Director Kitelet May 2026
Dear GCS Families,
Time is passing by quickly, and we are winding down the school year with many special events. It has been busy, fun, and memorable… all while learning and growing together. There is still so much to do in just one short week. Hold on and enjoy the ride!
MEMORIAL DAY REMEMBRANCE
If you were able to attend, I think you would agree that our Memorial Day Ceremony was a special time, even for our youngest children, as they begin to learn about our country along with gratitude, remembrance, and sacrifice. We were able to come together as a school community for special songs, the placing of flags in our Memory Garden, and the moving sound of Taps played by our special guest, Mike Penney. We were honored to have retired Master Sergeant Michael Kennedy share the meaningful story of the “poppy”, helping children understand the importance of honoring and remembering others in a thoughtful and age-appropriate way.
CHILDREN’S OBSERVATIONS
We hope you enjoyed reading about your child’s development on their Year-End Observation. While it seems like the school year just began, there have been so many moments of learning, trying and experimenting, and reflecting. These reports offer a snapshot of the amazing growth that happens in the lives of young children and the developmental milestones that are reached throughout one short school year. They also serve as a reminder of how much children can accomplish when nurtured by caring and experienced teachers, supportive families, and a strong/collaborating community.
SPRING SPRUCE-UP
The success of Groton Community School extends far beyond the walls of our classrooms. Countless volunteer hours and acts of generosity help support the larger mission of our school and ensure that our campus remains a safe, welcoming, and engaging place for children to learn and grow. On a cold and raw Saturday morning in May, many helping hands gathered to donate their time and energy for a playground maintenance and repair morning. Volunteers prepped raised garden beds, raked mulch, swept sand, prepped to repair climbing structures, and hauled countless loads of stone dust to restore our walking path. Some of these same volunteers came back this past weekend to repair our greenhouse after it endured a harsh New England winter.
BOARD GOOD-BYES
And speaking of volunteers, we wanted to offer our immense gratitude to those that serve on our Board of Directors, helping to oversee the day-to-day happenings of the school and offering their time and support in so many ways. It is always so difficult to say goodbye but understand that time does pass and people do move on. We are so grateful to Catherine West (Fundraising Co-Chair), Samantha Wall (Parent Rep Co-Chair), Mai Tirella (Member at Large), Justine Mannix (Secretary) and Bri Borek (Public Relations) for their commitment, service and dedication to helping to shape and guide our school. Fortunately, they leave behind many capable hands to continue their work.
These collective efforts are a powerful reminder that Groton Community School is strengthened by a community that generously contributes their time and talents to support the big picture of our school.
A SPECIAL GUEST THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
All of our classrooms enjoyed literacy-based visits from retired GCS Teacher Inga Nuccio throughout the school year! Inga shared incredible children’s books, on a variety of topics, along with related STEM, music and movement activities. Of course, she also had suggestions to extend the learning and fun in the classroom and at home. We are so grateful for all of the time and talents that Inga shared with us. In May we learned all about mushrooms and danced with “mushroom caps”!
GCS SPIRIT DAYS/ FAMILY PICNIC
GCS is celebrating Spirit Days on Thursday & Friday of this week. Dress your child in his/her favorite GCS apparel or in red, white & blue. GCS apparel is also on sale in the lobby. We will continue our school spirit with our annual GCS Family Picnic on Friday evening beginning at 5 PM. This event will take place at the Groton Playground & Gazebo. Hope to see you there!
GCS CAMP
We are busy preparing for GCS Camp – Oh what fun we have in store for you! Be on the lookout for camp welcome packets next week to prepare for your child’s Safari Adventure. There are still a few openings in our “older” half day sessions if anyone is interested. Please inquire at the front desk.
THANK YOU
A big “Thank You” to our Spring Spruce-Up volunteers: Kaitlyn Brokaw, David Bushery, Jack Carlson, Jesi Clinton, Matt DiNofrio, Kristina Hepburn, Wayne Johnson, Jason Lambert, Justine Mannix, Brian Simakauskas, and Lisa Stafford. A very special thank you to Jesi Clinton, Building & Grounds Chair, for spearheading this endeavor. And an enormous thank you to the following who gave up their Sunday to gather here at GCS for much needed greenhouse repair…Jesi Clinton, Wayne Johnson, Jack Carlson, Matt DiNofrio and Zach Reis.
Thanks to the Yellow Room for our Fun Friday luncheon. As with all of our Fun Fridays throughout the school year, it was very much appreciated by the Staff. Thank you!
The Staff have really appreciated all of our “Stock the Staff Room” volunteers. This month we’d like to thank Katie Carey, Sarah Cleary, Gloria Johnson, Bethany McGuiggan, Adriana Sanchez-Correa, Stephanie Scampini & Erica Tamlyn.
We’d also like to thank the following for their donations to the school in May: The Abraham family for soda for the Staff;Kate Connolly for curriculum materials; the Doyle family for “teacher appreciation” donuts; the Quigley family for an art smock, to Betsey Reeves for curriculum materials; the Steiss family for flowering planters; Mary Wills for various Kindergarten curriculum materials.
Until Next time…
Linda Kosinski, Director
DATES TO REMEMBER:
Monday, June 8th
Board Meeting – 7:30 PM
Wednesday, June 10th
Last Day of School
Tuesday, June 16th
Full Day Camp Begins
Tuesday, July 7th – Thursday, July 16th
Half Day Camp Session 1
Tuesday, July 21st to Thursday, July 30th
Half Day Camp Session 2