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Mindfulness Parent Meeting -
March 17th, 6:30-7:30pm
Megan Cowan, Director of Mindful Schools, will give a parent presentation about the mindfulness training going on in our classrooms. Please RSVP to Kimara (kimara.vann@gatewaysc.org) or Donna in the Main Office.
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First Friday Gathering - 3/18 8:45 - 9:00am
Weather permitting, please join this community gathering where Kaia and her 3rd graders will be sharing important facts about the brain Therefore, please note that the
4th Grade Parent Coffee will be held at 9:00 - 9:30am in the West Cliff Room.
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Talking to Children About the Events in Japan
And Gateway School's Closure, by Percy
I know that this may be a difficult time for you and your families as you struggle with how to explain to your children the enormity of the events in Japan.
I have posted a letter in my blog with some references on how you can broach the subject with them and advice for how they can help (click here ). Gateway School continues to review our earthquake and tsunami preparedness and procedures for evacuation. We have been checking supplies, evaluating our phone tree protocol, and making certain that the adults on campus are prepared in the event an emergency.
Last Friday's tsunami warning the first in our area (since the school moved to Eucalyptus Avenue in 1990), but our response procedures for determining whether to close school worked remarkably well. At approximately 6:15 am we received a reverse 911 phone call from the Santa Cruz Police department alerting us that the Westside, including Gateway School, was under a recommended evacuation. Gateway School's location in the inundation area places us at a more severe risk of flooding and water damage than other parts of Santa Cruz. Although the evacuation was recommended, the police were clear that they expected us to close for business. At about 6:30, I contacted the Santa Cruz County Administrative Officer to gather more information about the warning and what recommendations they were making to others in the inundation area. I knew that keeping school in session would not only potentially expose our 257 students to harm caused by rising water levels on the bay, but would invite families into an area in which the streets were scheduled to be closed for most of the day. After hearing from the police and speaking directly the lead County representative on these issues, it became obvious that we should not be in session on Friday; I immediately began our phone tree procedures to notify parents, faculty, and staff about the closing.
We are fortunate to live in a small community where local officials are so easily accessible and knowledgeable about the conditions surrounding our school. It was also comforting to know that, with school closed, parents could speak directly to their children that day about their concerns and fears; I have heard from a few students that it made them feel safe.
Thank you again for your diligence in carrying out our phone tree and for your caring and support during this difficult time.
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International Spring Celebration
Gateway's First Annual Spring International Day Celebration
will take place next Thursday March 24 from 11:30-1pm. Families are invited to attend. We encourage everyone interested to participate by bringing a taste of international food, bread or hosting a booth. Click here for a flier with more information and the full day's schedule.
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Auction News
Online Auction 3/19-3/27
Auction Gala 4/2
Buy your tickets now! Auction proceeds support our Financial Aid program and a portion of the 2011 proceeds will support the Beach Flats Community Center.
Check out the On-Line Auction which is now available for preview. Visit www.biddingforgood.com/gatewaysc to preview items. Don't forget that bidding starts on Saturday morning March 19th!
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40 Acts of Kindness Updates
Pet Supply Drive: This is the FINAL week for bringing in items to donate to the pet supply drive run by Gateway 7th graders.
Kindergarten Service Learning Project: Students in both kindergarten classes are learning about Afghanistan from a classmate's father, Homayun Etemadi, who was born and raised in Kabul. As part of their study, the kindergarten classes are working with Dr. Tahira Homayun who heads the Organization for the Advancement of Afghan Women, to collect school supplies which will be delivered to the Aymini School located near Kabul. Collection boxes are in Liz and Emily's kindergarten classrooms if you would like to participate.
Look for more information soon from student-generated ideas for how to help people in Japan!
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Congratulations Gateway Students
County Spelling Bee - 10th place finisher Ben Whitley, and other Gateway participants: Danny Halperin, Ruby Rorty, Isaac Wentzien.
Dessert Contest Winners:
K-2nd: (2 Winners!)
Sean McCallum, Chocolate Cheesecake Shenanigans.
Palmer Morriso, Robot Cupcakes
3rd-5th:
Alina Rubin, Rainbow Ice Cream Cake.
6th-8th:
Sam Lucas, Peanut Butter Pretzel Balls.
Queen of Pi: Audrey Bennett (for being able to recall and write down the most digits past the decimal point for the number Pi. She correctly recalled 101 digits! WOW
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Gateway Summer Camp 2011
Summer Camp Schedule and Class Descriptions
2011 now posted on our website!
Registration begins late March.
http://www.gatewaysc.org/school_life/summer.html
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Parent Resources
The Economics of Happiness: Santa Cruz Film Premier & Local Living Expo. Friday March 18th, 7:00pm at the Rio Theatre. What does globalization really mean? How can localization help us? The answers lie in la vida local! Join us for an inspirational and informative evening with the best local resources Santa Cruz has to offer! Featuring two Gateway parents as speakers at the event, and organized by another Gateway parent, this event is one you won't want to miss. For more information, visit www.theeconomicsofhappiness.eventbrite.com.
Parent Workshop: Different Learners: The Nature and Nurture of Learning Problems in the 21st Century. A workshop with Jane Healy, Ph.D. Saturday, April 2, 2011
9:00 am-12:00 pm at St. Pius School in Woodside. For more information, click here. |
