 12-23 Spirit Days! GHR Holiday Spirit Days 2025.pdf
- December 13- Breakfast with Santa Breakfast with Santa Flyer 2025.pdf
- December 15- Mad Science visits during lunch waves- See below for details on how to enroll your student in the program!
- December 22- CHS Carolers visit GHR
- December 23- Early Release, December Break
- December 24-31 No School December Break
- January 1-2 No School, New Years Day
Updates
Cell Phone Policy
As you read in the message from Dr. Petrone last week, the Board of Education has approved an update to Policy 5131.4 Use of Private Technological Devices by Students.
The policy now includes the following new language:
“All privately owned technological devices must be powered off and stored away during instructional time, unless directed otherwise in accordance with a student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or Section 504 plan or as specifically permitted by instructional staff.”
To support the consistent implementation of this policy, a new Administrative Regulation associated with the policy has also been approved (5131.4-A). This regulation defines expectations for students regarding the possession and use of privately owned technological devices during the school day.
Key points include:
● Devices must be powered off and stored away during instructional time, unless specifically permitted for educational or accessibility purposes. This includes SMART watches, which must be in “school mode”.
● Instructional time includes the period from the start of the school day until dismissal, including classes, study halls, lunch, recess, and transitions.
● Teachers and staff have the authority to direct students to put devices away if they are visible or in use during instructional time.
● Progressive consequences will apply for repeated violations, including parent notification and potential loss of the privilege to bring devices to school.
● The District is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged devices brought to school.
These updates are intended to support a more focused learning environment and reduce distractions during instructional time while still allowing appropriate use of technology when directed by staff or required for educational or medical needs. Implementation of this updated policy and regulation will begin when students return from December break on January 5, 2026. A Parent Forum has been scheduled for Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. to review the new procedures and provide an opportunity for questions and discussion. (A reminder will be sent out to all parents with details prior to February 19.)
From Last Week
Remote Snow Days
As we enter December, this is a reminder that the Board of Education has approved the use of 2 remote learning days this school year. On remote learning days, the schedule is abbreviated to provide time for live, academic programming. Our schedule is posted on the district website, and linked here: https://www.coventrypublicschools.org/district/hourslocations
Snow Gear
We kindly ask that all snow gear (pants, boots, etc.) remain at home for now. If there is an adjusted school schedule (such as a delay or early release), we do not hold recess. Additionally, if active precipitation occurs during our recess time, we will not go outdoors. We will share an update regarding snow gear very soon.
Upcoming Spirit Days!
PJ Day will kick off our GHR Holiday Spirit Days! These optional spirit days are a fun way to celebrate GHR and come together as a school community. Please see GHR Holiday Spirit Days 2025.pdf for our calendar!
CCMC PJ Day!
This year there is a new promotional video for PJ Day with some familiar faces from Coventry! If you wish to donate only, you can use the GHR page: https://give.connecticutchildrens.org/spike
From the PTO
Save the Date- Globetrotters, December 27th. Order forms will be coming home this week!
Tickets will be $37
Save the Date- Disney on Ice, January 17th.
Order forms will be coming home this week!
Tickets will be $40 each
GHR PTO MEETING
Tuesday, Dec 9 • 6:00 – 7:00 PM- Virtual Only this month
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/ypt-ossc-tnq
GHR Winter Clubs & Events
GHR is pleased to offer a variety of after-school student clubs this winter! 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 below. Please note that some registration periods have different closing dates, so we encourage you to sign up as early as possible!
Parents Day in P.E.
(January 27, 28, 29)
Would you like to experience a Physical Education class alongside your student? We’d love to have you join us and take part in a PE lesson! If you’re interested in attending, please sign up using THE FORM. Come dressed in sneakers and ready to participate—and be sure to have your child teach you Everybody’s It before your visit! *
Girls on the Run
Mondays & Thursdays (February- May) Open to all GHR girls
Girls on the Run inspires individuals of all abilities to discover, build, and grow their self-confidence. Together, they experience a sense of belonging and connection as a team. Volunteer coaches facilitate lessons that blend physical activity with life skill development, including managing emotions, fostering friendships, and expressing empathy. At the end of the season, the team completes a Community Impact Project and a 5K together, which provides a tangible sense of accomplishment and sets a confident mindset into motion.Registration Fees: Building confidence and setting young girls down the path of a healthy lifestyle is PRICELESS! However, there are real costs associated with operating a non-profit organization and delivering the Girls on the Run program to approximately 500 girls in Connecticut each year. Registration is $175 per girl and includes some cool perks. Financial aid and scholarships are available! For more information, please visit: https://www.girlsontherungreaterct.org/. In January, families will register directly with a link to the website.
LAST CALL! Ski Club
Fridays (January- February) Open to all grade 5 students
The winter season is quickly approaching and there will soon be plenty of snow on the ground. Are you interested in having your child involved in a fun activity in the snow or getting some additional exercise this winter? CNHMS and GHR are offering a collaborative School’s Out Ski Club at Mt. Southington Ski Area in Southington, CT. There will be 5 trips on Friday nights. Informational packets and forms have been sent home with grade 5 students this week.
LAST CALL! Cheerleading Club
Tuesdays- Open to all grades
Got the spirit? We want to hear it! GHR Cheerleading Club is back to teach students how to stunt, jump, cheer, and dance! Cheerleaders will learn, practice, and perform a routine at the talent show in the spring. Please use THE FORM to sign-up your student. 30 students will be randomly selected once the form closes.
MAD Science STEM Program
Wednesdays (January- February)- Open to all grade levels
In this hands-on STEM program, kids build a strong foundation in science while having fun! They explore how science shows up in the world around them- from animal habitats and robots to energy, mixtures, and motion. Each week, students will explore biology, physics, chemistry, and tech through real-world topics. For more information, OR to register: https://westnewengland.madscience.org/parents-details-a.aspx?regItemSessionID=457401
Something to look forward to coming this Spring:
Starting in March- Grade 5 After School Band on Mondays
Do you love band and want to play more? Join Spike’s Dragon Band in the Spring! Spike’s Dragon Band members will be learning 1-2 extra band pieces to play at the Spring Concert. This club is for motivated band students who want to challenge themselves. Sign-Ups for this club will be available in February.
Updates from the Superintendent’s Office
Board of Education Regular Meetings
The Board of Education remaining 2025 meeting dates are open to the public and will also be live streamed through YouTube for convenient viewing. Meeting details and access links are available on our district website. https://www.coventrypublicschools.org/boe
Good News
Please visit our website at https://www.coventrypublicschools.org/district/district-communications for additional information on district news.
Open Door Meetings
Superintendent Dr. David J. Petrone has announced the schedule for his Open Door Meetings for the 2025-26 school year. These sessions will be held virtually, with the meeting link available on the district website. Open Door Meetings provide an opportunity for open communication, where parents and community members are invited to join, ask questions, and learn more about our school system.
- Friday, February 13, 2026 from 10:00-11:00 a.m; Wednesday, April 29, 2026 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. (budget focused)
Have a great week,
Jen