Celebrate the End of the School Year with a Picnic! Join us for good company, food & fun at the Como Park Playground at the West Picnic Lot across from ComoTown after school on Tuesday, May 28. Food Truck Fare available for purchase or bring your own picnic!
TONIGHT! Join us for the SEAC Committee Meeting, Monday, May 20th; 6 - 7pm
There will be a SEAC (Special Education Advisory Council) meeting on Mon., May 20th from 6 - 7 pm.
Join the SEAC meeting on Monday, May 20th from 6-7pm either in person or online (zoom link below) for the topic: Navigating the College transition.
https://minnstate.zoom.us/j/96213611466
Special guest Nee Na Xiong, Director of Disability Services with Saint Paul College, will share some overview information and be available for Q and A.
This session is perfect for Adolescents with an IEP or 504 but is open to all parents / guardians of students currently receiving special education services.
The meeting will be in the media lab at Great River School. If you are unable to attend in person, you can attend via Zoom. Please contact Jeremy Sartain for a Zoom link at sartain.jeremy@gmail.com or 612-414-5224. If you arrive late and can't get into the building on the day of the meeting, call or text Jeremy Sartain at 612-414-5224.
TIME CHANGE: Chamber Choir Concert moved to 6:15pm, Wed., May 22
This Wednesday, our high school Chamber Choir students will present a concert of their own for the first time in almost a decade! Any lower adolescent who enjoys singing and is curious about what choir looks and sounds like at the high school level is strongly encouraged to come to this free night of singing, as well as anyone else who enjoys quality music!
Please note that due to a recent conflict with the Girls' Ultimate conference championship, this concert is now beginning at 6:15pm (still on Wednesday, May 22nd). The concert will finish no later than 7:30pm. Thanks for supporting our performing artists!
Join us for the SEAC Committee Meeting, Monday, May 20th; 6 - 7pm
There will be a SEAC (Special Education Advisory Council) meeting on Mon., May 20th from 6 - 7 pm.
Join the SEAC meeting on Monday, May 20th from 6-7pm either in person or online (zoom link below) for the topic: Navigating the College transition.
https://minnstate.zoom.us/j/96213611466
Special guest Nee Na Xiong, Director of Disability Services with Saint Paul College, will share some overview information and be available for Q and A.
This session is perfect for Adolescents with an IEP or 504 but is open to all parents / guardians of students currently receiving special education services.
The meeting will be in the media lab at Great River School. If you are unable to attend in person, you can attend via Zoom. Please contact Jeremy Sartain for a Zoom link at sartain.jeremy@gmail.com or 612-414-5224. If you arrive late and can't get into the building on the day of the meeting, call or text Jeremy Sartain at 612-414-5224.
End of the Year Picnic! Tuesday, May 28th, 2024
Celebrate the End of the School Year with a Picnic! Join us for good company, food & fun at the Como Park Playground at the West Picnic Lot across from ComoTown after school on Tuesday, May 28. Food Truck Fare available for purchase or bring your own picnic!
Join us for the SEAC Committee Meeting, Monday, May 20th; 6pm
There will be a SEAC (Special Education Advisory Council) meeting on Monday, May 20th at 6pm.
All parents / guardians of students currently receiving special education services are invited to attend and share constructive feedback.
The meeting will be in the media lab at Great River School. If you are unable to attend in person, you can attend via Zoom. Please contact Jeremy Sartain for a Zoom link at sartain.jeremy@gmail.com or 612-414-5224. If you arrive late and can't get into the building on the day of the meeting, call or text Jeremy Sartain at 612-414-5224.
What Is A SEAC?
A SEAC (pronounced “seek”) is an acronym for Special Education Advisory Council, which is a group that provides input on special education issues to its local school district. Its purpose is to advise and advocate, not to decide policy. Minnesota law requires each school district in the state to have a SEAC although it does not specify how the groups should be organized or what duties they should perform. As a result, each SEAC may have a unique mission and structure.
(Source www.pacer.org)
Why Might I Want To Participate On A SEAC?
Parents give many reasons for joining a SEAC, including these:
I may be able to help other families and children with disabilities in my school district.
I can share what I’ve learned since my child began his education.
I can support the school professionals in my district.
I will be a good role model for my child.
I feel good when I make a contribution to this community.
I will learn information and skills that may help me work more effectively with my school district.
I will meet others with similar goals, both parents and school professionals.
I may build positive relationships with others in my district.
I will become more knowledgeable about special education.
By sharing my unique perspective and insights as a parent, I may help the school district work more effectively with families and improve outcomes for children.
(Source www.pacer.org)
Some background information about Jeremy Sartain:
”I am currently the Board Chair for Great River School. One reason I joined the Board is to assure special education (staff, caregivers and students) had representation. My wife, Jennie, and I are organizing SEAC meetings this year (with help from Brad and Lindsey). “
Summer Camp "Late Worm" Discounts!
We have a few camps that need a few more campers, so we are offering a “Late Worm” $40 discount for up to two camps. Simply put in this code at the checkout page: 24LateWorm40 and be sure to click the “Apply Coupon” button to activate it.
For schedules and registration, go to https://great-river-school.jumbula.com/home or email Brent Cummins at bcummins@greatriverschool.org with any questions.
As always, we are dedicated to making summer camp possible and affordable for ALL through our early-bird pricing, sibling discount, multi-program discount and our Pay What You Can program.
One Acts are tomorrow, Saturday, May 11th!
Student-directed one-act performances are TOMORROW on Saturday, May 11th at 6pm! Come see 2 one act plays directed by grs students, sophomore Honesty Oliver and Senior Jackie Le! Come support the grs theater program!
10 Ways to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse by Don Zolidis (Honesty Oliver, director)
It's the end of the world and hordes of rampaging zombies are about to kill you. What do you do? Try your hand at kung fu against the undead? Attempt to reason with creatures that would rather eat brains than use them? Turn to this handy and hilarious guide to survive the apocalypse! (Hint: sacrifice the weak is step number one.)
Good Cop Bad Cop by Ian McWethy, Jason Pizzarello (Jackie Le, director)
A catastrophic street sign switcheroo has two rookie detectives grilling a motley crew of suspects and witnesses. Everyone from the high school mascot to a guy who may be Super Mario is pumped for information...and while these suspicious characters are combative, ridiculous, and downright incompetent, none of them seems guilty. With the clock ticking and their jobs on the line, can this good cop and bad cop collar a suspect before it's too late?
Today is the last day to Vote! Great River School Board Elections 2024 - 2025
Today is the final day to vote in the Board Election for the 2024-2025 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 close at 11:59pm CST Tonight.
If you have questions, feel free to reach out to executive@greatriverschool.org.
All parents, faculty, and board members are able to vote. Voting is open digitally from Monday through Thursday this week! cast your vote here! Election results will be shared the following week.
Questions? Email executive@greatriverschool.org.
Bike with Us This Summer!
Bike with Us This Summer!
–Spring is here and people are tuning up their bikes for the season. If you are one of these people, check out our bike camps at Great River School. Join us (Derek Damron and Nadine Wetzel) for our first ever Bike Packing Adventure where campers will bike and camp for 5 days (June 24-29) between Red Wing and Mankato. This camp is for 7th-10th graders. Invite your friends (you don’t need to be a GRS student)!
If you don’t feel like camping, we have you covered! Sign up for our Urban Biking Adventures, June 11-14, where campers start and end at GRS and bike to different lakes and parks everyday. This camp is for 5th-9th graders. Descriptions and registration information can be found here: https://great-river-school.jumbula.com/7th-10th-full-day-
Please email Brent Cummins at bcummins@greatriverschool.org with any questions.
As always, we are dedicated to making summer camp possible and affordable for ALL through our early-bird pricing, sibling discount, multi-program discount and our Pay What You Can program.
GRS Spirit week! May 13 - May 17
Attention all Students Grades 9 -12! UA Spirit Week is next week and they want you to help participate! You are invited to show your school spirit next week! May 14-17! Check out the details!
REMINDER: Great River School Board Elections 2024 - 2025, Vote now thru May 10th!
It's time to vote in the Board Election for the 2024-2025 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 close at 11:59pm CT on Friday, May 10.
If you have questions, feel free to reach out to executive@greatriverschool.org.
All parents, faculty, and board members are able to vote. Voting is open digitally from Monday through Thursday this week! cast your vote here! Election results will be shared the following week.
Questions? Email executive@greatriverschool.org.
REMINDER: No School, Monday, May 13th
Great River School Board Elections 2024 - 2025
It's time to vote in the Board Election for the 2024-2025 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 opened today, Monday, May 6 at 8am CT.
Voting will close at 11:59pm CT on Friday, May 10.
If you have questions, feel free to reach out to executive@greatriverschool.org.
All parents, faculty, and board members are able to vote. Voting is open digitally from Monday through Thursday this week! cast your vote here! Election results will be shared the following week.
Questions? Email executive@greatriverschool.org.
GRS Annual Blood Drive, Wed., May 15th
Hello all,
The National Honor Society will be hosting our Annual Blood Drive on Wednesday, May 15th from 8:00 - 2:00 in rooms 251/253. We are inviting all caregivers, Faculty, and staff and eligible students to donate as there is a national blood shortage. The Red Cross is offering gift card incentives to volunteers who are able to donate blood.
Here's the Link for more information and to make an appointment.
If you have questions or would like to help volunteer for the event, please reach out to Director of Student Services, Matt McElrath at mmcelrath@greatriverschool.org.
Best - Matt and NHS Students
Adolescent Spring Formal Events! Volunteers and Donations needed!
Prom is only for 11th and 12th grades but did you know there are other opportunities for all Adolescents to attend a student planned special Spring Formal event? Are you looking to volunteer or donate to these incredible events put together by our hardworking students? Check them out below!
SPRING FORMAL, THURS., MAY 16TH, 2024
(7TH AND 8TH GRADES)
All 7th & 8th grade students are invited on Thursday, May 16th from 7:00pm-9:00pm to the Spring Formal Dance which will take place in the gym here at Great River School.
Garden Party is the theme and there will be snacks, drinks, and music!
Dress code is Formal and Admission will cost $3 for entry.
VOLUNTEER HELP! This dance is being planned by students and is not possible without the help of our caregivers and community members! We need your help! Sign up to volunteer or donate here! We are counting on you!
Brought to you by LA Student Leadership
GARDEN UNDER THE STARS DANCE, THU., MAY 23, 2024 (9TH, 10TH GRADES)
All 9th & 10th grade students are invited on Thursday, May 23rd from 7:00pm-9:00pm to the Garden Under the Stars Dance which will take place in the gym here at Great River School.
Summer Garden Under the Stars is the theme and there will be snacks, drinks, and music!
Dress code is Formal and Admission will cost $10 for entry.
Spirit Award - Towards the end of the night everyone will vote for two winners of the dance Spirit Award, which will be whoever you think brought the most spirit and good energy to the dance!
Winners will receive a crown and will each get to request a song to play.
Don't vote for a student outside of 9th or 10th Grade.
BE KIND! It's not a competition so don't bring yourself or anyone else down!
VOLUNTEER HELP! This dance is being planned by students and is not possible without the help of our caregivers and community members! We need your help! Sign up to volunteer or donate here! We are counting on you!
Brought to you by LA & UA Student Leadership
PROM 2024, THURS. MAY 30TH, 2024
(11TH AND 12TH GRADES)
Who's invited?: Any GRS juniors or seniors, each junior and senior is permitted 1 plus one. If the plus one is from another school they must fill out this form.
When: Prom 2024 will be on Thurs., May 30th from 7-10 pm.
Where: Station 10 at 754 Randolph Ave, St Paul, MN 55102
Parking: Free; Limited availability in the venue lot
Save on prom tickets!
By buying a ticket for a plus one from a school other than GRS, you’ll get 20% off your overall purchase. Purchases are limited to two tickets.
Payments may be made online by Credit Card, Debit Card, or in person at GRS Front Desk by Cash, or Check. Discounted tickets will need to be purchased in person at GRS Front Desk with Jennifer Nelson.
Early Bird $25: March 25th - April 14th
Mid Price $30: April 15th - April 30th
May Sales $35: May 1st - May 29th
At the Door $40: May 30th
Theme: Moonlit Ocean
Dress code: Black tie encouraged but not required.
IMPORTANT: In order to attend prom you must sign this form to show that you understand you will be charged a fee of $500 and subject to immediate removal from the premises if you bring ANY alcohol or drugs to prom (you can print and sign or make a copy of the document and type your name in) and give it or share it with Gina Sedlacek (gsedlacek@greatriverschool.org). Printed versions will be available in the Upper Adolescent commons or the front desk.
VOLUNTEER HELP! This dance is being planned by students and is not possible without the help of our caregivers and community members! We need your help! Sign up to volunteer or donate here! We are counting on you!
Brought to you by UA Student Leadership - Prom planning committee
Parent Engagement Group partners with Chipotle, May 7th, 2024
Let us help you with dinner and support the GRS PEG community! The Parent Engagement Group has partnered with Chipotle to help you with dinner on May 7th (Tuesday) and raise money for the Parent Engagement group. Win, Win, Win for everyone !
May 7th (Taco Tuesday) at Chipotle from 4 to 8 pm
857 Grand Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55105 Use the code WLFAFXR
BIPOC Gathering! May 22nd, 2024 at Griggs Park!
Please join us for the year end schoolwide BIPOC gathering at Griggs Park. Students that identify as BIPOC and interested in attending can sign up HERE.
Ultimate Frisbee wins!
The Girls Ultimate team traveled to Madison, WI this weekend and went 5-0, winning the "Madison Mudbath Tournament." They endured just about every type of weather the midwest sees in the spring, high gusts of wind, 70s and sunny, and of course 50s and pouring rain.They played 4 games on Saturday against Madison West, Middleton, Vel Phillips Memorial, and TENGU. On Sunday, they played Hopkins in the final and won 10-7. It was a great weekend full of competitive frisbee and team bonding!
PEG Monthly Newsletter - May 2024
For ongoing PEG news and more details on opportunities to volunteer and connect with other families, check out their monthly newsletter. Happy Reading! https://www.smore.com/n/x1pbe