Dear Parents:
There are not many weeks remaining in the school year and it is time to register for the 2013-2014 school year. Please note that tuition and other charges will not be raised, but will remain the same as this year.
The fourth quarter at GCA is an exciting time. During the fourth quarter, we have annual events that we look forward to each year. More details of these events follow at the end of this letter.
Spirit Week April 8-12
Reading Emphasis Week April 15-19
Standardized Tests April 22-26; half day schedule
Parent-Teacher Conferences April 22-26
Internship Program April 22-26
Graduation Ceremony June 4
There are other events in April and May, such as special field trips and activities which vary from year to year. One such event is a second visit from WASC, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. We appreciate the work that Dr. Owens and the faculty have done to further demonstrate our commitment to providing an excellent educational environment for your children. In comparison with the first visit, preparations for the visit this year have included a broader range of staff, board members, parents and students.
It is a pleasure to serve your family,
Mrs. Chow
Spirit Week April 8-12
The goal of Spirit Week is to have fun and enjoy our classmates. The students compete for first place points. These points are earned according to the outfits worn each day.
Monday: Mismatch Day; wear weird combinations of colors and patterns
Tuesday: Super Hero/Superstar Day; dress in a costume or dress up like a hero or star.
Wednesday: Blast from the Past; dress as if you were living at a different time in the past. This could take on the look of an historical era or a look into fashion from the past.
Thursday: GCA colors Day; wear the GCA shirts for points and to be more extravagant, add more red, white and Gold. Wearing the GCA polo will qualify you for participation points.
Friday: Elderly Day; dress like great grandparents
Reading Emphasis Week April 15-19
The goal of our Reading Emphasis Week is to help the students recognize their accomplishments during the school year and be encouraged as they prepare for their standardized tests. This is achieved through special projects in class and certain activities which span grade levels, such as our Spelling Bee and Reading Buddies. As we finalize our preparations for the Standardized tests, we also want the students to practice sitting quietly each day, reading. The students will be sitting for longer periods of time than we would demand during a regular class schedule, and this “practice” of sitting and focusing upon the printed material in front of them is beneficial.
Standardized Tests April 22-26; half day schedule
The goals for presenting standardized tests each year are to document the progress of each student and to provide data for school improvement. Students should not feel pressured; however, definite steps should be taken to reduce stress and provide optimal preparedness. Parents at home should watch for good sleeping patterns and healthy eating. A half day schedule is maintained because the students need additional time to rest and sleep. If you would like more information regarding the standardized tests, we invite you to an open forum meeting to answer questions on Wednesday evening, April 17, at 7pm, in the cafeteria. I apologize that we cannot provide parking for this event. We can provide a translation from English to Chinese.
Parent-Teacher Conferences April 22-26
Regular communication with parents is important to the students. Please call or send a message to school at any time. Parent-Teacher conferences are held twice a year; once in the Fall and again in the Spring. Parents meet with a small group of teachers who work with your son/daughter. For 30 minutes parents learn of progress that has been made, well deserved praise is communicated, and strategies developed for meeting challenges. Classes are cancelled for each afternoon to provide the time and opportunity for parents and teachers to meet with each other.
Internship Program April 22-26
This is our fourth year to offer an internship placement to most of the students in grades 11 and 12. We are grateful to local companies which graciously open their doors to our students for the 5 afternoons of this week. All transportation costs are the responsibility of the students.
Graduation Ceremony June 4
All students will perform at the Tuesday evening graduation ceremony to congratulate the 16 high school seniors graduating from GCA. Parents are not required to attend the 7pm ceremony, however, all students are required to attend and perform. Students will wear their black and white performance attire. Parking is not provided at school. Wednesday is a full day of school for students.
Calendar dates
Please note that there is no school on June 12, due to the National Dragon Boat Festival Holiday, however, we request that students return to school on June 13 and 14. Final exams will range from June 5-14. High school students will complete their exams on June 10 and 11, with a half day schedule. They will return to classes on June 13 and 14. Middle school exams will begin on June 5 and be completed by June 11. The last day of school is June 14; 1:00 dismissal.
