Meet Kerry Pearson: GPA President Q&A
When Kerry Pearson, Graland’s newest GPA president, and her husband, Robbie, were exploring school options for their children, they were looking for great teachers who would foster a love of learning and a place where their children could be challenged while feeling safe to take risks. They chose Graland, and in 2022, their son, Arthur, began Kindergarten with Mrs. Valiant. This August, Arthur and their daughter, Annie, will enter Grades 4 and 1.
“Graland just felt right from our first visit,” Kerry said. “We love the incredible teachers. Our children would probably say they love the cafeteria."
As GPA president for the 2026-2027 school year, Kerry is looking forward to working with Graland’s parent volunteers, meeting more members of the community, and helping families find ways to get involved. Continue reading to learn more about Kerry and what’s ahead for the GPA this year.
Q: Where did you spend your childhood, and what brought you back to Colorado?
A: “I consider myself to be from both Colorado and Southern California. I was born in Vail, but my family moved to Rancho Mirage, California, when I was 5 years old. After college, I always wanted to get back to Colorado. After getting married and having two children in New York City and Connecticut, we moved back in 2021.”
Q: What inspired you to volunteer for the GPA, and what was your experience like?
A: “I decided to volunteer for the GPA because it felt like the easiest way to meet other parents and learn more about the school, and I was right. I started slowly because my daughter was still at home and my schedule wasn’t very flexible. I went to GPA meetings when I could and signed up for small volunteer shifts, such as setting up for Winter Wishes or volunteering with the school store. I always met someone I hadn’t known before and usually learned something new about Graland, too.”
Q: What advice would you give to new families at Graland?
A: “Brace yourself for the first couple of months! There are so many fun school events, and it might feel like a whirlwind, but you’ll be so glad you invested the time. Also, the Graland Library is usually open before and after school and is a great place to spend 10 or 15 minutes with your children and check out a book.”
Q: What are you looking forward to as GPA President this year?
A: “We have an incredible group of parents chairing events this year, and I’m excited to work with and learn from all of them.”
Q: What might people not know about the GPA?
A: “Whatever your skill set and however much time you have, there is a role for you. You can volunteer to hand out dessert one time, or you can dedicate months of planning to bringing the end-of-year Carnival to life. Every role is critical, and we are so grateful to every volunteer.”
Q: Why should community members attend a GPA meeting?
A: “I find GPA meetings to be the most efficient way to learn about everything going on around campus. You hear from Josh and other educators, learn about upcoming and past events, and get a quick catch-up with friends, all while enjoying a cup of coffee.”
Q: Which upcoming events should everyone be excited about this year?
A: “All of them! It’s so hard to choose, and there really is something for everyone. I personally love the PEN speakers and the Book Fair. Birch Street Bash will be a can’t-miss event this year as well.”
Q: What is your favorite GPA memory?
A: “It’s hard to choose my favorite GPA memory. I love seeing the students complete the Graland Gallop, whether they walk, run, or scooter across the finish line.”
Q: What is your favorite Graland tradition?
A: “It seems like every grade has an incredibly special tradition, so there are many I haven’t experienced yet. So far, my favorite is the Newbery Challenge in third grade. I don’t know if this counts as a tradition, but morning carline is another favorite. Thanks to incredible GPA volunteers, morning drop-off is seamless, and I love catching a glimpse of my children greeting Mr. Cobb or Ms. Satterfield at the gate.”
Q: What are some of your favorite hobbies and pastimes?
A: “I love to hike, run, uphill ski, and play Mahjong, and I’m just learning to needlepoint.”
Be sure to stop by the Graland Parent Association Volunteer Fair on the first day of school from 9 to 10 a.m. to learn more about the many ways you can get involved with the GPA!
Be sure to stop by the Graland Parent Association Volunteer Fair on the first day of school from 9 to 10 a.m. to learn more about the many ways you can get involved with the GPA!
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.
