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Re-Enrollment 2012-13
For the first time, enrollment contracts for the re-enrollment of current students for the upcoming school year 2012/2013 will be done online. An email communication to this effect when out this week and the re-enrollment period will be open to February 10th. Parents wishing to enroll siblings should have application forms in to the office as soon as possible. The sibling enrollment period starts after February 10th and runs to February 15th. Again this year it is possible that some classes will reach full enrollment so we urge parents to act within the deadlines. Should you have any questions, or concerns about enrolling for next year, please do not hesitate to contact the school office for a meeting time.
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News from the Head of School
 The past week at GAIS has been characterized by two very enjoyable events. Last Friday our student council sponsored a school wide event called Crazy Hair Day. Students and teachers alike had creative fun with the use of gel, hair color, bows, ribbons, feathers and wigs. This sort of occasional special event makes our school a fun place to be and build community. This was followed on Tuesday by another community building event, the staff appreciation lunch. The parent community at GAIS came together in full force to show appreciation for the work of our teachers and staff with a special appreciation banquet, which also included appreciation gifts. The choice and abundance of food was impressive and the teachers and staff sincerely thank allof the GAIS parents, for the wonderful food and cards. The appreciation lunch occurred during our in-service day that was spent working on the revision of our units of inquiry in the PYP and in preparing the report cards that will go out next Friday. This will mark the end of the first semester of the academic calendar and a series of summative assessments are being planned in many classes for the end of this unit. Next Thursday will also be the date for our members meeting and the Board elections. I look forward to a good turn out of parents and also interested candidates for the open Board positions.
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PYP Corner by Maike Silver
 In the IB program the student is the center of all learning. Therefore it is very important for us to receive feedback from them about how they are feeling about our school. Overall the results were very positive, but what was most interesting were some of the comments students made below thesurvey. They included: - This is a great school.
- I love this school and all my friends and I am sad that one day I will leave the school. All my teachers were and are really nice. I really like all the rules and I haven't seen anybody being bullied in a long time. J But I really wish we had a swimming pool.
- I love GAIS
- I wish we had a High School so I would never have to leave this school. I like that the teaches take care of the problems.
- Mir gefällt GAIS
- Sometimes I feel recess is to short
- I like your hard work to make the school great
- This school is awesome
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Preschool Corner by Heike Schmalstieg
 Field trips are always a highlight in the preschool, especially when done by school bus. The preschoolers were pretty excited to board the big, yellow bus and headed to Hidden Villa in the Los Altos Hills shortly after. Hidden Villa is a nonprofit educational organization that uses its organic farming, wilderness and community to teach and provide opportunities to learn about the environment and social justice. As part of our animal unit, the preschoolers visited this working farm to get to know farm animals in their environment. Through the visit they gained a better understanding of each animal, where it lives and its needs. The tour was expertly guided and provided many hands-on opportunities. The children were able to get very close to the animals and were also able to see 3-week and 6-month old piglets. They later explored the garden and were able to taste what is currently growing: carrots, pomegranate, calendula flowers, and more. Overall, the trip provided a great learning experience and fun for all.
Hidden Villa Farm has been around since 1924 when the land was purchased by Frank and Josephine Duveneck. The couple offered the land as a gathering place for discussion, reflection and incubation of social reform. The Duvenecks established the first Youth Hostel on the West Coast (1937), the first multiracial summer camp (1945) and Hidden Villa's Environmental Education Program (1970). Today the farm offers an abundance of hiking trails, a working farm and organic garden. It is open to the public for tours and educational programs and offers camps during the summer. For more information about its unique history and how to visit the farm, go to www.hiddenvilla.org
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Student Leadership Team
 Last Friday the student leadership team encouraged allstudents to participate in "crazy hair day". Many students and teachers alike demonstrated their creativity and spirit by coloring their hair, using objects to alter their hairstyle or byputting wigs on. Thank you Franziska, Robert, Henry and Serena for organizing yet another successful event. The next event scheduled is Valentines day.
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Board Meeting
 The first Board Meeting of 2012 will be tonight
at 7:30 pm. back to top
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Members Meeting - January 26, 2012 at 7:30 PM
All Members of the GAIS Corporation, as well as all parents and community members are invited to attend our next Members Meeting and Board election. At this meeting, as usual, the Board and Administration will review the status and progress at the school. In addition, we will hold elections for five board seats that will come open on the expiration of the terms of five current Board Members. More detailed information about the members meeting and Board elections will come out in a separate notice to all parents.
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Looking for a Host Family
 We are looking for a family who is interested to host an intern from Germany. Saskia Nees is studying Math, English and Prostestant Theology to become a Secondary School Teacher in Freiburg/Germany. She will stay from August 1, 2012 to January, 31 2013. If you are interested in hosting her, please contact the office at offmgr@gais.org.
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Film Screening - Miss Representation
Sunday, January 29
Microsoft -- Building 1
1065 La Avenida St, Mountain View, CA 94043
You are invited to to attend a free screening of Miss Representation, recent winner at the Sundance and Palo Alto Film Festivals. The screening wil be followed by a "mocktail" networking reception.
The purpose of the screening is to spark critical thinking and discussion around the issues that girls and women face in America.
There is limited seating at this event so we ask that you indicate your interest by clicking "Register" above to reserve your space. Registration will cut off when we reach capacity.
You do not need to bring printed tickets to the event.
About the Film
Like drawing back a curtain to let bright light stream in, Miss Representation uncovers a glaring reality we live with every day but fail to see. Written and directed by Jennifer Siebel Newsom, the film exposes how mainstream media contribute to the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence in America. The film challenges the media's limited and often disparaging portrayals of women and girls, which make it difficult for women to achieve leadership positions and for the average woman to feel powerful herself.
AGENDA
2:30 Check-In (Building 1 Lobby)
3:00 Film Screening
4:30 Mocktail Reception
6:00 Evening concludes and future begins!
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