GATORAID

School Phone: 408-252-5414 ~ Absence Line 408-252-5414-6 ~ FAX 408-996-9725

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SCHOOL CALENDAR MAY 17, 2012

5/17 5/17 5/18 5/21-5/25 5/21 5/21 5/22 5/25 5/28 5/29 5/29 5/30 5/30 6/1 6/5 6/5 6/5 6/6 6/12 5:30-7:30 P.M. BOOK FAIR 7:00-8:00 P.M. OPEN HOUSE SCHOOL SPIRIT - SUNGLASS DAY STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK 6:00 P.M. MUSIC CONCERT - MRS. MORRIS KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS 7:00 P.M. MUSIC CONCERT - ALL GRADE 2 STUDENTS 6:00 P.M. C.U.S.D BOARD MEETING STAFF LEARNING DAY - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY - NO SCHOOL 6:30 P.M. SCOOL SPIRIT BAND CONCERT - INTERMEDIATE BAND - GLC 7:30 P.M. SCOOL SPIRIT BAND CONCERT - BEGINNING BAND - GLC 6:00 P.M. MUSIC CONCERT - MRS. KETCHAMS GRADE 1 STUDENTS 7:00 P.M. MUSIC CONCERT - MRS. MORRIS GRADE 1 STUDENTS 3:00-5:00 P.M. FUN N SUN - GARDEN GATE FIELD ELECTION DAY 6:00 P.M. MUSIC CONCERT - MRS. KETCHAMS KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS 7:00 P.M. MUSIC CONCERT - ALL GRADE 3 STUDENTS 6:00 P.M. H.E.A.S.T. PERFORMANCE - GLC LAST DAY OF SCHOOL - EARLY DISMISSAL FOR ALL STUDENTS ALL KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS ATTEND 8:00-11:20

EVERY TUESDAY IS EARLY DISMISSAL Students are dismissed at 1:30. PRE-PAY FOR CUSD LUNCHES at PAMS (Parent Account Management System) Lunchroom! You can make payments and view your students account balance online by going to http://www.pamslunchroom.com or by calling 1-888-994-5100. TO EMAIL STAFF:lastname_firstname@cusdk8.org ATTENDANCE: If your child will be absent, please call 252-5414. Ext. 6, by 8:30 a.m. to report the absence. HOMEWORK: Homework may be requested for illness absences of three days or more. Please call the office before 9:00 a.m. to request the homework for pickup after 3:00 p.m.

FROM OUR PRINCIPAL....MS. HUCKO!

Join us Tonight For Open House and Book Fair
Please join us for our Open House tonight, Thursday, May 17th, from 7:00-8:00 pm. Thank you in advance for keeping your child(ren) with you at all times as you visit our classrooms. Our Spring Book Fair will also be open from 5:30-7:30 p.m. tonight in the GLC.

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Staff Learning Day

There is no school for students on Friday, May 25, 2012, as it is a Staff Learning Day.

Gators Rock the 37th CalChess State Championship!

I recently learned that between April 20 and April 23 Garden Gate Students competed in the 37th CalChess State School Championship. These amazing chess players, many of whom are new to the game, took 1st place (1st through 3rd grade group) and 2nd place (4th through 6th grade group). About 1,200 children participated in this tournament which was held at the Santa Clara Convention Center. Please join me in congratulating the following students on their incredible achievement! Indrojyoti (2nd grade), Prerana (1st grade), Rajesh (2nd grade), Ridhi (1st grade), Shreya (1st grade), Sravya (3rd grade), Sreeya (3rd grade), Ravindra (2nd grade), Harshit (3rd grade), Neelkanth (1st grade), Saravana (3rd grade), Pranav (3rd grade), Deepak (3rd grade), Vishal (3rd grade), Saketh (1st grade), Kartikeya (2nd grade), Kushal (3rd grade), Rishab (3rd grade), Aditya (5th grade), Aditya (4th grade), Harshit (5th grade), Srinivas (4th grade).

Class Assignments for 2012-2013

The Garden Gate Staff and I will soon begin the process of developing drafts of class lists. We take this task very seriously and will use a carefully articulated process in placing students. Our goal is to provide each teacher with a well-balanced, heterogeneous group of children and to provide each learner with an optimal learning environment. The following are some considerations which are made in placing students: Balance of boys and girls; Positive working relationships among students; Heterogeneous (mixed ability) learning groups in all classrooms; Social needs of individuals and groups of students; Class configurations (size, combination classes, etc); Learning needs of students; Leadership needs within all classrooms; Special circumstances. Its important to note that if your child was not placed in a combination class for 2011-2012, they may be placed in one for 2012-2013. For more information about combination classes, including answers to frequently asked questions, please come to the School Office for a handout. Decisions we make with regard to your childs placement reflect our best judgment as to where individual children will be the most successful. Requests for specific teachers will not be accepted. However, if you have pertinent information regarding your childs needs or challenges related to your childs ability to learn, you may share these by completing a Parental Input form in the main office no later than Wednesday, May 23. The 2012-2013 class lists will be posted after 4:00 p.m. on Friday, August 17 in front of the school. The first day of school is Monday, August 20. It will be a regular schedule day for students, and all students must be in attendance in order to retain their place at Garden Gate.

Parent Survey Results

I was so pleased to see that 615 out of 760 families completed our Parent Survey this year - that's an 80% response rate! In the last few Gatoraids, I've shared data with you. I'll continue to share data in future Gatoraids. The Garden Gate Staff will also examine the data and identify next steps toward improvement. Thank you for providing valuable feedback about our school! This week's data is from the "Communication" section of the survey. 560 of the 615 families (91%) who took the survey completed the "Communication" section of the survey. 91% strongly agreed or agreed: "Garden Gate communicates effectively with parents regarding school and district wide activities/events" (6% had no opinion). 93% strongly agreed or agreed: "The Garden Gate Handbook effectively communicates school policies" (6% had no opinion). 85% strongly agreed or agreed: "I read the weekly Gatoraid" (11% had no opinion). 91% strongly agreed or agreed: "I use the Garden Gate website to get information about the school" (5% had no opinion). 88% strongly agreed or agreed: "I am kept up-to-date on my child's classroom activities through monthly classroom newsletters" (7% had no opinion). 94% strongly agreed or agreed: "By reviewing the weekly Green Folder, I am able to examine my child's corrected class work on a timely basis" (4% had no opinion). 90% strongly agreed or agreed: "I am informed as necessary regarding my child's progress" (7%). 93% strongly agreed or agreed: "I feel comfortable contacting my child's teacher with questions or concerns" (5% had no opinion). 91% strongly agreed or agreed: "My child's teacher is responsive to my concerns" (6% had no opinion). 74% strongly agreed or agreed: "I feel comfortable contacting the principal with questions or concerns" (23% had no opinion). 65% strongly agreed or agreed: "The principal is responsive to my concerns" (33% had no opinion). Next week, I'll share data from the "Curriculum" section of the survey.

Propellers

Do you wonder how to connect better with your children? Do you wonder what matters to them, and how you can assist them to grow up to be healthy, caring and responsible citizens? I encourage you to try a "propeller" - a question intended to spark conversations with your children. Try it around the dinner table tonight! This week's propeller: Do you think your community is a good place to grow up in? If so, describe what makes it a good place.

PTA CORNER

PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION (PTA) NEWS & RESOURCES

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Hello Garden Gators And Families! CONGRATULATIONSGARDENGATESOCCERTEAM! LastFridaytheGardenGateSoccerTeamplayedanawesomegame againstCollinsElementaryandwonby3goals!Wehadahugeturnout ofGatorsupporters,whocheeredonourplayerstovictory.Our Gatorsshowedgreatteamworkandtenacityastheyaccomplished theirfirstwinoftheseason.WelldoneGators!Wereproudofyou! SPRINGBOOKFAIRISHERE! TheSpringBookFairhasbeentakingplacethisweekintheGLCandwillbeclosingtomorrow, Friday,May18that12:30p.m.Tonight,theFamilyBookFairwilltakeplaceduringOpenHousefrom5:30 7:30p.m.PleasetaketheopportunitytovisittheBookFair,whereyouwillfindawonderfulselectionof giftsforeveryoneonyourlistespeciallyyourchildsteacher!AttheFair,youcanalsoviewtheteachers wishlist,whichincludesbookstheyhavechosenfortheirclassroom.Also,witheverypurchaseyoumake, 25%oftheprofitswillbegivenbacktotheGardenGatePTA.ShowyoursupportforGardenGateSchool andvisittheBookFair.Hopetoseeyouthere! STAFFAPPRECIATIONWEEKISMay21stMay24th NextweekisGardenGatesTeacherAppreciationweek.ThePTAisorganizinganactionpackedweekof events.Parents,pleasehaveyourchildprepareacard,writeapoemorstory,ormakeapictureforhis/her teacherandbringittoschoolonTuesday,May22nd.Wealsoaskforyourhelpbycontributingtotheparent sponsoredlunchesthatwillbeprovidedforthestaffonMay22nd(ChineseLunchfromparentsofstudentsin gradesK2)andMay23rd(MexicanLunchfromparentsofstudentsingrades35).Ifyouwouldliketo knowmoreaboutnextweeksschedule,pleasecontactyourClassroomRepresentativeorourCoordinators: SreejayaKandygirisree@hotmail.comorMeenaVijaykarmeena311@yahoo.com WehopeyouwillsupportthePTAandmakethisaspecialweekforourteachersandstaff. GETREADYFORFUNINTHESUN! Pleasemarkyoucalendarforourendoftheyearevent,FunintheSun,tobeheldonFriday,June1stfrom 3:005:00p.m.Weareplanningloadsofactivitiesandgamesforthiseventandtherewillalsobeairbrush tattoos,popsicles,andJambaJuicetobuy,amongotheramazingthingstodo!Weneedvolunteerstohelpour teachersruntheboothsandactivities.Ifyouareinterestedtohelp,orifyouhavequestions,pleasecontact AravindaChigatiatkushal_mom@yahoo.comorAzmehMalikatazmeh_ahsan@yahoo.com Hopeyouhaveasafeandwonderfulweek! AzmehMalik GARDENGATEPTAPRESIDENT Garden azmeh_ahsan@yahoo.com Gate Elementary School 10500 Ann Arbor Ave., Cupertino CA 95125

GATORAID!
GARDEN GATE BAND CONCERTS THIS MONTH BEFORE YOU MAKE TRAVEL PLANS
The Garden Gate Band Concert will be held on Tuesday, May 29th in Garden Gates GLC. We have separate times for the Beginning and Intermediate Band performances. There is no strict dress code for these concerts, but students are expected to dress "nicely" (no T-shirts or jeans). Following is the schedule: Intermediate Band 6:30 p.m.-GLC (Arrive at 6:15 p.m.) Beginning Band 7:30 p.m.-GLC (Arrive at 7:15 p.m.)

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At the end of the school year students must be in attendance on the last day of school, June 12, 2012 to retain their place on the roster for the 2012-2013 school year. At the beginning of the school year, students must be in attendance on the first day of school, August 20, 2012 or they will not retain their place on the roster. When you are making travel plans, please consider the possible ramifications. If you have any questions, please contact Student Assignment at (408) 252-3000 ext. 110. UPDATING RESIDENCY INFORMATION Please be aware that district guidelines require that any change of residence must be reported to the school office within ten (10) days. This guideline is in place to ensure that the address and contact information that the school has on file is accurate. This information is crucial and is used to send official school/district correspondence and it is used in the case of an emergency. Failure to provide current residency information could result in the immediate withdrawal of your child. If you have any questions regarding this guideline, please contact the school office.

MISSING TEXTBOOKS AND LIBRARY BOOKS

Please take a moment and search under beds and on student bookshelves for any overdue books from our library or lost classroom textbooks. You will receive a bill for any books that have not been returned. Yearbooks and report cards will be held until all balances have been cleared. If the book is found after you have paid, your money will be refunded. Thank you for your support in teaching responsibility to our students. The library will be closing May 29 in order to take inventory.

SCRIP

Please take a moment and stop by the Scrip table on Tuesday afternoons between 1:15 and 1:45 and Friday mornings between 7:45 and 8:15 to purchase gift cards from the PTA. Keep in mind, they can be used for Staff Appreciation, End of the Year Gifts, Memorial Day Weekend activities and your summer shopping! ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO TOWARD THE NEW PLAYGROUND PROJECT. Alternatively, you can also drop off your scrip order in the school office. We have many different gift cards available in each of the following categories: Dining/Restaurants, Entertainment, Grocery Stores, Gas, Department Stores, Specialty Stores and American Express gift cards (no fee). You can also purchase Garden Gate gift certificates which give teachers the ability to select their own gift cards.

Be sure to have your children check for lost items in our Lost and Found area located behind the administrative building. Remind your child that it often takes a few days for an item to find its way to the Lost and Found, so checking more than once is recommended. Lost nonclothing items, such as glasses, keys, and jewelry, can be found in the office. Please remember to label your childrens clothing and lunch boxes. This will help us return lost items. Any clothing items remaining after June 12th will be donated to a local charity.

LOST AND FOUND

To encourage responsibility, children should bring their lunch with them to school in the morning. We recommend that each child have money in his/her lunch account so that in the event of a forgotten lunch, the child can purchase a hot lunch. SUMMER FLYERS ARE AVAILABLE IN Please remember to mark all lunches brought to school THE SCHOOL OFFICE with the childs name and room number and place it on The school office has many pamphlets and fliers from the cart outside the school office by 11:00 a.m. They several organizations offering activities and programs will be delivered to the classroom lunch cart by student for students over the summer. They include: Athletic helpers. Lunches cannot be delivered to the classroom opportunities, summer enrichment programs, camps, or lunch tables by parents. Students are not permitted etc. If you are interested in receiving any of these, to wait by the office for parents to bring a lunch to please stop by the school office. them. This is against our school safety policy. So be sure to place the lunch on the cart before 11:00 a.m. Garden Gate Elementary School 10500 Ann Arbor Ave., Cupertino CA 95125

LUNCHES

GATORAID
INTENT TO RETURN SURVEY

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The District is in the process of conducting an Intent to Return Survey for the 2012-2013 school year for current registered students as of May 4, 2012. All parents of registered students who provided a valid email to the District have been contacted to participate in this online survey. The data collected will assist the District in staffing our elementary schools more efficiently. The Cupertino Union School District is attempting to identify the number of students planning on returning to a District school for the 2012-2013 school year in grades 1-5. Once you complete the survey for your family, there is no other action needed on your part. If you havent done so already, please take a moment to complete a short survey to inform us if your child(ren) are returning to his or her assigned elementary school in the Cupertino Union School District in August, or if they will be attending a school outside of the District. The survey is available at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/cusdsurvey2012-2013 Thank you for your participation!

It now appears that the State Legislature will include the funding for the Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program in the upcoming state budget. As a result, the Cupertino Union School District will be moving forward to implement our TK program for next year. TK registration for all Cupertino Union School District attendance area schools will be held from May 14 18, 2012. A child is eligible for Transitional Kindergarten if a child will have his/her 5th birthday between November 2 and December 2, 2012. Parents/guardians may register their child(ren) for Transitional Kindergarten at the Cupertino Union School District Office, Student Assignment Department, from May 14 18, 2012. 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The District Office is located at 10301 Vista Drive in Cupertino. The TK program will be housed at Regnart Elementary School and John Muir Elementary School. Please visit www.cusdk8.org for more information.

TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM INFORMATION

Illness and accidents are a part of everyday life. California has a free or low-cost health insurance program available for children. Whether your child gets sick or hurt, needs regular check-ups, immunizations, dental care or a physical to participate in school or community sports, call toll free 1-888-747-1222 or visit www.healthyfamilies.ca.gov

DOES YOUR CHILD NEED INSURANCE COVERAGE?

DISTRICT CALENDAR 2011-2012 (ALL SCHOOLS EXCEPT MURDOCK-PORTAL) May 25, 2012 Staff Learning Day May 28, 2012 Memorial Day June 12, 2012 Last Day of School

DISTRICT CALENDAR 2011-2012 (ALL SCHOOLS EXCEPT MURDOCK-PORTAL) August 20, 2012 Students Return September 3, 2012 Labor Day September 21, 2012 Staff Learning Day October 29, 2012 Staff Learning Day November 12, 2012 Veterans Day November 19-23, 2012 Thanksgiving Recess December 24-January 4, 2013 Winter Recess January 21, 2013 MLK, Jr. Day February 18-22, 2013 Mid-Year Recess March 18, 2013 Staff Learning Day April 15-19, 2013 Spring Recess May 24, 2013 Staff Learning Day May 27, 2013 Memorial Day June Gate Elementary School 10500 Ann Arbor Ave., Cupertino CA 95125 Last Day of School Garden12, 2013