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IN THIS ISSUE:
message from the head / business after hours event / gardner market success! / winter celebrations of learning / meet the classroom / parent conferences / summer camp reminder / snapshots / health screening reminders / events
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From the Head of School
Dear Gardner community,
Every year, our students love to walk around campus and share the signs of Spring that they see. Changing seasons are always a reason to observe, discuss, and learn about our dynamic Earth- and these signs showcase the continual transitions we go through. My favorite sign of Spring on campus is the daffodils that open, and I am hopeful that it will happen soon! With the cold, dark and rainy few weeks we have had, I can sense the community looking forward and feeling hopeful. Warmer weather, longer days, less rain and more sunshine - moods improve and it's easier to have a happy outlook. Soon, the flowers will bloom and there will be jackets strewn all over the playground.
It's the time of year that student growth really takes shape, and I don't just mean that pants look short or haircuts are needed. Our students are showing tremendous progress in their learning - academically, socially, and emotionally. I'm always in awe of how much we ask of our young learners - to learn a new language, while taking on new math concepts, as they are learning literacy skills and working to be physically stronger, too. This is where the support of teachers is so vital. Our teachers knowledge of each child as an individual, their growth trajectory, and the way to support them to get from one place to the next is one of the things that makes the Gardner School special. Conferences are an important time to talk to your child's teacher, to celebrate growth, and to check in on where else your child continuing to learn and improve. I am thankful for the important parent, teacher, and child connections.
I'm looking forward to seeing you on campus more often, especially at the exciting upcoming events! Please take some extra time to mark your calendars with the details below about upcoming Business After Hours, Celebrations of Learning, and the Auction. Our community is strongest when we all participate in it together!
With gratitude,
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Don't forget!
There is no After Care past 4:00 pm on Tuesday, March 14th.
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We're only a week away from hosting this evening event for the local business community!
If you're interested, we'd love to have you come. You can RSVP by following this link. We'd also love to have more folks on campus to share about their own Gardner School experience to help spread the word about our unique program. There will also be lots of fun activities, giveaways, tasty food and beverages, and even alpacas!
We need volunteer helpers to prepare for the event. We have opportunities during the day and during the event to help out, and your help is very appreiciated! Please follow this link to see the specific opportunities and times.
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Winter Celebrations of Learning
We're quickly approaching the end of the Winter thematic, where our classrooms have been studying a variety of science related topics like oceans, cells, and ecosystems.
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March 29th at 12:00 pm
Mazama Celebration
Our Mazama students are exploring science through fairy tales and fables, and they will have a variety of projects to share with guests, along with a few surprises! Stay tuned to the Mazama classroom newsletter for more details.
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March 30th at 2:00 pm
K-6 Celebration
Our Kalama-Klickitat students are getting ready to share their learning with family and friends on Thursday, March 30th at 2:00 pm. Guests will begin the visit with an all-school presentation in the Great Room, then are welcome to visit the classrooms in an open house format to see specific projects and displays from their child's classroom and others.
Early childhood families are welcome to come, too! Let your teacher know if you'll be picking up your child early so they can attend with you.
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Program Spotlight
Gardner Market Success!
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Gardner Market 2023 is in the books! From handcrafted crayons to smoothies and cupcakes, our young entrepreneurs had a lot of talent on display. Some of the best learning from the event comes afterwards, when students reflect on their wins, and on what they might try differently in future years. Teachers supported the counting of money last week, and students participated in math activities that related to the process.
Students can choose to keep some of their income, but 50% or more is donated from each student to support our student-chosen nonprofit, Second Chance Companions. This year, students raised $1,445.00, up from last year's total! We're looking forward to having representatives (people and animals) accept the donation at an upcoming community meeting.
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Meet the Classroom
Mazama- Pre K -Crater Lake
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The Gardner School is located on the traditional lands of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde, the Confederate Tribes of the Siletz Indians and the lands of the Cowlitz people. By teaching our students and community about the traditions of this place, we hope to honor the history of the people who lived here since time immemorial.
The Klamath people of the Pacific Northwest tell a legend about a fight between two chiefs. “Llao” was the chief of the Below World and stood at Mount Mazama in Oregon. “Skell” was the chief of the Above World and stood at the summit of Mt. Shasta in Northern California. The two chiefs fought, throwing rocks and flames at each other. Llao was injured and fell into Mt. Mazama creating a huge hole. Over time that hole filled with water and is now known as Crater Lake.
Our Mazama families got a chance to learn more about the history of Mt. Mazama through a student-created display at the Fall Celebration of Learning, and you can learn the stories of all our classroom names on our website here.
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Teachers have sent out invitations for parent conferences in the next few weeks. Make sure to sign up for the time that works best for your family, and connect with the teacher directly with any questions.
In-person visits are encouraged and children can stay in After Care with no charge during your meeting.
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Summer Camp Priority Registration
Registation for summer camps will open for community members this Wednesday, so make sure your registrations and friends and family registrations are in soon!
You can find a list of all available summer camps here, and sign into our registration form here to secure your spot.
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Campus snapshots
Collaboration and connection are on display every day at Gardner.
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Upcoming Events
Tuesday, March 14th
No After Care Today
There will be no after care available for Early Childhood past 4:00 pm, and no after care available for K-6 students after school today due to our evening event.
Tuesday, March 14th
March Business After Hours Event 5:00- 7:00 pm
Join us from 5:00- 7:00 pm as K & B Benefit Advisors sponsors a Greater Vancouver Chamber Business After Hours at The Gardner School of Arts & Sciences! We are excited to host this event and welcome interested parents to attend, also. You can learn more and sign up here.
Friday, March 17th- Monday, March 20th
No School- Teacher Inservice Days
Stay tuned for classroom newsletters as teachers schedule parent conference times with families.
Thursday, March 30th
K-6 Celebrations of Learning, 2:00- 4:00 pm
Join us to celebrate the hard work of our students over the last few months!
Monday, April 3rd- Monday, April 10th
No School- Spring Break!
Enjoy your break! We will resume school on Tuesday, April 11th.
To see and subscribe to our calendar of events, click below!
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