Laternlein #11: Gratitude, Growth, and a Touch of Holiday Magic
Morning Drop-Off Reminder
A quick reminder that morning drop-off begins at 7:40 a.m. To help us keep students safe and supervised, please wait until that time to let your child out of the car.
We know mornings can feel like a juggling act, and we truly appreciate your teamwork in keeping arrival smooth and stress-free for everyone.
Celebrating Student Achievement
We’re thrilled to share that 8th grader Daphne Kelly has been recognized as a Reader’s Pick selection in The New York Times for her recent writing submission.
We’re so proud to see our students’ voices represented on a national stage and can’t wait to share more of their work in the future.
Estate Planning 101: Protect What Matters Most
Thursday, November 13 | 6:30–8:00 p.m. | GIS, Murray Building
Estate planning may not sound thrilling, but it’s one of the most meaningful ways to protect your family and the causes you care about. Whether you’re raising young kids, managing aging parents, or just trying to make sense of financial “what-ifs,” this session will help you feel prepared and informed.
Join GIS Director of Advancement Mike Teskey and Kathy Saitas, Senior Director of Gift Planning and Advancement Counsel at Reed College, for a candid, accessible conversation on how to:
Protect your loved ones and your legacy
Reduce costs and confusion for your family
Understand key U.S. and Oregon estate tax basics
This event is open to the community, so feel free to invite friends or family members who may benefit.
OIBA Visits GIS
This week, the Oregon International Ballet Academy (OIBA) brought a touch of holiday magic to our Grade School assembly with a special outreach performance. Dancers performed excerpts from The Nutcracker, and several GIS students joined them on stage, earning enthusiastic applause from their peers.
Families can enjoy the full performance of The Nutcracker at the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts on December 13–14. GIS families receive an exclusive discount using the code: GISOIBA
$10 off per ticket through November 22
$5 off after November 22
When purchasing, please enter the code GISOIBA at the top of the ticketing page and click “Submit” before selecting seats to apply the discount.
A Heartfelt Thank You for a Magical Lantern Parade
To every teacher, parent, and volunteer who made this year’s Lantern Parade so special: thank you. Your hours of crafting, rehearsing songs, setting up, guiding walks, and cleaning up afterward made it possible for hundreds of glowing lanterns (and even brighter smiles) to light up Hoyt Arboretum.
Events like these don’t just happen. They’re built through collective effort, care, and community spirit, and this one truly shone. Our students experienced something they’ll remember for years: a moment of shared warmth, tradition, and belonging.
You can relive the evening highlights in this Lantern Parade Reel on Instagram.
Middle School Art Needs Fabric Donations
Our Middle School Art program is getting creative and could use your help! Students are sewing their own aprons for class and are looking for donations of old tablecloths, thick curtains, or other sturdy fabric.
If you have materials to contribute, or sewing skills to share, please contact Kati Heckmann.