Dear Families,
As you know, our return from Winter Break was accompanied by considerable interruptions last week, culminating in tornado warnings impacting the Junior production of
Much Ado About Nothing over the weekend. Throughout the process, we identified practices to improve with respect to our systems of urgent communication. In spite of this, I was profoundly impressed by the orderly and confident atmosphere within our community in the face of the impact these interruptions had. It was a strong testimony to our students and teachers within our building and to our parents as you kept track of developments. Thank you all.
Those who could join the plays on Saturday were witness to our school’s first-ever drama performance. Our Juniors produced a work worthy to be called our “maiden voyage” into what will become a long history of drama at Great Hearts Irving. Many thanks to the parents and staff who helped on the periphery, and especially to Ms. Jimenez for her skillful, patient, and wise direction! Our performers were spectacular, and it has been a great joy to see them revel in their well-earned accolades this week.
Last night’s lovely dinner with the Junior class and faculty seemed like a fitting capstone for one half of the class and a cornerstone for the others, who will begin their semester of drama next week! The evening of toasting, conversation, music, poetry, and bonding was a welcome diversion during this very busy time at the end of the semester.
In other High School news, we are excited to share that our Juniors and Sophomores will soon be invited to consider signing on for our Lab Assistance Program, which is being spearheaded by Chemistry and Physics teachers Ms. Oostindie and Ms. Weisse. Sophomores and Juniors will be able to pick up applications on Tuesday. More information can be found at
greatheartsirving.org/labassistance.
We are also looking forward to this Saturday’s World Cultures Day for our 6
th grade students. The evening’s festivities are meant to showcase the food, dance, poetry, song, and dress representing the many cultures which our diverse families bring into our communities. To learn more about the event, don’t forget to visit
greatheartsirving.org/calendars. We invite families to return to this webpage frequently to keep abreast of key activities and events.
Finally, a friendly reminder: because there is no school on Monday, Friday 1/24 is a full day. I hope that all our scholars and families enjoy a restful weekend.
Sincerely,
Philip Althage
Headmaster, Upper School
Great Hearts Irving
