Dear Parents, 

While back to school time is an exciting time of fresh starts and reuniting with friends and school, the start of a school year can also be a hard adjustment for children. Routine, separation, and school habits can create reluctant routines. If you are finding adjusting to school hard at this time, you are not alone and this is very normal. We are here to support and we find that things settle by end of month. 

One of the most important ways we work at GAA to make back to school as welcoming as possible is to create a culture of kindness, acceptance, and individuality. We have students at GAA from over 70 countries with many backgrounds and cultures. What better way to celebrate than to support each students’ individuality.  

One way will be to do that is by participating in international Dot Day, this year on September 13. International Dot Day is celebrated by adults and children for boosting courage so that their creative potential is released. It is a great day to connect and collaborate, and also to celebrate self-expression.

Dot Day is based on the book, The Dot by Terry Shay. In the story, the child dislikes art class because she is convinced she can't draw. Her teacher gently encourages her to begin with a single dot and her creativity takes off. The story celebrates the creative spirit in everyone.

In collaboration with our librarians and the art department, the students engage in activities, art and literacy related, that inspire creativity and self expression. GAA is  excited to embrace a culture of art, literacy, and a space where all children can sharpen their creative selves. Please check the link below for photos.

We are happy you are here! 

Save the Date:

• Elementary Back to School Night September 25, 2024

• Conferences October 30 and 31 for Elementary 

• Progress report distribution October 25

Clear Communication is Key

Dear Parents,

Welcome to the new 2024 / 2025 school year. We are three weeks into the new school year and the community is off to a strong start. 

As a Vice Principal at GAA, I believe that open and effective communication between parents, teachers, and school administration is essential for ensuring the academic and emotional well-being of our students.

We understand that you may have questions or concerns about your child's progress or experiences at school. We encourage you to communicate directly with your child's homeroom teacher as a first step. Your teacher is best equipped to address your specific questions and provide insights into your child's learning and development.

If you have concerns that cannot be resolved at the classroom level, please feel free to schedule an appointment with me or another appropriate administrator. By scheduling an appointment, we can ensure that we have ample time to discuss your concerns in detail and provide appropriate support. Without an appointment, you may not be granted a meeting.

It's important to note that while we understand the desire for immediate attention, reactive communication can often hinder effective problem-solving. By approaching concerns calmly and thoughtfully, we can work together to find the best solutions for your child.

For curriculum and instructional questions, please feel free to reach out to the team lead for the relevant subject area.They can provide valuable insights and guidance.

Open communication is a cornerstone of our school community. By working together and maintaining clear communication channels, we can create a supportive and nurturing environment where all students can thrive.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership.

• Grade 3 lead - Mr. Marcus  - m.williams1_gaa@gemsedu.com 

• Grade 4 Lead - Mr. James - j.mcglynn_gaa@gemsedu.com 

• Grade 5 Lead - Ms. Shereen - s.kola_gaa@gemsedu.com 

• Vice Principal - Lower - Ms. Lauren - l.sargent_gaa@gemsedu.com 

• Vice Principal - Upper - Mr. Douglas - d.sherrill_gaa@gaa-ad.com 

• Principal - Ms. Leia -.kraeuter_gaa@gemsedu.com 

• Lower Counselor - Ms. Alison - a.haswell_gaa@gemsedu.com 

• Upper Counselor - Ms. Melanie - m.moses_gaa@gemsedu.com 

• Dean of Students - Mr. Cody - c.preston_gaa@gemsedu.com 

Douglas Sherrill

Upper Elementary Vice Principal

It’s been a wonderful first three weeks in 3D as we have all got to know each other, caught up with old friends, and welcomed several students who are brand new to GAA or the country. Among the members of our class, we are represented by 10 different nationalities in total. After a first week of fun activities, assessments and setting expectations and routines, we dove head-first into our new math and literacy programs. We were also fascinated as we learned about, researched, and modeled the life cycles of various organisms in our Unit of Inquiry. It’s been a great start for 3D, and Ms. Kaye and I are looking forward to a wonderful year.

This year we have been learning lots about birds, in particular Woodpeckers! We are very busy at the moment writing informative writing pieces on Woodpeckers and learning all about them. Do you know why Woodpeckers peck? They are looking for food inside the trees!

Grade 5 celebrated their first Community Share. The community share event is a monthly event to provide an opportunity for students to showcase their projects and initiatives that demonstrate student agency. It is a platform for them to share their ideas, accomplishments, and passions with the wider school community. 

Dear GAA Community, 

Our Arts Department needs your help! This year the theme for the Art Festival is The Arts are a World of Fun! Celebrating Music, Art, and Dance from around the world! 

We would like to have the opening ceremony be an Emirati performer (singer or instrumentalist) who could provide a 10-minute set to open our festival. 

We would also like to feature some Emirati artist throughout the stations. 

If you can help us in locating talent, that would be greatly appreciated.

Our arts festival is November 21st (PreK-2nd grade) and November 22nd (3rd – 5th grade). Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated!

• September 23-27 - PreK-Grade 5 Official School Photoshoot

• September 25 - Elementary School Back to School Night

• October 14-18 - MID-TERM BREAK (No School)