The Howler

(above) Mason Whal poisedly performs Beethoven's "Sonata in G."

Last Thursday night, May 12, over 200 guests and performers attended Gillingham's 2026 ARTSpring.

Reviews, recognition and praised poured in all night!

We couldn't be prouder of our students and teachers and staff!

One mom wrote:

Thank you so much to all the staff and families that made ARTSpring possible. It was magical. The artwork and music were just wonderful — such a great evening. The vibes were there.

(above) Ameila Stauffer confidently performs "Driedel."

Over 60 students performed in our "recital halls" (classrooms).

Did you know that all students learn to play something? Some join us in the upper school, and they've never played an instrument before or they choose a new instrument, and yet they join the band or play a recital in front of strangers! Could you do that??

(above) Wyatt Rondeau (trombone) and Edmund Knowlden (cello)

concentrate on their key parts of the upper school's symphony's piece.

(above) Janiyah Cruz plucks “This Night Has Opened My Eyes" on the bass guitar.

Prestiney Toussaint is always willing and oh so able to perform a lovely piano piece at our recitals!

(above) McKenzie Kemp rocks out, “We Will Rock You!”

(above) Della Troutman, with poise, performs, “Lightly Row,” on keyboard.

One parent was as impressed (as were the rest of us) at the

courage and tenacity

displayed by 4 upper school students.

Nikolai, Janiyah, Ravin and Noel, chose to perform an

improv piece with their Studies teacher, Mr. Gilgoff.

It was excellent!

Marley Seader's moving sunset landscape (above) provides

the striking backdrop of this week's "Howler."

All the middle school artwork was phenomenal.

The students' excellent art pieces adorned all of our "galleries" (hallways and classrooms).

One grandparent told Mrs. Espinosa, our art teacher, that he wished

he had been taught at our school so that he could have experienced this type of art instruction.

The joy was infectious!

The students spent the year learning all kinds of skills

in art and handwork classes, and it paid off!

Literally.

Ms. Meza, Ms. Di Censo, and Mrs. Annis led their 3rd-8th grade classes this year in several handwork projects. Because of the stunning craftsmanship, the pieces were perfect to sell. They were purchased by so many people! The students made over $300 towards their future SENIOR TRIPS!

The 5th & 6th graders quilled dragonflies and other creative ornaments

by curling (quilling) thin strips of paper.

The 3rd & 4th graders designed light switches with napkins and modge podge...below...

The 7th & 8th graders spent the year designing practical items with textiles:

intricate friendship bracelets, useful paracord fobs & bracelets, and gorgeous macrame plant holders...

Students were taught how to "check out" customers at the Gift Shops.

Our students were invited to rent a table to sell their own wares!

Some designed buttons.

Some sold artwork. Some crocheted stuffed animals.

Some baked.

Some made cards using their copywork of master artists like Albrecht Durer and William Blake.

Mrs. Herbert taught her 9th graders our studies class this term, and after observing the poetry and art work of master, William Blake, they copied his work. The class made greeting cards, and 9th grader, Blake, was an entrepreneur and sold them at the gift shop!

(above)

How do we thank these 3 stupendous educators and all of the others for all their

dedication, inspiration and love for their students and the arts!?!?

One parent sent our teachers and staff this email "review:"

Thank you again for a great evening showcasing the amazing creativity of the kiddos of GCS.

Consider sending a thank you note or email!

tshaull@gillingham.school

respinosa@gillingham.school

jgilgoff@gillingham.school

admin@gillingham.school

Thanks for coming and gazing at their work.

They worked hard this year, so your appreciation and time with us

means the world to us and your children!

One mom ended the event by asking if she could purchase a piece that she just loves. It's this piece by Charlie Haas.

That's a new idea for us.

What do you think?

Should we allow students to sell their pieces?

If so, how?

Send your ideas to Mrs. Hutchinson, our executive director at

nhutchinson@gillingham.school.

Click below to peruse next year's budget. It's up for a 30-day review. The public has 30 days to give us feedback before the board approves at the June board meeting.

We grow by listening to feedback from those around us, so at Gillingham, every employee gets 360 Degree Feedback.

All our employees need feedback from our parents, so this past week you may have received an email from Ian Young with a request to complete a form on behalf of an employee. Please check your email for one of these requests and complete it as soon as you possible. This process is something that is integral to our professional growth, so we greatly appreciate your support!

Biology Keystones are Monday & Tuesday!

If your child missed a day, the make ups are on Wed-Fri.

Contact Mrs. Faust if you have any questions. kfaust@gillingham.school

Wow. This year, 13 out of 17 students from the 11th grade class earned their YES Certificate, and they met local legislatures at the annual YES Breakfast. Our students participated in mock interviews, completed resumes, and wrote cover letters as part of their preparation. Students also toured business partners such as Yuengling, Bob Weaver and Ash -Technology. The YES Program continues to stand as a statewide model for workforce development for students.

The black top behind the Russell Building will be closed for local voting, so drop-off and pick-up routes will be rerouted for dismissal. Stay tuned for directions. Thanks!

All the classes compete against one another in lots of fun, athletic games.

Students dress in athletic wear and sneakers, and they wear their class' color, just like on Class Day during spirit week.

Bring sunscreen and water bottles, too!

On the last day of school, we celebrate the year through a show and signing yearbooks.

Do you or your child want to perform in the Talent Show on the last day of school?

Register by May 22.

The form is at the secretary's desk in schoolhouse or you can contact Mr. Shaull: tshaull@gillingham.school

MONDAY...May 18..DAY 4

BIOLOGY KEYSTONES

Senior Trip to Niagara Falls

Homework Hour 3-4

Run Club 3:15-5:15

TUESDAY...May 19...DAY 5

BIOLOGY KEYSTONES

Senior Trip to Niagara Falls

Homework Hour 3-4

K-6 Art Craft Club Group A 3:15-4:30

Trout Fishing Club 3:15-4:15

WEDNESDAY...May 20...DAY 6

KEYSTONE MAKEUPS

Senior Trip to Niagara Falls

Homework Hour 3-4

7-12 Art Club 3:15-4:30

7-12 Math Tutoring 3:15-4:15

Run Club 3:15-5:15

THURSDAY...May 21...DAY 1

KEYSTONE MAKEUPS

Senior Trip to Niagara Falls

Upper School Social Science Field Study to Pottsville Police Station

FRIDAY...May 22...DAY 2

KEYSTONE MAKEUPS

Seniors return from Niagara Falls

Junior Cafe?

Early Release @1pm

NEXT WEEK...Tuesday is Spirit Field Day (dress down in class colors sportswear)

We gave out tons of lawn signs last week to willing families.

If you want one to put on your porch or next to your tree,

reach out to Antoinette Antonini:

email...aantonini@gillingham.school

phone...ext. 121

text...570-449-1646

Email: info@gillinghamcharterschool.org
Website: gillinghamcharterschool.org
Location: 915 Howard Avenue, Pottsville, PA, USA
Phone: 570.955.3830
Facebook: Facebook.com/gillinghamcharterschool