From the Head of School
Welcome Back! It was wonderful to see so many of you at the picnic on Monday. I met many new families and welcomed returning families to our campus.
Wednesday was an exciting day as it marked the first in-person opening day on this campus for GPS. The day was filled with excited students meeting new classmates, learning new routines, engaging in team building activities, and having fun. Middle School had a day-long retreat with many Tribes activities interspersed with information sessions and ending with Root Beer Floats. This helped them be prepared for their first academic day on Thursday.
The week ended with our first in-person assembly in a year and a half. We gathered outdoors on the sport court where we celebrated summer birthdays, heard announcements about upcoming events and were treated to a skit by our 7th grade students about being an Inquirer, our learner profile trait for September. At the end of the month, students who exemplify that trait will be recognized.
Assemblies happen on the last Friday of the month and are on the school calendar on FACTS. They will start at about 8:35 a.m. and will last approximately 20 – 30 minutes. Parents are welcome to attend.
Early Childhood Back to School Night, September 2 at 6:30 p.m.
Preschool, PreKindergarten and Junior Kindergarten families are invited to attend an information night on Thursday, September 2 at 6:30 p.m. in your student's classroom. Hear from your child's teacher, ask questions and meet other parents. This is a parents-only event. Childcare is not available. Attendance is limited to one parent/guardian per student to allow for space in the classroom. Masks are required for all attendees regardless of vaccination status. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing you.
Save the Date
Back to School Night for Kindergarten through 8th Grade will take place on Thursday, September 23. Look for details in an upcoming Compass Newsletter.
Extended Day Care (EDC) at GPSDC is available before and after school, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Make sure you have signed your student up for EDC if you are planning to use it on a regular basis. EDC forms are located on FACTS under "Web Forms". Monthly and hourly options are available. Drop ins are available and will be charged the hourly rate.
Families that have signed up for EDC on a regular basis will be issued a key fob that will open the Preschool or Main School gate before the school office opens and after the school office closes. Key fobs will be distributed to those families in the next few weeks. Until then, please refer to the procedures below.
Drop Off:
Come to the office and ring the call button. A staff member will come to the gate and instruct you where to go. Lower School students will go to Ms. Green's room in E-7. Middle School students must sign-in with Ms. Green before going to their lockers.
Pick Up:
Come to the office and ring the call button. A staff member will come to the gate and direct you to the pick up area. Students must be signed out of EDC before leaving campus.Hot Lunch Program
Hot Lunch Program
Tot Pot is back! We are excited to be able to offer a nutritious & delicious hot lunch program for students in Preschool through 8th grade. Information will be emailed to all families. You can read the information here and register for the program online. First time users must create an account using "Valley17" as the school's password. CHA families can use their previous account. Lunch program begins on September 1st.
Bon Appetit!
Interested in being a part of this year's Student Council?
Have great ideas to share or just want to help?
Want information on running for office?
Students (Grades 3 - 8):
Come to the Informational Meeting
Wednesday, Sept. 1st.
Room E7 at lunchtime
GPS Clothing Store
Order your GPS clothing from our school store. Share your school spirit with polo shirts, sweatshirts and hats. Refer to the 2021-2022 dress code requirements for information.
Some items may be on back order and will be filled as soon as possible. Students in Kindergarten through 8th grade should dress in solid color polo shirts if they are waiting for an order.
Dress code will be enforced once all orders have been filled.
Shop with Amazon Smile
Did you know that you can generate donations while shopping for books, school supplies and clothing, at no extra cost to you?
Simply start your shopping at smile.amazon.com/ch/95-3257811 to confirm "Chatsworth Hills Academy Inc" (our parent company) as your charity of choice, and AmazonSmile will donate a portion of your eligible purchase price to our organization.
Staff Spotlight
We are excited to welcome new faculty and staff to the GPS community this year. Over the next few weeks we will introduce them to you. Make sure to stop and say hello when you see them on campus.
Meet Stephanie Reyes
Miss Stephanie is new to our Preschool family working as the Aide in the Yellow Room with Miss Jennifer. Stephanie is also a student at CSUN. She loves to travel to new places and discover new things to do, as well as ride motorcycles. "I am a huge adrenaline junkie and enjoy doing things out of my comfort zone. I enjoy going to the beach to watch the sunset, wakeboard, and ride skateboards. My all time favorite food to eat is Thai food. Finally, I am a huge fan of Country music. I am excited to be a new member of GPS. :)"
Miss Stephanie is a wonderful addition to our preschool staff and the GPS family.
Weekly Reminders
Make sure you have completed the forms found on FACTS.
Send an extra mask, or 2, to school with your student.
Make sure your child has a hat and water bottle everyday.
Write your child's name in all jackets, sweaters, hats etc.
Sign up for the Totpot hot lunch program if you require lunch for your child.
Send a good snack for morning recess.
Early Childhood families attend Back to School night on Thursday.