SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT A BIRTHDAY

Philip William Hickey
Tom Noel in an article published in the Rocky Mountain News and later in Rosemary Fetter’s book, writes, “Once upon a time, teachers and parents conspired together. They fantasized that children might want to go to school.”
Recounting the history we all know -- from the history of why the school is named Graland to a threat of financial failure; from Miss Braswell’s fondness for furry and frisky schoolmates to chasing the progressive educational dreams of Laird, Braswell, and Nelson-- Graland is ninety years old. Graland Country Day School’s story is, Noel noted,"a fairy tale how well and joyfully school can be taught, despite sometimes quirky teachers, parents, and students." I  have never met any quirky teachers at Graland. Quirky would never make it at Graland School. Or would it?" 

However, I do agree with Rosemary Fetter who wrote in 2002, “Over the years, 
Graland faculty and staff have created a school that inspires lifelong learning and a camaraderie among students that is practically unique for elementary and K-9 schools. Graland’s teachers are exceptional individual bound together to a loyalty to a school, kinship with colleagues, and a sincere love and understanding of children.”

In honor of superior teachers and staff, Ben Duke and Marilyn Foster created the Master Teacher program. Last year, I wrote about some Master Teachers. We begin another series on the Master Teachers: Ray Elsinger, Lynette Emery, Jack McKenna, Lucile Hobelman, Ludmila Glasscock and more -- all of these teachers were working at Graland my first year. The series will also include tributes to Master Teachers I did not know, all of whom added so much to the grandeur and glory of “old” Graland
 
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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.