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This week is National Suicide Prevention Week, which is an annual campaign to inform and engage health professionals and the general public about suicide prevention and warning signs of suicide.
September is also Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Although mental health and suicide prevention are essential to address year-round, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month provides a dedicated time for people, organizations, and communities to join their voices and share that there is hope, help is available, and healing is possible!
GFW Public Schools is proud to be able to support the mental health needs of our community and encourage you to learn more about the warning signs and how you can help. Get some great resources from the Minnesota Association for Children's Mental Health.
https://macmh.org/publications/suicide-prevention-month/
![Mental health struggles aren't always visible](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5253613/large_ZH02PuteooeL2dYUK-yubg.png)
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The Thunderbird Manufacturing students are ready to get things rolling!
![Kids in class](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5234174/large_ASacysg6j2lmQXYrNP1boQ.jpeg)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/profile/avatar/183375/circled_becf6dbe-4fe7-4674-853a-6337977c59c0.png)
Meet the 2023-2024 homecoming king and queen candidates!
Top left to right, Garret Schmidt, Brennir Peterson, Sam Berkner, Dominic Rose, Dylan Bernstein
Bottom left to right, Tori Bebeau, Jenna Schweiss, Marti Jacobson, Taylor Schafer, Katelyn Beranek
![Homecoming Candidates](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5239406/large_aFZKBVwZY0UVAXI47fSN4g.jpeg)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/profile/avatar/183375/circled_becf6dbe-4fe7-4674-853a-6337977c59c0.png)
Let's celebrate more GFW athletes! Last night, the GFW Cross Country Team finished Runner Up in Class A at the NYA Meet in Baylor Park. There were 13 teams in Class A. The meet saw a total of 20 teams where GFW finished 6th place overall with Mady Steele placing 10th out of 134 varsity runners. Way to go!
![Cross country team](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5224133/large_gRbB5mt9fnvinP09QTPPmQ.jpeg)
![Mady](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5224134/large_XZMa7aRpl0l6wjsWJyUTzQ.jpeg)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/profile/avatar/183375/circled_becf6dbe-4fe7-4674-853a-6337977c59c0.png)
GFW Dollars for Scholars PHONE-A-THON will be held on Saturday, September 16 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Students will be raising money for GFW Scholarships!
![Dollars for Scholars](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5148982/large_jNnsVPJmTZubUbLK8UOu7Q.jpeg)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/profile/avatar/183375/circled_becf6dbe-4fe7-4674-853a-6337977c59c0.png)
The Lady T-Birds fell short last night against the Chargers but they fought a tough battle. The school band played and the crowd was full of excitement!
![Volleyball fans](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5224087/large_YJmVo18gS68YMlLdOLc57Q.jpeg)
![School band](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5224088/large_fk1t199za-kRaSdcM5qggw.jpeg)
![One drummer drumming](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5224091/large_rhwuYZhLPmLIdewwrVO1cw.jpeg)
![School band](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5224094/large_S-xL1aUTtdq3y5q7VZNqjw.jpeg)
![Clarinet players](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5224096/large_ucXrx0jAIXeeu1EBxtP2TQ.jpeg)
![Saxaphones](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5224097/large_mgT9IHudo_cHMmi6shQyRQ.jpeg)
![Volleyball team](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5224098/large_L7qJf7nx7kQ2SfLt8D6LwA.jpeg)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/profile/avatar/183375/circled_becf6dbe-4fe7-4674-853a-6337977c59c0.png)
Here's more great photos of teachers learning how to use mixed reality software as they prepare to use them in a variety of ways in classes this year!
![Augmented Reality](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5180681/large_GgMDsJlFB-wESqwbt0Timg.jpeg)
![Augmented Reality](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5180690/large_JN8M9QEwGzvMV6VLW6Invw.jpeg)
![Augmented Reality](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5180693/large_W-FIWqSetNY37FiKxysTNA.jpeg)
![Augmented Reality](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5180696/large_R5OzLUpWFMLmNLyUyTzlXw.jpeg)
![Augmented Reality](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5180699/large_UbjwdwBGbBZx54L2VawO4g.jpeg)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/profile/avatar/183375/circled_becf6dbe-4fe7-4674-853a-6337977c59c0.png)
Students at GFW Elementary School listened and shared about being respectful, responsible, and safe throughout the elementary school as they kick off the T-Bird Way for the year!
![Teacher and students in a presentation](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5203109/large_ypw0TNt0fS3vKvmz0_luLw.jpeg)
![Teacher and students in a presentation](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5203110/large_JKouqdtjtjf7fu5TwYXydg.jpeg)
![Teacher and students in a presentation](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5203111/large_S7pDc8gTZ86u-CK4POqOHg.jpeg)
![Teacher and students in a presentation](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5203112/large_iVekaRGd2zieanGsoEVq6Q.jpeg)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/profile/avatar/183375/circled_becf6dbe-4fe7-4674-853a-6337977c59c0.png)
GFW Public Schools has obtained COVID test kits for students, families and staff at both buildings. Test kits are free and are available in the health services office on a first come-first served basis. Each test kit contains two COVID tests.
![Get Tested](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5199720/large_R-Bolo3k_pQfgrgJmjPxVA.png)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/profile/avatar/183375/circled_becf6dbe-4fe7-4674-853a-6337977c59c0.png)
Picture Days are coming up at GFW Elementary School! Students in Preschool, Kindergarten and First grade will have their portraits taken on Tuesday, September 19. Preschool, and grades 2,3, and 4 will have their portraits taken on Wednesday, September 20. Retake day will be Wednesday, October 18.
![Picture Days](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5197528/large_gDP0VHOlcG60g4bgDit6Ug.png)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/profile/avatar/183375/circled_becf6dbe-4fe7-4674-853a-6337977c59c0.png)
The GFW Community never misses a chance to cheer on our amazing students! Here's a few great photos from last week.
![Football Players](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5196210/large_vuqvlsYUE9vP_1351a7XCw.jpeg)
![Panoramic of football field](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5196212/large_DeVB2Fwb9as_Zs4mhvZ8_Q.jpeg)
![Students cheering at football game](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5196214/large_-wvKhtGiBkPdDdIF2wxTIg.jpeg)
![Football game](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5196218/large_fbQW7wR2tOes2kACnTG1SA.jpeg)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/profile/avatar/183375/circled_becf6dbe-4fe7-4674-853a-6337977c59c0.png)
During Grandparents Day at GFW Elementary School at the end of the last school year, sunflower seeds were shared with some grandparents who visited for the day. Kathy Ahlbrecht shared what the flowers look like now. So cool!
![Sunflowers](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5167968/large_rbsWqXk2O83zW6nDrswgLw.jpeg)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/profile/avatar/183375/circled_becf6dbe-4fe7-4674-853a-6337977c59c0.png)
Last week, teachers received training using mixed reality software in various content areas. Mixed reality units use aspects of both augmented and virtual environments to reinforce real world trade skills!
![Teacher using Augmented Reality](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5130442/large_fXRv7UVyWuOLcfmIZkMYeg.jpeg)
![Augmented Reality](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5130443/large_1pU4u4pYlMpV4kBkM11vzA.jpeg)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/profile/avatar/183375/circled_becf6dbe-4fe7-4674-853a-6337977c59c0.png)
The Open House last week at GFW MS/HS was a huge success! The hallways and classrooms were filled with energy and excitement as students and families met with their teachers. The school year is off to a great start so far!
![Students at open house](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5130533/large_a-1dph5JBp_33pBbIMyfWA.jpeg)
![Students at open house](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5130536/large_7DpimBrG7ltzrCLiCgu-ig.jpeg)
![Students at open house](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5130538/large_QdwKll-ntYzsPTcgWYYGxw.jpeg)
![Students at open house](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5130539/large_UulmOIi3beSn5RCA2e7B3Q.jpeg)
![Students at open house](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5130541/large_hp-2Vp0zif71Zt_yaOWztw.jpeg)
![Students at open house](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5130542/large_kY3YXB3deTEf53zbixGckg.jpeg)
![Students at open house](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5130547/large_IjDrOxKsZvksZmCGtLlVvQ.jpeg)
![Students at open house](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5130549/large_opLvlph9qFgEAiTcinE7NA.jpeg)
![Students at open house](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5130552/large_cFkm4VvGEaAG6kv-nnin2A.jpeg)
![Students at open house](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5130556/large_dgupKFQd-xzoLrQXaXjogA.jpeg)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/profile/avatar/183375/circled_becf6dbe-4fe7-4674-853a-6337977c59c0.png)
Last week our new teachers and non-tenured staff gathered together to prepare for the new school year. We are so excited to have amazing educators joining our district!
![New Teachers](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5067540/large_-XpAP_K9tIIXp3g2O9C51Q.jpeg)
![New Teachers](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5067541/large_9oz7tFHa2mjrR1moiJmsPw.jpeg)
![New Teachers](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5067543/large_5XYjUDYHcDmsg3HreWs1_w.jpeg)
![New Teachers](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5067544/large_HWkvG6u6Htw2ArU-i9g2tQ.jpeg)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/profile/avatar/183375/circled_becf6dbe-4fe7-4674-853a-6337977c59c0.png)
The 2023-24 GFW Bowling team is ready for another great season!
![GFW Bowling team](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5055190/large_B8IHs6tIVuby2cDcDfQp7w.jpeg)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/profile/avatar/183375/circled_becf6dbe-4fe7-4674-853a-6337977c59c0.png)
GFW students competed at the MN State Fair in a variety of areas and did a great job. They showed dairy, beef, sheep, rabbit, poultry, goat and swine and really live the 4-H motto “To Make the Best Better!”
![GFW kids at state fair](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5055384/large_uV58Av-D7taFcN5-jgLiTw.jpeg)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/profile/avatar/183375/circled_becf6dbe-4fe7-4674-853a-6337977c59c0.png)
Staff Development is underway for the staff at GFW Public Schools. It's great to have the team together to get ready for the school year!
![Presentation](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5063952/large_PpfUEELrggMX1eIFHQIdEw.jpeg)
![AED presentation](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5063953/large_CVigfZg1MRZ0zZO4WUIHIQ.jpeg)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/profile/avatar/183375/circled_becf6dbe-4fe7-4674-853a-6337977c59c0.png)
The GFW Football Team enjoyed a nice meal after a scrimmage with St. James over the weekend.
![Football Players](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5055308/large_yZq_qBMCKrJ5rE5sAdn9Cg.jpeg)
![Football players](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5055310/large_LGl6vi6mor7Dn4MIdCBnMg.jpeg)
![Football players](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5055314/large_BIeQboodSkXgfZYNJwTbNw.jpeg)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/profile/avatar/183375/circled_becf6dbe-4fe7-4674-853a-6337977c59c0.png)
Be sure to attend back to conferences and open houses taking place on Wednesday, August 30! This is a great chance to meet teachers, walk your schedule, and get prepared for the year. The first days of school are coming up!
![GFW Elementary School Back to School Conferences](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5035718/large_fWyktkw5YITvDcexO0wsMg.png)
![GFW middle School and High School Back to School Open House](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/5035723/large_egn0KguDTX8RPXbqUec0Aw.png)