Community Nest

"Relationships are the agents of change." Dr. Bruce Perry

November 15 - November 19

Our Gray Hawk Mission Statement

OUR GRAY HAWK FAMILY works together to help students feel safe, loved, and inspired so they can be empowered learners and engaged citizens.

MAP Testing begins on Tuesday 11/30

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Congratulations to Aniah for Designing OUR 1st Yearbook Cover!

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YOUR INPUT IS NEEDED

As part of OUR commitment to inclusivity, we are asking that each family share the holidays and traditions that your family shares. Please click the button below and share with us. Thank you!
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Featured Literature

Jerry Pinkney was an illustrator and writer of over 100 picture books. He is famous for his beautifully illustrated picture books celebrating folktales, difference makers, and stories of diverse origins. His books have been awarded multiple awards. Five Coretta Scott King awards, the Caldecott Gold Medal, Horn Book Award and the Coretta Scott King-Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement. He was working at a newspaper stand in New York City when a commercial artist noticed his work and inspired him to continue his education. He worked with the U.S Postal Service on its Black Heritage Stamp Collection, and with the National Geographic Society and the National Park Service. Jerry Pinkney passed away in October at the age of 81.


Featured Title: “John Henry” A retelling of the life of famous African American hero who famously competed against a steam powered drill.

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PROMOTING DIVERSITY

As a part of our commitment to ensuring that our students are exposed to the contributions of people of color and from different backgrounds, we kicked off this past week by giving daily clues to a famous person from history that has made our world a better place. This past week, the students heard the following clues:


Monday: I was born in 1595 in Virginia. I was the daughter of the chief of the Powhatan people. Even though I was the daughter of the chief, I did all the same things as other girls. I learned how to start a fire and cook. I had a very peaceful childhood. My nickname meant “the naughty one”


Tuesday: When I was about 12 years old, English settlers arrived on our land and established the Jamestown colony. The settlers did not get along with the Powhatan people.


Wednesday: One day some of my father’s warriors captured the leader of Jamestown - Captain John Smith. My father was going to have him killed but I convinced him not to do that and to let him go. From that day forward, relations between the settlers and our tribe improved.


Thursday: In 1613 I was taken hostage by the settlers and held for ransom. My father paid the ransom but I decided to stay with the English because I fell in love with a tobacco farmer named John Rolfe.


Friday: I went back to England and married John Rolfe. I planned on sailing back to Virginia in March 1617 but I got very sick and died. Disney made a movie about me in 1995. In the movie, they make it seem like I was in love with John Smith but that was never true.


The answer this week was Pocahontas.

Celebrating Pocahontas

Pocahontas: Learn the True Story | BrainPOP

Bite-Size Brain PD

This week the topic is Gratitude and the Brain. It is easier for us to be thankful during the Thanksgiving and holiday season but practicing daily gratitude has been scientifically proven to impact your brain in a positive and meaningful way.


When we express gratitude so many things happen in our brain. First and foremost, our brain releases dopamine and serotonin, two neurotransmitters associated with our emotions. When we are grateful we tend to be happier and less depressed. Gratitude reframes our experiences and makes it harder to focus on the negativity that we may be experiencing.


A study at UCLA even stated that an attitude of gratitude can change the neural structures within the brain. I found an example of a gratitude journal and have taken a picture of it below as an easy way for you to begin thinking of ways to express gratitude yourself. Times are tough for all of us right now, adults and students, and by focusing on gratitude we can begin to turn the corner. I know this weekend I have some letter writing to do myself.

The Amazing Effects of Gratitude
An Experiment in Gratitude | The Science of Happiness

NO Community Nest next Week. Enjoy Thanksgiving Break with your Family and Friends!

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OUR GRAY HAWK PTO ROCKS!

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