|
IN THIS ISSUE:
from the head of school / re-enrollment / inclement weather updates / gardner market/ volunteers /
snapshots /upcoming events
|
|
|
From the Head of School
Dear Gardner community,
I hope this message finds you warm and enjoying the long weekend with loved ones. As you've hopefully heard through the FACTS system, school is closed on Tuesday, January 16th due to inclement weather. As someone born and raised in Minnesota, I still laugh a little at myself when we make school closure decisions this early, but I never regret the decisions we make to keep our community safe and to communicate in advance so families can plan. I recognize the juggling act it is during these times. Our Administrative team does not make school closure decisions lightly, but we take into account a wide range of factors to take care of our community.
I hope you've taken time during this long weekend to do what Gardner students do best - play! Bake, go outside (when able!), try out a new craft or paint together, play a board game or Hide & Seek, and enjoy time together.
Hope you are staying warm!
|
|
|
|
Re-Enrollment Reminders
We are in our priority enrollment period with two weeks left until the first of our enrollment deadlines! We've got all the need to know information here. Whether this is your first year at Gardner or you're a long-time community member, your questions and feedback on your experience are welcome! Reach out directly to Assistant Head of School, Courtney Tomlinson, to chat more about your plans for re-enrollment.
|
|
February 1st, 2024
Financial Aid Applications Due
We strive to support families with our tuition assistance program, and last year nearly $300,000 was given out in financial aid to our community. We encourage families to apply if they feel it can make a difference in their abilty to enroll their children. Each year, we ask families to provide updated information through the third-party system used, and needs-based awards are communicated at the time contracts are sent. Reach out to Director of Business Operations, Sheila FitzPatrick, for any questions.
|
February 1st, 2024
Sibling Applications Due
Now is the time to submit an application for a little sibling, or consider switching an older student, too!
We want to support our youngest students with a great start at Gardner. Students are typically ready to enroll in Tumtum if they are 3 years old by September 1st, and potty-trained. More questions can be sent to Courtney to learn about placement options.
|
|
|
Inclement Weather ~
Updates and Cancellations
|
|
|
The beginning of 2024 continues to be wintery and cold! With more ice predicted for Tuesday of this week, the Administrative team is keeping a close eye on forecasts, road conditions, and local school district decisions as we balance safety with academics and school schedules.
Updates and Cancellations
- Oregon Children's Theater has cancelled the Tuesday performance of Goodnight Moon. Therefore Pahto's scheduled field trip is cancelled. We will reschedule to a different performance of OCT on a different date and keep Pahto parents posted!
- The January 16th after school Soccer Clinic has been cancelled due to likely timing of the winter storm.
- As you are likely aware, the SnowBall was rescheduled to Friday, February 2nd from last week. We hope our students can all attend the new date! Please RSVP attendance for your children and their school-aged siblings here.
|
|
|
Program Spotlight
Gardner Market, February 26th
|
|
|
If you have a Loowit, Wy'East, or Klickitat student, Gardner Market worksheet packets were sent home with your child. These packets have been designed to help a student figure out what they are wanting to sell at the Gardner Market (February 26th). You will need to return the last page of the packet (front and back filled out) to Jared. He will be using that page to organize the Gardner Market. Please have this page returned to him by January 26th.
If your child is wanting to sell a food or drink item during the market, they will be entered into a lottery and Teacher Jared will be emailing out results of the lottery the week of January 29th. If you have any questions about Gardner Market please reach out to jrenfro@gardnerschool.org.
|
|
Volunteers Needed!
Community Experts
In the coming weeks, we know several of our families will be celebrating Lunar New Year and Holi, and we welcome parents and grandparents to consider how they would like to share their family traditions with our students! In the past, we've had volunteers present stories, share special items, and welcome questions from our students. This is a special chance to highlight the variety of experiences our students and families have, and a wonderful learning opportunity.
Currently, we have a request from our 2nd grade classroom for anyone who may celebrate Diwali or Loy Krathong. If you'd like to connect, please contact Teacher Cheris at cowens@gardnerschool.org.
Are there other topics, upcoming celebrations, or expertise areas you'd like to share? Please email Courtney Tomlinson to share your idea! |
|
|
Learning in Action
Wy'East Exploring OMSI
|
|
|
On Tuesday, January 9th, our Wy'East crew headed across the river to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry and enjoyed a day exploring, learning, and experiencing all that OMSI offers! As classrooms begin their new thematics, teachers and students are diving deeply into learning. We're so thankful for the volunteers that make these important hands on experiencing possible for our students.
|
|
Campus snapshots
Students enjoying time in the classroom and in the snow!
|
|
|
Upcoming Events
Monday, January 29th
No School, Teacher Inservice Day
Friday, February 2nd
Gardner SnowBall (rescheduled), 5:00pm - 8:00pm
The Snow Must Go On! Our SnowBall has been moved to the 2nd of February, but all other details are the same. Food, fun, dancing, friends, and a special night out for our students and their school-aged siblings! Please RSVP for the new date here!
Thursday, February 8th
Tumtum Celebration of Learning, 2:00 pm
The children have already started to make really special plans which will include a "performance" they are creating for you to share what they have learned about construction. You won't want to miss it!
Saturday, February 10th
Preschool Playdate Visitation, 8:30-12:00
If you have a younger sibling who will be applying for enrollment next year at Gardner, this is for you! Come join our team as children get a chance to play together with the teachers, and parents get a chance to connect. Specific times will be determined in early January and sent out as soon as possible. Have any questions? Reach out to Courtney Tomlinson for more information.
Monday, February 12th - Thursday, February 15th
Klickitat at Islandwood (Bainbridge Island, WA)
Friday, February 16th
No School, Teacher Inservice Day
Monday, February 19th
No School, President's Day
Tuesday, February 20th- Thursday, February 22nd
K-6 Parent Conferences
Stay tuned for information from your classroom teachers to schedule a parent/teacher conference.
Monday, February 26th
Gardner Market!
Look for the packet sent home with your child about preparing for Gardner Market!
To see and subscribe to our calendar of events, click below!
|
|
|
|
|
