Getting Ready for Your First Day at Gardner
The new school year is almost here at Gardner! Whether your child is returning or joining us for the first time, we want every student to feel comfortable and confident walking onto campus this year, and that starts with families knowing what to expect. This post covers what you need to know for back to school, including drop off and the first day, plus a few tips for easing into the transition.
Getting Around Campus Safely
Walk on the gravel path between the field and the parking lot, not behind parked cars
Cross from the center garden area using the crosswalk, not through the lot
The parking lot runs counter clockwise only. Enter from the easement on the south side of the property and exit near the Farmhouse
The short drive between the garden and the gravel area is entered only from the easement, not by turning left in from the main lot
The gravel area is for faculty and staff. It has no crosswalk and low visibility, so please avoid parking there during drop off and pick up. It opens up for parking during special events
Drop Off and Pick Up
Early Childhood families, walk your child through the Imagination Playground to the door of Tumtum or Mazama and sign in with your FACTS ID number (in your Welcome packet, that morning, or in your FACTS Family Portal). Pick up works the same way, using the same information
K-2 grade families, please park and come to the blacktop for both drop off and pick up. Say your goodbyes outside at drop off, since our hallways get congested quickly. Staff is always happy to walk a child in if they need extra support
3-6 grade students can head straight to their classroom at 8:15. On the first day, if you want to walk your child to the building, please say goodbye just outside the classroom door. For pick up, please pick up your child directly from the teacher for the first few days so we can get to know each other. After that, you can use the curbside loading zone and your child will check out with the teacher and walk to meet you. You are also welcome to park and check out your student in person
If you are parking in the lot to walk your student in, head to the blacktop. You can also use the curbside loading zone, or park near the field and let your child walk down the gravel path. Students should never cross the lot unescorted, at drop off or pick up
Running Late or Leaving Early
Arriving late? Check in at the office (the red building) first so we can mark your child present and get them where they need to go
Picking up early? A heads up to the office or teacher is appreciated but not required. Come to the office and we will call the classroom for your student
Practicing Courage Together
Courage at Gardner can show up in small everyday moments, like raising a hand, trying something new, or walking into an unfamiliar classroom. Starting a new school year takes that same kind of courage, and there is a lot you can do at home to help build it before the first day.
Ease back into a regular morning and bedtime routine a week or so before school starts, predictability makes that first leap feel smaller
Visit their classroom during the Orientation Picnic and take the chance for you and your child to get to know the teacher. It's a great way for new and returning families alike to build a familiar connection before the first day
Name the feeling instead of rushing to fix it. Reflecting it back, something like it makes sense to feel nervous about something new, often helps more than reassurance alone
Let your child make a small decision, like picking their backpack or a first day snack. Small choices build the same confidence we look for in the classroom
Tuck a note or a small comfort item into their bag, a quiet reminder that they are known and thought of even when you are not there
We are looking forward to seeing everyone on the first day. Here is to a great start to the year at Gardner.
