Welcome back Gardner Academy families,

I hope you all had a wonderful and safe summer vacation.  We here at the school are very excited for the upcoming year.  We have spent some time this summer looking back at last year and reviewing how to improve on an already great experience.  We have come up with some new and exciting things for the 2018-2019 school year.

As you know we are committed to the success of your student.  Here at the academy we hold on to the idea that we fit the school to the needs of you r child.  One way to accomplish this is to provide stability in their day and their learning environment.  This year the bell schedule will remain the same as the second half of the 2017-2018 school year.  Our early dismissal and 2 hour delay schedule will also remain the same.  This year we would like to open the 2018-2019 school year a little bit differently.  The first day of school will be a half day.  On September 4th, only new students to the Academy will report. We will hold our new year orientation that evening for all students with our traditional cookout. All students will report on September 5th. It is imperative that you be here to learn about our new policies and procedures and how it will affect you and your child.

As you know, we are committed to the instruction of your student and the growth of your child as a learner and a person.  We pride ourselves on connecting with them on a personal level to ensure their confidence in themselves.  Last year we began a system of using “breakout groups” to discuss issues and connect with our students.  We will continue to do so this year with the vision of building student voice.  We want these groups to be the means to foster student leaders and hear what concerns them as a larger community.  In addition, we will continue to focus on the social and emotional aspects of teaching and supporting your child. 

In case you have not heard, our long time special education teacher, Mr. Greg Wells, retired at the end of last year.  He was an integral part of who we are and a huge piece of the Gardner Academy family.  Although we will miss him dearly he will always be in our hearts.  We are pleased and excited, however, to announce that we did hire a new special education teacher who will bring with her an enthusiasm and excitement to contribute to our school.  We welcome Mrs. Melissa Walter to our staff.  She is new to us but not to our district.  Mrs. Walter is transferring from GMS to Gardner Academy.  She brings with her vast experience and knowledge of the challenges that our students face.  More importantly, she brings a connection that already exists with many of our students.  We are excited to have her aboard and look forward to working with her.

Finally, we look forward to a new year and a new chance for the success of your child.  We cherish every day that we have to make your student successful both academically and in life. We also look forward in working with you instill a great future for your child.  See you on the 4th. 

Our Mission is:

Fitting the school to the students and re-engaging them in their learning. We are a school of choice. We meet the students where they are and enhance their ability, skill, and understanding so that they can achieve a diploma and beyond.  At our core we build strong relationships, utilize blended methods for learning, and partner with students, families, and the community for student success. 

We Value:

• Community
• Compassion
• Integrity
• Responsibility

 We ask you:

“Find your purpose” every day