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IN THIS ISSUE:
message from the board / snow ball rsvp / teacher learning / staff introduction / thank you, volunteers! / celebration of learning snapshots / health screening reminders / events
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Happy New Year, Gardner families!
On Tuesday, December 13th, the Board of Trustees had their first in-person gathering since March 2020. It was nice to be in person again! We will remain virtual for the majority of our meetings at this time, with some possible in-person meetings in the spring. Are you interested in what board service looks like at the Gardner School? Reach out to Board Chair Lori Cohen (boardchair@gardnerschool.org) or Head of School Emily Davis (edavis@gardnerschool.org) to find out more.
At last month's meeting, the Board of Trustees:
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Learned about ways to think strategically for the future, learning about how schools need to adapt to our changing times
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Discussed updates to our Development plan for the year ahead
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Reviewed the school’s financial aid policy with plans to approve it at our upcoming meeting
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Learned about board chair transitions and trustee recruitment for Spring 2023
The Board of Trustees voted on the following:
At our next meeting, the Board of Trustees will:
We're looking forward to a wonderful start to 2023!
Lori Cohen, Board Chair
Anamaria Bambaren Call, Vice Chair
Peter Bryant, Secretary
Jaimie Eck, Treasurer
Juna Kim McDaid, Trustee
Sarah Grenert-Funk, Trustee
Susan Melton, Trustee
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The Gardner School Snow Ball Returns!
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Back in 2019, we hosted a schoolwide dance and dinner for our students, and it was a hit! This year, we're bringing back the event on Thursday, January 26th from 5:00 pm- 8:00 pm. There is no school on Friday for teacher grading time, so we're ending the week with this fun event!
The Snow Ball is free for our students and their kindergarten and older siblings (DCYF licensing rules limits our ability to invite younger siblings, unfortunately!). Our staff will provide fun crafts and activities, a Great Room dance party, and dinner for students. Parents can take a break or enjoy their own evening out while students have a blast with their classmates.
The party starts at 5:00 pm, dinner will be served close to 6:00 pm, and families will sign in and sign out their children in the lobby. Need an early pickup for kid bedtimes? Just make a note on the RSVP form to let us know. Please RSVP by Friday, January 13th, and any questions can be directed to Peter Pickett at ppickett@gardnerschool.org.
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Have you checked the schoolwide calendar lately? Make sure to review the events section below for all the latest updates!
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Learning in Action
Teacher In-Service Time
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For teacher in-service days, we come together to collaborate and plan for upcoming work around assessment, experiential learning, and integrated thematics. Professional growth, teamwork, and community are values our teachers share!
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Staff Introduction
Devon Scofield, Music Teacher
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You may have met Teacher Devon at the Celebration of Learning, leading our students as they performed a variety of musical pieces. Devon has been subbing at Gardner this year, and stepped in to support our music program at the beginning of December. She will be leading EC-6th grade classes for the remainder of the year, and she's excited to continue the work she started with students before break.
Devon grew up studying music in Boise, Idaho before moving to Portland to pursue her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Portland State University. While completing her degree, she worked in childcare, leading summer programs, after school care, and giving music lessons. Devon prioritizes authenticity, critical thinking and curiosity in class. She hopes her students leave her classroom feeling empowered to pursue their own passions, whether they be musical or otherwise.
Devon spends her spare time collecting eccentric earrings, learning new instruments, accidentally killing her plants, and going on summer day trips to her favorite place, Seaside, Oregon.
Join us in welcoming Devon to Gardner!
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Thank you, volunteers!
Pancake Breakfast Success
We appreciated all the contributions from our families and the volunteer support for the Pancake Breakfast this year. Whether it was the excitment on faces as students walked into the gym, or the smiles from staff as they watched their students' joy, it is moments like these where community and caring is really highlighted at the Gardner School.
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Celebration of Learning Snapshots
We are so proud of our students for their hard work, and thankful for our wonderful teachers who support them!
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Keeping all of our students in school depends on our families following the requests below for screening for symptoms.
1. In the last 72 hours, has your child had one or more of the following symptoms: fever > 100.4 F, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chills, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea and/or vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of smell/taste?
2. Has your child been in close contact with anyone with confirmed COVID-19 or has a public health or medical professional told your child to self isolate or self-quarantine because of concerns about COVID-19 infection?
3. If any of the answers to these questions are yes, have you emailed health@gardnerschool.org and been cleared to be on campus? If not, please remain off campus until cleared.
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Upcoming Events
Wednesday, January 4th
Students Return to School
We can't wait to see everyone! Remember we are on the regular early release schedule for Wednesdays.
Thursday, January 26th
The Gardner School Snow Ball, 5:00- 8:00 pm
Previously known as the Yule Ball, we're bringing this fun kids-only event back to Gardner! Register your child here, and look for the flyer in your child's backpack this week!
Friday, January 27th and Monday, January 30th
No School, Teacher In-Service Days
Teachers will complete report cards for the end of the first semester grading period.
Tuesday, February 1st
Tuition Assistance Applications for 23-24 School Year Due
All families currently receiving tuition assistance, or those interested in applying, need to complete the application by Tuesday, February 1st. Any applicable awards will be shared with your child's re-enrollment contract mid-February. Any questions about this process can be directed to Director of Business Operations, Sheila FitzPatrick. Sibling applications are also due by today.
Friday, February 3rd
Report Cards Sent Home
K-6 families should receive electronic copies of their child's report card via email by the end of the day.
Saturday, February 11th
Early Childhood Applicant Playdate 8:30 am- 12:30 pm
Are you applying for a sibling to attend our preschool or Pre-K class in the 2023-2024 school year? Look out for the invitation to our visitation playdate for new applicants on Saturday, February 11th. Depending on age, your child's visit time will be between 8:30 and 12:30.
Friday, February 17th
No School, Teacher In-Service Day
Monday, February 20th
No School, President's Day
Tuesday, February 21st
Photo Retake Day
Did you child miss the original photo day at the end of September? Today's the day for makeups! Note- no new class pictures will be taken at this time.
Monday, February 27th
Gardner Market!
Students in our 2nd-6th grade classes create items individually or with a partner to sell, and our Kalama and Pahto classes work collaboratively to create and sell items. We set up booths in our portables and Great Room and students practice customer service, making change, and speaking with guests. Our students choose a charity to donate the proceeds of the event to, and families and guests come and shop the market on the day of the event. More information will be sent home from your child's classroom soon.
Wednesday, March 1st
Re-Enrollment Contracts Due
Make sure to submit your child's re-enrollment contract and $1000 non-refundable deposit by this date. After this time, spaces will be offered to newly applying families.
To see and subscribe to our calendar of events, click below!
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