The Bridge Magazine

THE BRIDGE

Gig Harbor Academy Magazine & Annual Report

DECEMBER 2017

VISION CONTENTS

Empower every child through joyful discovery. MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD 3
4
MISSION MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL 5
6
Gig Harbor Academy cultivates an inclusive THE IMPORTANCE OF PARTICIPATION 8
community that creates a child-centered 9
learning environment. Academic excellence ANNUAL REPORT 10
and compassionate, responsible citizenship 11
anchor our approach to lifelong learning. OFF AND RUNNING 12
16
HEAD OF SCHOOL NATURE EXPLORE CLASSROOM

Paul Raschke, Ed.D. 2016-17 ANNUAL PROJECT FUND

Faculty AUCTION “CELEBRATING 40 YEARS”

Diana Nold, Preschool MEET THE 2017 GRADUATING CLASS
Brittney Shirey, Preschool Assistant
Carolyn VonZimmerman, Pre-Kindergarten 1 DATES TO REMEMBER / UPCOMING EVENTS
Nancy Manglona, Pre-Kindergarten 1 Assistant
Ashley Thielman, Pre-Kindergarten 2 ©2017, Gig Harbor Academy. The Bridge is the Gig Harbor Academy school magazine.
Erika Booth, Pre-Kindergarten 2 Assistant Gig Harbor Academy, 6820 32nd Street NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335.
Kristen Sutich, Kindergarten Phone: 253.265.2150. www.gigharboracademy.org
Amanda Butler, Kindergarten Assistant
LaVon Newby, First Grade
Sheila Walther, Second Grade
Julie Meyer, Third Grade
Veronica Vanslyke, Fourth Grade
Jeff Funk, Fifth Grade
Kari Chavez-Cox, Physical Education
Xinia Agee, Spanish
Paul VonZimmerman, Technology
Ana Steel, Art
Lynn Swanson, Music/Library Specialist
Rebecca Lovett, Director of Childcare
Brittany Hess, Childcare Staff
Francessca Ross, Childcare Staff
Ivonne Silla, Childcare Staff

STAFF

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

Assistant to the Head of School
Kathleen Stanley, Business Manager

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tina Myers, Board Chair
Tanya Starke, Vice President
Yoshie Hughes,, Secretary
Charlie Hatley, Member
Homer Smith, Treasurer
Amanda Marley-Clarke, Member
Matt Parman, Member

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR LATEST NEWS www.gigharboracademy.org

www.gigharboracademy.org |  3

LETTER FROM THE
BOARD CHAIR: NWAIS ACCREDITATION

Gig Harbor Academy Board’s responsibility is to plan for the future of the school and ensure financial stability for years to
come. Last year the Board completed one of its most comprehensive tasks, an update of GHA’s Strategic Plan which will
be implemented over the next five years through 2021. While working on the plan, the topic of continuing the accreditation
process through NWAIS was brought to the forefront. After much discussion at the Board table, the Board decided to
continue with the accreditation process. Accreditation will bring questions to the entire GHA community, parents, faculty,
administrators, and Board Trustees. Below is a brief question/answer section that will help all of our stakeholders have a
better understanding of the who, why, what, and when of accreditation.

What is NWAIS? Northwest Association identify and plan for areas where growth Accreditation. As we continue the
of Independent Schools is a nonprofit is needed, and ensures viability in the process you will hear and learn more
membership association that provides future. about accreditation and I encourage you
accreditation, professional development to reach out to the Head of School with
and support services to over 110 What does GHA being accredited any questions you may have.
schools in Alaska, British Columbia, mean for parents and families? Being
Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, accredited means that parents can be Tina Myers, GHA Board Chair
Washington and Wyoming. confident that the school is consistently
working to provide a unique and valuable
Why did the GHA Board decide to move experience for their children both now
forward with accreditation? Accreditation and in the years to come.
assesses the school’s effectiveness in
delivering on the promise of the mission, How long is the process? It is a three
advances mission-driven initiatives and to five year process once a school is in
helps to ensure GHA’s future is on track. candidate status. GHA is currently in
subscriber status and is working towards
Why is going through the process obtaining candidate status.
important? The process is valuable for the
faculty, staff, administrators and trustees, Hopefully this brief overview will provide
to have the opportunity to gather and you with a better understanding of
reflect on the Standards. It involves accreditation and why the Board decided
reflecting on the school mission, help to move forward with obtaining NWAIS

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MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

As I was watching our students run It is not only through buddy interactions that character is developed
at the last cross country meet, two but also in the classroom. From the first day of school, teachers
Gig Harbor Academy grandparents begin creating a class culture by asking, “How will we be with each
visiting from out of state introduced other this year?” In order to answer that question, teachers need to
themselves to me. It just so happened talk of such traits as kindness, compassion, cooperation, honesty,
they were retired educators and as and generosity. In so doing, children become aware of their own
we talked a bit about schooling, Sue character strengths and also learn to identify character strengths in
the grandmother said something that others.
rattled around in my head for weeks. It has been said that character can be measured by what one
The exact words evade me at the would do if no one were looking. At GHA character is instilled at
moment but the message remains a deep level so that positive behavior seems almost automatic.
clear, that GHA places an emphasis Discussions dealing with trustworthiness, respect, and responsibility
on character development in young happen throughout the school, be it in a book discussion with pre-
children. I left the meet and began to think of what brought her to kindergarten or third grade discussing classroom rules and deciding
say that after being at the school for only a very short while. What what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior or fifth grade taking
did she see or feel or hear that brought her to this conclusion? What responsibility for a community service project.
activities or structures in classrooms did she experience that, to her, Central to every child’s daily life at GHA, character traits are woven
nurtured character? We do intentionally teach social/emotional skills into the curriculum, in the language we use, and in the very essence
beginning in preschool through a program called Second Steps as of the school. Sometimes they are discussed in relation to the
a way to help students understand their own emotions and their themes of a book being read, or they are the topic of a weekly
impact on others, along with the emotions and behaviors of others. meeting, or the focus of a teachable moment on the playground.
This program is important but what Sue sensed is something more Every school teaches reading, writing, math, science, history – those
intangible and more than any one skill or program. skills and understandings children need to succeed. It is our mission
and our passion to teach all of these in joyful and innovative ways.
School is not just about learning concepts; it is also a place where Yet, at GHA, our aim has always been much higher. Our children
a foundation is built for becoming upstanding young adults. GHA learn how to be good students and, as importantly, they learn how to
teachers and staff set a tone of respect, honesty and genuine be good people.
kindness for all children providing, examples of good character every
day. Children notice what adults do, say, tolerate, and how they Paul Raschke, Head of School
handle challenges and then proceed to mimic these behaviors. When
I first arrived at GHA, I commented to a teacher that children here “Courage. Kindness. Friendship. Character. These are the
showed so much kindness to each other, be it on the playground, qualities that define us as human beings, and propel us,
or in buddies, or in a classroom. That teacher said to me, “The on occasion, to greatness.”
reason our students are nice to each other is because we set a tone -R.J. Palacio, Wonder
of kindness and respect and really listen to their voice”. When Sue
mentioned she felt character building was emphasized at GHA, I
believe, in large part, it was this modeling that she sensed.

For quite a few years, GHA has had a buddy program where an older
grade is paired with a younger grade for the school year. Buddies
meet frequently and work together on a variety of learning activities.
This idea of senior/junior mentoring has become an important part
of our school culture. In the buddy program, the teacher becomes
more of a coach rather than the direct authority and, as the mentor,
the older child has to find ways to keep the younger child focused,
engaged and on task with the learning activity. Buddies have the
added value of building in each older child a greater sense of self-
confidence and empathy, while the younger child is observing a
positive peer role model.

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PARTICIPATION: A PARENT’S PERSPECTIVE

We arrived at Gig Harbor Academy with one foot out the door. My How you can get involved:
husband told me in no uncertain terms that the school was too far
a drive from Belfair and that we would only stay for one year so Join the School Family Network (SFN)
our son could attend Pre-K. I agreed and we both kept our heads Join the Auction Procurement team
down, making sure not to get involved. There was no sense making Help out in the Library
connections and leaving a footprint on a short-term situation. That was
seven years ago. Join the Nature Explore sustainment team
Volunteer at our booth for a community event
I first dipped my toe into the pool of participation by reading a book
to my son’s Pre-K class. Cutting papers in kindergarten led to making Be the school’s official photographer
popcorn and helping at snack sales. I found myself scheduling the Donate to the Artisanal Fair or Auction
book fair on my calendar so I could be available to sell. These days I
serve on the Board of Directors, volunteer as the SFN class rep and
organize the annual fund. Let me qualify this by saying I have always
preferred to blend. I never wanted to be class president, lead a project,
or stick my neck out.

My role was always that of team player, someone that could be easily
replaced when the next situation called; very much in keeping with my
half-way in approach. It makes me wonder how this school elicited
such a deep sense of commitment in my family.

My pathway to involvement became clear to me when I attended
GHA’s annual general meeting on November first. The Specialist Room
was packed full and brimming with energy from the parents, teachers,
administration and parents of alumni who were in attendance. I
watched as questions resulted in conversation and the transparency
of the answers fueled further involvement. Our Board President, an
alumni parent of 11 years with her youngest child having graduated
last year, answered a question generated by a graph illustrating school
revenue. “How important is the soft revenue to the school’s budget?”
This led to a discussion about the private school culture and how
schools, even those with endowments, depend on annual fund and
auction to supplement tuition. It was a thoughtful question about
fundraising from a Pre-kindergarten parent. I admired their initiative and
interest, knowing I would never have attended a meeting like this in my
first, and what I considered my only, year at the school.

With our second son now in 4th grade there is definitely a feeling of
closure looming. Having been more involved over the last few years,
I have come to treasure our school community. Some of our family’s
dearest friends are a result of being here. Some of my greatest feelings
of satisfaction are a result of helping out from time to time. I’ve come
from not wanting to make eye contact, to making sure I say hello to
everyone I see. Being involved has been a gift. As we hit the halfway
point in the annual fund campaign, I ask each of you to support GHA
by donating at the level you are able. We are truly hoping to reach
100% participation, but it is only possible if you get involved. Step up
and participate. You just might like the view. And, take it from me…it’s
a whole lot different having both feet in.

Amanda Marley-Clarke, GHA Parent and Board Member

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ANNUAL REPORT 2016 – 2017 Financial Overview

2016-2017 OPERATING REVENUE 2016–2017 OPERATING EXPENSES

Tuition & Fees $1,128,091 Payroll Related (incl. Childcare) $1,002,648

Fundraising $134,881 Maintenance & Building Operations $142,688

Child Care & Fees $178,037 Financial Assistance/Remission $133,006

After School Enrichment & $56,070 Administrative Expenses $89,786
Summer School Program
Debt Service $32,996

TOTAL OPERATING REVENUE $1,497,079 After School Enrichment &
Summer Program
$28,055

Instructional Materials $41,435

Development Expenses $15,448

Miscellaneous Expenses $23,706

TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES $1,506,768

2016–2017 Operating R2e0v16e-n20u1e7sOPERATING EXPENSES

Payroll Related (Incl. Childcare)
66%

Miscellaneous Expenses Financial Assistance
2% 9%

Development Expenses Maintainance and Building
1% Debt. Service Operations
9%

2% Administrative Expenses

After School Enrichment & 6%
Summer School Program
2%
Instructional Materials
3%

2016–2017 Operating Expenses

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GIG HARBOR ACADEMY ENROLLMENT

NUMBER OF STUDENTS140 GHA Enrollment History 139
125
All school Boys Girls 122
120 114 111 112 76
68 63
103 57

100

80 58 53 64 57 69
48 46 53
62
60 52

40

20

0 2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018

2011-2012

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OFF AND
RUNNING!

For families who are new to the school the changes
would not be apparent, but for those that have
been here for a while a lot of exciting things have
happened over the past year. Enrollment is the
highest it has been in seven years, the Board has
completed it’s strategic plan and have officially
begun a multi-year accreditation self-study.
Makerspace has found its way into all of the
classrooms, and new standards-based report cards
were created for Kindergarten through Fifth grade
addressing both academic and non-academic items
in more detail.
Thanks to the generosity of Gig Harbor Academy
families, alumni, and friends of the school we were
able raise enough money to build a much-need
multi-purpose pavilion. Also, due to the hard work of
our parent volunteers, the Nature Explore Classroom
was completed and we were granted certification.
Our full-day Prekindergarten Program is so in
demand that we were able to fill a second class
room and our childcare is full.
All of these improvements have enhanced the
experience our students have at our school and we
couldn’t be happier.

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NATURE EXPLORE
CLASSROOM CERTIFICATION

In early October Gig Harbor Academy earned beds and kitchen for messy play.
national recognition as a Certified Nature
Explore Classroom from the Nature Explore The campus has been transformed into a
Program, which is a collaboration of Dimensions learning lab with countless opportunities to
Educational Research Foundation and the Arbor learn within natural spaces. For example,
Day Foundation. We are one of only seven children in the first grade class can have a
certified spaces in the State of Washington and lesson on what a verb is and then go outside
is the only outdoor classroom with certification to experience that verb. Nature play is not
in Pierce County. limited to the playground itself but extends
around other areas of the school, such as
The classroom was created with the support of our school-wide garden program complete
parents, teachers, faculty and the community with a greenhouse. There are wood rounds
who believe in the value of learning and playing throughout campus for gathering and climbing,
in natural spaces. GHA is deeply committed to trails bordering our wetlands set in the trees,
connecting children with nature. The faculty and and wood chips for creating new paths. All
staff believe children should be grounded and these features are actively used by our faculty
have strong connections to nature. Teachers for learning in nature. From art lessons and
have always integrated their outdoor activities science experiments to math and poetry, our
into their teaching but the outdoor classroom teachers direct the children to explore and
allows them to be more intentional. We have discover on campus.
designated over 10 different activity areas that
are devoted to learning and play. They include Research shows that children are happier and
“Neverland“, an area that encourages each learn better when they spend time outdoors.
child’s imagination while playing in a rowboat Nature enhances children’s health, learning and
or walking a thick tightrope complete with an confidence and they take more risks outside.
imagination-encouraging rowboat “floating” on When building with blocks preschoolers will be
river rock and tugboat rope used for balance less impacted by noises when the blocks
and gross-motor skill development; the “Rock N fall. And the Nature Explorer classroom
Roll” Station where children explore the sounds teaches responsibility because
they create using unconventional instruments children have to take care of the
such as PVC pipes: and the “Picasso Pit”, spaces becoming stewards of the
an area devoted bringing out the inner artist, environment. We are thrilled to be
complete with its very own art table and drying able to offer our students such a
line. Other activity areas include playhouse and special place to develop and learn.
stage encouraging dramatic play, raised garden

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GIVING REPORT

Last year we set a goal to raise funds to build a much needed outdoor, multi-purpose structure. Thanks to the generosity of our families,
alumni and friends we were able to build a pavilion this summer. The pavilion is used in multiple ways; our outdoor assemblies are now
covered, P.E. takes cover when needed, when the group gets big we can practice music outside ahead of our music programs and we no
longer need to worry about rain during our Cinco de Mayo Fiesta. Thank you to everyone who helped to make this happen.

$5000+ $1–$999 Brannan & Angela Olsen
Max & Kalli Ostner*
Curtis & Elena Widdoes* Tim Christie & Maria Sampen* Matt & Amy Parman
James & Julie Dugan* Arvind & Joanna Petrie
$1000–$4999 Scott Diener & Susan Lomow Brian & Danielle Price
Mark & Starla Esber Richard & Sarah Rosing
Brad and Michelle Bailey* Jean Ferguson* Russell Scott & Amanda
John & Meagan Dover* Matthew & Sheena Fleming Marley-Clarke*
Lance Bear & Linda Pai* Jaime & Kallie Grochowski* Aameek Singh
Jeff & Carol Funk* Jerry & Nancy Guarino Patrick & Nora Smith
Ryan & Erika Funk Ron House & Marianne Fischer Homer & Val Smith
Ulf & Shema Hanebutte* House Ana Steel*
Charlie & Kristina Hatley* Ryan & Laurie Flynn Eric & Lynn Swanson*
Bert & Lani Magnuson* Troy & Lindsay Heidal* Christopher and Jennifer Veal
Robert & Cristina McDougall* Andrew Hofeling & Laura Edwards Theresa Walters
Joel & Theresa McFarland* Matthew & Tammy Holmes Scott & Joelene Werden*
Chela Mitchell* Sam & Sarah Huber Virginia Wilcox
Mark & Tina Myers* David & Yoshie Hughes* Robert & Mary Wotherspoon*
Alex Mohit & Roberta Polk* Bruce Knapp* Jay & Angela Zeigler
Paul Raschke* Vince & Jody Leverett
Casey & Tanya Starke Barbara Lutzewitz & Terri * Indicates 3+ years of
Andrew & Lisa Snyder Baerwald* giving to the Annual Fund
Jason & Kristin West* Michael & Diane Mayer*
Tedd & Tiffani Wetherbee* Minter Veterinary Hospital*
Erik Gray & Elizabeth White* Michael Nelson & Janelle Kiel
Sean & Julie Wittmer Nelson
Brooks & Nichole Wolfe* Dan and LaVon Newby

www.gigharboracademy.org |  11

2017 AUCTION - “CELEBRATING 40 YEARS”

On April 8th 2017, Gig Harbor Academy held its 20th Annual Auction Gala, “Celebrating 40 years”, in honor
of our 40th anniversary. The evening will be remembered fondly as a night of gratitude and generosity.
Through the many generous donations from our families and local businesses we were able to raise over
$73,000. We would like to say Thank You to the following families and businesses for their generous

Abeja Homer & Val Smith Seattle Children’s Museum
Hoodsport Winery Seattle Children’s Theater
Adam & Jordan Moll Hotel Murano Seattle Seahawks Charitable Donations
Hushed Revelry Photography Spiro’s
Alex Mohit & Roberta Polk ilovekickboxing.com Spork
Jaime & Kallie Grochowski Sprinker Recreation Center
Ana Steel Jax Salon & Spa Steel Creek
Jeff & Carol Funk Suzanne’s
Anthonys Restaurant Jeffrey & Kathryn Wilson Tacoma Comedy Club
Jess Tart & Laurie Skiffington Tacoma Little Theatre
Barbara Kegel Jessica Rodriguez & Skylar Panitzke Tacoma Symphony Orchestra
Jim & Julie Dugan Tacoma Youth Symphony
Brad & Michelle Bailey Joel & Theresa McFarland Teaching Toys, Too
Katie Downs Tedd & Tiffani Wetherbee
Broadway Center for the Performing Arts Kevin Guerrero, A to B Party Pros The Burke Museum of Natural History and
Kitsap Golf and Country Club Culture
Brooks & Nichole Wolfe Lakewood Endodontics The Club at Gig Harbor
Lani Magnuson The Inn at Gig Harbor
Cakes By Carol LaVon & Dan Newby The Museum of Flight
LeMay - America’s Car Museum The Pilates Body
Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, P.C. Main & Vine Timberland Bank
Marina Bay Salon Two Vintners
Casey & Tanya zz Mark & Tina Myers Vines on the Marycrest
Markee Coffee & Wine Bar Wesley & Kirsten Blankenship
Chalet Bowl Market Place Grille Wilco
Marriott Towne Place Suites Wild Waves Theme Park
Cheesecake Factory Max & Kalli Ostner Wileys Water Sports
Mick & Katie Pusztai Xinia Agee
Coby & Stephanie Sagle Moctezuma’s YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties
Obelisco Estate
Cog Wild Odyssey 1
Patrick & Nora Smith
Cook’s Tavern Peninsula Light Company
Performance Golf Center
Corey & Christine Nelson Petrie Advanced Dental
Precision Tune Auto Care
Cristina & Robert McDougall Qdoba
Quality Food Center
Dairy Queen Rainiers Baseball Club
Rhein Haus
David & Ivonne Pearson Round Table Pizza
Russell Scott & Amanda Marley-Clarke
David & Yoshie Hughes Ryan & Ellie Walters
Sarah Huber
Destiny Harbor Tours Scott Diener & Susan Lomow
Scrubbles
Diana Nold

Don Veal

DPI

Dukes Chowder House

Eddie Izumizaki

Edgeworks Climbing Gym

Edible Arrangements

El Pueblito

Elena Widdoes

Eric & Lynn Swanson

Erik White & Elizabeth Gray

Fran’s Chocolate

Fred Meyer

GHA Board

Gig Harbor Academy

Gig Harbor Gondola

Grand Cinema

Greater Gig Harbor Foundation

Hands on Children’s Museum

Harbor Dance and Performance Center

Harbor General Store

Harbor Kids Teeth/ Lisa Block, DMD, MS

Heavy Restaurant Group

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Thanks to our generous Raise the Paddle donors, we raised THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING
$18,125 in support of our school: DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS —
WITHOUT YOU, THIS EVENING
Jesus Alvarez & Gena Anderson Max & Kalli Ostner
Gordon & Nicole Ballantyne Matt & Amy Parman WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE.
Lance Bear & Linda Pai Paul Raschke
Jim & Julie Dugan Tod Rubenstein Thanks for your time and effort; you made this
Matthew & Sheena Fleming Pat Skiffington event fun and successful and for that, we greatly
Jeff & Carol Funk Homer & Val Smith appreciate you!
Charlie & Kristina Hatley Patrick & Nora Smith Auction Chairs: Tina Myers, Cristina McDougall
Troy & Lindsay Heidal Kathleen Stanley Procurement: Julie Dugan, Tina Myers, Tiffani
David & Yoshie Hughes Casey & Tanya Starke Wetherbee
Vince & Jody Leverett Christopher & Jennifer Veal Artisanal Fair Coordinator: Lindsay Heidal
Robert & Cristina McDougall Ryan & Ellie Walters Decor: Tina Myers, Cristina McDougall
Joel & Theresa McFarland Bobby & Sheila Walther Catalog: Tina Myers
Carlos & Carla Melvin Joelene Werden Graphic Design: Tina Myers
Mark & Tina Myers Jason & Kristin West Auction Posters: Rob McDougall
Alex Mohit & Roberta Polk Nichole & Brooks Wolfe Slide Show: Cristina McDougall
Michael & Janelle Nelson Dessert Dash Coordinator: Sarah Huber
Live Auction Display Coordinator: Cristina
McDougall

Thank you to the all who had a part in helping with
the “Celebrating 40 Years” Auction.

www.gigharboracademy.org |  13

CONGRATULATIONS 2017 GHA GRADS

TYLER BUYS ~ HARBOR RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL

I will always remember going to Washington, D.C. and learning about colonial times. I will also
remember all of the teachers I had at GHA.

CHARLOTTE CHRISTIE ~ MASON MIDDLE SCHOOL

One of my favorite memories of GHA is when I did Brick Engineering with Ms. Meyer and
we built a bridge that held two stuffed owls! I will miss all the friends I have made at GHA.

SAMANTHA DUGAN ~ WAINWRIGHT MIDDLE SCHOOL

I will always remember my amazing teachers that helped me learn every step of the way. I will
also miss the friends that I have made over the six years I have been at GHA. One of my favorite
memories is of the trip to Williamsburg and Washington, D.C. It was so much fun to travel with all of
my friends.

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LOLA HAWKINS ~ KOPACHUCK MIDDLE SCHOOL

A lot of my good memories of GHA are with buddies. I especially like helping the
Kindergarten students. I hope I make more good memories at Kopachuck next year.

COURTNEY MYERS ~ KOPACHUCK MIDDLE SCHOOL

My favorite memories are when I was in the Soup Opera in Preschool and with my
Preschool buddies when I was in 4th Grade. I will miss all the teachers at GHA.

NICOLE PEARSON ~ ANNIE WRIGHT SCHOOL

I have a lot of good memories here at GHA. One that I really like is
building the forts at recess. I love all the teachers. I learned so much on
the trip to Williamsburg and Washington, D.C. I also love all the friends
that I have made.

EMMETT SCOTT ~ KOPACHUCK MIDDLE SCHOOL

I will always remember all of the teachers at GHA, especially Mr. Funk. My
favorite memory was when I first got my recorder in 4th Grade. I will also always
remember my friends that I made here at GHA.

www.gigharboracademy.org |  15

ASHLYN SMITH ~ ST. CHARLES BORROMEO

I am going to miss all the great teachers at GHA. One of my favorite
memories is of our trip to Williamsburg. I will miss all my friends from
GHA.

ZOE WETHERBEE ~ ANNIE WRIGHT SCHOOL

My favorite memories of GHA will be of all my friends that I’ve made
over the years and the teachers I’ve had.

SARAH WHITE ~ CHARLES WRIGHT ACADEMY

I will always remember robotics for its fun and challenging atmosphere. I will
especially remember my teammates in 2016/17 when our teamwork and friendship
took us to semi-finals.

SKYLAR WOLFE ~ KOPACHUCK MIDDLE SCHOOL

I will always remember all the great teachers at GHA. I loved “squiggles” with
Mrs. Felton and going to OPI in 4th Grade. I will treasure all the memories I
have of GHA forever.

CALENDAR

DECEMBER Early release at 11:30AM APRIL Spring Break – No school
December 15 Winter Break – No School April 16–20
Dec 18–Jan 2 Childcare Closed Art Show installed at Civic Center
Dec 25-26 MAY Art Show Reception
May 1-31 Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
JANUARY Childcare closed May 1 Fifth Grade Williamsburg / DC Trip
January 1–2 Martin Luther King Day – May 4 Teacher Appreciation Week
January 15 No School May 6-11 Memorial Day –
GHA Open House May 7-11 School and Childcare closed
January 20 May 28
Field Day
FEBRUARY Maritime Gig Festival and Parade
February 19–23 Mid-Winter Break JUNE Last Day of School and Picnic
June 1 Last Day of School for Teachers
MARCH June 2 K-5 report cards emailed home
June 8 Summer Session - Week 1
March 7 End of Trimester 2, report cards June 11
June 12 Summer Session - Week 2
emailed home June 25-29 Summer Session - Week 3

March 8-9 No school - Parent Teacher JULY
July 9-13
Conferences July 16-20

March 19-23 Spring Book Fair

Mar 26–29 4th Grade Islandwood Camp

March 30 No School - Inservice

GIVING TO THE ANNUAL FUND IS AN GHA ANNUAL FUND PLEDGE DRIVE
INVESTMENT IN OUR CHILDREN. OCTOBER 2 – DECEMBER 31, 2017

Collective tuition payments alone do not cover the operating costs
of running the school. Gig Harbor Academy intentionally sets the
tuition below full cost in order to keep the school affordable to a
diverse population of students. Annual Fund donations support
every student at GHA, adding value by covering the extras that
make GHA engaging for your child.

Unlike tuition, Annual Fund donations are tax deductible. The
Annual Fund helps prevent substantial tuition increases for all
families and allows part of your child’s educational costs to be
tax deductible.