Update from the
Board of Trustees

The Gardner Board of Trustees oversees the strategic direction of the school, providing governance, financial stewardship, and policy leadership. Our roles include setting and monitoring budgets, supporting accreditation processes, planning for campus improvements, supporting the work of the head of school, and fostering a positive school culture.

Key Accomplishments This Year:

1. Financial Stewardship: Each year we have approved budgets that balance fiscal responsibility with strategic investment. This includes competitive raises for teachers (5–7% over the past three years) and maintaining robust financial aid to support families.

2. Growth and Development: We navigated the integration of the Country Friends campus, ensuring financial stability and alignment with Gardner’s mission. We also supported leadership transitions and improvements, like adding new benefits and upgrading facilities.

3. Strategic Planning: The Board is deeply involved in preparing for Gardner’s accreditation process, including defining success metrics and exploring tuition models that balance accessibility with sustainability.

4. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB): We began revitalizing DEIB strategies by conducting self-assessments and identifying priorities to strengthen our inclusive culture.

5. Fundraising and Development: Our fall giving campaign and monthly giving program are on track, but we recognize the need to expand our donor base. We are committed to being Ambassadors, Advocates, and Askers to ensure Gardner’s future.

We are looking for passionate and dedicated individuals to join the Board of Trustees! If you value community, collaboration, and education, we encourage you to consider this rewarding opportunity. We’ve simplified the process—no committee service is required upfront—and invite prospective members to attend a meeting to learn more. Those interested in Board service should talk to Courtney.

This summer, we had the pleasure of welcoming three new Board members. As the calendar year drew to a close, we also extended our heartfelt gratitude to Anamaria Bambaren Call, who retired from the Board this month after more than five and a half years of dedicated service.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement with Gardner. If you’re interested in learning more about the Board or how you can get involved, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Warm regards,

The Gardner Board of Trustees

Winter Extracurriculars

Chess Wizards returns on Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025, for another great session of strategy and learning! 

• Wednesdays, 2-3pm 
• Ends February 26th, no class on 2/19
• $250 per student
• To enroll please contact Chess Wizards at chesswizards.com or call 888-949-4386

Dungeons and Dragons Club - Starts January 9th

• Thursdays, 4-5pm 
• Beginning January 9th, 2025
• Each "campaign" runs 6 weeks
• $75 per campaign, and you get a set of polyhedral dice to keep!
• $40 additional one-time charge if you want your own Players Handbook to keep! (We will have copies for use during club time)
• Run by Jared Renfro (Science teacher), Andrew Buckner (Pahto parent), and Lisa Linderman (Director of Campus Operations)
• To enroll your student, please contact llinderman@gardnerschool.org.

Save the Date(s): 2025 Snowball!

The Snowball was started several years ago to create a safe space for students to enjoy and experience a  school dance. With the help of all the staff, we’ve been able to put together a wonderful experience for the students, but we are always striving to make it better!  

After feedback from families and staff, this year Gardner will be splitting the Snowball dates into two fun events.  This will create fewer transitions and an earlier experience for our Early Childhood (EC) students, and give our K-6 students a chance to get dressed up (in whatever makes them happiest!) and prepare for a fun evening.

EC Snowball

The EC Snowball will be held on Friday, January 24th, from 3pm to 5pm.  

EC Students who are at school on the 24th and not picked up at 3pm will be transitioned directly to the Snowball.  EC Students who are not normally at school on Fridays can be dropped off at 3pm at the back door of Mazama to participate!  Food will be served, and then EC will get to dance in the Great Room, make crafts and play games. 

Pick up will be at 5pm (or earlier if your family wishes).  Older siblings may stay in After Care, but due to staffing and logistics, we are not combining older students with EC Students during the Snowball itself.

K-6 Snowball

The K-6 Snowball will be held on Friday, January 17th, from 6pm to 8pm.  

K-6 students will arrive for their Snowball at 6pm, and must be signed in by parents (unless they stay through After Care hours.)  Dinner will be served by our FROGS from 6pm to 7pm in Science, and dancing, crafts, and a movie will be available from 6:30pm.  Pick-up is at 8pm in the main lobby!

After Care will still be available to all ages on both of those dates.  Each event is open only to students of the appropriate grade levels; K-6 siblings are welcome to stay in After Care during the EC Snowball. 

And while these events are primarily restricted to Gardner students for liability and logistical reasons, alumni in 7th and 8th grades are welcome to join us for the K-6 event (with a signed waiver from parents)!   

Campus snapshots

Upcoming Events