REMINDER: BIPOC Caregiver Meeting, Thursday, May 4th; 7:45pm
REMINDER: BIPOC caregiver meeting will be held Thursday, May 4th at 7:45pm via zoom.
The zoom link can be accessed HERE.
Please email Jordan Samejima (jsamejima@greatriverschool.org) or Anu Dean (adean@greatriverschool.org) if you have any questions.
Adolescent Information Sessions, TONIGHT, Tuesday
Great River School Board Elections 2023 - 2024
It's time to vote in the Board Election for the 2023-2024 school year! Thank you to all of our candidates for being willing to serve on the board! We have a great group of candidates. Caregivers and Faculty, please check them out here! Voting will start Monday, May 1st at 8:00am. All parents, faculty, and board members are able to vote. Voting is open digitally from Monday through Thursday next week! cast your vote here! Election results will be shared the following week.
Questions? Email executive@greatriverschool.org.
Bike to School Day Next Wednesday 5/3
Wednesday, May 3 is Bike to School Day! Plan to ride to school.
Students and parents who would like to participate in a group ride are invited to meet-up at the locations below. A map of the meet-up locations can be viewed here!
Parents can support all riders by joining a group ride. Please plan to ride if your student is a novice rider or needs extra attention. Parent volunteers leading the ride shall not be liable for any damages arising from personal injuries that are a result of student participation in the Great River School National Bike to School Day event. In event of inclement weather, Bike to School Day may be postponed until Wednesday, May 11. Watch school announcements for details. Please notify the site group leader if you need to cancel your participation for any reason.
We are looking for donations of fruit and snacks, and volunteers to help direct bikers and hand out giveaway items. Please sign up at this link.
Helmets required. Notify the group leader at your preferred meet up spot that you plan to ride with them so no one gets left behind. Please make sure to arrange after school transportation with your student and group leader. Arrive early enough to check tire pressure and review group ride basics before listed departure times.
Horton Park (departing at 8:10am), Hamline Avenue at Englewood. Contact Casy Fath, casy.fath@gmail.com or 651-325-1807.
McMurray Field (departing at 8:00am), southwest corner of Como/Wynne Avenue and Lexington. Contact Karen Solas, ksolas@gmail.com or 651-334-0793.
Newell Park (departing at 8:10am). Northwest corner of Hewitt and Wheelter. Contact Abram Shapiro, abr@mshapiro.com or 650-296-8692.
Longfellow Park (departing at 7:50), corner of east 34th St and 36th Ave S. Contact Randy Lewandowski, randylewandowski@gmail.com or 612-250-5001.
Parent Coffee Social Wednesday, May 3 from 8:15 to 9:00am
Bike to school with your students and stay for a cup of coffee with other parents!
Bike to School Day Next Wednesday 5/3
Wednesday, May 3 is Bike to School Day! Plan to ride to school.
Students and parents who would like to participate in a group ride are invited to meet-up at the locations below. A map of the meet-up locations can be viewed here!
Parents can support all riders by joining a group ride. Please plan to ride if your student is a novice rider or needs extra attention. Parent volunteers leading the ride shall not be liable for any damages arising from personal injuries that are a result of student participation in the Great River School National Bike to School Day event. In event of inclement weather, Bike to School Day may be postponed until Wednesday, May 11. Watch school announcements for details. Please notify the site group leader if you need to cancel your participation for any reason.
We are looking for donations of fruit and snacks, and volunteers to help direct bikers and hand out giveaway items. Please sign up at this link.
Helmets required. Notify the group leader at your preferred meet up spot that you plan to ride with them so no one gets left behind. Please make sure to arrange after school transportation with your student and group leader. Arrive early enough to check tire pressure and review group ride basics before listed departure times.
Horton Park (departing at 8:10am), Hamline Avenue at Englewood. Contact Casy Fath, casy.fath@gmail.com or 651-325-1807.
McMurray Field (departing at 8:00am), southwest corner of Como/Wynne Avenue and Lexington. Contact Karen Solas, ksolas@gmail.com or 651-334-0793.
Newell Park (departing at 8:10am). Northwest corner of Hewitt and Wheelter. Contact Abram Shapiro, abr@mshapiro.com or 650-296-8692.
Longfellow Park (departing at 7:50), corner of east 34th St and 36th Ave S. Contact Randy Lewandowski, randylewandowski@gmail.com or 612-250-5001.
Parent Coffee Social Wednesday, May 4 from 8:15 to 9:00am
Bike to school with your students and stay for a cup of coffee with other parents!
Animal Fundraiser for our GRS Animals
Folk school update--Yoga on Thursdays!
Yoga for all bodies and abilities (ages 12 and up)
Thursdays, 5:30-6:30 pm, April 27-May 25 (5 sessions)
Instructor: Delany Breitbach
Move, breathe, and sweat for 60 minutes of vinyasa yoga with good tunes and great energy with Delany (Health and Wellness Workshop and Big Canoe Guide). Whether you're a long time practitioner or just getting started, Delany teaches to all bodies and abilities, and empowers her students to move in ways that feel good to them. She is a 200-hour Certified Yoga Teacher and took her trainings in both Vinyasa/Power Yoga and Hot 26 in 2019 through her old home studio of Muddy Feet Yoga in Iowa City before moving to the Twin Cities. Bring a water bottle, towel, and any other item you may want to use in your practice. The only expectation is that you honor where you're at on that day and spend the 60 minutes taking care of you.
Cost: $75 (5 sessions)
GRS Garden Days! Come join us!
If you are interested in joining us to maintain the garden, sign-up on the form below or contact Jacqueline Egan at egan0135@umn.edu!
Sign-up Genius
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D48A8A62AA2F4C61-garden
Thank you for your consideration and time.
Correction: Spring Archery for Lower Elementary
Spring Archery Session for Lower Elementary
Wednesdays, May 3-31 from 3:30-4:15 pm (5 sessions)
Cost is $100 (Corrected Price)
Space is limited Scholarships in case of need and discounts for current Big Canoe participants are available; contact bigcanoe@greatriverschool.org
GRS Garden Days
Spring Archery for Lower Elementary
Spring Archery Session for Lower Elementary
Wednesdays, May 3-31 from 3:30-4:15 pm (5 sessions)
Cost is $100
Space is limited Scholarships in case of need and discounts for current Big Canoe participants are available; contact bigcanoe@greatriverschool.org
Coming this Spring! Great River Folk School!
The Great River Folk School is a new community education initiative open to all: parents, families, friends and connections of Great River School.
All classes are offered at Great River School. Click the link to sign up!
Contact Karen at kanway@greatriverschool.org with any questions. Scholarships are available to assist with fees, contact kanway@greatriverschool.org for more information. To sign up for any of the classes, click on this link.
Yoga for all bodies and abilities (ages 12 and up)
Mondays, 5:30-6:30 pm, April 24-May 22 (5 sessions)
Instructor: Delany Breitbach
Move, breathe, and sweat for 60 minutes of vinyasa yoga with good tunes and great energy with Delany (Health and Wellness Workshop and Big Canoe Guide). Whether you're a long time practitioner or just getting started, Delany teaches to all bodies and abilities, and empowers her students to move in ways that feel good to them. She is a 200-hour Certified Yoga Teacher and took her trainings in both Vinyasa/Power Yoga and Hot 26 in 2019 through her old home studio of Muddy Feet Yoga in Iowa City before moving to the Twin Cities. Bring a water bottle, towel, and any other item you may want to use in your practice. The only expectation is that you honor where you're at on that day and spend the 60 minutes taking care of you.
Cost: $75 (5 sessions)
Archery for Adults
Wednesdays, 4:30-5:15 pm, April 26-May 24 (5 sessions)
Instructors: Hadley Musselman and Lynn Overvoorde
Why should the kids have all the fun? Come learn the point of this rapid-fire sport. Instructors will help participants improve their technique, accuracy, and coordination. Arrow repair and care of equipment will also be demonstrated. Come learn why so many people enjoy this accessible and fun sport!
Cost: $75 (5 sessions)
Plant-based eating/nutrition
Monday, May 1, 6:30-8 pm
Instructor: Lauren Robinson
Are you curious about Plant-Based Eating for yourself and/or your family? Do you want to hear inspiring reasons for eating this way? Learn from a mother and Vegan of 9+ years who feeds a family of five 100% plant based meals. You'll get an introduction into the science of the lifestyle that can revolutionize your health and well being from someone certified in Plant Based Nutrition through Cornell University. You'll take home an information packet with tools to help you begin your journey. Vegan treats will be served.
Cost: $15
Spoon Carving
Wednesday May 3, 5:30-8:30
Instructor: Lynn Overvoorde
Learn how to carve a spoon using traditional Nordic carving techniques. We cover tree anatomy, axing out a blank (roughed out spoon shape), knife holds for the hook & sloyd knife, drying, and finishing. This class is great for the beginner or the person wanting to learn Sloyd style carving. Please wear closed toed-shoes, as we are going to make some wood chips!
Cost: $65 (includes materials cost)
Herbal Salve-Making
Wednesday, May 3, 6-8 pm
Instructor: Emily Pearson Ryan (www.lowlandplantmedicine.com)
Herbal salves (aka Ointments or Balms) are used topically. They nourish skin, smell lovely and carry strong medicine. Making your own salves/ointments is a great entry point into crafting your own medicine and taking the care of your health and your family's health into your own hands!
Participants will be given information on some of the many ways to infuse oils with plant material, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different oils, and learn a few easy plants to begin with and what they might be helpful for. Then we'll try our hand at mixing a 1-oz salve to take home.
Beginners, including interested children, are welcome! Experienced medicine-makers are encouraged to come and share what they know!
Cost: $40 (includes $10 materials fee)
Earth Day is almost here!! Join us!
Hello All,
Please join us for 1-3 hours of work on Earth Day, April 22 from 9:00-12:00 here at school. Kids are welcome! We will be cleaning up outside, spreading woodchips, fixing fences, adding rocks to our "river", building borders for woodchips and more! We have 2 truckloads of wood chips and 2 tons of rocks coming and we need your help! Sign up HERE! The EggRoll Queen food truck will be here at noon if you want to stay for lunch. Thanks!
GRS Food Program Town Hall | Wednesday, April 19; 6:00pm
This Wednesday, April 19th at 6pm we are having a town-hall style webinar meeting about our lunch program. This is because of the new legislation around free lunch for all MN students and we want to talk about the impact it will have on our nutrition program. On that evening we will be sharing all the information we have, answering questions, and offering caregivers a survey to collect opinions on this topic.
Here is the Zoom link to join the meeting at 6pm on Wednesday!
Coming this Spring! Great River Folk School!
The Great River Folk School is a new community education initiative open to all: parents, families, friends and connections of Great River School.
All classes are offered at Great River School. Click the link to sign up!
Contact Karen at kanway@greatriverschool.org with any questions. Scholarships are available to assist with fees, contact kanway@greatriverschool.org for more information. To sign up for any of the classes, click on this link.
Yoga for all bodies and abilities (ages 12 and up)
Mondays, 5:30-6:30 pm, April 24-May 22 (5 sessions)
Instructor: Delany Breitbach
Move, breathe, and sweat for 60 minutes of vinyasa yoga with good tunes and great energy with Delany (Health and Wellness Workshop and Big Canoe Guide). Whether you're a long time practitioner or just getting started, Delany teaches to all bodies and abilities, and empowers her students to move in ways that feel good to them. She is a 200-hour Certified Yoga Teacher and took her trainings in both Vinyasa/Power Yoga and Hot 26 in 2019 through her old home studio of Muddy Feet Yoga in Iowa City before moving to the Twin Cities. Bring a water bottle, towel, and any other item you may want to use in your practice. The only expectation is that you honor where you're at on that day and spend the 60 minutes taking care of you.
Cost: $75 (5 sessions)
Archery for Adults
Wednesdays, 4:30-5:15 pm, April 26-May 24 (5 sessions)
Instructors: Hadley Musselman and Lynn Overvoorde
Why should the kids have all the fun? Come learn the point of this rapid-fire sport. Instructors will help participants improve their technique, accuracy, and coordination. Arrow repair and care of equipment will also be demonstrated. Come learn why so many people enjoy this accessible and fun sport!
Cost: $75 (5 sessions)
Plant-based eating/nutrition
Monday, May 1, 6:30-8 pm
Instructor: Lauren Robinson
Are you curious about Plant-Based Eating for yourself and/or your family? Do you want to hear inspiring reasons for eating this way? Learn from a mother and Vegan of 9+ years who feeds a family of five 100% plant based meals. You'll get an introduction into the science of the lifestyle that can revolutionize your health and well being from someone certified in Plant Based Nutrition through Cornell University. You'll take home an information packet with tools to help you begin your journey. Vegan treats will be served.
Cost: $15
Spoon Carving
Wednesday May 3, 5:30-8:30
Instructor: Lynn Overvoorde
Learn how to carve a spoon using traditional Nordic carving techniques. We cover tree anatomy, axing out a blank (roughed out spoon shape), knife holds for the hook & sloyd knife, drying, and finishing. This class is great for the beginner or the person wanting to learn Sloyd style carving. Please wear closed toed-shoes, as we are going to make some wood chips!
Cost: $65 (includes materials cost)
Herbal Salve-Making
Wednesday, May 3, 6-8 pm
Instructor: Emily Pearson Ryan (www.lowlandplantmedicine.com)
Herbal salves (aka Ointments or Balms) are used topically. They nourish skin, smell lovely and carry strong medicine. Making your own salves/ointments is a great entry point into crafting your own medicine and taking the care of your health and your family's health into your own hands!
Participants will be given information on some of the many ways to infuse oils with plant material, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different oils, and learn a few easy plants to begin with and what they might be helpful for. Then we'll try our hand at mixing a 1-oz salve to take home.
Beginners, including interested children, are welcome! Experienced medicine-makers are encouraged to come and share what they know!
Cost: $40 (includes $10 materials fee)
Q&A Session with the Board: Becoming a Board Member | Wed., April 12; 3:30pm
Just a reminder that the application deadline has been extended the application deadline to Friday, April 21st and postpone the elections from April 10-14 to May 1-4. Please consider applying!
As of April 10th, we are in need of at least 2 more teacher applicants, and 3 more caregiver or community applicants. Maintaining a staffed board is an important part of maintaining our charter.
For More Information: GRS Board Information 2023
To apply complete this link or scan the QR code to the left: GRS Board Application Form
Great News! GRS Board application deadline has been extended to April 21st!
Due to our need for members next year, and the convergence of the Blue Heron Bash, Conferences, and Spring Break, at the same time as our planned communication and recruitment, the GRS Board voted to extend the application deadline to Friday, April 21st and postpone the elections from April 10-14 to May 1-4. Please consider applying!
As of March 29th, we are in need of at least 2 more teacher applicants, and 3 more caregiver or community applicants. Maintaining a staffed board is an important part of maintaining our charter.
For More Information: GRS Board Information 2023
To apply complete this link or scan the QR code to the left: GRS Board Application Form
Great News! GRS Board application deadline has been extended to April 21st!
Due to our need for members next year, and the convergence of the Blue Heron Bash, Conferences, and Spring Break, at the same time as our planned communication and recruitment, the GRS Board voted to extend the application deadline to Friday, April 21st and postpone the elections from April 10-14 to May 1-4. Please consider applying!
As of March 29th, we are in need of at least 2 more teacher applicants, and 3 more caregiver or community applicants. Maintaining a staffed board is an important part of maintaining our charter.
For More Information: GRS Board Information 2023
To apply complete this link or scan the QR code to the left: GRS Board Application Form
Thank you Spring Conference Volunteers!
We had some amazing volunteers for this years conferences! We put in 100 hours and had a great time in the kitchen getting to know each other, and preparing meals!
Thanks to our donors who contributed $1521 already to cover expenses for snacks, beverages and food! The venmo donations made it so easy to coordinate purchasing! We still have a deficit of $421 if you still want to contribute, you can venmo @sagewellbeing, last 4 of phone number 5781. Anything additional will go toward our end of year teacher gift fundraising.
Our next PEG Planning meeting is tuesday April 4, (yes over spring break), 6:00 - 7:30pm
Topic: Planning for the Earth Day Clean Up Event. on April 22, 9am - 12 noon.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81880261294?pwd=MUhzUit4OWF4V1RUS2gwTWJ3VmpmQT09
Meeting ID: 818 8026 1294 | Passcode: 934910
Earth Day Clean Up Event Sign Up Genius: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0D49A4A62BABF94-earth1
Future Dates for GRS Parent Engagement Group (PEG) Meetings
May 2, 2023 06:00 PM
Jun 6, 2023 06:00 PM
Jul 4, 2023 06:00 PM
Aug 1, 2023 06:00 PM
For more information contact:
Mary Sage, Sage Wellbeing
805-801-5781