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GFW staff heard from Todd and Shaun from Youth Frontiers during a retreat on "remembering your purpose" during the first day of staff development. They had a great message about the importance of listening to "your music" instead of "the static" as educators!
![Professional Development](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/9667797/large_IMG_2865.jpg)
![Professional Development](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/9667796/large_IMG_2866.jpg)
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GFW Public Schools is excited to welcome some new teachers to GFW Middle School and High School. New and non-tenured staff learned how to manage schoology and set up their grade books before all staff came back this week.
![new teachers](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/9652340/large_IMG_2649.jpg)
![training](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/9652342/large_IMG_2662.jpg)
![training](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/9652341/large_IMG_2663.jpg)
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We are so excited to kick off the 2024-25 school year! The first day of school for students in grades 6-12 is Tuesday, Sept. 3.
![First day of school](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/9584233/large_4.png)
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A huge shout out goes to all of the members of the GFW Student Council and GFW Pioneer Express FFA for helping out at open house last night by handing out Chromebooks and greeting everyone! We were too busy to take too many photos but we got one.
![Students volunteeers](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/9652140/large_Student_Council.jpg)
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GFW Elementary Families, if you didn’t attend a back-to-school conference yesterday, be sure to sign up for your 15 minute appointment for Tuesday, Sept. 3 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. to kick off your student’s school year! https://www.ptcfast.com/schools/GFW_Schools
![Back to School Conferences (PreK-5)](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/9584207/large_2.png)
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Our incredible van and bus drivers participated in training to get ready for the upcoming school year. We are so grateful for these dedicated folks who are such an important part of our schools and community!
![Bus driver training](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/9608473/large_IMG_2039.jpg)
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GFW Middle School and High School is hosting an open house for all students and families in grades 6-12 tomorrow night (Wednesday, Aug. 28) from 4-8 p.m. Join us to meet your teachers, walk your schedule, and find your locker!
![Open House 6-12](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/9584171/large_3.png)
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GFW Elementary School is hosting back to school meet and greets for K-5th grade by appointment only on Wednesday, August 28 from 4-8 p.m. and Tuesday, Sept. 3 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Get to know your child’s teacher with a 15 minute appointment. Sign up for your time slot at the link: https://www.ptcfast.com/schools/GFW_Schools
![back to school conferences](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/9583728/large_1.png)
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We are so excited to welcome back staff this week! Dr. Smith got things started by looking at goals for the year.
![Dr. Smith presenting](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/9571799/large_IMG_9403.jpg)
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The Winthrop News sat down with Interim Superintendent Dr. Kelly Smith to hear about plans for the 2024-25 school year and the status of the facility project. Check out the latest issue for more! https://www.winthropnewsmn.com/2024/08/20/smith-back-at-gfw-as-interim-superintendent/
![Kelly Smith](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/9470992/large_kelly-smith-226x300.jpg)
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Could you be the next school lunch hero at GFW Public Schools? The district is hiring substitute assistant cooks to help provide delicious and nutritious meals to our students. Earn $15 per hour and make a difference for kids! Apply online: https://www.applitrack.com/gfwschools/OnlineApp/default.aspx?all=1
![Become a Substitute Assistant Cook](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/9372944/large_5.png)
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GFW Public Schools and Dashir are looking for substitute custodians to support our schools for the upcoming school year. Earn $16 per hour and keep our schools in great shape for our students! Apply online: https://www.applitrack.com/gfwschools/OnlineApp/default.aspx?all=1
![Now Hiring Substitute Custodians](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/9372947/large_6.png)
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Paraprofessionals are a hugely important part of our schools! GFW Public Schools is hiring substitute paras for the 2024-25 school year. Help our amazing teachers and support our students while earning $15 an hour. Learn more about working for GFW and apply today: https://www.gfwschools.org/page/work-with-gfw-public-schools
![Hiring Substitute Paraprofeassionals](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/9372917/large_4.png)
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The incredible transportation team at GFW Public Schools is looking for substitute drivers for the upcoming school year! Drivers earn $17.75 per hour or $62.80 per route and are an important part of the daily lives of our students and schools. Apply online today! https://www.applitrack.com/gfwschools/OnlineApp/default.aspx?all=1
![Hiring Substitute Drivers](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/9372902/large_3.png)
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GFW is looking for substitute teachers for the 2024-25 school year! The pay rate is $145 a day with an increase to $155 after 11 days worked. Be a part of our schools and make a difference for students in your community! https://www.gfwschools.org/page/work-with-gfw-public-schools
![Become a Substitute Teacher](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/9372885/large_2.png)
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Looking for a great job? GFW Public Schools is looking for substitutes in a variety of areas! Learn more about current openings and join our team: https://www.applitrack.com/gfwschools/OnlineApp/default.aspx?all=1
![Now Hiring Substitutes](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/9372857/large_1.png)
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Let's give it up for GFW Students Victor and Cayson who bowled in the Midwest Youth Championship in Alexandria this weekend!
Send your student's summer accomplishments to communications@gfwschools.org to potentially be featured.
![Bowling](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/9324605/large_FB_IMG_1723416663059.jpg)
![Bowling](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/9324604/large_FB_IMG_1723419252419.jpg)
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The last ECFE At the Park event of the summer takes place on Tuesday, August 13 from 9-10 a.m. at Gibbon City Park. We'll see you there!
![ECFE at the park](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/8854291/large_Screenshot_2024-06-14_at_1.48.50_PM.png)
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GFW students had a great presence at the Sibley County fair! Kelly Willegal won Champion Showman in both Beef and Goat. Way to go!
Send photos and accomplishments to communications@gfwschools.org for consideration to share on our channels!
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Let's start checking in on some of our GFW students and alumni to see how they are spending the summer! Send your accomplishments and photos to communications@gfwschools.org for consideration.
2024 graduate Nicole Sievert has been busy and has some awards from the Sibley County Fair 4-H Sheep Show to show for her hard work including Champion senior interview, Champion senior lamb lead. Champion market trio, Champion white face market lamb, Champion fleece, and Reserve champion market lamb rate of gain. Way to go Nicole (and to the sheep too we suppose)!
![Nicole and Sheep](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/live_feed_image/image/9243211/large_IMG_0316.jpg)