Great Falls Elementary

Dear Great Falls Elementary Families, Happy September! As we settle into the rhythm of a new school year, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for helping us launch the 2025–2026 school year with such positivity and success. Your support, encouragement, and partnership have made the opening of school truly special, and we are so grateful for the energy and enthusiasm you bring to our GFE community. We are already seeing promising results from our beginning-of-year assessments, including MAP Testing. These early indicators show that our students are in a strong place academically—and we are excited about the limitless possibilities this year holds! Please continue to share information about upcoming school events with your extended family and community members. Your help in spreading the word ensures that everyone stays informed and involved in the life of our school. Thank you for always standing with us, believing in our mission, and supporting our students and staff. We are looking forward to an amazing year filled with growth, joy, and excellence. With Genuine Gratitude, Dr. Tamara Taylor Your Very Proud Principal

Grits with Grandparents RSVP by September 5, 2025 Cost of breakfast: $3.55

September is Suicide Prevention Month.

REMINDER: August 19, 2025 is an Early Dismissal day for students. Early dismissal times are as follows:

Elementary: 11:45 am
Middle: 12:30 pm
High: 12:45 pm

Visit our website for additional information: https://www.chester.k12.sc.us/page/arrival-and-dismissal-bell-times

Mrs. Honeycutt's class is excited about AVID!

Testing

Back-to-School season is just around the corner, and here are some important upcoming dates and reminders:

Secondary Student and Family Orientation will be held at each middle and high school on July 21, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., and on July 22, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Families will be able to register in person, pay any outstanding fees, and receive other pertinent information for the upcoming school year.

Our district-wide Meet the Teacher event will occur on July 31, 2025, from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., and August 1, 2025, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Please get in touch with your child's school for additional information.

Join CCSD on Facebook Live for our Back-to-School 2025 Virtual Town Hall! Dr. Sutton and Senior Leadership will share updates on a variety of school-related topics and answer live questions from the community. The broadcast will begin at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 29, 2025.

The first day of school for students is August 4, 2025. Register online today at: https://www.chester.k12.sc.us/o/ccsd/page/student-registration

As we continue into the summer months, we encourage you to keep your child’s math skills sharp by completing the Summer Math Calendar activities. These short, engaging tasks are designed to help students retain what they’ve learned and build confidence heading into the next school year. Each day features a quick and fun math activity. Visit our website for more info: https://www.chester.k12.sc.us/article/2281403 We wish you a fun and math-filled summer!

May 6, 2025, is Teacher Appreciation Day! Let's take a moment to celebrate the dedication and hard work of our teachers. THANK YOU for the knowledge, the kindness, and the countless ways you shape the future every day.

To the educators who inspire, encourage, and shape the future, we thank you. Your patience, creativity, and dedication make a difference every single day. Let’s take a moment to recognize and celebrate the teachers who changed our lives in the comments below. Thank you!

Student registration via FinalForms is now OPEN! New or returning students in grades Pre-K through 12th can register online for the 2025-2026 school year. Check out our Registration Homepage for additional information: https://tinyurl.com/CCSDregister2025

May Meal Menus are now available online at: https://myschoolmenus.com/organizations/2240. Please contact Student Nutrition Services if you have any questions.

CCSD is proud to present the Annual Arts Showcase April 29, 2025 at Chester Middle School, starting at 6 p.m. Come out and support our talented student artists and performers!

Superintendent Dr. Sutton made storytime extra special for National School Library Week by visiting every elementary school in the district to read to students! By sharing stories and sparking imagination, he hopes to inspire children to have a lifelong love of reading.

CCSD Maintenance personnel are currently working toward resolving low water pressure issues at Great Falls Elementary School. We will send out updates to parents as needed. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Student registration via FinalForms is now OPEN! New or returning students in grades Pre-K through 12th grade can register online for the 2025-2026 school year. Check out our Registration Homepage for additional information: https://tinyurl.com/CCSDregister2025

Dr. Sutton reads to 1st Graders at GFE!!!

DATE REMINDERS: April 8, 2025, will be an Early Dismissal day for students for staff collaboration and planning across the district. All school dismissal times are available on our website. Spring Break will be April 21 - 25, 2025. All CCSD Facilities will be CLOSED. Students and staff will return on Monday, April 28, 2025.

Cocky Express visited our students today. Students were elated to visit with Cocky, listen to stories, and select a free book.

April breakfast and lunch menus are now available online at https://myschoolmenus.com/organizations/2240. Please contact Student Nutrition Services if you have any questions.