Our School

Welcome to Gallup Hill School! 

We are so excited to welcome everyone for the 2022-2023 school year! 

We are one of 2 elementary schools in the Ledyard Public School District. Our community school is located in the southeastern section of Ledyard. The school population consists of approximately  600 students from Pre Kindergarten through Grade 5. During the 2022-2023 school year, we are pleased to have 5 full day kindergarten classes, 5 grade 1 classes, 5 grade 2 classes, 4 grade 3 classes, 4 grade 4 classes, and 4 grade 5 classes. We also have morning and afternoon preschool, as well as an all day STARS program. 

Gallup Hill School has a dedicated staff committed to meeting the academic, social, and emotional needs of our students. Teachers, paraprofessionals, custodians, secretaries, and nurses work together to create a safe and optimal learning environment for the children. Our School Improvement Plan focuses on differentiating instruction for the development of literacy skills, higher-level thinking and reading comprehension, the promotion of numeracy foundations in conjunction with mathematical thinking abilities, and the expansion of writing skills to implement the rigor of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Our students also have opportunities to learn science through hands-on tasks and application of science concepts. Daily “specials” provide students with the opportunity to experience art, music, physical education, and library/media. All students in grades K-5 are provided with 1:1 Chromebook laptops. Our curriculum integrates digital resources and Common Core learning standards across the various disciplines.

Respect for self and respect for others is a daily lesson for our students. Teachers implement Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Responsive Classroom techniques that work to build a classroom community and establish common learning and behavior expectations early in the school year. A whole-school community is promoted through identification of common values and themes during our daily announcements and monthly all-school meetings. Positive social and emotional skills are promoted through B.A.R.K. – Be safe, Accepting, Responsible, and Kind. Our school-wide leveled behavior program focuses on identifying and reinforcing positive behaviors. Students strive to consistently exhibit the highest level of behavior: I do the right thing because I know it is the right thing to do; this adds a self-monitoring component to their actions. Students learn accountability for their actions and are able to refer to our leveled behavior system in all school settings to encourage them to make wise choices throughout the school day. 

Parents are integral and welcome partners to the success needed to meet the academic, social and emotional needs of our students. Parent/teacher conferences will be held during November 2022 and March 2023; however, parents are welcome to contact teachers or the principal throughout the year to address questions or concerns. School and classroom newsletters are sent home via e-mail or classroom digital platform to provide information about instructional initiatives, along with information regarding school events and activity reminders. The Principal’s Message is a website that is updated weekly and shared in an email every Friday. An automated calling system is also used to remind parents about upcoming events, as well as to alert them during emergencies. Our PTO always welcomes new members. They are a dedicated group of parents who are committed to improving the school environment for our students, supporting and funding enriching learning opportunities for our students, and organizing family events.

Many special opportunities are a part of our overall school program. Highlighted below are some of the opportunities available to our students: 

  • A language arts program based on a balanced literacy approach to instruction supported by  school literacy teachers and a district reading consultant. Students in grades K-5 implement Reader’s Workshop lessons.
  • Classroom guided and independent reading instruction is supported by leveled book rooms and leveled classroom libraries. 
  • An intervention and enrichment block is built into our daily schedule for students who require additional support or enrichment. 
  • Bridges in Mathematics is a comprehensive PK–5 curriculum that equips teachers to fully address state standards in a rigorous, engaging, and accessible manner. Students gain a deep understanding of concepts, proficiency with key skills, and the ability to solve complex problems. The curriculum is composed of three distinct but integrated components: Problems & Investigations, Work Places and Number Corner.
  • A standards-based Science and Social Studies curriculum that encourages inquiry and real world learning connections.
  • Computer-assisted individualized learning opportunities for both reading and math instruction. 
  • A comprehensive and inclusive Ledyard Public Schools Pre-school program located at Gallup Hill School. 
  • An instrumental band program is offered to students in grade 5. 
  • A child friendly library environment where children receive weekly library/media instruction.
  • Art and music programs provide additional opportunities for our students
  • An inclusive special education program, emphasizing collaboration among special educators, support staff, and classroom teachers.
  • An adult/student mentor program for students in need.
  • A student council where students are able to contribute to the school culture and climate; students in grade 5act as classroom representatives. 
  • An active PTO which supports the school through generous donations and special programs. 

During the school day all exterior doors remain locked. All visitors should report to the office to sign in and receive a visitor’s badge. For more information about the teaching and learning at Gallup Hill School, please call the school office. On behalf of the teachers and staff at Gallup Hill School, I wish you all the best during the 2022-2023 school year!

Be well,

Carrianne Boord

Principal

Gallup Hill School 


Mission Statement 

Ledyard is a diverse and empowering community that inspires in each child a continuous love of learning, self-confidence, and commitment to excellence.  The community supports each child to achieve at the highest levels and to innovate in a world of change. Our children thrive and make a lasting contribution to the community. Citizens trust, invest in, and benefit from the Ledyard Public Schools.



General Information for Parents/Guardians 

This information is intended to provide Parents/Guardians with basic information to help you and your child/children have an easier transition into the Gallup Hill School.

School Hours

Doors open at 8:25 am 

Full Day: 8:40 am - 3:10 pm

Short session: 8:40 am - 1:00 pm 

 

Office Hours

During the school year, the office is open daily from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. Messages may be left on the main number when the office is closed.

Registration

Registration takes place at the Ledyard Public Schools Central Office. The following documents are required for registration: completed registration form, copy of student’s birth certificate, updated copy of students immunization records, 2 proofs of Ledyard residency, and release of information form for previous school (if applicable). The registration form is available online at www.ledyard.net under “Links & Information”. 

Home Emergency Information

When you register you will be asked to complete a white emergency card for each child. It is imperative that we maintain up-to-date home, work, and emergency phone numbers so we can contact parents as the need arises. Your help updating these telephone numbers will be greatly appreciated. 

Medication Policy

Both prescription and over the counter medications may not be sent to school with students. If a student requires medication during the school day, a doctor's order and parent permission must be obtained. Please note this policy includes cough drops. Please call the Nurse's office at 536-8029 if you have questions. 

Attendance

Students attending Gallup Hill School must reside in the Town of Ledyard, within specific school district boundary lines. Connecticut state law requires parents to have their children attend school regularly during the hours and terms that the school is in session. Regular attendance is essential to the proper and meaningful instruction of our students. Please refer to The Ledyard Board of Education Policy 5113 to read our attendance policies.

Transportation

Students living beyond a mile of school will be provided with bus service to and from school. These students will be assigned a bus and will be expected to ride the bus unless parents communicate other plans in writing. Students living within a mile of the school are considered within walking distance. Students wishing to ride bicycles to school must get a bike permit and be aware of specific rules. Please contact the office for more specific information. Students are not allowed to ride buses to go to another child's house to play. They are allowed to ride different buses for emergency reasons (child care, organization meetings such as Brownies, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, etc.). It is necessary to send a note to school anytime there is a change to your child’s regular transportation arrangements.

Absences

CONNECTICUT State law requires monitoring of all student absences/tardiness. If your child is going to be absent, we ask that you call 860-536-9477 and leave your child's name, teacher and reason for absence. If we do not hear from you, we will call before noon to confirm this is an excused absence. This health and safety matter is carried out in the best interest of the child, the family and the school.

Doctor and Dentist Appointments

Parents are expected to make reasonable efforts to schedule doctor and dentist appointments outside of school hours. However, when this is not possible, students will be excused for these special appointments. Parents should communicate these arrangements by telephone or an email to the office personnel, a note to the teacher, or in person regarding such appointments. 

Tardiness

Prompt arrival at school is expected of all students. Late arrival disrupts class and causes loss of instructional time. Any child who arrives at school after the scheduled opening time is considered tardy and must first report to the office before going to class. Habitual tardiness may require a parent conference to discuss and resolve the problem. The school day begins at 8:40 am. Any student arriving after 8:40 am will be considered tardy. Exceptions will be made for problems with STA Ledyard Transportation.

School Breakfast and Lunch

A school breakfast and lunch program is available to all students in full-day programs. Menus are available on-line on the Gallup Hill School website. Applications for free/reduced breakfast/lunch are included in the registration folders at the beginning of the school year and are available in the main office throughout the year. Information regarding free/reduced breakfast/lunch is kept confidential.

Recess

Students go outside for recess daily weather permitting. All elementary schools in Ledyard follow the same recess guidelines – when the temperature and wind chill combined are above 20 degrees, students will go outside for recess; when the temperature and wind chill combined are between 10 and 20 degrees, students will go outside for a limited time, up to 15 minutes; and when the temperature and wind chill combined are lower than 10 degrees, students will stay indoors for recess. Please send your child to school with proper clothing - gloves, hat, boots, etc. If your child is unable to go outside, he/she may not be well enough to attend school. Please discuss this with your doctor or call the school nurse.

School Calendar

The school calendar has information as to the days off, vacations, etc. There is a link to the school calendar on www.ledyard.net 

Emergency School Closings

If weather conditions or other emergency situations indicate that schools will be closed or have a delayed opening, announcements will be made by 6:30 am. Announcements can be heard on FM 105.5, 102.3, 104.7, 97.7, 98.7, 100.9, and 106.5 – AM 1310 – and TV WTNH-8, WVIT-30, and WFSB-3. Postings are also available on www.ledyard.net . During emergencies that impact a select few schools in the district, the School Messenger system will be used to notify parents of changes to the school schedule. It is extremely important that parents update home phone numbers, work phone numbers, cell phone numbers, and emergency contact numbers. Please note that the School Messenger system will be identified on your phone by the following number 866-379-1931.

Principal’s Message 

A link to the Principal’s Message is sent in an email weekly on Fridays. Various notices will also be sent home periodically throughout the school year. The Phone Calling System will use non-emergency numbers to send out phone reminders of upcoming dates and events. We make every effort to keep parents fully informed regarding school events and activities. Please check the Gallup Hill School webpage calendar for upcoming events and celebrations.


Gallup Hill School Student Behavior Expectations 

Gallup Hill School B.A.R.K.

Gallup Hill School teaches and adheres to Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS) proactive lessons and reinforcement to remind and celebrate positive behavior expectations. Students at Gallup Hill School are expected to follow the B.A.R.K. Pledge – to Be Safe, Accepting, Responsible, and Kind every day. This will help our students have success in their academics and social relationships with peers and adults.

GHS PBIS Mission Statement: At Gallup Hill Elementary School we are good citizens who work together and through safe actions, kindness, acceptance, and responsibility we build a positive school community.

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