The STEAM Room at GFW Elementary School is full of fun hands-on learning!
Congratulations to the GFW Homecoming 2026 Candidates!
Back row, L - R
Matthew Lee, Kaden Rieke, Bradley Wersal, Cayson Gosewisch, Jacob Kramer
Front row, L - R
Lauren Schafer, Lara Stegeman, Kelby Bruns, Jennifer Guzman, Chloe Henrichs
Back row, L - R
Matthew Lee, Kaden Rieke, Bradley Wersal, Cayson Gosewisch, Jacob Kramer
Front row, L - R
Lauren Schafer, Lara Stegeman, Kelby Bruns, Jennifer Guzman, Chloe Henrichs
Students at GFW Elementary practiced their bus safety drills today. Way to go!
A closer look at what's on the November Ballot:
Why is Question 2 contingent on Question 1?
The two questions address two very different financial needs - but the order is intentional.
Question 1 addresses transportation, technology, and curriculum. These are ongoing expenses that will continue to affect the district’s budget for years to come. Whether Question 1 passes or fails, buses will still need to be replaced, technology will still need to be updated and curriculum will still need to be purchased.
Question 2 addresses a different issue: buildings we no longer use and that were not intended to remain part of the district’s long-term operating model.
Simply put: before we address the buildings we no longer use, we need a sustainable plan for the ongoing needs of the school district we’re operating today.
That’s why Question 2 is contingent on Question 1.
Learn more: https://www.gfwschools.org/article/3144602
Why is Question 2 contingent on Question 1?
The two questions address two very different financial needs - but the order is intentional.
Question 1 addresses transportation, technology, and curriculum. These are ongoing expenses that will continue to affect the district’s budget for years to come. Whether Question 1 passes or fails, buses will still need to be replaced, technology will still need to be updated and curriculum will still need to be purchased.
Question 2 addresses a different issue: buildings we no longer use and that were not intended to remain part of the district’s long-term operating model.
Simply put: before we address the buildings we no longer use, we need a sustainable plan for the ongoing needs of the school district we’re operating today.
That’s why Question 2 is contingent on Question 1.
Learn more: https://www.gfwschools.org/article/3144602
Today’s students need access to reliable technology that prepares them for success. Our plan focuses on modern classroom technology, dependable digital tools, and secure systems that support innovative learning across all classrooms.
By replacing aging devices and maintaining technology infrastructure, GFW can continue to ensure that students and staff have the tools they need to learn, teach, and work effectively every day.
Check out our website with more information on the upcoming election: www.gfwschools.org/election
By replacing aging devices and maintaining technology infrastructure, GFW can continue to ensure that students and staff have the tools they need to learn, teach, and work effectively every day.
Check out our website with more information on the upcoming election: www.gfwschools.org/election
GFW Public Schools is looking for a K-12 Special Education Teacher to join our team. Learn more about the position and apply today! https://www.gfwschools.org/article/3144602
GFW Public Schools is looking for a Paraprofessional to join our team at the Middle School and High School level!
Learn more and apply today: https://www.applitrack.com/gfwschools/OnlineApp/default.aspx?Category=Paraprofessional
Learn more and apply today: https://www.applitrack.com/gfwschools/OnlineApp/default.aspx?Category=Paraprofessional
Students in Ms. Maldonado's classroom were learning vocabulary through pictures, storytelling and rhymes!
Lunch at GFW is getting WILD! Our students are battling it out in some fierce games of Wild Dominoes! Who will rise to the top and earn the title of THE DOMINATOR?
Stay tuned… the winner is coming! #GFWFirebirds #WildDominoes #LunchroomLegends
Stay tuned… the winner is coming! #GFWFirebirds #WildDominoes #LunchroomLegends
Get a closer look at Question 1: What is a Capital Projects Levy?
A capital projects levy is a local property tax specifically authorized by voters for a set term. The funds generated can only be used for major capital expenses, such as:
-Transportation: Replacement of aging school buses and vans to maintain a safe and efficient fleet
-Technology: Staff and student devices, network upgrade, and instructional software
-Curriculum: Updated educational materials
This is separate from the district’s operating budget, which covers day-to-day costs like teacher salaries, classroom supplies, and utilities. By having a dedicated levy, the district can address these essential needs without redirecting funds from its general operations.
https://www.gfwschools.org/o/gfw-schools/page/question-1
A capital projects levy is a local property tax specifically authorized by voters for a set term. The funds generated can only be used for major capital expenses, such as:
-Transportation: Replacement of aging school buses and vans to maintain a safe and efficient fleet
-Technology: Staff and student devices, network upgrade, and instructional software
-Curriculum: Updated educational materials
This is separate from the district’s operating budget, which covers day-to-day costs like teacher salaries, classroom supplies, and utilities. By having a dedicated levy, the district can address these essential needs without redirecting funds from its general operations.
https://www.gfwschools.org/o/gfw-schools/page/question-1
Don’t miss the Election Information Session tonight where Superintendent Berg will be sharing information about the Capital Projects Levy and Building Demolition Bond. The session begins at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the GFW Facility in Gibbon.
https://www.gfwschools.org/election
https://www.gfwschools.org/election
GFW Football is proud to host Sibley County Cancer Fighters for Cancer Awareness Night at the football game on Friday, Oct. 2. To raise money for this incredible cause in our community, apparel is now on sale.
Complete your order form by Friday, Sept. 18 and return to our high school football coach Travis Vorwerk. https://aptg.co/RspKV2
Complete your order form by Friday, Sept. 18 and return to our high school football coach Travis Vorwerk. https://aptg.co/RspKV2
Our kindergarteners have been learning all about the life cycle of a monarch butterfly! Mrs. Hartmann brought in caterpillars that were collected from the milkweed on her farm to share with the students. They were able to witness the life cycle progress in real life.
This week, the students released their first butterfly! It was a female and they are hopeful that she will make it safely on her migration south for the winter.
This week, the students released their first butterfly! It was a female and they are hopeful that she will make it safely on her migration south for the winter.
Students in Mr. Hentges’ class were tasked with connecting with staff members to learn more about the history of GFW.
Students were able to go around the school to ask teachers questions about the people who have worked in the district over the years. Whether it is about athletic achievements like who still holds the a record in track from 40 years ago, or figuring out which staff member is attached to a fun fact, they were able to build a deeper understanding of the history of GFW and how they are a part of that legacy going forward.
So cool!
Students were able to go around the school to ask teachers questions about the people who have worked in the district over the years. Whether it is about athletic achievements like who still holds the a record in track from 40 years ago, or figuring out which staff member is attached to a fun fact, they were able to build a deeper understanding of the history of GFW and how they are a part of that legacy going forward.
So cool!
GFW Public Schools will have two questions on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot. Visit the district website to get the information you need about the Capital Projects Levy and the Building Demolition Bond.
https://www.gfwschools.org/election
https://www.gfwschools.org/election
Minnesota Goes to College presents their College Planning Series! This series of virtual college and financial aid webinars are created specifically for students and families to walk through components and steps of applying for college and financial aid.
Each session is hosted virtually on Zoom, and is interpreted into Spanish, Hmong, and Somali. They also offer a live Q&A, so come prepared to get all your important college-going questions answered!
Schedule:
Tuesday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. – Explore College Options
Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. – Apply to College
Tuesday Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. – Understand Financial Aid
Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. – FAFSA 101
Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. – Minnesota Alternative State Financial Aid Application 101
Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. – Scholarships 101
Register today! https://ecmc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_O3_2BZsLTdO55zQuH-nMJg#/registration
Each session is hosted virtually on Zoom, and is interpreted into Spanish, Hmong, and Somali. They also offer a live Q&A, so come prepared to get all your important college-going questions answered!
Schedule:
Tuesday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. – Explore College Options
Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. – Apply to College
Tuesday Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. – Understand Financial Aid
Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. – FAFSA 101
Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. – Minnesota Alternative State Financial Aid Application 101
Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. – Scholarships 101
Register today! https://ecmc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_O3_2BZsLTdO55zQuH-nMJg#/registration
In Mr. Dela Cruz's math class, students collaboratively made their own classroom rules on technology use, academics, and behavior as part of their Classroom Code activity and participated in a math focused version of Myth or Fact/
These are great ways to get students up and moving, engaged in their learning, and working together!
These are great ways to get students up and moving, engaged in their learning, and working together!
Thumbs up if you had a great first week of school at GFW!
📅 Remember: There is no school on Monday, Sept. 7 for Labor Day. Have a great long weekend!
Students in Mr. Dela Cruz's math class started the year with some great ways to get know one another! They made a Tessellation of Honeycombs to complete the "A Class That Fits Together" Wall. Each honeycomb set represents a student and they all come together to form something awesome.
