Glacier Ridge Gazette
Glacier Ridge Elementary School | January 13, 2023
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Glacier Ridge Gazette
Principal’s Message
Happy New Year! And, happy Chinese New Year on January 22nd - year of the rabbit. New year’s resolutions are common this time of year and as a parent, leader, and educator I think about change all the time.
If you ask my wife, the one thing she would likely want to change about me is how I load the dishwasher. After 19 years of marriage, I still don’t seem to do it right. If you ask my 14 year old, I still do EVERYTHING wrong. Therefore, instead of new year’s resolutions, I try to build in sustainable things that will make me better personally and professionally.
Two things that I can always get better at are LISTENING and LEARNING. As I get older, I find that my opinions become stronger and change becomes harder. When that happens, I notice myself listening less and, therefore, learning less. If I practice listening to understand, without judgment or infusing my own thoughts, I better understand the perspectives of others. I listen to understand what they think and why, not necessarily to change my own mind. I try to listen with vulnerability to learn, but not necessarily vulnerability to change. However, sometimes one leads to the other. I do this by pausing (especially if I’m listening to something I instinctively disagree with) before I say anything. I acknowledge my own feelings and thoughts, but I push them aside for a moment. After I do that, I usually ask at least 2 questions of the other person to better understand the feelings, thoughts, and rationale of the other. The questions are different every time, but they are typically something like, “Why is that?” or “How does that happen?” I’m still working on this.
In THIS ARTICLE by Rob Walker, he talks about listening and learning. Walker is a journalist that often writes about creativity, innovation, business, design, and leadership. He writes a monthly blog about the art of noticing the world around us. Walker references listening strategies that come from a Wall Street Journalist, Jason Zweig. Below are some of my favorites:
“Listening to what someone else is saying without hearing what you already think is one of the hardest challenges for the human mind. When you listen, listen as if your life depends on it. Otherwise, you’ll just hear your own words coming out of someone else’s mouth.”
“Say ‘I don’t know’ at least 10 times a day. That will disqualify you for a career in politics but make you a better person.”
“Never try to get other people to change their minds without first trying to understand why they think the way they do. Never do that without being open to the possibility that the mind that might need to change the most could be your own.”
“Don’t laugh at things you don’t understand. Take the time and trouble to understand them first. Most likely, you will find that once you understand them, they either become even funnier than you thought in the first place, or not funny in the least.”
When I was 20, I thought I would have life figured out by the time I was in my 40’s. I also thought that I would never be 40. So, you can see how enlightened I was then. I’m still trying to listen and learn better. I’m also still trying to load the dishwasher better.
Have a great weekend,
Pete Kurty, Ed. D
Principal
Glacier Ridge Information
STEAM Activities at Glacier Ridge
Thank You to our amazing PTO for the tools, games, and many awesome activities to implement STEAM activities at Glacier Ridge. Since returning from break, students have been engaging in STEAM activities in the classroom.
STEAM Education is an approach to teaching and learning that combines science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math to guide student inquiry, discussion, and problem-solving. GRE teachers selected instructional games and manipulatives that allow students to engage in meaningful learning activities that help students become resilient problem solvers, embrace and appreciate collaboration, and work through the creative process. Thank your again to the GRE PTO for providing funding for these resources and activities.
Art it Up
Information
New GRE Website
Dublin City Schools is revamping their website layout and we want your input. We understand that GRE may not be your primary source of information for current GRE information. However, we are currently using it as a resource when you need to find pertinent information (lunch menus, absence forms, contact information, etc.).
You may have seen that DCS is transitioning to a new web design and the main DCS webpage has already been completed. Take a look at the new DCS design and provide feedback about what your needs might be for the GRE website. We will have some autonomy with where items and resources are placed on the school site. Please complete this brief survey with your feedback in the following areas:
What do you use the current GRE website for?
What do you think should be added or more accessible on the current GRE website?
What should be changed about the current GRE website?
Click HERE to complete the survey.
Incoming 6th graders - Middle School Curriculum Night
As your child begins their middle school journey, please join us for our evening Curriculum
Night. This event will be held as follows:
Davis Middle School - February 1st at 6:30pm
Eversole Middle School - February 1st at 7:00pm
Grizzell Middle School –February 6th at 6:30pm
Karrer Middle School - January 31st at 6:30pm
Sells Middle School - February 1st at 7:00pm
We hope you can attend! 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 call any of the following Guidance Departments:
Davis (614-718-8663), Eversole (614-760-4715), Grizzell (614-718-8613), Karrer (614-718-8513), or Sells (614-718-8563).
Rainy Day Dismissal
Every day, but especially on rainy days, please be sure to display your GRE dashboard/visor sign that shows your last name. It is very helpful to the staff as they are trying to get our students from their dry location in the gym to their car as quickly as possible. The signs help us keep the line moving, creating less wait time for families. If you don’t have have a sign feel free to request one by emailing the office at glacierridge_info@dublinschools.net In the meantime, feel free to create a sign by writing your last name on a paper or cardboard.
Yearbook Sale - Due by Jan. Friday, January 27
Yearbook order forms will come home this week. You can order online at www.book.hrimaging.com or you can return the completed envelope with cash (exact change only) or a check made out to HR Imaging. Yearbooks are $17. We suggest that you order as soon as possible so you don’t miss the deadline.
First Annual Strings Olympics
The Dublin Middle School Orchestra Department is proud to announce the first annual Strings Olympics, February 11th, at Karrer Middle School!
This event is open to all Dublin Students enrolled in our 1st year Strings Class (5th Grade Strings and Level 1 6th Grade Strings).
The Strings Olympics will include musical competitions, games, pizza, prizes, and much more! Each participant will also receive a T-Shirt!
Students can sign up HERE! To guarantee a t-shirt, please complete the Google Form by Friday, January 13.
The cost for the event is $20. Please bring cash or check to your Strings class (checks payable to "Karrer'').
We are looking forward to seeing you there!
MAP Testing Information
All students in grades 1-5 will be taking the MAP assessments in reading, math, and the dyslexia screener. Kindergarten will be taking the MAP dyslexia screener only. The winter assessment window opens January 9th through February 16th. Your child’s teacher will communicate the specific testing dates. These assessments provide teachers information to plan instruction for students. Although they can be used as an overall benchmark assessment, the primary use is to provide instructional guidance. Teachers will go over the results during the teacher conference in February. Families will receive an email with the score at the conclusion of the MAP testing window.
Sign Up and Volunteer Opportunities
Tiger Student Announcements
We have a new and exciting opportunity for 2nd thru 5th graders at Glacier Ridge this year! Would you like to start your day saying “Hello!” to everyone at Glacier Ridge in the morning? 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 Greeter Team
Glacier Ridge Elementary believes in creating a caring and comfortable environment for its community of learners. This begins as students enter the front doors of the school in the morning. Our student greeters help facilitate this goal!
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GRE EVENTS
Upcoming Events
Jan 13 - 27: Yearbook sale
Jan 16: No school - MLK Day
Feb 2: Art it Up event (6:30 - 8:00pm)
Feb 4: PTO family skate night @ Dublin Chiller (6:00 - 8:15pm)
Feb 14: Valentine parties
Feb 15: PTO General mtg. @ 10am at GRE
Feb 15: PTO family night @ Chipotle
Feb 17: No School - Staff PD/work day
Feb 20: No school
Feb 23: Family conference night 1
Mar 1: Family conference night 2
Mar 1: Flower sale begins
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DISTRICT NEWS
District News
No School - MLK Day
There will be no school on Monday, January 16 in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
5th Grade Future Chefs Competition
Six to eight lucky winners will be chosen as finalists to compete in a contest at Scioto High School in early March 2023. The winner will be entered in a Future Chefs National Challenge for some great prizes! Need a paper recipe form? Just ask Emilia Martin, RD, LD, the Food Service Team, or your Kitchen Staff! Learn more here.
Info Hub and Community Ed on Website
Looking for things to do outside of the school day? The Info Hub provides information on upcoming camps and programs and links to local organizations, such as DYA, i9 Sports and Dublin Soccer League. Check it out here. We also are posting all Community Ed afterschool programs on our Community Education page of the website.
Celebrate MLK on Monday, All Year-Round
The City of Dublin is honoring the legacy of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. by kicking off its “MLK Civic Service Series” on Monday, Jan. 16. Learn more about the MLK Civic Service Series. The City will also host an impact talk about social isolation in the senior community, as well as a hands-on volunteer service project. Anyone can register to join this family-friendly event at the Dublin Community Recreation Center.
Need more information? Visit our sites below.
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