Graland Response to the Tragedy in Haiti

The Graland community has been moved by the countless needs of the people in Haiti following the devastating earthquake last week. Students and their families and the faculty and staff have asked about ways our school can contribute to relief efforts.

Josh Gaffga, music teacher at Graland, has connected us to Service Chretien d'Haiti, a partner agency of the Church World Service, an organization founded in 1946 to eradicate hunger and poverty and to promote peace and justice around the world. Josh’s father, the Rev. George Gaffga, has volunteered for Service Chretien d’Haiti for many years, and he will ensure that the funds collected by Graland are wired securely to Haiti for use by Service Chretien d'Haiti in its relief efforts.

Graland will focus its response on student-driven efforts that benefit the children of Haiti -- in other words kids helping kids. To this end, the Middle School Service Council will collect financial donations through a campaign they are calling “Change for Haiti.” Interested fourth grade students will sponsor a similar student cash collection drive in the Lower School. In addition, the Lower School Penny Harvest service group will consider issuing a grant to Service Chretien d'Haiti from the money they raised this fall. The Rev. Gaffga is planning to visit Graland to speak with the Penny Harvest service group in the near future. All campaigns will run through February 15.

According to the Rev. Gaffga, Service Chretien d'Haiti’s emergency relief efforts will include putting up tents, providing food, and obtaining medical supplies. Longer term, the money raised will be used for food programs and to help rebuild high schools that were demolished by the earthquake in Port Au Prince and on the Haitian island of La Gonave.

I will keep the Graland community updated about Graland students’ efforts to raise funds, make grants, and how children are learning about Haiti through class discussions and activities. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Christine James

Service Learning Coordinator

Math Task Force Update

The Math Task Force has been hard at work to determine the best math curricula to use in the future at Graland. The task force evaluated six potential Lower School math programs and narrowed the choices down to the three it feels would be best for Graland. The task force is now seeking input from Graland teachers and reaction from Graland parents before making a final decision. The three math programs will be on display outside the Admission Office from now through February 5. Feedback forms will be available at the displays for you to express your opinions. Shelly Dubose, Math Department Chair, and Marty Caplan, math consultant, will be at the displays on Tuesday, January 26 from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. and again on Thursday, January 28 from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. to answer any of your questions. The Math Task Force will review all parent and teacher comments before making its final Lower School curriculum recommendation.

While the Math Task Force has been busy reviewing lower school math curricula, simultaneous efforts have been taking place to select a compatible middle school program. We are taking into consideration how Graland’s Middle School grades will be reconfigured next year, and we are also working to ensure that the chosen program aligns with the curriculum selection for Lower School. Please know that the task force and math department are making every effort to reach these decisions thoughtfully and in a timely manner.

See This Week's Downloads, right-hand side, to download more information about the Math Task Force’s efforts to select a new Lower School math curriculum.

Shelly DuBose

Math Department Chair

Teacher Conferences - February 4 and 5

Middle School Parents

Kindly contact your child’s advisor to set an appointment. Appointments on Friday may only be scheduled until 10:30 a.m. due to a workshop planned for the faculty that begins at noon. Mid-trimester grades and comments will be available for viewing from the end of the day on Monday, January 25 through Friday, February 5. Please go to the Graland www.graland.org website and click on the NetClassroom link. Use your NetClassroom login and password to access the comments for your student. Please contact Jane Phillips if you encounter difficulties.

Lower School Parents

Lower School families may sign up for student-led conferences on Monday, January 25. Your student will present for the first 15 minutes of the conference, and then parents will be able to speak one-on-one with the teacher during the remaining conference time. A sign-up sheet will be posted outside your child's classroom door. Supervision for siblings (ages 3 and older) will be available in the Lower School library room during your conference(s).

Re-enrollment Contracts

Contracts were mailed on Wednesday, January 20. To ensure a spot for your child at Graland for the 2010-2011 school year, please sign and return the contract along with the 10% tuition deposit to Kristin Ryder by Wednesday, February 17. If you are considering other schools for next year, please contact Kristin Ryder to discuss a revised contract deadline. If you have questions about re-enrollment forms, deadlines or procedures, please contact Carolyn Craig. Please note that if there is an outstanding balance on your account with the Business Office, you will not receive a re-enrollment contract until your bill has been paid. Please contact Juan Botello if you have any questions regarding billing.

Message from the Board of Trustees

At its January meeting, Graland's Board met and reviewed a presentation of schematic designs for a new Commons Building. If built, the Commons will house a dining hall, as well as provide space for assemblies, classrooms, technology, conferences and storage. The Board also looked at plans for renovation of the upper level of the Foundations Center, which will be vacated if the Commons building is constructed. These designs are influenced by many previous efforts, including the Strategic Plan (2005-2012), the General Development Plan for the campus (2009), input gathered from all Graland constituencies last fall, and recent site visits to comparable facilities. The following characteristics were emphasized in the design put forth by the architects: scale appropriate to the site, preservation of open space, sustainability, and consistency with other buildings on Graland’s campus.

The Board endorsed the schematic design, which will now be sent to five firms for their estimates of construction costs. In the meantime, members of the Commons Task Force will be working to refine the designs to meet Graland’s specific program needs by gathering additional input from faculty and staff members, outside consultants, and parent groups. At its February meeting, the Board will evaluate the cost of the project and the school's fundraising potential. It is anticipated that the Board will decide in March whether to proceed with the project.

Prior to Spring Break, the Graland community will have an opportunity to see a more comprehensive campus and facilities presentation.

Julie Bock

Chair, Campus and Facilities Committee

Graland Board of Trustees

Update on Sustainability Challenges

Graland is proud to participate in the Association of Colorado Independent Schools (ACIS) E-Alliance Sustainability Challenges. The E-Alliance is a partnership between ACIS schools that encourages school communities to place a high value on sustainability by collaborating on projects that impact the environment, the economy, and equity.

The first E-Alliance challenge, a Battery Reduction Challenge, has been underway since November. The goal is for ACIS schools to collaborate on this environmental project that will decrease the amount of toxic waste in our landfills. Classrooms have been collecting used batteries. They will be weighed on January 27, so please make sure all remaining batteries are in! The scores will be posted on the ACIS website so we can see our collective work and how Graland compares to other schools.

In February, we will begin our second E-Alliance challenge, an Energy Reduction Challenge. Here the goal is to decrease our carbon footprint by conserving energy. We will see how much we can collectively reduce our energy consumption over the course of the month.

Click here to learn more about the ACIS E-Alliance and Challenges.

Lara Gleason

Sustainability Coordinator

Green Club Sale

Green Club will be selling unique objects that are useful and made of recycled materials. These items include the following: folders, wallets, pencil pouches and journals. The club will sell its products in front of the Georgia Nelson Building on January 25-29 before school, during Middle School lunch and after school. The money will be used to purchase a prize for the Battery Reduction Challenge, which ends January 31. Don't forget to bring in your batteries!

Green Club 2009

Composting on Campus

On Tuesday, January 5, Graland took another step towards becoming a more sustainable community. Green receptacles for compostable materials greeted students along with the usual blue recycling and grey landfill bins. Graland has teamed up with Waste Farmers, a Colorado company dedicated to reducing the solid waste sent to landfills and incinerators. All organic materials from the cafeteria can be turned into compost, including many of the paper goods brought from home and used in Graland’s cafeteria. Each year Graland's commitment to sustainability increases. Instituting a composting program not only drastically decreases the amount of waste sent to landfills, but it also encourages our community to be more cognizant of its consumption. Students and faculty are quickly learning what can be recycled or composted, and what has to go to the landfill, thus seeing their impact on the environment. Graland has already reduced its waste from seven landfill bins per lunch period to two! In future communications, I will provide more information about how you can help.

Lara Gleason

Sixth Grade English Teacher and Team Leader

Sustainability Coordinator

Story Teller Presentation on January 29

Laconnia Therrio, a therapist and former minister, enjoys telling stories from around the world. He tells stories from Japan, China, Europe, North America and the continent of Africa. Whether the story is a Native American folktale about the world's beginning, the fun of a baby wide-mouth frog, or even a scary one, Laconnia invites the listener to discover the wonder in the tales he tells. He will perform “Illuminations: Stories of Light” for the entire Graland community on Friday, January 29, from 6-7 p.m. in the Foundations Center. Light refreshments will be provided, and Laconnia will be available for a talkback after the concert. “Illuminations” is a potpourri of stories from around the world that remind us of what we have in common with each other versus our differences. Laconnia Therrio will be working with eighth grade students on a month-long storytelling unit.

Tom Thorpe

Humanities Department Chair

8th grade Team Leader and English Teacher

Scholastic Art Award Winners

Graland is pleased to announce that the following students have been honored with Scholastic Art Awards. Professional artists, professors and retired teachers judge all entries. They look for originality, technical competence, and personal voice. The works of Colorado’s Gold Key winners will compete on a national level with Gold Key winners from other states. Congratulations to these Graland students!

Gold Key Award

Mary Aertker, grade 8, mixed media foil embossing and drawing

Silver Key Awards

Caroline Berzins, grade 7, linoleum block print

Lia Garkie, grade 8, oil pastel drawing

Nicole Kerman, grade 7, self-portrait

Honorable Mentions

Kyle Berlind, grade 7, acrylic painting with india ink resist

Olivia Durham, grade 7, abstract painted self-portrait

Ali Koff, grade 7, self-portrait collage

Joseph Neumeyer, grade 7, drawing

Imagination Makers Performance on February 12

Is it possible to show your child the experiences of children from other cultures in a fun and engaging way without ever leaving the country? Imagination Makers Theater Company's play, "One Life, Two Cultures," does just that and ties into the school curriculum. Imagination Makers is coming to Graland on Friday, February 12 at 8:45 a.m. To read more, click here.

Graland Alumna and Husband Honored as “Citizens of the West”

Rebecca “Becky” Love Kourlis ’67 and her husband, Tom Kourlis, were named 2010 Citizens of the West by the National Western Stock Show. The couple was honored last week at a dinner, which benefited the National Western Scholarship Trust. Last summer, Graland honored Becky with the Nancy Nye Priest ’39 Alumni of the Year Award.

The Citizen of the West, selected by a committee of community leaders, is an annual award given to individuals who embody the spirit and determination of the western pioneer, and who are committed to perpetuating the West’s agricultural heritage and ideals. Tom and Becky are the first legacy (her mother and father, John and Ann Love, were honored in 1989) and among the youngest Citizen of the West honorees.

Previous recipients have included Dick and Eddie Robinson, Hank Brown, Sue Anschutz-Rodgers, Byron White and Daniel L. Ritchie. To read more about Tom and Becky Kourlis, 2010 Citizens of the West, click here. To view the feature story that appeared in the Denver Post, click here.

Graland Loses a Friend

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the death of Betty Clarke, wife of former trustee Steve Clarke. Betty passed away on Saturday after a long hospitalization. She was a dear friend to many Graland families and a terrific volunteer for the school, including being the driving force behind the establishment of the Graland Archives. Betty and Steve have two daughters who attended Graland, Ashley '02 and Taylor '06.

After School Enrichment for February and March

Graland is pleased to offer several after school enrichment programs in February and March. A Basketball Skills and Strategy Clinic for grades K-6 will be taught by Coach Dick Kinney from February 8-12. Rock'n Climbing for grades K-5 will be taught by Coach Ann DeBoe from February 8-11. Click here to read more about these classes and click here to access This Week's Downloads (right-hand side) with class descriptions, details and registration forms.

Children’s Nutrition Seminar

How to Get Your Kids to Eat Healthy and Like It...at Every Age

Stanley British Primary would like to extend the following invitation to all Graland parents:

Join nutritionist Julie Hammerstein as she teaches you how to effectively and lovingly talk to your kids about healthy eating and exercise. Julie's "Small Change, Big Impact"™ approach teaches that raising a healthy family can be made easy with small, consistent changes every day. She will discuss age-appropriate language that empowers your kids to take ownership of their health without labeling foods as 'good' or 'bad.' Julie is a sought-after speaker and recently appeared on the ABC television documentary, "Fitting In," about childhood obesity. Her nutritional practice specializes in work with families and individuals.

Date: Wednesday, February 10

Time: 7-8 p.m.

Invitees: All parents welcome

Location: Stanley British Primary School pub (main entrance), 350 Quebec Street, Denver

Please RSVP with # attending to: sharoncravitz@comcast.net.

Magazine Article by Brenda Stockdale Takes Mystery out of “Waiting Game”

An article in the current issue of Independent School Magazine by Graland English teacher Brenda Stockdale discusses the secondary school application process and what parents can expect while they’re waiting for notification about where their children are accepted. Download her article from This Week’s Downloads, right-hand side.

GPA News

Graland Service to Volunteers of America

VOA’s Family Motel and Theodora House

One Wednesday each month from September through May, Graland hosts birthday parties at the VOA Family Motel and serves meals for homeless women staying at VOA’s Theodora House. This service has been a tradition at Graland for the past 11 years.

In January, twelve Graland families generously donated gifts, cupcakes, decorations, toiletries, and sack lunches that helped make the VOA Family Motel party a great success. Another seven Graland families contributed, delivered and served food for a wonderful meal at Theodora House.

The next VOA service day is Wednesday, February 10. If you are interested in participating, please contact Sarah Goldblatt or Whitney Zimmerman.

VOA’s Sunset Park Senior Center

Forty-seven Graland families, representing 98 volunteers, helped out at the Graland Cares Holiday Party at VOA’s Sunset Park Senior Center in December. The event, chaired by Ann Davis and Rhonda Dodge, included the distribution of gift bags to more than 100 residents and entertainment by Graland students.

According to Michael James, a Graland dad who works for VOA, “For many of the older and handicapped residents of Volunteers of America Sunset Park, the Graland Cares Holiday Party is a highlight of the whole year. Living on very limited incomes, they treasure such experiences and really enjoy the treat of having children join in the celebration.”

Thank you to all who make Graland’s VOA service efforts a huge success!

GPA Council Nominations

Would you like to become more involved with the Graland Parent Association (GPA)? Is there someone you know who would make a great GPA Council member? Now is the time to nominate individuals to serve on the GPA Council for the 2010-2011 school year. Please view the Nomination Form in This Week’s Downloads, right-hand side, for information on available positions and their descriptions. Nominations are due by February 19. We greatly appreciate your help in filling the GPA slate with enthusiastic leaders! Please contact Jenifer Marx with any questions.

Discover the Secret to Effective Discipline

The GPA's Parent Education Network proudly presents an evening with best-selling author, international lecturer, and parent educator, Mary Sheedy Kurcinka, on Monday, March 8 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Graland Fieldhouse. Her presentation, entitled “Kids, Parents and Power Struggles: Secrets to Effective Discipline,” will offer appropriate and practical solutions to everyday behavioral issues. Copies of Sheedy Kurcinka’s books (Kids, Parents and Power Struggles for $13.99 and Raising Your Spirited Child for $14.99) are available for purchase at Diane Street's desk until February 15.

Family Bingo Night is a Jackpot of Fun

Mark your calendars for the GPA's spring community event, Family Bingo Night, on Sunday, March 21 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Volunteers are needed to make this popular and lively affair a huge success. We are looking for help with event planning, party set-up, party orchestration, and clean up. Please join the Bingo committee at our weekly meetings held on Mondays at 2:00 p.m. in the Caulkins Boardroom (GN-222). For more information, please call Pam Baukus at (440) 773-5783 or BJ McDuffie at (303) 321-6253.

You are Invited to the GPA's First Annual Eagle Invitational Golf Tournament

Look for invitations to arrive in your mailbox soon for this exciting, premier event to take place on May 27, 2010 at the Fossil Trace Golf Course in beautiful Golden, Colorado! The GPA is proud to partner with event sponsor Colorado State Bank and Trust. Several additional sponsorship levels are available, as well as individual and team-entry levels. The soon-to-be-mailed invitations will include sponsorship information and a registration form. Participation is limited, so sign up early for what is sure to be a thrilling event! Feel free to contact Carol McDermott at d3dirk@aol.com or Kristin Baker at bkisso@aol.com with any questions.