Glacier Ridge Gazette
August 18, 2023
January 26, 2024
PRINCIPAL MESSAGE
R Factor Refresh
Many staff and students came back from break talking about goal setting and New Year’s resolutions. We spent the week after break doing something similar with the students. The principals and guidance counselor went to each classroom to refresh students about the concepts of R Factor, kindness and empathy. Did you ever notice that most resolutions often fizzle a few months after implementation? We hope that our kindness won’t fizzle.
Teaching is really about change. When you learn something, you are changing how you know and do something. Change is really hard - hence the difficulty with New Year’s resolutions.
With kindness and R Factor, we hope that it isn’t something that fizzles. The reason that our Choose Kind motto works is because it is authentic. If staff don’t value and model it, the students won’t see it. Kindness really ties to everything - learning, behavior, social-emotional, self-efficacy, and wellness. So, our kindness refresh isn’t a resolution or goal, it’s a discussion about authentic and ongoing implementation. Talk to your students about the R Factor concepts that we’ve implemented so far. The following is a reminder of those concepts so that you can talk about them at home.
E + R = O
The R-Factor equips our students with the mindset and skill set to be intentional about the way they think and respond to events in their lives. The R-Factor is a simple equation. E+R=O (Event + Response = Outcome). Students will learn that they cannot always control events that happen in their lives, but they can control how they respond in order to get the outcomes that they want. The R-Factor helps our students communicate, make decisions, manage their emotions, and interact with others positively.
Discipline Over Default
We know that our students’ brains are not fully developed, and therefore, their ability to control their impulses is still under construction! By teaching students R-Factor we help them focus on what they can control and how to stay “disciplined” in their actions. We use words like intentional and on purpose when describing how we want students to respond to events, rather than being resistant or impulsive. While we know we all make mistakes, the more we can control our responses the more likely we are to achieve the outcomes we want.
20 Square Feet
We all play a part in that community. This month we will teach students the phrase “Own your 20 square feet.” This phrase represents that we can all control our own actions, responses, and behaviors, and if we are positive and disciplined then we are being a positive member of our learning community. The R-Factor equips us with the skills to own our 20 square feet and control our responses so that we can support the larger learning community around us.
Press Pause
It is important for us all to remember that there are moments when we need to press pause before we respond. Sometimes that pause is short, sometimes that pause is long, but in order to make the best response, we must press pause, gain clarity about the situation we are faced with, and then make a disciplined response. By pressing pause, we decide what outcome we want, and then we make our response. We want students to respond, not just react to events.
As I’ve mentioned before, these strategies are for everyone. They have really had an impact on our staff. We incorporate them into the Kurty family as well. See how they can impact your family.
Sincerely,
Pete Kurty, Ed. D
Principal
GLACIER RIDGE INFORMATION
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
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.
Yearbook sale closing TODAY!!!!
GRE yearbook orders were due today 1/26/24; however you can still order online at www.book.hrimaging.com. The online ordering option will be open for a limited time, so please order soon.
Sodexo Chef Challenge
Sodexo is thrilled to introduce this great new concept to your child! This year, we’re accepting entries grade 4 through 5. The idea behind this event is to help educate the kids in HEALTHY EATING HABITS. Too often we hear about kids not making the right choices in terms of their eating habits. Plus, eating healthy should be fun! That’s why we want kids to submit recipes highlighting their FAVORITE RECIPE FROM HOME OR FAMILY RECIPE.
Judging will be based on the following criteria:
Originality
Kid Friendly
Ease of Preparation
Healthy Attributes
Plate Presentation
Taste
Student Chef Presentation to Judges
You can see more information HERE.
Valentine Parties
Classroom Valentine parties will be on Wednesday, February 14th. Students will be allowed to exchange cards for each of their classmates. Teachers will communicate the class list of students (first names only). Teachers are working with room parents about the party details. You will hear more information from your child’s teacher.
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:
Davis Middle School - January 31st at 6:00pm
Eversole Middle School - January 31st at 7:00pm
Grizzell Middle School - February 5th at 6:30pm
Karrer Middle School - February 5th at 6:30pm
Sells Middle School - February 6th 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).
There will be mandatory music fittings for students selecting band or orchestra. During the appointment, an experienced musician will help your child try out instruments and guide the child through selecting an instrument for which he or she is well suited. All students who are interested in joining the band should attend an appointment with a parent.
Appointments will be held at Grizzell Middle School on:
Tuesday, February 6; 4-7 pm (ELL translators available)
Thursday, February 8 4-7 pm
Sunday, February 11; 12-4 pm
Monday, February 12; 4-6 pm
Sincerely,
Middle School Counselors
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
Jan 12 - 26 - Yearbook sale
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
What’s New at DCS Blog
During the 2023 levy, we received valuable feedback from our community. The ask? That DCS increase transparency around expenditures, operations, enrollment growth, and more. "What's New at DCS" is our proactive response to these calls. Check in every Wednesday to explore the topic of the week, and subscribe to receive blogs in your email inbox. Topics recently covered include all-day kindergarten, 6-12 scheduling, and how DCS is striving to become even more efficient. Learn more: District Blog / Home
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 January 30 is greatly appreciated: http://tinyurl.com/dcscommsurvey If you have any additional feedback, we can be reached any time at info@dublinschools.net.
Japanese Program for 3rd and 4th Grade Students
Jerome's Japanese NHS is hosting an after school Japanese program for 3rd graders/4th graders in our district. Classes will be held at Jerome High School on Wednesdays from 4:30-5:30 p.m. for five weeks. Registration for the class is first come, first served, with spots limited to 30 registrants. Learn more here and register by February 2, 2024.
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 flyer 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.
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