Upper Adolescent

REMINDER: Volunteer for the GRS Foundation, Info Session, Nov. 9, 7:00pm

You need volunteer hours…the GRS Foundation needs volunteers! Learn more about volunteering for the GRS Foundation at a short info session Tonight, Wednesday, November 9, at 7:00 pm: https://tinyurl.com/yc5skjfv

There are so many ways to get involved: from short one-time jobs to long-term standing committees, there’s a place for everyone!

The GRS Foundation is a volunteer group of parents and community members who spearhead fundraising efforts for our tuition-free public school. Because charter schools, like GRS, receive less money than district public schools, we need our community to help make up the gap so we can keep offering all the unique experiences our school provides. 

Volunteer for the GRS Foundation, Info Session, November 9, 7:00pm

You need volunteer hours…the GRS Foundation needs volunteers! Learn more about volunteering for the GRS Foundation at a short info session on Wednesday, November 9, at 7:00 pm: https://tinyurl.com/yc5skjfv

There are so many ways to get involved: from short one-time jobs to long-term standing committees, there’s a place for everyone!

The GRS Foundation is a volunteer group of parents and community members who spearhead fundraising efforts for our tuition-free public school. Because charter schools, like GRS, receive less money than district public schools, we need our community to help make up the gap so we can keep offering all the unique experiences our school provides. 

Support GRS: Montessori Materials

Montessori materials in our elementary classrooms are one of the things that set GRS apart from other schools. The moveable alphabet, maps, equation cards, bead bars, work rugs, plants, and classroom pets all provide a beautifully prepared environment for students.

Donations from families help provide enriching Montessori materials for the classrooms. If you are able, now is a great time to give. Click to donate. 

No amount is too big or too small!

Request for Yearbook Help

As many of you who have pre-purchased one know, the 2020-21 and 2021-22 yearbooks have not been printed yet. The pandemic really put a damper on our ability to produce yearbooks and both require quite a bit of work before they are ready to print. I want the students to be able to focus on working on the current year's book, so I am requesting some parent volunteers to help finish our old books. Once we are caught up, I hope to get on our pre-pandemic yearbook schedule.

We use a cloud-based program, so after a little orientation, folks can work independently on it. Please reach out to me at skreger@greatriverschool.org if you are interested.

Support GRS: Key Experiences at GRS

Key Experiences are a hallmark of the Great River education—and they are provided free of charge for all students. An important student bonding and learning experience during the school year, students embark on trips where they learn to work together as a community, develop trust in each other, try new experiences, and gain independence.  

Donations from families help provide the unique learning opportunities and life-changing experiences that define the Great River education. No amount is too big or too small—give at a level that is comfortable for your family. greatriverschool.org/give

GRS Theatre Presents "Clue", Nov. 18th & 19th

Based on the iconic 1985 Paramount movie which was inspired by the classic Hasbro board
game, Clue is a hilarious farce-meets-murder mystery. The tale begins at a remote mansion,
where six mysterious guests assemble for an unusual dinner party where murder and blackmail are on the menu. When their host turns up dead, they all become suspects. Led by Wadsworth – the butler, Miss Scarlett, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock and Colonel Mustard race to find the killer as the body count stacks up. Clue is the comedy whodunit that will leave both cult-fans and newcomers in stitches as they try to figure out…WHO did it, WHERE, and with WHAT!

Tickets on sale now on the GRS website and at the following link: https://www.greatriverschool.org/clue.

Synopsis from the Broadway Licensing.com

Lost and Found: Everything to be donated after conferences

Greetings!

With the change of weather from cold to warm, and further still beautiful weather, coupled with the everyday comings and goings, we seem to have accumulated a lot of student items in the Lost and Found. Students often lose articles of clothing as the weather changes, backpacks, lunch bags, hats and gloves, etc.
There are an abundance of Lost and Found items in the entryway of the lower doors, nearest the cafe, so please stop by during conferences to search through the items to see if any of the items belong to your child.

No School Wed., Nov. 2nd thru Fri. Nov. 4th, for Teacher PD and Fall Conferences

Due to Teacher Professional Development and Fall Conferences, there will be no classes for students Wednesday, November 2nd through Friday, November 4th.

While Big Canoe childcare is being offered during conferences, unfortunately there are no more spots available.

Please feel free to contact bigcanoe@greatriverschool.org with questions.

Volunteer Opportunity!: Nutritional Support for Conferences

It's time for Great River School conferences and our tradition of nutritional support! 

We are doing things a little differently this round in order to better connect the staff to food, more effectively use the generous donations from families, AND build community making meals. Some meals will be a combination of ready-to-eat contributions, AND cooking food with other families at the November PEG (Parent Engagement Group) Meeting. Please note the expected drop off times for the food for different meals including the after school pick up line on Tuesday.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d49a4a62babf94-conferences7

Across the top of this sign-up are tabs for: 

In Person Support - Help setting up meals, replenishing snacks & keeping things tidy throughout conferences, including the chance to prep food for meals at the PEG Meeting with other community members.

Donate Items - Staff really appreciate donated items like snacks, drinks & ingredients for meals.

These two days provide an important opportunity for families and guides to check in about our children's experiences at GRS so far this year. To accomplish this, the teachers will be putting in long days engaging in focused conversations with all of us.

The time and food that families contribute not only keeps everyone nourished, but serves as an important show of support for all that the guides and staff do for our kids. Please consider putting in some family volunteer time for this effort... it takes a village to feed everyone!

IB Theatre Collaborative Night, TOMORROW, Tuesday, November 1, 2022

Our annual IB Theatre Collaborative Performance night is tomorrow! Mark your calendars for this free event (geared primarily toward adolescents and adults) on Tomorrow, Tuesday, November 1st from 7 - 8:30pm.

Students have been working in small groups to create new and entirely original short plays as part of an assessment, and now the time has come to perform them for a public audience. There will be four short plays this year, with a talkback session after each group so they can evaluate how well they've met their intentions for their chosen target audience. Below are descriptions of the play to help you decide if this evening of theatre is something you would enjoy:

Light and Shadow

When a girl gets transported into a shadow world. She will have to figure out who is friend and who is foe. A story of lights and shadow.

Launch Break

Launch Break is an adventurous space odyssey following three astronauts, Tim, Phil, and Paul, as they make their way to the planet Caffeterium, but everything may not be as it seems. This short comedy is a fun adventure through the stars.

BroadwayOfficialReviewsOfficially.com: 17/17 Stars

"This show is truly a marvel in theaterism, quantum space theory, and social commentary."

The Tragic Toussaint Tussle
The Toussaints are your typical elitist upper class family, with oodles of old money. After years of separation, the family is brought together once again to mourn their matriarch Eloise Toussaint's unexpected passing. As they celebrate her life and legacy , old grudges, vendettas and greed surface amongst the family. Above all else, the question of whether or not the Toussaints can survive depends on a single piece of paper: The Will.

Three Black Roses 

This original production inspired by Carrie Underwood's “Two Black Cadillacs” follows the story of three women as they explore the explosive nature of love and learn that every rose really does have its thorns. Watch as they bowl, dine, dance, and drive the night away and break out their best lipsticks.

Volunteer Opportunity!: Nutritional Support for Conferences

It's time for Great River School conferences and our tradition of nutritional support! 

We are doing things a little differently this round in order to better connect the staff to food, more effectively use the generous donations from families, AND build community making meals. Some meals will be a combination of ready-to-eat contributions, AND cooking food with other families at the November PEG (Parent Engagement Group) Meeting. Please note the expected drop off times for the food for different meals including the after school pick up line on Tuesday.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d49a4a62babf94-conferences7

Across the top of this sign-up are tabs for: 

In Person Support - Help setting up meals, replenishing snacks & keeping things tidy throughout conferences, including the chance to prep food for meals at the PEG Meeting with other community members.

Donate Items - Staff really appreciate donated items like snacks, drinks & ingredients for meals.

These two days provide an important opportunity for families and guides to check in about our children's experiences at GRS so far this year. To accomplish this, the teachers will be putting in long days engaging in focused conversations with all of us.

The time and food that families contribute not only keeps everyone nourished, but serves as an important show of support for all that the guides and staff do for our kids. Please consider putting in some family volunteer time for this effort... it takes a village to feed everyone!

No Halloween costumes on Monday

Monday is Halloween, and while this is a holiday that many families celebrate and enjoy, we would like to remind everyone that we will not wear costumes to school and candy should stay home. We hope everyone that celebrates has a spooky time.

If you choose to wear costumes for your own personal celebrations outside of school, please mindful when choosing a costume and remember keep in mind cultures are not costumes.

Cultures, not costumes

5 Questions to Consider:

1. To What Ethnic/Racial/Cultural Group Does the Practice or Artifact Belong?

2. How Is the Group that the Practice or Artifact Belongs to Oppressed?

3. Do You Benefit from Doing This? How?

4. Why Might It Make Someone Uncomfortable?

5. What Makes It Possible for You to Engage with this Practice, Tradition, or Material?   
(How did you come to acquire the artifact or elements of the practice?)

Some think dressing up in certain aspects of a race, culture or religion for one night is harmless, however, it commodifies those cultures, races, and religions, offending those whose lives are being commodified.

Remember to be mindful and remind your students that cultures are not costumes.
For more on the “My Culture Is Not a Costume” campaign, visit Ohio.edu | culture, not a costume

Box Top$ for Education: Submitting Digital Receipts

Great news: participants can now submit digital receipts right from the Box Tops app home screen by tapping "Scan" and choosing "digital receipt." Spread the word, and be sure to tell participants they need iPhone iOS14+ or Android 7+ devices to access this new feature.

Volunteer Opportunity!: Nutritional Support

It's time for Great River School conferences and our tradition of nutritional support! 

We are doing things a little differently this round in order to better connect the staff to food, more effectively use the generous donations from families, AND build community making meals. Some meals will be a combination of ready-to-eat contributions, AND cooking food with other families at the November PEG (Parent Engagement Group) Meeting. Please note the expected drop off times for the food for different meals including the after school pick up line on Tuesday.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d49a4a62babf94-conferences7

Across the top of this sign-up are tabs for: 

In Person Support - Help setting up meals, replenishing snacks & keeping things tidy throughout conferences, including the chance to prep food for meals at the PEG Meeting with other community members.

Donate Items - Staff really appreciate donated items like snacks, drinks & ingredients for meals.

These two days provide an important opportunity for families and guides to check in about our children's experiences at GRS so far this year. To accomplish this, the teachers will be putting in long days engaging in focused conversations with all of us.

The time and food that families contribute not only keeps everyone nourished, but serves as an important show of support for all that the guides and staff do for our kids. Please consider putting in some family volunteer time for this effort... it takes a village to feed everyone!

Winter Sports Sign-up, Deadline Wed., Nov. 9!

HS Winter Sports are here, but the deadline to sign-up is fast approaching! Winter varsity and junior varsity sports registrations will close on Wednesday, November 9th. The form for registration is available online under quick links on the TCA website, in a packet by the main office, as well as included in PDF form at the following link: Winter Sports Registration Form

Winter sports include: girls basketball, boys basketball, Nordic ski, boys hockey, girls hockey, and cheer! Spots are limited and close Wednesday Nov 9th! Go Tigers!

Big Canoe Childcare during Conferences

Big Canoe will offer full day childcare from 8 am - 5 pm on November 2, 3 and 4. The cost per day is $90 per child.

There is a 10% off discount for siblings, just use the code SIB10 to get this discount. We do have scholarships available for families who qualify for free or reduced lunch; please Email bigcanoe@greatriverschool.org for more details.

Space is limited. Use this link to sign up.

Equity Review Presentation

Dear GRS Families,

As a result of the equity audit conducted by Equity Alliance MN in the Spring of 2022, we have some important work ahead of us and we would like parents to be involved in the process by joining a committee. The committee will be represented by administration, staff, parents, and students. This committee will take part in developing our equity action plan which will be utilized to develop short and long term action items and will also be a critical component in shaping the 5 year strategic plan.

Equity Alliance MN presented the findings to the school board on October 18th and I understand that there were caregivers that could not attend. The Equity Review presentation is attached at the following link:
Equity Review Presentation ppt.

Please contact Jordan Samejima (jsamejima@greatriverschool.org) by November 1st if you have an interest in joining the committee. Meeting dates, times, and frequency will be determined once we have compiled a list of potential committee members.

Thank you for your commitment to Great River as a community.

IB Theatre Collaborative Night, Tuesday, November 1, 2022

Our annual IB Theatre Collaborative Performance night is fast approaching! Mark your calendars for this free event (geared primarily toward adolescents and adults) on Tuesday, November 1st from 7 - 8:30pm.

Students have been working in small groups to create new and entirely original short plays as part of an assessment, and now the time has come to perform them for a public audience. There will be four short plays this year, with a talkback session after each group so they can evaluate how well they've met their intentions for their chosen target audience. Below are descriptions of the play to help you decide if this evening of theatre is something you would enjoy:

Light and Shadow

When a girl gets transported into a shadow world. She will have to figure out who is friend and who is foe. A story of lights and shadow.

Launch Break

Launch Break is an adventurous space odyssey following three astronauts, Tim, Phil, and Paul, as they make their way to the planet Caffeterium, but everything may not be as it seems. This short comedy is a fun adventure through the stars.

BroadwayOfficialReviewsOfficially.com: 17/17 Stars

"This show is truly a marvel in theaterism, quantum space theory, and social commentary."

The Tragic Toussaint Tussle
The Toussaints are your typical elitist upper class family, with oodles of old money. After years of separation, the family is brought together once again to mourn their matriarch Eloise Toussaint's unexpected passing. As they celebrate her life and legacy , old grudges, vendettas and greed surface amongst the family. Above all else, the question of whether or not the Toussaints can survive depends on a single piece of paper: The Will.

Three Black Roses 

This original production inspired by Carrie Underwood's “Two Black Cadillacs” follows the story of three women as they explore the explosive nature of love and learn that every rose really does have its thorns. Watch as they bowl, dine, dance, and drive the night away and break out their best lipsticks.

High School Winter Sports Sign-up opens, Tomorrow, October 19th

HS Winter Sports are here! Winter varsity and junior varsity sports registrations will open Wednesday the 19th. Forms will be available online under quick links on the TCA website or you can pick up a packet from Coach V or the main office. Winter sports include: girls basketball, boys basketball, nordic ski, boys hockey, girls hockey, and cheer! Spots are limited and close Wednesday Nov 9th! Go Tigers!