Upcoming Events

Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll: What Factors Influence Kids "Talking to Our Teens About Their Feelings."
Date: Tuesday May 25, 2010
Time: 7pm
Place: Beit Midrash

This community conversation, is a presentation of The Gann Academy and Gann Parent Association Joint task force for Teen Issues. Doors open at 7pm for schmooze and light refreshments, the program will begin promptly at 7:15pm. Please see the flyer here.

There will be an introduction by Gann Parent Daniel Slater, MD. Dan is a pediatrician and Gann parent (Jacob '12). Having joined Harvard Vanguard in 1994 he serves as Chief of Pediatrics in Watertown. Dan is a member of the Watertown Youth Commission and serves along with his colleagues, as a physician of the Watertown School District. The guest speaker for the evening is Mitchell Cohen, LICSW. Mitch has been a psychotherapist in private practice in Gloucester for the last 26 years. He and his wife of 33 years have raised three grown children all of whom were teenagers for a while. He is an active member of Temple Ahavat Achim and is on the Mayor's Task Force for Youth Development in Gloucester.

Laila Goodman, Gann Academy Dean of Students will present a summary of the Task Force agenda and outline the 2010-2011 Teen Issues Curriculum changes and introduce the proposed Gann Academy Youth Risk Behavior Survey.

For more information or questions, please contact Robin Jaeger rjaeger@gannacademy.org. RSVP's are appreciated, but not necessary to rjaeger@gannacademy.org.

Attention Class of 2010 
The Gann Parent Association invites parents to the Annual Senior Class Parents’ Sukkah Breakfast.  Please join us for breakfast, to learn with Rabbi Baker, and schmooze with each other.  Wednesday October 7, 2009 8:10 am, in the school sukkah.  Please RSVP to rsvp_gpa@gannacademy.org with the Subject: Senior Breakfast and indicate the number in your party.  Questions? Please contact: Amy Herman or Beth Cohen. For more information, please download our flyer here.

Volunteer Opportunities

Parent involvement at any level is greatly valued.  Whether you chair an event, serve on a committee, attend a function, or suggest a new initiative, your participation plays a critical role in strengthening our community and your child’s experience at Gann Academy.  We hope that you will become an active member of the Gann Parent Association and look forward to seeing you throughout the year.  If you are interested in helping with any of the GPA activities, please complete the Volunteer Interest form and return it to the office at Gann or contact Robin Jaeger, President of the Gann Parent Association.

Grade Liaisons

Each grade is represented by one or more parents who have volunteered to serve that year as a grade liaison. Parents who have any questions or concerns are encouraged to contact any of their grade liaisons. Grade liaisons meet every month with the Headmaster and Associate Headmaster to communicate issues and concerns and provide parent feedback. Grade liaisons also communicate with the faculty member who serves as the class dean. Grade liaisons plan social programs for parents of the grade and help set the agenda for grade-level meetings.

Committees and Programs

We encourage all parents to become involved in the school and the GPA. There are many ways in which parents can become active participants in the school community. During the school year, parents assist with a variety of programs, events, and ongoing efforts. If you are interested in helping with any of the activities listed below, please contact please contact Robin Jaeger, President of the Gann Parent Association.

• Liaisons for Each Grade Level—Discuss issues and ideas with administration at monthly administration/PA liaison meetings; set agenda for grade-wide meetings; communicate with the grade's class dean; plan social activities for parents of the grade. (If you have more than one child, please select one grade only.)
• Hesed Committee—Add your name to the list of parents who can provide a meal (or other help) to Gann Academy families as needed.
• A Day of Learning and Exploration for Parents—A day for schmoozing and learning and eating! Gann Academy parents and faculty present a variety of workshops and programs allowing the parent community an opportunity to explore and discuss a range of topics, as well as participate in interactive creative activities.
• Parent Dinner/Social Evening—Join the organizing committee to plan a spirited evening for Gann Parents.
• Faculty and Staff Appreciation Lunch (week of June 12th)—Arrange for a catered lunch at school for faculty and staff during the in-service days at the end of the year.
• Construction of Sukkah—Help assemble and decorate the structure at the new campus. Parents and students welcome.