written by David Núñez, Head of School

Dear GRS Community,

December is a short month with a long break here at Great River, and as we approach the end of the calendar year, I want to wish you all a restful and joyful holiday season. Whether you celebrate, relax, or spend time together in your own special ways, I hope this time is meaningful for you and your loved ones.

Winter Break also means we’re nearing the midpoint of the school year. For the UA, the semester ends at the end of January, making the break an excellent opportunity to check in with your student—especially if they are in the 9-12 program—to ensure they feel confident and on track with their academic work. The 7/8 program is on trimesters and is in the middle of their theater intensive. If there’s anything causing concern, I encourage you to connect with your student’s guide after the break to create a plan for success together.

As we reflect on the year so far, I want to share some highlights:

Celebrating Creativity: This fall, our students have shown tremendous creativity, from their music classes to their art classes, from the 7/8 theater intensive to the fall play, Queens. Their hard work and artistry has brought and is still bringing our community together in inspiring ways.
Gratitude for our Staff and Families: This semester has been filled with collaborative efforts from our incredible staff and supportive families. Your ongoing dedication and engagement make our community thrive.

Looking forward, there are a few things to note:

Budget Planning: Our leadership team is finalizing a revised budget to present to the board next month, ensuring we stay on track to meet our goals for the remainder of the school year.
Leadership Transition: Planning for the leadership transition continues, and we remain committed to ensuring stability and clear communication as we move into the second half of the year.

Finally, I want to acknowledge the strength of our school community. From moments of learning and growth to celebrations of individual and collective achievements, this year has been a reminder of what makes Great River so special.

Have a safe and rejuvenating break, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back in January!

Peace,

David