Dear Friends,

Wow! It's September! Campus is abuzz as we await the arrival of your daughters! We can't wait to welcome them back home to their home away from home. We've missed them!

I look forward to meeting with each of you in one of our four parent meetings next week (more below about the date/times of those). We are so excited about the new year, and thank you, once again, for the trust you’ve placed in us. We don’t take it lightly, which is why we’ve carefully considered a few changes.

As an all-girls’ school, Grier School has paid close attention to the CDC report, published in February of 2023. With the CDC report telling us that “one in three girls has seriously contemplated suicide and 60% feel persistently sad or hopeless” (CDC, 2023), we must address and respond to these very daunting statistics in serious ways in our nurturing and caring community. Our girls seek belonging, connection, and the ability to pursue their passions—academic, athletic, and extracurricular. First and foremost, we are an academic institution and as an English teacher of 21 years, 15 of them in an AP English course, please trust me when I say that I take that seriously. However, how can our girls pursue academic, extra-curricular, and athletic passions if our community were to reflect the statistics from the CDC? Luckily, it does not. But how can students focus if they are persistently sad or hopeless? By increasing our community connections, we can help decrease the levels of anxiety and depression. In order to strengthen our community, follow our motto from 1853—a sound mind in a sound body--, and respond to the very real facts from the CDC report, our administration has made a few changes. We needed to. It would be irresponsible not to.

I will review the research in our parents’ meetings, but I attached an infographic and flow chart with our new initiatives: a wellness program, a “no phone zone," and a focus on friendship and community. On the graphics, you’ll notice so many resources that support our choice. In fact, schools all across the nation are responding seriously to the Surgeon General’s warning and also going “phone free” during the academic day.

Below, you’ll also find information about our faculty and parent read. We are reading The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. I invite you to join the faculty and me as we read this very timely book.

I have so much to share with you, so I hope to see you at one of the parent meetings. We're rolling out so many important initiatives. I'm grateful for your trust.

I look forward to seeing you soon!

My very best,
Kara

• 8:00 A.M. - 8:45 A.M. - Breakfast
• 10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. - Ambassadors & Seniors Arrive
• 12:00 P.M. - 1:00 P.M. - Lunch
• 12:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M. - Ambassadors & Seniors Arrive
• 1:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M. - Pool Open
• 3:30 P.M. - Parents' Meeting in Dance Building
• 3:30 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. Meeting with IT in Auditorium
• Bring Laptop/ Tablet & Phone
• 5:00 P.M. - Ambassador & Senior Meeting in Dance Building
• 5:30 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. Dinner
• 6:30 P.M. - 9:30 P.M. - Social Hour at Maple Lane Pavilion or 1853

*Day students do not attend.

• 8:00 A.M. - 8:45 A.M. - Breakfast
• 10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. - 11th, 10th, & 9th Grades Arrive
• 12:00 P.M. - 1:00 P.M. - Lunch
• 12:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M. - 11th, 10th, & 9th Grades Arrive
• 1:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M. - Pool Open
• 3:30 P.M. - Parents' Meeting in Dance Building
• 3:30 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. Meeting with IT in Auditorium
• Bring Laptop/ Tablet & Phone
• 4:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. - Math Testing in Second Floor classrooms
• 5:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. - English testing in North Cottage
• 5:30 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. - Dinner
• 7:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. - Trivia in Auditorium

*Day students do not attend.

• 8:00 A.M. - 8:45 A.M. - Breakfast
• 10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. - 7th & 8th Grades Arrive
• 12:00 P.M. - 1:00 P.M. - Lunch
• 12:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M. - 7th & 8th Grades Arrive
• 1:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M. - Pool Open
• 3:30 P.M. - Parents' Meeting in Dance Building
• 3:30 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. Meeting with IT in Auditorium
• Bring Laptop/ Tablet & Phone
• 4:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. - Math Testing in Second Floor classrooms
• 5:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. - English testing in North Cottage
• 5:00 P.M. - DAY STUDENTS JOIN US ALL EVENING
• Meeting with IT in Auditorium for Day students
• Bring Laptop/ Tablet & Phone
• 5:30 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. - Dinner
• 6:30 P.M. - 8:45 P.M. - Movie on Lodge Lawn
• 7:00 P.M. - Parents' Meeting on Zoom
• International & Parents at a distance

• Zoom link: Kara Lawler is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

  https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87475975863pwd=lbZxwPChLIPvoc8h7uwiEWLWTB0Clt.1

  Meeting ID: 874 7597 5863

  Passcode: TC7C8u

• 8:00 A.M. - 8:45 A.M. - Breakfast
• 9:00 A.M. - All-School Assembly in Auditorium
• 10:00 A.M. - All-School Assembly in Dance Building
• Big Sister - Little Sister Introductions & Activities
• Honor Code Signing
• Green-Gold Launch
• 12:00 P.M. - 1:00 P.M. - Lunch
• 1:00 P.M. - 2:30 P.M. - Advisee Meetings & Tours
• 7th & 8th Grades in Living Room
• 9th Grade in Library
• 10th Grade in Music Building
• 11th Grade in Dance Building
• 12th Grade in Auditorium
• 2:45 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. - Dorm Events with Resident Advisors & Floor Mates
• 4:15 P.M. - Food Truck Dinner
• 4:15 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. - Carnival!

*Day students attend all day.

• 8:00 A.M. - 8:45 A.M. - Breakfast
• 9:00 A.M. - All-School Assembly in Auditorium
• Sports Tryouts:
• 9:30 A.M. - 11:30 A.M. - Riding; Tennis
• 10:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. - Soccer
• 11:30 A.M. - 1:30 P.M. - Dance; Volleyball
• 9:30 A.M. - 2:30 P.M. - Music Tryouts
• 12:00 P.M. - 1:00 P.M. - Lunch
• 1:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M. - Make-up Testing
• 1:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. - Pool, Lawn Games, Friendship Bracelets, Henna, Hair Braiding
• 1:30 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. - Food Truck Snacks
• 4:30 P.M. - 6:30 P.M. - Dinner
• 6:30 P.M. - 8: 30 P.M. - All-School Assembly in Dance Building

*Day students attend all day.

HAPPY FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!

• 6:50 A.M. - 7:50 A.M. - Breakfast
• 7:55 A.M. - 8:00 A.M. - Announcements
• 8:00 A.M. - Classes begin
• 3:15 P.M. - Recreational Sport Sign Ups in Auditorium
• 3:45 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. - Pool Open
• 4:15 P.M. - Target Trips
• 6:15 P.M. - 7:30 P.M. - Dinner
• 7:45 P.M. - 9:30 P.M. - Study Hall

• Wednesday, September 4th at 3:30 P.M. in the Dance Building
• Thursday, September 5th at 3:30 P.M. in the Dance Building
• Friday, September 6th at 3:30 P.M. in the Dance Building
• Friday, September 6th at 7:00 P.M. on Zoom

Zoom link: Kara Lawler is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87475975863?pwd=lbZxwPChLIPvoc8h7uwiEWLWTB0Clt.1

Meeting ID: 874 7597 5863

Passcode: TC7C8u

We are gearing up for our Parents' Weekend, October 18-20. Please find the weekend schedule attached. More information will be forthcoming.

“Almost Time for School” by Lenore Hetrick

“Soon I must go to school,” said the child.

Up spoke an animal of the wild:

“Soon I must scurry underground

Where all the winter I can be found.”

“I’m off to the South,” said the tiny bird,

And not again was her sweet song heard.

“Why did they go?” Is your demand.

Because Queen August has lifted her hand.

As we eagerly await the return of all of our students both near and far, please review the Student Handbook carefully regarding updates to the grading and attendance policies. The handbook is linked in the newsletter, and it is also available on MyGrier.

Students who enrolled in AP or Honors courses, please make sure you complete any required summer work before the start of the 2024-2025 school year. Assignments have been posted to MyGrier under the Summer Work tile. Please reach out to Ms. Barr if you do not have access to MyGrier, and she will provide you with the links.

All students will be provided with an agenda to utilize throughout the year. Students will receive these agendas in their English classes the first day of school.

Students will receive their schedules in a welcome folder upon arrival. If there is a concern or issue with your student’s schedule, please see Ms. Barr in her office or e-mail her at kbarr@grier.org.

Students should wait to purchase materials until the first week of classes so they are aware of teacher expectations. Please also wait to order textbooks until you determine if they are required. Ms. Barr will be in the library during designated hours the first week of school to help with textbook ordering. Students will need to bring a credit card to order textbooks.

Parents will receive instructions on how to observe their students on CANVAS during the first two weeks of school.

If you have any academic concerns for your student throughout the year, please contact Ms. Barr at kbarr@grier.org.

Welcome back students and families!

For any travel questions, please contact Gage Bassham at travel@grier.org or via phone at (814)-251-2987.

• Washington D.C. airports (IAD, DCA, BWI) and JFK are recommended for international travel.

• Local airports include State College (SCE) and Altoona (AOO).
• Local bus service is available from Altoona and State College.

  https://us.megabus.com/ or www.trailways.com

• Train service (www.amtrak.com) is available from Tyrone and Lewistown.

Back-to-School dates:

September 4th: Seniors and Student Ambassadors arrive

September 5th: Students in grades 9-11 arrive

September 6th: Students in grades 7-8 arrive

ALL students must be on campus by Friday, September 6th. Please find the Opening Weekend Schedule at the top of this Newsletter.

We are so excited to share many new programs with you as part of our wellness initiative. Here are a few programs we'll share during Opening:

• Big Sister/Little Sister program
• Senior Symposium
• Health Classes for 7th and 9th grade
• Group Therapy
• Therapy Dog
• Mandatory Sign-Ins at Dinner
• Green/Gold Events
• Dorm Wars
• Physical Fitness Requirement
• Phone Free Zone
• Yale's Science of Happiness
• Tai Chi
• Mindfulness Classes
• Forest Time

Please remember to submit your student’s permissions form, as well as their consent to treat. Without these documents, students may not attend trips, participate in sports, or be treated for medical conditions by Grier nurses or other facilities.

After your review of the parent-student handbook, please submit completed acknowledgement forms to eguydish@grier.org with your student’s name or names in the subject line.

Parents’ Weekend

For those planning ahead for Parents’ Weekend, we are so excited you are planning to attend! Parents’ Weekend will fall on October 18-20 this year. Please let us know what your plans are using this RSVP form.

Furthermore, there are a few important procedural reminders listed below:

• In addition to the RSVP form, travel plans for students must be submitted before the end of the day Wednesday October 16th to travel@grier.org.

o This includes plans to take your student off campus for dinner, for the night to stay in a hotel with you, etc.

• If your student invites another student to attend dinner off campus with them, both sets of parents/guardians must email permissions for students to go off campus before Wednesday October 16th to travel@grier.org

o For example:

• Dear Mr. Bassham,

Johanna will go off campus with her mother and I Friday at 4:30 and will return to campus Friday at 9:00. We have invited Marilyn O’Hara to join us.

Thank you,

-Mr. Johann

• Dear Mr. Bassham,

Marilyn has permission to join Johanna Johann’s family for dinner Friday between 4:30 and 9:00.

Thank you,

-Mrs. O’Hara

• Both of these must be received, or students may not depart campus

• Students may only go off campus overnight with their parents/guardians. Even if permissions are granted, students may not spend the night off campus with a friend’s family.
• Students must return to campus by 9:45 on Monday. If a student is late or does not return in time, they will be counted absent. Day students must attend the Grier School event Monday as well.

Here, we will post day student information each month. Please find the opening schedule for them here, along with the day student update PDF that was shared at the Day Student Parent Orientation.

ALL students are required to read The Path to Kindness in preparation for the theme for the 2024-2025 school year. Our theme will be KINDNESS.

Faculty and Parents are invited to read The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt.

This New York Times #1 Bestseller investigates the mental health of our youth in the era of smartphones, social media, and ever-growing technology.

Grier School faculty are putting the final touches on writing lesson plans and creating classroom spaces as they await the arrival of their students, and the beginning of classes in the coming weeks. Faculty members are looking forward to new classes and familiar faces, exciting new lessons and discussions, and the many different events that will bring variety to the educational experience at Grier. There is a general feeling of excitement in the halls, as everyone anticipates the new year and all of the experiences and stories that will come out of it! Although the summer chapter is ending, this next chapter will surely deliver more of the tale as the students show up and continue writing their own story alongside their classmates and faculty at Grier School.

We are so glad you’re here!

Looking forward to this coming year, there are quite a few changes to our handbook that are intended to facilitate healthier, safer, and fuller experience here.

A few academic changes include:

· Midterms & Finals will be 15% of a student’s grade for all courses

· Late work will incur a 10% deduction each day it is late and results in a zero after 5 days across all courses.

· Senior Symposium introduction

· 8 class periods

· Online coursework not affiliated with Grier School curriculum is not permitted. Any desired exemption must be discussed with the registrar who may request courses be discontinued.

· Study Hall 7:45-9:30

· 7/8th grade study hall will be in classrooms, not dorm floors

· Cell phones must be in cell phone holders from 7:45-3:15 as well as during study halls

· Students may not be in dorms between 7:45-3:15

· Students may not wear headphones throughout the academic day

Extra-curricular changes to be aware of:

· Students who are campused may be required to attend a Jump Start session on Friday afternoon and/or Saturday Study Hall

· Professional Dress is required at performances and designated events

· Community service this year will not count time contributed to a sport event (i.e. banquet set up, horse show volunteering) if you are already involved in that sport

· Community service this year will not be awarded for donation of items- sorting, packing, and/or delivering time can be counted

· Students are responsible for submitting the Community Service form for all their work this year

· Trips are cashless this year; This means students need to bring their own cash and/or credit card/digital payments on trips. Students will not receive cash for trips!

There are a few travel/attendance changes:

· Parent pick-ups will be done at the Welcome Home Lodge with signing in and out there; weekly trip and sports sign outs will be with house moms still

Some miscellaneous highlights are:

· Package center is 4100 Juniata St; Dominoes should be delivered here only Friday & Saturday between 6 and 9. You must tell your house mom you are going for pick up & must go with a friend. Mail should go to 2522 Grier School Road

· At opening drop off, students will have to tell us what technology they are bringing to school with them and verify their cell phone numbers

· Crested signs means an area/object is off limits

As we return to the new year, we will celebrate our students’ ‘homecoming’ with a carnival the opening weekend of the year. Students will be able to jump right into the new year with athletic, musical, and club-based events from the start. Our chaperones are looking forward to greeting students, the new year, and autumn with events that celebrate the close of one season and the beginning of new ones. As always, the events below are subject to change based on sign ups.

Friday, September 13

6:30 P.M. - 9:00 P. M. - Happy Valley Mini Golf, $15

6:00 P. M. - 8:30 P.M. - Boba & Food Run, $5

7:00 P. M. - 9:00 P.M. - Talent Show, Free

Saturday, September 14

8:45 A.M. - 11:30 A.M. - Second Chance Strays: Community Service, Free

10:00 A.M. - 8:00 P.M. - Hershey Park, $75

10:30 A. M. - 2:30 P.M. - Hiking Trip, $5

6:30 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. - Glow Bowling, $15

Sunday, September 15

10:10 A.M. - Church, Free

1:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M. - Walmart, $20

Time TBD Soccer Trip, Free

1:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M. - Ulta & Trader Joes Trip, $5

Friday, September 20

6:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. - JB Tree Farm, $15

6:00 P.M. - Football Booster Club: Community Service, Free

Saturday, September 21

Time TBD Climbing Trip, $30

11:00 A.M. - 8:00 P.M. - Hamilton, $100

11:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. - Rain Garden: Community Service, Free

1:30 P.M. - 4:30 P.M. - Canoe Creek, $15

3:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. - Bingo, Free

Sunday, September 22

10:10 A.M. - Church, Free

1:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. - Antiquing & Thrifting, $5

1:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. - Baking Club, Free

1:30 P.M. - 5:30 P.M. -Logan Town Center, $20

Friday, September 27

5:30 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. - Slinky Action Zone, $30

Saturday, September 28

10:30 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. - Delgrosso Harvestfest, $20

Time TBD Flight 93 Memorial, $5

Time TBD On Campus Mid-Autumn Fall Festival, Free

Time TBD Hiking Excursion, $5

8:45 A.M. - 11:30 A.M. - Second Chance Stray: Community Service, Free

Time TBD NY Production Les Contes d’Hoffmann, $85

Sunday, September 29

10:10 A.M. - Church, Free

11:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. - Boalsburg Renaissance Faire, $13

1:30 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. - Downtown State College, $20

Thankfully, September is finally here!

This means ALL of our students will be on campus, and we are so over the moon for their arrival to kick off our 2024-2025 school year! September, and of course, May are my most favorite months of the school year as September brings sparkle, brilliance and a fresh new beginning. We have over 50 students already on campus for our enrichment camp and I am so ecstatic for the over 230 student expansion that is about to take place.

Grier’s counseling services are available to our students at any time day or night. We have an open-door policy, and we have a plethora of checks in place throughout the day and evening to make sure our students are receiving support whenever the need arises. I always say that our students’ parents are our first line of defense as you know your child better than anyone else. If you are noticing anything out of the ordinary, please connect with me (ccrago@grier.org) so that we are all working together to help navigate any struggles.

Joining in our ever-expanding wellness initiative, we would like to introduce a new member of our counseling team. We are very proud for you to meet Daisy Sunshine Crago, a lemon beagle puppy.

Much research details the importance and benefits of having a therapy pet at schools, especially in boarding schools. Evidence has shown that therapy dogs cannot only decrease anxiety, calm fears, help form adaptive social skills (emotional and relational development), help with anger management, interpersonal conflict, but also increase self-esteem in teens. A snuggly four-legged friend provokes laughter, helps teach compassion, and responsibility, as well as respect for all living things. Our furry friends cover a range of many other potential benefits across social, physical, cognitive, environmental and emotional factors. Daisy will be trained as a therapy dog and is doing her best at this puppy stage to spread all kinds of kisses and love. Please fill out the attached form for permission for your daughter to interact with Daisy while in my presence, and email it back to me at ccrago@grier.org.

September will be full off so many fun adventures and we are so excited for you all to join in the fun! Wishing everyone an amazing September and sending much (Daisy) love & sunshine!

A couple little added notes this month:

“Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love.” – Brene Brown

“A girl should be two things: who and what she wants.” – Coco Chanel

Tennis

September 26th - Shanksville-Stoneycreek High School Away

September 30th - Windber Area High School Home

Volleyball

September 20th - Penns Manor Area Away

News

- Introducing our new Climbing Team coming this fall, mentored by Dr. Findley!

The Grier School Equestrian team had a busy summer! Riders competed in the State College Series ‘A’ show in June and July. Isabella Knobloch was overall Jr. Jumper Series Grand Champion, Anleigh Ahlert won the 1.25m Jr. Jumper Classic both weeks, Hazel Pratts won the Low Child Medal both weeks, Emily Guthrie was champion both weeks in the Low Children’s Equitation division, and Daria Belopolsky was the champion in the 1.00m Jr. Jumpers.

Anleigh Ahlert competed at the USHJA Junior Jumper Team Finals, earning a silver medal! Seven Grier riders were selected in the USHJA Emerging Athletes Program. In early August, some dressage riders traveled to Loch Moy for a recognized dressage show and qualified for USDF Regionals: Claire Pratt, Langston Eleby, Violet Gutberlet, and Nina Rhoades.

Shortly after the dressage show, several riders qualified for Zone 2 Hunter Finals. Isabella Knobloch was Reserve Champion in the 1.15m Junior Jumper Classic, Anleigh Ahlert was Reserve Champion in the 1.20m Junior Jumpers and finished first in 1.25m Junior Jumper Classic, and Hazel Pratts was Reserve Champion in the Low Children’s Hunters. Most recently, Langston Eleby won High Point Junior Young Rider at Dunmovin Dressage Days at the historic Devon Fairgrounds!

The team is now gearing up for the start of another successful season! Riders started arriving on campus in August for Enrichment Camp and are training hard for upcoming IEA and rated horse shows.

We are also excited to announce that Kelaine Croce has joined the riding program as an instructor!

The IEA Dressage team will kick off the IEA season with a home opener show being held on October 6. The IEA Hunt Seat team will be competing in their first show on November 23, and the IEA Western team anticipates their first competition right before winter break.

Meanwhile, riders are also travelling to West Chester, PA for a recognized dressage show, Gettysburg, PA for CPJHSA Finals, Columbus, OH for the All American Quarter Horse Congress, and WEC Ohio this month for Sporthorse Nationals!

Please follow the link below to see all of our upcoming events and details!

Every seven years, Grier School completes the process for the Middle States Accreditation. Our final site visit for accreditation will be in early November. As part of this process, you will be sent a few surveys in the coming months. You will also be invited to parent focus groups. We will also discuss this during our Opening Weekend in September. We look forward to working through the final stages of this process with you!

As we move towards the 2024 -2025 school year, the Grier School is excited to begin working with The Social Institute to answer the call for social and wellness concerns amongst our students and in larger global contexts.

According to the CDC report on Youth Risk Behavior, nearly one in three teen girls has seriously considered attempting suicide—a 60% increase from 10 years ago. There are a variety of factors contributing to such a stark increase in these experiences of sadness and violence. However, the same study also found that, “School connectedness, defined in this report as feeling close to people at school, has a long-lasting, protective impact for adolescents well into adulthood.” As part of Grier School’s wellness initiatives, it is imperative that we begin to address the concerns and experiences the CDC is finding among our students.

We have begun a collaboration with The Social Institute to help students become empowered digital citizens. Learning ways to positively engage with technology and social media, find balance and regulation regarding tech time, and learn about the effects, positive and negative, that technology has in communities and on various peoples are foundational steps in raising well-adjusted global citizens.

In order to be impactful in this process, we need your help. The CDC study concluded that, “Supporting schools in efforts to reverse these negative trends [of rising mental health struggles] and ensure that youth have the support they need to be healthy and thrive will require partnership.” ­ While the school can create and implement new curricular and counseling components, guardian support and reinforcement will aid in elevating the usefulness of these program components.

For Seniors, Parents/Guardians:

• Save the Date: September 19, 2024 @ 7pm EST – Zoom.
• Topic: College Financial Planning Workshop with Mr. Paul Martin, founder of College Money Method.
• Title: Succeeding in the Financial Aid Process for International Students – CSS Profile.
• Target Audience: 12th grade international students, parents/guardians.
• Note: Mrs Lyke will send an email invite to targeted students and families.

• Save the Date: October 10, 2024 @ 7pm EST – Zoom.
• Topic: College Financial Planning Workshop with Mr. Paul Martin, founder of College Money Method.
• Title: Succeeding in the Financial Aid Process for Domestic Students - (FAFSA and CSS Profile).
• Target Audience: 12th grade students, parents/guardians.
• Note: Mrs Lyke will send an email invite to targeted students and families.

College Reps visiting our campus:

All College Rep visits (in-person = ip and virtual = v) will take place in College Counseling - Shelter Oak.

Students wishing to attend a college rep visit must seek prior teacher approval (if missing a class) as well as the Director of College Counseling.

Upcoming Schools:

September 17: University of Toronto (Canada) @ 12:15pm (ip)

September 24: Pennsylvania State University (PA) @ 12:15pm (ip)

September 27: New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJ) @ 2:15pm (v)

Questions? Please contact Grier School’s Test Coordinator, Olivia Hallahan (ohallahan@grier.org).

AP Courses at Grier School

• When a student schedules an AP course at Grier School, school policy is the student registers and takes the AP Exam in May 2025.
• Students should not be taking AP courses or exams outside of Grier School.
• Reach out to Ms. Kathryn Barr (kbarr@grier.org), Dean of Academics, with questions.
• AP Exam Fees per College Board Policy:
• Cost per exam: $99.00 USD.
• AP Registration Deadline for full-year or Fall semester courses: November 1, 2024, an additional fee of $40.00 USD per exam will incur. Resulting in the cost of the exam to be $139.00 USD per course.
• AP Registration Deadline for Spring semester courses: February 28, 2025. Same additional fees apply as above.
• Dropping an AP course: Fee of $40.00 USD will incur after November 1, 2024 (full-year/Fall semester) and February 28, 2024 (Spring semester).
• All AP Exam Fees: Charged to FACTS account in May 2025.
• AP students will receive an AP Contract to sign during Marking Period 1 (full-year/Fall semester) or Marking Period 4 (Spring semester) noting expectations and fees. A contract will be signed for each AP course a student is enrolled.

PSAT/NMSQT

• All 10th and 11th grade students at Grier School take the PSAT/NMSQT exam in October of each school year.
• The exam is used as a practice to prepare for the SAT which all 11th graders are encouraged to take in the Spring of their junior year.
• The PSAT/NMSQT will take place on Friday, October 11, 2024.
• Cost of exam: $18.00 USD. FACTS account will be charged in December 2024.
• CLICK HERE to view the Student Guide for the PSAT/NMSQT Fall 2024.
• Information about testing accommodations went out in the newsletters over the summer. Deadline to contact the testing coordinator was August 1, 2024. If your child qualifies, please reach out immediately. A request can be sent, but unfortunately there is no guarantee the request will be approved or denied by exam day. CLICK HERE for more information.

On-Campus Testing Information

TOEFL iBT at Grier School’s Test Center

Details:

• Students register with the testing coordinator, Mrs. Hallahan.
• Registration is sent via BULK.
• Students do NOT register through their TOEFL account.
• Breakfast will be available for students at 7:30am each Saturday morning of testing, then students will report at 8am to North Cottage room 2 to begin.

TOEFL Dates/Deadlines Semester 1 2024-2025:

Registration/Available Dates

• September Registration: CLICK HERE

• September 14, 2024 (sign-up deadline: Regular August 2nd ; Late August 30th)
• September 21, 2024 (sign-up deadline: Regular August 2nd ; Late Sept 4th)
• September 28, 2024 (sign-up deadline: Regular August 2nd ; Late Sept 11th)

• October: CLICK HERE

• October 5, 2024 (sign-up deadline: Regular Sept 13th; Late Sept. 25th)
• October 12, 2024 (sign-up deadline: Regular Sept 20th; Late Oct. 2nd)
• October 26, 2024 (sign-up deadline: Regular Oct. 4th; Late Oct. 16th)

SAT School Day/ACT District Testing 2024-2025

Details:

• Students register with the testing coordinator, Mrs. Hallahan.
• Registration is sent via BULK.
• Students do NOT register through their MySAT (College Board) or MyACT accounts.
• Each exam takes place during the school day hours.
• Students will be required to report by 7:40am to their testing location on campus the day of the exam.

SAT School Day Dates/Deadlines/Registration

• Semester 1: Friday, October 4th, 2024
• SSD (Accommodations Request) Deadline: Thursday, August 1st, 2024
• Deadline: Friday, August 30th, 2024
• Registration: CLICK HERE to access the form. Students with a Grier School email account can register.

• Semester 2: Friday, March 28th, 2025

• Deadlines: TBD

ACT District Testing Dates/Deadlines/Registration

• Semester 1: Tuesday, October 15th, 2024
• TAA (Accommodations Request) Deadline: Thursday, August 1st, 2024
• Deadline: Friday, August 30th, 2024
• Registration: CLICK HERE to access the form. Students with a Grier School email account can register.

• Semester 2: Tuesday, April 8th, 2025
• Deadlines: TBD

Off-Campus Testing

Semester 1: ACT and SAT Options

Details:

1. Depending on number of students signed up, breakfast will be available for students at 6:30am or students will get a “to-go” breakfast at dinner the night before.
2. Students will depart campus at 7am for testing at Altoona Area High School.
3. ALL off-campus weekend test registration MUST go through Altoona Area High School for both the ACT and SAT.
4. This is the ONLY location Grier School will transport students.

September 2024

ACT Weekend Administration (Saturday, September 14, 2024) [PAPER or DIGITAL]

Test Center: Altoona Area High School

Test Center Code: 183670

· Deadline: Aug 9

· Late Deadline: Aug 25

· Students MUST notify Mrs. Hallahan to arrange transportation by: Aug 25

· Admission Ticket Due by Sept 9

October 2024

SAT Weekend Administration (Saturday, October 5th , 2024) [DIGITAL]

Test Center: Altoona Area High School

Test Center Code: 39116

· Deadline: Sept 20

· Late Deadline/Changes to Registration Deadline: Sept 24

· Students MUST notify Mrs. Hallahan to arrange transportation by: Sept 20

· Admission Ticket Due by Sept 30

ACT Weekend Administration (Saturday, October 26, 2024) [PAPER or DIGITAL]

Test Center: Altoona Area High School

Test Center Code: 183670

· Deadline: Sept 20

· Late Deadline: Oct 7

· Students MUST notify Mrs. Hallahan to arrange transportation by: Oct 7

· Admission Ticket Due by Oct 21

Stay in Touch!

Want to be "in the know?"

Want to be connected DAILY to Grier School?

There are multiple ways to follow along with the daily happenings here at Grier! Follow these steps to stay connected to your daughter and our Grier School extended family!

1. Stay up to date on current events and daily activities through the Grier School App! There are many important items linked here. Open the PDF below for a QR code to direct you to the App Store. (Available for Apple and Android devices)
2. Follow us on Instagram @grier_school
3. Follow us on Facebook @ Grier School | Tyrone PA | Facebook
4. Log onto our website: www.grier.org

WE HAVE CHANGED OUR SHIPPING ADDRESS. PLEASE SEE BELOW!

Shipping and Postal Mail Updated Address is NEW:

ALL packages from UPS, FEDEX, DHL, AMAZON, etc. should

be sent to:

Name

Grier School

4100 Juniata St

Tyrone PA 16686

ALL POSTAL MAIL (letters, cards, packages) should be sent to:

Name

Grier School

2522 Grier School Rd

PO Box 308

Tyrone, PA 16686

Please note: Students are not permitted to order from InstaCart, UberEats, or any food delivery services. This is a safety concern. They are allowed to order from Domino's only on Friday and Saturday evenings for a 6-10 p.m. delivery to 4100 Juniata Street. With our amazing new food service and the extended hours of 1853, there are many options here on campus!

Please log into your MyGrier Account for an in-depth Calendar and Events!

Geoffrey Grier, Director

~ ggrier@grier.org

Kara Lawler, Head of School

~ klawler@grier.org, ext. 7006

Cari Crago, Dean of Counseling, Wellness, and Residential Life

~ ccrago@grier.org, ext. 7015

Katt Barr, Dean of Academics

~ kbarr@grier.org, ext. 7057

Erin Guydish-Bucholz, Dean of Students and Belonging

~ eguydish@grier.org, ext. 7056

Anthony Lang, Dean of Faculty

~ alang@grier.org

Suzanne Lyke, Director of College Counseling

~slyke@grier.org, ext. 7048

Gage Bassham, Travel Coordinator

~ gbassham@grier.org

Lindsey Good, Business Director

~ lgood@grier.org, ext. 7008

Angela McLaughlin, Facts Administrator

~ amclaughlin@grier.org , ext. 7019