|
IN THIS ISSUE:
teacher inservice week/ family orientation picnic / meet the staff / first friday coffee kick off / family spotlight / online store / events
|
|
|
|
|
In-service week started today, and our amazing staff is back together on campus - connecting and building our school culture to start the year off in the best way possible. This week, teachers are setting up classrooms, reviewing safety procedures, completing trainings, and getting everything ready to welcome students back to the classroom next week! We're grateful for our dedicated team of teachers and support staffers who make Gardner School an inspiring place for students to learn and grow.
|
|
19 staff members
90 students
28 years teaching children in Clark County
|
|
|
Family Orientation Picnic Monday, 8/28
|
|
|
This open house event will be from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Monday, August 28th. We'll have a chance for kids and families to visit the classrooms, participate in a collaborative art project, and explore the wetlands. When you arrive, check in at our table in the lobby to receive your Gardner bag with orientation folder inside.
We're excited to have the Steakburger On the Go food truck on campus for families to purchase lunch if they would like, or bring your own picnic basket. Here is the menu available for the food truck. We will have some last facilities projects going on this day, and lots of visitors, so please plan to accompany your child for the entire time you are on campus.
|
|
|
Staff Introduction
Colleen Lindsay, K-6 After Care
|
|
|
|
Colleen “Coco” Lindsay grew up in the forests, fields and rivers of Cascadia (SW WAshington). Belonging to a large, loving Finno/Irish family, she spent hours creating with cousins and learning about the world through play. Some of her favorite moments were directing her playmates in back porch plays, building props and sets out of any materials they could put their hands on. Bed sheets, boards and boxes were forever transformed into the world of their imagination. Through play, she noticed how each person had unique traits, specialites and challenges. This led her to a lifelong pursuit of psychology, learning, and creativity.
After high school, Colleen pursued an education in personal and organizational psychology. She married her high school sweetheart and had three children (Eli, Noah & Ali). When they entered school, she volunteered in the classroom and worked at the public library. As a Children’s Librarian, she shared her love of books and learning with youth of all ages.
When her children were raised, she chose to become an educator. Colleen has taught reading, writing and relationship to youth from kinder to twelve grade, both in schools and in community organizations. She currently works part-time at the CASEE Center adding environmental studies and earth care to her teaching. Coming to work at the Gardner school fulfills a lifelong dream. She is eager to get to know the children and the community and share her love of learning.
Beyond her work in schools, Colleen shares her understanding of creativity through coaching and classes with anyone who wants to PLAY. Believing that human’s greatest skill is creativity, she encourages and inspires everyone to find their own unique ways of creating their purpose in the world. She enjoys writing, creating recycled art, practicing improv and working on projects that utilize PLAY to create a world of love, happiness and equity for all.
|
|
|
|
Huge thank you to a team of volunteer parents, grandparents, staffers, and community members for helping out this weekend to build our newest covered area for the playground! We had helpers in the classrooms setting up spaces with teachers, too. We're thrilled about all of the facilities upgrades that have happened this summer. While it's been a lot to coordinate and do, we're so excited for it to come together for our students to experience the improvements this year.
Your help really makes a difference on our campus! There are more on-campus opportunities this week to help in classrooms or in our gardens and grounds. Reach out to Courtney Tomlinson at ctomlinson@gardnerschool.org to learn more! |
|
Come Join Us!
Bluum Coffee Truck 9/1 from 7:30- 9:30 am
We're welcoming the Bluum Coffee Truck back on campus! Come a little early to pick up your favorite cafe beverage, and stick around to chat with staff and other Gardner families. Drinks are free, but donations are welcome to help us host more events like this throughout the year. We're adding monthly First Friday coffee and treats in the Farmhouse throughout the year, and hope to see you there!
Beverages are for grownups only, please. |
|
|
|
Family Spotlight
The Tomlinson Family
Our Assistant Head of School, Courtney Tomlinson, is also a parent here at Gardner. After coming to work as an assistant teacher in the 2018 school year, her family knew that the small class sizes and creative curriculum would be a great fit for their kids and they transferred over the next year.
Her son, Noah, graduated last year and is excited to start 7th grade at Hockinson Middle School. Her daughter, Rachel, is entering into 5th grade and is already making plans for her Gardner Market booth! Both kids love doing theater at Metropolitan Performing Arts, and going to visit grandparents on the Oregon Coast.
Along with her husband Scott, an educator in the Evergreen School District, they have a home in Hockinson with two dogs, four cats, one fish, three snails, two shrimp, and fifteen chickens.
|
|
|
|
We often hear that families appreciate getting to know one another through these introductions, and if you're interested in contributing, click below for more details.
Thanks for considering!
|
|
Online Store
Get your Gardner gear!
|
|
We love seeing our alumni, students, families, and staff rock their Gardner Gear, and we have just launched a new online store to purchase t-shirts, sweatshirts, and drinkware.
Grab your favorite items and share pics of where you're representing Gardner around the community!
|
|
|
Upcoming Events
Monday, 8/28
Family Orientation Picnic 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Come enjoy time on campus with classmates and families! The Steakburger On the Go food truck will be available for families to purchase a meal, or bring your own picnic basket. This is a great chance to say hi to old friends and meet new ones, and don't forget to pick up your back to school materials and Gardner bag!
Wednesday, 8/30
First Day of School!
We can't wait to see you all! Plan on a little extra time for first day transitions. Details on what drop off looks like will be shared in next week's newsletter, and we'll see you at 7:30 for Before Care and at 8:15 for normal drop off.
Friday, 9/1
Parent Coffee Social 7:30- 9:30 am
We're welcoming the Bluum Coffee Truck back on campus! Come a little early to pick up a cup, and stick around to chat if you're able! Drinks are free, but donations are welcome to help us host more events like this throughout the year. Beverages are for grownups only, please.
Monday, 9/5
Labor Day, No School
Thursday, 9/7
Early Childhood Field Day
Students will have a blast playing extra outside today! Stay tuned for newsletters from your child's classroom with more details.
Friday, 9/8
K-6 Field Day
It's going to be an afternoon of outdoor play for our kindergarten through 6th grade students! Expect kids to get a little extra messy, and an extra set of clothes and a towel should be sent from home.
Friday, 9/15
Wheels in School
Wheels in Schools is a favorite event at the Gardner School! Your child can bring their non-motorized bike or scooter, along with any safety gear for fun at recess time. Helmets are required to ride. Please allow for some extra time at drop off and pick up for loading.
Monday, 9/18- Friday, 9/22
Back to School Parent Meetings, 3:00 pm (EC) and 4:00 pm (K-6)
Each class will have a scheduled in-person meeting to review curriculum, meet other families, and connect with your child's homeroom teacher. Free extended care is provided for the meeting time!
Monday, 9/18- Klickitat and Wy'East (4:00 pm)
Tuesday, 9/19- Mazama and Tumtum T/Th class (3:00 pm)
Thursday, 9/21- Loowit and Pahto (4:00 pm)
Friday, 9/22- Tumtum M/W/F (3:00 pm) and Kalama (4:00 pm)
Thursday, 9/28 and Friday, 9/29
Picture Day
Paul Quackenbush Photography will be here to take pictures of individual students, classes, and siblings! More information and ordering packets will be sent home from your child's homeroom teacher.
To see and subscribe to our calendar of events, click below!
|
|
|
|
|
