Glacier Ridge Gazette

August 18, 2023

November 22, 2024

DR. KURTY'S CORNER

Thanksgiving Break

We wish you an amazing upcoming break. We will not have a newsletter next week.

Regardless of what you are doing over your break, I hope it is filled with joy and thankfulness. It is certainly cliche to say this is a time to be grateful. A blanket statement that we should all be grateful may not be sensitive to everyone’s individual circumstances. I’m careful not to project my own feelings onto others.

With that said, the research suggests that being grateful has an impact on one’s well-being. There is a difference between finding things to be grateful for (even during difficult times) versus toxic positivity. Studies have shown that even pretending to be happy, grateful, and smiling can positively affect our actual mood.

Much like everyone else, my ability to be grateful goes up and down. That is natural human nature. However, as a leader, husband, and father, I try not to let my own mood negatively affect those around me. That is my 20 square feet and how my 20 square feet affects others that I interact with.

Ultimately, I am very grateful for many things that surround me. I’ve been at GRE for 12 years, and that is largely because I love what I do. I am grateful for our students, families, and staff. We have an amazing school community.

I’m also personally grateful for my family. I write about the trials and tribulations of my fatherhood adventures. However, each bump in the road is a learning experience for me and my family.

So, I’ll take my time this break to be grateful and find joy, create joy, and spread joy. I hope you are able to do the same!

Want more information about how to talk to your child about gratitude? Read, Growing our Gratitude.

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

One Dublin Adopt-a-Family Kicks Off!

This holiday season, GRE is proud to partner with One Dublin to support local families in need and brighten their celebrations. This year, we’ve adopted 8 families with 32 children and are also helping restock the Free Store with essentials. Participation is optional, and all students will have the opportunity to help wrap the donated gifts.

To get involved, click the grade-specific wish lists below, select items to purchase, and send them to school with your student by December 6. If your grade level’s list is full, feel free to check another grade’s list to help ensure all children’s needs are met this holiday season. Large, labeled donation boxes will be placed outside classrooms for easy drop-off. Every contribution, big or small, makes a meaningful difference.

Wish Lists:
Kindergarten
1st Grade - McCormick, Knostman, Birkholz
1st Grade - Thiel, Thiry
2nd Grade - Eltringham, Klopfer, Macklin
2nd Grade - Stocke, Wilkinson
3rd Grade - Shamnbaugh, Baker
3rd Grade - Flahive, Liszeski, Santiso
4th Grade
5th Grade

Thank you for helping us bring joy to these families and for making the season brighter for our community!

Are you subscribed for text alerts? Don't miss winter communications and other important information! Opt in for Texts from DCS

For school closures, emergencies, urgent alerts, and important reminders, our district utilizes SchoolMessenger to deliver text messages straight to staff and/or mobile phones. You can participate in this free service just by sending a text message of “Y” or “Yes” to our school’s short code number, 67587, or scanning the QR code below. You can also opt out of these messages at any time by simply replying to one of our messages with “Stop”. We recommend saving this short code and Caller ID to the contacts on your phone. This will help prevent any 3rd party call blocking systems from interfering with your receipt of important messages sent by the school or district.

School Closing & 2-Hour Delay due to Weather

When inclement weather occurs, there may be a school cancellation or a 2-hour delay for student safety.

You can see the Winter Weather Procedures for detailed information.

School Closings:

The district closes all schools for the entire day due to inclement weather factors that might impact student safety. Latchkey and all school extracurricular activities are canceled.

2-Hour Delay:

Grades: 1 - 5: The school schedule is delayed 2 hours after the original school time

11:00 - 3:40

Kindergarten:

AM Kindergarten is canceled
PM Kindergarten is scheduled as usual

ELI

AM ELI (and PM K) 11:00 - 3:40
PM ELI 11:00 - 3:40

Arrival

Bus schedules run 2 hours after their regularly scheduled time for students who ride a bus
Car riders should follow the car line process on a 2 hour delay
Walkers should follow the walker process on a 2 hour delay

Dismissal:

Dismissal will follow the regular schedule and process.

Syntero Winter Wellness Workshops

Click HERE for more information

Square One Art Fundraiser Update

Each student, grades 1-5, has received a personalized catalog of items with their original artwork. Items available range from magnets and keychains to water bottles and tote bags– perfect for keepsakes and gifting!

Ordering is done online via the QR Code in your catalog or by typing your student’s name, school name, and state into the Square One website HERE, so you can share your student’s art items with whomever you wish. Orders will be delivered to your chosen address 2-3 weeks after your order date. Our sale runs from now until 12/4, so order your keepsakes today!

All proceeds will benefit the GRE Art Program. By supporting this fundraiser, you are supporting all the special supplies, events, and experiences that our art program provides for GRE students.

Fundraiser timeline:

Online order deadline 12/2

Items shipped to home 2-3 weeks from order date.

Save the Date for the Winter Reading Challenge

Pre-registration for the Winter Reading Challenge starts December 2nd. We would like to invite all K-12 teachers to sign up their classrooms for the Winter Reading Challenge. The challenge kicks off on January 6 and runs through February 28.

The goal of the Winter Reading Challenge is to encourage students to get excited about reading and practice their literacy skills. The library also wants to support teachers and schools with a free, easy program with zero impact on local budgets

Classes will earn prizes for every five days of reading along with exciting raffles. We’ll deliver prizes directly to your school to make it super easy! Classes complete the challenge after 20 days of reading but can continue to read to earn raffle entries. Raffles include collections of books for your students, special performers, and class parties! Teachers will also receive a tote.

Mark your calendars to preregister starting in December! You can pick up all the information you need on how to sign up at your local branch in November or connect with your local youth services team to have them send all the information when it’s time.

SIGN UP & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Parent/Guardian Volunteer Background Check

VOLUNTEERING: 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.

Background Check Sign-up

Morning 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 the sign-up link below.

Students can sign up only 1 time per week.

Morning Tiger Student Announcements Sign-up

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.

Student Greeter Sign-up

GRE EVENTS

Upcoming GRE Events

November 27th-29th- No School Thanksgiving Break

December 4th- 5th Grade to Biz Town Field Trip

December 13th- Adopt-A-Family Wrapping @GRE

December 17th- 4th Grade Caroling after school

December 20th- Celebration of Giving Assembly

December 21st-January 5th- No School Winter Break

January 6th, 2025- NO SCHOOL Teacher Work Day

Subscribe to the GRE Google Community Calendar

DISTRICT UPDATES

Cropper GIS Redistricting Survey Results

Cropper GIS recently conducted a districtwide redistricting survey to gather feedback on draft maps for elementary and middle schools. The results were reviewed by Cropper GIS and the district’s Redistricting Internal Planning Team to create a Feedback Recap. The recap highlights the top ten most frequently expressed concerns from survey participants, with responses from Dublin City Schools addressing each issue. Click here to learn more and access the full recap.

Winter Weather Procedures

With winter just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to brush up on the District’s Winter Weather procedures. Also, ensure you are opted in to receive text message alerts from the district by sending “Y” or “Yes” to 67587. Stay prepared and informed as the temperatures drop!

New Opportunities Posted on Info Hub

Jerome Boys Volleyball is hosting a holiday clinic, Coffman Theater is holding an Improv Camp in January, and Scioto is hosting a Santa Breakfast and Craft fair. These are just a few of the opportunities shared on our Info Hub. Bookmark it and check back frequently to stay up to date on all the fun activities for students of all ages.

Jerome Theater Presents James and the Giant Peach, Jr.

Don’t miss the Children’s Musical, James and the Giant Peach, presented by the Jerome Theater. Showtimes are November 21 and 22 @ 7:00, and November 23 @ 1:00 and 7:00. Purchase tickets here.

New After School Activities

Check out the latest After School Activities available in many of our elementary schools this winter. Some new classes start in December while others start in January. New classes include Spanish and French Clubs as well as Sound Lab classes. Check out all the opportunities here.

From the City of Dublin

Save the Date for the Dublin Tree Lighting

Dancers, carolers and Santa Claus himself kick off the holiday season 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, in Coffman Park. Santa and Mrs. Claus will make their arrival at 6:15 p.m. to light the holiday tree. Mark your calendars and plan your visit.

Dublin City Schools Home

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

To help students discover their interests and enrich their learning, Dublin City Schools partners with local businesses and community organizations to offer After School Activities outside of school hours. These experiences, which vary in content, time, location, and cost, are taught by course instructors employed by a sponsoring business or organization.

Activities List & Registration

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.

Glacier Ridge Elementary

Email: glacierridge_info@dublinschools.net
Website: https://glacier.dublinschools.net/
Location: 7175 Glacier Ridge Boulevard, Dublin, OH, USA
Phone: 614.733.0012
Twitter: @greDCSD

Glacier Ridge Elementary Home