Glacier Ridge Gazette
August 18, 2023
February 9, 2024
PRINCIPAL MESSAGE
Do Me a Favor
You may or may not be someone that listens to podcasts. I didn’t used to be, but I love to learn.
The podcast that I most recently listened to resonated on so many levels as a parent, leader, husband, father, friend, and any other connection and communication that I have with other humans. The podcast is called The Knowledge Project, which tackles everyday human behavior and what to do to have a better quality of life.
The most recent episode is titled, Dr. Becky Kennedy: A Playbook for Better Parenting (episode 187). However, it’s not just about parenting, it’s about human interactions. You’ll notice that it addresses basic human relationships and why people do things that cause frustrations in our lives. I found the podcast episode extremely helpful and applicable to almost every relationship I have, personally and professionally.
I urge you to carve out 2 hours to listen. Two hours is a huge time commitment these days - especially if you’re someone that doesn’t typically listen to podcasts. That’s why I’m asking the favor of you. I truly believe that you’ll get something beneficial out of it. If not, I’d love to hear why.
Full disclosure, it does sometimes feel a little “self-help” at times. However, if you get beyond that, I think you will be able to connect to many of the strategies and stories.
So, you don’t have to listen, but I want to share it because I think it will make a difference in your perspective of the relationships that you have. It might help you be a better parent, spouse, leader, friend, etc. in your life. I believe it could help you find some joy, which is something we all need during these gloomy winter days.
Enjoy the warm winter weather while it lasts.
Sincerely,
Pete Kurty, Ed. D
Principal
GLACIER RIDGE INFORMATION
Spirit Week - Feb. 12 - 15
Spirit week is coming up to help brighten up the gloomy winter:
Monday - Neon Day - Wear any bright or neon clothes.
Tuesday - Mismatch Day - Mismatch your clothes.
Wednesday - Heart & Kindness Day - Wear red, pink, purple, or any kindness clothes.
Thursday - Glow with GRE Spirit - Wear your GRE spirit wear or Tiger Trot t-shirt, which will shine at the school Glow Day event in related arts.
Friday - No school
Art It Up is a huge success!
What does art mean to you? Well, this week at Art it Up, we were able to explore that question! It was great to see so many families walking through the building to interact with, reflect on, and enjoy the art and music shared by our students. A huge thank you to Ms. Scarpa and Ms. Borden for creating such a positive experience for everyone! We can’t wait for next year!
Kindness Card Initiative
These past few weeks, students have been planning to spread care and kindness in the community. In collaboration with the PTO and the City of Dublin, students wrote letters to senior centers around Dublin. The City of Dublin helped select locations that would benefit from our kindness card initiative. Senior residents at Avondale National Church Residences, Sunrise of Dublin, Dublin Glen, and Dublin Retirement Village will receive our cards this year.
Initiatives like this, as well as Operation Kids for Troops show students that they have the power to positively impact others in the community and that kindness goes beyond the walls of GRE. Thank you to the PTO for funding this initiative. Thank you also to Stacie Wilkens, the kindness card committee chair.
ROX Fundraiser
Our Fifth Grade ROX Group is having a fundraiser. We will be selling "BigFoot Buddies" with a positive message on February 12, 13, and 14th. The BigFoot Buddies come in a variety of colors and would be a great Valentine's Day Gift. The money raised will go towards ROX (A non-profit organization that increases confidence and empowers girls) and Stand up For Cancer. Big Foot Buddies will sell for $2 and $3 depending on the size. Sales will occur at the beginning of school between 9:00-9:20 in the downstairs learning commons
Music Information for Current 5th graders
The middle school music program is excited to welcome our 5th grade students to the middle school. Students can select from band, choir and orchestra. Information about each program can be found on the attached flier for your child's middle school.
Orchestra instrument information and Choir details are important to review prior to middle school scheduling.
Band instrument fittings for all Dublin middle school students interested in band will take place at Dublin Grizzell Middle School:
February 6, 8, & 12 from 4-7pm
February 11 from 12-4pm
Families should schedule an appointment online. (updated link)
Family Conferences are Coming: Feb 22 & 28
Our family conferences are coming up on February 22 & 28. We will offer both in-person or virtual options. Your child’s teacher will reach out soon (if not already) to begin scheduling your conference.
During conferences, your child’s teacher will address three main criteria:
What I know about your child as a learner and a person
Evidence of ways I’ve gotten to know your child using formal and informal data
Next instructional steps for instruction
All families are offered the opportunity to have an individual conference with their child’s teacher. However, at our spring conference, many grade levels offer student-led conferences. Student-led conferences provide the students to be actively engaged in their own growth, reflection, and communication about their learning and process. Feel free to take advantage of the options for individual conferences, student-led conferences, or both.
If you have specific questions about your child that you want the teacher to prepare for and address within the allotted time, please reach out to let them know. In addition, be sure to check your child’s grade card in Infinite Campus prior to conferences so you are also aware of your child’s learning and progress.
SIGN UP & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Tiger Student Announcements
Would you like to start your day saying “Hello!” to everyone at Glacier Ridge in the morning? Are you in 2nd thru 5th grade? Then sign up to read the morning announcements! If you would like to find out more about this opportunity and sign up to be a Tiger Student Announcer then go to this link via SignUp Genius: GRES Tiger Student Announcements
Glacier Ridge Student Greeter Team
Parent/Guardian Volunteer Background Check
SECURE VOLUNTEER BADGE - Dublin City Schools takes the safety of our students and staff seriously and requires a background check for all volunteers interacting with students. In order to attend field trips or volunteer in the classroom, you much go through the background check process. The process is free and easy and takes only a few minutes to complete. This is required for any parents or caregivers wishing to volunteer with students.
GRE EVENTS
Upcoming GRE Events
Feb 14 - Valentines parties (teachers will provide more details)
Feb 16 - No school (Staff professional day)
Feb 19 - No school
Feb 22 - Family conferences night 1
Feb 28 - Family conferences night 2
Feb 29 - Class picture day
Mar 1 - Spring individual pictures (optional)
Mar 1 - 15 - PTO flower sale
Mar 7 - 2nd grade music program (7:00 - 8:00pm)
Mar 10 - Daylight savings
DISTRICT UPDATES
Community Champions Deadlines Approaching
The Community Champion Awards program honors students and staff in our District who exemplify the best of volunteerism, character, leadership, and a sense of caring and responsibility for others. Nominate a student or staff member here before the February 19 deadline.
A Community Champion Award scholarship is awarded to DCS high school seniors who engage society through leadership and service, and honor those who exemplify the best of volunteerism, character, leadership, and a sense of caring and responsibility for others. Applications are being accepted through February 19. Apply here.
Golden Shamrock Nominations Accepted
Is there a DCS staff member that regularly goes above and beyond that you think is deserving of a Golden Shamrock Award? Learn more about the award and nominate a deserving staff member here. The deadline to nominate someone for the March award is February 16.
Assessment Update
Elementary schools in Dublin recently administered the required universal dyslexia screener to all students in kindergarten through third grade. If the assessment results indicate that a student is at risk for reading difficulties, only those families will receive an email early next week. These results, as well as MAP Growth results will be available later this month in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal.
From the City of Dublin
Save the Date for the 2024 State of the City
The City of Dublin invites you to the annual State of the City on Thursday, March 14, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. City Manager Megan O’Callaghan will report the accomplishments of 2023 and highlight priorities for 2024. Families can RSVP.
Parents: It’s Tax Time
The City of Dublin is thrilled to announce that ALL 2023 tax returns can now be filed electronically, including refunds for both residents and non-residents. File early.
‘Link Ahead’ Podcast: Meet Dublin’s New Mayor
On this episode of Link Ahead, Mayor Chris Amorose Groomes talks about her family ties to Dublin, what she learned from the pandemic during her first term as mayor, and her vision to keep Dublin headed toward its global leadership goal. Listen in.
GRE CONTACT INFORMATION
Attendance
If your child will be absent from school, please email our attendance line at gres_attendance@dublinschools.net.
Glacier Ridge Elementary
Email: glacierridge_info@dublinschools.net
Website: https://www.dublinschools.net/Domain/18
Location: 7175 Glacier Ridge Boulevard, Dublin, OH, USA
Phone: 614.733.0012
Twitter: @greDCSD