The Catlin Gabel Lower School Crier, October 23, 2009
October
26 *No classes, Teacher Planning Day
November
5 Rummage Pre-Sale, 2:45 pm early dismissal,
5- 8 Rummage, Expo Center
12 *No classes, parent Conferences
9-23 Online Auction
24 Grandparent and Special Friend's Day, 12:30-3:00 pm
25-29 Thanksgiving Break
30 Parent Coffee with Vicki, 8:20-9:15 am, LS Library
* After School Care Available
Note: New or changed items will appear in bold.
Notes from Vicki
We just built memories together. Experiences bond people and the stories grow and stretch over time. Our annual Harvest Festival took place in the rain. Okay, in the POURING rain. A few years ago an antlered buck deer came into the Fir Grove and actually stood watching the circle of children for a few seconds before sauntering off. We still remember that year! This year will likely be remembered as “the year when it poured and poured, and we were soaking wet!”
Behind the scenes we considered postponing the Harvest Fest until 2:20 pm in the afternoon; however, the forecast was for continued rain. We considered an inside venue but the Barn was set up for lunch, and a college fair was taking place all afternoon. We thought about using the tennis court but a single flashlight with orange transparent paper on top just did not seem to have the lure of a bonfire, the universal symbol of joy and celebration. There is something magical about being in the Fir Grove for this celebration of the changing of the seasons.
We worried about the kids and parents getting wet. But we do live in Oregon and most of us have coats with hoods. We were concerned about the instruments getting wet; several parents quickly went home and provided us with some extra umbrellas. So we went ahead, like the U.S. Postal Service, rain or shine. The oat cake, that of course controls Mother Nature with absolute certainty, came up with an “O” so we are in for a mild winter. Afterwards the children were treated to oat cookies and came inside to dry out.
Resiliency is our theme in the Lower School this year, right?!
Commit
After 65 years, the Rummage Sale deserves to go out in style. We are counting on everyone to help at the Expo Center. Take a moment to sign up in advance to volunteer so we can be confident about having enough help. (Thanks to the folks who have already signed up to volunteer at the Expo Center.)
Ready to commit?
Click here to volunteer for the Rummage Sale.
Click here to feed hungry Rummage Sale volunteers.
Please contact Lynn Marshall if you are willing to provide leadership at the set-up and sale in Electronics or Jewelry. You can do it!
BAGS! Please bring neatly folded, tightly packed paper grocery bags to the sorting center this week!
Early Dismissal for ALL Lower School Students
Thursday, November 5
Each year the Lower School offers students the opportunity to go to the Rummage Pre-Sale on Catlin Gabel buses accompanied by the LS Faculty. Each child that rides the bus must be met at the Expo Center by a parent no later than 3:30 pm.
Why does Catlin Gabel offer to bring students to the Expo Center?
We do this as a service to our families and to encourage volunteering and attendance at the pre-sale. Many of you volunteer to help on Thursday, so are already at the Expo Center. Attending the Thursday pre-sale gives our parents and staff/faculty a “first shot” at making purchases. The Expo Center does not open to the general public until 5:00 pm that day, so this gives families a chance to look around and buy things before the sale officially begins.
How many students ride on the bus to the Expo Center?
Last year about half of the Lower School signed up to ride on the pre-sale bus to Rummage. This has become an annual tradition!
Where do I meet my child(ren)?
Please meet your child(ren) at Door B on the west side of Hall A of the Expo Center at 3:30 pm. The students will be grouped with a teacher holding a sign with their grade level. Please check in with the teacher so they know you are picking up your child.
How do I sign my child up to ride the Rummage Bus?
There is plenty of time to sign up. Next week an email will be sent to all Lower School parents with the link to sign up.
What if I do not want my child to ride the Rummage Bus?
If you do not sign up to ride the bus we will assume your child will be picked up at 2:45 pm, will attend After School Care at 2:45 pm (available until 6:00 pm) or will be riding the route bus.
Please call Ginny Malm at ext. 666 if you would like your child to go to ASC on this day even if Thursday is a regular day for you. Please also call Ginny at ext. 666 if your child will be riding the route bus on that day even if Thursday is a regular day for you. Thank you!
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Dear Parents,
Catlin Gabel is a community of which we are proud to be a part. It is inspiring to children, parents, teachers, and alumni. Having been involved in different committee positions over the last 2 years for the Gambol, and having seen the good that this event does for the entire Catlin Gabel community, we were honored to be asked to Co-chair this year’s Gambol Auction.
As you may be aware, it has become increasingly more difficult for schools to meet all of their budgetary needs. Although Catlin Gabel is more fortunate than most schools, the Gambol supplies essential funds needed to achieve several goals. First, it helps our incredible teachers by allowing them to further their education goals through professional development, enabling them to keep their curriculum fresh and current for our children. Secondly, the event’s special appeal will go directly to the school’s financial aid program - over 25% of our students receive financial assistance.
This year’s “There’s No Place Like Home” theme is inspired by what is important: family and community. Not only would we love for you to join us for what will be an evening of fun and excitement, but we would be especially grateful if you would participate by donating an item or experience to auction. We are in need of many items to make this year's auction a success and have complied a Wish List to help with ideas. The list is just a sampling of suggestions and any other ideas you have for donations would be welcome. If you would prefer to be an event sponsor or buy an advertisement in the auction catalog, please download the necessary forms .
This year we start an exciting new tradition with a Gambol Online Auction available November 9-23. The online auction format will expand our participation to alumni, family, and friends. The Gambol Party & Live Auction will take place on March 13, 2010 at the Nines hotel. Please join us as we celebrate our children, honor Catlin Gabel's outstanding teachers and make this a successful year for the Gambol to give back to our amazing community.
We are working extremely hard to make the Gambol a success, but we need your help. Please use the donation form to pledge your support today.
Thank You,
Heather Blackburn ’90
Gina Wand
Gambol Co-chairs
At our Community Meeting last Friday we were thrilled to have Helen as a guest speaker, a Maasai woman from Kenya. Helen is the principal of a school she founded in Kenya for elementary age children. She spoke about daily life as a member of the Maasai tribe, talking about clothing, shelter and food. Helen taught the children to count up to 5 in Swahili. Her students made a soccer ball for us out of plastic bags and twine for her to give to us as a gift. You may have heard more about her talk from your child!
After-School Care News
Lower School after-school activities meeting during the coming week include:
• Tuesday Japanese Before-School classes for LS students in Grades 2, 3 or 4. Students will meet in the LS Library by 7:30 am and walk to the LS Japanese Room as a group. There are still a few spots in this group available. Contact Ginny Malm to inquire.
• Tuesday Homework Club after school for 4th and 5th graders whose parents have made advance arrangements with Sue Sacks, LS Learning Specialist. Students report to the Barn for snack before 3:30 pm.
• Wednesday afternoon Individual Strings Lessons
• Thursday afternoon Tae Kwon Do for students in Grades 1, 2, and 3. Students come to the Barn after classes. Pick-up is at the Beginning School at 4:30 pm.
• Friday Chess for Learners -Students come to the Barn after classes. Pick-up there at 4:45 pm.
Monday Chess Club will not meet this week as there is no school.
The ASC All-Day program on Monday, October 26 has filled.
Also After School this week: The Girl Scouts will not meet.
RUMMAGE PRE-SALE November 5 - Yes, there will be ASC during the Rummage Pre-Sale on Thursday, November 5. Be sure to let us know if you plan to use it, even if your child is a regular “Thursday person.” Leave a message at 503.297.1894 ext. 666 (recording) or ext. 353 (Ginny’s extension) or email her. We will have a small group doing homework and other quiet activities.