First Band Concert 

Our Middle School band program was showcased last Thursday evening in front of an enthusiastic crowd of about 80 plus parents, grandparents and friends.  Our MS band put on an engaging and historic first private performance and gave a taste of what was to come during the larger public event at Winterfest. All students in the Middle School began learning an instrument this year as part of the regular grade level music program.  In addition, an after-school band program which meets every Thursday afternoon, combined all of the students into one larger group. Thanks to our talented music teacher, Amy Nathan, for achieving such excellent results in such a short span of time.
 

back to top  

News from the Head of School

Tomorrow we will have our Open Classroom Day where interested new parents and current parents are welcome to come on campus and visit. The Open Classroom concept is new to GAIS and was inserted into our marketing campaign as a way of showing off what a real learning environment looks like on a typical day at school.  To help us with the running of this event, a number of parent volunteers will be on hand to show guests around our campus and to provide them with information and snacks.  Please spread the word amongst your friends about this special event and feel free to come yourselves to see what goes on in the various classes and grade levels.

Last Saturday the school held another workday with about 8 volunteers showing up.  The goal of the day was twofold, to distribute a truck load of woodchips to the various playground areas and to clean out the storage container beside the gym.  Many thanks go to our volunteers for the great work that was accomplished.  Please remember to log in your hours in the office.

Last week we also had a meeting with the neighbors from Elliott Dr. and those with properties next to our campus.  Thanks to Laura Vaughan, our Facilities Committee Chair, for making a great presentation on how GAIS is working on traffic reduction.  The neighbors unanimously expressed their appreciation for the school's efforts and sensitivity to the community and asked that we continue to adhere to the parking and driving conditions of our use permit.  In addition I would ask all GAIS parents to be attentive to Elliott Drive residents trying to get out of their driveways in the morning and halt for them when they see this happening.  

back to top 

PYP Corner by Maike Silver  

Parents have asked me several times, what the IB is in a nutshell. The short version is that it is a program for international education. For those that want a little more information here is the elevator speech I prepared last year.
 
"The PYP is an international curriculum framework for students' ages 3-11, focusing on the development of international minded young people.  Through an inquiry approach that puts the students in the center of their learning the PYP cultivates skillsessential for the 21rst century, promotes attitudes necessary for lifelong learning, teaches knowledge that is globally transferable and is connected to real life.  The goal is to prepare students to become global thinkers who raise questions and look for solutions to create a better and more peaceful world."   

back to top 

Preschool Corner by Heike Schmalstieg     

Tonight will be our traditional lantern parade celebrating the legend of St. Martin. Every year on November 11, German children celebrate St Martin's Day. In many regions children walk through the streets singing special songs. Sometimes they perform a little play with a very specific piece of Martin's life. It is the story about how he meets a beggar on a cold night and, because he feels sorry for him, cuts his cloak in half to share it with the beggar. Martin used to be a soldier, who then decided to give up his sword and dedicate his life to helping people in need. He later became a bishop and became very popular.

Each child in the preschool made a lantern and all classes have been practicing the traditional lantern songs and talking about the story of St. Martin, stressing the fact that it is important to help others and share with others. The children have been role playing the story, giving them the opportunity to slip into different roles.

Tonight, we will meet at 6 PM in the school yard. We will start with a shadow play about St. Martin and will then light the lanterns to walk around the neighborhood. Afterwards, parents will be able to purchase 'Weckmaenner' (pastry shaped like a person) and hot cider. Please dress warm and bring a long lighter for the lantern and extra candles. Having a flash light on hand is also helpful, as it is dark in the school yard. Please make sure to stay with your children at all times.  

back to top 

Student Leadership 

As the holiday season is approaching and families are struggling to put food on the table, the Student Leadership team is organizing a food drive for the Second Harvest Bank from November 14 - 22. Please have the students place the food into the bins provided in front of the school.

back to top 

Thanksgiving

back to top 

Picture Day - November 15 & 16  

Little Bird School Photography will take all pictures outside in natural light. If it is forecast to rain on either day, we will most likely be rescheduling. We will alert you of any possible schedule changes.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011 

• 9:00-9:30  PS Guerteltier        
• 9:30-10:00  PS Dachs        
• 10:00-10:30  PS Wolf        
• 10:30-11:00  K/VS Aquarium    
• 11:00-11:30  K/VS Jungle        
• 11:30-12:00  Grade 1D            
• 12:45-1:15  Grade 1G            
• 1:15-1:45  Grade 2B             
• 1:45-2:15  Grade 5S             
• 2:15-2:45  Grade 5T                 

Wednesday, November 16, 2011 

• 9:00-9:30  PS Specht            
• 9:30-10:00  PS Elch        
• 10:00-10:30  PS Murmeltier    
• 10:30-11:00  Grade 2R             
• 11:00-11:30  Grade 3S            
• 11:30-12:00  Grade 3P            .
• 12:45-1:15  Grade 4B            
• 1:15-1:45  Grade 4V            
• 1:45-2:15  Grade 6  
• 2:15-3:00 Grade 7 & 8 

back to top 

Red Star Soccer  

Come see why Red Star Soccer of Los Altos/ Mountain View is the Peninsula's fastest growing soccer club!  Red Star is hosting Spring 2012 tryouts for U8-U10 Girls and U8-U13 Boys.  Tryouts for U8-U10 Girls will be held on 11/14-11/17 at Grant Park and Montclaire Elementary.  

U8-U9 Boys tryouts will be held 11/28-12/1.  U10-U14 Boys tryouts will take place at open practices during the month of November.  For tryout times and pre-registration, visit www.redstarsoccer.com or contact admin@redstarsoccer.com, 650-380-0099.  

back to top 

Scouting for Food   

GAIS's Cub Scout Pack 108 will once again be participating in the Boy Scouts of America's national Scouting for Food campaign.  We will be collecting food donations next week in support of the Second Harvest food bank in San Carlos.  Please consider supporting this program and our Cub Scouts' community service efforts.  We will have boxes in front of the school where donations can be placed. 

back to top