Dear GAA Secondary Families,

As we approach the final stretch of the school year, I want to take a moment to thank you for your continued support and partnership. Your involvement plays a crucial role in your student’s success, and there are a few important updates I’d like to share as we head into these final months.

📅 Attendance Matters – Every Day Counts!

Consistent attendance is vital for student achievement, especially as we near the end of the year. Instruction continues through the last day of school, and each day provides valuable learning opportunities. Please help us reinforce the importance of being present, on time, and engaged until the very last day. Every class matters, every lesson counts.

🧠 MAP Testing Begins Next Week

Our spring MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) testing begins next week. This assessment helps us track academic growth and tailor instruction to student needs. Please ensure your child gets plenty of rest the night before, eats a healthy breakfast, and arrives at school ready to do their best. The data we gather is an important tool in shaping each student’s learning path.

IB and AP Tests Begin Next Week

Please pat an IB and an AP student on the back. They will write externally created and assessed exams. Their scores will be shared with Universities around the world and will greatly assist in our students entering some of the most competitive programs on offer. Best of luck Wildcats!

Staff Appreciation at GAA

Week of May 5-9 , GAA Parent Association will be celebrating our staff at GAA. Thank you for that kindness. I can tell you that our teachers truly appreciate the celebration and kindness. Our Culture of Kindness is the foundation of our community.

As always, we are grateful for your partnership. Let’s finish the year strong!

Warm regards,

Garth Wyncoll

Secondary Principal

Dear Families,

Our MAP bootcamp has been going strong. The kids have been working hard to prepare for their upcoming Map tests starting on Thursday. We will test the kids in the auditorium and in the classrooms. All students will use school Ipads for testing this round. 

On Tuesday the students attended the Book Week Assembly. A big thank you to Ms. Parente for bringing the love of books and reading to our secondary students. 

• Next week is a Blue week. Monday starts with G block.

• MAP testing to begins next week. Please see the schedule below. 

Have a wonderful weekend. 

Mollie Williams 

Middle School Vice Principal

Dear Parents, 

Thank you to those who attended the International Trips Launch on Monday April 21st in the GAA Auditorium. For those who were unable to attend in person, or for parents who would like to review the details of the trip options, please find the recording of the presentation below: Camps International Trip Launch Video.  Or you can view the presentation slides: Bali & Madagascar Slides.

Sign-ups for the Bali and Madagascar trips are now open. Please follow the instructions below to register with Camps International and express your interest in having your child participate in one of the trips.

Please note: Submitting the registration form does not confirm a spot for your child. Spots will only be confirmed once full payment is completed. The payment link will be sent only to parents who have registered through the Gateway link below. 

How to Register:

• Click the link to register with Camps International: https://gateway.campsinternational.com/application-form 

• Select "New Traveler"

• Fill in your child’s details (please ensure the name matches exactly as shown on their passport)

• Enter the appropriate school booking code:

1. Madagascar: 9830

2. Bali: 9829

Additional details about the Gateway registration process are available in Camps International Sign Up Instructions PDF.

Important Dates:

• Gateway registration deadline: Sunday, April 27 at 8:00 PM

• Payment links released: Monday, April 28 at 3:00 PM

Please note:

Seats for each trip are limited and will be confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis upon payment.

Students who are unable to secure a confirmed spot will be placed on a waitlist. A waitlist link will be included in the payment email, and students will be placed in order based on when they register on that waitlist.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Thank you,

Rodrigo De Marco

Athletics & Activities Director

r.demarco_gaa@gemsedu.com 

• April 30 - Wear Blue for Autism Awareness (PreK-Gr12)

• May 1-June 11 - MAP Testing

• May 15 - International Day of Families breakfast

• May 15 - Athletics Banquet (Grade 6-12)

• May 21-22 - Jungle Book Elementary Musical Production

• May 27 - Senior Walk

• May 28 - Graduation Rehearsal

• May 29 - Senior Graduation