Monthly Update from Gabriela
March 2012
GPCP celebrates Natural Languages this year:
Among Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligences, there is a naturalist intelligence which is defined as
enjoyment in exploring and learning about the world of plants and animals. We recognize that
children’s affinity for the natural world is strongest at an early age when they are most alert and
impressionable. Being in nature helps develop our empathy, recognizing the interdependence of
all living things. As young children discover the wonders of nature through direct hands on
experiences, they develop a reverence for life that cannot be fostered as profoundly in any other
way. When children have daily opportunities to care for trees, plants, animals and insects, they
practice nurturing behaviors that help them interact in kind and gentle ways with people as well.
This is why we are delighted to offer opportunities for children to be in direct contact with nature all
the time. Whether your child is at the Cabbagetown or the Grant Park Campus, you can count on
them having daily contact with the natural world surrounding GPCP. The community garden in
Cabbagetown, the Whispering Garden for the GP Campus as well as the neighborhood parks, are
rich spaces that provide opportunities for children to learn about food, plants, growth, and
conservation.
We are celebrating children’s natural languages of expression with several different
events throughout the year that emphasize connections to the natural world.
We belong in the Zoo:
This year’s partnership with Zoo Atlanta has provided so many benefits to our school, from the
endless opportunities for our children to visit the Zoo at no cost to the fabulous items Zoo Atlanta
donated for our live auction. These animal encounters helped us raise a significant amount of
money for our school. We are so appreciative of the Zoo’s generosity!
In addition and as part of this partnership, the ZooMobile will visit both campuses on the following
days during the Week of the Young Child:
CT campus: Wednesday, April 25th - Wild Features (children compare body parts of animals &
humans and discover how we use senses just like animals)
GP Campus: Friday, April 27th - On the Move (children investigate how animals use different parts of
their body to move in different ways and speeds)
Children who do not attend school on these days are welcome to join us along with a parent.
We will be organizing field trips to the Zoo for the children from the Cabbagetown
Campus, so all children will also have the opportunity to visit the Zoo before the end of
the school year.
Please remember that a portion of the proceeds from each membership and purchases comes
back to GPCP. So, if you are purchasing or renewing your membership, please go to
www.zooatlanta.org/schoolpartner and use code “GPCP” to buy or renew your zoo membership or
sign up for other zoo programs. Please help us spread the word and tell your friends and family to
use the site as well.
Spring Camping Trip on Earth Day Weekend:
To celebrate Earth Day and kick off the Week of the Young Child, we will have a Spring Camping
trip on the weekend of April 20th through the 22nd. Our school’s naturalist will be there and will lead
some experiences including a night exploration around the campsites and insect identification.
We look forward to spending a weekend together immersed in nature’s beauty!
GPCP joins the Grant Park Farmers Market
We are thrilled to announce a new partnership with Grant Park’s Farmers Market. Starting
this spring, GPCP will be a part of the market’s Children’s booth, together with 4 other
local organizations including Chicken Feed and Farm to Table. Our school will participate
on a rotating basis every 5 Sundays. The market hours are from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. The
Children’s booth will offer interactive, educational and engaging experiences for
children, including cooking demonstrations, compost making, arts and crafts, planting
and much more. The market’s opening day is Sunday, April 29th and all 5 groups will be
at the booth to kick off the season. This year, the market will go through mid-December.
Please put this date on your calendars and come to support the market and GPCP!
Summer Camp - Wonders of Nature
We are excited about our Summer Camp plans this year. Please remember that In-House
registration ends this Friday and new families will be able to register starting on Monday, March 26th.
Swim Camp sessions I and II are already full, however we still have openings in all other sessions.
GPCP Alumni Volunteer Program:
Volunteer opportunities are available during this year’s Summer Camp for all GPCP alumni, ages 12
and older. Children must have a genuine love and interest in working with young children.
Interested candidates need to complete the Volunteer Application Form and commit to attending
an Orientation and at least two consecutive sessions. Volunteer hours count towards the
community service hours required by Middle and High Schools. Tell your friends and Neighbors!
Educators Exchange Day - Thursday, April 26th
For the first time, the Cabbagetown campus will open its doors to educators from other schools to
visit and learn about our style of working with young children. Participants pay a small fee to visit
GPCP and see examples of our work with children. We usually receive between 50 and 70
educators at each time. We consider these exchanges as professional development opportunities
for our own growth. Educators organize examples of our work with children in the form of power
point presentations to share with our visitors. We will be working in collaboration with the
Pedagogical Support Committee to welcome fellow educators from other schools.
We need help getting ready for this important day. Please join us on Saturday, March 31st for the
Workday at the Cabbagetown Campus. We have a lot of work to do between now and April 26th.
CALENDAR
Class Meeting: Thursday, March 22nd from 7 to 9pm (except for the Swans class who will have their
meeting next month).
School Closed - Tuesday, March 27th: Professional Development Day. Educators from both
campuses will be participating in a professional development day in Greenville, South Carolina.
Spring Mini Camp: Week of April 2nd - 6th, 2012.
This Mini Camp will be offered at the Cabbagetown Campus. Melissa Freeman will be the Mini
Camp Coordinator. Mini Camp hours are 9:00am to 1:00pm (No early care or playtime is offered
during Mini Camps). Mini Camp is for children who are currently enrolled. Older siblings are
welcome! The cost is $20 per child per day. Children need to bring their lunch and daily snack.
Workday: Saturday, March 31st
Spring Camping Trip: April 20-22
The Week of the Young Child: April 23-27
Educator’s Exchange Day at Cabbagetown Campus: Thursday, April 26th
Grant Park Farmer’s Market Opening Day: April 29