Water Main Break / Wasserrohrbruch
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2025
Our school has experienced water damage due to a water main break in the neighborhood. Preschool, SEL, and grades 5–12 are operating as usual.
IMPORTANT: The elementary school building is currently being restored to a usable condition; therefore, we are unfortunately unable to offer regular classes or supervision for grades 1–4.
Please keep your children in grades 1 to 4 at home on Friday, December 5.
The Newbees canceled the Newbees Breakfast.
We are closely monitoring the MCPS decision for Friday in case they announce a delayed start due to the weather.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
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Aufgrund eines Wasserrohrbruchs in der Nachbarschaft ist es zu einem Wasserschaden an unserer Schule gekommen ist. Der Kidnergarten, SES sowie die Klassen 5–12 haben regulären Unterricht.
WICHTIG: Das Grundschulgebäude wird derzeit in einen nutzbaren Zustand gebracht, daher können wir für die Klassen 1–4 leider keinen regulären Unterricht und auch keine Betreuung anbieten.
Bitte behalten Sie Ihre Kinder der Klassen 1 bis 4 am Freitag, den 5. Dezember zu Hause.
Die NewBees haben das Newbees-Frühstück abgesagt.
Wir behalten die Entscheidung von MCPS für Freitag im Blick, falls aufgrund des Wetters ein verspäteter Schulbeginn angekündigt wird.
Vielen Dank für Ihr Verständnis und Ihre Unterstützung.
Orientation Level
The transition to the Upper School marks an important change for our students. After four years of Elementary School students enter the 5th Grade, also known as the Orientation Level (Orientierungsstufe). It is then that students are exposed to the different classes and methods of instruction offered at the Upper School. During this time teachers carefully task, observe and assess the students, leading up to a Recommendation Conference at which their further course of study is evaluated before moving on to the 6th Grade. At this point teachers recommend which branch of the Upper School is best suited for each student.
After 5th Grade (Orientation Level) students will follow the College Prep (Gymnasium) or Realschule (graduation after 10th grade) branches of the Upper School. All instruction however takes place at the College Prep (Gymnasium) level. Students who choose the Realschule branch are integrated into all aspects of the Gymnasium with the exception of the second foreign language. The School does not officially offer a Hauptschule (graduation after 9th grade) option, however students who are in that track are recognized and instructed in different learning groups. Similarly to Realschule students, Hauptschule students receive instruction that is appropriate for their chosen branch of study.
If you have any questions, please contact the Coordinator of the Orientation Level (Grade 5), Faiza Sadek-Stolz, fsadestolz@giswashington.org.