|
|
% of Participation
Board = 100%
Families = 59%
Class Participation T/TH = 47%
M/W/F = 44%
Prekindergarten = 56%
Kindergarten = 89%
First Grade = 73%
Second Grade = 80%
Third Grade = 89%
Fourth Grade = 100%
Fifth Grade = 33%
|
|
Gig Harbor Area Activity Links
| |
|
|
Family Businesses
| 
|
Please support the following businesses who support GHA
Molly Finnell Photography
| 
Tickles Hair Salon
Possum's Boutique
Java & Clay Cafe
Teaching Toys, Too
JUMP! Play Center
Full Circle Farms
Imagination Station
|
|
Parent Resources
| 
iBlankie
Soundsfunmom.com Check out GHA's ad and article at the soundfunmom.com website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Fund
| |
Thank you to everyone that helped with today's Morning Coffee Annual Fund Blitz! It was a huge success. 11 families, 2 grandparents/relatives, and 1 staff member made contributions totaling $16, 119.00. Several classes are very close to hitting 100% participation. Every contribution, no matter the size, counts the same toward obtaining the challenge grant, so please give whatever you can and let us count you toward the 100% goal! Let's keep the momentum going - this is the final stretch with only 3 weeks left for the active solicitation portion of the annual fund (note that contributions can be made at any time throughout the school year).
Congratulations 4th grade for being the first class to reach 100% participation. Way to Go!
Presented by Annual Fund Co-Chairs Erik White (Kindergarten parent) and Roberta Polk (Pre-K and 4th Grade parent).
Give or Pledge to GHA NOW! today.
On a side note: After our Colors presentation regarding the Annual Fund last Friday, a third grader came to the office with a donation from his own savings. His quote: "I just really want Gig Harbor Academy to be here for me so I can go all the way to fifth grade!" is both heartwarming and encouraging. We've added the many quarters to the tally, they are much appreciated! GIVE GIFT GROW
|
|
At the Board Table
| |
At the Board Table in November
by Board President Tina Myers
Here is a glance of what was on the Board Table this month.
- Marketing and admissions update to the Board was provided and there are many ads, articles and write-ups, so keep a look out for the latest happenings at GHA in our local papers and more. Families are already starting to inquire about GHA for next year.
- Financial outlook is looking better each month with the help of Annual Fund donations. Thank you to all that have donated and all that are going to donate. New fund raising ideas are always being considered.
- The Tuition Lock idea is still being worked through in the finance committee and the board. Many variables are being discussed and data is being studied in order for the Board to make the best decision for GHA all around. We are not able to announce a decision on the lock by Thanksgiving as we originally stated, but you should know that it is one of the main Board topics being worked on daily and we will keep you all posted.
- The Head Search Committee has conducted semi-finalist interviews and is looking forward to inviting back final candidates in the next few weeks to spend a day on campus to see how GHA works and interacting with parents, teachers, staff, children, and the board.
- The Early Childhood Committee has been meeting weekly to come up with recommendations for the Board as to what preschool programs should be offered for the upcoming school year along with how to maximize our revenue that is coming from the childcare building real estate.
The board welcomes the community to reach out at any time with questions, ideas, or concerns in person or by email.
|
|
Just In Case You Missed It!
| 
Click on the above image to view a very cute video with fantastic footage from the
2011 Pumpkin Carve Night.
Don't Miss it Again!
|
|
Holiday Helper Community Service
| |
Please click the above image for a message from Imka Lavinder, Chair of SFN Community Service.
This holiday season join GHA parent/SFN Community Service Chair Imka Lavinder and SFN as they work with Pierce County Alliance supporting Gig Harbor foster children and foster families in need.
Look for the holiday trees outside each classroom adorned with gift tags valuing $10 each. Gift card and cash donations can be delivered to the office for safe keeping.
The donations collected will go towards the purchase of gifts or other necessities specified by Pierce County Alliance.
November 14th - November 28th
|
|
Holiday Wreaths
|
Support Gig Harbor Academy this holiday season! 
With the help of GHA Kindergarten parent Russell Scott, we are able to offer these beautifully made, fresh wreaths and garland at a competitive price, with all net profits benefiting the school. Stop by the office to see one of these classic wreaths and for more information. Reach out to your friends and co-workers about this fundraiser by Social Networking on either facebook or twitter. See the below tweet example from Amanda Marley-Clarke (Kindergarten Parent). Great price on holiday wreaths & garland through @ghacademy fundraiser! http://origin.library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1103726337973-759/Holiday+Wreaths+flyer2Reader.pdf 22" noble fir wreath adorned with Oregon pine cone & juniper $16 25' cedar garland $25 Click on the above image to download the wreath order form. |
|
Greenhouse Project
|
 The new greenhouse is complete!
Thank you to Amanda Boyd, Mr. Funk's Fifth Grade and Kindergarten popcorn sales which helped with this wonderful project! |
|
GHA Open House
|
 Saturday, December 3rd 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM GHA Campus Current and new families are welcome to attend this event where you can meet teachers, students, parents, and alumni. Parents and students are encouraged not to miss this wonderful opportunity to visit the next grade up. |
|
Be Part Of Something BIG
|
GHA is on the verge of an enrollment explosion and we want you to be a BIG part of it. The number one reason prospective parents call GHA is due to hearing wonderful feedback from parents like you! You will be rewarded for your efforts as you bring in new families to GHA and grow the student population. When a family is recommended to Gig Harbor Academy and that family enrolls their child for the 2011-12 school year, 10% of the tuition revenue that each incoming student brings to GHA will be awarded to the host family. Awards will be applied to tuition payments to the host family's account only. For more information and complete requirements and restrictions please click on the above logo.
|
|
Follow Us On Facebook & Twitter
| |
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Updates on fun activities, reminders on important dates, and more.
|
|
First Grade Votes!
|
First grade began learning about the responsibilities of being a citizen this week as they conducted a "mock" election. As a group, they came up with 3 initiatives to present to the whole school for voting. They created campaign signs that were posted around the campus and went to the different classrooms in K-5 to get all the students registered to vote, explain the voting process, and to answer any questions about the initiatives. There was a lot of excitement on Election Day as the room was prepared for the rush of voters and the first graders weren't disappointed when the poles opened at 11:00. Voters had to show their voter registration cards, sign in, and were then escorted to the voting booths to fill out their ballots. Floaters were on hand to help any voters who had questions or needed assistance. When the poles closed at 11:30, the results would have made any city, county, state or country jealous: there was 100% voter turnout!! After tallying the votes, the results of the initiatives were: 1.)Add monkey bars to the playground, 2.)Paint the playhouse "Kid Graffiti", and the final initiative to have a security gate at the school entrance lost by only one vote (a recount was requested but it was time for lunch recess!!). It was a great introduction to taking your responsibilities as a citizen seriously! |
|
Third Grade Future Team Outreach
| |
What will your work space look like in 2025?
"Can you use a pen that changes color when asked? An interactive map that shows where all your coworkers are with touch and talk features? How about an iTable? BZ (Bravo Zulu) is the Navy's way of saying "Job Well Done". And BZ's are due to Mrs. Perry and the third grade class on their arduous efforts to define the future workplace of 2025. The class worked together with representatives from the Technology at Work team from Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and IMF in a joint effort to explore the use of technology in the workplace in 2025. The class explored basic facts about the Navy, ship repair work and new emergent technologies including: robotics, hydroponics, harmonics and holograms. Then, several think tank sessions were held that helped the future employees learn how to build on each other's ideas, expand applications, and explore basic concepts. We discussed Moore's Law of Technology Progression, the Wright Brothers first flight, and the use of media to define an interactive future experience. Each member of the class then developed ideas and applications in the future and reported out via drawings and video feed. The team plans to use the class products to produce a future state video to help envision how the command and Navy workplace can utilize technology by 2025."
~Thank you to Janice Bryant for bringing this fabulous opportunity to the third grade classroom and for writing the above article.
|
|
PE Mileage Club
|  Coach Johnson keeps things moving, even when the students are not in PE! Weekly, First through Fifth Graders can be seen running laps around campus at lunchtime. Mileage Club gives students the opportunity to accumulate recorded mileage by running, which is awarded monthly. Over the course of the school year, most students will have run a half marathon and with some running up to the equivalent of two full marathons!
Way to go Coach Johnson for giving our kids another way to stay healthy and reach a wonderful milestone! |
|
Native American Studies
| 
Native American Studies and activities has been the theme this week in childcare. They made totem poles, canoes and painted with feathers. The children enjoyed the activities and learning experience.
|
|
Animal Welfare
| |
 The Dugan Foundation's annual animal welfare program which operates from November thru January is designed to gather things like food, blankets, toys, beds and other assorted items, all of which will be given to shelters and rescues, and programs assisting low-income pet owners.
GHA will help support this great cause from
Monday, November 7th - Tuesday, November 22nd
Please drop off your donations in the large donation barrels located at the Quad and Main Office buildings.
Also see the Community Connections section of this newsletter for information regarding the Dugan Foundation's Happy Howlidays Movie Event at the Grand Cinema Saturday, November 13th.
|
|
No School - Veteran's Day
| |
Friday, November 11th
 No school in honor of Veteran's Day. Enjoy the long weekend!
|
|
Lost and Found
| 
Wondering whatever happened to that missing sweatshirt?? Chances are it's in the GHA Lost and Found! Please stop by the office to check for items that may belong to you.
After December 16th, all items will be donated to Goodwill.
|
|
Fundraising Meeting
| 
Tuesday, November 15th
9:00 AM
Come one, come all! Everyone is welcome to join us in the library for a meeting to discuss fundraising concepts for this year.
If you are unable to attend, but would like to contribute your ideas, please
|
|
Math Night
| |
Tuesday, November 15th
6:30 - 7:30 PM
|
|
Popcorn Sales
| 
Thursday, November 17th
After School
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.
|
|
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. |
|
Thanksgiving Break
| Wednesday, November 23rd -
Friday, November 25th
Happy Turkey Day!
|
|
SFN Snack Sale Hosted By First Grade
| Thursday, December 1st
For $1.00 you can purchase yummy treats provided Snack Sale by  the first 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. |
|
Safeway Tree Lighting
|  Saturday, December 10th 4:30 - 5:00 PM
Music Teacher Lynn Swanson presents us with the opportunity to perform at the new Safeway's holiday tree lighting ceremony! GHA students grades 1-5 are welcome to participate, please email Lynn if you plan to attend.
|
Cross Marketing
Please support these businesses that support GHA
|
|
Gig Harbor Starbucks - Key Bank Location
| 
A huge "THANK YOU" to Starbucks for donating all of the coffee for the Morning Coffee Annual Fund Blitz. Next time you get yourself a coffee let them know how much we appreciate it.
|
|
Dinners by Melissa Runyan
| |
Delicious Food. Made Simple.
Melissa Runyan
(253) 318-9640*melissa@deliciousfoodmadesimple.com
Are there nights you wished you could have a delicious home cooked meal without all the work? Melissa Runyan creates food that is healthy, satisfying, and most of all delicious. She makes this simple for families and households who do not have the time or the energy to provide enjoyable meals they deserve. She prepares meals, packages them, includes cooking instructions, and leaves little for you to do other than enjoy a delicious meal. Call or email Melissa today to find out more about her services.
|
|
Imagination Station
|
PlayCenter! Birthday Parties!
Premier enrichment center located in Port Orchard
Click on the above image to be directed to their website.
|
|
Happy Howlidays
| 
|
|
MyNorthwest.com
| |
MyNorthwest.com and 97.3 KIRO FM are excellent resources for parents or guardians to find up to the minute school closure updates.
Whether listening by radio, checking in online, or scanning your phone, we have you covered with over 230 public and private school and colleges included. Not only does our system report closings on snow days, but also during power outages and flooding.
You can always find closings here: http://mynorthwest.com/category/school_closings/ or simply at MyNorthwest.com, a partner of 97.3 KIRO FM, during severe weather.
Our data is provided by Puget Sound Educational Service District.
|
|
Support The GHA Community
|
|
The Pilates Body
|
The Pilates Body Studios are modern, full-service Pilates facilities, featuring equipment by Balanced Body. Our Gig Harbor and Tacoma studios are modern, full-service Pilates facilities, featuring equipment by Balanced Body® and PeakPilates®.
 Now Offering over 20 Classes per week:
- Group Reformer Classes
- Les Mills BodyPump
- Les Mills RPM
- Pilates Mat Classes
- Yoga
- Jumpboard Reformer Classes
- Booty Barre
- Ballroom... & much more!
The Pilates Body Movement Studio Gig Harbor 253.853.6200 Tacoma 253.301.3010
Thank you to First Grade parent Lianne Gamble for submitting to the Family Business section.
|
|
Pediatrics Northwest
|
Pediatrics Northwest has provided health care services to families of the greater Puget Sound region for over fifty years. Pediatrics Northwest has twenty -three pediatricians and four nurse practitioners with offices in four locations.
We provide Well-Child Checks for Children from birth to 18 years of age, and Camp or Sports Physicals for all your child's activities. We offer same day appointments for all patients who are ill. We schedule appointments in the evenings, and on Saturdays and Sundays. One number 253-383-5777 provides assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Visit us at:
4700 Pt. Fosdick Dr NW, Suite 211
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
or
online
to learn more about our providers, services, and offices in Gig Harbor, Tacoma, and Federal Way.
Click on the top Pediatrics Northwest logo for their website and the whale logo to view the full ad.
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
Join us for a fun-filled evening for the entire school, all about math! Hosted by GHA Faculty & Staff, kids will be able to explore the many concepts of math at their own level with hands-on engaging activities. This will be a don't miss evening for all preschoolers through fifth graders and their parents. 
