Every day at Gakko is different for every grade, but an example of a typical day is:

• Morning check-in and stretches with the whole school

• Japanese word-of-the-day presentation with the whole school

• Music practice for the Open House performance

• Art project, such as ceramics, wood block prints, calligraphy, origami

• Break/snack

• Reading/stories and journal writing

• End-of-day gathering

Each grade of Gakko has a different theme, which guides the curriculum, art, cooking, and Open House performance for that year. More information can be found on the classroom webpages.

For each enrolled student, families must volunteer for at least one Gakko need. There are a variety of tasks, days, and times available. A sign-up sheet will be distributed to families once registration closes. Gakko is only possible with the support and generosity of families, senseis, and resource specialists!

The registration fee includes the cost of materials, but students need to come prepared to Gakko with basic supplies. These can be found on the classroom webpages.

A hot lunch, with a vegetarian option, each day is included with tuition. Snacks are available for purchase at the Farmer’s Market stand. Students should bring water each day and extra snacks if desired.

During Gakko children are called by their Japanese name. This can simply be the Japanese pronunciation of your name (for example, Miles becomes Milesu at Gakko) or you can pick one out yourself. The following websites are good places to start:

https://www.behindthename.com/names/usage/japanese

http://www.babynames.net/all/japanese

Most grades include an art project that features the child’s family mon, or crest. If you don’t have one, you can create or pick one yourself (the simpler the better, since they are used in a variety of art projects). The following websites are good resources:

Families are asked to bring snacks to help fuel volunteers, for a donation to the Farmer’s Market, and for a savory or sweet dish to share for the Friday Open House.

Snacks and Farmer’s Market donations should be provided according to each child’s grade: 6th/5th grade = Monday, 4th grade = Tuesday, 3rd grade = Wednesday, 2nd/1st grade = Thursday, Kinder = Friday.

Here are some examples of appreciated donations for the Farmers Market:

1. Produce: If you have a commercial operation, one box of product is appreciated. Please bring any perishable fruits and vegetables no later than the third day of the program.

2. Home goods: Homemade jam, jelly, pickles, quick breads, cookies, or brownies, packaged perfectly to sell. These items always sell very fast. Please let the market lead know a typical store price on these, so we don’t underprice your hard work!

3. Packaged items: Maybe you prefer to just purchase something to sell. Well, we love those items too! Juice boxes, Japanese crackers or cookies, Lunchables, cheese sticks, granola bars, fruit roll ups, fresh fruit, or beef jerky. Think healthy and nutritious. A little sugar is okay, but avoid candy please.

4. Running a little short on time?  A small donation or gift card is also welcome. We periodically replenish the Farmer’s Market with Spam musubi, chicken teriyaki, bento boxes, and other Japanese items.

For the Open House, families are asked to bring a sweet or savory dish to share.

Yes. Gakko is a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donation and tax documentation or a W-9, is available upon request at kokoronogakkowatsonville@gamil.com.

Please see the Music Program page.