
Glacier Ridge Gazette
August 18, 2023

May 3, 2024
PRINCIPAL MESSAGE
Adversity + Support = Problem Solving Skills
As parents, it’s our job to protect our children. We begin our parenthood journey with a tiny, helpless baby that wouldn’t survive without our careful and meticulous safety and supervision. As our children get older, our protection must change, but no one tells us what to do and how to do it differently. So that often leaves us doing everything we can to continue to protect our children and keep them safe - both physically and emotionally. How can that be bad?
Our world is faced with a litany of problems and adversity that we all must navigate as adults and children. As adults, we must often navigate the problems on our own, or know how to get help on our own. To do that successfully, we need practice learning how to solve problems, both logistically and emotionally. Without that practice and gradual and incremental difficulty of the problems, we are left as young adults without problem-solving skills or the emotional regulation to deal with failure or pressure.
My daughter is in high school and she has often been reluctant to take productive risks, try new things, or do things that are uncomfortable for her. For example, as a child in elementary school, she was anxious and nervous to order her own food at a restaurant. Yes, order her own food at a restaurant! That is a prime example of how it is difficult to analyze when a responsibility can and should shift to children. When they are toddlers, they can’t read and don’t really know how to verbalize the menu items to an unknown adult. But as an elementary student, they likely have the capacity to somewhat read the menu and can certainly talk to the waiter/waitress to verbalize their needs. They do this all day at school. So, if you’re still ordering the food for your child at a restaurant, stop doing that (with exceptions for some children’s specific needs, of course).
As my daughter grew older, we would constantly push her to do uncomfortable things that were also psychologically safe. A more recent high school example was last year when she needed to sign herself into the attendance office for the first time after a doctor’s appointment. She advocated for skipping the entire day of school because of the unknown procedure of entering school late. Instead, we talked her through the likely process, allowed her to feel her feelings and we acknowledged them, and then we encouraged her and gave her confidence that she could do it. Finally, once she came home, we celebrated and shared how proud we were of her taking that risk to do something that was uncomfortable and how that applies to the bigger picture of problem solving - not just signing into school.
So, what can you do? A gauge to help you know when to push your student is to ask yourself two questions when approaching a problem or adversity:
“Can they do it themselves?” If the answer is yes, make sure you don’t require perfection. If you expect them to be perfect or have a perfect outcome, they will likely not want to do it. The follow-up question is:
“What support and encouragement do I need to provide so they don’t get in physical danger?”
Most parents want their children to be problem solvers when they grow up, but we often inadvertently solve problems for them as a form of protection. So, as you protect your child, think about how you approach adversity in your child’s life, provide the support and encouragement, then watch them grow into problem-solvers that you are proud of.
Sincerely,
Pete Kurty, Ed. D
Principal
GLACIER RIDGE INFORMATION
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.
Snacks at 5th Grade Lunch
The cafeteria will have snacks at 5th grade lunch only available to students for purchase (goldfish crackers, fruit snacks, etc.). Snacks cost approximately $.75. Students are only allowed to purchase one item per day. If you would NOT like your child to purchase a snack, please have a conversation with them.
Lost and Found
Watch this quick video to see if your child has any items in the lost and found. All items remaining on May 10 will be donated to One Dublin.
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
In Honor of Miss Kelley
You’re invited to join us at Glacier Ridge Elementary, May 6th, 2024 at 4:15 pm as we celebrate the life of Miss Erica Kelley
Following the dedication, there will be a variety of ways to remember Miss Kelley, including roller skating. If children would like to roller skate, parents should supervise. Please bring your skates if you would like to participate.
Dodgeball and Glitter
The District Annual Dodgeball Event will be held on May 10 at Coffman High School.
We hope that you will be able to attend and cheer on our teams as we compete, and more importantly, raise money for our beneficiary, Glitter Girls Guild. This organization has directly impacted so many Dublin families during their critical time of need. Furthermore, The Glitter Girls were a significant supporter of our staff member Erica Kelley, as she battled cancer.
If you would like to donate towards The Glitter Girls, you can do so at the GRE account.
Additionally, you can purchase tickets to the event using this link. They are $7 in advance or $10 the day of the event.
For additional details about the event, visit the Dodgeball website or email info@dublinschools.net.
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.
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.
STEM Cart - Items needed
Thank you, PTO!
The GRE PTO recently purchased a STEM cart for teachers and students to use for various projects. Thank you PTO! We are looking for donations of the following items. Please send with your child to add to the collection bin or drop off to the office:
Paper towel tubes
Pre-cut rectangles of cardboard
Thin cardboard (ex: cereal box front/back)
corrugated cardboard
Legos
Corks
Plastic bottle lids
Egg cartons
Newspapers & magazines
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
May 6th- Erica Kelley Dedication Ceremony @4:15
May 7th- Flower Sale Pickup @5:30
May 8th- 5th Grade Musical @7:00
May 10th- District Dodgeball Tournament @5:00
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
DISTRICT UPDATES
Plastic Bag Recycling Drop-off
Don’t forget - Jerome students are hosting a community drive-thru event to collect plastic bags and shipping envelopes (no labels) at Jerome, THIS Sunday, May 5, from 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Enter the Brand Road parking lot, pull up to the main doors and students will come collect the plastic bags. Free bundt cake coupons will be given to participants while supplies last.
Summer Activities
When planning summer activities for your student, remember to check out the many possibilities listed on our Info Hub page. From athletics camps, to arts and crafts, and summer enrichment opportunities, to a college application bootcamp, and a healthcare career camp, the Info Hub is a great resource for families as they plan for summer.
District Dodgeball Tournament Details
The district dodgeball tournament benefiting the Glitter Girls Guild is just around the corner, May 10 at Coffman Stadium. Gates open at 5:00 and the action starts at 6:00. Don’t miss out on this fun community event featuring students and staff from all schools, an Alumni All Star Team, the City of Dublin and corporate sponsors. Tickets are $7 in advance or $10 the day of the event. If you’re unable to attend and would like to support the cause you can make a donation here.
Participate in "Focus on the Future" High School Growth Discussions
Your input matters! Dublin City Schools is excited to announce our collaboration with planning NEXT, a strategic planning expert, for the "Focus on the Future: Exploring High School Capacity Solutions" project.
Parents of K-8 students are invited to express their interest in participating in a focus group about the future of Dublin’s high schools. Selected participants will receive an email invitation to join us at Emerald Campus on Wednesday, May 29 for a 45-minute to 1-hour session.
Help shape the future of our high school facilities! Express your interest by Wednesday, May 8 to be considered.
Elementary Focus Group Interest Form
From the City of Dublin
Round Up at the Dublin Bike Roadeo
Join us 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 11, in the Darby Street Lot in Historic Dublin. Stop by (or bike over) to learn bike safety practices, develop skills to become a better cyclist and get free bike swag! Learn more.
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