August 20, 2014
Dear Gambold Prep Family:
Welcome to the first quarter of the 2014-2015 school year. This letter summarizes important events from now until the end of the first quarter on October 3, 2014. At the start of every quarter you will be mailed a letter of this format; it is very important to me that you are well informed in advance so that you may plan accordingly.
All of these events are on our website’s calendar and will be highlighted in the Sunday night phone call.
List of Major Dates
· August 27 PSAT registration is due
· September 5/8 Traveling Classroom Butler University
· September 13 ACT exam
· September 16 National College Fair
· September 17 Parents in Touch Day (PIT Day, 12:00-7:00 p.m.)
· September 22 College Go Week
· September 22 School photos
· September 24 Personal Project meeting (10th grade only)
· October 2 HBCU College Fair at Crispus Attucks HS
· October 3 Quarter 1 report cards distributed
· October 6-19 Fall break
· October 11 SAT exam
Advisor
Every Gambold Prep scholar is assigned an advisor; your scholar’s advisor serves as a resource to you and your scholar. Please feel free to contact them at anytime throughout the year; your scholar’s advisor will be calling you to introduce herself/himself and answer any questions you may have.
ManageBac
ManageBac is our grade reporting system and details assignments, due dates and grades. Your scholar has a login for ManageBac, and as a parent, you have access as well. If you do not have access, please call us at 226-4108 or e-mail Mr. Wallace at . We will need your name, your e-mail address and your scholar’s name. Once you are entered into the system, an invitation will be sent to your e-mail account.
Laptops
Your scholar will be receiving his or her laptop within the next few days; please remind your scholar to take care with his or her computer. While all computers have a filter to block inappropriate material, I encourage you to monitor your scholar’s use of the laptops for academic pursuits.
Science Bound
The Science Bound program at Gambold Prep is focused more on enrichment and sharing science than it is on science tutoring. Thus, our Science Bound program includes one science focused activity a month with other science enrichment activities. The first Science Bound meeting for all scholars will take place on Wednesday, September 3, at 4:00 p.m. Science Bound will mostly be held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month; scholars will be able to choose which day they plan to attend. More information will be shared at our first student meeting. The first parent meeting for Science Bound is on Tuesday, September 2, at Crispus Attucks at 6:00 p.m.
Study Tables
After school on Monday and Thursday we will have study tables; study tables provides a quiet place for students to stay after school to complete homework. Study tables are supervised by a Gambold Prep faculty member and are open to all students; they will take place in the media center and will begin the week of August 25, 2014. Individual teachers may also provide after-school study sessions for scholars; these will be posted on our calendar.
After-School Activities (ASA)
Gambold Prep offers various after-school activities. A supervisor coordinates each of these activities; this list will continue to expand as the school year continues. All interested scholars should see the respective supervisor.
· Robotics
· National Honor Society
· Yearbook/Newspaper
· Speech/Debate
· Model UN
· Art Club
· Academic Bowl
· Dance Kaleidoscope
· Culture Club
· Service in Action
· Student Council
If you are interested in sponsoring a club or activity at Gambold Prep or if your scholar has an interest in a club we do not currently offer, please contact Mrs. Armstrong (), and we will do all we can to help establish a new club/after-school activity.
Traveling Classroom
Our traveling classroom differs from a field trip in that scholars follow their traditional school schedule, but engage in the space during advisory, lunch and specific courses, all while allowing the public to observe or sit in on a class. Our traveling classroom will be held on September 5 and 8 at Butler University. Buses will transport scholars directly to Butler and pick scholars up from Butler at the end of the day.
Homecoming
Our homecoming is scheduled for Friday, September 26, 2014. More information on the dance will be posted on our website.
Lock-In for Service
Every year we hold a lock-in for our 9th graders; this year our lock-in will be on Friday October 31, 2014. This event is open to all 9th grade students; we stay on campus and then go to the start of the Monumental Marathon early Saturday morning to help prepare for the race.
Personal Project
All 10th grade students complete a personal project; this is the capstone project of the Middle Years Programme (MYP). Sophomores have been assigned a faculty advisor and provided a workbook. Please ask to see your scholar’s workbook to ensure they are on track to completing this project. All sophomores will be meeting with their supervisors on the following days:
· September 24, 4:00-5:30 p.m.
· November 19, 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Athletics
Living a healthy lifestyle is a core value at Gambold Prep; we encourage all scholars to participate in an athletic sport. If they have yet to do so, please encourage them to contact Mr. Matthew Shirk. Athletic competitions can be found on our website under Athletics.
Communication
We want to ensure we are communicating to you in a timely and efficient way.
· Sunday night phone call (every week)
· Wednesday e-mail from Mrs. Armstrong (every Wednesday)
· Have access to ManageBac as a parent
· Like us on Facebook; follow us on Twitter; join us on Instagram
· Listen to our weekly radio address (located on bottom right-hand corner of our homepage on the website)
· Access our website (www.gamboldprep.com)
· Contact a teacher (all staff e-mails are listed below)
Regards,
Shane M. O’Day
Principal
Staff E-Mails
Staff Name / Email / PositionLori / Armstrong / / Community Coordinator
Kate / Ash / / Student Support
Kristie / Carter / / Psychologist
Terion / Cooper / / Music Teacher
Amanda / Cory / / Art Teacher
Mel / Coryell / / English Teacher/ DP Coordinator
Michael / Gawdzik / / English teacher
Andrea / Harris / / Counselor
Erika / Kaiser-Powell / / Admin Associate
Brenna / Macias / / Spanish Teacher
Theresa / Moody / / Humanities Teacher
Shane / O'Day / / Administrator
John / Riley / / Math Teacher
TingTing / Shang / / Chinese Teacher
Matt / Shirk / / PE Teacher
Mark / Shullenberger / / English Teacher/ MYP Coordinator
David / Todd / / Humanities Teacher
Gary / Wallace / / Media Specialist
Monica / Winter / / Math Teacher
Joe / Zoller / / Science Teacher