Laternlein #16: A Peek Inside Campus Life & What’s Coming Up
Picture Day Makeup
Our photographer, Gerlinde Ashley, will be back to campus on Wednesday, February 4th to take photos of any students who were either absent or not yet enrolled during our October picture days. If missed your original picture day, you will receive an email next week with further information. If you don't receive the email by Wednesday the 14th, please email Ashley Clark
Learning Through Sustainability in German Kindergarten
German Kindergarten students are beginning a new unit focused on trash reduction and recycling, and families can help support this hands-on learning experience.
The class is collecting:
Clean pizza boxes (clean enough to paint and transform into board games)
Small plastic bottle tops (any color except white)
Items may be dropped off in either Kindergarten classroom (preferred) or at the front desk. Thank you for helping bring creativity and sustainability together in the classroom.
Winter Reading Challenge: Library Reminder
Please remember to send in Winter Break Reading Challenge sheets by Friday. Once all submissions are received, students will be able to enjoy their well earned treats.
If a sheet was misplaced, families may email the library to confirm that the reading was completed. This will count toward participation!
Spring Break Camps Now Open
Spring Break Camps are officially open for registration! Each age group; Two’s, Preschool, Kinder/1st, and 2nd–4th Grade, has created their own engaging and age-appropriate theme for the week.
Details on camp themes coming soon - stay tuned!
Spots are limited, so early sign-up is recommended.
Final Call: Winter Clubs
There’s still time, but not much! Winter Clubs registration is closing soon, and this is the final opportunity to enroll.
Winter Clubs provide students with a chance to explore interests, build skills, and enjoy learning beyond the classroom. Register now before spots fill.
Extended Program: January 16 In-Service Day
Registration is now open for Extended Program care on the Early Dismissal In-Service Day, January 16.
Please complete registration by January 15.
For all Extended Program questions, requests, or schedule changes, please contact Charity Waters, Extended Program Coordinator, at extendedcare@gspdx.org.
Looking Ahead: Summer Camp 2026
Summer Camp will run from July 6 through August 14, with flexible weekly session sign-ups available.
Drop-off begins as early as 7:40 a.m.
Pick-up is available as late as 4:00 p.m.
Families can expect registration details and camp highlights no later than the first week of February.
Help Shape Summer Camp Programming
Planning for Summer Camp is underway, and family input is invaluable.
We invite you to complete the Summer Camp Survey to help guide themes and offerings.
Parents Night In: Game Night!
Don’t miss out on our GIS Parents Night in this Friday January 9th. Drop in childcare is available for $10 per child, while you join other parents for a relaxing game night.
Join us for an evening with Austin Pritchard, LMFT
January 15th, 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Happening in the Fox Den: Austin Pritchard, LMFT, has been in private practice for 10 years will be talking with the group about Communication with my pre teen & teens. This will include things like the basics of how to communicate, healthy boundaries, collective anxieties and more.
Happening in the Fox Hideout: We will have teachers there to talk about our curriculum and community.
Early Learning & Kindergarten: Second Step Child Protection Unit – Parent Info Sessions
Because student safety is a top priority, GIS has adopted the research-based Second Step Child Protection Unit, which has been used in Early Learning and Kindergarten for several years.
Beginning at the end of January, students in Early Learning and Kindergarten will participate in lessons focused on:
Staying safe
Always asking an adult first
Learning and practicing age-appropriate safety rules
Families are invited to learn more about the program and how it supports children’s safety and well-being.
Please join Early Learning SEL Specialist, Luke Stotler, for an overview of the Child Protection Unit and a chance to ask questions.
Two sessions will be offered:
In-Person: Wednesday, January 21 | 8:30–9:45 a.m.
Murray Main Floor LunchroomRemote: Wednesday, January 21 | 6:30–7:45 p.m.
Via Zoom (Link coming soon).
