Opportunities for Graland Family Engagement: An ABC Guide

At the end of every school year, Graland kicks off the summer with its very own carnival right on campus! Endless cotton candy, entertaining games, and the opportunity to dunk your favorite educator are what make this event a family favorite. 

 

Families are invited to support Graland’s DEI work by attending events such as Community Day speakers, the Martin Luther King Day March and Parade, School Climate Advisory Committee general meetings, and more. Parents and caregivers can also join any of the school’s affinity groups, where parents connect, share experiences, learn from one another, and strengthen community ties.

The Eagle Invitational Golf Tournament is an annual GPA fundraising event filled with great golf, camaraderie, food, and prizes. Student golfers also partake in the fun after school during the Junior Eagle Invitational.

 

Each year on the first day of school, families are invited to campus to celebrate the start of the year. Parents and students capture the moment by taking photos with the school mascot before heading to the back-to-school coffee and Head of School opening remarks. 

 

Every spring, Graland hosts a celebration to recognize the important role that grandparents play in their grandchildren’s lives. But the involvement doesn’t stop there! Throughout the year, the school hosts additional grandparents-only events, such as museum visits, campus tours, and book clubs, to offer engagement opportunities for the whole family. 

 

A Graland tradition, parents are invited to campus on the morning of October 31 to watch their child, other students, and educators parade around Preisser Field in their Halloween costumes.

 

During Innovation Night, parents are invited to experience Tinker Time, practice Graland’s innovation skills (empathy, creative thinking, critical thinking, grit/perseverance, experimentation, and collaboration),
and enjoy family time in the Gates Innovation Lab. 

 

All year long, the GPA works in partnership with the school to foster community, promote volunteerism, and raise funds. Throughout the year, parents are encouraged to get involved however their schedule allows by attending meetings, planning or attending events, and/or applying for leadership roles. 

 

Parents and special friends are invited to campus to enjoy a delicious donut with their child before school during this highly attended event. 

 

In this volunteer position, parents assist Graland’s librarians with daily tasks such as putting away books and pulling materials for teachers. Parents also get to witness students discover a love for reading during their time in the library. 

Movie Night at Graland is a fun, family-friendly outdoor event that takes place on campus the week before school starts. Families are invited to bring a picnic to Center Field to enjoy before the movie begins. Don’t forget to save room for popcorn! 

 

Whether a child comes to Graland as a kindergartner, Middle School student, or any grade in between, the school offers several gatherings for new families to get to know Graland. Starting in the spring, all incoming families are paired with an ambassador family. Over the summer, the school hosts barbecues and kickball games, and assists in organizing playdates to help new students meet friends right from the start. 

 

O is for Odyssey of the Mind (OotM)
Odyssey of the Mind is an international competition that encourages students to work together to solve problems creatively as a team. Since 2014, Graland has had over 56 teams, with numerous groups advancing to the World Finals. Parents are always needed to act as facilitators, coaches, and judges. You don’t need to be an expert or a teacher to coach. You only need to have a passion for seeing kids grow and learn. 

 

Graland’s music and drama program allow children to share their talent, gain self-awareness, and work together. Throughout the year, families are invited to attend their child’s concerts, musicals, and drama performances on campus. 

Each year, Graland’s Parent Education Network (PEN) coordinates visits from various thought leaders to share their research and knowledge on child development. During these presentations, parents can learn from experts about topics such as social-emotional wellness, ask questions directly, and seek helpful tips.

 

Each year, Graland looks forward to welcoming back former students for the Annual Alumni Reunion. During this event, past students can reconnect with former teachers, reminisce with classmates, and explore how the school has grown and changed since they attended.  

 

Graland offers a multitude of seasonal sports that allow each student to find their passion and collaborate meaningfully with a team. Families get to know each other better during the season as they cheer for their children on the sidelines. 

 

Graland traditions such as the Kindergarten Rodeo and Middle School Gates Invention and Innovation Expo connect today’s students with those who have preceded them. They also give every member of our community opportunities to have fun, build connections, and embrace experiences.

 

Whether it’s through time spent volunteering, chaperoning a field trip, or attending an event, parent involvement is not only welcome and appreciated but an essential part of making unforgettable memories with your Graland student that will last a lifetime. 

 

Whether by greeting students every morning during carline, serving as a room parent, or helping at the annual Art Show & Ice Cream Social, Graland invites every parent to spend time on campus and discover the joy of giving back; however, their schedule will allow.

 

Each December, the Graland community gathers for an all-school sing-along known as Winter Wishes. During this event, students, parents, employees, and special friends enjoy warm beverages, sing festive songs, and enjoy time together before Winter Break.

 

At Graland, every student, family, and employee is responsible for promoting a xenial school environment that allows everyone in our community to feel welcomed, valued, and supported on a daily basis. 

 

At Graland, we offer many opportunities for both students and parents to say “yes” to new experiences. We hope you will jump into whatever opportunities your schedule allows, in the name of embracing experiences, a Graland guiding principle. 

 

Every member of the school (including the Graland Eagle!) is invited to the annual Graland Gallop, a 5k run/walk/wheelchair race hosted by the Graland Parent Association. This event combines being active outside and having a good time to build community and make connections off campus.