October 27, 2024 – GALA Weekly Newsletter |
"No matter what, remember your joy. Remember what matters. Remember your light and all your north stars in life.” Dr. Gholdy Muhammad |
As a high school history teacher, I enjoyed enhancing the curriculum with primary source documents, including diaries, artifacts, and forays into historical fiction. These documents made history come alive for my students. Every day I visit classrooms, I see teachers working extremely hard to help our students see the human connection to their learning by talking about mathematicians, conducting experiments, reading about historical figures, analyzing speeches, and reading novels. There is something magical when a student connects with an idea or concept and realizes their interconnection with humanity. I am grateful to our amazing teaching staff whose hard work brings forth this magic for our students. Dr. Liz Hicks
Principal and Founder |
| FILIPINO AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH Filipino American History Month is held in October to honor the presence of the first Filipinos in the continental United States and to recognize the contributions and legacy of Filipino Americans throughout American history. The theme for this year is “Struggle, Resistance, Solidarity, and Resilience.” We are proud of the GALA Kababayan Club who, with the help of our Filipino parent group, organized our first Filipino American History Month school-wide event, celebrating Filipino American heritage with history booths, music, and food at lunch on Friday! |
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| PRELIMINARY SCHOLASTIC APTITUDE TEST (PSAT) Our 8th through 11th grade students participated in PSAT testing on Wednesday. The PSAT helps students prepare for the SAT, and in 10th and 11th grade, the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying (NMSQ) allows students to enter competitions for scholarships and recognition programs. This exam is offered for free to all our students. Students can expect results in December. They may create a College Board account to have access to their areas of strength and growth. |
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While grades 8-11 students were testing, and grade 12 students were working on college applications, our class of 2030 and 2031 students were able to explore the world of science with field trips to the Los Angeles Zoo (2030) and the Los Angeles Science Center (2031). Huge gratitude to the many parent volunteers and the advisory teachers for making the day a special one for our students. |
| BSAP Field Trip This week, our high school students in the BSAP program were invited to a college day at UCLA. Among the speakers and workshops, they heard from the Chair of the Afrikan Student Union, Kahlila Williams, a senior at UCLA and GALA alum (2021)! |
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| LA WOMEN'S GIVING CIRCLE We were excited to host the LA Women’s Giving Circle at GALA on Tuesday. They have supported our school since 2016. They were excited to see the new campus and talk with students. |
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| 50TH DAY OF SCHOOL ASB celebrated the 50th day of school on Wednesday with a Hello Kitty theme. We are proud of our students who are on track for the district standards of no more than 2 absences by the 50th day of school. Great work Goddesses! |
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| SRLA Our small but mighty Student Run LA (SRLA) group completed the La Puente 10K this weekend. Congratulations to all of the participants and gratitude to club sponsors Ms. Reid and Ms. Petrich. Pictured: Marlena Van Zandt (2027), June Witzling (2027), Gloria Lassa (2028), Ella Chen (2028), and Jade Hogan (2028). Not pictured but participating: Ella McNamara (2028), Sydney Garcia (2029), Ziva Turoff (2029), Sonya Turoff (2027), Myra Fogel (2029), Valerie Blas (2030), and Fernanda Flores(2027). |
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| ART COMPETITION Congratulations to Etta Viertel (2030) for her beautiful painting that has been selected as a finalist for the 5th Annual Día de los Muertos (DDLM) Art Competition, organized by the Tournament of Roses. |
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| NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Congratulations to the following class of 2025 students who received commendation for exceptional academic promise and outstanding performance on the PSAT/NMSQ assessment. Commended students placed among the top 50,000 students in the nation for their results on the assessment and the top 34,000 in the nation based on academic promise. We are so proud of: Sky Bello, Sachi Hiromura, Esther Kung, Skylar Shannon, Sarah Syed, Chloe Watkins |
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NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTION On Friday, we held our National Honor Society Induction Ceremony. Congratulations to the juniors and seniors who were inducted into this prestigious organization. Thank you to Sue Leifield, NHS sponsor, who organized the event. |
A reminder for sibling applicants, our application is open. The deadline for applications is November 15 and must be completed through the LAUSD Choices online application. Go to the Unique Educational Pathways Schools (formerly Admissions Criteria School) and select GALA. If you have a currently enrolled GALA student, and you are applying for a sibling for the 2024-2025 school year, please fill out this survey HERE so that we get an idea how many siblings may be applying. |
| Beautification GALA's student-led Environmental Association is sponsoring a campus beautification and tree planting on Sunday, November 3rd, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join us as the students lead us in planting more than 100 native California plants. All are welcome. Please plan on arriving by 10 a.m. for instructions and sign up in advance. Exterior Painting Exterior painting should commence in November. Stay tuned for further details. Street Lights Huge gratitude to members of our incredible neighborhood organization as the three streetlights that were out by St. James Park were repaired this week. We are lucky to have neighbors who are concerned about our safety! |
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CHROMEBOOKS As we get further into the semester, we would like your help making sure students are arriving to school prepared each day. Please help your goddess remember to charge their Chromebooks overnight so that they are ready at the start of each school day! |
| Daylight Savings Time Ends Daylight savings time will end on Sunday, November 3. Don’t forget to turn your clocks back one hour on Sunday! |
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| FALL FESTIVAL ASB is planning a wonderful Fall Festival for Halloween on Thursday, October 31st! Students may come to school dressed in their Halloween costumes. The costume rules have been decided by ASB and are as follows: |
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GALA FALL FESTIVAL DRESS GUIDELINES An optional Halloween dress-up day has been scheduled for Thursday, October 31, 2024. As you plan your costume, please keep these guidelines in mind: - The costume should be tasteful and appropriate for school.
- In accordance with district policy, costumes must not be offensive to any individual or group based on their actual or perceived race, gender, identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, and/or political affiliations.
- The costume should not hamper the student's responsibility of carrying school supplies or being in class.
- Costumes that require carrying extra and/or unsafe items such as skateboards, surfboards, swords, guns, and spears are not acceptable.
- Costumes should not restrict students from dressing for P.E.
- No face or pullover masks.
- Hats as part of the costume are permitted.
- Footwear must be safe and supportive. No sandals or flip-flops.
- No silly string or toy-like accessories.
Our goal is to provide a safe learning environment for those who choose to dress in costume. If a student chooses not to dress in costume, they are required to wear their GALA school uniform. |
| DAY OF THE DEAD - Dia de los Muertos Day of the Dead is a day where families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a reunion and celebration. The Aztecs started this holiday almost 3,000 years ago to recognize death as an integral part of life. Largely celebrated in Mexico, the Day of the Dead has grown to be celebrated in the United States and throughout the world. For more information on the history of the day, see https://www.history.com/topics/halloween/day-of-the-dead GALA students are invited to celebrate the Day of the Dead on Friday, November 1. There is an Ofrenda by the Humanities building. |
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| GALA HOSTS FIRST ROBOTICS REGIONAL COMPETITION On Sunday, November 3, GALA will for the first time host the regional robotics competition. Come watch our three high school teams compete! There will be a concession stand with food to raise money for the Robotics Club. For more information or to sign up to volunteer for either event, contact Angie Gomez president@fogala.org |
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| WINTER ACADEMY LAUSD is offering a Winter Academy on December 16,17, and 18. GALA high school students can register for GALA while middle school students will attend Obama Prep. Students are provided with transportation and meals. More information to come about specific classes and credit recovery that will be offered by GALA. Registration is open now. https://www.lausd.org/winteracademy |
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THIS WEEK Monday, October 28 Tuesday, October 29 - B-Day
- FoGALA - Hamburger Mary's Parents' Night Out - 6pm
Wednesday, October 30 Thursday, October 31 - B-Day
- Fall Festival
- Halloween Costume Dress Day
Friday, November 1 - A-Day
- Dia De Los Muertos Celebration
Sunday, November 3 - First Robotics Tournament at GALA
- Beautification Day
- Daylight Saving Time begins
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| NEXT WEEK Monday, November 4 - B-Day
- FoGALA Meeting (Zoom) - 7pm
Tuesday, November 5 Wednesday, November 6 Thursday, November 7 - A-Day
- Coffee with the Principal (Hybrid) - 8:45am
Friday, November 8 |
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| GALA'S GOT TALENT VARIETY SHOW AUDITIONS Be a part of the show! AUDITION for the 8th Annual GALA's Got Talent variety show! We welcome all kinds of acts: dancers, poets, bands, singers, novelty acts, and more. If your act can't be on a stage (hockey, figure skating, time-lapsed drawing, short film), we also accept auditions that can be shown via video. This is a really fun, supportive show and a lot of fun! SHOW: The show will be held on the last day of school before winter break (December 13). Two shows will take place DURING school hours. No shows after school or on weekends. There will be 1 rehearsal before the show, which is also during school hours. |
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AUDITIONS: - Video Submissions: Upload your video auditions by November 17. Videos should be uploaded to the following link HERE.
- In-Person: November 19 & 20th at lunch in the conference room by the main office.
- Audition Form: All auditioners should fill out this form HERE.
- Please note that due to time constraints, not all acts that audition will be in the show.
- If you submit an audition and are selected, you are committed to doing the show and performing the same act from your audition.
- Auditions and acts are 2 minutes maximum. Any acts over 2 minutes will not be considered. Your audition should be the same act that you will be doing in the show.
We look forward to receiving your audition! Susan Leslie and Stephanie Richards, GGT volunteer producers If you have any questions, contact admissions@galacademy.org |
LOST & FOUND Just a friendly reminder that all lost and found items will be donated at the end of each month. Please have your student come by the lost and found area to pick up items. 95% of the items do not have names on them. Don’t forget to Sharpie your student's name on everything they bring to school. |
FoGALA COMMITTEE & PARENT GROUP MEETING For Information on FoGALA committee and parent group meetings: CLICK HERE |
| GALA ANNUAL GIVING 2024-2025 GALA ANNUAL GIVING 2024-25…is a WRAP! Dear GALA Families, We want to take this moment to express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you. We managed to achieve an impressive 75% rate of participation and raise an incredible $415,000! Our participation went up 5% from last year, and it is truly a testament to the dedication, generosity, and spirit of our school community.
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If you haven’t yet given, or perhaps this is the very first time you’re hearing about the Annual Giving Campaign, it is not too late to contribute. Donations are welcomed throughout the school year. https://www.fogala.org/donate Advisory Competition Congratulations to the SIX advisories that achieved 100% participation: 3rd to reach 100%: breakfast and a $50 Gift Card Dr. Peeples, 6th Grade
Ms. Leppard, 11th Grade 2nd to reach 100%: breakfast, boba, and a $100 gift card Ms. Bottcher, 6th Grade
Ms. Lee, 12th Grade (6th year in a row! INCREDIBLE!) 1st to reach 100%: breakfast, boba, pizza, and a $200 gift card Ms. Payne, 7th Grade
Mr. Gonzalez, 10th Grade Those fun—and yes, delicious—prizes are coming your way. Amazing job, families! Kudos to the NINE advisories that reached over 70% participation and were oh so very close: Mr. Harpole’s 6th Grade Advisory (88%)
Mr. Landa’s 6th Grade Advisory (92%)
Mr. Hale’s 7th Grade Advisory (88%)
Ms. Houghton 7th Grade Advisory (73%)
Ms. Petrich’s 7th Grade Advisory (88%)
Ms. Rivases’ 8th Grade Advisory (81%)
Mr. Koda’s 8th Grade Advisory (81%)
Ms. Leifield’s 10th Grade Advisory (78%)
Mr. Malassab’s. 12th Grade Advisory (74%) And for our last raffle… Congratulations to the family of Leifield advisory 10th grader Sanaya Lakdawalla who has won their choice of Beats Airpods, a 6 Flags Annual Gold Pass, or a video-enabled smart speaker. Wow! We hope these mid-campaign incentives and friendly competitions have helped motivate you and made this all a little bit more fun. But the real prize is what you—our wonderful GALA community—bring to the table with your financial and emotional support of our special little school. GALA can do so many amazing things because of YOU. We are grateful for you! A heartfelt thank you to our latest donors: |
The Lewis Family
The Thomas Family
The Kane family
The Family of Nica Lynch
Family of Bailee Russian
Hreha Family
The Foot Family
Chavelas Family
Scott & Selsey Family
Anonymous
Lopez Family
The Blakemore family
The Goddess Family
The Weber Family |
| Pia Inchaurregui Family
Gautt Family
Aroutunian Zeil Family
Guzman
Ana Liela Cariaga, Gabrielle Chantel Cariaga
Ivins - Stevens Family
O'Donnell family
Anonymous
Sonya and Ziva Turoff
Sanchez Salazar
The Panagopoulos Family
Ferreyra-Balderas Family
The Corcoran Family |
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PARENT'S NIGHT OUT FoGALA's annual Parent's Night Out at Hamburger Mary's in West Hollywood! WHEN: Tuesday, October 29, 2024. TIME: Doors open at 6 p.m., come early, and order food/drinks. BINGO starts promptly at 7 p.m. This senior-class fundraiser is always a highlight of the year, and parents from all grade levels attend! Invite your friends, neighbors, and coworkers, and make this a fun night out. Hamburger Mary's Drag Queen Bingo always brings laughs and promises a good time. PRIZES: 10 awesome BINGO Prizes! Live Auction for items like Clippers tickets, dinner & show at the Pantages, a spa day, etc! Bring your friends and your credit card! $20 for 10 BINGO cards when you purchase online. $25 at the door. LIVE AUCTION ITEMS: Pictures posted on the FoGALA Instagram page. Don’t miss the opportunity to bid on these amazing items at the event! |
| Hey Goddesses! Are you interested in attending Homecoming? Our annual event will be held on November 22nd in Hicks Hall! To attend, all absences MUST be cleared, and all contracts MUST be submitted by November 15, 2024. Tickets can be purchased online or in person at the student store. Ticket prices will increase as follows: 10/25 to 10/31: $45, 11/1 to 11/7: $50, 11/8 to 11/14: $55, 11/15: LAST DAY to buy tickets: $60 As we get ready for Homecoming, we would greatly appreciate the support of our wonderful parents! If you're able, please consider contributing items from our Amazon wish list to help with decorations. Your generosity will help make our event memorable! Please have items shipped to 2328 St. James Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90007. Here’s the link to our wish list: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/PNXTJKHHPJ31?ref_=wl_share. Want something sweet? The 6th grade is having a Bake Sale on Monday, October 28. Purchase some goodies for a chance to win a prize in our raffle! Goddesses, do your part to support homeless women in the Los Angeles area by participating in GALA's 4 Hearts for Hearts drive. We are asking for donations to assist homeless women in our community. Please see the flyer below for more information. If you have any questions, contact Dakota Louis (2027). Smita Sarker | ASB Secretary |
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