Glacier Ridge Gazette

August 18, 2023

October 11, 2024

DR. KURTY'S CORNER

Principal Messages in Review

If you’ve been reading my principal messages each week, you know that they are often lengthy. However, I enjoy sharing my personal learning experiences that are applicable to education and parenthood. I hope they can be of use to families with children that are younger than my own. Even as an educator, I still navigate parenthood. Being a parent is not an easy task and we are often left wondering if we are doing the right thing.

If you missed any of my messages this year, they are linked on our website. Feel free to revisit them or read them for the first time if you didn’t have time when the original newsletter was sent out.

Previous principal messages:

September 27, 2024 (Press Pause - Part 2)
September 13, 2024 (Press Pause - Part 1)
September 6, 2024 (E + R = O)
August 30, 2024 (What is PAX?)
August 23, 2024 (Talking About School at Home)
August 16, 2024 (School Communication Methods)

Have an amazing weekend!

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

Harvest Party Information

Date: Thursday, October 31, 2024

AM Kindergarten (10:45 a.m.)

AM kindergarten students should come dressed in their costumes.

PM Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th grades (2:30 - 3:15 p.m.)

PM kindergarten students should come dressed in their costumes.
All volunteers must exit the building by 3:25

Costumes

Costumes are welcome, but not required. It is up to the child/family whether or not to wear a costume and each choice is equally respected. For those that choose to wear a costume, please consider the appropriateness of your child’s costume choice. Simulated weapons or any other dangerous costume parts should be left at home. Grim and violent costumes can scare young children and should be reserved for trick or treating in the neighborhood. Students must be able to dress themselves in their costumes.

KINDERGARTEN (AM & PM): Students should come to school dressed in their costumes and be able to remove their costumes themselves.

Volunteers

VOLUNTEERS: Classroom parties are limited only to those parents, volunteers, and families who planned the party. Due to space within the classroom, the number of volunteers may be limited by the room parent and teacher. The parties and volunteers are coordinated collaboratively with the room parent(s) and classroom teachers.

Volunteer Schedule:

Volunteer Arrival: Parent volunteers can go to classrooms no earlier than 2:15 p.m.
Volunteer Dismissal: Volunteers must be out of the building by 3:25 and out of the way of dismissal/bus traffic.

Parking for Volunteers

Please observe the No Parking signs along Glacier Ridge Boulevard. All cars parked in the dismissal lanes must be removed prior to 3:30. Also, observe the Fire Lane Restrictions on school property. Local police may ticket you. We also will open our playground for parking.

Volunteers Signing Out Students

Volunteers can sign out their own child in the classroom in which they volunteer. Teachers will have sign-out sheets. If volunteers also want to sign out siblings, they must do so in the office. Please do not go directly to the sibling’s classroom.

Food

Please adhere to the food allergies of the students in the classroom. All food items should have the ingredient list on the packaging. A letter from the clinic should have come home with students in classrooms that have known food allergies. Please use the SnackSafely allergy guide. Please do not send items that contain ingredients on the allergy list. If you have questions about allergies in a particular classroom feel free to call the office. Parents of students with allergies are welcome to send alternate food items for their child as a safety precaution.

If you have questions regarding the party, please feel free to contact the school at 614-733-0012.

Yearbook Art Cover - Entries due Monday

Students in all grades have the opportunity to design the cover of the yearbook. We incorporate as many designs into the yearbook as possible, which include one on every teacher’s classroom page and a few dozen on the back page. We often select designs that reflect effort and thought. All entries need to be returned to the office by Monday, October 14th

Paint a Pumpkin as a Book Character

The GRE Library Media Center would love for students to PAINT a pumpkin like a book character to decorate for our upcoming Book Fair and the school! Please consider painting a pumpkin to resemble one of your favorite book characters! You are able to use paint and glue, but please DO NOT CARVE your pumpkin. Any pumpkin that has been carved, will need to be sent home immediately. All pumpkins can be brought to the library on October 14, 15, or 16th. This is completely optional. Thank you for considering this fun activity to celebrate books we love!

~ Mrs. Gould , GRE Media Specialist

Complete THIS FORM along with your pumpkin submission.

Book Fair - Save the Date

The Scholastic Fall Book Fair will take place from October 14th to October 25th. Students will be previewing the Book Fair October 14th-18th by making a “wish list” to bring home with prices and titles of books. (Please note, some book titles do sell out)

Students will be able to purchase books during their Library class beginning October 21st. The Book Fair will be open on Wednesday, October 16th from 4pm-7pm during conferences.

Acceptable payments will be cash, credit cards, check (made payable to Dublin Library Association) and ewallets (visit our book fair homepage to create: https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/glacierridgeelementary)

If you have any questions, please contact Angela Gould at gould_angela@dublinschools.net

Thank you for supporting the GRE Book Fair!!

Save the Date! Redistricting Public Input Session on October 21

Dublin City Schools invites you to a public input session on Monday, October 21, from 7-8:30 PM at Jerome High School. Our school may be impacted by upcoming boundary changes, and your input is important. Cropper GIS will present in the Center for Performing Arts (CPA), followed by a review of proposed boundaries in the Commons. We hope to see you there as we work to balance student populations and plan for future growth!

Phones & smart watches - Off and Away

Smartwatches have become very popular for students. Although some families provide them for their child for communication and safety purposes, they are not necessary for those purposes at the elementary school level. Students are asked to remove them to place in their backpacks and/or leave them at home. If students or families need to communicate with one another, it should go through the office, teacher, clinic or a DCS staff member. The Board assumes no responsibility for theft, loss, or damage to, or misuse or unauthorized use of, PCDs brought onto its District grounds.

You can see Student Handbook for more details about the electronic device policy.

Dublin Girl Scouts Winter Coat Drive

Team up with the Dublin Girl Scouts to get winter coats to those in need. Please donate your new or gently used, laundered coats to benefit the kids and families through the Capital Kids Campaign of Columbus and Help My Neighbor Food Pantry.

All sizes of coats are welcome!

There will be a collection bin in the commons close to the front doors.

Donate today through November 1st!

Thank you for helping others stay warm this winter!

Family Conference Information - Virtual or In-Person

Our family conferences are coming up on October 16 & 24th. 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

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.

3rd grade OST ELA Testing

3rd graders will participate in the OST for English Language Arts on Tuesday, October 23rd and Thursday, October 24th. We appreciate your attempts to ensure that your child is present at school on those days. If you know you will be absent please let your classroom teacher know. Makeup Testing will occur on October 24th, 25th and 28th.

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

October 14th- Yearbook art contest ends

October 14-25- Book fair

October 16th- Family conferences night 1

October 18th- No School (staff professional day)

October 23rd- Picture day make-ups & 5th grade class picture

October 23rd- 3rd grade ELA OST Part 1

October 24th- 3rd grade ELA OST Part 2

October 24th- Family conferences night 2

October 28th- Operation Kids for Troops collection begins

October 31st- Harvest party

November 1st- Feed the Kids candy collection begins

November 2nd- PTO cookie dough & pastry sale begins

November 3rd- Daylight savings day

Subscribe to the GRE Google Community Calendar

DISTRICT UPDATES

Last Chance to Reserve Tickets for Why Teens Take Risks

We are nearing capacity on this important event featuring Dr. Jess Shatkin, a leading expert in child and adolescent mental health. Join us Monday, Oct. 14, at Coffman, when he will offer insights to help DCS parents and staff support and protect our children. Reserve your seat here.

6:00 p.m. Gather information and learn about available resources and services

7:00 p.m. Keynote Presentation with Dr. Shatkin

From the City of Dublin

Watch: Tap Into the Slow Down Dublin Toolbox

Did you know your family can borrow a speed laser from Dublin Police? The Slow Down Sloth describes the ins and outs of our Speed Management Toolbox, which helps promote traffic safety community wide. Request a Laser!

Japanese and ASL Guided Park Tours

Join the Heritage Interpreters to discover ancient earthworks at Ferris-Wright Park! Japanese interpreters will lead the Oct. 12 guided tour, and an ASL interpreter will join the event Oct. 13. What times to visit the park.

Survey: On the Move in Dublin

The City of Dublin has undertaken several innovative transportation initiatives to expand mobility options. As the City explores micro-transit to and through Dublin, tell us about your current travel experiences and what you’d consider in the future. Share Your Thoughts

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