Highlights & Action Items

GSA Welcomes Our New Middle School Math Teacher
Ms. Yacono Appointed to National Leadership Role
Update: First Day of School
Afterschool and Aftercare Options for 2025-2026
Summer Book Drive

GSA's New Middle School Math Teacher!

As we announced back in January, Amy Heaton (one of our esteemed Middle School math teachers) is moving back to the DC area to be closer to family. Since then we have been diligently working to find a highly qualified educator to co-lead our Middle School math program. We were thrilled to see how many incredible candidates wanted to come work at the GSA. Though we interviewed some exceptionally strong candidates, one stood out amongst all of them! We are delighted to announce that Emma Bowmer is joining the GSA faculty this summer! Emma brings several years of classroom experience and a deep passion for fostering confidence and curiosity in young mathematicians. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a post-graduate certificate in Data Science and Business Analytics from UT Austin. Prior to joining GSA, she led math departments in both Texas and Tennessee public schools, where she collaborated with educators to align curriculum and enhance instruction. Her teaching experience ranges from Middle School mathematics to Algebra 1 & Geometry. Emma is excited to be part of a learning community that values creativity, empowerment, and whole-child education. When she’s not teaching, you’ll likely find her exploring Austin’s coffee shops, participating in her gym community, or reading in the sunshine. Welcome, Emma!

Ms. Yacono Appointed to National Leadership Role in Independent Education

We’re proud to share that Ms. Yacono has been appointed to a three-year term on the Board of Directors for the Center for Spiritual and Ethical Education (CSEE), beginning in fall 2025. CSEE is a national organization that supports independent schools in fostering ethical thinking, character development, and a commitment to empathy, service, equity, and justice. GSA has been an active member of CSEE for the past three years, benefiting from its outstanding professional development offerings—most recently hosting the “Promoting a Culture of Kindness in K–8 Communities” workshop on our campus.

In addition, Ms. Yacono has been selected to chair the Standards Committee of the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS), the accrediting body for the GSA. In this two-year role, she will work alongside other heads of school to review accreditation materials and provide recommendations to the ISAS Board of Directors.

Please join us in congratulating Ms. Yacono on these well-deserved appointments and in celebrating GSA’s growing voice in the broader independent school community.

First Day of School

It’s hard to believe, but the first day of the 2025–2026 school year will be here before we know it! Classes will begin on Wednesday, August 13. Kindergarten orientation and listening conferences for all other grades will take place on Monday and Tuesday, August 11–12.

Here’s the link to the full 2025–2026 school calendar.

Afterschool and Aftercare Options for 2025-2026

Afterschool Programs- Fall 2025

The classes and schedule for Fall 2025 Afterschool Programs are available to view here. We have a list of incredible offerings to kick off the school year. Each class has a cap of how many students may join, and some classes fill up very quickly. All classes will be on a first come basis. Registration will go live on Monday July 14th at 9am, giving you ample time to go over the classes available, and to figure out your fall schedule. More information will be sent the week before sign ups go live. As always, contact Chandler Yanke with any questions.

Aftercare Costs-2025-2026

Early next week, parents will receive an email from Ms. Chandler with details on big changes to the Aftercare program. Below is a summary:

Starting in the fall, Aftercare will now be billed at a daily rate, regardless of how long your child stays.

Parents can choose from the following monthly Aftercare plans:

2 days/week: $240 per month per student (equivalent to $30/day)
3 days/week: $360 per month per student (equivalent to $30/day)
5 days/week: $475 per month per student (equivalent to $24/day)

To register for Aftercare, follow these steps:

Create an account on Popsicle
(Note: Do not use the “Sign in with Google” option when creating a new account.)
Verify your account via the email link.
Add your child to your profile.
Once logged in and your child is added, click on the “Aftercare” button at the top of the dashboard.

If you already have an account on Popsicle, you will simply login, and find the "Aftercare" button and sign your student up with which date you prefer.

GSA Book Drive for Summer Reading

Please join in with our annual Book Drive partnering with local organization, Book Spring to help support summer reading! Drop off gently used books to the box in the front office, and Book Spring will distribute these books to kids throughout Austin who may not have easy access to books over the summer. Donations will be accepted until May 27th. Thank you to our Fifth Grade class for leading the way and coordinating this effort!