2020 Gig Harbor Academy Bridge Magazine

THE BRIDGE

Gig Harbor Academy Magazine & Annual Report
DECEMBER 2020

THE BRIDGE
Gig Harbor Academy Magazine
&
Annual Report

The Bridge: December 2020 ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Susan Lomow, Director of Admissions & Marketing
HEAD OF SCHOOL Tina Myers, Business Manager
Dominic Kehoe Marcie Foster, Office Manager & Development Coordinator

FACULTY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Diana Nold, Preschool Homer Smith, President
Brittney Shirey, Preschool Assistant Alissa Rooks, Vice President
Nancy Fullarton Part-Time Preschool Assistant Matt Parman, Treasurer
Brittany Hess, Kindergarten Prep Charlie Hatley, Secretary
Emma Felt, Kindergarten Prep Assistant Adam Small, Member
Ashley Thielman, Kindergarten Prep Ryan Walters, Member
Kristen Sutich, Kindergarten Jennifer Veal, Member and Annual Fund Chair
Megan Snow, First Grade
Courtney Scheel, Second Grade BRIDGE CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS
Kacie Ryan, Third Grade Marcie Foster
Lindsey von Dohlen, Fourth Grade Dominic Kehoe
Julie Meyer, Fifth Grade Susan Lomow
Kari Chavez-Cox, Physical Education Tina Myers
Xinia Agee, Spanish Homer Smith
Geoffrey Klok, Technology
Ana Steel, Art
Lynn Swanson, Music & Library
Aubrey Preston, Music
Rebecca Lovett, Director of Childcare
Ivonne Silla, Childcare Staff
Rikki Smith, Childcare Staff
Shannon Meyer, Childcare Staff

©2020, 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 5
MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL 6
GHA@HOME 7
ANNUAL REPORT 8
2019-20 GHA NOW! ANNUAL FUND GIVING REPORT 10
GHA ONLINE “ASPIRE“ AUCTION 11
MEET THE CLASS OF 2020 12
A TRIBUTE TO MR. FUNK AND MISS NANCY
DATES TO REMEMBER / UPCOMING EVENTS

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR LATEST NEWS www.gigharboracademy.org

4  | www.gigharboracademy.org

LETTER FROM THE BOARD CHAIR

When I wrote this letter last year, I the team at GHA did an amazing job of Creativity and Community – to come
could not have imagined how different providing the best learning environment together to support our faculty and
everything would be, both at the school that was possible and there were a lot of administration to the work they are doing
and in the community. I opened my note learnings that were taken into this year to in this challenging environment. We also
last year describing the experience of provide a roadmap for how to create a need to support our children and each
driving onto the campus of Gig Harbor successful virtual learning environment. other and focus on our common goals
Academy, this little school in the woods, and the mission of GHA to positively
and how much we appreciated that Last year was also a year of change with impact the world.
feeling and environment. When we sat in the hiring of our new Head of School,
the Executive Committee meeting in early Dominic Kehoe. As the Chair of the HOS On behalf of the entire Board of Trustees,
March and had to make the call to shut Search Committee, we talked with many we appreciate the care and support that
the school down, just before Governor outstanding candidates from around the all members of the GHA community have
Inslee mandated it for all schools, I country. It quickly became clear within provided this year and I am excited to
worried most about losing that energy the Committee, and then to the Board of see the future of GHA being even brighter
and vibe that you get when you are on Trustees and faculty, that Dominic was the because of the way we have come
campus. best choice to take GHA to the next level. together!

In spite of the challenges that faced While most of Dominic’s first year has Homer Smith,
the faculty and administration, I believe been spent dealing with COVID and how
to provide the best learning environment Gig Harbor Academy Board Chair
for our students and make it as safe as
possible, he has also done important
work with the Board on Governance
as well as ideas on how to bring more
transparency to the communication with
the community.

I believe more than ever that we need to
focus on the core values of the school–
Integrity, Critical Thinking, Empathy,

www.gigharboracademy.org |  5

GIG HARBOR ACADEMY IN 2020

What a year to start my new position the school year that served the students the students get older they can look
here at Gig Harbor Academy! I have in the best possible way given the back at 2020 and say, yes it was a
gotten that comment a lot recently. restrictions. crazy year, but the adults in their life, at
Nobody could have predicted what home and at school did everything they
2020 would bring, but I am glad to be in In the summer, when I came on, we had could to keep them safe in every sense
this role, in this community helping lead to make some hard decisions about if of the word, physically, emotionally and
us through it. we would re-open in person, how we socially.
would re-open, and what it would look
Back in March when the severity of the like. In retrospect, knowing all the ups Keeping children sheltered can often
implications of this year was unfolding, and downs that we have gone through, I evoke negative connotations. But this
our previous Head of School, Cristina feel like all the decisions we made at the year, in 2020, I feel that stability and
McDougall and the GHA Board made time were justified and have led us to security is a huge gift we can offer our
the brave decision to transition our have a successful re-opening this Fall. children. Let’s works together to keep
students to distanced learning, even our children sheltered and safe this year,
before it was mandated by the State. As I write this in November 2020, we so that they can grow, flourish and reach
The teachers then quickly pivoted have delivered in-person learning to their potential in 2021 and beyond.
and delivered an exceptional distance our kindergarten - fifth grade students Thank you, families, for your partnership
learning program for the remainder of for eight of the 10 weeks of school. this year, and thank you in advance for
We have created a safe and enriching your continued support as we move
Early Childhood program with smaller beyond this year. Bring on 2021!
cohorts, and we currently have our
highest elementary enrollment in recent Dominic Kehoe,
years despite capping our class size to
comply with social distance guidelines. Gig Harbor Academy Head of School

This year, I will measure the year as a
success based on how we served the
students at the school. I hope that as

GHA@HOME

Community, it is one of the cornerstones of the success of any private school, so when we were forced to
close our doors in March of 2020, GHA’s community was at risk. That’s when GHA@HOME was conceived
as a way to get together as a school online and socialize, have a laugh, and learn together along the way.

GHA@HOME continues in the 2020-21 school year providing entertainment to the community on any
Wednesday that we are distance learning. A big GHA THANK YOU! to the following people who have
participated and shared their talents in 2020.

Harbor Wild Watch
Author Karen Kennedy Floyd
Magician David Mills
Ventriloquist Justin Ver Burg
Author Chuck Bergman
Fire Station 51 Gig Harbor
“All Things Pumpkin” Miss Marcie and Miss Rebecca
The Reptile Man
Scientists Mr Kehoe and Mrs Ryan
“Winter Spectacular” with Miss Brittney and Miss Marcie
Phillip and Henry Amazing Magicians
Izzy’s Koala World

6  | www.gigharboracademy.org

2019-20 ANNUAL REPORT: FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

7  | www.gigharboracademy.org www.gigharboracademy.org |  7

ANNUAL FUND GIVING REPORT

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 $46,795 to the 2019-2020 Annual Fund.

SCHOLAR: $5,000+ MENTOR: $250-$499 Christopher & Jennifer Veal*
Joelene Werden*^
Bret & Mary van den Heuvel Dale Cox & Kari Chavez-Cox Bob & Mary Wotherspoon (in honor of Paul
Charlie & Theresa Walters Edward & Jennifer Lee Hoover)
Patrick & Katharine Maher Anonymous
MATHEMATICIAN: $1,000–$4,999 Chris & Alissa Rooks
Matt Bauer & Sarah Leatherwood MATCHING GIFTS
Erik White & Elizabeth Gray*^ Scott & Kristin Vukcevic
Dustin Langley & Robynn Burk Duane & Traci Winder Alaska Airlines
Stephanie Schreiner Sagle* Microsoft
TUTOR: $1–$249 United Health Care
ARTIST: $1,000–$4,999
Dennis & Sandy Beachler * Indicates 5+ years of giving
Jeff & Carol Funk * Tim Christie & Maria Sampen*^ ^Indicates Alumni Family
Charlie & Kristina Hatley*^ Scott Diener & Susan Lomow*
Chad Stevens & Heather Knudsen Mark & Starla Esber
Rob & Cristina McDougall*^ Jeff & Emily Fortner
David & Brittany Millard-Hasting Nicole & Carter Gilmore
Adam & Tina Olsson* Dennis & Jennifer Glasier
Amy Parman Brittany Hess
Matt Parman Eddie & Michelle Izumizaki
Eric & Nadine Roberge* Carol Jinks & Staci Mayes
Ahmad & Jennifer Slim Kristopher & Alaina Kitz
Homer & Val Smith Mike & Kelly Kluge
Ryan & Ellie Walters Adam & Ping Means
Ash & Kassy Monif
READER: $500–$999 Brian & Danielle Price
Mick & Katie Pusztai
Brad & Jennifer Beachler Rebecca Lovett
Mark & Christina Burker Diana Nold
John & Meagan Dover*^ Martin Stohs
Michael Nelson & Janelle Kiel Nelson Douglas & Jill Schaumburg
Jared & Marlee McGilliard Aurora Sosa, Richard Olszewski & Sheri
Adam & Dani Small Gierzen-Olszewski
Tyler & Megan Snow Ana Steel*
Donald & Michelle Veal Kristen Sutich
Jeffrey & Kathryn Wilson*
Brooks & Nichole Wolfe*^

8  | www.gigharboracademy.org

2020 “ASPIRE” ANNUAL AUCTION

Thank you to the all families, friends, teachers, staff, and business partners who donated to
the Aspire Online Auction. You donations allowed us to raise $35,657.

A & R Workshop Lisa Hystek Photography Slide Waters
Batch Creamery Massage Envy
Boathouse 19 McMenamins Pubs and Breweries Soap & Clay
Andrea & Andrew Brereton Menchies
Burk Mechanical LLC Millville Pizza Co. Studio Six: The Salon and Spa
Cakes by Carol Orange Theory Fitness
Dolly Mama Ostner Family Sugaring NYC
Eagle Tire & Automotive Cakes by Eun Park
Federal Way Laser Surgeons Pho Ever & Wok Sun Cleaners
Gameplex by Game Truck Puerto Vallarta Gig Harbor
Michael & Ellie Greller Purpose Boutique Jess Tart
Hops N Drops Mick & Katie Pusztai Thai Hut
Ice Cream Social Chris & Alissa Rooks The Beach Basket Gift Shops
Kitsap Credit Union Kacie Ryan The Office Bar & Grill
Lakeshore Emily Sabbagh Trader Joes
Edward & Jennifer Lee Seattle Seahawks Trust Olympus Pest Control
Unexpected Productions
Vance Creek Railriders
Michelle Veal
Kathryn Wilson
Winco Foods
Brooks & Nichole Wolfe

Thank you for raising your virtual paddles in support www.gigharboracademy.org |  9
of Gig Harbor Academy. Through your generosity we
raised $8,280 in support of our school. THANK YOU!

A BIG GHA THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING
INDIVIDUALS WHO HELPED WITH THIS
YEAR’S ASPIRE GHA ANNUAL ACTION

We greatly appreciated your help and support
during this event.
Auction Chair: Marcie Foster
Auction Support Team: Cristina McDougall, Tina
Myers
Procurement: Kari Chavez-Cox, Marcie Foster,
Jennifer and Edward Lee, Susan Lomow, Tina
Myers, Cristina McDougall, Brittney Shirey, Ivonne
Silla, Rikki Smith, Ellie Walters

Mike Berger Stephanie Schreiner Sagle
Mark and Starla Esber Aurora Sosa, Richard Olszewski,
Jeff & Carol Funk & Sheri Gierzen-Olszewski
Carol Jinks & Staci Mayes Homer & Val Smith
Rob & Cristina McDougall Aaron & Ashley Thielman
Tina Myers Erik White & Elizabeth Gray
Michael & Janelle Kiel Nelson Jeffrey & Kat Wilson
Amy Parman Brooks & Nichole Wolfe
Nick & Katie Pusztai
Chris & Alissa Rooks

10  | www.gigharboracademy.org

CONGRATULATIONS TO GHA’S CLASS OF 2020!

Meet our graduates. These students embodied Gig Harbor Academy’s core values and graduated
exemplifying all of the student qualities that we believe are important attributes on becoming
a successful middle-schooler: courageous, empathetic, curious, creative, integrity, resilient
and reflective. On behalf of Gig Harbor Academy, congratulations! We couldn’t be prouder!

KADEN HATLEY CLAIRE SLIM
GOODMAN MIDDLE SCHOOL ST. CHARLES BORROMEO

AUGUST SCHAUMBURG
WASHINGTON VIRTUAL ACADEMY

SONNY SAGEL MICHAEL WERDEN
CHARLES WRIGHT ACADEMY CHARLES WRIGHT ACADEMY

CAMDEN SWANSON
KOPACHUCK MIDDLE SCHOOL

JASON WHITE SAGE WILLIS
CHARLES WRIGHT ACADEMY KOPACHUCK MIDDLE SCHOOL

www.gigharboracademy.org |  11

HONORING TWO BELOVED TEACHERS

Gig Harbor Academy honors two beloved teachers as they retire after 44 years of combined dedication.
Jeff Funk: Fifth Grade Teacher

Mr Funk was invited to join the Gig Harbor Academy team in 2005 to fill the position of 5th Grade teacher.
Jeff brought with him his hands-on teaching approach and a work ethic like no other. Jeff’s impact on
GHA is evident in nearly every program and initiative. There isn’t a task Jeff wasn’t willing to tackle (except
teach Preschool!), and the school is forever grateful for his many contributions of time and effort over the
years. From leading Robotics and Cross Country teams to cleaning gutters and spreading salt on icy
mornings, Jeff’s willingness to help a student or colleague, and his unwavering commitment, has left an
indelible mark on the GHA community.

Nancy Manglona: Kindergarten Prep Assistant

Nancy Manglona joined Gig Harbor Academy in 1991, then named Our School, and worked in the
Childcare satellite program located at Voyager Elementary. Eventually moving to the Gig Harbor Academy
campus, Nancy worked alongside Childcare Director, Rose Brown, for many years. In recent years, Nancy
teamed up with Carolyn Von Zimmerman in the Kindergarten Prep classroom, where her contributions have
been invaluable. Nancy’s loyalty and dedication has been an inspiration to us all.

CALENDAR Early Dismissal - 11:30 AM APRIL Spring Break – No School
Winter Break – No School April 12–16 Global Hispanic Fiesta
DECEMBER Childcare Closed April 30
December 18 Childcare Closed Art Show Installed at Civic Center
Dec 21–Jan 1 MAY Teacher Appreciate Week
Dec 24-25 Childcare Closed May 1-31 5th Grade Williamsburg Trip
Dec 31- Jan 1 School Resumes May 3-7 Art Show Reception
MLK Jr. Day – No School May 9-14 4th Grade to IslandWood
JANUARY May 12 Memorial Day – No School/Childcare
January 1 May 17-20
January 4 May 31 GHA Field Day
January 18 Maritime Gig Festival and Parade
JUNE Last Day of School & Picnic - 11:30 AM
FEBRUARY Educational Day at GHA June 9 Teachers Last Day at School/No Childcare
President’s Day - Childcare Closed June 5 Childcare Opens for the Summer
February 3 Mid-Winter Break June 15 Summer Session - Week 1
February 15 June 16
February 15–19 June 17 Childcare Closed - Independence Day
June 28-July 2 Summer Session - Week 2
MARCH Summer Session - Week 3
JULY
March 8 No School/No Childcare - In-Service Day July 5
July 12-16
March 17 End of Trimester 2 July 19-23

March 18 Trimester 3 Begins

March 15-20 GHA Annual Aspire Online Auction

March 25-26 No School - Parent/Teacher Conferences

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