|
Gig Harbor Area Activity Links
| |
|
|
Family Businesses
| 
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Fund Kick Off & Special Colors
| |
|
|
Annual Fund
| |
The Annual Fund needs your help! Small class sizes permit the exceptional teachers at GHA to give your child the SPECIAL attention you expect. But small class size also means that a successful Annual Fund requires 100% participation. Your generous support secures continued access to the tools of academic success for your child. Make sure your child's class helps GHA earn the challenge grant offered by the GHA Board: over $700 for each class that reaches 100% participation! Give to GHA NOW!
GIVE GIFT GROW
|
|
Head of School Search
| |
The search process for the new Head of School to succeed Bruce Shoup when his Interim Head contract concludes in June 2012 is well underway. If you haven't had the opportunity to do so, we invite your participation in this process in a variety of ways:
1. Take a look at our "Opportunity Statement" on the school's web site under "Head of School Search", the 4th tab down on the left. It is a description of who we are as a school community, what our strengths and challenges are, and what qualities we are looking for in the school's next leader.
2. Read the article on the calendar for the search process on page 4 in the Summer 2011 edition of The Bridge (available on the school web site by clicking on the tab "About Us").
3. Talk to a Search Committee member: Jeff Funk (5th grade teacher), Sheila Walther (2nd grade teacher), Cristina McDougall (1st/2nd grade parent, and in the office Mon-Wed), Jim Kelly (4th grade parent), Tina Myers (K/3rd grade parent and Board of Directors President), Elizabeth Gray (K parent, Search Committee Head), or Bruce Shoup (ex-officio advisor to the committee).
4. Let us hear your voice via email(searchinput@gigharboracademy.org) or via a note in an old-fashioned comment box in the office.
We have had a robust response for candidate applications, including interest from all corners of the United States, multiple counties in Washington, and a mix of backgrounds in private schools, public schools, and business management. The committee is accepting applications through October 14th and plans to make an initial "cut" to 6-8 candidates for semifinalist status no later than October 22, with initial interviews to follow in early November. Exciting times for shaping the future of Gig Harbor Academy!
Elizabeth Gray, Head Search Committee Chair
|
|
TOWN HALL MEETING
| |
Click Here to read the brief summary that was sent out on Wednesday of this week.
BACK TO TOP
|
|
Emergency Preparedness
|  As many of you may already know, GHA is in the process of upgrading our emergency preparedness supplies and procedures. Taking the needs of the student body, faculty and facilities into consideration, we are able to collect and store the necessary basic supplies for survival up to 3 days. Additionally, our procedures are being revised to meet the national standards of preparedness as well as our school community. Please feel free to contact Cristina McDougall in the office with any questions or comments.
A $10 non-refundable Readiness Fee will be assessed each child in the month of October to enable the school to reach it's goal.
|
|
Just For Giggles
| Teacher Diana asks a preschooler who is creating a picture, "Tell me about what you are drawing."
Preschooler responds - "Mars. I am painting random...anything I can think of in my head!" |
|
Full Circle Farms
| |
SIGN UP TODAY
GHA is proud to announce that we are now the newest pick up site for Full Circle Farms. Full Circle provides you with the highest quality organic fruits and vegetables every week or every other week (whatever your preference). A box of hand-selected produce in season and at the peak of flavor will be delivered to Gig Harbor Academy on Tuesdays for your convenience. You can customize your box as often as you like and their are additional items such as milk, bread, and cheese to chose from. Our first delivery will begin Tuesday, October 11th, sign up today!
Use the Promo Code: CHERRIES to receive $10.00 off your first order.
Click on the above logo to sign up now!
BACK TO TOP |
|
GHA Chess4Life Classes
| There is still time to sign your child up for the GHA Chess Club.  The club is open to all Kindergarten - 5th grade students and will increase math skills, memory, and self confidence along with improving patience, concentration and sportsmanship.
It is the mission of Gig Harbor Academy Chess Club to instill leadership qualities, develop skills as a life-long learner, and provide a safe and fun learning environment. For more information please email John Dean (Club Organizer) or call the Chess4Life Center at 425-283-0549.
To register click on the image above. |
|
Field Trip Driver Requirements
|  Field trip season is upon us! Many of you have already submitted a current driver's abstract and insurance card to the office, thank you! Please remember you cannot drive on a class field trip without the current paperwork on file. If you are uncertain of your status, please contact the office.Your driving record can be obtained by going to the Department of Licensing website. There is a charge of $10 per driving record. BACK TO TOP |
|
Technology Request
| Mrs. Buys, our technology teacher, is in need of ear buds for the students to use during technology class. She would like each student to have their own which will be 
kept at school in a plastic bag labeled with the student's name. If you have some spare ones that you are willing to donate she would really appreciate it. Thank you in advance for your help.
BACK TO TOP |
|
Go Paperless!
|  In an effort to save paper and expenses, please let the office know if you would like to receive invoices and pertinent mailers via email rather than snail mail. All we need to know is your preferred email address and we can start right away with this earth friendly initiative! |
|
Preschool and First Grade Celebrates Rosh Hashana
| |
 Rosh Hashanah (ראש השנה) is the Jewish New Year. It falls once a year during the month of Tishrei and occurs ten days before Yom Kippur. Together, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are known as the Yamim Nora'im, which means the Days of Awe in Hebrew. In English they are often referred to as the High Holy Days. To celebrate the Jewish New Year, first grade visited preschool and baked challah bread and dipped apples in honey. These traditional foods are eaten on Rosh Hashanah - challah dipped in honey (symbolizes the hope for a sweet new year) as well as desserts made with honey and fruit, like apples. The preschoolers and first graders also made New Year's Cards to be given to their loved ones.
BACK TO TOP
|
|
Cluster Buddies - 3rd Through 5th Grade
|
Harbor WildWatch made a trip to the GHA campus last week to speak with 3rd - 5th grade cluster buddies about the preservation of the Puget Sound watershed. The Harbor WildWatch workshops explore ecology, life sciences and basic chemistry more through marine topics . Thank you Harbor WildWatch for keeping us informed about our beautiful surroundings!
|
|
Spanish
|  Please use the following link to be connected to the Spanish website.
Spanish
|
|
Cross Country
| |
Sunday, October 9th
Bellarmine Prep
2:00 PM
 Come support the GHA Cross Country Team in their last meet of the season on Sunday, October 9th at Bellarmine Prep High School in Tacoma. Races start at 2:00 PM.
Check out the pictures below from the Cross Country meet that took place last Sunday. Way to Eagles!
 
|
|
School Picture Retakes
| |
Tuesday, October 11th
Please contact the office if you are interested in getting picture retakes. |
|
SFN Snack Sale Hosted By Fourth Grade
| Thursday, October 13th
For $1.00 you can purchase yummy treats provided Snack Sale by  the fourth grade class. Proceeds go to support GHA! Snack sale is available during lunch for Prekindergarten through 5th grade and after school. You may send a dollar to school with your child or buy a $20.00 snack card that can be used towards purchases.
Click on the above image to fill out a snack card form. Please email form to the office. |
|
No School - Professional Development Day
| Friday, October 14th
|
|
Board Meeting
| Tuesday, October 11th
6:30 PM
|
|
SFN Community Service - FISH Food Drive
|  October 17th - October 21st
SFN's first community service project will be for Gig Harbor's FISH Food Bank. The fifth grade class will be collecting food from October 17th through the 21st. The fifth grade class will be visiting the FISH food bank on Friday, October 7th to learn about how the food bank operates and where help is most needed. The fifth grade class will be sharing about their trip at Friday Colors. More information will be provided in next week's newsletter. In addition to food, GHA will be collecting gently worn or new children's winter coats for FISH.
Learn more about Gig Harbor FISH by clicking on the above logo.
BACK TO TOP |
|
Popcorn Sales | 
Thursday, October 20th
Afterschool
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.
BACK TO TOP |
|
Scholastic Book Fair
| Friday, October 21st - Friday, October 28th
BACK TO TOP
|
|
SFN Family Fun Night - Bowling At Chalet Bowl
| Friday, November 18th 
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Come join us for a fun evening of cosmic bowling at Chalet Bowl in Tacoma. This SFN sponsored event is open to all GHA Families. Bumpers are up so that even preschoolers can enjoy an evening of knocking pins down. $10.00 a person pays for bowling and shoes. Invite your friends and neighbors. We look forward to seeing you there.
Click on the Chalet Bowl logo to be directed to their website. BACK TO TOP |
|
Pumpkin Carve & Scholastic Book Fair
|  Sign up sheets are now pos ted in the office to volunteer for the Pumpkin Carve Event and/or the Scholastic Book Fair. Many hands make light work. Get involved. |
Cross Marketing
Please support these businesses that support GHA
|
|
Possum's Boutique
|  Possum's Boutique specializes in beautiful new baby clothes, kids clothes, shoes, organics, dress-up/costumes, wooden toys and unique, affordable gifts. We hand select each item and regularly change our selection to keep it fresh. We carry a line of organic items including clothes, lotions, blankets, crib sheets. We also have specialty items for the new mom and moms-to-be, including comfortable and affordable baby carriers and boutique diaper bags.
Click on above image to be directed to their website.
|
|
Java & Clay Cafe
|
Starting your day off on the right foot is always easier at Java & Clay Cafe. For more than a decade, the coffee shop and pottery studio has been providing hot and cold beverages, as well as various food and snacks, to individuals and families looking for a quick bite or drink to start, continue, and/or finish their day.
Click on the above image to be directed to their website.
|
|
Teaching Toys, Too
|
Teaching Toys, Too mission is to provide quality toys that support the emotional, physical, and intellectual growth of the neighborhood's children. They search the world for the best of the best; applying strict standards of safety and durability to the toys they buy. Click on the above logo to be directed to their website. |
|
Molly Finnell Photography
| 
Molly Finnell has been Gig Harbor Academy's official school pictures photographer for 10 years. After receiving her school pictures this year, one parent tweeted "Are school pictures suppose to bring tears to your eyes? I absolutely LOVED the photo. Thank you, Molly Finnell!" This Tweet says it all. Molly does senior, family, children portraits, and more.
For more information about Molly Finnell Photography click on the above logo.
|
|
Tickles Salon
|
Tickles Salon uses, exclusively, modern organic products. Great for the kids you love! $3.00 off a haircut coupon available in the GHA main office. Tickles Salon is located in Uptown Gig Harbor at 4729 Point Fosdick Drive NW #100 in Gig Harbor. For more information click on the above logo. |
|
FICRA
| Friday, October 7th
6:30 PM
Hey Kids! Caspar Babypants is coming to the Fox Island Community Center!
FICRA is SO excited to have scored an evening of musical fun with the amazing Caspar Babypants. Kids know him for his catchy, funny and playful tunes, and parents will remember him from the band Presidents of the United States of America. Either way, he rocks the house! And in our case, he will be rockin' the old Schoolhouse! Caspar will be coming to Fox Island on Friday, October 7th at 6:30 (door opens at 6:00) for a great show. This show is perfect for youngest crowd, 0-7 years olds are Caspar's specialty. For more information and to purchase tickets click on the above image. |
|
Habitat for Humanity
|  Saturday, October 22nd 9:00 AM
RSVP by Friday, Oct. 7th
Right here in our own community we can find the tireless efforts of Habitat for Humanity. The Gig Harbor/Key Peninsula chapter of Habitat focuses its efforts locally, helping low income families in need build simple, sustainable and healthy housing. The local chapter is hosting it's annual Building Better Lives Brunch October 22, please see GHA parent and Habitat for Humanity board member Tamara Rosenbloom 253.278.5401 for details or to volunteer.
|
|
iBlankie
|  Check out this valuable parenting resource. This website deals with school concerns, discipline issues, anger management, family stress, and more.
Click on the iBlankie logo for more information.
|
|
Support The GHA Community
|
|
Family Businesses
|
I am thrilled to announce that the Family Business section has a new listing! The web page will up and running soon. A link to the website page will be provided in the next newsletter. Family Business links will also reside on the left hand side of every newsletter.
Our fully furnished 1,400 sq.ft. home on the water in the heart of
historic downtown Gig Harbor is available for short or long term
rentals. Watch all the activity on the harbor from the covered deck
and large windows. Enjoy satellite television, wireless Internet and
a well stocked spacious and open kitchen. The Gig Harbor Guest House can comfortably sleep up to six guests.
Please click on the above image to see the web site , for more
information, including rates and photos, or contact Marlene
(253-858-5982) for a tour.
Discounts for GHA families.
|
|
School
| |
6820 32nd St. NW
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Phone: 253-265-2150
Fax: 253-265-8124
Childcare: 253-265-8773
|
|
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
Kim Dickens & Cristina McDougall
Adminstrative Assistants
BACK TO TOP
|
|
Follow Us On Facebook
| |
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Updates on fun activities, reminders on important dates, and more.
BACK TO TOP
|
|
|
|
|
