I was happy to watch more end of unit presentations this week. Our Junior Kindergarten class did a unit on relationships, including families, friends, communities and cultures. Each student gave their family members a personal and highly descriptive tour of the various projects that were displayed in the classroom. Our Grade 2/3 class did a unit called "Crossing Cultures". Each student gave a presentation on a specific country that they had researched. In many of the presentations the students used slide shows and these were extremely well done. These end of unit events are not only celebrations of the work done during the unit but also give our students a chance to practice public speaking and presentation skills which help them learn to be good communicators.
This month we are focusing on the learner profile of being a communicator. Being a good communicator is a very important skill to have and our teachers strive to give their students many opportunities to develop a wide variety of communication skills. The IB defines a good communicator as one who expresses themself confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. It includes the ability to collaborate effectively and listen carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups.
Communicators at GPS
An important component of the GPS mission is to ‘build community’ and communication is critical to achieving this. To quote Rollo May, a well know American existential psychologist:
“Communication leads to community, that is, to understanding, intimacy and mutual valuing.”
In the learning environment, communication is all about the sharing of ideas. Our students in Grade 4/5 have been doing an excellent job of this in connection with their literacy program. After reading a book, the students shared their impressions in both written and artistic format. I was greatly impressed by the creativity and originality that Ms. Green’s class has shown.
I encourage you to watch the following short video which gives a good overview of the communicator profile.
At our next whole school assembly on October 30, we will present IB Learner Profile Awards to students who have been excellent communicators this past month.
Art Corner
Second and Third grade students learned about positive and negative space while
creating jack-o-lanterns. We had so much fun making funny, scary, and silly jack-o-lantern faces.
Staff Spotlight
Meet Caryn Allen
This week we would like to showcase another of the outstanding GPS faculty. Caryn started her journey in the world of Preschool education about 20 years ago when she got her first job as a preschool teacher. She began working at CHA about 2 years ago as an EDC teacher for preschoolers before we moved to this campus and became GPS. She is currently one of the teachers in the Junior Kindergarten room. Caryn says,“I have always had a passion for kids and I absolutely love what I do every day. I always come to work with a positive attitude, excited to see the kids. The way their minds work and watching them grow, for me, is one of the reasons I love teaching. They are the next generation and we, the teachers, are here to make sure they have the tools they need to succeed and learn while having lots of fun!!”We are fortunate to have such an experienced and dedicated teacher on the GPS team.
Announcements
Online GPS Scholastic Book Fair: Nov. 2 - 15, 2020
Dear GPS Parents and Families:
The Scholastic Book Fair is back! While the Fair will be exclusively held online this year, we still plan on making it a fun and joyous experience for our kids. Features include:
Granada Preparatory School's own online store, with a large selection of titles, at the right price points
A Virtual Fair so you and your family can experience the magic of the school shopping experience. Browse titles by grade, meet popular authors, and discover the comfort and joy of our Fair
Every dollar you spend will benefit our school directly (25% back in rewards!)
Save these dates and view our school’s Fair site:
Fair Dates: Monday, November 2 – Sunday, November 15, 2020
Online Store: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/gpsschool
We can’t wait to “see” you at the Fair beginning Nov. 2!
Boo Grams
From October 13 to 28 the GPS 8th Grade students will be holding a fundraiser called Boo-Grams to raise funds for the Halloween Drive-through that they are creating as part of their design class as well as for their Legacy Gift. For $1 each, students, parents and teachers can send a ghostly treat with a pre-printed message to a student, friend, or teacher at GPS. Boo grams will be delivered on Friday, October 30 at the Drive-Thru event.
Halloween Drive-Thru
We will not be able to have a Halloween Carnival this year but that doesn't mean we can't still have a fun, and safe, community event.
As part of their Design Class, the 8th grade students have created a Halloween Drive-Thru experience for all GPS families on Friday, October 30th. The Halloween Drive-Thru will be safe with fun activities to do along the way, while you stay in your car.
*Halloween Trivia *Halloween Scenes *Haunted Tunnel
*Students are encouraged to wear a costume *a photo station.
All students and their families are welcome.
You're sure to have carloads of fun!
October 30 is a Noon dismissal day for grades K-8 (regular day for Early Childhood students)
Drive Thru schedule:
12:15 - Preschool half-day and Preschool On-line (right after 12:00 pick-up)
1:00 - Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grades
1:30 - 3 rd, 4th, and 5th grades
2:00 - 6 th, 7th, and 8th grades
2:30 - Preschool full day, Pre-K, and Jr.-K (right after 2:30 pick-up)
Download the Boo Gram order form and information about the Drive-thru here.
Co-ed basketball practices with Coach B has ongoing registration. Here are the details:
After School Basketball Training Program
Practice Days:
Grades 2-5-- Tuesdays and Thursdays from October 6 through November 19, 2020
Grades 6-8-- Mondays and Wednesdays from October 5 through November 18, 2020 (except Veterans Day, Nov. 11)
Time: All practices will be on campus from 3:45 – 5:00 pm
Dress code: Wear appropriate athletic clothing--shorts, t-shirt, and laced sports footwear.
Details: Due to current COVID restrictions, there will be no games played and all students will be required to wear masks. A quick COVID-19 screening and temperature check will be completed before students may enter the campus.
Program Cost: $125 to be billed to your Smart Tuition account
Registration Forms: Please use one of these links to sign up
Boys and Girls in grades 2-5: https://forms.gle/RDM3uEdPfL5xfGGx8
Boys and Girls in grades 6-8: https://forms.gle/6cxexsP8zbrCkF2NA