Gunn Together Times
December 15, 2023
Principal Stratton's Update
What a fantastic month we've had at Gunn! It's been incredibly heartwarming to witness our students, staff, and community members come together, creating unforgettable moments full of fun and camaraderie. The vibrant energy at our athletic events and the enchanting performances in the arts have truly embodied a spirit of joy and unity throughout our school.
As we transition to the upcoming finals week, I want to extend some guidance to our parents and guardians. This time can be particularly stressful for many of our students, and your supportive and understanding role is more crucial than ever. I encourage you to help your children establish a structured yet flexible study routine. Equally important is ensuring they take regular breaks, get sufficient sleep, and engage in activities that promote relaxation and well-being, such as spending time outdoors, practicing mindfulness, or enjoying family time. Additionally, fostering self-advocacy skills in our students, encouraging them to seek assistance from teachers or counselors when needed, is vital. Together, let's support our students in feeling prepared, supported, and confident in their abilities to excel in their exams
Gunn Staff Gathering: Celebrating Together
Edible Architecture: Culinary Students' Gingerbread Houses
Gunn Families Come Together for Annual Posada Celebration
Featured Articles
- Recent Events
- Social Media Communications
- Construction Around Town
- Gunn Foundation News
- Gunn Campus Closure
- CCS Academic Awards
- Work Experience Information
- Upcoming Schedules+Reminders
- Thank You PTSA!
- Staff Spotlight
- Key Dates
Recent Events
AVID Conference in San Diego
AP Courtney Carlomagno, Counselor Myesha Dickson, and AVID Teacher Danielle Whichard attended the AVID conference in San Diego in late November.
Gunn Team Attends Learning Forward Conference in Washington DC
Principal Stratton, APs Courtney Carlomagno and Mycal Hixon, Social Studies teachers Laurel Howard, Tracie Carroll, and our Social Studies Instructional Lead, Jeff Patrick, SpEd Teacher Briana Gonzalez, Science Department Instructional Leader Laurie Pennington, and English Teachers Nicole Menache and the English Department's Instructional Leader, Kate Weymouth and finally our VAPA teachers Tiffany Oh and Angelina Fitzhugh attended the Learning Forward Conference in Washington ,D.C., in early December.
CALSA Delegation Explores Educational Excellence at Gunn
On December 8, a delegation from CALSA (California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators) visited Gunn. They toured the Wellness Center, and observed several co-taught classes, and participated in a Q&A session with Gunn and PAUSD Administrators.
Understanding Social Media and Official Communications
Upcoming Infrastructure Improvements: Navigating Construction in Palo Alto
The City of Palo Alto Public Works Engineering Services Division will soon initiate several storm drain pipe improvement projects on the East Meadow Circle and East Meadow Drive. Construction is slated to start mid December 2023 and is expected to be completed by Spring 2024, weather permitting. Residents should expect lane closures, increased noise, and traffic delays during the construction periods specified below. Temporary pathways will be established for bicycles and pedestrians. Please note, parking will not be available in the immediate vicinity of the construction sites.
Construction Hours:
- East Meadow Drive: 9 am to 5 pm
- East Meadow Circle: 8 am to 5 pm
Gunn Foundation News
The Gunn Foundation will soon open its needs-based college scholarship application for the Class of 2024. Meanwhile, the Foundation is still accepting donations for the anticipated funding needs. This is another example of how we collectively work to support and celebrate the success of each and every student at Gunn. Thank you if you are already a donor. And if you have not yet given, please consider helping these promising students in their higher-education journey at https://www.gunnfound.org/donate
Gunn Campus Closure
Please note that the Gunn Main Office and campus will close at 2 pm, on Friday, December 22. We will reopen at 8 am, on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. Staff members do not generally email over the break. We look forward to reconnecting in January!
CCS Academic Awards
2023 CCS Fall Academic Sports Teams Announced
We are thrilled to congratulate the following Gunn High School Fall Sports Teams for being named to the 2023 CCS All-Academic Teams. This is a remarkable achievement, as only five teams in each sport are selected from among the 150 schools in our CCS section of the CIF. Below are the impressive collective GPAs of all the players on these outstanding teams:
- Girls Tennis: 3.831
- Girls Volleyball: 3.769
- Boys Water Polo: 3.708
Great job, Gunn Athletes, on this outstanding accomplishment!
Go Titans!!!
A Message from Rachael Kaci, Our Work Experience Teacher
Attention all students! If you are under 18 and planning to get a paid job during the winter break, please remember that work permits are NOT processed during school closures, including the upcoming winter break. To prepare, fill out the Statement of Intent to Work (B1-1) form here, and make sure to visit me, Ms. Kaci, during the office hours listed below for processing.
Office Hours:
- Tuesday, 12/19: During brunch in Room V1
- Thursday, 12/21: 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM in Room V1
I also encourage students to explore this Career Opportunities slidedeck here. It offers great ideas for volunteer opportunities, work experiences, and career events. Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season and a joyful winter break!"
Best regards, Rachael Kaci Email: rkaci@pausd.org
Mark Your Calendars: Gunn High School Final's Week Details
Finals Week is Upon Us at Gunn High School!
As a reminder, all students are expected to be present at school during their scheduled finals. This is mandatory even if they have already taken a final or do not have a final exam in a particular class. No classes will be canceled.
Monday, Dec. 18
- Review day, no new material
- Wednesday Schedule (no zero period)
- Period 5: 9:00-10:35 AM
- Brunch: 10:35-10:50 AM
- Period 6: 10:50 AM-12:20 PM
- Lunch: 12:20-12:50 PM
- Period 7: 1:00-2:30 PM
- PRIME: 2:40-3:30 PM
Tuesday, Dec. 19
- Review day, no new material
- Regular Tuesday schedule
Wednesday, Dec. 20
- Zero Period: 7:55-8:50 AM
- Period 5 Final: 9:00-11:00 AM
- Lunch: 11:00-11:30 AM
- Period 6 Final: 11:40 AM-1:40 PM
- Break: 1:40-2:00 PM
- Period 7 Final: 2:10-4:10 PM
Thursday, Dec. 21
- Period 1 Final: 9:00-11:00 AM
- Lunch: 11:00-11:20 AM
- Period 2 Final: 11:30 AM-1:30 PM
- Period 8 Final: 1:40-3:40 PM
Friday, Dec. 22
- Period 3 Final: 9:00-11:00 AM
- Brunch: 11:00-11:20 AM
- Period 4 Final: 11:30 AM-1:30 PM
Good luck to all our students during finals week!
Thank You PTSA!
Thank you to our amazing PTSA and parent volunteers for providing the delicious treats for the staff cookie exchange this week, AND for providing brain-break snacks to the student body during finals next week!
Staff Spotlight
Congrats to Student Activities Director Lisa Hall, who has been selected for the University of Chicago’s Outstanding Educator Award!
This distinguished award has existed for more than three decades. Students accepted into the University of Chicago Class of 2027 were asked to nominate an educator whose guidance has helped them along the path toward intellectual growth. Responses were received from hundreds of students in recognition of educators who have positively impacted their lives. Congratulations Lisa!
Titan Tidbits
The Law Class Welcomes Detective Clausen
Detective Clausen of the Palo Alto Police Department recently visited Ms. Holmes' Law class as a guest speaker. She shared insights about her career progression from police officer to detective. The students engaged actively, posing hypothetical law-related questions, to which Detective Clausen provided clear and insightful answers. She also advocated for a career in law enforcement, making her visit a valuable and enlightening experience for the class. It was indeed a privilege to have her share her expertise with the students of Ms. Holmes' Law 1 class.
Key Dates
- Friday Dec 15:
- Deadline to order Senior Ads for yearbook. Purchase at www.yearbookforever.com.
- Monday Dec 18:
- Review Day/No New Material: Wednesday Schedule (no zero period)
- Tuesday Dec 19:
- Review Day/No New Material: Regular Tuesday Schedule
- Wednesday Dec 20:
- Finals Schedule (See Above)
- Thursday Dec 21:
- Finals Schedule (See Above)
- Friday Dec 22:
- Finals Schedule (See Above)
- Monday Dec 25- Monday January 8:
- Winter Break, No School
- Monday January 8:
- Teacher Work Day
- Tuesday January 9:
- School Resumes