GRS is excited to announce that on Friday May 20th from 11 am to 1 pm, we will be having a BIPOC event for all grade levels. We will go to Griggs Field, have lunch, and play games organized by the Upper Adolescent students. This space is being created to allow our BIPOC students to be together in an affirming and positive way. Contact Tina in elementary, or Tia, Anu, and Dove in LA and UA if you have further questions (click here for a link to the staff directory).
Notice of Board Special Meeting
Great River School Board will hold a special board meeting on Monday, May 16th to review GRS Pandemic Operations. All community members are welcome to attend, using the Zoom link in the calendar event.
The beginning of the meeting will include up to 15 minutes for Public Comment (read the policy here).
Email executive@greatriverschool.org with questions!
GRS School Board Annual Meeting - May 26th
The GRS School Board’s Annual Meeting is coming up on May 26th at 7pm and will be followed by the regular board meeting. Community members can virtually join by following the Zoom link in the public calendar event.
BIPOC Reading List
The BIPOC Caregiver Group would like to gather book titles and reading suggestions from all members of the GRS community. As a community of readers, this is a way to share what you or people in your home have been reading that represents BIPOC voices. Please take some time to fill out the form and add to the list. We would like as many suggestions as possible by the beginning of June so that the BIPCO caregiver group can share what we have gathered before summer.
Link to the BIPOC booklist form
Half Day on Wednesday May 18th
Wednesday, May 18th will be a half day for all grades. We will dismiss at 11:45am to allow for teacher professional development.
Drivers Education at Great River
DRIVER’S EDUCATION (Students who are 14 years of age and older)
This 30-hour program will be conducted by a certified instructor from the A+ Driving School and will fulfill the state driver’s education requirement. The course will address the “how to” and “whys” of safe driving. The format of the class will be lecture and active discussion. After completion of the program, students will be able to set up and participate in behind-the-wheel sessions to meet the six-hour state requirement.
Classes will meet VIRTUALLY through ZOOM Teleconferencing!
All registration can be done through: www.APlusDrivingSchool.net
Need to miss a few classes--NO PROBLEM. Easy Make-Up classes!
We offer classes all year long with multiple time offerings each day. Take class from ANYWHERE through teleconferencing!
LIVE INSTRUCTORS! FUN CLASSES! PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE!
CLASS DATES and REGISTRATION: www.APlusDrivingSchool.net
Distance Learning Classes! Take classes online from home.
SPRING 2022
Class Dates: April 11,12,13,14, 18,19,20,21, 25,26Class Time: 3-6pm OR 4-7pm OR 6:15-9:15pm
Class Dates: April 27,28, May 2,3,4,5, 9,10,11,12Class Time: 3-6pm OR 4-7pm OR 6:15-9:15pm
Class Dates: May 16,17,18,19,20, 23,24,25,26,27Class Time: 3-6pm OR 4-7pm OR 6:15-9:15pm
SUMMER 2022
Class Dates: June 2022 13,14,15,16, 20,21,22,23, 27,28Class Time: 3-6pm OR 4-7pm OR 6:15-9:15pm
Class Dates: June 29,30, July 5,6,7,8, 11,12,13,14Class Time: 9:30-12:30pm OR 12:45-3:45pm OR 4-7pm
Class Dates: July 18,19,20,21, 25,26,27,28, Aug. 1,2Class Time: 9:30-12:30pm OR 12:45-3:45pm OR 4-7pm
Class Dates: Aug. 3,4, 8,9,10,11, 15,16,17,18Class Time: 9:30-12:30pm OR 12:45-3:45pm OR 4-7pm
Class Dates: Aug. 22,23,24,25,26, 29,30,31, Sep. 1,2 Class Time: 9:30-12:30pm OR 12:45-3:45pm OR 4-7pm
Tree Trust Planting Tomorrow
Great River School is becoming a Learning with Trees School thanks to a grant received from Tree Trust!
On Wednesday, May, 11th GRS students will be planting 79 trees and shrubs around campus. The trees and shrubs will be MN natives and mostly deciduous trees. We will be getting fruit trees and many edible shrubs. Tree name tags will be placed on all trees, including their indigenous name. We will have 8 outdoor benches installed to support the outdoor classroom experience.
(click here to see the full-size tree planting map)
Families please take the time to get to know the trees on our campus and in your neighborhood too.
Any questions can be directed to Scott Alsleben LA Advisor/Occupations Guide (salsleben@greatriverschool.org).
Mountain Bike Ride at Carver Lake Park - 5/22
Derek Damron (Elementary Program Assistant) and Sam Olson (Lower El parent) are inviting *all ages* to come ride mountain bikes at Carver Lake Park on Sunday, May 22nd at 2pm (weather permitting).
Here is a link to the trail map - check it out if you have never been there before! We will meet at the skills area to warm up for a bit, then divide into groups for some trail riding! The majority of folks will likely be there for a few hours. Bring your own snacks, water bottle, bikes, helmets, etc. We will have some tools, a floor pump, first aid, and water in case anyone needs them!
Please reach out if you have any questions about what bikes would be appropriate for this activity. If you NEED a bike in order to join us, please reach out to ddamron@greatriverschool.org and we can try to figure something out. Hope to see you there!
GRS Summer Camp - Build Your Own Longboard
We are partnering with Urban Boatbuilders to offer a brand new camp called Build Your Own Longboard. This 8-day program (M-Th, August 1st to August 11th) offers 7th-10th graders the opportunity to design and build their own longboard from start to finish using various woodworking tools. Learn about construction, tool use, and design from one of their woodworking instructors.
Don't know how to ride a longboard? No problem - we'll teach you. You can feel proud while riding around your neighborhood on a board you built yourself! Only 5 spots left!
We are dedicated to making summer camp possible and affordable for all through our early-bird pricing, sibling discount, multi-program discount, and our scholarship program.
Check out all our camps at www.greatriverschool.org/summercamp.
Student Leadership Voter Registration
Come register to vote Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, week of May 16! Student leadership will be hosting the voter registration drive in the front lobby during lunchtime from 1-1:30pm. Students must be 18 or older by the next election, November 8. Please bring a form of ID with you. Hope to see you there!
Blue Heron Bash - Last Chance at Online Auction Items
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Blue Heron Bash in person and online (and a big thank you to Heather Thomas, organizer extraordinaire)!
So far, we have raised over $30,000 for our pioneering programming. You can still help us reach our fundraising goal of 50k by buying items on our auction site. We have student-made mugs, GRS stickers, and plenty of fun Great Gathering tickets left! ourschool.support/GRSBHB2022
Want to see pictures from last Saturday? Click here!
Last Day to Vote in GRS Board Elections
It's time to vote in the Board Election for the 2022-2023 school year! Voting will be available until 11:59pm on Friday, May 6th. All parents, faculty, and board members are able to vote.
Questions? Email boardchair@greatriverschool.org.
Check out all of the positions and applications below and cast your vote here!
Special One-Year Term, 2022-2023, Teacher member
Standard Two-Year Term, 2022-2024, Teacher Candidate
Standard Two-Year Term, 2022-2024, Parent/Community Member Candidate
Standard Two-Year Term, 2022-2024, Parent Candidate
Standard One-Year Term, 2022-2023, Student Candidate
Thank you for voting!
Great River School Board
Lunch Orders Open for May and June
The kitchen has released a new menu for May & June. We’re excited to be highlighting Chana Masala, Mac ‘n Cheese, and Sunny Noodles as our hot lunch options!
Please remember to pre-order lunches for your child for these months! Haven’t ordered using our lunch portal before? Find tutorials and helpful links on our Nutrition website.
GRS Summer Camp - Adolescent Camps Led by GRS Staff
Adolescent Camp and Staff Highlights!
Please check out the camps below for our Lower and Upper Adolescents:
-Mixed Ultimate led by adolescent staff Scott Alsleben and Aiden Clements–7th-10th–June 27-30; 1:00-4:00
-Advanced Ultimate and Goaltimate led by adolescent staff Scott Alsleben and Aiden Clements–9th-12th–July 11-14; 1:00-4:00
-Print Making led by our elementary Art Guide, Amanda Erickson–7th-10th–July 25-28; 1:00-4:00
-Open Art Camp led by Musical Set Director, Katie Miesle–7th-10th–August 1-4; 9:00-12:00
We are dedicated to making summer camp possible and affordable for all through our early-bird pricing, sibling discount, multi-program discount, and our scholarship program.
Check out all our camps at www.greatriverschool.org/summercamp.
Educator Appreciation Week - May 2nd-6th
This week, May 2nd-6th, is National Teacher Appreciation Week! Here at Great River, we are celebrating Educator Appreciation Week and honoring all of our amazing faculty.
Show your appreciation for all the hardworking staff at GRS this week! PEG has organized a Signup Genius to bring treats, donuts, or drinks! Sign-up here!
BIPOC Caregiver Committee Meeting Tomorrow
The BIPOC Caregiver Committee is a group of caregivers who meet the first Thursday of each month to talk about ways that the school can be more inclusive for BIPOC students while also focusing on encouraging everyone in the school to explore their identity. All caregivers of BIPOC students are welcome.
Our next meeting is tomorrow Thursday, May 5th at 7:45pm. Want to join the BIPOC Caregiver Committee? Email Anu (adean@greatriverschool.org) to get connected!
Bike to School Day Tomorrow
Wednesday, May 4 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 Susan Sochacki, susan.sochacki@gmail.com or 651-775-7166.
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.
Blue Heron Bash - Thank You
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Blue Heron Bash in person and online (and a big thank you to Heather Thomas, organizer extraordinaire)!
So far, we have raised over $30,000 for our pioneering programming. You can still help us reach our fundraising goal of 50k by buying items on our auction site. We have student-made mugs, GRS stickers, and plenty of fun Great Gathering tickets left! ourschool.support/GRSBHB2022
Want to see pictures from last Saturday? Click here!
GRS Board Elections
It's time to vote in the Board Election for the 2022-2023 school year! Voting will be available until 11:59pm on Friday, May 6th. All parents, faculty, and board members are able to vote.
Questions? Email boardchair@greatriverschool.org.
Check out all of the positions and applications below and cast your vote here!
Special One-Year Term, 2022-2023, Teacher member
Standard Two-Year Term, 2022-2024, Teacher Candidate
Standard Two-Year Term, 2022-2024, Parent/Community Member Candidate
Standard Two-Year Term, 2022-2024, Parent Candidate
Standard One-Year Term, 2022-2023, Student Candidate
Thank you for voting!
Great River School Board
Call for donations and volunteers for Bike To School Day
Bike To School Day is next Wednesday, May 4th! 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.