1. Chicken Pox - Immunization & Clarifications
There were some questions arising from worried parents regarding the reported chicken pox case which we would like to clarify:
- We had only one registered case of chicken pox
- We do check the students immunization records
- We require that students must either be vaccinated against chicken pox or show proof of having had the disease (see our website: http://www.gais.org/admissions-immunization/)
- However, parents can not be forced to have their child vaccinated if they do not want to (waivers are available)
- We will inform you should there be any other cases reported
2. Annual Auction Party 2012 - what an event!
Our 'Viva Las Vegas' themed school auction party was truly one not to be missed. Thanks to the enormous organization and last-minute-rescuing operation (see below - 2. Annual Auction Party 2012 - what a rescue operation) by Indra Pachtner and her fund raising team, the 200 plus parents, staff members and friends had a wonderful time at the Faultline Brewery in Sunnyvale last Saturday. The event, billed both as a school party and auction, raised close to $68,000 so far, with the online auction still open until October 31, 2012 - so for those who have not donated yet, there is still time to do so: GAIS Auction Party 2012 Online. Much of the success was due to the overwhelming participation of GAIS families and also GAIS staff members in offering about more than fifty events and parties. There were also about 304 auction items donated by GAIS parents, GAIS staff members, school classes and many local companies and organizations. One of the most popular auction items was once more the school reserved VIP Parking Spot. The winner this year was the Totev family who will have exclusive rights to this designated spot for the whole school year 2012-13. Thank you all for participating and donating (more pictures will follow)!
3. Annual Auction Party 2012 - what a rescue operation!
Thanks to the special and extraordinary efforts of Indra Pachtner, Bill Dillon, Susi & Scott Lindley as well as Peter Ulmer this past Saturday, the 14th Annual Fundraiser Auction Party 2012 could be saved from having to be cancelled at the last moment! After Indra Pachtner arrived at Faultline at 9:00 am on Saturday morning, there was no electrical power and PG&E could not promise for the power to be back on before midnight that evening! Unfortunately, the restaurant does not have an emergency plan for such an occurrence (other than closing the place), so Indra took charge and called Bill who stepped right up to the plate and spent the entire day first locating a generator powerful enough to supply power for our needs, and then pulling and hooking up all the electrical cords so the kitchen was fully operable just in time, as well as establishing light and power for most of the areas in the restaurant. Scott Lindley spent part of his day driving around for emergency lights and batteries, Susi called around and had some guests bring their camping lights. Peter Ulmer organized a back-up generator for his DJ duties.
In the end, most guests were not aware of anything out of the ordinary, other than maybe having the restrooms dimly lit by camping lanterns. Food was served only slightly delayed and we were all able to enjoy another fun and successful fundraiser event. A big THANK YOU to Indra, Bill, Scott, Susi and Peter for this priceless efforts. If there was a volunteer of the month award, it should be theirs!
4.
The German Book Fair: October 22 - 27, 2012
The German Book Fair
Monday, October 22 - Saturday, October 27
@ GAIS Library
Join us this week for the German Book Fair! Spread the word to all your friends, relatives, peers, business partners. Everybody is welcome to attend! For more infos click here or 'The German Book Fair 2012 Flyer'.
5. Play-A-Thon: October 26, 2012
This is a friendly reminder that the 7th and 8th Graders of GAIS will be playing this upcoming Friday, October 26, from 3:30 pm - 6:00 pm to raise money to buy instruments for the children of the Wat Opot Orphanage in Cambodia (www.watopot.org). Donations are much appreciated. More information on our Play-A-Thon-Flyer.
6. New Playground Structure: Update II
The last pieces of the new playground structure have been added and are ready for the final inspection by the City of Menlo Park, which should take place on Wednesday, October 24, 2012. If all goes well, the students can use the new construction very soon!
7. Picture Days 2012: Order Form
The pictures have been taken and are ready to order. The order forms for the portrait pictures of your child/children have been distributed to the parent folders in front of the office or have been handed out personally. If you would like to order pictures please follow the instructions on the form and return it to office. The deadline to order your picture is October 30, 2012. After October 30, 2012, a late fee of $10 will be added. If you have any questions please contact Dagmar Stullich at office@gais.org.
8. Traffic Study II - Update and important information
Last weeks' study could be conducted as planned and the data will be analyzed and sent to the City of Menlo Park. We have noted the following important points during this study that have to be addressed immediately:
- Speeding:
Please DO NOT exceed the limit of 15 mph! Not only do we have to comply to the rules of the City of Menlo Park but also it is very dangerous as there are lots of people around during Pick-up/drop-off time - 'Better be safe than sorry'! - Parking on Elliott Drive:
We have noted that some cars do park on Elliott Drive during drop/off or pick/up time. Our neighbors complained to Dominic Liechti in last weeks' Neighborhood Meeting about this situation as well. This is a friendly reminder to let you know that cars are not allowed to be parked anywhere on Elliott Drive (except on very special events such as Summer- or Winterfest). Please also inform your Au-Pair or Nanny if necessary!
Please follow these rules and help us to avoid running into difficulties with either our neighbors or the City of Menlo Park! Thank you!
9. Parent Talk: November 1, 2012 and November 12, 2012
Join us for the two upcoming Parent Talks:
Sleep, Mood and School Performance
November 1, 2012, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
For parents, Grades 5 - 8
21st Century Learner
Come join us and get a real taste of the GAIS learning experience by visiting classrooms in action. A number of parent volunteers will be on hand to show guests around our campus and to provide them with information and snacks. All of our classrooms will be open for current parents and as well as prospective parents. You will be able to visit many Grade levels and see what makes GAIS an outstanding IB World School. Please help us to spread the word - everybody is welcome! For more information please click 