Galileo Gazette

September

2-- Labor Day--No School

5-- School Picture Day

17-- Lockdown Drill

18-- Professional Learning Day--No school

19-- Wagon's Ho - 4th grade

Click Here for a printable calendar for the 24-25 school year.

Click Here for a 'year at a glance' version of the calendar.

Please spread the word that there are no motor vehicles of any kind allowed on the playground and field. We have seen neighbor kids ride their golf carts, etc. all over our turf. We have seen tracks when the snow comes. This is unsafe and can ruin equipment. Thank you!

K-2 Devices: District-issued devices will remain at school and will be charged regularly in the classroom. K-2 students will not take their laptops, chargers, or cases home. Administrators may grant exceptions based on individual students’ learning needs.

3-5 Devices: District-issued devices may remain at school and be charged in the classroom, OR they may be sent home with the student at the discretion of the school and/or classroom teacher.

This information will be posted soon in the updated One-to-One Device Handbook.

We're excited for the upcoming school year and wanted to share an important update about our cell phone and electronic device policy (Policy 502.80).

To keep classrooms focused and free from distractions, students won't be allowed to use cell phones and personal electronic devices during class unless the teacher gives permission. Here are the key points:

• No Devices in Class: Students must place their devices in a designated area (like lockers or baskets) before class starts.
• Devices Off: All devices should be powered off while in the designated classroom storage area.
• Smartwatches: These can stay with students but must be turned off during instructional time. Any use of or distractions created as a result of powered wearable devices will be subject to disciplinary action.
• Exceptions: Teachers may allow device use for specific educational purposes or in emergencies.

Cell Phones and Electronic Devices - Middle School (Grades 6-8)

Starting with the 2024-25 school year, in line with Policy 503.20, all middle schools in the district will be implementing a consistent cell phone policy across all West Ada middle schools to enhance the learning environment. During the academic day, students will not be permitted to use cell phones. These devices must be stored in student lockers throughout the school day. This procedure aims to minimize distractions and support a focused and productive educational experience for all students.

We need help on Friday September 27th from 4 PM to 5 PM at the school garden taking out all the summer veggies. We need to clean out the garden beds to allow an Eagle Scout to re-build our garden boxes this fall!

FINAL call for any middle schoolers who would like to go on a summer adventure THIS summer, June 9-16, 2025: Montreal & Quebec. This is your last chance to sign up for this amazing trip!

CLICK HERE to sign up!

Two Galileo Jr. Botball robotics students represented the United States in a Global Jr. Botball Challenge competition in Beijing, China on August 19th -20th. Lucas Perkins and Carter Schmidt have been preparing for the competition since June by coding their autonomous robots, using C coding language, to successfully complete the robotics challenges. The two students persevered through connectivity challenges to receive 2nd place trophies and medals. The Galileo students participated in the advanced category and were the only students coding in C coding language while the other competitors used a Blockly coding platform. Lucas and Carter competed with over 2,000 robotics students from around the globe in this international competition. Congratulations Lucas and Carter!

Interested in getting more involved in Galileo and helping out behind the scenes? Consider joining Galileo’s Parent Teacher Organization!

Your PTO is a dedicated group of volunteers who:

• help organize the various clubs and events throughout the school year,
• organize one major fundraising effort – GIVE Week! - to support the community’s needs for the upcoming school year,
• support the teachers by helping to fill in with classroom needs,
• and so much more!

~ Upcoming PTO Sponsored Events ~

MIDDLE SCHOOL EVENT - Back to School Bash

Thursday, September 19th, 6:00 - 7:30 * Their 1st fun, social event of the school year! This event is for Galileo Middle School students only. STUDENT ID'S ARE REQUIRED FOR ENTRY. Pizza, water, soda, and treats will be provided. Please consider volunteering to make this event a success. Click on the link here to see what positions we need filled in order for this event to happen.

GIVE WEEK

September 30 - October 4th * Galileo’s major fundraising event is in its initial planning phase. More information coming soon!

CLUBS

Every Tuesday & Thursday, lunch recess * Get your feet ready! Running and Walking Club began last week at lunch recess! All students can join and run or walk laps. Walk or run miles and earn charms and prizes! We need more volunteers! Come help and cheer your students on! Here is the signup.

MEET THE MASTERS

Monthly opportunities * The Galileo PTO runs an art program for the elementary classes called "Meet the Masters." All information and supplies are provided; no skills or experience necessary. Volunteers needed! If you are interested in helping with this program, please sign up here or email galileostempto@gmail.com. An introductory MTM volunteer meeting is on Wednesday, Sept. 25th at 8:30 am.

GALILEO SCHOOL DIRECTORY

Deadline Friday, October 11th * To receive this year’s directory, please follow the link to fill out the 2024-2025 Galileo Directory Request. Please follow this link to modify your student’s information in the directory: 2024-2025 Opt-Out of Student Directory Request.

Visit our Galileo PTO website and sign up to be notified when new stories come out! For any general questions, email your PTO at galileostempto@gmail.com.

Go Falcons!

The answer to this question is due to the distance between the stop sign on Saguaro Drive and the crosswalk. If more cars are in the que than the distance allows, we have a back up which will put cars into the crosswalk and slows traffic flow. Thanks for your understanding and for following the guidance of our duties.

Please help us be good neighbors by respecting neighbors' driveways and access as you park near Galileo. Also, please don't park and leave your car unattended in a line that is moving. If you need to leave your car unattended, use one of the parking spots in the main parking lot.

Please spread the word that there are no motor vehicles of any kind allowed on the playground and field. We have seen neighbor kids ride their golf carts, etc. all over our turf. We have seen tracks when the snow comes. This is unsafe and can ruin equipment. Thank you!

Please remind others that we have students playing on our field daily. Dogs are wonderful companions but are not kind to our turf. Dogs are not allowed on the turf and please clean up your dog's mess when taking them on a walk on school grounds.

Please remember that Galileo is a closed campus from 8:15-4:30. This includes the walking path and playground areas. Visitors who haven't checked into the office will be asked to check in or to leave campus.

Dear Galileo neighbors -

In an effort to keep our students safe and our campus secure, we ask that you please close the gate behind you when you enter the school grounds using the walking path.

Thank you.

Please check the lost and found for any missing items!! Leftover items will be periodically donated.

Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri.

(Students may arrive beginning at 8:45 am)

9:05 am – First bell

9:10 am – Tardy bell

3:55 pm – Dismissal bell

Wednesday

(Students may arrive beginning at 9:00 am)

9:20 am – First bell

9:25 am – Tardy bell

3:55 pm – Dismissal bell

Students are not to be dropped off prior to these times as there is no supervision for students until the times designated.

Attendance Line

(208) 350-4106

Please call the attendance line before 9:30am if your child will be absent for any reason, or will be late to school. Please state your child’s name, teacher and reason for absence. If you are planning a vacation and your student will be absent three or more days please fill out the notification of absence form found here. This form does not excuse the absences, but will help keep everyone informed.

Principal - Rob Lamb - lamb.robert@westada.org

Secretary/Bookkeeper - Jennifer Damiano - damiano.jennifer@westada.org

Secretary/Registrar - Chandi VonLindern - vonlindern.chandi@westada.org

Assistant Secretary - Angela Meyers - meyers.angela@westada.org

Safe School Assistant - Melissa Dahlen - dahlen.melissa@westada.org

Nurse - Kara Jeppson - jeppson.kara@westada.org

Health Tech - Chrystalyn Coulter - coulter.chrystalyn@westada.org

Elementary Counselor - Megan Robinson - robinson.megan@westada.org

MS Counselor - Sam Kristensen - kristensen.samuel@westada.org

Website: https://www.westada.org/o/galileo
Location: 4735 West Saguaro Drive Eagle, Idaho 83616
Phone: 208-350-4105