![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/profile/avatar/183375/circled_becf6dbe-4fe7-4674-853a-6337977c59c0.png)
Pre K and Elementary teachers spent today in LETRS training to learn more on the Science of Reading!
![Teachers in training](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4671352/large_MA8QqLOosH3Ga6zDXJ5miw.jpeg)
![Teachers in training](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4671353/large_zuh7dkPoF_xbRW6WAEkixQ.jpeg)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/profile/avatar/183375/circled_becf6dbe-4fe7-4674-853a-6337977c59c0.png)
Students in Ms. Swedberg's Forensic Science class learned about blood by testing their blood to see what blood type they are.
![Student testing blood](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4663207/large_souq1clyN2dexa_8xjPAsQ.jpeg)
![Student testing blood](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4663209/large_J2tvFer32xSElWqaB8a2Sg.jpeg)
![Student testing blood](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4663210/large_NEJx6IrVlmk85WS6GFol5A.jpeg)
![Student testing blood](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4663211/large_nL6wgvQuggJ3zWn0lyK3Pw.jpeg)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/profile/avatar/183375/circled_becf6dbe-4fe7-4674-853a-6337977c59c0.png)
The GFW team celebrated our dedicated and amazing staff today including celebrating our retirees and years of service awards!
5 YEARS: John Wisch
10 YEARS: Melissa Hanson, Otto Hartmann, Deb Kammerlander, Teresa Olson, Sheryl Peters, Tara Rettmann, Sharon Schiro, Christine Unger, Travis Vorwerk, Brian Weir
15 YEARS: John Krueger, Jennifer Thompson
20 YEARS: Jill Berdan, Macord Johnson, Daniel Kaiser
30 YEARS: Jenny O’Connor
RETIREES: John Wisch - 5 years, Ardie Seehafer - 17 years, Jeff Seehafer - 33 years
Thank you to all of our amazing teachers, leaders, and staff members for your dedication to the GFW community!
![Staff Breakfast](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4666706/large_bLd8akKvRUmWeXzsapij4w.jpeg)
![Staff with ten years of service](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4666709/large_zFxfJnlWFUneLHyDbx13GQ.jpeg)
![Staff with fifteen years of service](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4666711/large__3X5BVHETh0S9t7uI6L-aQ.jpeg)
![Staff with fifteen years of service](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4666713/large_6AdOzDQTLcLryNuPDG1WgQ.jpeg)
![Celebrating retirees](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4666715/large_G5PgSPp9XZWJJzchDWZYgg.jpeg)
![Celebrating retiring teacher](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4666718/large_m8Y1SBMyttGj-Neix0Czfg.jpeg)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/profile/avatar/183375/circled_becf6dbe-4fe7-4674-853a-6337977c59c0.png)
GFW Elementary staff says goodbye to a great school year! Not pictured: photographer and principal Jennifer Thompson!
![GFW Elementary staff](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4658238/large_C6DTBq8fSGJGRnMmVRaETg.jpeg)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/profile/avatar/183375/circled_becf6dbe-4fe7-4674-853a-6337977c59c0.png)
Fourth grade students were able to make slime on the last day of school. Students were given glue, contact solution, and baking soda and mixed it all together, and if their slime didn’t turn out, they had to figure out if what secret ingredient needed to be added to make it better. It was so enjoyable to see the kiddos, helping each other out and finding a solution!
![Students making slime](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4656511/large_qwCj9QS-X_ULLBV8Px2mWQ.jpeg)
![Students making slime](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4656513/large_JjQxnS6zRBCCjvJcCdTdhA.jpeg)
![Students making slime](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4656514/large_Ax0HKrLMhKIFMhUTT1uo8Q.jpeg)
![Students making slime](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4656515/large_-_ZjLPiRMm1Xlf_2cZC7mQ.jpeg)
![Students making slime](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4656516/large_TSluJU11Mr7X4Km_hMkzAw.jpeg)
![Students making slime](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4656517/large_VmBuMFgfa1o7SKHv7lq0VA.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 received a warm welcome from Mrs. Sharon Schiro to celebrate the last day of school!
![Mrs. Schiro welcoming students](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4656047/large_lwJwlFloEQfhfNiq-wbHKA.jpeg)
![Mrs. Schiro welcoming students](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4656049/large_HzBGsgev02-AJjvgUHSgUg.jpeg)
![Mrs. Schiro welcoming students](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4656053/large_yEn3jUhzYI7nFlxGIxnO6w.jpeg)
![Mrs. Schiro welcoming students](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4656055/large_m3Bq1yOCOOsWT-25Vtd51g.jpeg)
![Mrs. Schiro welcoming students](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4656057/large__0eFisYrF-wxOexGm4LN-g.jpeg)
![Mrs. Schiro welcoming students](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4656058/large_5sUPXi59t-naWi6gEBIt_w.jpeg)
![Mrs. Schiro welcoming students](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4656059/large_K7eN6Uz1oME9uWDnpBA38w.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 were so excited to celebrate the class of 2023 today!
![Students holding signs](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4647962/large_5JTMnJ5rKYlqP0nhIMNpZA.jpeg)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/profile/avatar/183375/circled_becf6dbe-4fe7-4674-853a-6337977c59c0.png)
Students were honored as Elite Award Letter recipients last night at the Letterman’s Banquet. Congratulations to all students who have lettered in athletics and activities throughout the year!
![Letterman's banquet winners](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4645785/large_-M5BqyywS_vrcSqpVMc1rQ.jpeg)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/profile/avatar/183375/circled_becf6dbe-4fe7-4674-853a-6337977c59c0.png)
Great times were had at the GFW Elementary end of the year T-Bird Way Celebration today!
![Kids at the end of year celebration](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4643339/large_xk8iL4JdsyRNIi7tyLw_9Q.jpeg)
![student showing off a temporary tattoo](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4643343/large_xDzEmu98iaivf3nppGqFrw.jpeg)
![students and teachers with sno cones](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4643348/large_SR1n4m72svAJvPv_5iAhhg.jpeg)
![end of year celebration](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4643352/large_AV9qTEphvv9cTo4nQfKyIA.jpeg)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/profile/avatar/183375/circled_becf6dbe-4fe7-4674-853a-6337977c59c0.png)
Students in third grade had a great time at their field trip to the Minnesota Zoo!
![Field trip to the zoo](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4637402/large_14D_FWUPa99KO93CVIR5zQ.jpeg)
![Field trip to the zoo](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4637403/large_UMVuIH7u7HdwcDGqxhMNTQ.jpeg)
![Field trip to the zoo](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4637404/large_WCdi_hoEG4qxfTbLcgCm3w.jpeg)
![Field trip to the zoo](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4637405/large_8zqeHGRS9RGGhdQdCt2urg.jpeg)
![Field trip to the zoo](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4637406/large_3rDH3jMkATt7xlgOYFTeZg.jpeg)
![Field trip to the zoo](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4637407/large_eYbfgnFH-cgQuIHibFHT0A.jpeg)
![Gathering for the field trip](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4637408/large_NtmZgrrr8tdBCzDw75fKtQ.jpeg)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/profile/avatar/183375/circled_becf6dbe-4fe7-4674-853a-6337977c59c0.png)
Students in Ms. Holmgren's Kindergarten class have been welcoming newly hatched chicks. They presented to their families and to third graders about what they learned during the process of watching the chicks develop and grow!
They celebrated the birthday of four chicks and named their little friends Lily, Mario, Frosting and Liberty!
![Class photo](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4634725/large_dBO2pMEoLbUtZeYLhnCaOg.jpeg)
![Kindergarten students presenting](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4634726/large_bYJUqZf-e93F3p4a2dj-Og.jpeg)
![Kindergarten students presenting](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4634727/large_wMGK0jxZkJpn7Em_IO0-8g.jpeg)
![Kindergarten students presenting](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4634729/large_YXjtnqLsjKxnbLGobGto8g.jpeg)
![Teacher handing baby chick to a student](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4634730/large_oJqJopyO-f-tyMs0XqV7cg.jpeg)
![Teacher handing baby chick to a student](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4634731/large_aGVYy7qjklgRrOT1WjuJbg.jpeg)
![student observing baby chicks](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4634732/large_qudQi0UmmBsU5LoCEqnMHg.jpeg)
![students doing an art project](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4634733/large_VN36XwcTvdS2wq1STG4Hjg.jpeg)
![students observing baby chicks](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4634734/large_A64fEI4jL7CN2aQiuxgu5Q.jpeg)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/profile/avatar/183375/circled_becf6dbe-4fe7-4674-853a-6337977c59c0.png)
Students in Ms. O'Neill's English 11 classes hosted a panel discussion with Vietnam Vets Joe Dolly, Ron Trebelhorn, Tom Frank and Bob Paulson. This discussion was a follow up-connection to reading Minnesota author Tim O'Brien's book "The Things They Carried." English 12 students also talked to the vets comparing World War II to Vietnam after reading Night by Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel.
![Veteran guest speakers](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4634645/large_APobBDmCiuupH7lZCqHhxw.jpeg)
![Class listening to speakers](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4634646/large_8954IXHUajz5lGE3TutKGQ.jpeg)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/profile/avatar/183375/circled_becf6dbe-4fe7-4674-853a-6337977c59c0.png)
Music students in first through fourth grade put on a piano recital for each other last week! They spent a couple of days each week in the piano lab getting ready and each student chose a song to play.
![piano recital](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4623922/large_paAlp58ugDaBtJh55X7Bew.jpeg)
![piano recital](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4623923/large_0Rota-jxQuc2JUH3AhvDtQ.jpeg)
![piano recital](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4623925/large_pEGPwAVJsjIy65AVYejugQ.jpeg)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/profile/avatar/183375/circled_becf6dbe-4fe7-4674-853a-6337977c59c0.png)
It was a beautiful day for outdoor learning! Kindergarten classes had STEAM and music outside today and got to sing together with Ms. Gertz under the tree.
![kids singing outside](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4623885/large_tg9X9Con_yH8haFla5tqTQ.jpeg)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/profile/avatar/183375/circled_becf6dbe-4fe7-4674-853a-6337977c59c0.png)
Elementary students used LEGO SPIKE Essential kits and software to make some moving creations!
![Students creating with LEGO SPIKE](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4614843/large_CSHTDjIFHTKe7_PwDVh42Q.jpeg)
![Students creating with LEGO SPIKE](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4614845/large_4dRpNaYLOVZdBj5P2Go2Ow.png)
![Students creating with LEGO SPIKE](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4614848/large_Yu9q5ffXTkZqfhj3-Vh3cA.jpeg)
![Students creating with LEGO SPIKE](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4614860/large_FZj-BEZPC_Rl2b8UnRssYw.jpeg)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/profile/avatar/183375/circled_becf6dbe-4fe7-4674-853a-6337977c59c0.png)
One more post of picture's from the triumphant return of Grandparent's Day to GFW Elementary School last week!
![Grandparents Day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4572891/large_jGmhqP9XZSfmVXJS2yvL1A.jpeg)
![Grandparents Day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4572892/large_Q2iYuc6rLUYyUd8VvE4AFQ.jpeg)
![Grandparents Day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4572893/large_CIbhIXx9loetP9PdMMLTWw.jpeg)
![Grandparents Day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4572894/large_3wbdMxftveFzkrwwQI-Vsw.jpeg)
![Grandparents Day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4572896/large_cMlV5jMjnmQ-_jv-F9QK2Q.jpeg)
![Grandparents Day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4572897/large_Z0StQlH3YD302b6gnIYkCQ.jpeg)
![Grandparents Day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4572898/large_wJgvfThTB8K97ApUDeWWAQ.jpeg)
![Grandparents Day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4572899/large_ikymA5XCL602Ba8Gqsq6Kg.jpeg)
![Grandparents Day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4572900/large_9QXSrLwpLruUPA8HWEUBVQ.jpeg)
![Grandparents Day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4572901/large_FGoENMxqPrDlNrZTVDp3aA.jpeg)
![](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/gfw_public_schools_ar/profile/avatar/183375/circled_becf6dbe-4fe7-4674-853a-6337977c59c0.png)
Students put their greenhouse skills to the Lodge in Winthrop to plant flowers and spend some time with the residents!
![Students visiting residents at the lodge](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4606505/large_itQzGtwf-PqBjBfTFS793A.jpeg)
![Students planting flowers](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4606506/large_olrfKsMOwex7varnhzHtzg.jpeg)
![students planting flowers](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4606510/large_Rqg8XZm7z097j3tPnhMZSQ.jpeg)
![Students planting flowers](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4606511/large_CanovSp3oZBvEhgV7Zy9Qg.jpeg)
![Students planting flowers](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4606513/large_qtbduiYbvPe3cUIJs92Pow.jpeg)
![Students planting flowers](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4606514/large_CvClKVQxSonJu6otyQ6pBw.jpeg)
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Students were excited to be able to share their work with their visitors last week. Thanks again to all the grandparents and grand people who spent time at GFW Elementary!
![Grandparent's Day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4572756/large_-2Myzq-iVlVRr0nsBk5d2w.jpeg)
![Grandparent's Day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4572758/large_USJFGxcEH0wn2fHQBJxkJQ.jpeg)
![Grandparent's Day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4572759/large_DQXG5KJf_jQ2zFG_qDNxHQ.jpeg)
![Grandparent's Day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4572761/large_XOrlZ-0AniW3ZCuX0k7nMA.jpeg)
![Grandparent's Day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4572762/large_TN5IlkoyAVv-JjI7SJCktQ.jpeg)
![Grandparent's Day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4572763/large_27hG2Kf2PppiPc-XdwYr6Q.jpeg)
![Grandparent's Day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4572766/large_uJCWanMm5b_KSV1YRoJp-A.jpeg)
![Grandparent's Day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4572768/large_ZF_M6D4pDfFFSwdKHowVAg.jpeg)
![Grandparent's Day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4572769/large_1cFaRIU28nvyK21qDYPr4w.jpeg)
![Grandparent's Day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4572771/large_iF49R0xVvWgVsnTTcKC_4g.jpeg)
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Evening of Excellence by the numbers:
20 GFW Seniors and 7 Alumni were honored with 113 scholarships for a grad total of $245,700!
This is amazing!
![Evening of Excellence](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4583843/large_4KL7M1SOEXQ4vBRJlubrsQ.jpeg)
![Evening of Excellence](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4583844/large_PT4ipdMySvh_lmNfimu4Jg.jpeg)
![Evening of Excellence](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4583847/large_h1Aef6G7frlUJpo9IxxWVQ.jpeg)
![Evening of Excellence](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4599291/large_pZW3j5fKk3z5fDKzOlrSOg.jpeg)
![Evening of Excellence](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4599295/large_6GgbU7c1oC9KoQPGsboI9A.jpeg)
![Evening of Excellence](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4599298/large_PoOjlVRnN1ecxMhZwa9Jdg.jpeg)
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It was great to be able to welcome so many grand people to GFW Elementary last week for Grandparent's Day!
![Grandparent's Day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4572670/large_-E4OHcpepTCGJ8vB2k27_A.jpeg)
![Grandparent's Day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4572674/large_46YMK2VXpezYdNBqC0RGdg.jpeg)
![Grandparent's Day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4572676/large_R08rckeY5rN6ES7r4uHf_g.jpeg)
![Grandparent's Day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4572677/large_vMz2FOON5l6_88KA6W_kBQ.jpeg)
![Grandparent's Day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4572679/large_2zH2L-CZeH9dRe9FZsOXDw.jpeg)
![Grandparent's Day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4572681/large_2DGrURQa0-9vCXiWYWwvSQ.jpeg)
![Grandparent's Day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4572684/large_UXD1MxGOZBRnBhSY3oFblA.jpeg)
![Grandparent's Day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4572686/large_ikSXIKpCBnuvMW3VJYN1Dg.jpeg)
![Grandparent's Day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4572687/large_2Gy4QhwOAeN45OHc8t9oNA.jpeg)
![Grandparent's Day](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/live_feed_image/image/4572690/large_JGUIRMhWN-KxHIxy8RX3uQ.jpeg)