Dear Griffin Families,
Whether you are staying local or out on the open road seeking a family adventure, we hope that your summer is off to a great start. This headmaster update will be full of tools to support both a successful summer and raising awareness about ways you can prepare for the next school year successfully.
Dress Code Updates: While students are responsible for their clothing and appearance, it is the parents who are responsible for providing the conditions required for meeting the standard, e.g. haircuts, proper shoes, shirts, skirts, and pants that fit properly, etc. Parents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with and help their students adhere to the expectations of the Lower School 2022-2023 Uniform and Dress Code and to ensure that their children go to school each day in the right attire from head to toe. Some of our violations this past year that will be monitored closely next year include boy's hair length and cut, jewelry, shoes that must be all black or all white (please review the updated images that were provided in the link for clarity), and should not have a “swoosh” or logo of a different color, and smartwatches or electronic devices should not be worn at school as they contradict the purpose of the uniform and student electronic policies.
Classics to Keep: The grade level “Classics to Keep” book lists have not undergone any major changes this year. You can view the lists on the school website here. Please choose the ISBN number provided for easy citation reference in the classroom.
Important Faculty Changes: We are very proud of multiple faculty members who have received promotions to leadership within the Great Hearts Network. Bridget Doughty (a GHNO founding faculty member) will be moving to GH Western Hills as a Dean of Teachers, Katie Franzmann (5th-year veteran teacher) will be moving to GH Live Oak as Dean of Teachers, Nathaniel Eberlein (5th-year veteran teacher) will be moving to GH Invictus as Dean of Students. We have a handful of faculty members transitioning to help open the GH Invictus Campus. We will miss these dear friends but are very proud of their work and that they will be sharing their talents within the network. We also have some important incoming faculty announcements. Marcy Mitchel (founding GHNO faculty member and former Assistant Headmaster) will be returning “home” to the lower school leadership team as a K-2 Assistant Headmaster. We will have a new special education coordinator joining us in the coming year, Mrs. Angela Brown (formerly at GH Forest Heights).
School Supplies: Don’t forget to order your 1st Day School Supplies box by July 1. Skip the lines and keep enjoying your summer! School supplies ordered by families will be delivered to the home. The school will order supply boxes for families who qualify for free and reduced lunch (these families should have received an email earlier this week). For this population, the school will be delivered to school and distributed at Meet-the-Teacher Night in August. If you would rather purchase on your own, here is a printer-friendly version.
Enrollment: As you know, your student’s enrollment seat is very valuable. If you do not plan for your student to return in the Fall, please notify your registrar, Ms. Diamondtina Rios, as soon as possible so she may offer the seat to one of the more than 1,200 students currently on the waitlist.
Meet the Teacher Night: Please expect an introduction letter and invitation to Meet the Teacher from your child’s 2022-2023 teacher in early August (this is how you will find out your child’s teacher and section). Meet the Teacher and supply drop-off will take place for the third through sixth grade from 3 pm-6 pm on August 8th. Kindergarten through Second grade will then hold their Meet the Teacher Night from 3 pm-6 pm on August 9th.
The very next day, August 10th our school year begins!
Lastly, please note that our Summer Hours are Monday-Thursday 9 AM- 1 PM. If you need to meet with someone in person it would be best to schedule an appointment. The campus will be completely closed from June 28-July 7th.
May you have a restful and rejuvenating summer!
