Glacier Ridge Gazette
August 18, 2023
February 2, 2024
PRINCIPAL MESSAGE
What Can I Control
During these gloomy days, there are two strategies that get me through!
Control what I can control: I’m grateful that the sun is finally coming out. However, I found myself getting frustrated this week because of the constant rain and cloud cover. I know this is a typical Ohio winter, but the constant precipitation was getting ridiculous. I pressed pause and realized that I was getting mad at Mother Nature. It seemed a little silly. Although the weather can certainly have an effect on our well-being and mood, I was directing my effort and energy to the wrong place. Instead of trying to change the weather or Blame, Complain, and Defend (R Factor strategies) my frustration on the weather, I needed to refocus on my mindset about it. I control my thoughts and mindset, not the weather. Blaming, Complaining, and Defending doesn’t fix anything. Instead, focus on what you can control.
How Important is it?: Living with two teens in my house is like trying to manage cats. They never do what I want them to do and then they seem to have an attitude about it. Of course, I’m exaggerating. However, the teen years are the time that children learn independence, identity, and problem-solving skills in larger situations. As a parent, I want to tell them what to do and how to do it. Oftentimes, I literally have experienced the same situations and I want to help protect them or help them get better. However, much like anyone, they don’t like to be told what to do all the time (or ever). Therefore, I only provide feedback, guidance, or expectations about the things that are most important. Kindness, effort, and family are the values that are most important. Those are my non-negotiables. They must be kind to everyone, work hard, and support the family. For all the other things, I determine, “How important is it?” Then I decide how much I redirect them.
Sincerely,
Pete Kurty, Ed. D
Principal
GLACIER RIDGE INFORMATION
TOMORROW NIGHT! - GRE Chiller Skate Night - February 3, 6 - 8 PM
The PTO will once again host a family skate night at the Chiller in Dublin from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. Please note this is not a drop-off event - families are encouraged to skate together! Skate rentals will be $4. No RSVP is required and the event is open to all students and families. Food will be available for purchase at the snack bar. We look forward to seeing you there!
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
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)
Rising 6th Grade Parent Meetings -
Dear Incoming 6th Grade Families,
As your child begins their middle school journey, please join us for our evening Curriculum Night. This event will be held as follows:
Eversole Middle School - January 31st at 7:00pm
Karrer Middle School - February 5th at 6:30pm
We hope you can attend with your child! If you are unable, please visit your school’s website to access the evening’s information.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the following Guidance Departments:
Eversole Middle School, call (614) 760-4715 or email roliff_christine@dublinschools.net
Karrer Middle School, call (614) 718-8513 or email zobel_alba@dublinschools.net
Sincerely,
Middle School Counselors
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 3 - PTO skate night @ the Chiller (6:15 - 8:15pm)
Feb 7 - Berwick Taste of Italy dinner pick up
Feb 8 - Art it Up event @ GRE (6:30 - 8:00pm)
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
DEF Elevate Education Event & Community Silent Auction
Dublin Education Foundation turns 25 this year! DEF is hosting a community online silent auction from February 16-23 and Elevate Education, a kick-off endowment event, on Friday, February 23 at The Exchange at Bridge Park. Learn more here.
Correction to Jerome Theater Performance Times
Don't miss the classical musical, The Sound of Music, presented by Dublin Jerome theater students. A special sensory friendly performance will be held Saturday, February 24 at 1:00 p.m. Visit the Jerome Theater website for more showtimes and tickets.
Free Middle School Theater Night
The Jerome Theatre is hosting a free Middle School Theatre Night on Friday, February 9, 6-8:30 p.m. MS students will have be able to meet current drama club members, take a tour of the theatre, get a behind-the-scenes look at our current production of The Sound of Music, participate in dance and improv workshops and end with a performance by our Theatre II Advanced Acting Ensemble presenting a hilarious One Act comedy! Parents may also attend to get a taste of what the department has to offer and meet some of our booster parents at the beginning of the night. Questions? Contact Mr. Jeff Horst.
Global Travel Opportunities
Eight trips abroad in 2025 and seven trips in 2024! Which one will your student take? Learn more about these life-changing adventures for Dublin's middle and high school students HERE! You can come too!
Information for Parents of 5th graders regarding 6th Grade Scheduling
Over the next few weeks, fifth grade students will receive information and support from their fifth grade teachers and counselors on the middle school scheduling process. Students will receive a paper scheduling form to guide their decision for sixth grade courses. Students will enter course requests in Infinite Campus with teacher and counselor support by February 15. Parents are encouraged to review the MS Academic Programs information and see upcoming important dates here.
As your child is thinking about next year’s planning, families are encouraged to review the information below for each middle school:
Eversole Run Middle School
Band, Orchestra & Choir Information (note that instrument fitting dates are included)
Karrer Middle School
Band, Orchestra & Choir Information (note that instrument fitting dates are included)
Upcoming 6th grade parent night: February 5 at 6:30pm
From the City of Dublin
Volunteer at the 2024 St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Want an inside look at the Greenest, Grandest Parade? Volunteer to join the experience! The City is accepting volunteer sign-ups for people to be balloon handlers, costume characters and more.
‘Link Ahead’ Podcast: Dublin’s Backyard with Barbara
Did you know Dublin has a wildlife expert who can answer all your questions about plants, deer, skunks and more? Barbara Ray, Dublin's nature education coordinator, shares the latest about a new city ordinance that aims to help humans and deer peacefully coexist. Listen in. Link: https://bit.ly/DublinWildlife
Calling All K.I.D.S.!
Is your student looking for a meaningful way to give back? Those in kindergarten through fifth grade can volunteer to create welcome boxes for clients of A Kid Again, a nonprofit hosting family adventures for children with life-threatening illnesses. Register for the Feb. 16 project and help others on your day off school.
Share Your Voice! DCS Communications Survey
The DCS Communications team is conducting a parent survey to collect feedback on the district's communications efforts. The short survey only takes 3-5 minutes to complete. Your time in completing this survey before February 4 is greatly appreciated: http://tinyurl.com/dcscommsurvey If you have any additional feedback, we can be reached any time at info@dublinschools.net.
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