News Archive

Watch as students immerse themselves in enriching activities through Innovation, Creativity, and Expression; ICE. From filming and directing self-written stories in The Art of Filming to crafting beautiful wooden pieces in Woodworking, students at Graland are discovering new passions and expanding their skills in ICE.

Graland's Community Day brought students together to celebrate the strong bonds that make the school community so special. Students gathered for a day of mingling, games to promote connection between peers, and creating lasting memories.

Spanish students in Señora Quezada's sixth-grade class put their creativity into practice by making a video of a visit to a mini grocery store.

Grade 7 students concluded a meaningful interdisciplinary unit as part of their service learning experience by creating heartwarming Memory Boxes.

As their time at Graland nears its end, eighth-graders embark on a journey of self-reflection and connection, exploring how the school's core values have shaped their personal experiences and growth.

A recent activity captivated the imaginations of ECLC students. This lesson unfolded in Gates lab, where students explored the realms of creativity, design, and perseverance with inspiration from the book "Red Sled" by Lita Judge.

In the spirit of fostering environmental awareness and a sense of responsibility towards our planet, Graland recently hosted a special session by the Denver Zoo education department. This presentation not only engaged the Animal Care and Nature Club, but extended its reach to Grade 6 students learning about the environment, as well.

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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.