We have a fantastic opportunity for GHA Kindergarten through fifth grade students to participate in a 10-week chess program!  This program will be taught by coaches from Chess4Life. 

The first step in organizing this program is to make sure that we have adequate interest. 

We need 12-15 students in both age ranges of K-2 and 3-5. 

This 10-week program will cost $125.00 and will take place either on Tuesdays or Fridays, depending on interest. 

If your student is interested in this program please email Leigh Ann, GHA Administrative Assistant.  If we receive enough interest we will move forward and schedule an information night with Chess4Life.

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There is still time to join our Major Donor List and the dedicated supporters of GHA at the first GHA Major Donor recognition dinner at BRIX 25° next Friday, February 4th. 

We would like as many as possible to join us! Time is running out and we must commit to a final number of guests by the end of this weekend.

If you haven't yet made a leadership commitment ($1,000 and up annual fund gift) to GHA and are able to do so, please make a gift online, at the school, or via mail today!

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GHA hosted approximately 20 families at last Saturday's Open House. 

Special thanks to the parent and student volunteers who helped out on such a sunny Saturday afternoon!

We hope to welcome new families to GHA next school year as a result of our efforts!

Do you have photos of GHA activities from this school year that you can share? 

We are putting together a slide show for the auction and would love to showcase all of the exciting things that happen at GHA!

If you have photos to share, please email them to Niki in the office.

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Would you like us to invite a family member or friend to this year's auction? We've included the grandparents whose addresses we had, but if you have someone else in mind that you'd like to invite, please send their address to Leigh Ann, GHA Administrative Assistant, or call the office: 253.265.2150.

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Auction Basket of the Week is...

   (Just in time for the Super Bowl)

Are you able to help with this basket? We are looking for families who are willing to donate an entire basket, but if you have items that could fill this one, please let us know right away.
 

Contact: Marci Hardy or Niki Vanderford.

You can drop your auction donation off at the front desk! When you do, please fill out a procurement form and record your donation in the binder so we avoid duplications! 

We are featuring over 50 baskets that we hope to fill with wonderful items either donated from parents or businesses in the area.   

Thank you in advance for your participation!  

GHA needs volunteers to help with the Auction on March 19th. We encourage families and friends to get involved with the auction any way that they can! 

Here is a short list of things we need your help with:

• Special projects to prepare for the event 
• Set-up & Tear-down at the event
• Runners

 If you are interested in volunteering, contact Niki Vanderford in the office.

Please note that all volunteers must be at least 18 years old to help at the event.

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Upon completing their unit on ancient Egyptians, 1st Grade took a trip to the GHA archeological mound to discover buried treasures. One of the more interesting finds on their dig was a set of canopic jars.

Canopic jars were used to store internal organs during the mummification process and included lungs and other internal organs, but no brains! Brains were tossed away because they were of no use! The heart was left in the body.   

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Last Friday, 3rd through 5th grade students traveled to Olympia to take a grand tour of the State Capitol. The photo at the top of this newsletter shows students in the Governor's Reception Room listening to State Senator and GHA Parent, Derek Kilmer.

During their tour, student's were able to make a special visit to the State Senate floor! A rare treat for anyone visiting the Capitol! Students also had the chance to meet Senator Derek Kilmer, Representative Jan Angel and Representative Larry Seaquist.

The student's visit focused on understanding the three branches of government and included a "mock trial" in the State Supreme Court's Temple of Justice.  

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GHA first graders turned into scientists at the Children's Hands On Museum in Olympia this Tuesday.

As an introduction to their science unit, first grade learned about liquids and solids in a very unique way.    

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Kindergarten and Third grade buddies shared a fantastic community-building experience ice skating together at the Sprinker Ice Arena in Spanaway on Thursday.

Everyone was able to balance, stay on their feet, and skate without hugging the wall!

This field trip helps reinforce the character development unit of perseverance! And persevere they did!  

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Wednesday, February 2nd

9:00 AM

Library

The School Family Network (SFN) is an informal, yet energetic group of parents who meet once a month to organize numerous school-wide events. With the intent of supporting and enhancing GHA through communication and commitment, SFN hosts family fun events such as bowling nights, the annual pumpkin carve, weekly hot lunch, teacher appreciation activities, as well as the bi-monthly snack sales. In addition, SFN reaches outside of the Academy with varying community service projects throughout the year. All parents are welcome to attend.  

Thursday, February 3rd

Hosted by 5th Grade

For $1.00 you can purchase yummy treats provided by the 5th Grade of Gig Harbor Academy. Proceeds go to support GHA! 

Click the image above to download the Snack Sale Schedule

and Punch Card Purchasing Form.

Thursday, February 17th

6:00 - 7:30 PM

Gig Harbor Academy's annual science fair is coming soon. The event will be from 6-7:30 PM.
 

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February 21st - 25th

President's Day Break

GHA is looking to plan another fun-filled exciting summer program and would like your help in developing the schedule.  

Sunday, January 30th

3:00 PM 

Peninsula High School Auditorium

Peninsula Youth Orchestra is hosting a free concert on Sunday, January 30th at 3:00 PM in the Peninsula High School Auditorium. A reception will follow the performance.

PYO also announced their mid-season registration beginning January 15 for seasoned youth players (with at least 1+ years experience).  
 

Tuesday, February 8, 2011 

6:30 - 7:45 PM 

Discovery Village

4835 Borgen Blvd #1, Gig Harbor 98332 

Jeannine McCurrie, GHA Parent, Speaker and Author of My Plan B Handbook  will be speaking at Discovery Village during the "My Life, My Plan" workshop on Tuesday, February 8 at 6:30 PM.

Hosted by Thrivent Financial the workshop will help you learn how to protect what you value most, reduce your worry over the unexpected and develop a solid financial strategy.

RSVP required by

February 3, 2011 to 

(253) 851-6161

The first 20 households will receive a free copy of Jeannine's book My Plan B Handbook. Free childcare for the first 30 children!