Dear Families,
Here are our weekly reminders and updates. There will be no newsletter next week unless there are very timely updates. That said, have a wonderful winter break with your family. I am very fortunate to work in such a caring and compassionate school community. Happy Holidays!
Important Dates:
- 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
- January 5th- Welcome Back! We hope you had a great winter break!
- January 13- Grade 5 Winter Band and Choir Informance at Veteran’s Auditorium. Students arrival time: 6:00; Performance begins at 7:00.
- January 19- No School, MLK Day
- January 23- Music Night at the Wolf-Pack
- January 30- Early Release, All Schools, Staff Development
This Week
Upcoming- School Music Night at the Wolf-Pack
All GHR students are invited to attend a school music night at the Hartford Wolf-Pack on Friday, January 23rd. Band and Select Choir students are invited to perform at this fundraising event! To order tickets, and read more information about this fun event, please see this flyer: Wolfpack.pdf or email Hannah Cole at: hcole@coventryct.org
Spirit Days!
Spirit Week continues! Please see GHR Holiday Spirit Days 2025.pdf for our calendar.
Parent's Day in Physical Education
Remember to sign up for Parent's Day in P.E. in January! We would love for parents to join us and take part in a P.E. lesson.
From Last Week
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 January 22 at 5:30 p.m. and February 19, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. to review the new procedures and provide an opportunity for questions and discussion.
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
From the PTO
Save the Date- Disney on Ice, January 17th. Order forms were sent home last week - Tickets are be $40 each
GHR School Store -THIS FRIDAY! - December 19th
- All items are less than $2 - most are $1 or less.
- Children shouldn't bring more than $5 for school store
- Children will be limited to no more than 5 items for purchase
- Store will be located in the Gym Lobby, and available from dropoff until 8:30am (Parent volunteers are needed from 8am-8:45am)
From the Superintendent’s Office
Board of Education Regular Meeting Dates
The Board of Education 2026 meeting dates are listed below. Meetings 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. Board of Education Website
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)
Employment Opportunities
Flexible hours/days with a wide variety of experiences. Please visit our website at https://www.coventrypublicschools.org/district/human-resources for additional information. Cafeteria Substitutes: Call Beth Pratt at 860-742-4535. Bus Drivers/Substitutes: Call DATTCO at 860-838-7351.
Happy Holidays!
Jen 😊
