THE WEEK AHEAD - MAY 18TH - 22ND


Monday May 18th
Parent Workshop - Literacy at Home
 4 PM in room 8
We hope you will join us for a new Parent Workshop called Literacy at Home. This Monday, you'll learn how to support your reader, how to build confidence at home and all about interactive read alouds. Please attend this informative meeting to help with your child's literacy skills. 



Tuesday, May 19th
Early Dismissal
 1:43 PM
Every Tuesday is an early dismissal day.



Thursday, May 21st
Spring Show
 8:40 AM and 1:20 PM
Gardner's annual Spring Show is this Thursday! Come watch all our students perform musical numbers in a show featuring songs through the decades. There are two opportunities to see the performances and both shows are almost identical. Please note that our first graders (and a 1st/2nd grade class) will be on a field trip in the morning and therefore will not be performing in the first show. So if you have a child in Ms. Litonjua, Miller or Martinez's class, we ask that you attend the second show at 1:20 so that you can see them. 



Monday, May 25th
Memorial Day - NO SCHOOL

 

REMINDERS

Our first Gardner cookbook, How To Cook Like A Fox, that was featured at our Art Show, is still for sale and makes a wonderful Mother's Day gift! It includes gorgeous artwork by our second graders and all the recipes made by our students during our gardening and cooking classes! It's a beautiful book that helps your kids remember how to make all their favorite, delicious Gardner dishes! It's only $8, all proceeds benefit our garden and cooking programs, and it's available to order by clicking here! 
 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Coming Up Next       


                         MAY 25TH - Memorial Day - NO SCHOOL
                         MAY 26TH - TK/Kinder orientation 

THE WEEK AHEAD - MAY 11TH

Happy Mother's Day!
We want to wish all the incredible moms of Gardner Street a very happy Mother's Day! It is YOU who gets these kids to school every day, signs the field trip forms, dresses them for spirit days, volunteers for the events, attends the teacher meetings, keeps the calendar and helps with the projects. We know it's a thankless job, but we see you and appreciate all you do for our students and our school!


Last week for CAASPP Testing 
This week our 5th graders ONLY continue their CAASPP testing with the science portion of the test. The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) is California's statewide, computer-based testing system for students in grades 3-8 and 11. We ask that students continue to try to arrive on time, eat a good breakfast and get a good night's sleep. 


Tuesday, May 12th
Early Dismissal
 1:43 PM
Every Tuesday is an early dismissal day.


Thursday, May 14th
Friends of Gardner Meeting
 8:30 AM
Join us for our last FoG meeting of the year. We will wrap up the year with an election for the new Friends of Gardner board members, complete with usual treats and coffee. Come vote and end the year with a 


Friday, May 15th
Coffee with Cabrera
 8:30 AM
It's our last Coffee with Cabrera too! Come to discuss this month's topic with Principal Cabrera, and bring your questions and concerns. 

Gardner GLOW! 
 6 - 8:30 PM
It's here! The party of the year! You do NOT want to miss this InterGLOWactic event that your kids won't stop talking about. This Friday, from 6 to 8:30 PM, there will be darkness, music, dancing, food and tons of neon in the galaxy of your dreams!

So get your tickets for our annual glow dance BY CLICKING HERE or at the glass doors before and after school this week. We also really need volunteers! PLEASE help us make this event a success by SIGNING UP HERE for a shift. You will still get to enjoy time with your kids. But when you step to give an hour of your time to events like this, it helps us raise the money we need to continue to pay for PE, music, art and cooking classes for your kids. We cannot do it without you. If you absolutely cannot volunteer, please consider donating from our Amazon wish list here! 


 

REMINDERS

Our first Gardner cookbook, How To Cook Like A Fox, that was featured at our Art Show, is still for sale and makes a wonderful Mother's Day gift! It includes gorgeous artwork by our second graders and all the recipes made by our students during our gardening and cooking classes! It's a beautiful book that helps your kids remember how to make all their favorite, delicious Gardner dishes! It's only $8, all proceeds benefit our garden and cooking programs, and it's available to order by clicking here! 
 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Coming Up Next       


                         MAY 21ST - Spring Show
                         MAY 25TH - Memorial Day - NO SCHOOL

THE WEEK AHEAD - MAY 4TH

CAASPP Testing Continues
This week our 3rd through 5th graders continue their CAASPP testing. The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) is California's statewide, computer-based testing system for students in grades 3-8 and 11. This week they will take the math portion. We ask that students continue to try to arrive on time, eat a good breakfast and get a good night's sleep. 


It's Teacher Appreciation Week!
This week is National Teacher Appreciation week. Friends of Gardner has special treats set up for our amazing teachers every day this week, but please make sure to tell them in your own way how grateful you are for them! These are the people that spend hours upon hours, educating, guiding, and loving your children while they are away from you. They deserve all of our thanks and praise!


Monday, May 4th
Last Day for Yearbook ordering
It's the last day to purchase your 2025/2026 yearbook! There are hard-cover and soft-cover options available at different prices, and yearbooks will be delivered on the last week of school to your child's classroom. You can also customize some of the first pages of your yearbook with personal pictures from the past year. Fifth grade families may want to even customize with personal pictures throughout their time at Gardner. Those are available for a small additional cost, but customization is not required. The deadline is Monday, May 4th! Click here to purchase!


Tuesday, May 5th
Early Dismissal
 1:43 PM
Every Tuesday is an early dismissal day.



Friday, May 8th
Minimum Day - 1:08 Dismissal
 1:08 PM


Get your Gardner Cookbooks!
Our first Gardner cookbook, How To Cook Like A Fox, that was featured at our Art Show, is still for sale and makes a wonderful Mother's Day gift! It includes gorgeous artwork by our second graders and all the recipes made by our students during our gardening and cooking classes! It's a beautiful book that helps your kids remember how to make all their favorite, delicious Gardner dishes! It's only $8, all proceeds benefit our garden and cooking programs, and it's available to order by clicking here! 
 

REMINDERS

Gardner GLOW is coming May 15th! Make sure to sign up to help us out with volunteering for the event or ordering something from our Amazon wish list! Click here for all the details!
 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Coming Up Next       


                         MAY 14TH - FoG Meeting
                         MAY 15TH - GLOW dance
                         MAY 21ST - Spring Show
 

THE WEEK AHEAD - APRIL 27TH

CAASPP Testing This Week
This week our 3rd through 5th graders will begin taking the CAASPP test. The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) is California's statewide, computer-based testing system for students in grades 3-8 and 11. It measures student proficiency in English Language Arts literacy, mathematics and science based on state standards and is aimed at determining college and career readiness. The test will continue every day for a couple of weeks and this week they will take the ELA portion. We ask that students arrive on time, eat a good breakfast and get a good night's sleep. We want all of our students to feel well-prepared to take the test. Just remind them to take their time and do their best. 


Tuesday, April 28th
Early Dismissal
 1:43 PM
Every Tuesday is an early dismissal day.


Friday, May 1st
Crazy Hair Day and Shoutouts!
It's everyone's favorite spirit day of the year - Crazy Hair Day! We're going to pair that with shoutouts and shoutout all the kids who are demonstrating Gardner's pillars of character. So get those locks loose and ready to go and we will see the insanity this Friday! 


Friends of Gardner Elections
Friends of Gardner Board positions are open for next year and we'd love to have you a part of it. If you are interested in being on the board, please send an email to friendsofgardner@gmail.com with questions to let us know you're interested, by Friday, May 1st! Elections will be held at the next FoG meeting on Thursday, May 14th. 


Get your yearbooks!
It's time to purchase your 2025/2026 yearbook! It's the best way to commemorate the year at Gardner forever! There are hard-cover and soft-cover options available at different prices, and yearbooks will be delivered on the last week of school to your child's classroom. You can also customize some of the first pages of your yearbook with personal pictures from the past year. Fifth grade families may want to even customize with personal pictures throughout their time at Gardner. Those are available for a small additional cost, but customization is not required. You have ONE MORE week to purchase your yearbook. The deadline is Monday, May 4th! Click here to purchase!


 

REMINDERS

Developers are moving forward with a new, fifteen-story, housing project on the corner of Sunset and Gardner. This project will tower over the Gardner yard, have an entrance and exit next to our carpool line, and will take three years of construction without a prior environmental review. If you are interested in helping us fight this, please click here to find out how to send a letter to the city and sign our petition. 
 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Coming Up Next       


                         MAY 4TH - 8TH - Teacher Appreciation Week
                         MAY 8TH - Minimum Day
                         MAY 14TH - FoG Meeting
                        MAY 15TH - GLOW dance
 

THE WEEK AHEAD - APRIL 20TH

Tuesday, April 21st
Early Dismissal
 1:43 PM
Every Tuesday is an early dismissal day.


Wednesday, April 22nd
Art Show and Open House
 3:30 PM - 6 PM





It's time for our annual Open House and Art Show! It's a beautiful event, featuring "wow" pieces by every student. These pieces tell a story and we hope you will come spy our artists all over the place! In addition, classrooms will be open for you to view what your students have been working on in the classroom. Please note, this is not a time to meet with teachers about your individual students, but more of a come-and-go opportunity to see work displayed. Art Show opens at 3 PM and classrooms are open at 330 and the event runs til 6 PM. We still need some volunteers to help us set up on Wednesday!  Please click here to sign up!


Friday, April 24th
Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day - NO SCHOOL


Get your yearbooks!
It's time to purchase your 2025/2026 yearbook! It's the best way to commemorate the year at Gardner forever! There are hard-cover and soft-cover options available at different prices, and yearbooks will be delivered on the last week of school to your child's classroom. You can also customize some of the first pages of your yearbook with personal pictures from the past year. Fifth grade families may want to even customize with personal pictures throughout their time at Gardner. Those are available for a small additional cost, but customization is not required. You have TWO weeks to purchase your yearbook. The deadline is May 4th! We will keep reminding you, but do it quick so you don't forget! Click here to purchase!


A peek at Gardner past
You can still view the posters of Gardner throughout its history, featured at our birthday party. Click here to see Gardner through the years. 
 

REMINDERS

Developers are moving forward with a new, fifteen-story, housing project on the corner of Sunset and Gardner. This project will tower over the Gardner yard, have an entrance and exit next to our carpool line, and will take three years of construction without a prior environmental review. If you are interested in helping us fight this, please click here to find out how to send a letter to the city and sign our petition. 
 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Coming Up Next       


                         MAY 1 - Asian American Pacific Islanders History Month Begins
                         MAY 1 - Crazy Hair Day and Shoutouts

THE WEEK AHEAD - APRIL 13TH

UTLA Strike Update
As many of you know, the teachers' union, UTLA, as well as the school workers' union, SEIU, and the administrators' union, AALA, have been preparing to strike on Tuesday, April 14th, if a deal is not reached with LAUSD before then. As of this morning (Sunday), a tentative deal has been reached with UTLA. The other two unions are still in negotiations, therefore nothing is definitive yet. If a deal is not confirmed, and they do in fact strike, we will notify you about a work stoppage and school closure as soon as we have any information. 

We understand how difficult an event like this can be for many of you. In the event of a work stoppage, you can click here to view organizations that will be offering free childcare, as well as locate LAUSD's free meal distribution sites, where you can receive up to three free meals per day, per child. 

Please feel free to call the front office with any questions and stay alert for more information from us and the district as updates are released. 

 

The following schedule is in the event that there is NO work stoppage and school continues as usual. 



Tuesday, April 14th
Early Dismissal
 1:43 PM
Every Tuesday is an early dismissal day.


Thursday, April 16th
Friends of Gardner Meeting
 8:30 AM
Come meet your fellow Gardner parents for our monthly meeting. We will be discussing what's to come in the last couple months of school and how you can be a part of it. Join us for updates on what's going on at Gardner! Goodies and coffee will be served as always. 


Sign up to be an art show volunteer!
We only have a few volunteers that have signed up to help prep our art show! But without you, it won't happen! Please sign up to help mount and hang art, because this event is coming up fast. Our annual Open House and Art Show is Wednesday, April 22! Please click here to sign up!


New development at Sunset and Gardner
Developers are moving forward with a new, fifteen-story, housing project on the corner of Sunset and Gardner. This project will tower over the Gardner yard, have an entrance and exit next to our carpool line, and will take three years of construction without a prior environmental review. If you are interested in helping us fight this, please click here to find out how to send a letter to the city and sign our petition. 


Laurel Middle School Tours
Fourth and fifth grade families are invited to tour Laurel Cinematic Arts and Creative Tech Magnet. Please see the flier for details. 



A peek at Gardner past
Thanks to all that attended Gardner's 115th birthday picnic. At the event, we had posters of Gardner throughout its history and wanted to be sure to share them with anyone who couldn't make it. Click here to see Gardner through the years. 

 

REMINDERS

Gardner Green is still going on Wednesday mornings! Be sure to drop that cleaned out plastic, glass and aluminum to the glass doors or Gardner gate. 
 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Coming Up Next       


                         APRIL 22ND - Art Show and Open House
                         APRIL 24TH - Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day - NO SCHOOL

THE WEEK AHEAD - APRIL 6TH

Monday, April 6th
First day back from Spring Break!
We're back! School starts at 8:15 AM!


Tuesday, April 7th
Early Dismissal
 1:43 PM
Every Tuesday is an early dismissal day.

Prospective Parents Tour
 9 AM
It's our last tour of the year! If you or a friend are interested in attending Gardner's neighborhood school or our Integrated Arts Magnet, we hope you'll come learn more about it this Tuesday. You'll hear from speakers, get questions answered and get a tour of the campus. There is no RSVP required. 


Friday, April 10th
Coffee With Cabrera
 8:30 AM
Join Principal Cabrera for her monthly chat. This month is the important topic of Grooming and Online Grooming Awareness. We will talk about how you can help keep your child safe. We hope you'll attend. 


Gardner's 115th Birthday Celebration Picnic
 5-7 PM

After 115 years, we're still standing and hope you'll come celebrate this milestone with us. This is a completely free event, with optional items for purchase. Bring a blanket to sit on, a picnic dinner if you wish, and your party hats - as we sing Happy Birthday to Gardner. All current families and alumni are welcomed and encouraged to attend. A lot has changed in 115 years, but Gardner has always been the same sweet school, full of incredible kids. We hope to see ALL of you there. Please sign up here to volunteer for an hour or donate items.


Sign up to be an art show volunteer!
Our annual Open House and Art Show is Wednesday, April 22! We're looking for volunteers to helping with mounting art, hanging banners, etc. when we get back from spring break. Please click here to sign up!
 

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE

Gardner's beloved Ms. Tonia lost her son suddenly and unexpectedly last week. Ms. Tonia has been an integral part of the Gardner community for the last 25 years and we want to rally around her now with love and support when she needs it most. We hope that you'll consider donating anything you can to help her memorialize him in the way he deserves. Please keep her and her family in your thoughts in the days, weeks and months ahead. Click here to donate. 
 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Coming Up Next       


                         APRIL 16TH - Friends of Gardner Meeting
                         APRIL 22ND - Art Show and Open House
                         APRIL 24TH - Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day - NO SCHOOL
 

THE WEEK AHEAD - MARCH 23RD

Monday, March 23rd
Foxy-Mon Card Sales
 7:45 - 8:30 AM
Foxy-Mon starts Monday! Come grab Gardner’s exclusive new collectible cards and get all five by the end of the year. Foxy will even be there for a high five. 



Tuesday, March 24th
Early Dismissal
 1:43 PM
Every Tuesday is an early dismissal day.



Wednesday, March 25th
Art Show Volunteer Meeting
 8:20 AM
Our annual Open House and Art Show is Wednesday, April 22! We're looking for volunteers to helping with mounting art, hanging banners, etc. If would are interested or would like to learn more, please join us for an Art Show volunteer meeting on Wednesday,  March 25th at 8:20am in the Art Studio (upstairs in the main building). If you can’t make it but still want to help, please email rebecca.arce@lausd.net and she will make sure to include you in all future art show communications.



Thursday, March 26th
The 2026 Gardner Talent Show! 
 8:45 AM
and
 1:15 PM
You're cordially invited to attend Gardner's annual Talent Show! We have so many incredible acts that have worked hard to perform for you. Come enjoy their singing, dancing, instruments, comedy and more and cheer on their bravery! 



Friday, March 27th - Friday, April 3rd
SPRING BREAK!!



Got Game Camp - this spring and summer! 
When school is OUT, Got Game is IN! One of Gardner's favorite programs is Got Game, and they have lots of camps coming up. Now in their 22nd summer, Got Game campers choose their own daily activities — from high-energy sports leagues and wildly creative games to building & engineering projects, talent shows, festivals, water play, field trips, and weekly themes that keep every day fresh! Campers are grouped by age — Rookies (4–5), Pros (6–8), Vets (9–12) — and every camper has agency to navigate their day based on what THEY love! At Got Game, We Speak Kid® and welcome ALL kids of ALL interests! 

Spring Break Camp - March 27th - April 3rd at Hancock Park Elementary
Summer Camp - June 15th - August 14th at Third Street Elementary and Temple Beth AM

Hours: 9:00am–3:30pm, M–F (extended care 8am–5pm)
Ages: 4–12
Flexible weekly, partial-week, and daily sign-ups
20% Sibling Discount automatically applied
Super Early Bird: $80/week off through April 8th! 
Register Today at www.GotGameCamp.com
 

REMINDERS

COME GET YOUR DONUTS! You'll get them in Room 2 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings when you come in to take the School Experience Survey! (See how we're bribing you?) We REALLY need every family at Gardner to take this survey! The district is really on us to get more families to fill it out, so please help us out, while making your voice heard by clicking here. Take a screen shot and come in for your donut or fill it out while eating!
 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Coming Up Next       
                    

                         MARCH 27TH - APRIL 3RD - SPRING BREAK
                         APRIL 7TH - Prospective Parents Tour
                         APRIL 10TH - Coffee with Cabrera
                         APRIL 10TH - Gardner's 115th Birthday Picnic

THE WEEK AHEAD - MARCH 9TH


Tuesday, March 10th
Early Dismissal
 1:43 PM
Every Tuesday is an early dismissal day.


Wednesday, March 11th
Gardner Green Recycling 
 7:45 - 8:30 AM
We're still doing recycling every Wednesday! Leave those cleaned out bottles and cans at the glass doors or Gardner Gate in the morning to turn them into cash back for Gardner!
 

REMINDERS

We need every family at Gardner to take LAUSD's School Experience Survey! This is a big, district-wide survey that lets Gardner and the district aware of changes that we can make at our school to ensure it's a good experience for everyone. In addition, LAUSD wants to know how many of our parents complete the survey! So please help us out, while making your voice heard by clicking here. 
 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Coming Up Next       
                    

                         MARCH 19TH - Friends of Gardner Meeting
                         MARCH 20TH - Shoutouts and Silly Sock Day

THE WEEK AHEAD - MARCH 2ND

Tuesday, March 3rd
Early Dismissal
 1:43 PM
Every Tuesday is an early dismissal day.


Wednesday, March 4th and Thursday, March 5th
Minimum Days
 1:05 Dismissal 

Parent Teacher Conferences
Tteachers will be meeting with parents for spring conferences this week. This round of teacher conferences is not required. Teachers will reach out to parents if they feel a conference is needed, however, if your child's teacher has not contacted you and you are interested in a conference anyway, you are welcome to request one. 


Friday, March 6th
Coffee with Cabrera
 8:30 AM
Join Principal Cabrera for her monthly chat. She will be discussing bullying and how it's handled at Gardner. You bring your questions and we will bring the coffee. 


Last days for Gardner Talent Show sign up!
Gardner's Got Talent is back on Thursday, March 26th! If your child is interested in auditioning, please read ALL the attached guidelines and talk to your child about their performance. To sign up for the tryouts, please fill out the Google form by clicking here. The sign-up period will close on THIS WEDNESDAY, March 4th at 5 PM. 


Sign up now for ASISA Basketball and Cheer
We have been very happy with the partnership we have forged with ASISA Sports.  The free after-school soccer session has been very successful. ​In the next session we will be offering BASKETBALL and CHEER to all 1st-5th Grade students. This is a FREE program but spots are limited. 

Basketball - Grades 3-5 - Mondays from 3:00PM-5:00PM on the lower yard
Basketball - Grades 1-2 - Wednesdays from 3:00-5:00PM on the lower yard
Sign up here to be entered into a lottery for available spaces by Thursday March 5th at 4:00PM. 

Cheer - Grades 3-5 - Mondays 3:00-5:00 PM on the lower yard.  
Students currently enrolled in Cheerleading Session 1 may continue without having to resign up. We do still have space available, however. If you would like to join for Cheerleading Session 2 just sign up here by Thursday March 5th at 4:00PM.


Gardner Gazette
Please click here to enjoy the newest issue of the Gardner Gazette! Our third, fourth and fifth grade journalists have a lot to say!


Stay home when you're sick! LAUSD rules for illness
We want to remind everyone of the rules around illness at Gardner and throughout LAUSD. If your child is sick with a fever, vomiting or diarrhea, they need to be at home. If they have had a fever or have had vomiting or diarrhea, then they need to wait to come back to school until they are fever free for 24 hours, OR haven't vomited in at least 24 hours. If your child was sick during the night and is feeling better in the morning, they still need to stay home until free from symptoms for 24 hours. Thank you for helping us keep our community healthy. 


Sunday, March 8th
Daylight Savings Time Begins
It's finally time to spring forward! We lose an hour of sleep, but gain an hour of sunshine this week!
 

REMINDERS

We need every family at Gardner to take LAUSD's School Experience Survey! This is a big, district-wide survey that lets Gardner and the district aware of changes that we can make at our school to ensure it's a good experience for everyone. In addition, LAUSD wants to know how many of our parents complete the survey! So please help us out, while making your voice heard by clicking here. 
 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Coming Up Next       
                    

                         MARCH 8TH - International Women's Day
                         MARCH 19TH - Friends of Gardner Meeting
                         MARCH 20TH - Shoutouts and Silly Sock Day

THE WEEK AHEAD - FEBRUARY 23RD

Tuesday, February 24th
Prospective Parents Tour
 9 AM
Are you a parent or know of a parent interested in Gardner's community school or our Integrated Arts magnet? Come to our tour this Tuesday! We have several speakers lined up to tell you all about Gardner and give you a walk around campus. There is no RSVP required, but we hope you'll tell all your friends! 

Early Dismissal
 1:43 PM
Every Tuesday is an early dismissal day.

OLSAT Meeting for parents of second graders
 6-7 PM
Second grade parents are invited to attend this synchronous webinar via Zoom with information about the upcoming OLSAT test, that is given to all second-grade students only. It will give a general overview of the OLSAT-8 assessment. A recording and slide deck will be available at https://gate.lausd.org under the Families tab (after February 24, 2026). 
Zoom link:  https://lausd.zoom.us/j/84054856712



Wednesday, February 25th - Friday, February 27th
Fifth Grade Pali Trip
We wish our fifth graders a safe and wonderful trip to Pali Adventures this week! Enjoy friends, food and fun - fifth grade style. We can't wait to see you when you return. 


Friday, February 27th
Shoutouts and Career Day! 
This Friday we're shouting out all of our students who are exemplifying this month's pillar of character - Citizenship! To celebrate, dress for success with Career Day! Dress up in a way to show what you want to be when you grow up. Doctors, firefighters, lawyers, farmers, teachers and more are going to fill the halls this Friday! 


Gardner's Talent Show is coming!
Gardner's Got Talent is back on Thursday, March 26th! If your child is interested in auditioning, please read ALL the attached guidelines and talk to your child about their performance. To sign up for the tryouts, please fill out the Google form by clicking here. The sign-up period will close on Wednesday, March 4th at 5 PM. 


MonsterWalk isn't over yet!
We still want to hit our goal and have about 5k left to raise! So PLEASE help us by continuing to pump those pages to all your families and friends. Raise money by clicking here, then clicking "FUNDRAISE", so your grade level can take the win and we can hit our goal!
 

REMINDERS
We need every family at Gardner to take LAUSD's School Experience Survey! This is a big, district-wide survey that lets Gardner and the district aware of changes that we can make at our school to ensure it's a good experience for everyone. In addition, LAUSD wants to know how many of our parents complete the survey! So please help us out, while making your voice heard by clicking here. 
 

BLACK HISTORY MONTH SPOTLIGHT

Gardner Elementary proudly celebrates Black History Month! Join us as we honor and recognize the lasting contributions of these prominent African American figures.

We conclude our Black History Month spotlight series by highlighting California native and prolific screenplay writer, producer, and director, Ryan Coogler.

Born in Oakland, California, Coogler is making history at this year’s Academy Awards with 16 nominations for his film Sinners, including nominations for Best Director and Best Picture. This film has also garnered global recognition, including a record-breaking number of nominations at the British Academy Film Awards.

After receiving a Master’s Degree from University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts, Coogler has maintained a streak of crafting groundbreaking films. His filmography, which includes Fruitvale Station and the Black Panther films, has amassed a steady stream of audience and critical acclaim for over a decade. Alongside his wife, Zinzi, he co-founded the production company Proximity Media. As a noted humanitarian, Coogler supports numerous initiatives including programs that expand youth access to filmmaking and efforts that address vital community needs. We celebrate Ryan Coogler for his impactful work as an advocate, trailblazer, and powerhouse creative!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Coming Up Next       
                    

                         MARCH 1 - Women's History Month Begins
                         MARCH 3RD & 4TH - Parent Teacher Conferences and Minimum Days
                         MARCH 5TH - Coffee with Cabrera
                         MARCH 8TH - Daylight Savings Time Begins

THE WEEK AHEAD - FEBRUARY 2ND

Monday, February 2nd - Friday, February 6th
Community Closet Donation Period
Gardner's incredible Community Closet will be officially accepting donations beginning this Monday through Friday. We gladly accept lightly used children’s and adult clothes, home goods, and toys, but please do not donate used under-garments. You can also donate non-perishable food to restock the community pantry. Please drop off ALL donations on the patio outside the back of the auditorium. The Community Closet will be closed while we gather and sort donations.


Monday, February 2nd
E-choices Late Application Window Opens
 8 AM
If you're interested in applying to Gardner's Integrated Magnet via late application for the 2026-2027 school year, OR any other magnet, SAS, affiliated charter or multicultural program, the window opens on Monday morning at 8 AM. Click here to apply. 

LSLC Meeting
 3:15 in the art studio
Zoom option:
https://lausd.zoom.us/j/81351226214?pwd=WTBvGfgbKaI3VLSakV541XHpmvfj5R.1
Meeting ID: 813 5122 6214  Passcode: LsLc

 

Tuesday, February 3rd
Early Dismissal
 1:43 PM
Every Tuesday is an early dismissal day.


Wednesday, February 4th
Valentine Grams go on sale
 7:45 AM
Buy your little sweeties, gal pals, teachers or entire class of besties a Valentine's gram. Grams will be sold outside the glass doors before and after school by the glass doors and cost from $1 to $5. All the cards and goodies will be delivered to their recipients during class on Friday, February 13th. Go spread the love. 


Put those Monster walking shoes on...
The MonsterWalk is coming on February 20th! The MonsterWalk is our annual walkathon for every student at Gardner. Kids walk three miles outside on the track and raise money for all the programs at Gardner that keep them healthy, happy and well-rounded. We ask that each kid raise 80 dollars by having friends and family sponsor their walk, so that as a school we can raise $28,000! You'll get more details this week with an official MonsterWalk email, so check that inbox. But if you want to start raising money and sending out your page now - click here and then the "fundraise" button!


Leader In Me
Gardner is implementing a new Social Emotional Learning curriculum called "Leader in Me."  We would like your input at the start of our program. Please click here to fill out the survey by February 13th.
 

Gardner Elementary proudly celebrates Black History Month! Join us as we honor and recognize the lasting contributions of these prominent African American figures.

“The cause of freedom is not the cause of a race or a sect, a party or a class—it is the cause of humankind, the very birthright of humanity.” These powerful words about civil liberties appear in every U.S. passport and were famously written by Anna Julia Cooper as part of her groundbreaking essay in the late 1800s.

Born in North Carolina in 1858, Cooper’s education and career took her around the world. At age 66, after completing her dissertation at the University of Paris, she became the fourth African American woman to earn a PhD. A strong supporter of civil rights and women’s rights, Cooper was also a dedicated educator and a highly respected speaker. She delivered important speeches at landmark events, including the World’s Congress of Representative Women.

Anna Julia Cooper spent her life teaching, advocating, and inspiring others until her passing at the age of 105. We proudly salute Ms. Cooper for her lasting and meaningful legacy.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Coming Up Next   

   
                    
                 FEB 16TH - Presidents Day - NO SCHOOL
FEB 19TH - Friends of Gardner Meeting
FEB 20TH - MonsterWalk!

THE WEEK AHEAD - JANUARY 25TH

Tuesday, January 27th
Early Dismissal
 1:43 PM
Every Tuesday is an early dismissal day.


Friday, January 30th
Shout-outs and 100th Day of School!
It's time for shout-outs! We're going to celebrate all the incredible kids who are demonstrating this month's pillar of character - trustworthiness. At the same time, we're going to be celebrating the 100th day of school - so come dressed as one-hundred-year-olds! We can't wait to see all these little trustworthy grannies and gramps inching shuffling their way around school this Friday. 


Volunteers!
We want to give a big thank you to all of our current volunteers! We couldn't make everything at Gardner happen without you. As a reminder from the main office - please sign-in when arriving on campus & obtain your Volunteer Pass from Remy and return it back to her when you sign-out.  All passes must live in the Main Office & all volunteers must sign-in and out while on campus. Thank you for your cooperation! 

Thank you to the parents who have stepped up to help with 5th Grade Valentine Grams Sales, Science Lab, Recycling Wednesdays and our Gardner Marketplace. As you can see, there's lots going on and we could use some more support. Join us! We need MORE GARDNER FOLKS to keep bringing the kids all our amazing programs. 

Our current call for volunteers:
Monster Walk Co-Chairs
Grant Committee Members
Family Dinner Night Co-Chairs

Please click here to read more about these volunteer positions. Then email friendsofgardner@gmail.com & write VOLUNTEER in the subject line if you're interested! We need you!


Schools Beyond Screens
Schools Beyond Screens is a new grassroots coalition of LAUSD parents & teachers advocating for safer classroom technology. They are pushing for safer tech in the classroom and far less time on it, replaced with more hands-on learning and face-to-face classroom instruction. There is a new Gardner chapter of this group and we need more parents to join in order to make an impact. If you're interested in learning more and/or joining this group, please click here to fill out the form. 
 

REMINDERS
     
Gardner Green Wednesdays! Drop that that cleaned out glass, aluminum and plastic outside the glass doors or at the Gardner Gate so we can get cash back for Gardner! 
 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Coming Up Next       
                    
                 FEB 1ST - Black History Month begins
                 FEB 2ND - Valentine Grams Sales begin
                 FEB 16TH - Presidents Day - NO SCHOOL

THE WEEK AHEAD - JANUARY 19TH

Monday, January 19th

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day - NO SCHOOL
Today we honor the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose brave and nonviolent activism and leadership throughout the Civil Right's movement paved the way for desegregation and social change. King once said, "“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is ‘What are you doing for others?’” We hope today you will follow in his footsteps to go forward and serve your own communities in some way and help to change the world one small step at a time. 


Tuesday, January 20th
Early Dismissal
 1:43 PM
Every Tuesday is an early dismissal day.


Thursday, January 22nd
Friends of Gardner All Parent Meeting
 8:30 AM
Ok so we were just kidding last week! The rescheduled first parents meeting of the 2026 is this Thursday! There are lots of things on the horizon to discuss and we can't wait to see you all. We will bring the baked goods. 


ASISA After-School Sports
We are pleased to announce that ASISA after-school sports program will be starting on Monday, January 26th, with a soccer league and cheerleading team.

1st - 3rd grade Soccer league will take place on MONDAYS 3:00-5:00PM
4th -5th grade Soccer league will take place on WEDNESDAYS 3:00-5:00PM
3rd -5th grade Cheerleading will take place on WEDNESDAYS 3:00-5:00PM

This soccer and cheerleading programs are completely FREE to our 1st through 5th grade students, but space is limited. By signing up at the google form, you will be entered into a lottery for available spaces. The form will close on Wednesday January 21st at 5:00PM and you will be notified of a spot by January 23rd. Click here to sign up! 
 

REMINDERS
       
Gardner Green Wednesdays are back on as usual. Drop that that cleaned out glass, aluminum and plastic outside the glass doors or at the Gardner Gate so we can get cash back for Gardner! 
 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Coming Up Next       
                    
                 JAN 30TH - Shoutouts and 100th Day Spirit Day
                 FEB 1ST - Black History Month begins
                 FEB 2ND - Valentine Grams Sales begin

THE WEEK AHEAD - JANUARY 12TH

Hey Gardner families!

Happy New Year! We can't wait to see what you do in 2026!

Here's what's happening in...

THE WEEK AHEAD 


Monday, January 12th

First Day of Second Semester!
 8:15 AM



Tuesday, January 13th
Early Dismissal
 1:43 PM
Every Tuesday is an early dismissal day!


Wednesday, January 14th
Gardner Green returns with a contest!
 7:45 AM - 8:30 AM
Bring back all that recycling you've been hoarding for us over the holidays! And this time, leave a note or teacher's name on the bag. The class with the most wins a hot chocolate party - THIS WEEK ONLY! Remember - cleaned out glass, plastic or aluminum only please. Thanks for helping Gardner and the planet. 


Thursday, January 15th
Friends of Gardner All Parent Meeting
 8:30 AM
Please join us for the first parents meeting of the 2026! There are lots of things on the horizon to discuss and we can't wait to see you all. We will bring the baked goods. 


Friday, January 16th
Coffee with Cabrera
 8:30 AM
Come chat with Principal Cabrera. She will have new topics to discuss and answer any questions. AND there will be coffee. 


Monday, January 19th
MLK Day - NO SCHOOL
 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Coming Up Next
       
                 JAN 19TH - MLK Day - NO SCHOOL           
                 JAN 30TH - Shoutouts
 

THE WEEK AHEAD - DECEMBER 22ND

Monday, December 22nd - Friday, January 9th 

Winter Break!
We hope you all have a safe, healthy, restful and HAPPY holiday season with the ones you love the most! We can't wait to see you in 2026! 




LAUSD Winter Academy - at Gardner! 
The Winter Academy is taking place during the last week of our winter break from January 5th-9th, 2026 and will provide students with opportunities to explore enriching concepts and receive additional individualized academic instruction with the support of a teacher. And this year it will be hosted at Gardner! This is not required, but is an optional additional week of learning for families who wish to join. For more information about the program, click here. If you are not already enrolled and still want to sign up, please fill out this sheetand bring to the front office on the first day (Monday, January 5th) ONLY. But please be prepared for some long wait times and pack your patience. 



Save that recycling! 
We know you're going to have weeks worth of cans, jars and containers that can be recycled. But don't throw them out! Save them up and bring them back when we return from break and let's have the biggest recycling return of the year! The class that brings the most will win a hot chocolate party!



New opportunities from Cultural Arts and Community Schools in 2026
Here's a sneak peak at all the fun things coming to Gardner in 2026! Saturday classes, after-school field trips, free soccer leagues and more! 


 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Coming Up Next
       
                JAN 12TH - FIRST DAY OF SECOND SEMESTER
 

THE WEEK AHEAD - DECEMBER 15TH

Tuesday, December 16th 

Early Dismissal
 1:43 PM
Every Tuesday is an early dismissal day!

  

Thursday, December 18th
Winter Show!
 8:45 AM and 1:15 PM in the auditorium
You're cordially invited to Gardner Street's winter musical performance this Thursday! There will be two identical shows, allowing parents two different times to attend. Please just note that our preschool will only be performing in the morning show. We hope you all will come and stay for the entirety of the show so that our last performers will still have a full audience. You will hear from your teachers with any special instructions about what to wear. Hope to see you there!


LAUSD Winter Academy - at Gardner! 
The Winter Academy is taking place during the last week of our winter break from January 5-9, 2026 and will provide students with opportunities to explore enriching concepts and receive additional individualized academic instruction with the support of a teacher. And this year it will be hosted at Gardner! This is not required, but is an optional additional week of learning for families who wish to join. For more information, click here. To sign up, please fill out this sheet and bring it the front office. Online registration is now closed. 
 
 

REMINDERS
While it's the last week of school, we just want to remind you that it continues all the way through Friday! You get a three week break after that, so if your child is healthy and well, please continue to send them this week so we can keep our attendance up! Thank you!
 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Coming Up Next
       
                DEC 22ND - JAN 9TH - WINTER BREAK
 

THE WEEK AHEAD - DECEMBER 8TH

Tuesday, December 9th 

Early Dismissal
 1:43 PM
Every Tuesday is an early dismissal day!
 


Black Community Affinity Group Meeting 
 8:30 AM in the Parent Center
If you are a parent/guardian/caregiver of a Gardner student of African descent, we welcome you to join us for a Town Hall with Principal Cabrera and the Black Community Affinity Group.  We will discuss current community needs and ways to best support students for the remainder of the school year.




 

Friday, December 12th
Pajama Day and Shoutouts!
It's the last shoutouts of 2025! And we're going to give it cozy vibes with pajama day as we celebrate all our kids that show this month's pillar of character and are extra caring. So don't even worry about getting dressed this Friday, but come ready to cheer on our foxes! 

 

REMINDERS

Our fifth grade is still collecting all your bottles and cans for their camping trip! So bring them cleaned out and ready to recycle every Wednesday! You can drop them at the double glass doors or the Gardner Gate. 
 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Coming Up Next
       
                DEC 18TH - Winter Show
                DEC 22ND - JAN 9TH - WINTER BREAK
 

THE WEEK AHEAD - DECEMBER 1ST

Monday, December 1st 
Book Fair week begins! 

Book Fair starts tomorrow! Kids will have a chance to shop during lunch or before and after school, so you're free to send them with cash or purchase an online gift card for them so they don't lose any money. Click here to purchase their gift card or shop online yourself! Buy books for your kids, friends or even the teachers, with our teacher book lists. Lastly, we also still have some volunteer spaces available at the fair. Working it will include running the register, helping kids and monitoring the door. You will also receive a 20% discount off your in-person purchases just for helping out. Sign up to help by clicking here! Let's get reading!


LSLC Meeting
 3:15 PM in the Art Studio
Zoom link: 
https://lausd.zoom.us/j/84433908147?pwd=H4cngYqq3zjJ09uQnmxXm0GdQhW3xx.1
Meeting ID: 844 3390 8147
Passcode: LSLC



Wednesday, December 3rd
Last chance for See's Candy Sales!

There are only three more days to buy and sell See's Candy - and earn money for Gardner and a prize for the kids! Candy sales forms went home in backpacks before break, so be sure to pull them out for all the details. It's easy to send the link to friends and family and they can quickly purchase chocolate goodies for holiday gifts and treats. A percentage of whatever is purchased goes right back to Gardner, BUT you only have til this Wednesday, December 3rd to sell! So click here to purchase and to share with all your friends and family.

 

REMINDERS

We know you have lots of glass, aluminum and plastic containers after that week off! So please bring your CLEANED out recyclables to the Gardner Gate or the glass doors this Wednesday and our Gardner Green team will turn it back in for cash. 
 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Coming Up Next
       
                DEC 12TH - Pajama Day and Shoutouts
                DEC 18TH - Winter Show

THE WEEK AHEAD - NOVEMBER 24TH

Monday, November 24th - Friday, November 28th
Thanksgiving Holidays - NO SCHOOL
We are SO grateful for all of the incredible families, teachers and staff members that we have at Gardner Street. We hope you have a safe and happy Thanksgiving with the ones you love. 


See's Candy Sales Start NOW! 
Back by popular demand are Sees Candy sales! Kids can sell See's Candy over Thanksgiving break and earn money for Gardner - and earn a prize for doing it! Candy sales forms went home in backpacks last week, so be sure to pull them out for all the details. It's easy to send the link to friends and family and they can quickly purchase chocolate goodies for holiday gifts and treats. And a percentage of whatever is purchased goes right back to Gardner! But you only have til December 3rd (that's ten days!) to sell, so click here to purchase and to share with all your friends and family.


One week til the book fair and we need volunteers!
Book Fair starts the Monday we return from Thanksgiving break! But you can go ahead and shop now and get an early start. Buy books for your kids, friends or even the teachers, with our teacher book lists. Get a preview and a head start on shopping by clicking here. We need volunteers to sign up for shifts in the fair. Working it will include running the register, helping kids and monitoring the door. You will also receive a 20% discount off your in-person purchases just for helping out. Sign up to help by clicking here!

 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Coming Up Next
       
                DEC 1 - LSLC Meeting
                DEC 1-5 - Book Fair
                DEC 12 - Pajama Day and Shoutouts