Glacier Ridge Gazette

August 18, 2023

May 10, 2024

PRINCIPAL MESSAGE

The Days Are Long But the Years Are Short

I can’t believe it’s already May. I don’t typically start my newsletters with phrases like that because it is a generic and empty statement. However, this time of year is a time for planning for next year, while also celebrating and reminiscing about this year. I describe the end of the year as having one foot in this year and one foot in next year. That is why May is so crazy in the world of education. We are already planning next year’s schedules, budgets, events, and classes. However, we are still celebrating and commemorating this year.

The days are long but the years are short. That is a phrase many parents of older children say to me when I talk about the craziness of parenthood - driving kids everywhere, the endless of activities, jockeying conflicting schedules of the entire family for work, activities, and events. When you are in the midst of it, it feels like you won’t survive with your sanity intact. The parents that have kids in college or are grown will often reminisce about their former crazy lives with a full household because the alternative is silence. Emptynester parents say the house is too quiet.

I look back on the year and it seems to have flown by. Many days certainly did feel long. However, I will never get those days back again. The other advice the older parents give me is to not rush these days away. Find the joy in the chaos. Find joy in the small moments. Find joy in the time together. The joy is in the simple interactions, not necessarily big vacations or intricate family events.

So, the years are short - and they seem to keep getting shorter the older I get. I no longer have a child in elementary school and I will soon be looking at colleges for my oldest. I’ll find joy in the small conversations around the kitchen island rather than stressing about fitting in a rushed and stressful family dinner. I’ll find joy in moments when my daughters ask me to fix something, even though they likely broke it. I won’t enjoy every moment of the craziness and teenage emotion-filled household. However, I’ll be intentional to find the joy in the little things because the days ARE long and years ARE short and I will never get them back.

Sincerely,

Pete Kurty, Ed. D

Principal

Three part series about how we inadvertently treat children differently Part 3: Parents are teachers too Expect growth, not perfection. My generation constantly heard the phrase, “There’s no such thing as perfection.” That concept is absolutely true. I’m not sure exactly why or where that phrase originated from. As adults, we certainly know that to be true. High achievers also know that perfection is an impossible outcome. I’m not a perfect principal, father, husband, or leader. However, we sometimes expect children to be perfect - especially during a time when they are just learning how to navigate life and new skills. Children make mistakes….a lot of them. Not only that, but they should make mistakes. That is how they best learn how to navigate life, problem solve, and build resilience for adversity. Teach, don’t tell: When my children were younger, it was much easier to tell them what to do and how to do it. They would often listen because they understood the authoritative structure of child and parent. However, now that I have two young teenagers, just telling them what to do because I’m the parent doesn’t work any more. Furthermore, telling someone something is not a good teaching strategy either. As parents, we are teachers. Telling and giving information is NOT teaching. When someone can understand the concert, apply the skill, think abstractly about it, and then apply it in a variety of new situations, that is the teaching and learning process. It’s easier said than done (especially with teens AND adults). However, that is the most effective process. Enforce growth & reflection, not outcome: Because we have navigated life for decades, we often forget that children are just learning how to do things for the first time. As a child, you are often doing many things in life for the first time. When doing something for the first time, being good at it initially is a rarity, let alone perfect (which is impossible). Instead of expecting perfection, look for growth and reflection. I have found that my children will often just want to do it the way they want to. Schoolwork is a common example. You would think that having my doctorate would make me an expert in teaching children. Regardless, my children don’t see it that way. Instead of portraying that I know what I’m talking about, I ask them reflective questions to get them to plan and explain what they think they need to do. I force them to reflect and plan ahead of time. What is your goal? What do you want from doing this or this way)? Why do you think this is the best way/plan? What are there things that could go wrong? I’m here to support you and I believe in you. What can I do to help you? Afterwards, regardless of whether the outcome was positive or detrimental, we try to reflect. This is often harder because the children are anticipating a parent lecture. So navigate this with caution and don’t force it. They often know their shortcomings and just don’t want to talk about it. I’m proud of you for carrying out your plan. Is there something I could have done differently to help you? (This shows that you are a team and support them in failure and success). What did you plan that went well? What would you plan differently next time? Feedback: Feedback is an important part of learning as well. Again, in the younger years, it is easier. However, that is what also allows adults to just give feedback in a way that we wouldn’t want as adults. If I try something new for the first time at work, I certainly wouldn’t want my boss to just give me constructive feedback. Instead provide balanced feedback and couple it with the reflective questions above. Teaching and learning is about growth and ownership. If someone just tells me what to do, I don’t have any ownership in it. Growth and change occurs more out of strengths than deficits. In other words, I’m more likely to build on my strengths and success than the things that are harder for me to change. Therefore, begin with the reflective questions above and then feedback about what was positive and successful. Follow that with the reflection questions about what to change and feedback. End with a supportive question to show your support and care. Don’t forget to incorporate conversation, questions, and feedback about their effort. Sometimes they have a great plan, but the outcome wasn’t as expected. Therefore, reinforce the amount and quality of the effort that they put in, and don’t focus solely on the outcome. We are growing and learning as parents, too. We make mistakes and it’s okay for our kids to know that. That allows them to see that making mistakes themselves is okay. However, we all must learn and grow from those mistakes. Ironically, it is better for them to know that a perfect parent doesn’t exist either. Sincerely, Pete Kurty, Ed. D Principal

GLACIER RIDGE INFORMATION

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Thank You, PTO & School Community

This past week was teacher appreciation. However, we choose to celebrate everyone during this week. Everyone plays a significant role in the education and support of children. It is impossible to do our jobs in silos and we need everyone, including parents and community members to support students.

This past week, we were celebrated by the PTO and community, and we greatly appreciate it. We don’t do our jobs because of the recognition or celebration, although it is certainly appreciated. However, the PTO made us feel like royalty. It was exhilarating to have treats in the lounge while reading kindness notes written by the students. The PTO staff appreciation committee put together a week’s long celebration, which took significant planning.

As you know, we feel the reward in our job frequently. It absolutely is a hard job, as iterated by the many chaperones that supervised students on the recent field trips. However, it’s the joy and impact that we feel as we make a difference in the lives of others. It is having previous students seek us out to tell us they remember something we did that made a difference. It’s the smiles on the faces when we connect with them each day.

Again, it’s a hard job and we very much felt appreciated and celebrated this week. Thank you, PTO, we couldn’t do it without you too!

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Business Opportunity to support our PTO!

Calling all businesses! If you are interested in partnering with the PTO for some upcoming events/opportunities and making an impact at GRE, we invite you to keep reading! We’re thrilled to announce Glacier Ridge Elementary is now on SponsorPlace!

This new all-in-one digital sponsorship marketplace opens the door for greater opportunities within our school — which will bring a huge benefit to our students and staff. If you have a local business and are interested in sponsorship opportunities, visit GRE SponsorPlace to start shopping the assets we currently have available for Field Day! For any questions, please reach out to glacierridgepto@gmail.com.

For a full list of Syntero student support groups click HERE.

5th Grade End of Year Promotion Information

Friday, May 24, 2024

We are excited to celebrate your child’s last day of elementary school with families at our Fifth Grade Promotion Ceremony and activities.

Promotion Ceremony:

Date: Friday, May 24, 2024

Location: GRE gymnasium

Time: 9:45 - 10:15 - All 5th grade classes

Doors open at 9:20. Families will not have access before that time.

Doors open at 9:20. The ceremony will last approximately one half hour. Chairs will be available for families to sit during the ceremony. Speeches will be delivered by the principal and the GRE PTO senior scholarship winner. Each 5th grade student will have their name read and receive their promotion certificate. All 5th grade students will end the ceremony with the GRE school song and then be briefly available for whole grade pictures. Pictures of individual students, friend groups, and staff can be taken after the bell ringing ceremony.

Clap-out: Immediately after the promotion ceremony (10:15)

Location: Families will form a tunnel in the commons and main hall. After students march through, families will exit the front of the building to meet their child for the bell ringing ceremony. 5th grade students will continue to make their way through the hallways of the school, ending in the front of the building by the bell.

Bell Ringing: Immediately after the clap-out

Location: Front of the GRE building (outdoors)

Following the clap-out, families will proceed out the front of the building. Students will be led by their teacher to the front of the building to meet up with families and ring the ceremonial 5th grade bell.

Bell Ringing - Inclement weather plan: The bell ringing ceremony will still occur in inclement weather, unless it is severe storms or rain. Families should bring umbrellas and dress accordingly to stand outside for that brief amount of time. If the ceremony cannot occur, families are welcome to return to GRE to ring the bell and take pictures at their convenience.

Miscellaneous Information:

Student sign out: There will be student sign-out sheets, organized by class, at the guest sign-in table. If you plan to take your child with you following the bell ringing ceremony, you are welcome to sign out your child prior to the promotion ceremony. If you do not sign them out prior to the ceremony, you can do so in the office afterward. If students are not being signed out, they will go home as they normally do at 12:25 dismissal. If you wish to sign out any other grade level students, you will need to do that in the office.

Parking: Parking is available in the parking lot on the East side of the building. Parking will also be available on the playground; however, space is limited.

Field Day Information: May 17

Friday, May 17th is our annual Field Day! We are excited to spend a day with the students by celebrating all of their hard work throughout the school year.

Mrs. Santiso and Mrs. Shambaugh's third grade classes, all 4th grade, all 5th grade, and AM kindergarten classes will have their field day from 9:15-11:30am.

All 1st grade, all 2nd grade, Mrs. Baker and Mrs. Liszeski 3rd grade, and PM kindergarten classes will have their field day from 1:00-3:15pm.

Thank you to those parents who have signed up to volunteer for the event!

Below is some information to help prepare your child for Field day:

Please have your child wear comfortable clothes and tennis shoes/crocs. Please no flip flops or sandals due to safety concerns! .
Please have your child bring a towel, change of clothes and an extra pair of shoes. There will be some water events that students can participate in and they need to have dry clothes to change into after field day.
Please have your child wear sunscreen if needed.
If your child would like, he/she can bring a water bottle with their name on it.

Looking forward to a fun event!

Megan Findley

findley_megan@dublinschools.net

Last Day of School Schedule/Information

The last day of school is just around the corner and we want to make sure you are aware of the early dismissal times and lunch details.

High School Dismissal is 11:25
Middle School Dismissal is 11:50
Elementary School Dismissal is 12:25
There will be no Kindergarten or ELI that day.
The only lunch option is a Grab and Go for students to bring home at the regular school lunch cost. Students will not eat at school.

2024 GRE Talent Show

We are so excited for our talent show this year! This is a time when our students share a variety of talents with their grade level peers. Students dance, sing, play the piano, guitar, violin, etc……

This week, student leaders went to each classroom to provide talent show information. Students should have come home with a paper sign-up form.

Here are the Performance Times/Days

2nd grade: May 15, Wednesday/9:45-10:45am

3rd grade: May 16, Thursday/2:15-3:15pm

4th grade: May 16, Thursday/9:45-10:45am

5th grade: May 23, Thursday/2:15-3:15pm

This talent show is for all our students to learn and appreciate each other. Families are more than welcome to attend and take pictures, but will be asked to sit in the back so our students have room to enjoy the show;)

NOTE: The last day to register for the talent show is Wednesday, May 8, 2024.

School Supply Sale

GRE Supply Sale:

Have you ordered your school supplies for next year yet?

The order window is open and will remain open until July 1. This service is optional; however, if you are interested in ordering we encourage you to order early to help avoid shortages and supply chain issues. Ordering is done online only and cannot be accepted after July 1.

Place your order HERE to have the kit waiting for you child in the classroom on the first day of school.

If you prefer to purchase items on your own, you are welcome to do so. The grade level supply lists will be posted on the GRE website in the near future.

Middle School Supply Links:

Karrer Middle: http://1stdayschoolsupplies.com/kits.php?sid=81232

Grizzell Middle: http://1stdayschoolsupplies.com/kits.php?sid=84301

Eversole Run Middle: http://1stdayschoolsupplies.com/kits.php?sid=1178780

Karrer/Eversole/Grizzell Strings Information Night

Wednesday, May 15, 6p, at Karrer.

There will be a brief meeting at 6pm followed by Instrument Petting Zoo.

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Blood Drive at GRE

GRE is hosting a blood drive on Wednesday, May 29. Please consider making a donation and helping to save lives. You can schedule your appointment here.

SIGN UP & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

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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

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Glacier Ridge Student Greeter Team

Glacier Ridge Elementary believes in creating a caring and comfortable environment for it's community of learners. This begins as students enter the front doors of the school in the morning. Sign up your child to be a greeter. Students gain confidence, become leaders, and learn how to present themselves in a positive way. Click on this link to find out more specific information.

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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

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Upcoming GRE Events

May 10th- District Dodgeball Tournament @6:00

May 14th- 3rd Grade Field Trip to the Zoo

May 15th- 4th Grade Field Trip to Ohio History Center

May 15th- Incoming 24-25 Kindergarten Open House @5:30 (L-Z last names) and @6:15 (A thru K last names)

May 17th- Field Day at GRE

May 20th- Kindergarten Family Picnics

May 21st- 4th Grade to Metro Park in the afternoon

May 22nd- 3rd Grade to Metro Park in the afternoon

May 23rd- 5th Grade Activity Day to Sports Ohio

May 23rd- Last day for Kindergarten Students

May 24th- Last Day of School 1-5th Grade, 5th Grade Promotion

Subscribe to the GRE Google Community Calendar

DISTRICT UPDATES

Last Day of School Dismissal Times

As we near the end of the 2024-25 school year, please keep in mind the early dismissal times for the last day of school on May 24. Also, don't forget that lunch will be a bag lunch on the last day. Students may grab and go as needed.

High Schools - 7:55 a.m. - 11:25 a.m.
Middle Schools - 8:28 a.m. - 11:48 a.m.
Elementary Schools - 9:10 a.m. - 12:25 p.m.
Elementary buses will be at the schools at 12:25 p.m.
Latchkey will end at 4:30 p.m.

Summer Camps sponsored by Dublin City Schools

Dublin City Schools staff members and coaches are hosting a variety of summer camps for students. Ranging from basketball, football and volleyball camps to art, artificial intelligence and a college application bootcamp! Check them all out here.

Syntero Summer Groups

Syntero is excited to offer FREE group prevention services this summer for students Prevention services can benefit all students! The goal is to foster healthy, adaptive coping skills to more effectively manage life stressors. Groups are determined by the grade your child will be entering in the Fall. Learn more here. Register here.

From the City of Dublin

WATCH: Slow Down Sloth on School Zones

With just two weeks left of school, please remember school zone safety is still a top priority. Earn an A+ by staying at or under 20 mph in a school zone. Zones are active during pickup and drop-off. Help us create safe, comfortable streets for all road users in Dublin. Watch the Slow Down Sloth and what it shares about school zones.

Experience Public Works Day

Touch-A-Truck is now Experience Public Works Day! Roll into the City Service Center from 9 a.m. to noon May 18 to learn about the vehicles and people that keep Dublin moving. What to know before you go.

Bike Month in Dublin

The City of Dublin invites you to celebrate Bike Month! Find all the details.

May 11 — Annual Bike Rodeo for the whole family

May 20 — Bike Pump Track Dedication
Register your bike with Dublin Police in case it’s lost or stolen

Dublin City Schools Home

Going to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade? What To Know Get ready for Dublin's St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 9! Plan where you'll watch by checking out the parade route and accessible parking. The City is also partnering with Central Ohio Safe Ride for discounted Lyft rides to or from the parade and Downtown Dublin. Get the Lyft code and find your spot. Dublin Is an Exceptional Community Because of YOU You’re invited to the State of the City from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 14, at The Exchange in Bridge Park. Hear from your City Council, public servants and fellow neighbors about Dublin’s successes and what’s to come this year and in the future. All are welcome to attend. RSVP today! We Need Your Input on the DCRC Refresh Join us for the third and final DCRC Refresh Engagement Session from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, at the Dublin Community Recreation Center in Talla 1. A presentation from the designer will begin at 6 p.m. Guests will have an hour after the presentation to walk around, see different design renderings up close and ask questions in an open house-style session. Can't make it? Share your feedback here.

GRE CONTACT INFORMATION

Attendance

If your child will be absent from school, please email our attendance line at gres_attendance@dublinschools.net.

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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

Glacier Ridge Elementary Home

Glacier Ridge Gazette

August 18, 2023

May 10, 2024 May 10, 2024

PRINCIPAL MESSAGE PRINCIPAL MESSAGE

The Days Are Long But the Years Are Short

GLACIER RIDGE INFORMATION GLACIER RIDGE INFORMATION

Thank You, PTO & School Community

Business Opportunity to support our PTO!

5th Grade End of Year Promotion Information

Field Day Information: May 17

Last Day of School Schedule/Information

2024 GRE Talent Show

School Supply Sale

Karrer/Eversole/Grizzell Strings Information Night

Blood Drive at GRE

SIGN UP & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES SIGN UP & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Tiger Student Announcements

Glacier Ridge Student Greeter Team

Parent/Guardian Volunteer Background Check

GRE EVENTS GRE EVENTS

Upcoming GRE Events

DISTRICT UPDATES DISTRICT UPDATES

From the City of Dublin From the City of Dublin

GRE CONTACT INFORMATION GRE CONTACT INFORMATION

Attendance

Glacier Ridge Elementary

May 10, 2024

PRINCIPAL MESSAGE

GLACIER RIDGE INFORMATION

SIGN UP & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

GRE EVENTS

DISTRICT UPDATES

From the City of Dublin

GRE CONTACT INFORMATION