Galileo Gazette

February

4-- Lockdown drill

17-- No School--Presidents' Day

20-- Middle School Dance

Parents and caregivers--Please remember that we have designated times for dropping off students in the morning. Please don't drop your students off before 8:50 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Wednesday is late start and drop off time begins at 9:05.

There is an exception---students eating breakfast in the cafeteria. The cafeteria opens at 8:30 for these students. Students eating breakfast are required to stay in the cafeteria until 8:50.

Thanks for your understanding and support.

Serving fresh baked scones for breakfast and fresh baked cookies at lunch.

The College of Engineering's Micron Student Success Center is excited to announce that we will be hosting the 18th Annual Engineering & Science Festival again on Saturday February 22, 2025. We will be partnering with Boise State staff and faculty and community partners to provide interactive presentations, hands-on activities, and fun demonstrations all over campus. Please register for the event below.

CONNECT with the Galileo PTO

Welcome! Parents & Teachers – we are here for you!

Everyone is invited to attend the monthly general meetings. Please mark your calendars for Friday, February 21st @ 9:15 am - 10:00 am.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES & OPENINGS

· Co-Director of School Services * This team organizes and supports the clubs

· Co-Coordinator for the Walking and Running Club * Join one of the most popular clubs at the school

· 8th Grade Celebration Day volunteers * More volunteers are needed to help set up and monitor the reception

· Potential New Club * GIRLS ON THE RUN has extended an invitation for Galileo to combine with a new group at North Star Charter School. Do you have a girl in 3rd/4th/5th grade who may be interested? Pending - a lead volunteer is needed to start a Galileo group.

Please email us at galileostempto@gmail.com for more information about these opportunities and to volunteer.

~Upcoming PTO EVENTS~

ELEMENTARY ART CLAY PROJECTS

Thursday, February 6th, 2:15 – 3:40 pm * 2nd grade clay projects. Please sign up to volunteer to help.

STAFF APPRECIATION

Tuesday, February 18th * The Galileo PTO, with the support of parents and families, will be providing our staff’s favorite coffee, smoothies, & treats.

Reminder: President’s Day/No School * Monday, February 17

MS EVENT: Night in Hollywood Dance sponsored by the Student Council

Thursday, February 20th, 6:00 – 7:30 pm * There will be dancing, a swing dance, a dance-off, a photo booth, food, and fun! Make sure you dress for the red carpet, or as your favorite celebrity or movie star (casual attire is also welcome)! IDs are required at the door. If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up here!

A look ahead*: MARCH will be a busy month!

• Monday, March 3rd **pending a lead volunteer** Girls On the Run
• Wednesday, March 5th No School/Teacher Professional Development
• Thursday, March 13th 2:15 – 3:40 pm * 3rd grade Clay Project
• Thursday, March 13th STEM Night
• March 17 – 21 Spring Break
• Tuesday, March 25th Kinder Registration, volunteers needed

***Please note Kindergarten Kickoff will be on Saturday, August 9th***

*Dates subject to change. Please check the school calendar for updates and to look ahead.

~Galileo CLUBS & PROGRAMS~

Have a question about one of our clubs? Check out our website to see what we have and find more information.

~ SINCERE GRATITUDE ~

Galileo Family - Thank you to the volunteers who helped make the Middle School Glo Night event a success!

FRIDAY, MAY 23RD

9:15 - 12:30 8th grade field trip to Wahooz (for 8th graders ONLY), 8th graders will be bussed from Galileo to Wahooz. No drop-offs at Wahooz.

12:30 - 1:30 Middle School BBQ at Galileo (8th graders will be bussed back to Galileo from Wahooz for the BBQ)

1:30 - 2:15 Get ready for 8th Grade Celebration (change of clothes, pictures, line up)

2:30 - 3:45 8th Grade Celebration: Galileo Gym

8TH GRADE PARENTS: PLEASE FILL OUT THIS FORM FOR THE 8TH GRADE CELEBRATION

If you are unable to access the form, please email the PTO at galileoPTOmiddleschool@gmail.com and we will assist you.

In November, West Ada conducted a Parent/Caregive Experience Survey. Galileo had 111 responses. We want to ensure we are meeting needs and improve upon practices. If you are a parent or caregiver interested in reviewing the responses and providing additional input, please attend a meeting on February 20th from 4:30-5:00 in the Galileo library. This group will be limited to the first 20 who sign up to attend. Please RSVP by using the following link.

Click Here to RSVP

West Ada’s goal of remaining on the cutting edge of education is as strong as ever. One of the most recent examples of that is on display with the opening of the Flyers Center.

Flyers is a unique facility designed to empower our youngest K-5 learners. The emphasis is on teaching these students how to correctly address the behavioral problems that are hindering their education and development.

We’re joined by Kelli Knowles, the Principal of Flyers Center, and Jamie Giebler, a behavior consultant in the district. These two educators are spearheading West Ada’s innovative approach to behavior and student development.

To learn more about Flyers, click here… https://www.westada.org/o/flyers/arti...

To learn more about Varsity Tutors, click here… https://www.westada.org/page/varsity-...

To subscribe to West Ada’s YouTube channel, click here... / @westadaschooldistrict

To learn more about the podcast, or for past episodes click here… https://www.westada.org/page/podcast #WeAreWestAda

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.

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.

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!

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 8:50 am)

9:05 am – First bell

9:10 am – Tardy bell

3:55 pm – Dismissal bell

Wednesday

(Students may arrive beginning at 9:05 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