2018 Bridge Magazine

THE BRIDGE

Gig Harbor Academy Magazine & Annual Report

DECEMBER 2018

VISION CONTENTS

Empower every child through joyful discovery. MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIR 3

MISSION MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL 4

Gig Harbor Academy cultivates an inclusive THE ROAD TO ACCREDITATION 5
community that creates a child-centered
learning environment. Academic excellence ANNUAL REPORT 6
and compassionate, responsible citizenship
anchor our approach to lifelong learning. LITERACY AND TECHNOLOGY UPDATE 8

HEAD OF SCHOOL CROSSWORD PUZZLE 9

Paul Raschke, Ed.D. 2017-18 ANNUAL PROJECT FUND 10

Faculty AUCTION “GROW WITH US” 11

Diana Nold, Preschool MEET THE CLASS OF 2018 13
Brittney Shirey, Preschool Assistant
Nancy Fullarton Part-Time Preschool Assistant DATES TO REMEMBER / UPCOMING EVENTS 16
Carolyn VonZimmerman, Pre-Kindergarten 1
Nancy Manglona, Pre-Kindergarten 1 Assistant ©2018, Gig Harbor Academy. The Bridge is the Gig Harbor Academy school magazine.
Ashley Thielman, Pre-Kindergarten 2 Gig Harbor Academy, 6820 32nd Street NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335.
Brittany Hess, Pre-Kindergarten 2 Assistant Phone: 253.265.2150. www.gigharboracademy.org
Kristen Sutich, Kindergarten
Amanda Butler, Kindergarten Assistant
Megan Snow, First Grade
Kristen Barnard, Second Grade
Julie Meyer, Third Grade
Kallie Grochowski Fourth Grade
Jeff Funk, Fifth Grade
Kari Chavez-Cox, Physical Education
Xinia Agee, Spanish
Jean Kerrick, Technology
Ana Steel, Art
Lynn Swanson, Music/Library Specialist
Rebecca Lovett, Director of Childcare
Francessca Ross, Childcare Staff
Ivonne Silla, Childcare Staff
Tina Olsen, Childcare Staff

STAFF

Susan Lomow, Dir. Admissions & Marketing
Cristina McDougall, Dir. of Operations &

Assistant to the Head of School
Tina Myers, Business Manager

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tanya Starke, Board Chair
Matt Parman, Vice President
Charlie Hatley, Secretary
Homer Smith, Treasurer
Emma Conway, Member
Alissa Rooks, Member
Ryan Walters, Member

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR LATEST NEWS www.gigharboracademy.org

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LETTER FROM THE BOARD CHAIR

Community. Safety. Academic excellence. been attending for many years; the families returning year after year to see
Nurturing environment. These are a few hard work and organization put forth by how Gig Harbor Academy continues to
of the reasons why we chose Gig Harbor our School Family Network (SFN) and grow, improve, and fully prepare students
Academy when we were searching for volunteers to decorate, face paint, set for their next adventure. It is the role
a pre-school for our daughter, Reagan. up the luminary walk, and provide the of the Board to remain visionary and
These are also the very same reasons amazing snack sale items. GHA truly strategic to ensure our school has access
we will remain here for Kindergarten and brings the love of learning to life. It was to resources and experiences to open
beyond. We are fortunate that we have evident in the eagerness and confidence new doors and prepare our kids for their
many excellent public, parochial, and of our kids, when they stood on the amazing futures.
independent schools to choose from steps and performed songs in Spanish
in our area, but I truly believe there is a and recited poems in front of a large Tanya Starke, GHA Board Chair
special quality that elevates our school audience.
above other Pre-School to 5th grade
schools. A recent example of what sets You may or may not have noticed Mr.
Gig Harbor Academy apart can be found Funk, our beloved 5th grade teacher,
through the experience of Pumpkin Carve standing out near the drop-off line with
in late October. a lantern, making sure that kids were
crossing safely and watching for cars,
As I looked around the evening of once it got dark.
Pumpkin Carve, I was moved and
inspired by how much participation we This is the environment and legacy that
had throughout the school; the excited the Board of Directors is entrusted with
shouts of the kids as they raced around preserving. We want current families to
our safe campus; the camaraderie as someday become alumni families and
parents and grandparents, new to our remain connected to our school. We
school, mingled with families who have welcome the accountability from alumni

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MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Last year during recess, an excited survey she created. The teacher began by asking what she learned
first grader came up to me excited about the class from the survey. As the student began to respond,
with pride and joy and exclaimed, she paused and looked perplexed realizing something didn’t make
“I made it!! I made it all by myself sense. Before the teacher could ask another reflective question,
across the monkey bars!” Like so the student said, “I drew four chocolate cupcakes and six vanilla
many successes, the road to this cupcakes, but there are more than ten students in the class. My
child’s achievement was filled with graph is wrong because there are more than ten students in the
many bumps, falls, and failures, some room. I need to change something.” “What can you do differently?” is
quite literal. Recess after recess, not an uncommon refrain in our classrooms.
this student stuck with it, never
quite making it to the other end of Mistakes happen not only in academics but also when dealing with
the monkey bars. But each time he social/emotional challenges. Whether a student is trying to figure out
didn’t succeed, it brought him one how to respond to a problem on the playground or navigating joining
step closer to his goal. Each mishap helped him learn what to do and in a new game, a teacher listening carefully and helping students
what not to do continually building his confidence – the belief in his reflect on their actions leads to students being more able to self-
own abilities – until he found success. advocate. As students learns to identify their own mistakes and to
reflect on not only their actions but the actions of others, they begin
Mistakes are inevitable, but at Gig Harbor Academy we actively work to respond more compassionately when conflicts arise. It becomes
to create a culture that supports mistakes, building in each child a part of the culture to begin to ask,“How would I expect someone to
greater sense of efficacy. When children overcome mistakes, they react if…?” or “Was that what I wanted to happen?”
are empowered with the knowledge that they can achieve a goal and
that they can apply their learned skills to solve problems and make Students at GHA are asked to look back on their successes and
new discoveries. failures not as endpoints but as part of the process of learning and to
shift the way they look at mistakes as a welcome part of the learning
How do we cultivate this culture? In all of our classes, students are process.
presented with interesting and meaningful challenges. Nowhere is
this more evident than when a student is tackling a rich, open-ended Paul Raschke, Head of School
math problem. Teachers carefully design problems to challenge
students at multiple levels of understanding. If a child finds a solution
quickly and easily, teachers are ready to ask questions, adding a new
layer of depth, knowing that it’s the stretch that captures students’
interest, and it is the trial and error – the mistakes, the bumps in the
road – that provide opportunities to grow and learn.

Math story problems require students to create a plan and build a
solution to a challenging mathematical dilemma. For example, in
first grade, a unit on modeling with data may start with the teacher
saying, “During the next three days you are going to do your own
survey with our class.” What students will ultimately do is decide
on their own survey questions, collect data from classmates, and
make a representation that conveys information about the class as
a whole. As students create this survey using charts, graphs, or
other building tools, they literally construct their own understanding.
Getting the mathematical problem solved requires students to identify
their mistakes and reflect on how best to rectify the situation. They
experiment with their ideas, test alternatives, and refine the process.

Reflection and discussion are a major part of learning from mistakes.
Teacher’s review and reflect with each student, or groups of students,
by asking key questions such as, “What have you found?” “Do you
have a way of keeping track of the information?” “What should you
do differently?” I observed a teacher and student discussing the

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THE ROAD TO NWAIS ACCREDITATION

As a small business and educational Thankfully, Gig Harbor Academy has a dedicated Board of Directors,
institution dedicated to providing Administration, Faculty and parent community all willing to take on
young children with an enriching the sometimes arduous task of accreditation. Many GHA community
learning environment and employees members have joined a “team” set to address each NWAIS standard
a fulfilling and supportive workplace, to be reviewed and a detailed timeline of process through completion
Gig Harbor Academy takes the is currently being compiled. Once the final self-study documents have
responsibility of best practices in been submitted to NWAIS (expected in 2020), GHA will prepare for
earnest. With the recent formalization a visiting team assigned to the school. The team’s visit is meant to
of policies, procedures and provide them with a comprehensive understanding of the school’s
handbooks, as well as remaining mission, operations, facility and governance structure. Through this
current on employment law and visit and review of the submitted documents, the team will then
best practices used by independent complete a report and submit to the NWAIS Accreditation Committee
schools of similar size, GHA keeps for final approval.
on the forefront the obligation to provide families, students and
employees an exceptional organization of which to be a part. The process of accreditation is a transparent one. GHA will regularly
update the community as to the progress and timeline. Looking
Gig Harbor Academy is recognized by Washington State’s Office to lend a hand? It’s not too late, just let us know if joining an
of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) as an accredited accreditation team is of interest to you. Accreditation is a community-
institution that meets all state requirements for valid elementary wide effort, one worth taking on to ensure institutional success and
education. Additionally, GHA is a member of NWAIS (Northwest longevity
Association of Independent Schools), a regional organization
which provides independent (non-public) schools with guidance, Cristina McDougall, Director of Operations & Accreditation Self-Study
recommendations for best practices, networking and professional Coordinator
development. NWAIS is also an accrediting body to member schools
seeking initial accreditation or reaccreditation. Gig Harbor Academy’s
Board of Directors voted for GHA to move into Candidate status
and begin the process of accreditation in Spring 2016. Since this
time, GHA has worked closely with NWAIS to establish a timeline to
achieve institutional accreditation by 2021.

Why Accredit?

Like many industries, independent schools are encouraged to
achieve accreditation as a way of ensuring best practices both in
the classroom and administratively. Accreditation is a self-reflective
endeavor which groups the school’s operations into 12 categories,
11 of which are applicable to GHA, entitled the Self-Study. From
Finance and Governance, to School Program and Facilities, the task
of reviewing each category systematically using NWAIS guidelines
and best practice recommendations helps the organization in a
variety of ways. On one hand, the self-study process can identify
areas of the school which have a strong foundation and potential
for future growth already in place. On the other hand, by asking the
tough questions, it is possible to uncover a process or policy which
could benefit from updating or readapting to meet the current school
climate. Either way, reflection and analysis through the self-study
have a positive impact on any organization.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2017 – 18 FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

2017-2018 OPERATING INCOME 2017–2018 OPERATING EXPENSES

Tuition & Fees $1,352,203 Payroll Related (incl. Childcare) $1,239,407

Fundraising $144,248 Maintenance & Building Operations $99,546

Child Care & Fees $215,780 Financial Assistance/Remission $160,630

After School Enrichment & $53,083 Administrative Expenses $64,252
Summer School Program
Debt Service $24,408

TOTAL OPERATING REVENUE $1,765,314 After School Enrichment &
Summer Program
$25,135

Instructional Program & Materials $54,819

Fundraising Expenses $33,079

TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES $1,701,276

2017–2018 Operating Income

2017–2018 Operating Expenses

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GHA ENROLLMENT HISTORY

160 GHA Enrollment History

140 All school Boys Girls 142 142
74
120 122 125 68

NUMBER OF STUDENTS 103 69 68 77 2018-2019
53 57 65
100

80

57
60 46

40

20

0 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018

2014-2015

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LITERACY UPDATE

Julie Meyer, GHA’s third-grade student data and planning instruction with the intent of increasing
teacher, in addition to her teaching student achievement. These reflective discussions may center
duties, has taken on the role of part on student grouping options, guided reading practices, reviewing
time literacy coach this year. Julie assessment results, demonstrating reading/writing strategies, or
has, for the last few years, involved specific lesson planning.
herself in various professional
development opportunities The literacy coach supports teachers as they increase their
increasing her knowledge of instructional strategies and specific literacy issues teachers have
literacy development. As a literacy identified in their classroom. For example, during a discussion
coach, Julie partners with teachers with the literacy coach, a teacher may request additional support
focusing on aspects of student implementing small-group guided reading instruction. Together, the
literacy development in response literacy coach and teacher would create a plan that supports more
to teachers’ needs and concerns effective guided reading instruction, part of which would include the
within their classroom. This can literacy coach demonstrating particular teaching methods. Having
take many forms, such as, engaging students more effectively in the a literacy coach allows all teachers to be equipped with the literacy
writing process; developing reading comprehension strategies, and/ tools and strategies they will need to increase reading and writing
or creating various types of literacy assessments. Julie will also, on achievement for all students.
occasion, demonstrate particular teaching methods to teachers. The
literacy coach and teacher spend much time together reflecting on Julie Meyer, Third Grade Teacher

ROBOTICS IN THE CLASSROOM

I was walking down the quad hall and heard someone shout, “Wow, In fifth grade they are building a motion sensing glove and a robotic
wow, it works!” I realized it was technology class so I went into the hand. As the student’s own gloved hand moves, the robotic hand
room and asked the student why she was so excited. She proceeded will mimic the same motions. Involved in this project are engineering
to tell me that her robot did what it was supposed to do. She said, skills, such as wiring circuits, using C/C++ programming language,
“when the robot bumps into things that would push this part of the troubleshooting problems that arise on their own, and coming up with
robot back which then turns on the motor and it makes the robot turn solutions when the project doesn’t quite work as expected.
the other way.” She pointed to the sensor part of the robot and told
me, “If this bumps into a wall it will make the robot go backwards.” I This idea of troubleshooting is inherent in all technology classes.
asked her to tell me more about the sensor and she proceeded to tell It is exciting when a robot does what it was told to do but, more
me why the robot was hitting the wall and how the motor reversed. often than not, this does not happen the first time. However, it’s not
considered failure because the robot didn’t work but, as each student
Technology at GHA largely focuses on learning how to program knows, it’s more of a challenge as they go back to each step in the
and build robots. In other words, students create a machine that process of building it to find where the mistake was made, then think
can do something they taught it to do. In kindergarten and grade through what caused the problem and fix it.
one, students work with a platform for teaching programming called
Scratch Jr. Using this program, students get characters to move, Robotics not only provides a context for inquiry and discovery, leading
respond to each other, and change what they look like, laying a students to become active problem solvers engaging in their own
foundation for graphic design. Students are also being introduced to learning but also, what every student knows, learning to build and
“Edison” robots which they also learn how to program. program robots is fun as they see their projects do what they were
programmed to do. Students are totally immersed in the guided and
Second grade builds on skills previously learned but extends them open-ended challenges they are presented with and often do not
by using Scratch which utilizes more complicated programming want to stop-not even for recess. Not many subjects incorporate
techniques. They completely program the functions of the Edison creativity and fun simultaneously, robotics achieves both.
Robots using scratch as the programming platform. Second grade
is also introduced to robotics and circuit building as they attempt to Paul Raschke, Head of School & Jean Kerrick, Technology Specialist
solve simple engineering challenges.

Technology in third and fourth grade is more project-based. For
example, grade three’s first project is physically building and wiring a
smart robot car then programming it. Fourth grade takes a bigger step
with robotics. Their project requires them to wire circuits to an Arduino
board that communicates with their computer. The Arduino boards are
programmed using a C/C++ programming language.

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CROSSWORD PUZZLE

BY BRUIN BEAR (5TH GRADE)

ANSWERS ON PAGE 13

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ANNUAL FUND GIVING REPORT

The GHA NOW Annual Fund is our yearly fundraising campaign supported by parents, alumni,
friends and the members of our faculty and staff. Thanks to your generosity, $41,975 of
unrestricted dollars were donated to the School’s operating budget.

SCHOLAR $5,000+ TUTOR $1–$499 Matt and Amy Parman
Arvind and Joanna Petrie
Curtis & Elena Widdoes* Michael and Miya Barnes Brian and Danielle Price
Erik White and Elizabeth Gray* Jerry and Sue Benson Jessica Rodriguez and Skylar Panitzke
Ryan and Valerie Bredeweg Chris and Alissa Rooks
ARTIST $1,000–$4,999 Tim Christie and Maria Sampen* Robert and Jodi Saunders
Allan and Emma Conway Douglas and Jill Schaumburg
Bradley and Jennifer Beachler Dale Cox and Kari Chavez-Cox Russell Scott and Amanda Marley-Clarke*
Lance Bear and Linda Pai* Aaron and Rosie Cronin David and Wonita Shin
Jeff and Carol Funk* Scott Diener and Susan Lomow* Ana Steel*
Ulf and Shema Hanebutte* James and Julie Dugan* Eric and Lynn Swanson*
Matthew and Katie Harnish Brad and Angie Egbert Jess Tart and Laurie Skiffington
Charlie and Kristina Hatley* Mark and Starla Esber Ryan and Ellie Walters
Dustin and Robynn Langley Josh and Gina Faulk Bobby and Sheila Walther
Bert and Lani Magnuson* Ryan and Laurie Flynn Scott and Joelene Werden*
Robert and Cristina McDougall* Jaime and Kallie Grochowski* Matt and Katie Whyland
Joel and Theresa McFarland* Troy and Lindsay Heidal* Duane and Traci Winder
Alex Mohit and Roberta Polk* Andrew Hofeling and Laura Edwards Bob and Mary Wortherspoon
Tina and Mark Myers* David and Yoshie Hughes*
Michael Nelson and Janelle Kiel Nelson Christian and Jean Kerrick MATCHING GIFTS
Paul Raschke* Mike and Kelly Kluge
Coby and Stephanie Sagle Zachary and Amy Lester Ameriprise
Homer and Val Smith Fay Marley-Clarke Alaska Airlines
Casey and Tanya Starke Staci Mayes and Carol Jinks United Health Care
Christopher and Jennifer Veal Adam and Ping Means
Brooks and Nichole Wolfe* Adam and Jordan Moll * Indicates 4+ years of giving
Scott and Kate Montgomery to the Annual Fund
READER $500–$999 Jedidiah and Megan Moore
Dr. Alex and Cynthia Nagy
Brad and Michelle Bailey* Dan and Lavon Newby*
Kristopher and Alaina Kitz Aurora Sosa, Richard Olszewski and Sheri
Aameek Singh Gietzen-Olszewski
Donald and Michelle Veal
Sean and Julie Wittmer

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2018 AUCTION “GROW WITH US”

Thank you to all families, friends, teachers, staff, and business partners who donated to the 2018
Auction and Artisanal Fair. You donations allowed us to raise nearly $77,000.

5th Avenue Theatre Kathy Huizenga Russell Scott and Amanda Marley-Clarke
AR Workshop Ben Janin and Jody Veatch-Janin Scrubbles
Brad and Michelle Bailey Jordan Moll Events.Design.Floral Seattle Children’s Theater
Big 5 Sporting Goods Christian and Jean Kerrick Seattle Seahawks Chairitable Donations
Brix 25 Sean Wittmer, Lakewood Endodontics Pat Skiffington
Cakes by Carol LeMay - America’s Car Museum Homer and Val Smith
Cascade Eye & Skin Centers Lunch Box Laboratory Sprinker Recreation Center
Chalet Bowl Mad Hat Tea Company Casey and Tanya Starke
Destiny Harbor Tours Bert & Lani Magnuson Subway
Devoted Kiss Markee Coffee & Wine Bar Tacoma Comedy Club
Scott Diener and Susan Lomow Massage Envy Tacoma Glassblowing Studio
DPI Rob & Cristina McDougall Tacoma Little Theatre
Edgeworks Climbing Gym Adam and Ping Means Tacoma Musical Playhouse
El Pueblito Sandra Minor Tacoma Symphony
Emerald Downs Alex Mohit and Roberta Polk Jess Tart and Laurie Skiffington
Fran’s Chocolate Chris Montrone Teaching Toys, Too
Fred Meyer Corey and Christine Nelson The Cheesecake Factory
Jeff and Carol Funk Diana Nold The Club at Gig Harbor
Future of Flight Aviation Center Troy and Erika Oberg The Maritime Inn
GHA Board of Directors Ocean5 The Matador
Gig Harbor Academy Odyssey 1 The Museum of Flight
Gig Harbor Candy Company Ohana Harbor Coffee Company Tickled Pink
Gig Harbor Gondola Brannan and Angela Olsen Timberland Bank
Grand Cinema Adam and Tina Olsson Tower Lanes Entertainment Center
Green House Restaurant Olympic Flight Museum Two Vintners
Jaime and Kallie Grochowski Pacific Science Center Justin and Veronica Vanslyke
Hands on Children’s Museum Papa John’s Pizza Ryan and Ellie Walters
Harbor General Store Matt and Amy Parman Joelene Werden
Harbor History Museum Polli Phippen Wet Coast Brewery
Matthew and Katie Harnish Mick and Katie Pusztai Curt and Elena Widdoes
Charlie and Kristina Hatley Rainiers Baseball Club Wileys Water Sports
Andrew Hofeling and Laura Edwards Rhein Haus Kat Wilson
Hoodsport Winery Eric and Nadine Roberge Woodland Park Zoo
David and Yoshie Hughes Round Table Pizza YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties

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Thank you for raising your paddle. Through your THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING
generosity we raised $19,410 in support of our school. DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS — WITHOUT
YOU, THIS EVENING WOULD NOT HAVE
Gordon & Nicole Ballantyne Matt & Amy Parman
Barnaby & Karen Beck Arvind & Joanna Petrie BEEN POSSIBLE.
Michael Berger Steve & Tina Rainbolt
Jeff & Carol Funk Paul Raschke Thanks for your time and effort; you made this event fun
Ryan & Erika Funk Chris & Alissa Rooks and successful and for that, we greatly appreciate you!
Jim & Meg Grohs Tod Rubenstein Auction Chairs: Tina Myers, Cristina McDougall
Charlie & Kristina Hatley Douglas & Jill Schaumburg Procurement: Charlie Hatley, Homer Smith, Tina Myers
Troy & Lindsay Heidal Homer & Val Smith Graphic Design & Catalog: Tina Myers
Sam & Sarah Huber Casey & Tanya Starke Slide Show: Cristina McDougall
David & Yoshie Hughes Aaron & Ashley Thielman Dessert Dash Coordinator: Kristina Hatley
Christian & Jean Kerrick Justin & Veronica Vanslyke Live Auction Display Coordinator: Cristina McDougall
Scott & Wendy Limoli Christopher & Jennifer Veal Thank you to all of our set-up and event volunteers. We
Cristina & Robert McDougall Joelene Werden couldn’t have done it without you!
Adam & Jordan Moll Erik White & Elizabeth Gray And a big “Thank You” to our fabulous auctioneer, Jim Borgen.
Michael & Janell Nelson Brooks & Nichole Wolfe
LaVon & Dan Newby THANK YOU ALL!

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CONGRATULATIONS 2018 GHA GRADS

JACKSON BAILEY ~ KOPACHUCK MIDDLE SCHOOL

The trip to Williamsburg was the most memorable time here at GHA. It was inspirational and just
really cool!

GABE BERGER ~ BILLINGS MIDDLE SCHOOL

I will miss GHA and my friends. I learned you have to persevere in
music, art, tech and more. I am going to Billings Middle School in
Seattle and when I grow up I want to be a video game designer.

HAILEY EHLI~ CHARLES WRIGHT ACADEMY

GHA is the only school I have ever attended. I wish I could do it all over again! GHA has taught me a lot.
When I get older it would be cool to be a video game designer or a lawyer.
“I hope your dreams take you to the corners of your smiles, to the highest of your hopes, to the windows
of your opportunities and to the most special places your heart has ever known.”
~ Author Unknown

MAIJA HANEBUTTE ~ KOPOCHUCK MIDDLE SCHOOL

When I grow up I hope to be a mechanical engineer. The knowledge I have gained by
going to GHA is not knowledge you can learn in a book, but skills that can be used in life.

HENRY HEIDAL ~ KOPACHUCK MIDDLE SCHOOL

My favorite memories of GHA are having the best teachers ever. The teachers
taught me so much. I will really miss going to GHA when I leave, especially being
outdoors so much!

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AYLA MOHIT ~ CHARLES WRIGHT ACADEMY

My favorite memories from GHA are of my best friends, leading the pledge and
taking care of the flag. My goals are to get the job that I would really enjoy.

JADE MOHIT ~ CHARLES WRIGHT ACADEMY

In 5th Grade you shouldn’t try to be perfect just be the best you possible.
I want to be an author and a neonatologist in the future.

ADDISSON PETRIE ~ KOPACHUCK MIDDLE SCHOOL

My favorite memories at GHA are all the awesome field trips we have had and
all the friends I have made here. I would like to be a veterinarian or a baker in the
future.

OLIVIA RODRIGUEZ ~ KOPACHUCK MIDDLE SCHOOL My

favorite memories of GHA are buddies and taking care of the flag. My goal is to find
a job I like and that is fun.

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SCARLETT ROSING ~ KOPACHUCK MIDDLE SCHOOL

I am going to Kopachuck Middle School and I don’t want to leave GHA! I hope to use all
that I have learned in the future. I will always remember my great teachers and friends at
GHA.

DAXON SWANSON ~ KOPACHUCK MIDDLE SCHOOL

In the Fall at GHA I liked the challenge of robotics competition. In the Spring, I liked being
able to experiment with different types of robots..

ANDREW WERDEN ~ CHARLES WRIGHT ACADEMY

I’ll remember all my friends and the teachers at GHA. This school has built the
foundations of my life and I wish I didn’t have to leave. In the future, I want to
be a video game designer.

Crossword Puzzle Answers

CALENDAR

DECEMBER Early Release at 11:30 AM APRIL Spring Break – No School
Winter Break – No School April 15–19
December 19 Childcare Closed Art Show Installed at Civic Center
Dec 20–Jan 2 Childcare Closed MAY Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
Dec 24-26 May 1-31 Fifth Grade Williamsburg / DC Trip
Dec 31- Jan 2 May 3 Teacher Appreciation Week
May 5-10 Art Show Reception
JANUARY Childcare Closed May 6-10 Field Day
School Resumes May 14 Memorial Day – No School/Childcare
January 1–2 MLK JR. Day – No School May 24 Spring Music Concert
January 3 GHA Open House May 27
January 15 May 30 Maritime Gig Festival and Parade
January 26 Last Day of School and Picnic
JUNE Childcare Closed
FEBRUARY Educational Night June 1 Childcare Opens for the Summer
Childcare Closed June 7 K-5 Report Cards Emailed Home
February 7 Mid-Winter Break June 10 Summer Session - Week 1
February 18 June 11
February 18–22 June 12 Summer Session - Week 2
June 24-28 Summer Session - Week 3
MARCH
JULY
March 8 End of Trimester 2 July 8-12
July 15-19
March 11 Trimester 3 Begins

March 14-15 No School - Parent Teacher

Conferences

March 18-22 Spring Book Fair

March 23 GHA Annual Auction

March 29 No School/No Childcare - In-Service

THE IMPACT OF YOUR GIFT IS GHA ANNUAL FUND
IMMEDIATE PLEDGE DRIVE

Gig Harbor Academy relies on the generosity of the School’s ENDS DECEMBER 31, 2018
community to help subsidize the costs of tuition. With an
Annual Fund gift you will make an impact on each student’s
journey as tuition alone does not cover the schools operating
costs.

By giving to the Annual Fund, your donation helps fund
professional development for our faculty and staff, continued
facility maintenance and enhancements, and curriculum
enrichment. It also allows more families to have access to
our school through increased financial assistance and adds
value to educational resources both in the classroom and on
the playground.