Copy
View this email in your browser
IN THIS ISSUE:
message from the board/ calendar reminders / talent show this week! / program spotlights / overnight experience / clark county rainbow walk / field trips / snapshots /  events
Message from the Board

Dear Gardner community,

On Tuesday, May 16,  2023 the Board of Trustees met in-person and were joined by two guests from the community, along with members of the admin team. Coming together in the Farmhouse is a wonderful opportunity for all our Trustees to feel the energy of campus. At the end of the year, particularly, we appreciate reflecting on the hard work of staff and students, and we look ahead to what's to come in the next year and beyond.

At the meeting, the Board of Trustees:

  • Celebrated the success of the auction- this year funds raised exceeded last year

  • Reviewed and collaborated on governance policies to ensure they best meet the needs of the board and the school

  • Reviewed a draft of the strategic plan and shared feedback with the committee (and even played with Playdough!)

  • Voted to approve an updated investment policy for the school, securing a strong financial future for Gardner

At our next meeting, the Board of Trustees will:

  • Review and approve the 2023-24 budget

  • Review and approve the school’s strategic plan

  • Elect new trustees for the 2023-24 school year
     

Trustee Juna McDaid will be cycling off the Board of Trustees. She has been an invaluable member of the Board and chair of the school’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee. She has furthered the work of DEI and has been an incredible strategic thought partner for the school. Juna will be serving as Head of the San Francisco School for the 2023-24 school year. We will miss her and wish her luck in her new role!

If you are interested in learning more about our Board and its committees, please contact Emily Davis and Lori Cohen for further information. The strength of Gardner comes from the dedication of many, and we welcome you to explore board service as a way to share your time and talents. 

With gratitute,
 

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

No School Friday 5/26
Teacher In-Service 

No School Monday 5/29
Memorial Day

Don't miss the Talent Show this Thursday!
Our students are getting ready for their acts, both as whole groups and individuals, for our Gardner Talent Show this Thursday, May 25th, at 2:30 pm. Come see the bravery, creativity, and personality of our students shine through, all supported by our robust music program! 
Program Spotlight
Supporting Local Arts Programs
We were lucky to have two different visits last week from local community theater groups! The traveling troupe from Metropolitan Performing Arts came and performed an original play about musical theater, complete with songs and dance. Several of our Gardner students are involved in the upcoming MPA play, The Ugly Duckling, and tickets can be reserved online here

Also, a group of actors and leaders from Journey Theater came to preview Honk! (another version of The Ugly Duckling), the play that our second grade students will be seeing in person soon. Our Kalama students are also taking a field trip to Journey to see their performance of The Velveteen Rabbit. Tickets for their shows are available online here.

Gardner students benefit from live theater in many ways, and we are grateful for the local programs that support the arts! 
Loowit's Overnight Experience

Building Courage and Confidence

Our second grade students did an overnight at school, building stamina and confidence for their bigger off campus overnights in the years to come. They played games, slept in the gym, and woke up bright and early for a special breakfast in the Farmhouse. These opportunies build connections between students, making special memories that will last years after they are students at Gardner. Thank you to the teachers who slept on the gym mats, comforted and encouraged students, and planned this fun activity for them!

Join us next weekend!

Clark County Rainbow Walk, June 4th

Come visit our team at the Clark County Rainbow Walk at Holley Park in La Center from 11:00- 4:00. There will be lots of family friendly activities, music, food vendors, and more. Gardner School strives to be a welcoming and inclusive space for all in Clark County, and we appreciate opportunities to share our work with the community!

Learning in Action

Science Lab Field Trips
We had two classrooms out in the community to explore the world of science and to connect for some hands on work in labs. Our 1st grade students went to OMSI, where they participated in a lab activity and explored the new exhibit on orcas. Our Mazama Pre-K students visited the WSU-Vancouver science labs, hosted by one of our scientist parents who gave them a tour of the space, including checking out the famous Corpse Flower on campus. We love when our students get to see science in action, and thank you to all the parent chaperones and hosts that made it possible!
No After Care June 14th

Looking ahead, we have a busy and fun spring! Check out the calendar below or subscribe to the digital calendar here

Please note, there is no after care on the last day of school, June 14th, and pick up is at 1:45 for early release..

Campus snapshots

Wy'East got a visit from Emily as their Mystery Reader, kids and staff enjoyed the sun, and the learning continues!
Gardner School Covid-19 Dashboard
Upcoming Events


Thursday, May 25th
K-6 Talent Show, 2:30 pm
We're always blown away by the talents of our students, and today is the day to see them shine! Join us in the Great Room for a wonderful performance!

Friday, May 26th
No School- Teacher Inservice Day

Monday, May 29th
No School- Memorial Day

Thursday, June 1st
Early Childhood Wheels in School Day
Pack those scooters, bikes, and trikes along with all safety gear for some extra active outdoor play time! Allow for extra time at drop off and pick up for loading.

Friday, June 2nd 
K-6 Wheels in School Day
Pack those scooters, bikes, and trikes along with all safety gear for some extra active outdoor play time! Allow for extra time at drop off and pick up for loading.

Monday, June 5th
Tumtum Celebration of Learning, 2:00 pm
Join our preschool class to celebrate a year of growth, friendship, and learning at 2:00 pm.

Wednesday, June 7th
Mazama Celebration of Learning, 12:00 pm
Mazama Pre-K students are ready to share their learning with families and friends at their final Celebration of Learning for the year!

Thursday, June 8th
Kindergarten- 6th Grade Celebration of Learning, 2:00 pm
After an all school presentation in the Great Room, explore our Kalama- Klickitat classrooms to see hands-on projects, art displays, and other artifacts of learning! 

Friday, June 9th
Early Childhood Field Day
An opportunity for our preschool and Pre-K students to have a blast outside! Prepare for water play, packing a towel and an extra change of clothes.

Monday, June 12th
Klickitat Graduation, 2:00 pm
Graduation at Gardner is a special time to celebrate the hard work our students have put in during their time at Gardner, and a chance to highlight the uniqueness of their experience. All community members are welcome to join us for graduation in the Great Room.

Wednesday, June 14th
K-6 Field Day
Expect your kids to need some extra changes of clothes, a towel, and good shoes for running and playing during this last field day of the school year!

Wednesday, June 14th
Last Day of School, Pick Up 1:45, No After Care
What a wonderful year it has been! Enjoy your summers, and we can't wait to see you back in the fall! 

To see and subscribe to our calendar of events, click below!
See school calendar
Instagram Instagram
Facebook Facebook
Website Website
YouTube YouTube
Confidentiality Notice: Protecting student privacy is important at Gardner. If this email includes educational or personal information about specific students, please do not forward to other individuals without express permission from the email's author. Thank you.
Copyright © 2023 Gardner School of Arts & Sciences, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website.

Our mailing address is:
Gardner School of Arts & Sciences
16413 NE 50th Ave
Vancouver, WA 98686-1843

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.