written by David Núñez, Head of School
Dear GRS Community,
As March arrives, we're filled with excitement for the upcoming Blue Heron Bash—our largest and most anticipated fundraising event of the year! This event is held in late April this year, and it is an opportunity to come together and celebrate our vibrant community. We hope to see many of you there. Whether you’re able to join us in person or participate through our online auction, your support helps fund the incredible programs that make GRS unique.
As we head into March, we are also entering testing season here in Minnesota. MCA testing is underway at GRS, and while we recognize that standardized tests can elicit mixed feelings, they remain a key tool in tracking our students' progress and contributing to the school’s overall stability. We encourage all students to approach these assessments with their best effort, knowing that we support them every step of the way.
March is Women's History Month, and this year I am dedicating a significant portion of my newsletter submission to celebrating the trailblazing women who have shaped history, as well doing what I can to amplify the voices of those whose contributions have often been overlooked. We are living in challenging times with political and social figures who demean and belittle women at every opportunity. But, as a community, we have to be an example of something different.
At GRS, we are proud to be a school that values diversity, inclusion, and representation. Throughout March, I encourage our teachers to engage with resources that enrich classroom discussions and deepen students’ understanding of women's pivotal roles in shaping our society. From historical figures who have changed the course of history to contemporary women making an impact in every field, we are committed to fostering an environment where all students can see the powerful contributions of women—and be inspired to make their own.
We encourage families to celebrate women's achievements as well. Consider exploring books, documentaries, and articles that highlight the incredible stories of women, or engage in a discussion about the women who have influenced your own lives.
Here are just a few examples of resources I shared with staff last year that you all might explore:
Celebrate WHM by reading bell hook’s classic Feminism is for Everybody. This is a quick read and is written in a very accessible academic language.
For more books, this is a great start for a women's history month reading list.
This Edutopia article speaks to how gender bias shows up in the classroom.
Learning for Justice has a great article on teaching womens’ history in K-8 classrooms.
Thank you for being such an essential part of our GRS community. Your continued support and involvement help make our school a truly special place for learning, growth, and connection.
Peace,
David