Did you know MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service? What will you be doing for the community on Monday?

So far this school year, GSA students have performed over 5,683 of community service. That’s an average of 29 hrs per student!

Some of the places on the peninsula where our students have volunteered include:

• Volunteer Fire Departments

• Libraries

• Elementary Schools

• Simmering Pot

• Tree of Life Food Pantry & Turnstyle

• Chamber of Commerce

• Healthy Peninsula

• and hundreds of other places!

Service is a core part of our curriculum at GSA, and we are so proud and grateful to our students for supporting our community!

Pictured above is Greta Gleason, 8th grade Class President at Blue Hill Consolidated School. Right now, if you enroll early, you get a free Stevens hoodie!

Welcome, Greta! We are so glad to have you!

Annika Marshall swims on a coop team with Ellsworth High School.

SOURCE: Erik Atwell with The Weekly Packet

You have probably heard the news, and you will be seeing these booklets all around the peninsula. Here’s what we’d like our GSA school family to know:

1. This is just the beginning of conversations with our sending communities. We need community support before we can move forward with a town contract in any sending town.

2. There is a lot of talk online, and some of it is inaccurate and, at times, hard to hear. We are working very hard to correct misinformation. At any time, if you need to chat or have questions, we are here. Email us at community@georgestevens.org or directly at a.strother@georgestevens.org. Challenging questions are welcome and encouraged.

3. If you would like to get involved in this initiative, email us at the same email: community@georgestevens.org. Conversations have started, and we would love the help.

4. There is a dedicated page on our website called Town Contract Initiative that contains a lot of information about this topic. Use it a resource and send us any ideas or suggestions you may have.

Want to help spread the word about how amazing our school really is? Join the movement with some social hashtags and graphics! Here’s how to do it:

1. Click the button to download some templates.

2. If you’re a Canva fan, you can easily upload these and reuse them in the app.

3. If not, just save them to your camera roll, use the basic slides at the beginning or end of your post or reel.

4. Use the hashtag #mygsa or #mygsamemory in your caption and be sure to tag us at @george.stevens.academy.gsa on Instagram and Facebook.

5. We will share your post and tag you back.

6. Let’s spread the love and positivity!

Staying Healthy and Safe This Winter

Welcome back! Here are some key health reminders for the chilly months ahead:

Preventing Colds and Flu:

• Practice Good Hygiene: The best defense against winter germs is frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap is unavailable.

• Cover Your Coughs and Sneezes: Use a tissue or your inner elbow to contain respiratory droplets, then wash your hands immediately.

• Stay Home When Sick: If you have flu-like symptoms (fever, body aches, fatigue), staying home prevents spreading the illness to others and aids a faster recovery.

Avoiding Slips and Falls on the Ice:

• Watch Your Step: Be aware of potentially slick areas like shaded sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots that may not appear icy.

• Wear Appropriate Footwear: Choose boots or shoes with good traction and non-skid soles. Avoid wearing footwear with smooth soles when walking on snow or ice.

• Walk Like a Penguin: Take short, slow steps, keep your center of gravity over your feet, and walk with bent knees to maintain balance and reduce the risk of a fall.

Importance of Layering in Cold Weather:

• Dress in Layers: Wear multiple layers of loose-fitting clothing to trap warm air close to your body.

• Inner Layer: Start with materials that wick moisture away from the skin, such as synthetic fabrics or wool. Avoid cotton next to the skin as it stays wet and can make you colder.

• Middle Layer: This is your insulation layer (fleece, down, or wool) to retain heat.

• Outer Layer: A waterproof and windproof jacket or shell is essential to protect against the elements.

• Don't Forget Extremities: Hats, gloves, scarves, and warm socks are vital to prevent frostbite, as significant heat is lost through the head, hands, and feet.