GHA 2021 Winter Bridge/Annual Report

THE BRIDGE

Gig Harbor Academy
Magazine & Annual Report

WINTER 2021

THE BRIDGE

Gig Harbor Academy Magazine
& Annual Report

The Bridge: January 2022 ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Susan Lomow, Director of Admissions & Marketing
HEAD OF SCHOOL Stephanie Redden, Business Manager
Dominic Kehoe Marcie Foster, Office Manager & Development
Coordinator
FACULTY Doug Culbert, Maintenance Support
Diana Nold, Preschool Lead Teacher & Early Aidan McDougall, Technical Support
Childhood Curriculum Coordinator
Brittney Shirey, Preschool Assistant BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Nancy Fullarton Preschool Assistant Jennifer Veal, President and Annual Fund Chair
Kathie Morman, Kindergarten Prep Lead Teacher Alissa Rooks, Vice President
Katie Pusztai, Kindergarten Prep Assistant Charlie Hatley, Secretary
Ashley Thielman, Kindergarten Prep Lead Teacher Adam Small, Treasurer
Rikki Smith, Kindergarten Prep Assistant Homer Smith, Director and Past President
Kristen Sutich, Kindergarten Matt Parman, Director
Shannon Meyer, Kindergarten Assistant Ryan Walters, Director
Megan Snow, First Grade Ivan Gorne, Director
Courtney Scheel, Second Grade
Kacie Ryan, Third Grade GRAPHIC DESIGN:
Aubrey Preston, Fourth Grade Susan Lomow
Julie Meyer, Fifth Grade
Kari Chavez-Cox, Physical Education Specialist CONTRIBUTORS:
Xinia Agee, Spanish Specialist
Geoffrey Klok, Technology Specialist Marcie Foster
Ana Steel, Art Specialist Dominic Kehoe
Simon Petersson, Music Specialist Susan Lomow
Matt Weiner, Learning and Library Specialist Julie Meyer
Brittany Hess, Director of Childcare Stephanie Redden
Naia Kennedy, Childcare Staff Jennifer Veal
Nora Wade, Childcare Staff
Tracy Swearingen, Childcare Staff
Carlie Foster, Childcare Staff

©2021, Gig Harbor Academy. The Bridge is the Gig Harbor Academy official school magazine
Gig Harbor Academy, 6820 32nd Street NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Phone: 253.265.2150 | www.gigharboracademy.org

TABLE OF CONTENTS 4
5
MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIR 6
MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL 7
ANNUAL REPORT 8
2020-21 ANNUAL FUND GIVING REPORT 10
GHA ONLINE “ASPIRE“ AUCTION 12
MEET THE CLASS OF 2021
DATES TO REMEMBER / UPCOMING EVENTS

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR LATEST NEWS www.gigharboracademy.org

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LETTER FROM THE BOARD CHAIR

To Our School Community: remarkable resilience. Following the incredible educational experience
challenges of the past two years, our students expect and deserve.
Summer green has given way to I am reminded of what makes Gig
Autumn’s reds and golds. The Harbor Academy so special: our Never satisfied with the status quo,
excitement of the early days of commitment to community, to find Gig Harbor Academy continues its
school has transitioned to the and share joy with those around us, efforts towards accreditation with
comforts of routine, the deepening and to come together to cultivate NWAIS, the premier organization
of friendships, and the steady a love of learning in the next of private schools in the Northwest
growth which accompanies the daily generation of leaders. Not only region. Encompassing some of
partnership between students and has our little school in the woods our areas most respected schools,
educators. As I reflect upon the last survived, it has thrived. Gig Harbor Academy hopes to
year and Gig Harbor Academy’s become the first private school in
core values, I am tempted to add We are thrilled to report higher Gig Harbor to earn this distinguished
a new one to the distinguished list: enrollment than we have seen in accreditation. Such an accolade
resilience. the last 15 years. To all our new would be the result of years of hard-
families, welcome! We hope you work and dedication by faculty and
In the past year, our school find Gig Harbor Academy an inviting staff, and would truly be something
community has demonstrated and nurturing place for your children to celebrate.
and family.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees,
Not only are we excited to see many we appreciate your continued
new and returning faces on campus, commitment to Gig Harbor Academy.
but we are also extremely proud of It is because of your support and
our school’s solid financial footing. A dedication that I believe the best is
healthy budget will ensure our ability yet to come for GHA. I look forward
to attract and retain exceptional to watching GHA continue to soar to
teachers, offer exciting enrichment new heights. Go Eagles!
opportunities, and deliver the
Jen Veal,

Gig Harbor Academy Board Chair

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MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Now that we are at the tail end of the playground and expanding our This is the highest level of
2021, I can look back on the last 18 pavilion space, to more professional accreditation for our region that all
months, my first year in this position, development for our teachers, and the top schools in the Northwest hold.
and reflect on where we have come expanded learning support for our Through accreditation we will be held
from to where we are now. When I Kindergarten – Fifth Grade students. to a higher level of accountability,
wrote this note last year, we were in We are also in a great position now we will be assessed on how well
the midst of school closures, small to look toward the future to determine we are fulfilling our mission, and will
pod grouping, and restrictive Covid what other improvements we can be guided on our path for further
measures. The school weathered make that will help sustain and grow growth. Five years on from making
this period and is now emerging our school in the future. that decision we will finally be hosting
as stronger than ever. Throughout our visiting team in the Spring of
the last year and a half, we have This year also marks our 45th 2022. This will be a moment for
seen steady enrollment growth at all Anniversary since our founding in celebration for our school, and will
levels, and increasing demand from 1976. For much of our history we have mark a milestone in our growth
the community. This has allowed us existed on this campus as a small, and development. I am proud to be
to invest more in our school, from mainly Early Childhood school. In the leading GHA into this next step in our
an improved outdoor environment last 20 years we have grown our K-5 development, and I am so grateful
adding musical manipulatives in program to the point where we are for the support of all of you in the
now a highly regarded elementary community who have helped us get to
school in our region. We have this point. Here is to another year of
maintained our fully approved private Empowering Joyful Discovery!
school status from the Washington
State Board of Education, and in Dominic Kehoe,
the 2016-17 school year the GHA
School Board voted to pursue full Gig Harbor Academy Head of School
accreditation with the Northwest
Association of Independent Schools
(NWAIS).

GHA’S MISSION AND VISION

MISSION:

We empower young minds through joyful discovery, create a passion for critical thinking, and unlock the potential in
every student.

VISION:

At Gig Harbor Academy we send independent thinkers into society with the goal of positively impacting lives. We do
this through our student-centered, inclusive community, and exploration afforded by our natural setting. By embracing
the individual learning styles and passions of our students, we tailor our approach, engage each child in a uniquely
meaningful way, and cultivate their joy of discovering the world around them.

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2020-21 ANNUAL REPORT: FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

2020-2021 OPERATING REVENUE 2020–2021 OPERATING EXPENSES

Tuition & Fees $1,420,473 Payroll Related (incl. Childcare) $1,354,509
Maintenance & Building Operations $128,114
Childcare and Fees $202,881

Fundraising $104,244 Financial Assistance/Remission $97,717

After School Enrichment & $42,529 Administrative Expenses $68,515
Summer School Program
Debt Service $22,414
TOTAL OPERATING REVENUE $1,770,127 After School Enrichment & $21,105
Summer Program $45,369
Instructional Materials and Programs

Revenues After School Development Expenses (Annual $6,887
Enrichment & Fund/Auction)
Fundraising, 6% Summer School
Program, 2% TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES $1,744,526

Childcare and Fees,
11%

Programs & Expenses After School Enrichment &
Materials, 3% Summer Program, 1%
Debt Service, 1%
Administrative Expenses, 4%

Financial
Assistance/Remission, 6%

Tuition & Fees,
80%

Maintenance &
Building Operations,

7%

Payroll Related (incl.
Childcare), 78%

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ANNUAL FUND GIVING REPORT FUNDS RAISED $40,000
$35,000
The GHA NOW! Annual Fund Campaign provides the entire community, parents,
alumni, and friends with an opportunity to participate in giving back to the school we $30,000
all love. Gifts to the Annual Fund supplement the funds not covered by tuition. Over $25,000
160 students, faculty and staff benefit each year from the Annual Fund. Annual Fund $20,000
contributions impact each child’s educational experience at Gig Harbor Academy during $15,000
the year of the contribution! Donations help fund additional educational resources, library 0$10,000
needs, facility upgrades, professional development, playground enhancements, and much
more. Last year we were able to offer a more comprehensive educational program including $5,000
updated technology, expanded learning support, appropriate learning materials, enhanced
outdoor environment, and professional development support for faculty and staff. Annual
Fund revenue supports the people and programs that make GHA the exceptional school it is.

Thank you for your support. We received tremendous participation from our GHA
families and the community at large. Gig Harbor Academy gratefully acknowledges
the following donors who made gifts totaling $47,374 to the 2020-2021 Annual Fund.

SCHOLAR: $5,000+ MENTOR: $250-$499 Ross Heasty & Kimberly Stanfield
Edward & Jennifer Lee Ana Steel*
Stephanie Schreiner Sagle* Patrick & Katharine Maher Kristen Sutich*
Charlie & Theresa Walters Chris & Alissa Rooks Eric & Lynn Swanson*^
Matt Bauer & Sarah Leatherwood Jeffrey & Kathryn Wilson*^
MATHEMATICIAN: $2,500–$4,999 Scott & Kristin Vukcevic Brooks & Nichole Wolfe*^
Duane & Traci Winder Bob & Mary Wotherspoon (in honor of Paul
David & Brittany Millard-Hasting Hoover)*^
TUTOR: $1–$249
ARTIST: $1,000–$2,499 MATCHING GIFTS
Stacie Conkle Stephen & Xinia Agee* Alaska Airlines
John & Meagan Dover*^ Casey & Annie Arbenz Costco Wholesale
Charlie & Kristina Hatley*^ Violet Beachler Microsoft
Andrew Hofeling & Laura Edwards Mark & Christina Burker
Dominic & Katie Kehoe Kent & Layne Cashman * Indicates 5+ years of giving
Suzanne Meyer Tim Christie & Maria Sampen*^ ^Indicates Alumni Family
Michael Nelson & Janell Kiel Nelson Dale Cox & Kari Chavez-Cox
Benjamin Norbe & Rose Stanek-Norbe Matthew & Aleah DiCrescentis
Matt Parman Scott Diener & Susan Lomow*
Jon & Tatyana Russell Ryan & Laurie Flynn
Byren Salas & Christina Sweeney Matt & Marcie Foster
Robert & Jodi Saunders Carter & Nicole Gilmore
Bret & Mary van den Heuvel Robert Gregory; In honor of Mav Bennett
Christopher & Jennifer Veal Ben Guthrie
Donald & Michelle Veal Brittany Hess
Ryan & Ellie Walters Matt & Angie Keefe
Barbara Kegel
READER: $500–$999 Patrick & Katharine Maher
Bradley & Jennifer Beachler Orestes & Loren Molina
Tom & Kym Bowen Richard Sheri Olszewski, Gierzen-
Scott Davarn & Lisa Skinner Olszewski & Aurora Sosa
James & Angela Hearn Alex Mohit & Roberta Polk*^
Zachary & Amy Lester Joe & Meredith Rivas
Jared & Marlee McGilliard Timm & Kacie Ryan
Josh & Debbie Parnell Brian Papenfuss & Courtney Scheel
Ahmad & Jennifer Slim Tyler & Stephanie Sleeman
Adam & Dani Small Tyler & Megan Snow
Erik White & Elizabeth Gray*^ Cassandra Sparks

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2021 “ASPIRE” ONLINE ANNUAL AUCTION

Thank you to all of the families, friends, teachers, staff, and business partners who donated
to the Aspire Online Auction. Your donations allowed us to raise $35,625 to be used in the
2020/21 school year.

AGA Northwest Gymnastics, Nicole Elves Harbor History Museum Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
The Narrows Law Group, Annie Arbenz Hands on Children’s Museum Ronald D. Johanboeke
Anthony’s at Gig Harbor Harbor Greens Roze-El Stables
April O’Donnell HI-Tech Cleaners Ryan & Ellie Walters
Ashley Thielman Kacie Ryan Scrubbles
Aubrey Preston Kari Chavez-Cox Seattle Children’s Theater
Barnaby & Karen Beck, Brittany Hess Kathryn Wilson Shirts Northwest
Basil & Brie Kitsap Credit Union Stafford Potraits
Benjamin & Rose Norbe Kolt & Jamie Putnam Susan Lomow
Bright Ide Acres Farm Kristen Sutich Susanne’s Bakery & Deli
Brittany Hess Laurie Flynn Tacoma Little Theatre
Cakes by Carol Lindsey von Dohlen Tickled Pink
Classy Chassis Lisa Hystek Photography Timm & Kacie Ryan
Courtney Scheel Local Boys Tina Myers
Diana Nold & Brittney Shirey Macrina Bakery Tower Greens Miniture Golf
Dominic Kehoe Marcie Foster Vance Creek Railriders
Don Veal Megan Snow Wendy Scheel
Edgeworks Michele Henery Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop
For the Love of Spice Mick Pusztai Wiley’s Ski Shop
Fox Island Trading Co. Milkvue Handcrafted Donuts Xinia Agee
Geoffrey Klok OSMI YMCA
GHA Board of Directors Papa John’s Pizza Yoked Farmhouse
Great Harvest Bread Co., Wendy Scheel Peninsula Topsoil & Landscape Supplies

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THANK YOU! Thank you for raising your virtual paddles in support of Gig
Harbor Academy. Through your generosity we raised $20,435 in
GIG HARBOR ACADEMY WOULD LIKE support of our school.

TO EXTEND SPECIAL THANKS TO THE Sandra & Dennis Beachler Coby & Stephanie Sagle
Kym & Tom Bowen Robert & Jodi Saunders
FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS WHO HELPED Mark & Christina Burker Courtney Scheel
Ryan & Laurie Flynn Robert Sheahan
WITH THIS YEAR’S ASPIRE ANNUAL ACTION Carter & Nicole Gilmore Tyler & Stephanie Sleeman
Charlie & Kristina Hatley Adam & Dani Small
Marcie Foster: Auction Chair David & Yoshie Hughes Benjamin & Rose Stanek-Norbe
Jen Veal and Marcie Foster: Live Auction Hosts Zachary & Amy Lester Eric & Lynn Swanson
Ellie Walters: Procurement & Set up Aidan McDougall Nick & Carrie Tennison
Laurie Flynn: Procurement & Set up Jared & Marlee McGilliard Bret & Mary van den Heuvel
Jennifer Beachler: Procurement & Set up David & Brittany Millard-Hasting Christopher & Jennifer Veal
Susan Lomow: Live Auction Technical Support Michael & Janell Nelson Scott & Kristin Vukcevic
Diana Nold: Live Auction Technical Support Richard Olszewki, Sheri Gierzen- Ryan & Ellie Walters
Tina Myers:Live Auction Set up and Support Olszewski, & Aurora Sosa Charlie & Theresa Walters
Aidan McDougall: Live Auction Technical Support Amy Parman Jeffrey & Kathryn Wilson
Doug Culbert: Live Auction Set Support Robert Pfenning
Kat Wilson: Aspire Auction Pre-Event Brian & Danielle Price
Timm & Kacie Ryan

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CONGRATULATIONS TO GHA’S CLASS OF 2021!

GUINEVERE HEASTY HENRY SAGLE

ANNIE WRIGHT SCHOOLS CHARLES WRIGHT ACADEMY

One of my favorite memories of GHA was the My favorite time at GHA was when we were

DC trip because I learned things I never knew. I CURTISS WOLFE going to the pond in the forest with Mrs. Newby
also had a lot of fun on the trip as a whole. and we saw a turtle. The staff has always helped
CHARLES WRIGHT ACADEMY
me have fun and enjoy my time here.

Some of my favorite things about GHA include

playing in the woods, making forts, going to

Washington, D.C., and all of the teachers.

LIAM SLIM DEREK WILSON
ST. CHARLES BORROMEO CHARLES WRIGHT ACADEMY

I will always remember the camping trip. I loved I will always remember the friends I’ve made, the
to listen to the birds and learn about them. I also Williamsburg trip, and the fun staff. I will always

enjoyed exploring with my friends who helped remember the things we did.
me have fun and enjoy my time here.

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WE’RE NOT CRYING...

These excerpts were taken from Fifth Grade teacher, Ms. Meyer’s graduation speech:

Guinevere, you are a confident, fearless, and independent young woman. You know exactly who
you are, what you want to achieve, and are never afraid to stay true to yourself in any situation.
As you move on to Annie Wright School, these strengths will help guide you in the coming years
as you begin life as a middle schooler.

Henry, never lose your positive outlook on life. Your laughter, positivity, and joyful approach to
interacting with the world and people around you will take you far. As you begin sixth grade at
Charles Wright Academy, I know that you will forge many new friendships and life-long memories.

Liam, watching you grow and mature over the last few years leaves no doubt in my mind that
you can succeed in anything you set your mind on. Over this past year I have watched you
conquer fears with grit and determination, and I have seen you tackle challenges with a belief in
yourself and your abilities. As you transition to St. Charles, remember to lean on these strengths
to help you and know that there is no obstacle that you cannot conquer when you set your mind
to it.

Derek, your curiosity, energy, and enthusiasm for life are contagious. You have a thirst for
knowledge and learning new things; a desire to understand the world around you and how it all
fits together. As you start middle school at Charles Wright Academy, remember to never lose that
wonder and to keep asking questions.

Curtiss, you have a way of observing the world with a quiet focus and deep insight. I have
watched as you used this ability to guide you in the decisions you made and your interactions
with those around you. While attending Charles Wright Academy next year, it will be this calm
steadfastness that will show your peers the leader you are.

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

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CALENDAR

JANUARY School and Childcare Resume MAY Teacher Appreciation Week
January 3 MLK Jr. Day – No School or Childcare May 2-6 5th Grade Williamsburg Trip
May 8-13 Art Show Reception
January 17 May 12 4th Grade goes to IslandWood
May 17-20 Memorial Day – No School/Childcare
FEBRUARY Educational Event: Science Fair May 30
February 2 In-Service: No School/No Childcare GHA Field Day
February 7 President’s Day: Childcare Closed JUNE Maritime Gig Festival and Parade
February 21 Mid-Winter Break June 3 Last Day of School
February 21–25 June 4 End of Year Picnic: 11:30 AM Dismissal
June 10 Teacher’s Last Day at School/
MARCH June 10 No Childcare
June 13 Childcare Opens for the Summer
March 10-11 No School: Parent/Teacher Summer Session - Week 1
June 16
Conferences June 27-July 1 Childcare Closed - Independence Day
Summer Session - Week 2
March 11 End of Trimester 2 JULY Summer Session - Week 3
July 4
March 19 GHA Annual Aspire Auction July 11-15
July 18-22
March 27-30 NWAIS Accreditation Visit

APRIL Spring Break – No School
April 11–15

THE IMPACT OF YOUR

GIFT IS IMMEDIATE

Gig Harbor Academy relies on the generosity of the school’s
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 school’s operating
costs.

This school year, your gift to the Annual Fund is more
important than ever. With the added costs incurred in
keeping our school open during the Covid-19 pandemic, Gig
Harbor Academy has found its budget stretched in new and
unexpected ways.

Whether large or small, every gift makes a difference to our
students, faculty, administratve staff and school programs.
Please show your support by donating online.

www.gigharboracademy.org/annual.html