Panther Post: November 30

Posted Date: 11/30/25 (03:00 PM)

November 30, 2025

A Message from Administration: Winter Holiday Parties

We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving break filled with special family memories! As we wrap up the second quarter of school over the next few weeks, lots of meaningful learning experiences and assessments will be taking taking place, but we also look forward to enjoying the holiday season together. Families are welcome to join your child's class for their upcoming Winter Holiday classroom party. Mark your calendars to join us at the following times:

Pre-K: December 15; 11:30 A.M.-12:15 P.M.

Kdg: December 16; 8:30-9:15 A.M.

1st Grade: December 15; 10:00-10:45 A.M.

2nd Grade: December 16; 10:00-10:45 A.M.

3rd Grade: December 15; 8:30-9:15 A.M.

4th Grade: December 16; 11:30 A.M.-12:15 P.M.

5th Grade: December 15; 1:15-2:00 P.M.

Multi-Age: December 15; 10:00-10:45 A.M.

All guests joining us will need a Raptor security badge to enter the building. We will be using the new Raptor Safe app for registration. If you have downloaded the Raptor Safe app, when you arrive, all you will have to do is scan the QR code in your app, and your badge will be printed immediately. Look for the event pre-registration link to be shared through ParentSquare this week. If you have not already downloaded the Raptor Safe app, directions are included below.

The holiday season is a busy but wonderful time of year, and we’re excited to share it with our students and community! We hope to see you at GSES soon!

News & Updates

Next Week at Gum Springs

December 1st: Gizmos practice; pickup at 5:00pm
December 1st: Cooking Club (2nd/3rd) & K-Kids; pickup at 4:00pm
December 2nd: Special Education Appreciation Day
December 2nd: Gizmos practice; pickup at 5:00pm
December 2nd Tech Club (4th/5th grade); pickup at 4:00pm
December 3rd: Jr. Beta Field Trip
December 3rd: GS Singers rehearsal 4:30-6:00pm @ JCHS auditorium
December 4th: Spelling Bee
December 4th: Stock Market Club and Science Olympiad; pickup at 4:00pm
December 5th: District Technology Competition
December 5th: GS Singers Winter Concert 6:00pm @ JCHS Auditorium

Planning ahead for the school year? Check out the school calendar on our website to plan for upcoming events in the next few months!

Holiday Book Theme Days

Join us for some festive fun as we celebrate the holiday season! Starting December 8th, we'll be enjoying a holiday read-aloud each day. Students are welcome to join our staff in dressing up to match each book's theme!

Breakfast & Lunch Menu

2026-27 Pre-K Lottery

If you are going to have a Pre-K aged child (turns 4 before Sept. 1, 2026) for the 2026-27 school year, mark your calendars! Pre-K lottery registration opens on Monday, Dec. 1! Families can visit www.jacksonschoolsga.org/prek to learn more about eligibility requirements. Pre-K programs are available at all seven JCSS elementary schools. The lottery drawing will take place in March, and families will be notified of their enrollment status.

Yearbooks on Sale NOW!

25-26 GSES Yearbooks are sale now! Order before October 31st and receive a 10% discount. Any orders placed before April 1st are eligible for 2 FREE custom pages in your child's yearbook.

Got questions? Contact Ms. Simmons (jsimmons@jcss.us).

Yearbook flyer

JCSS Raptor Safe

We are thrilled to announce all JCSS schools are adopting the Raptor Safe mobile application as part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing school safety, while streamlining visitor management check-in at our schools. The Raptor Safe app builds upon existing visitor procedures, offering a more convenient and secure check-in process for visitors. Learn more by visiting www.jacksonschoolsga.org/raptorsafe.

Thankful for PTO!

Warm Fuzzies!

THANK YOU to our AMAZING PTO for the new mittens and gloves for our students! Our PTO provided a new pair of gloves or mittens to every student at Gum Springs. We are so thankful for all our PTO does to support our school, staff, and students!

Helpful Tech Tips

Campus Parent

Every guardian and/or parent needs to have an Infinite Campus Parent Portal account. Having a Parent Portal account, allows parents and guardians to make updates to their contact information, notification settings, and view absences and grades (for 3rd-12th grade). In addition, a Parent Portal account also syncs with ParentSquare and Canvas Parent Observer. The flyer/video linked below helps parents and guardians navigate Infinite Campus Parent Portal.

Campus Parent Portal Guide

Partners in Ed

Business Spotlight- Jefferson Animal Hospital

Birthday Shoutout Form

GSES LED Sign Sponsorship

Gum Springs Elementary is looking to partner with businesses to build our Partners in Education program. One way we offer this is through our GSES LED Sign Sponsorship. Attached is the form to complete. If you have any questions, please reach out to Hannah Freyre at Hannah.freyre@jcss.us

LED Sign Sponsorship Form