Glacier Ridge Gazette

August 18, 2023

November 8, 2024

DR. KURTY'S CORNER

Michigan Versus Ohio State: Tackling differences of opinion

When it comes to a world divided, the debate and allegiance of Ohio State fans versus Michigan fans seems trivial, but very relevant to young children. Arguably, it is potentially more relevant to children than even a presidential election. There are certainly parallels.

As we approach the OSU vs. Michigan game, we talk to students a lot about differences of opinion. In the sport, there is natural camaraderie with joking, verbal jabs, or heckling the opposing team. It is often what makes sports engaging and fun. However, we can sometimes see the unintended consequences of being too passionate about sports coming at a detriment to the well-being of others.

The week of the big game, students often wear clothing of their allegiance. If you’re an OSU fan, you quickly realize that you are in the majority. If you are a Michigan fan, you may put on your jersey with a little mental armor, knowing that it may induce some ridicule or verbal jousting. At school, we take this as an opportunity to talk about differences and seek to understand.

It is easy to quickly jump to, “Ugh, you’re a Michigan fan!” or “Boo Michigan!” In a school setting, that’s not quite the approach we want to foster. Rather, we want to approach the opposing opinion with curiosity. I’m an avid OSU fan and I certainly am not going to be converted to a Michigan fan. However, I do want to know why others support Michigan and why they like them.

Below are some resources from The Kids Mental Health Foundation through Nationwide Children’s Hospital:

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

Square One Art Fundraiser

Over the last few weeks, students have created an original piece of artwork for submission to a company called Square One Art. In the next week or two, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase items with your student’s artwork on it as a keepsake. Your student’s original art will be digitized and returned to GRE, and the digital record can be applied to a variety of items for you to use and appreciate at home. Cups, ornaments, and decorative items are just a few of the many items you can purchase with your child’s artwork.

Families will receive a personalized catalog and further information about ordering in the next few weeks.

Proceeds from the sale go directly to the GRE art program for special supplies, future artist events, and experiences. Purchasing items with your child’s art is optional. Regardless of purchasing, all original student artwork will be returned to GRE for your child to take home.

You can see more information about Square 1 Art HERE.

Fundraiser timeline:

Packets go home 11/18.

Online order deadline 12/2

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

Artist/Author Visit - Book Ordering Closes today, November 8

Glacier Ridge Elementary is excited to be visited by cartoonist and teaching artist,

Jerzy Drozd! During his visit, Mr. Drozd will host drawing games in which your favorite GRE teachers will compete, showcasing their creativity with prompts provided by your students!

Mr. Drozd will be available on author visit day to sign copies of his new graphic novel, The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue, which School Library Journal named “...easily one of the best graphic novels of the year.”

You can see more information about the artist visit HERE.

Cookie Dough Sale: November 4-18

The GRE PTO Cookie Dough and Pastry Sale is here! Online ordering began Monday, November 4th and runs through the 18th. Orders will be ready for pickup on Thursday, December 12th, between 5:00-6:30 PM

Be sure to check your email for a message from My Fundraising Place to set up your student’s account. You should have received a link to your student’s personal sale page. Or click Here and type in your student’s name for a link specifically for your student that you can send out to family and friends for ease of ordering. This eliminates collecting cash and checks from those you sell to. Every students' first name, last initial, grade, and teacher will be uploaded into the secure ordering site. This is a great way to order items for those holiday gatherings with a convenient pick-up at GRE on December 12! For additional information, see the flyer at the bottom of the newsletter.

Click here to order your child a book

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 11- Veterans Day Celebration @GRE

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

Join Dublin Ski and Board Club

Sign-up for Dublin Ski and Board Club November 1-30. Visit the Ski Club website for all the dates and information. Sign up directions can be found here.

Jerome Theater presents James and the Giant Peach, Jr.

The Jerome Theatre Department presents Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach Jr. November 21, 22, 23 at 7 p.m. and a sensory friendly performance Saturday, November 23 at 1:00 p.m. Learn more and purchase tickets here.

Rising Pneumonia Cases: What Parents Need to Know

We’ve seen a rise in cases of pneumonia across Dublin City Schools, and we want to ensure parents stay informed. Pneumonia, an infection that inflames the lungs, can lead to a variety of symptoms, including cough, fever, and difficulty breathing. Early recognition is essential, especially as these symptoms overlap with other seasonal illnesses. For more information on pneumonia, please refer to What is Pneumonia from the NIH and our pneumonia fact sheet from the CDC, which provide insights into prevention, symptoms, and when to seek care.

From the City of Dublin

Honor Veterans in Dublin

Join the City of Dublin and the Wesley G. Davids Dublin Post 800 of the American Legion at the Dublin Veterans Day Ceremony at the Grounds of Remembrance in Dublin Veterans Park, Monday, November 11 @ 11:00 a.m.

Enjoy performances and hear from our Dublin Veterans, including Keynote Speaker Major Sean E. Lovell. All are welcome to come support as we honor our veterans.

FREE Steering Wheel Lock Giveaway

Owners of Kia and Hyundai vehicles with steel-key and turn-to-start ignitions can pick up a free steering wheel lock from Dublin Police to help curb theft. Find the details.

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