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Graland Hosts Bestselling Author Mitch Albom
Read MoreGraland was honored to welcome internationally renowned and bestselling author, journalist, screenwriter, playwright, and radio and television broadcaster Mitch Albom. With over 40 million books sold worldwide, his works have been published in 51 territories, translated into 48 languages, and adapted into Emmy Award-winning movies.Throughout his visit, Albom engaged seventh and eighth-grade students in a captivating discussion of his latest novel, "The Little Liar," which explores the intertwined lives of three Holocaust survivors. Graland's eighth-grade students had read the book in their English class with Mrs. Cooper, while the seventh graders are currently learning about human rights and the Holocaust as they prepare for their trip to Washington, D.C.Drawing on the novel's themes, Albom explored truth, lies, and misinformation. He emphasized the significance of truth in shaping narratives and the potential consequences of its absence. Albom also discussed the dangers of lies and misinformation, illustrating their impact on a large scale, such as the Holocaust, and in everyday contexts like social media manipulation and the use of AI, which remains highly relevant today.Following his discussion, Albom left ample time for a Q&A with the seventh and eighth-grade students. Graland extends its sincere gratitude to Mitch Albom for sharing his remarkable talent, wisdom, and inspiring journey with our school community. -
Seed Dispersal Innovations: Grade 2 Students' Inventive Solutions Take Flight
Read MoreThe Grade 2 science classroom was buzzing with creativity and problem-solving as students collaborated on unique ways to disperse seeds in the natural world. The challenge? Designing mechanisms to distribute seeds by either adhering to an animal's fur, taking flight, or floating through bodies of water. This September, the young scientists worked diligently to develop and test their innovative designs. -
Graland's Sixth Graders Discover Keystone's Mountain Ecosystems
Read MoreThis September, Graland's sixth-grade class embarked on an educational adventure to Keystone, Colorado. The trip provided an opportunity for learning and bonding among new classmates, focusing on forest ecology, animal and plant adaptations, and water quality testing.Students explored montane and subalpine life zones, discovering various organisms' adaptations to their environment. They observed wildlife, studied plants, and sampled macroinvertebrates in rivers and lakes to understand the importance of healthy ecosystems.During a nighttime hike, the sixth graders learned about nocturnal adaptations, experiencing how organisms navigate darkness using enhanced senses and echolocation. During the day, they ventured through trails around Breckenridge, Keystone, Silverthorne, and Frisco, gaining insights into Colorado's diverse landscapes.Back in the classroom, the students applied their newfound knowledge to design organisms adapted to specific Colorado life zones. Keep exploring the world around you, Graland sixth graders!
To view the Grade 6 trip gallery, click here. -
First Graders Take Flight: Discovering the World of Bird Conservation at Barr Lake
Read MoreThis September, our first-grade students embarked on an exciting journey into the world of bird conservation at Barr Lake, kickstarting their year-long service learning project. In a delightful surprise, Graland's beloved Eagle mascot visited each classroom before the trip to personally invite the young adventurers to explore its natural habitat and meet its feathered friends. -
Preschoolers Turned Detectives: "Baby Monkey" Inspires Classroom Adventure
Read MoreDiving into the world of "Baby Monkey, Private Eye," Ms. Sara Flansburg's Preschool class discovered the joy of solving mysteries together. -
A Royal Visit: Exploring the Importance of 10 in Kindergarten Mathematics
Read MoreExcitement fills the air as Kindergarten students anticipate the arrival of the Queen of 10, who graces Graland’s halls every tenth day of school to share her wisdom and guide young minds through the enchanting world of mathematics. -
Meet Trisha Perlman: GPA President Q&A
Read MoreWhen Trisha Perlman, Graland's newest GPA president, and her husband, Jake, were searching for a school for their daughters, they knew they wanted a place that would instill a genuine love of learning while nurturing and supporting their girls as individuals. Upon discovering Graland, they never looked back. Eleanor, now in Grade 7, began her Graland journey in Kindergarten in 2017, with Caroline, now in Grade 4, joining her for Preschool in 2018. -
VIDEO: Grades 7 & 8: "Singin' in the Rain Jr."
Read MoreHats off to the talented cast and the behind-the-scenes crew of “Singin’ in the Rain Jr.” for an unforgettable performance! Throughout the semester, these dedicated seventh and eighth graders and their teachers worked tirelessly, perfecting their singing, dancing, acting, and behind-the-scenes expertise to transport the audience(s) to the golden age of Hollywood. Congratulations to everyone involved on a truly sensational show! Click to watch the highlights of the multi-day performances.
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Monthly Minute Video
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From Story to Action: Cultivating a Culture of Belonging
Belonging is a prerequisite for thriving. At the center of our strategic plan is the word “thrive.” We want families, educators, and students to thrive at their highest potential. To thrive means to succeed, and not at the expense of one’s well-being. We strive for our students to thrive and not merely survive academically, socially, in sports, and on stage–in the myriad of opportunities that our whole-child approach offers students. It is for that reason that our strategic plan is enveloped by cultivating a culture of belonging. This school year, we’ve leveraged our partnership with Challenge Success to listen to the stories and experiences of our community members which then informed our actions in order to enhance belonging.Read More -
Shall I Compare Shakespeare and AI? Lessons from Two Poets
In Daniel Pink’s “A Whole New Mind,” he writes, “Poets [...] contemplate the world in which we live [...] and give expression to it in a way that makes the reader understand how the world turns. Poets, those unheralded system thinkers, are our true digital thinkers.” Provoked by this assertion, I asked participants at my January book club on Pink’s work to compare two sonnets, one written by Shakespeare and another written by ChatGPT.Read More -
The Five Critical Components for Successful Lower School Readers
Learning to read in Graland’s Lower School is a multifaceted approach that involves the integration of various components working together. From decoding individual sounds to constructing meaning from text, being a proficient reader is a complex cognitive process. Understanding the foundational elements of reading is essential for educators, parents, and learners alike.Read More
There are five critical components of reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary, which, when developed and practiced, help Lower School students comprehend all kinds of texts fully: -
A Balanced Perspective: Acknowledging Our Role in Education
Graland’s partnership with Challenge Success, a nonprofit organization affiliated with the Stanford University Graduate School of Education, began in August 2021, when we, like the rest of the world, were looking forward to getting back to life as we knew it. In recent years, purpose has become the cornerstone of our work, where Georgia Nelson’s vision of “live the learning” has had to be amplified. We had to go back to basics, focusing on the whole child and the “development of the body, mind, and spirit as a whole.”Read More -
Creating the Conditions to Thrive: Lessons From the PGP Program
When we began our professional growth partner (PGP) program at Graland, we intended to restore the fabric of our entire educator community after the strain of the pandemic. By including all faculty and staff (all educators), we came together and built relationships throughout the school, no matter what role you had in educating children. While those relationships were strengthened, we also looked to inspire individuals to strive toward a professional and personal vision, ideally to thrive. What we did not expect was that our work with the PGP program would begin to define our overall approach to professional growth. As we all experienced the program, either as coaches or coachees, three core elements of the program manifested to not only the PGP program, but to all professional development endeavors—belonging, empathy, and agency.Read More -
Green Is for Growth
The eighth-grader sitting in my office during lunch assiduously typed away at their laptop. On their screen were reflection questions centered around responsibility, and they were considering their actions from the day before. When they completed the task at hand, I read over their responses and discussed each one with them. They were thoughtful both with what they typed, as well as our discussion.Read More -
Q&A With Graland’s Athletic Director, Monica Johnson
In celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Fieldhouse, Graland is excited to feature athletic director, coach, and PE teacher Monica Johnson in the winter issue of “Graland Today.” Please continue reading to learn about Coach Johnson’s thoughts on the school’s current athletic program and philosophy, and what’s to come for the Eagles in the future.Read More -
Surviving and Thriving During the Mid-Year Slump
Teachers have often described January, February, and March as the Bermuda Triangle of the school year. Students who displayed motivation and excitement earlier in the year can now appear lackluster and tired. The excitement of the breaks and holidays is over, the days are short, darkness falls earlier, and completing homework or reading time begins to feel like a battle.Read More -
Together We Thrive
In David Brooks’s article, “Why Are Americans So Mean?”, he states, “The most important story about why Americans have become sad and alienated and rude, I believe, is also the simplest: We inhabit a society in which people are no longer trained in how to treat others with kindness and consideration.” Over my time as an educator working with children in their most formative years, I have felt an increasing urgency to focus on that same simple objective: developing foundational character traits like kindness.Read More -
To Be Seen & Known in Middle School
Sawubona. It’s an African Zulu greeting that means “I see you.” But it goes much deeper than that. For me, it speaks to the heart of inclusivity. “I see your personality. I see your humanity. I see your dignity.” This is how I introduced myself to the Graland community seven years ago when I began my tenure as head of Middle School. This is what I say to every eighth-grade student as they walk across the stage to collect the diplomas at graduation. Although this is how I choose to move through the world, I can tell you more about what this means to me at Graland.Read More -
How Positive School Engagement Impacts Your Child
In the late 90s, there was a science fiction comedy film, “Multiplicity,” starring Michael Keaton, about a man who never has enough time for what he wants to do and is offered the opportunity to have himself cloned. As a parent, I thought this was a great idea! One parent can do the after-school pickup, one can organize and drive the Saturday sports carpool, the other can attend the Back-to-School Night, and another parent can make sure your child’s academic and social needs are being met. We have busier schedules than ever before, and you may often ask yourself, how does one manage it all? The good news is you don’t have to.Read More -
Chasing Curiosity: The Secret Sauce of Learning
Have you ever wondered if whales sleep? We hadn’t either, but once the question was posed and we saw how it piqued the interest of our Lower School students, we couldn’t resist searching for an answer. This type of curiosity invites engagement and makes learning more effective and enjoyable. According to cognitive scientist and researcher Elizabeth Bonawitz, “Curiosity acts as a kind of filter you put over the world to help the mind decide what information to attend to."Read More -
Intellectual Excellence in the Age of A.I.
This year, for my wife’s birthday, my son gave two birthday notes. One, without my wife knowing it at first, was written by ChatGPT. It was fine, a little general and superficial, but adequate for a mom who is happy to receive any acknowledgment from her twenty-year-old son. At the end of that note, my son revealed the actual author and asked her to flip the sheet to reveal his own unique letter, much more personal and poignant. It was a moment that has stuck with me as I often consider the question, what will humans need to differentiate themselves in this automated world? It is a crucial question for us all and mostly for educators who are attempting to prepare children to thrive in school and in life.Read More -
Creating Dynamic and Engaging Learning Experiences
At Graland, we want to do more than educate our students. We want to inspire them. This is why “Inspire Students” is one of the four core tenets of our strategic plan. The first objective of this tenet is “to provide dynamic and engaging learning experiences that captivate students and cultivate competencies that reflect our mission and guiding principles.” Learning needs to be dynamic and engaging – it needs to provide a spark. Of course, we want students to be competent but also curious and eager. Head of School Josh Cobb has written about the intellectual attributes we desire in our students, and in this article, I will address this essential question: “How do we provide the right environment to create those dynamic and engaging learning experiences?”Read More -
Fostering Intellectual Excellence in Lower School Learners
Read MoreWhen Lower School teachers are asked why they love to teach elementary students, the answer is often a child’s unquenchable thirst for learning. While this thirst and the persistent “why” questions can be tiring, teachers recognize this is a key phase of intellectual development in young learners.Health professionals define intellectual development as “a child’s ability to think and reason and make sense of the world they live in.” In a school setting, teachers see intellectual development come to life when students can independently analyze and evaluate events and situations around them and share their thinking with others through well-developed communication skills. -
The Evolution of a Middle School Leader
As an independent school that serves students through eighth grade, Graland’s mission and Guiding Principles are paramount in graduating students who are not only engaged citizens but thoughtful leaders. But this journey to becoming a thoughtful leader doesn’t happen overnight. In fact, Graland’s Guiding Principle of “Inspire Leadership” is infused at every level of the Middle School, encouraging students to lead their classmates and inspire the Graland community with their words and actions.Read More -
Joining the Journey to Thrive: How We Can All Engage as Educators
The power of the new strategic plan lies in its synergy between three elements of the Graland community–educators, students, and families, a collaborative partnership that led to the founding of Graland. Almost a hundred years later, I find this dynamic relationship even more important as our children grow up in a world impacted by divisiveness, uncertainty, and depression, all exacerbated by social media. Now more than ever, the adults who interact with children face-to-face, day in and day out, need to unite as educators. As I stated in my opening remarks this year, we are all educators–administrators, teachers, parents, and guardians. We all have a responsibility to educate children, so they develop the traits to thrive.Read More -
Partnering With Parents to Cultivate Empathy in Our Students
Recently I was in the library with a group of prospective students. One child was on the verge of tears as he looked longingly at the door waiting for his parents’ return. The educator in charge was encouraging all students to come to the rug to listen to a delightful book. Another little boy noticed how this sad fellow student was reluctant to join the group, hanging back on the outside of the circle. The boy turned ever so slightly to face the sad student and enthusiastically waved him over, encouraging the boy to sit with him to listen to the story. This was a small gesture but one that positively welcomed the sad boy and left an impact on the whole group. I couldn’t help but think, “I hope this student comes to Graland.” I’m lucky enough to witness small, empathic acts like this all the time and feel they’re the glue that holds our thriving community together.Read More -
The Building Blocks for Belonging
Read MoreGraland recently partnered with Challenge Success, a research-based organization affiliated with the Stanford University Graduate School of Education. Challenge Success partners with middle schools, high schools, and families to embrace a broad definition of success and to implement research-based strategies that promote student well-being and engagement with learning.The organization offers a wide variety of programs with workshops and training, and during our January Professional Development Day, educators participated in Challenge Success’s workshop, “The Building Blocks for Belonging.” This workshop encouraged educators to continue activating our strategic goal of Cultivating a Culture of Belonging and, as a result, implement this framework and work on the following building blocks, which are “Interpersonal Relationships, Agency, and Support for those Marginalized.” -
Sustain the Spark How We Plan to Empower Educators
Read More“The nature of relationship among the adults within a school has a greater influence on the character and quality of the school and on students than anything else.”- Roland Barth, Founder of Harvard’s Principals’ CenterAnother first day of school, and I feel the butterflies again. Since I was five years old, I have experienced the nervousness of beginning school. Now, as an educator, my first day comes a week before the students’ first day. It is August 17, 2022. At 8:30 a.m., I stand up to welcome the faculty and staff back to another school year. As I grab the handheld mic from its stand and look over the assembled educators, I sense such a positive energy that my anxiety begins to evolve into excitement.
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A Legacy of Love and Dedication: Lisa Ross’s Journey at Graland
The Master Teacher wall in the Georgia Nelson building houses Graland’s history and honors the educators who have devoted 20-plus years to the school and its students. The Master Teacher wall stands as a testament to the enduring commitment and passion of Graland educators who have left an indelible mark on the school and its community, and this year its 72nd Master Teacher will be added, Mrs. Lisa Ross.Read More -
Birch Art & Literary Magazine
This year, middle schoolers are excited to revive Graland’s Art and Literary Magazine under a new moniker, “Birch.” While Graland has a long history of publishing student work, the school has not formally published an arts and literary magazine in over a decade. “Birch” will bring together art and creative writing from the entire Graland community, including students and educators. We are excited to bring this tradition back to Graland’s rich arts and literature program and ecstatic to share the final publication with the Graland community this spring.Read More -
Camp Roots: A New Chapter With Horizons Colorado
In 2022, Graland proudly launched Camp Roots, a program that provides academic sessions and enrichment activities to students from Aurora public schools to prevent summer learning loss, prepare students for the upcoming school year, and create a fun, engaging environment. Partnering with the Metro Migrant Education Program and the JCC, Camp Roots students spent part of their day in classroom instruction and the other part enjoying JCC’s Camp Shai.Read More -
Evolving Classroom Lessons through Professional Development and Contemporary Art
When my family lived in Kuwait, we had a small window of time when shows on television were in English. It was “Mutual of Omaha” and a series of cartoons. While watching cartoons, I would create drawings of what I saw on television. When I lived in Kenya, our parents took us on a lot of excursions. We saw a lot of the country, and the animal sightings were spectacular. These experiences have traveled with me throughout my life and help influence how I develop lessons. It is experiences that make up the foundation for what I teach in the classroom. It is also from other artists and colleagues that we find inspiration for developing lessons. There is a lot that we have to offer from learning from each other.Read More -
Jason Cooper ’84: A Journey of Leadership and Achievement
Each year, Graland’s Alumni Board recognizes an outstanding member of the alumni community with the prestigious Ruth Gorham Award. Named after the school’s longest-serving teacher, Ms. Ruth Gorham, who dedicated 62 years to nurturing a love of learning in her students, the award commemorates her unwavering commitment to education and mentorship. This year, Graland is proud to present the Ruth Gorham Award to Jason Cooper, Class of 1984.Read More -
Supporting Student Wellness at Graland: The Bradley Thomas Memorial Fund
Graland is grateful for community members, past and present, who wish to make a philanthropic impact at the school. At times, these meaningful donors include Graland in their estate plans, creating a legacy that reaches beyond their lifetime. These gifts can also be unrestricted, allowing the school to direct their funds to the greatest priorities and needs, or designated for specific purposes.Read More -
Teacher Talk: Exploring Key Reading Skills
Read MoreGraland Lower School teachers share their expertise on the foundational aspects of reading: phonics, comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary. These essential components work together to develop young learners into skilled, confident readers. Take a peek into our educators’ insights and discover the keys to reading success! -
Timeless Treasures: Art and Statues at Graland
Read MoreAs Graland approaches its 100th anniversary in 2027, the school enjoys sharing stories of its vibrant history.
This article shares background on a handful of the many pieces of art that adorn Graland’s campus.As 2027 approaches, there will be many opportunities to honor Graland’s 100 years of excellence. Memories abound in the school archives, as well as in the two main school history books that are available to view on the school website and in the stories passed down between generations. We are fortunate to be able to reflect on the past and look forward to a bright future.Click to read more about Graland’s history and to access digital versions of the books referenced in this article. -
Alumni Spotlight: Graland Athletics
Read MoreAs we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Fieldhouse, the alumni office would like to highlight several former students (Ali Levy ’00, Alex Smith ’97, Jonathan Vaughters ’88) whose journeys in the areas of sports, athletics, and health & wellness started right here at Graland. We hope that their pursuits and experiences serve as inspiration to fellow alumni, current students, and the entire Graland community. -
From Gymnasium to Fieldhouse - Traditions of Importance and Excellence at Graland
Since Graland’s incorporation in 1927, physical education and sports have been an integral part of the school’s curriculum with its progressive education philosophy of developing the whole child. Generations of students have experienced strong physical education programs that not only teach a progression of important motor skills, but also promote sportsmanship, teamwork, confidence, and self-esteem. Lifelong learning and fitness are seen as major goals of the physical education department.Read More -
The Evolution of a Middle School Athlete
In today’s world, with so much controversy, especially in televised sports, what impact do Middle School sports have on its athletes? Let’s face it, many behaviors we witness at professional, collegiate, high school, and even little league levels are questionable at best. Throughout the years, our young ones look up to higher-level athletes in awe and a desire to mimic their skills and behaviors. Colorful language and inappropriate antics flood the media.Read More -
Wacky Problems, Creative Solutions
Odyssey of the Mind (OM) is a unique blend of engineering challenges, art, and theatrical performances that are centered around student innovation and independence. Students across the country (as well as a few international teams) spend time creating skit-based solutions to wacky problems that are then performed at regional, state, and world competitions.Read More -
We Asked Middle School Students Answered! A Q&A With Graland Middle School Athletes
Read MoreWhat do you love about Graland Athletics, and what has it taught you?“I love Graland Athletics because it shows me I can do so much more than I thought. I love that everyone can show their athletic side at school and just let loose. Through playing sports at Graland, I have learned you have to stay ready for anything that comes your way.”
- Garrett E., Grade 6 -
Care, Connection, Balance, and Belonging: Staples of the Middle School Advisory Experience
Care, connection, balance, and belonging are all aspects of life that Middle School students seek. At a time when students experience significant emotional and social growth, advisory provides them a safe place and a brave space to discuss feelings, challenges, and successes. The advisor can become a trusted adult in a place where students spend more time than they do at home in a typical week. Furthermore, students learn to develop or practice empathy, communication skills, self-awareness, advocating for themselves, study skills, and how to reach the optimal space of balance.Read More -
Celebrating Trini Rodriguez ’89
When asked to think of three words that come to mind when he thinks of Graland, Trinidad (Trini) Rodriguez, Class of 1989, said “relationships, experiences, and growth.” Since his time at Graland, Mr. Rodriguez has dedicated his career as a changemaker to these same themes, making him the ideal recipient of the 2023 Nancy Nye Priest Alumni Award. Each year, the Nancy Nye Priest Alumni Award honors alumni whose extraordinary contributions in their field are reflective of the exemplary qualities of the person, Graland Country Day School, and the global community in which we live.Read More -
Graland Alumni Living as Engaged Citizens and Thoughtful Leaders
Read MoreAs we recognize Trini Rodriguez ’89 with the Nancy Nye Priest Alumni Award this fall (see previous page), Graland also wishes to acknowledge other alumni who are contributing to the public sphere, modeling what it means to be an engaged citizen and thoughtful leader. -
Welcome to Camp Roots: A Graland Community Partnership
During any given point in the school year at Graland, one can walk down the hallways and feel the energy and excitement of young learners ready to take on a new day full of adventures and discoveries. While summertime at some schools could leave the grounds feeling quiet, at Graland, summer programs such as Camp Roots keep the vibrancy and magic alive all year long. In line with the school’s mission to cultivate compassion by caring for others in our community, Graland began hosting Camp Roots in 2021 to serve migrant students from a variety of metro public schools enrolled in the Metro Migrant Education Program. Thanks to the dedication and support of several partners, including the Jewish Community Center (JCC), local public school teachers, coordinators from the Metro Migrant Education Program, and Graland faculty and staff, Camp Roots recently finished its second summer of programming at Graland.Read More -
Becoming Engaged Citizens and Thoughtful Leaders: Artistic Communication in the 21st Century
“What are the arts good for?” This decades-long debate offers no shortage of perspectives from philosophers to community stakeholders alike. Some might argue artistic value is found in the collective belonging, while others might cite increased intellectual capacity. Still yet is the ability to transcend our lived experience into an ethereal world of beauty. Although there are many reasons the arts are valuable to the human experience, for the Graland Visual and Performing Arts Department (VAPA), none is more important than the ability for artistic creativity to communicate ideas, thoughts, and feelings.Read More -
8th Grade Capstone: A Call to Action
Each year, eighth graders finish their final year at Graland with a culminating Capstone project. The assignment allows them to not only pursue their individual interests but also employ key academic skills acquired throughout their time as a student. Capstone was started several years ago with the intent of imbuing in eighth graders a sense of purpose and social consciousness. Students start the year by choosing a topic for their project that centers around the 17 United Nations (U.N.) Sustainable Goals.Read More -
A Standing Ovation for Master Teacher Dan O’Neill
Every time one enters the main doors of the Georgia Nelson Building on campus, they are greeted by the Master Teacher wall, which houses the portraits of Graland educators (former and current) who have dedicated 20-plus years of their career to the school, its mission, and its students. This year, the 71st Master Teacher headshot was added to the wall in honor of Drama Teacher Dan O’Neill.Read More
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Graland Today Magazine
Graland in the Media
- Head of School Published Nationally in Independent School Magazine 10.27.21
- Innovation is the rule at Graland School - The Denver Post 02.2020
- Jeffery Hughes: Not Your Average Violinist - The Denver Post 11.2019
- Josh Cobb and Oscar Gonzalez Published in National Magazine
- “Tinker Time” Featured in National Publication
- Encore on 9News with “Green” Fish Hook Inventor (April 5, 2018)
- Civil Rights Movement Inspires Award-winning Middle School Artist
- Winning inventors featured on KOA850 news talk radio (March 20, 2018)
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
