GALA Awarded $1.2M in Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credits
GALA has just been awarded $1.2M in Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credits to rehabilitate the former McKinley school building for use of GALA's future location - the project has also qualified for Federal Historic Preservation Tax Credits in the amount of approximately $2M.
In addition, GALA recently received $250,000 from the Cuyahoga County District 3 ARPA Community Grant Fund to support the McKinley school project. Special thanks to Councilmember Martin Sweeney for sponsorship, Councilmembers Meredith Turner and Cheryl Stephensfor co-sponsorship of the resolution, and our amazing GALA students, Katie, Rahyir, Kenneth, and Jasmine, for presenting to the County Council.
Additional awards received includes $300,000 from the City of Cleveland Department of Economic Development's Vacant Property Initiative and Neighborhood Development Grant.
Celebrating Black History Month
GALA students celebrated and learned about Black history and culture throughout the month of February. Students experienced special presentations delivered by GALA parents: Nadia McKay shared about her journey and career as a Black female firefighter in Cleveland, and Dekia Garrett shared about her hometown and historical significance of Selma, Alabama. Special thank you to both of our parent presenters!! See more photos here.
Lunar New Year Celebrations
GALA students celebrated and learned about the Lunar New Year (Year of the Rabbit), including: decorating the school, making crafts and red envelopes, and playing chopstick challenge games. Classrooms in the Mandarin program performed song and dance for the entire school to enjoy. A special thank you to our Mandarin Immersion Program Teachersand parent volunteers that helped with the schoolwide celebration. View photos hereand a student performance here.
Save the Date! Saturday, April 22nd - Brunch and Bubbles!
Save the date for our 4th Annual Gala for GALA, an in-person celebration to be held Saturday, April 22, 2023. Our annual fundraising Gala is an exciting occasion for our school, supporters and friends to celebrate our shared mission of quality educational opportunities
for the children of Northeast Ohio.
The event will take place at GALA and feature a brunch, awards ceremony, live performances, and raffle. Tickets to the event are limited and will be available soon! See here for updates and to make a donation.
March into Kindergarten!
The month of March means it is time for all parents of children starting Kindergarten in the Fall to make their child is registered for school. GALA's early enrollment deadline is March 31st! Anyone interested in enrolling their child at GALAthis upcoming 2023-24 school yearshould attend an enrollment session.
Can't make it to the Enrollment Information Session? Call or text (216) 370-8006 to speak with someone!
Staff Faces Around GALA
GALA is excited to introduce Yan Hong, Teacher Assistant, Mandarin Immersion Program! Why are you excited about GALA?
I am a new mother and look forward to raising my daughter as bilingual in Mandarin and English. I want to bring this same passion that I have for raising my daughter to the children of GALA. I also am moved by the passion of the teachers and the environment they have created. I am very excited to work with them and learn from them.
Tell us about yourself.
I am from Harbin China and have a 2 year old daughter. My husband is originally from Cleveland. We met in China and lived in Shanghai, but moved to Cleveland last October..
What do you do when you are not working?
I like to travel with my family and experience different sceneries, cultures, and foods.
What is your favorite activity and/or your favorite place to go in Cleveland?
Since I am still relatively new to Cleveland, my favorite thing to do is explore all the different parks with my daughter.
Share your favorite quote. 三人行，必有我师 (There is always someone to learn from)
Staff & Family Faces Around GALA
GALA is excited to introduce Veraniz Vasquez, Kindergarten English Teacher! Why are you excited about GALA?
I'm excited about working at GALA because part of my journey as a teacher was having the opportunity to work in a Dual Language Immersion School. When I was in middle school, my maternal language was Spanish, but the school taught everything in English and didn't have an ESL program. During that time, I had to try to figure out everything little by little until I learned English - it and it was very challenging experience for me. I know how it feels when you just know a little about a language. I'm so happy that I can serve children to guide them in their language development.
Tell us about yourself.
I have a calm personality, and always like to have everything set up and organized. I'm so grateful to move back recently to Cleveland with my sister (Viviana Vasquez, Teacher Assistant, Spanish Immersion Program) niece (Isabel, 7th grade Spanish immersion student at GALA) and Blondo, the funniest and silliest dog in the world.
What do you do when you are not working?
I like to spend time with my family and visit new places and exploring nature.
What is your favorite activity and/or your favorite place to go in Cleveland?
My favorite place to go in Cleveland is The Edgewater Park and The Solstice Steps at Lakewood Park.
Share your favorite quote. "Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do... but how much love we put in that action." -Mother Theresa
