When it comes to learning, every single school day counts. Research shows that attendance plays an important role in academic success, which affects success in life. Simply put, students must attend school in order to benefit from it.

Just two missed days of school every month, for any reason, can cause a child to suffer academically and decrease the chances that he or she will graduate. Absences add up—and subtract from learning.

If you need to report an absence or tardy

• Call or leave a message at 360-313-3422.
• Email gaiserattendance@vansd.org
• Send a written note to the attendance office.

SIGNED PERMISSION SLIPS ARE REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE

• Student ID card needed for entrance into sporting events

• Visiting student spectators at away games may attend with a parent (sibling of a player there to watch with their family)

• No food or drink in the gym

• Positive cheers for all athletes are allowed

• Stay in the bleachers

• No re-entry after exiting

• Students must leave campus after school before the game starts

*Students MUST attend with a parent or guardian*

Gold, Purple, and Silver OrchestraS

By Ann Medellin

Congratulations to Alan Diaz 8th Grade String Bass Player, Ellan Mondy 8th Grade Violinist, Rae-Ann Berg 8th Grade Violinist, Lily Cole 8th Grade Violist, and Jesse Meyer 7th Grade Bassist for auditioning for the 2024 Washington Junior All-State Orchestra. The music materials are not easy and in multiple key signatures, time signatures, and styles. Really proud of them. They will find out if they were nominated to the state level at the beginning of November.

Students in the Purple and Silver Orchestra Classes are beginning their full journey on their instrument. They are using the bow and also turning in practice minutes. Students, by now, should have ALL their equipment for class.

The Gold Orchestra is gearing up for their first school assembly of the year. The Veteran’s Assembly is shared with the choir and band and is planned for Thursday, November 9th. We are learning some patriotic pieces that not only support this special event, but acknowledge the music learning standards that are necessary for higher level string playing. Go Gold!

Upcoming Dates

· 11/9 Veteran’s Assembly at Gaiser Gold Orchestra

· 11/29 Purple and Silver Orchestra Rehearsal 5-6 PM at Gaiser

· 11/29 Gold Orchestra Rehearsal 6:30-7:30 PM at Gaiser

· 12/5 Gaiser/Jason Lee String Holiday Extravaganza Performance

· 7 PM at Jason Lee MS (student arrival 6:15 PM) Fundraiser$$

Do you speak a language other than English? Here is an exciting opportunity to receive high

school credit. 8th-grade students who are in Spanish 1B, Dual Language, or speak a language

other than English in their home can participate in AVANT testing. The AVANT test determines

student proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in Spanish and several other

languages. Students who pass the AVANT may earn high school credit. Registration is required.

If you are interested in learning more, please contact Mrs. Cervantes

(email:laura.cervantes@vansd.org) by October 20, 2023, no later than 3:30pm.

Workshops Available

The below single day workshops are available for Gaiser students, their care givers, and staff.

Cyber safety for students in the digital era– Learn information about the various popular apps that youth are using and how to help them navigate social media safely. How to use cell phones and other technology devices/screens responsibly.

Available:

Monday, October 16th, 5:45-7:30pm OR

Friday, November 3rd, 6:45-8:30pm

Parenting post-covid- Find solidarity with other adults caring for youth post pandemic by identifying the various ways that the global shut down impacted families, school, and communities. We will learn new approaches to parenting that address the unique obstacles that families face as we continue to shift into a new normal.

Available:

Friday, October 20th, 6:45pm-8:30pm OR

Monday, October 23rd, 5:45-7:30pm

Substance use education- Help keep your child safe by learning about alcohol and various drugs that students are experimenting with.

Available: (note: Both available workshops are at different times on a Monday for this class)

Monday, November 6th, 5:45-7:30pm OR

Monday, November 20th, 6:45-8:30pm

Preparing students and families for high school- as middle school aged adolescents begin the process of transitioning into high school, parents often feel unprepared. Discuss how to help your child with navigating growing independence, autonomy, and responsibilities from a culturally mindful perspective.

Available:

Friday, December 1st, 6:45-8:30pm OR

Monday, December 4th, 5:45-7:30pm

I am aware that not all families have access to childcare or transportation and may face other barriers to attending. I will offer a condensed alternative version of the workshop for those that request it.

* Unfortunately, dinner and childcare cannot be provided.*

If you have any other suggestions, I would love to hear them! I look forward to getting to know you and your family. Thank you so much for the privilege of allowing me to work with your children.

I am available by text, phone call or email, feel free to reach out to me or Nicole Steinman, your Mental Health and Wellness Coordinator.

*If able, please RSVP at your earliest opportunity. *

Located in portable #603. No one will be turned away.

Tia Dunham, SUDPT (She/Her)

Lifeline Connections (A Private Nonprofit Corporation Providing Services Since 1962)

| C: (360) 954-8482 E-mail: TDunham@lifelineconnections.org