green horizontal jpg

The Common Link 

11/17/2011

In This Newsletter
Annual Fund
Math Night
SFN Community Service
Auction
Holiday Wreaths
Something Special
Childcare Corner
Reminders
GHA Events
Cross Marketing
Community Connections
Support the GHA Community
Contact Information
GHA annual fund logo
% of Participation 
Board =
100%
Families = 67%

Class Participation  
T/TH = 47%
M/W/F = 44%
Prekindergarten = 78%
Kindergarten = 94%
First Grade = 91%
Second Grade = 90%
Third Grade = 100%
Fourth Grade = 100%
Fifth Grade = 67%  

School Links

  
  
  
  
  
  
   

Gig Harbor Area Activity Links

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Family Businesses
Mary Wotherspoon Ad

logo

PEDSNW logo

Pilates Body logo

Please support the following businesses who support GHA

Molly Finnell Photography
Molly Finnell Photography 
Tickles Salon
Tickles Hair Salon
 
Possum Boutique
Possum's Boutique

java
Java & Clay Cafe

Teaching Toys, Too
Teaching Toys, Too

JUMP!
JUMP! Play Center

Full Circle Farms
Full Circle Farms

NASA Gymnastics
2905 Jahn Ave NW # 11
Gig Harbor, WA. USA 98335
253 851 7061

ImaginationStation2
Imagination Station

Starbucks
GH Starbucks (Key Bank)

Parent Resources
iBlankie
iBlankie

sounds fun mom
Soundsfunmom.com

Parent Map Logo ParentMap.com  

Join Our Mailing List


School Notes
No Newsletter Next Week
GHA Common Link
Because of the short week next week there will be no school e-newsletter. The next e-newsletter will be sent out December 1st.

Happy Thanksgiving from GHA!

Annual Fund
GHA annual fund logo  

Only EIGHT MORE SCHOOL DAYS until GHA NOW!, the active portion of the Annual Fund Campaign, reaches it's conclusion (please note that donations may be made to the Annual Fund any time until the end of the school year)

 

Congrats to Third and Fourth Grades for reaching the participation goal of 100%. Now THREE classes are only one donation shy of reaching 100% and earning the Board matching gift!  

 

If you prefer not to donate now, MAKE A PLEDGE and pay at a better time, or over time. PLEDGES ALSO COUNT toward earning the Board match! Any amount, even $1, counts toward the match. Please don't let the Board match get away! $6224 is at stake. We can only bring in that money if YOU support the Annual Fund.

 

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.

 

GIVE     GIFT     GROW  
Math Night 2011
math

Click on the above image to view a fun slide show of GHA's Math Night.
It was a blast!
Holiday Helper Community Service
gift giving
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.
Tree

The holiday trees are now hanging outside each classroom adorned with gift tags valuing $10 each. Gift cards or cash donations can be delivered to the office for safe keeping.

All donations are due by November 28th!
 
The donations collected will go towards the purchase of gifts or other necessities specified by Pierce County Alliance.

Pierce Co Alliance logo
Auction & Fundraising
auctionThank you to all who attended Tuesday's Fundraising Meeting, many ideas were shared and discussed. The spring auction possibilities were reviewed and some revisions to past auction formats were made. The gist of it is: SIMPLIFY! Gig Harbor Academy has decided that due to the very late date and the need to expedite the planning process, the GHA office will take the lead this year, but they can't do it alone and to make this imperative fundraising event work they NEED your help. Seven faithful volunteers have already signed up and we would love to add to that team! Please contact the office if you are interested. 

Also on the discussion table are ideas for new fundraising events, such as a golf tournament, luncheon and restaurant takeover. Our GHA fundraising opportunities need your help, creativity and organizational skills. Please contact the office with questions or interest.

Holiday Wreaths

Support Gig Harbor Academy this holiday season!  

wreath  

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.

   

Next Order Due Dates:  

November 22nd (Delivery: Dec 2nd)

December 2nd (Delivery: Dec 9th)

December 9th (Delivery: Dec 16th) 

  

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.
School Delay/Closure Updates
snowflakes
With Old Man Winter rapidly approaching, we in the office thought it a good idea to remind everyone of our unexpected delay/closure procedures. We do not always follow what Peninsula School District does so please find information on late starts and school closures for Gig Harbor Academy by the ways listed below:   
  1. Go to schoolreport.org where GHA posts its information.  Every attempt will be made to post this information by 6:30 AM at the latest, but ideally families will be informed earlier.  Schoolreport.org only allows us to report postponements and cancellations.  If the site reads "no posting" that means that we are open and on regular schedule.  You may sign up for an email notification through schoolreport.org which will allow you to receive school closure information directly to your inbox. For your convenience there is always a quick link on the left side of all Thursday newsletters that takes you directly to the GHA page on schoolreport.org.
  2. Local TV stations who run a reader board announcement at the bottom of the screen starting as early as 5:30 AM receive the most current information and are a trusted source. 
  3. The information will also be posted on the home page of our website, as long as the person responsible for posting the information has power.
  4. If circumstances are such that there are major power outages and staff is unable to update information and parents are unable to access a computer or TV, we will put in effect a limited phone tree where you will receive a phone call or text. Please let the office know if you would like to be included on this communication. 
  5. Early Dismissal: If a storm develops during the school day, plan to pick up your child early to avoid potential problems. Although early dismissal is unusual, we do encourage you to anticipate the local situation and do what is best for you, your child, and/or your child's carpool. Please refer to the website or above mentioned resources before calling the school; keeping the phone lines open is vital to a smooth and efficient dismissal. No child will be released to an unknown person or anybody not listed on the Student Profile.  When inclement weather threatens and you are at a phone number other than those you have listed with the school office, please contact the office immediately and tell us where you may be reached.   

As safety is always a priority, we realize that weather and road conditions in your area may be different than at school and encourage you not to make the drive to campus if you feel it is unsafe, even if school is open.

Robotics - Junior FIRST® Lego® League In Seattle

Robotics JacksonB
Mrs. J's Robotics teams headed to Coe Elementary in Seattle last Saturday, November 13th to display their robot creations at the annual competition for JFLL. Each team, which is comprised of GHA First through Third Graders, brought the projects they have been working on this fall. The projects comply with the theme "Snack Attack"! Each team had to present their design and intent to a panel of judges. The judges did not formally critique, but this forum prepares the kids for what they will experience when they move up to the older kid competition. Everyone received a participation ribbon and grins were from ear to ear!
Marketing Update 
GHA Open House

logo

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
 
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.
Parent Map Online

Parent Map Logo  

Click on the above logo to check out GHA's ad on Parent Map's website.  

 

Follow Us On Facebook & Twitter

 Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Updates on fun activities, reminders on important dates, and more.

 

Follow us on Twitter 

 

Class Spotlights
Preschool's Emotional iPads
Preschool iPad

This month in preschool they discussed different feelings with the children. For this project, they used the iPads to take pictures of how they feel. Then the children created a picture of themselves based on how they felt in the photo.

 

Preschool iPad2 

Third Grade & Robin Hood

Third Grade Seattle

Third graders were on a field trip yesterday to the Seattle Children's Theater to see Robin Hood.  Medieval folklore came alive as the Prince of Thieves (a.k.a. Robin Hood) inspired them to strive for justice.  The legendary tale of good vs. evil was enjoyed by all.

The class is currently engaged in a multi-disciplinary unit called "Joust for Fun" relating to the Middle Ages or medieval times. By stepping back in time third graders are finding out about this most interesting period of history.

 

Fourth & Fifth Graders Visit Tacoma General
FourthFifthTacGen2

Fifth grade parent Dr. Christina Hitchcock hosted GHA Fourth and Fifth graders and their parents at Tacoma General Hospital this past Saturday. Dr. Hitchcock took the opportunity to show the students how robotics are used daily in the operating room. In true preparation for the OR, they washed up and were given scrubs to wear! The DaVinci Surgical System seen below is used in a variety of surgeries in fields such as obstetrics, urology and cardiology. This particular robot allows doctors to view the patient in 3-D and HD during a surgical procedure.

Fifth Grader Isabella Nohara: "I thought is was fun because we got to learn about what the robot does. It was a fun day!"

A big thank you to Dr. Hitchcock for this amazing behind the scenes tour!
FourthFifthTacGen1
 

    

Something Special 
Art - Ms. Lisa's Show & Sale
paintbrushesGHA Art Teacher, Lisa Mellinger, will be showing and selling her art at the Patrons of the South Sound Cultural Arts & Friends of the Olympia Library venue this weekend. This art sale is an excellent opportunity to meet the artists and get a head start on your holiday shopping for gifts in all price ranges: paintings, photography, jewelry, fine pottery, glass & more! Be sure to stop by and see Miss Lisa when you're there!

Saturday, November 19 - Sunday, November 20
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM both days

Olympia Armory, 515 Eastside Street SE
Between 5th Ave & Legion Way

Click on Lisa's name above to be taken to her website.
Music - Safeway Tree Lighting
musicnotes
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.

Childcare Corner 
Holiday Hours
Happy Thanksgiving clipart
Childcare will be open Wednesday, November 23rd for regular business hours, 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM. Childcare will be closed Thanksgiving Day & Friday, November 25th. Happy Thanksgiving!
Family Matters
girl with cat
What is a family?
That was childcare's theme this week. All the children really enjoyed sharing with one another all the people in their family, including birds, cats, dogs and fish. Their pictures and stories were delightful. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with all of your family and pets!
Reminders
Lost and Found
lostandfound
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.
 
GHA Events
SFN Family Fun Night - Bowling At Chalet Bowl
Friday, November 18th Chalet Bowl

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.   

 

Animal Welfare

DuganLogo 

Monday, November 7th - Tuesday, November 22nd 

 

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 is proud to support this great cause. Please drop off your donations in the large donation barrels located at the Quad and Main Office buildings.   

    

Thanksgiving Break
no school cllipartWednesday, November 23rd -
Friday, November 25th  

 

Happy Turkey Day! Gobble, Gobble! 

 

   

 

SFN Snack Sale Hosted By First Grade
Thursday, December 1st

For $1.00 you can purchase yummy treats provided Snack Sale by Snack Sale 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.

   

Looking Ahead 

Popcorn Sales
popcorn

Thursday, December 8th  

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. 

 

Cross Marketing
Please support these businesses that support GHA
Discovery Village
Discovery Village logo 

Birthday parties at Discovery Village are awesome and becoming legendary! Kids will have an amazing time in the play area and hands on exhibits before going to their private party room for cake and presents.  All parties are assigned a party lead to make sure adults enjoy the party as much as the kids. 
Discovery Village cupcake
If you book a birthday party or buy a membership with Discovery Village they will donate 10% of the revenue to the GHA NOW! Annual Fund. Make sure you let them know GHA sent you for us to receive the 10%. This is valid only for birthday parties and memberships purchased after November 3rd. Thank you to Discovery Village for this fabulous Cross Marketing opportunity.

Click on the Discovery Village logo to be taken to their website.

Dinners by Melissa Runyan

Artichoke 

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.    

  

 

Community Connections
Turkey Trot

Thursday, November 24th  

8:00 AM 

Turkey Trot  

8th Annual Holmes Chiropractic Turkey Trot 2011
Run for Gig Harbor F.I.S.H. and Peninsula Communities of Faith Food Banks.

 

 

Click on the above logo to be directed to the Turkey Trot website.  

 

 
Peninsula Athletic Association (PAA) Holiday Event
PAA Santa
For More Information on PAA's Holiday Event click on the above picture.

basketball

PAA is gearing up for basketball season. Click Here for the PAA Basketball late registration form.


Support The GHA Community
The Pilates Body
Pilates Body logo
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®.

Pilates Body studio

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
PEDSNW logo

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.

PEDSNW whales

 

 

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.

 

Contact Us
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

 

Faculty

 Diana Nold & Melanie Bruey

Preschool

 

Carolyn VonZimmerman

Prekindergarten

 

Pat Felton & Lindsey Casey

Kindergarten

 

JoAnn Johnson

First Grade

 

Sheila Walther

Second Grade

 

Eileen Perry

Third Grade

 

Kallie Grochowski

Fourth Grade

 

Jeff Funk

Fifth Grade 

 

Specialists

 

Xinia Agee & Ilene Wider

Spanish 

  

Jenny Buys

Technology

 

Megan Johnson

Physical Education

 

Lisa Mellinger

Art

 

Lynn Swanson

Music