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IN THIS ISSUE:
message from the head / hike with the head/ re-enrollment updates / save the date! / snow ball success / learning in action / snapshots / health screening reminders / events
From the Head of School

Dear Gardner community,

It's that time of year when we truly see the growth in our students, and their intelligences shine in a variety of ways. Learning to communicate with one another is an important aspect of school, and every day I witness the ways our school allows children the space to practice, make mistakes, learn, and enjoy friendships with a wide range of people. Activities like our recent Snow Ball, ongoing events like reading buddies and community meetings, and parent connection opportunities like my upcoming Hike with the Head and our Drinks and Donuts event offer more opportunties to participate together in fun and meaningful ways. 

As we're approaching re-enrollment time, we're excited to see so many younger siblings getting ready to join their big brothers and sisters at Gardner. Watching children and families grow over the years is a special joy of mine, and seeing alumni siblings on campus, too, is a treat. It reminds me that the work we do here daily impacts many folks out in the greater community as these students go on to be leaders, coaches, and volunteers throughout Clark County. I believe the strong foundation students get here supports their growth as caring citizens of Clark County, benefitting all of us now and into the future. 

Thank you for being part of the Gardner School, and for being the supportive community that makes this all possible.

With gratitude,

You're Invited!

Hike with the Head 2/6

On Monday, February 6th, at 8:30am join Emily and other parents and grandparents to walk and talk while checking out the WSU-V hike our kids know and love! If you're planning on coming, email her at edavis@gardnerschool.org to RSVP. Can't make this time, but would want to come another time? Let us know what times work best, and we'll work to coordinate another opportunity for exploration and connection.
Enrollment Reminders

We are still accepting applications for new students, and we encourage you to spread the word to your community. Our best referrals come from word of mouth and we appreciate you writing positive online reviews, liking and sharing our posts on social media, and talking to your friends, families, and neighbors about how your children have found success at Gardner. 

Read below for reminders about re-enrollment, and reach out to us if we can be of any help in the process. 

Financial Aid Application
Due Wednesday, Feb. 1st 

For all new and returning families, including any new siblings entering our elementary program, financial aid applications are due on February 1st. Reach out to Sheila FitzPatrick with any questions.

Sibling Applications
Due Wednesday, Feb. 1st

Don't forget to submit an early childhood or elementary school application for any incoming siblings by February 1st. We'll get visitation days scheduled soon, and any questions can be sent to Courtney Tomlinson.

Elementary Classroom Open Houses

Interested in seeing what your child's next year classroom will be like? We welcome you to these class specific open houses where you can drop in, see the space, and meet the teachers. 

Mazama (Pre-K) students moving to Kalama (Kindergarten)- Thursday, February 9th from 3:30- 4:00

Kalama (Kindergarten) students moving to Pahto (1st Grade)- Tuesday, February 7th from 3:30- 4:00

Pahto (1st Grade) students moving to Loowit (2nd Grade)- Monday, February 6th from 3:30- 4:00

Loowit (2nd Grade) students moving to Wy'East (3rd Grade)- Thursday, February 9th from 3:30- 4:00

Wy'East (4th Grade) students moving to Klickitat (5th Grade)- Thursday, February 9th from 3:30- 4:00
Gardner Auction Save the Date!
The Gardner Auction is returning to campus on Saturday, April 22nd, 2023! It's going to be another night of fun activities and great connections as we celebrate the unique offerings of the Gardner School while raising important funds to grow and develop our program. More information is coming soon, including opportunities for sponsorships, registration, and sneak peaks of the one of a kind classroom art projects!
What a night! 

2023 Snow Ball was a success!

Thursday night was a blast as our teachers welcomed students onto campus for a special evening event. There were activities like board games and puzzles in the Kalama room, snowball making in the art room, and nonstop dancing in the gym. A highlight of the evening was outdoor recess, complete with glow sticks. After a special dinner, kids ended the evening with more fun with friends, and students, parents, and teachers all shared how special the night was. Thank you to all the staff who supported making this event happen, and we can't wait till next year!

Learning in Action

Dissection and Discovery
5th and 6th grade students started last week in thematics with a dissection of a chicken wing to explore what the different structures (skin, muscle, bones, veins) were and their functions. They demonstrated the muscle’s ability to push/pull to move the bones - a classic chicken wing wave, before they tested what happens to that movement after a bone crushing accident (replicated with a hammer!). The students are studying the process through which bodies heal as part of their deeper dive into cell biology.  

Campus snapshots

Last week was an exciting one as kids looked forward to the Snow Ball, but they still managed to squeeze lots of learning into the four days, too!
Gardner School Covid-19 Dashboard
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. 
Upcoming Events

Wednesday, 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

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. 

Monday, February 6th
Hike with the Head, 8:30 am 
Come join Emily to walk and talk over to WSU-V to see the trails our students love to explore! We'll leave shortly after drop off, and you can email edavis@gardnerschool.org to RSVP.

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

Thursday, February 23rd
Drinks and Donuts, 8:15- 9:45 am
Come join other parents, grandparents, and staff for a treat in the Farmhouse and a chance for some good conversation!

Monday, February 27th
Gardner Market 1:00 pm- 3:00 pm
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. 

Tuesday, February 28th
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. 

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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