PTA NEWS - When only 56% join the PTA, every child misses out. Help us reach full strength - join today
- ISD PTA Speaker Series (for Parents): Government 101 (10/6)
- Fall Afters Classes Start (10/6)
- Special Education & Student Support Coffee (10/10)
- Halloween Hoot (10/24)
- Finding Nemo Kids: Playbill Ads (Due: 10/30)
- Parent Social & Auction (11/15)
- Volunteer Opportunities: PTA Treasurer & Traffic Circle Duty
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| - PTA in Action: Highlights!
- 2025 October Calendar
SCHOOL NEWS - Principal Hammack's S'more
- The Great Pumpkin Book Character Showcase - Correction!
- Parking at ISD
COMMUNITY NEWS - PTAC logo contest
- Got Hope
- OGS Pumpkin Patch
- The Gator Glow
- Voting
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When only 56% join the PTA, every child misses out. Help us reach full strength - join today. Half are in. Half are still on the sidelines. Which side are you on? WE can't reach our full potential without you. Join the PTA. Becoming a member of the PTA doesn't mean that you have to volunteer, although it's always welcome and appreciated. Your membership alone makes a big difference. Please join us today as a member for as little as $40 or as much as you can give. |
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ISD PTA Speaker Series (for Parents): Government 101 (10/6) Ever wonder who really holds the power and the purse strings? Who decides how much your school gets? How do you get heard? John Fisher - PTA Council President for the past 2 years (and current GHS President) who attended every BOE meeting and every BET meeting with the school budgets on the agenda - will present a non-partisan breakdown of the Board Of Education (BOE), Board of Selectmen, BET (Board of Estimate and Taxation), and RTM (Representative Town Meeting). |
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- Learn how each of the town boards shape our schools (spoiler: it’s not pretty and it’s not magic)
- Discover how you can influence budgets, policies, and priorities
- Get informed to speak up, show up, and make change happen for the benefit of the schools
Whether you're a parent or an educator, a voter or just civic-curious, Greenwich Government 101 will pull back the curtain on the who, what, and why behind our town’s most powerful boards - from the BET’s budget battles to the RTM’s quiet influence. Join us tomorrow, Monday, October 6th, at 9:00am in the ISD Cafeteria for a 30-minute presentation, followed by a Q&A session. If you cannot make it, you are welcome to join us via zoom (in this case, if you have any questions, please send them to us before-hand). Zoom: Zoom Link Here Meeting ID: 880 2411 4167 Passcode: 999753 Learn how it works. Learn how to work it. Please note: This presentation is strictly the viewpoints of John Fisher and is not on behalf of the PTAC, GHS, or ISD PTAs. |
Special Education & Student Support (SESS) Parent Coffee (10/10) Please join the Special Education & Student Supports (SESS) team for a morning coffee and casual opportunity to connect, share ideas, ask questions, and plan for the year ahead. Date: Friday, October 10th Time: 9:00 a.m. Location: ISD Cafe Karen Soler, 4th Grade Parent, is our PTA representative for the district and the school. Thank you for volunteering! Please reach out to her to be added to the SPED mailing list. Email Karen here. |
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Fall Afters Starts Tomorrow (10/6)! Our fall after-school enrichment programs will kick off tomorrow, October 6th! Don't forget to update your child(ren)'s pick-up plan in the School Dismissal Manager app to reflect Afters participation on scheduled dates. The pick-up is at 4:45pm at the school's front entrance - please park and walk up to meet your child(ren). In addition, a survey from YAS (Your After School) will be sent out to collect your feedback and preferences for the Winter After-School Enrichment programs. Please be sure to give your time preference, feedback, and any suggestions for new programs. We can't wait to see the kids dive into their activities and come home with big smiles! |
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Halloween Hoot is Getting CLOSER - Spooky Fun Awaits (10/24)! Get ready for an evening full of thrills, treats, and community cheer! Date: Friday, October 24th Time: 5:00 - 7:00pm Location: ISD Gym & Blacktop Costumes encouraged (not required) - but the more creative, the better! Wander through our Pumpkin Patch, soak up the festive décor, and capture memories at the Photo Booth. |
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Play your way through our Game Stations: Witch Hat Ring Toss, Skeleton Bowling, Scavenger Hunt, and the all-new challenge: Can You Guess the Teacher? Let your imagination shine with Arts & Crafts, or get a festive makeover at Face Painting & Tattoos. Savor delicious seasonal treats & apple cider. And… something mysterious is brewing! A (surprise) dance performance is on the schedule, starring a few very recognizable faces from ISD. Who could it be? Come find out - and then join us all on the dance floor for a school-wide boogie at 5:50pm. Head to the gym for the Crazy Science Show that promises to be spooktacular - two time slots this year: 5:10-5:45 p.m. and 6:10-6:45 p.m. (sign-up below required to attend!). |
Help Make the Magic Happen! Halloween Hoot wouldn’t be possible without the helping hands of our ISD families. Every detail - from candy bags to game tables, decorations, and clean-up - comes to life because of volunteers like you. Sign up today to join the Hoot Crew |
This is a free PTA event to all ISD families, made possible by the generous donations that you have made during the membership drive by parents like you. You don't have to be a PTA member to attend. |
Pumpkin Donations for Halloween Hoot Help us light up the night! Please donate carved pumpkins to decorate the event. When: During morning drop-off on Friday, October 24 by 2:30pm at the latest What: Any carved pumpkin - friendly, funny, or fabulously spooky!
Thanks for adding your creativity and magic to our Halloween Hoot! |
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Sponsor Finding Nemo Kids: Playbill Ads Available (Deadline: 10/30)! Show your pride or promote your business in the Playbill for ISD’s 5th Grade production of Finding Nemo Kids (Nov. 20-21). Family ads start at just $10; business ads include recognition in the program, PTA website, show site, and newsletter. Deadline: October 30
Submit ads/photos to: webmaster@isdpta.org More details and form submission are found here. Ticket sales will open next week. |
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Gatsby Parent Social & Fundraiser (11/15): Tickets on sale now! Book your babysitters and join your fellow ISD parents for a night of style, stakes, and sparkle at this year's Gatsby Glam and Casino night. Join us for games, cocktails, and dinner, and a very special auction.
Date:Saturday, November 15th Location:The Milbrook Club, Greenwich Tickets: $130 (PTA Members get discount for $10 off) Interested in volunteering? Sign up here Want to make a donation? Follow these instructions How to get auction items: You can get the instructions here! |
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Gatsby Glam Wine Toss. We Need Wine! Help us stock up for the crowd-favorite game! We’re asking for donations of wine and liquor bottles. The more the bottles, the more the tosses (and laughs!). Donations can be dropped off by November 14th at: You can drop them off to: - 9 Deluca Drive, Cos Cob
- 36 Forest Avenue, Old Greenwich
- 239 Palmer Hill Rd, Old Greenwich
Look for a bin/container where you can place these bottles into by the front door at these locations. |
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Parent Social Art Auction This year, we’ve got an extra-special treat at the Parent Social Auction - artwork made by the stars of the show, your children! Our Kindergarten, 3rd, and 5th graders are each teaming up to create one-of-a-kind class masterpieces, and you’ll have the chance to take one home on auction night. The best part? You won’t just see the finished product - you’ll get sneak peeks along the way as their creations come to life over the next few weeks. *Pictured are 5th grade students, already at work. |
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Volunteer Opportunity: PTA Treasurer Needed! Are you great with numbers and passionate about supporting our school community? Join us as the PTA Treasurer. This vital, non-voting role is perfect for someone organized and detail-oriented who wants to make a meaningful impact. You'll manage the PTA’s budget, keep financial records, track income and expenses, manage deposits, payments, petty cash requests and reimbursements, and help ensure our events and programs run smoothly. No accounting degree needed - just a commitment to transparency and teamwork. Train under two current amazing Treasurers and start to support them right away on various tasks. This position can eventually become a voting, PTA Board role. Learn more details by reaching out to us. Treasurer role - learn more Treasurer role - apply here |
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Volunteer Opportunity: Traffic Circle Duty We need your support to keep the ISD Traffic Circle running safely and smoothly each morning. ALL families are expected to SIGN UP for at least one traffic circle slot per child per classroom. Teachers and class parents will follow up to ensure all spots are covered. |
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PTA in Action: Highlights! |
Class Coffees A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of the Class Coffee meetings! We are deeply grateful to our dedicated Class Parents, ISD Principal Mr. Hammack and the incredible ISD Staff, as well as the ISD PTA for their ongoing support and organization. Most importantly, thank you to all the parents who took the time to attend and engage with us. Each meeting offered valuable opportunities for open dialogue and thoughtful discussion tailored to the specific needs and experiences at every grade level. Your insights, questions, and collaboration help strengthen our community and support our students’ growth. |
PTA Recess Grant Brings Fun Indoors for 5L! Thanks to a generous PTA-funded Recess Grant, Mr. Lantigua's 5th grade students now have a set of engaging board games and a Fraction War card game, giving students opportunities to build friendships, teamwork skills, and even practice math concepts when the weather keeps them indoors. These resources are already a hit with students, who are excited to have new activities that combine play with problem-solving. The grant is just one of the many ways the PTA is supporting both joyful learning and community connection throughout the school year. |
Grade 4 Explores Connecticut Geography with SMNC On Monday, October 1, Grade 4 students took part in the Stamford Museum & Nature Center’s traveling program “Geography of CT” program. Through hands-on map-making and interactive discussions, students explored Connecticut’s natural and man-made features, including elevation, geologic, and hydrologic maps. They especially enjoyed discovering that maps can take many forms - even artistic ones - and were surprised to learn that a compass rose can point in different directions depending on how you turn the map. These insights helped students better understand how maps reflect the way we see and navigate the world around us. Thank you to our PTA In-School Enrichment Team for bringing this engaging experience to ISD! |
Principal Hammack's S'more Click here for an update on everything ISD, including brain breaks for Hispanic Heritage Month, Fall Afters details, SESS coffee info, understanding the New GPS report cards, and more. |
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ISD's Great Pumpkin Book Character Showcase is back! CORRECTION: This is a decorating contest, NOT a carving contest. It's an open invitation for ISD students to show off their decorating skills at the Great Pumpkin Book Character Showcase! The Challenge: Can you decorate a pumpkin to match your favorite book cover? |
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Drop-off Timing: Drop off either Tuesday, 10/28 or Wednesday, 10/29, between 8:45 - 9:15am. Pumpkin Display: On Thursday and Friday (10/30 and 10/31) we'll have the pumpkins on display. Pumpkin Pick up: take your pumpkin home on Monday, 11/3, either during drop-off or pick up. Parent Volunteer Opportunities: The Great Pumpkin Book Character Showcase Mrs. Brezovsky needs your help in the Media Center on the following days to help: Tuesday and Wednesday (10/30 & 10/31) - Pumpkin drop-off
Greet students and direct them (with their pumpkins) to level 2 Assist students writing index cards to identify their entries Assist students with pumpkin placement Take photos of students with pumpkins
Monday (11/3): help us dispose of any remaining pumpkins in the afternoon. |
Check out the 1st ISDY News of the School Year!! Highlights: - Reminders of the Week - Silly Holidays of the Month - Ask The Class - 3s - What was your favorite thing you did this summer? - Hispanic Heritage Month @ ISD - Meet The Principal - Mr. Hammack - Birthdays of the Week |
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Hispanic Heritage Month Brain Break! On Tuesday, the Hispanic Heritage Brain Break celebration at ISD was filled with energy, joy, and pride! The music, dancing, and laughter brought smiles to every face - students and staff alike. My heart is truly full after seeing our school community come together in such a vibrant and meaningful way. A very special thank you to our wonderful PTA for the gift of flags and for your continued support in making these moments possible. We are so grateful for all that you do to help us celebrate culture and community. ¡Gracias de corazón!
Sra. Rivera |
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Municipal Elections Are Critical to ISD and all the Greenwich Public Schools! Greenwich Municipal Elections are this year. Election day is Nov. 4th. Early voting starts October 20th. Click here to see the simple 3-steps (with QR codes!) that you can follow to make sure your voice is heard on issues that are critical to ISD and all of the Greenwich Public Schools! For more information on bi-partisan voting, please view this graphic put together by the League of Women Voters. |
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Design the Future, Shape the Legacy! PTAC is launching a Logo Contest to give our organization a fresh new look that reflects both our proud history and vibrant future. Open to all GPS children and their families, this is your chance to create the logo that unites all 15 schools under one vision. Submit your designs by October 29, 2025. Winners will be announced on November 11, 2025, and will receive exciting prizes and, most importantly, bragging rights for shaping PTAC’s identity!
Find the submission form and other details at https://www.greenwichschools.org/community-ptac/ptac |
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Upcoming Events | | Tuesday, October 7 | | | Friday, October 10 | | | Monday, October 13 | | | Wednesday, October 22 | | | Thursday, October 23 | | | Friday, October 24 | | | Monday, October 27 | | | Tuesday, November 4 | | | Thursday, November 6 | |
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