Principal

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We hope this letter finds you well and filled with excitement as we approach the start of the 2024/2025 school year at Grant D. Morse Elementary School. The faculty and staff have been eagerly preparing to welcome back our students for another year of learning, growth, and success.

This past year, the District adopted its new Blueprint for Excellence (the District's strategic plan which will be revisited yearly). This was based on community responses to surveys and in-person workshops. The plan builds off of our history and outlines four priority areas.  They are: 

• Academic Excellence: We will provide all students with an academically challenging experience that emphasizes the development of skills and knowledge that aligns to the Saugerties Portrait of a Graduate and New York State Standards.

• Family/Community Engagement: We will increase family/community engagement.

• Professional Culture: We will create/foster/nurture quality professional learning tailored to all staff needed for student success. 

• The Student Experience: We will create an environment where all students want to come to a school where they feel welcomed, successful in their work, recognized for their efforts, and supported in all areas.  
   

The entire Blueprint for Excellence can be explored here: https://www.saugerties.k12.ny.us/our-district/priorities

As always, I would like to take a few minutes to remind everyone that ATTENDANCE MATTERS.  Regular school attendance is vital to student success. We believe that when students attend school consistently, they have greater opportunities to develop stronger relationships with their peers and teachers, engage in meaningful learning experiences, and to build a solid foundation for future academic achievements.

This year at Grant D. Morse, we are looking forward to continued traditions and new opportunities for our students.  I want to challenge our students to be P.R.O.U.D. to be a Mustang and a Sawyer this year:

P - Pause, Think, and then Act
R - be Respectful
O - take Ownership
U - be Understanding
D-Dream BIG!

Also, I encourage our families to get involved by connecting and communicating with your child’s teacher regularly.  We also have an amazing PTA which provides wonderful opportunities for all the GDM students.  Their first meeting is on September 18th. It is a great way to be connected to our school community.

To stay updated on the latest school news, events, and important announcements, we encourage you to visit our official website at [https://www.saugerties.k12.ny.us/]. Our website serves as a comprehensive resource, featuring the school calendar, staff directory, curriculum information, and much more.

Additionally, we invite you to join our vibrant online community by following our Facebook page at [https://www.facebook.com/saugertiescsd/]. By connecting with us on social media, you can participate in our school's exciting activities, view photos from events, and engage in discussions with other parents and members of our school community. Parents are also encouraged to download the Saugerties CSD app for quick access to important news, announcements, calendars, and links. Find the Saugerties CSD app on google play or the app store.

We value the strong partnership between our school and parents, and we believe that together, we can create an environment where each student can thrive academically and personally. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

Lastly, please make sure your current contact information is up to date in our school record system. We rely on this system to send important messages from the District via text and/or email. If you've recently changed your phone number or email, please contact Mrs. K at 845-247-6960, update through the parent portal, or make corrections on the demographic form that will be sent home with each student on the first day of school. 

Portal Link: https://saugertiesny.infinitecampus.org/campus/portal/parents/saugerties.jsp
Portal Support: https://www.saugerties.k12.ny.us/departments/information-technology/infinite-campus-support

Thank you for entrusting us with your child's education. We look forward to a fantastic school year filled with growth, learning, and memorable experiences.

Sincerely,

Kris Giangreco
Grant D. Morse Elementary Principal
kgiangreco@saugerties.k12.ny.us
845-247-6960