A Word from

the Headmaster

Classical, but also Public

Scholars in grades 3-7 will be taking a Practice STAAR assessment this coming week.

The Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKs) are the standards to which we are accountable, measured by the annual STAAR test, beginning in grade 3. While our curriculum won’t change by subtracting any elements, there is an element of addition in which we integrate state standards into our everyday Great Hearts curriculum to be faithful stewards of the trust and support we receive from the state, by meeting their standards with fidelity. Does this change our identity or compromise it in any way? No. It’s a part of adjusting an independent curriculum across particular contexts.

Great Hearts now has over 30 academies: online, in Arizona, and in Texas. Next year we open our first campus in Baton Rouge, LA. Each of these regions has different state funding formulas, academic standards, state requirements, and particular nuances of the community in which the campus resides. While Great Hearts will never change our mission to cultivate minds and hearts in the pursuit of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty, we operate schools in specific contexts. This is not unique to Invictus… Our friends in Arizona are preparing students for their own standardized tests that measure fidelity to the AZCCRS. Even now, academic teams are working to align our GH curriculum with the standards in Louisiana, as we expand in 2023.

For the most part, the state requirements do not interfere with our larger classical model. There are some things that are particular to TX, like teaching personal finance in our math lessons. Additionally, there’s a lot of our curriculum that doesn’t correspond to TEKs… for example, memorizing poetry and teaching beautiful cursive writing.

At the end of the day, the leadership at Invictus and Great Hearts Texas have been charged with making sure the TEKs get taught (in the most classical way that we can!) and participating in TEA required testing, as well as providing required accelerated instruction per HB4545.

In accordance with Texas Law, Great Hearts Invictus will proctor the STAAR test to scholars in grades 3-7 in April of 2023. In preparation for the state testing requirement, scholars will take the online STAAR Interim practice test the week of November 7-11.

Scholars are allowed to have a wired USB computer mouse as they test in lieu of using the computer trackpad. You may choose to purchase one for your scholar(s) to bring and use during Interim testing next week. Please ensure the mouse is labeled with your scholar’(s) name and placed in a bag.

A mouse like the one below is appropriate. Click here to go to the Amazon link.

Take good care

Save the Date

11/7-11/11 | Practice STAAR Assessment

Campus is closed to volunteers this week for assessments.

11/11 | Picture Retakes

11/18 | Family Movie Night on the turf

11/21-11/25 | Thanksgiving Break - No School

11/30 | K-2nd Grade Concert

*Concerts will be held on-campus, in the morning after drop-off. Students will not wear “concert attire,” but instead will perform in their school uniforms. More specific information to come.

12/1 | 3rd-5th & 7th Grade Concert

*Concerts will be held on-campus, in the morning after drop-off. Students will not wear “concert attire,” but instead will perform in their school uniforms. More specific information to come.

12/2 - Invictus Choir Performance

The Highlander Chamber Choir will be performing at the Helotes Lighting of the Lights.

12/16 | Last day of Quarter 2

1/2-1/6 | Project Week

Project Week typically takes place in the week just before the start of the second semester. Students will be given directions for a research or other project before they leave for winter break… Students can expect to invest up to 15 hours on their projects, which are due on the first day they return for the second semester… Project week teaches students how to study a topic in-depth on their own and how to manage their time, to cultivate love for something of interest to them, and to participate in true intellectual “leisure”—i.e. pursuing something for its own sake and value. (Handbook, 45)

1/3-1/6 | Parent Teacher Conferences

Parent-Teacher conferences will be scheduled to discuss the ongoing progress of our scholars. Teachers will send out links as we get closer to the conference dates.

PSO Corner

Lunchroom Volunteer - November

Background check required for all volunteers.

All volunteers must sign and return a FERPA Form. You can sign electronically and email to info@greatheartsinvictus.org, or you can print, sign, and turn into the front office.

Board of Directors

Meeting

The next Great Hearts Texas Board of Directors meeting will be on Wednesday, November 9 (9:00 am - 12:00 pm) in San Antonio at the office of Schulman, Lopez, Hoffer & Adelstein (845 Proton Rd. | San Antonio, TX 78258).

Zoom access will be provided on the GHTX Board Meetings Page ahead of the meeting.