 Goal = $50,000Total to Date = $31,583
% of Participation Board = 43% Families = 38% Staff = 75% Class Participation T/TH AM = 40% T/TH PM = 29% M/W/F = 53% Prekindergarten = 47% Kindergarten = 35% First = 50% Second = 40% Third = 50% Fourth = 31% Fifth = 25%
Class Captains
T/TH Preschool
Kristin West
M/W/F Preschool
Jodie Ehler
Elizabeth Gray
Prekindergarten
Kristin West
Kindergarten
Jessica Akins
First Grade
Helen Javid
Jodie Ehler
Second Grade
John Hagmann
Mary Wotherspoon
Third Grade John Golden
Fourth Grade Helen Javid Fifth Grade John Golden
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Annual Fund Update | |
GHA NOW!
2010-2011 Annual Fund Marching Toward Goals...
Thank you to everyone who has donated so generously to the Annual Fund. We have seen a remarkable upwelling of support from the school community, with 75% of faculty/staff and 38% of current parents having donated to the Annual Fund. With over $30,000 raised to date, we are 60% of the way to our goal.
Congratulations to M/W/F preschool parents who lead the way to date with  53% participation! Next is 1st and 3rd grade parents with 50% participation in both classes. The following classes' parents have reached at least 40% to date: T/Th AM preschool, Pre-K, and 2nd grade. EVERY class has reached at least 25% participation to date. Continuing broad-based support like this will ensure that we reach our goals.
If you haven't had the chance to donate yet, there is still time. Join us in sustaining and building this truly remarkable school community. While the "pledge drive" for publicity for the Annual Fund has now ended, donations to the Annual Fund are still very much open and accepted through the end of the school year ( online, mail, phone, and in the office). Any donation made this month can be itemized on 2010 taxes, and donations after January 1st can be itemized on 2011 taxes. We will be mailing an Annual Giving update in mid-January which will recognize all donors at that time. Thank you. Every gift matters to the kids of GHA. "Heroes are not giant statues framed against a red sky. They are people who say 'This is my community, and it's my responsibility to make it better." - Tom McCall |
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Auction Fever | |
Auction Basket of the Week
Every week we will be featuring one of our fabulous auction baskets from our procurement wish list. These baskets and how to contribute to them were described in detail in the auction e-newsletter sent to you on December 1st. Each basket is inspired by a popular children's book. Along with each basket is a list of suggested items. Please feel free to come up with your own idea for basket items, as well.
If you are looking to stretch your donation dollar the farthest, TJ Maxx and Ross have loads of kids toys in for the holidays. Great books, science experiments, star wars items, puzzles, Melissa & Doug items, tea sets, train items and so many wonderful toys for around $5.
Please drop your auction donation off at the front desk and record your donation in the binder so we avoid duplications!
Check out our e-newsletter or the binder at the front desk for the entire basket wish list and what items have been donated to date! We are featuring over 50 baskets that we hope to fill with wonderful items.
The long awaited and highly anticipated moment has finally arrived! The auction basket of the week is...
 Pirate Basket: Peter Pan or Treasure Island
~Pirate Movies
~Pirate Books
~Playmobil® Pirate Toy Set
~Pirate Costume
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Did You Know? | |
The third grade trip to the one-room midway schoolhouse at the Harbor History Museum was featured in the Peninsula Gateway.
If you missed seeing this article, we have a copy of it in the school office or click on the image to go to the article featured on-line. |
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Teaching Toys, Too Shopping Night | |
 A big thank you to all of the families that joined Teacher Diana and Ms. Niki for an evening of holiday shopping at Teaching Toys, Too. GHA's portion of the proceeds were $262.11! Every little bit counts around here and we are thrilled. Even the little ones cracked open their wallets and spent their hard earned money!
We are hoping to make this an annual event around the holidays and we will be looking into having two different opportunities to attend, one during the day and one during the evening. So if you were unable to come this time you will have another chance next year. Thank you again for all your support.
 
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Hot Lunch Schedule | |
 The Hot Lunch Program will always stay on schedule even when one Tuesday is missed due to school closure. If we are closed on a Tuesday, like we were on November 23, that hot lunch day will be rolled to the back of the schedule. So this means that the deli sandwiches that the students were suppose to receive on Tuesday, November 23 will now be served to them Tuesday, February 1, 2011. If another hot lunch day is interrupted, due to school, the same procedure will take place. If you have any questions please contact Niki in the office.
A huge thank you to Jeannine McCurrie for delivering these delicious, delectable meals to GHA every Tuesday and to Wendy Kelly for her assistance in distributing and collecting the order forms. Without these two fearless women this program would not be possible. Stand up and take a bow ladies! |
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Holiday Gift Giving Ideas | |
 When you are making your shopping list this year, consider adding an auction gift certificate for Grandma & Grandpa. If your parents and in-laws are hard to buy for like mine, then consider treating them to a night of dinner and drinks with you at the annual school auction "Once Upon A Time". You can solve your gift giving dilemma and support your children's school at the same time. Contact Marci Hardy or Niki Vanderford by December 15th to purchase your gift certificate. Auction tickets are $60 per person and you will receive a beautiful gift certificate to put under the Christmas tree.
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Childcare Holiday Schedule | |
CLOSED Christmas Eve - Friday, 12/24
OPEN New Year's Eve - Friday, 12/31
Non holiday days are business as usual. If you have any questions please call childcare at 253-265-8773. |
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Kindergarten Goes To The Fire Station | |
As part of their Community Workers Week, Kindergartners went to the fire station. From the firefighters, the students learned about bike helmet safety, fire safety (stop, drop, and roll), and what it means when their smoke detectors at home beep. The class was also taken on a tour to see where the firefighters eat, sleep, cook, and play while they stay for 24 hour shifts at the station. Each child got a chance to climb aboard the ambulance truck and the fire engine to imagine themselves as a firefighter. Fun was had by all!
 
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M/W/F Preschool "A Soup Opera" | |
This week, GHA's M/W/F Preschool children performed for families "A Soup Opera". "A Soup Opera" by Jim Gill is a sing-along story about a man, a bowl of soup and the man's operatic and comically frustrating quest to eat it. The preschool children playfully sung the story together and acted out the character parts of the man, the waiter, the chef, the police officer, the mayor, and the President of the United States!
 I Can't Eat My Soup! |
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Community Service - Holiday Drive | |
Last Day is Tomorrow!
Please deliver your donated goods on Friday morning in order for us to take inventory and deliver those items to the Children's Home Society.
The director of Children's Home Society of Key Peninsula will discuss how these gifts positively impact families in need at Colors on Friday.
This community service is voluntary!
Thank you for your support!
~Your community service team (Debbie Dean, Kim Golden, and Imka Lavinder)
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First Lego League Robotics Competition | |
Saturday, December 4th
Lincoln High School in Tacoma
12:00 - 4:00 PM
After many weeks of practice Eagle Force I and II are ready to compete in the Lego League Robotics Competition. Come cheer on these 4th/5th grade teams on to victory. Please contact Jeff Funk for more information.
Click on the image of the robot for directions to Lincoln High School. |
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Winter Concert | |
Tuesday, December 7th
Gig Harbor High School
6:30 PM
Bells will ring and we will sing
and put on a show for you.
We have done our part
to create music art,
now the next step is up to you......
Please come see our Winter Concert!
This year's All School Winter Concert will be held at Gig Harbor High School and will begin at 6:30 PM. Please have your child arrive between 6:00-6:15 PM, unless otherwise requested differently by music teacher, Lynn Swanson.
Click on the above image to view a copy of the informative letter that Mrs. Swanson sent home with all the children this past Monday.
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Kindergarten Popcorn Sale | |
Thursday, December 9th 
Enjoy an after school treat of popcorn and lemonade provided by the kindergarten class for only $1! Proceeds from their popcorn sales help support GHA. |
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Auction Meeting | |
Friday, December 10
9:00 - 9:45 AM
Join a group of dedicated, creative volunteers and help plan the party of the year! Your input is desired and your time valued. Please consider this rewarding volunteer opportunity and get involved. We welcome any time you are willing to give to this important fundraising event. See you there! |
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Board Meeting | |
Tuesday, December 14th
5:00 PM |
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SFN Snack Sale | |
Thursday, December 16th
Hosted by Prekindergarten
For $1.00 you can purchase yummy treats provided by the Prekindergarten Class
Click on image to see all snack sale dates and a printable order form to purchase a $20.00 punch card |
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No School - Winter Break | |
 Monday, December 20th -
Friday, December 31st
Happy Holidays from GHA! See you back at school on Monday, January 3, 2011! |
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Bulletin Boards |  There are several bulletin boards around the school campus that need attention. If you would like to use your creative flair to make them beautiful, we would love your help. If you are interested, please contact either Niki in the office or Cristina McDougall, SFN President. |
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Errand Runners
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Do you like to run errands? Often times when the office needs to run errands, it is not always possible for anybody to leave the school. If you are interested in helping out, please contact Niki Vanderford who will be compiling a list of names for when the situation arises that we are in need of an errand runner. We appreciate your help and thank you in advance.
Back To The Top
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Tacoma Art Museum | |
Sunday, December 5th
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Escape the cold and come inside to create and connect with art for the holidays. Bring the family and revel in the sounds, scents, and sights of the season as you make lasting memories together.
For detailed information about this event click on the above logo. |
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Discovery Village - Upcoming Events | |
Discovery Village, Gig Harbor's new children's enrichment center, opens this December with a flurry of events!
Click on the logo to check out the upcoming events at Discovery Village or click here to be directed to their website. |
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Harbor History Museum - Family Fun Time
|  First Tuesday of every month at 3:45 - 5:00 PM starting on
Tuesday, December 7th
Harbor History Museum is announcing their new program called Family Fun Time. It will be held the 1st Tuesday of every month from 3:45 PM - 5:00 PM. During this time they will read a story (usually related to the special exhibition), explore a "mystery" object from the collections, and do a craft project. Their first Family Fun Time will be held Tuesday, December 7. They will be reading a holiday story and making Christmas scratch ornaments. This program is free for members and $1 with paid admission for non-members.
For more information click on the above image.
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Kids Afternoon Out - GHHS Dance Team Fundraiser
| Sunday, December 12, 2010
1:00 - 5:30 PM
$20 Per Child
Artondale Elementary School
Kindergarten - 5th Grade Students From All Schools
The Gig Harbor High School Varsity Dance Team members, coach, and parent group wants to give you an afternoon without the kids to do shopping, wrap gifts or just relax. They will lead the kids in active games and quiet activities, provide seasonal arts and craft activities, and show a holiday related movie. Kids will have some unstructured time to shoot hoops, dance and sing, play board games, or weather permitting, play on the play structures outside.
Click on above image for complete information and sign up sheet.
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Santa at the Fire Stations
| Sunday, December 12th 
Monday, December 13th
Tuesday, December 14th
5:00 - 8:00 PM
Santa will not be able to ride the fire truck in your neighborhood this year, but he is visiting local fire stations near you. Gig Harbor Fire Fighters and Medic One is teaming up with FISH Food Bank to collect donations of toys and food for needy families in our community. Santa will be accepting your donations and sit for pictures with you and your children on a fire engine. Santa will be at three different fire stations on the above dates.
Please click on the Fire District logo above for complete details.
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Santa at Teaching Toys, Too | |
Every Saturday until Christmas
12:00 - 4:00 PM
Don't go all the way to the mall for pictures with Santa when you can stay right here in Gig Harbor. Santa will be visiting Teaching Toys, Too in Uptown every Saturday from
12:00 - 4:00 PM up until Christmas. Ho, Ho, Ho! |
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School | |
6820 32nd St. NW
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Phone: 253-265-2150
Fax: 253-265-8124
Childcare: 253-265-8773 |
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Administration | |
Each name is a link to that person's email.
Bruce Shoup
Head of School
Paul Hoover
Business Officer
Niki Vanderford
Director of Admissions & Marketing
Donna Hanenburg
Adminstrative Assistant |
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Join Us On Facebook | 
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Updates on fun activities, reminders on important dates, and more.  |
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Comments or Suggestions? | | To give any comments or suggestions about this newsletter or if you have an idea for an article, please contact Niki Vanderford by phone (253-265-2150), e-mail, or come see her in person in the office. Thank you very much. |
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