written by David Núñez, Head of School
Dear GRS staff, students and Families,
Happy New Year! As we return from the Winter Break, I want to take a moment to reflect on the past semester, express my gratitude to all of you, and look ahead to the exciting opportunities and challenges the new year will bring.
A Message of Gratitude
First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the support, dedication, and care you all bring to our school community. As we begin 2025, I am reminded of how fortunate we are to work together in fostering an environment where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Your involvement, whether through volunteering, attending events, or offering kind words of encouragement, makes a significant difference in shaping the heart of our school. Thank you for being such an essential part of our journey.
The start of a new year can bring both excitement and challenges, and it’s important to acknowledge the need for mental health and well-being, particularly as we settle back into the school routine. January often feels like a fresh start, but it can also bring a sense of stress for students and families alike. We encourage you to check in with your child and remind them of the importance of balance—between academic work, extracurricular activities, and personal time. As a school, we remain committed to supporting every student's mental and emotional health, and we’re here to assist however we can. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if your family ever needs additional resources or support.
Looking back on the fall semester, I’m incredibly proud of the achievements and growth we’ve seen across all areas. The key experience trips were a resounding success, with students gaining new perspectives, building friendships, and learning beyond the classroom. Our theater intensive was another highlight—seeing our students shine on stage in those four shows was truly inspiring.
We’ve also seen positive growth in our academic performance, particularly in the MCA scores, and it’s clear that our hard work is paying off.
Finally, Ricardo McCurly (Development Director) and I are pleased to report that we’ve made excellent progress toward meeting our fundraising goals from this Fall. It doesn’t mean we’re done fundraising for the year, but these accomplishments are a testament to the collective kindness and investment of our students, staff, and families, and I’m excited to continue building on this momentum as we move into the new year.
As we look ahead to 2025, planning is already underway for next year. While it's exciting to think about the wonderful things we have in store, it’s also a time for reflection and, for my part, some bittersweet feelings. The search for our next Head of School is underway, and while we are all enthusiastic about the future, it’s hard for me not to feel the weight of saying goodbye to our community in June. The board and I will keep you updated on the search process and the plans for a smooth leadership transition, and I know we’ll continue to work together to ensure the best possible future for our students.
As we begin this new year, I am filled with optimism for all the possibilities that lie ahead. I’m excited to continue working alongside each of you to create an enriching and nurturing environment for our students. Here’s to a wonderful 2025!
Peace,
David