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Sep 4th Holiday (No School)
Sep 6th Parent Pick-Up Basketball
Sep 7th US Curriculum Night & PSO Volunteer Training
Sep 8th Paint the Town Blue (Volleyball Home Games)
Set 12th Raising Cane's Spirit Night
Sept 14th Curriculum Night
Sept 20th Big Give Kick-Off Tailgate
Sep 22nd Circus Maximus (Mentor/Mentee Event)
Sep 29th 6th Grade Coffee with the Headmaster
Oct 2-6th Upper School Spirit Week
Oct 9-13th Parent Teacher Conferences and Fall Break
| New Calendars Available Now! Click the links below to add our campus event calendar to your personal calendars: | |  |
Covered in this Newsletter |
- GHTX Board Meeting
- Headmaster Letter
- US Curriculum Night & Volunteer Training
- Open Lunches
- The Big Give 2023
- Nurse's Corner
- Upper School Housekeeping
- Parent Pick Up Basketball
- Free or Reduced Lunch Application
- The Music Nook
- Intramurals
- Athletics
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Advocacy Corner
- SmugMug
Please remember to scroll to the bottom of the newsletter to see all of this week's content.
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Great Hearts Texas Board Meeting | |
The next meeting of the Great Hearts Texas Board of Directors will be held on Wednesday, September 6 at 10:00 AM in San Antonio at the office of Schulman, Lopez, Hoffer & Adelstein (845 Proton Road). Prior to the board meeting, an agenda and Zoom link will be posted on our Great Heart Texas Board Meeting page.
Parents are welcome to attend in person or virtually via Zoom. An audio recording and written recap will also be posted after the meeting is held.
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Dear Spartan Families,
We are excited to announce that because we have more space this year at our two lunches, we are opening lunches up for parents to join their Upper School scholars on Tuesdays and Thursdays. See the information below. Also, starting next week, the students in middle school will enjoy Wacky House Wednesdays and Wack Spartan Fridays during lunch. On Wednesdays, we will make random House “match-up” tables, mixing up the houses … it’s hard to explain, but your students will be able to tell you all about it after Wednesday. On Fridays, students will be able to sit with any Spartan friend regardless of their House.
Also, if you haven’t already marked your calendar for Curriculum Night, please plan to join us Thursday night from 6-8 pm with a PSO preview starting at 5:15 pm On this night, you will learn how you can be involved in supporting Upper School events, sports, and activities at the PSO Preview; then, you will walk in the shoes of your Upper School scholar by participating in a mock school day led by your student’s teachers; and finally, you will participate in a House game in an effort to win points for your student’s House. We look forward to seeing you there.
We are Spartan Strong!
Trinette Keffer | Upper School Headmaster
Great Hearts Western Hills
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Upper School Curriculum Night | Thursday, September 7th, from 6-8 PM (Volunteer Training at 5pm)
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Are you smarter than a GHWH Upper Schooler? Come and walk in the shoes of your Upper School Spartan student!
Curriculum Night is an annual event designed for parents/guardians to visit their child's school and experience a typical school day. Upon arrival, attendees will be welcomed in the gym before proceeding to each of their child's classes. During each class, parents/guardians will have the opportunity to participate in a mini-lesson with the teacher. The event will conclude with a House Assembly.
Schedule of Events:
*Overflow Parking will be available at the Petco lot adjacent to Lower School
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5:00 to 5:45 pm -- US Volunteer Training in the gym
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5:45 to 6 pm – Doors Open, and parents will receive their child’s schedule and a “House Patch.”
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6:00 to 6:20 pm – Welcome
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6:25 to 7:15 pm- Lessons in Classrooms
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7:30 to 8:00 pm – House Assembly
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PS--Every parent who comes earns their student’s house points towards the House Cup!
Upper School Volunteer Training
Thursday, September 7th (prior to Curriculum Night) at 5 PM in the Gym
Become a Volunteer!
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Complete the Volunteer Interest Form, so we know where to plug you in
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Sign and Return the Confidentiality Form by emailing ghwhinfo@greatheartstxschools.org)
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Complete an Online Background Check
- Attend either the in-person Volunteer Training on September 7th from 5:00 to 5:45 PM in the Gym or the online 23-24 Volunteer Training.
*Please note:
- Even if you have completed it before, you must submit another Background Check and Confidentiality Form to volunteer for the 2023-24 School Year.
- If you have already attended to LS volunteer Training this year and completed all your necessary forms, this training is not necessary BUT a fantastic opportunity to hear about the ways you can serve our Upper School!
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*You can find details and volunteer opportunities on the Official PSO Website or email the PSO leadership directly with your questions at pso@greatheartswesternhills.org
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How you can help us:
- Please be sure to have your scholar in their classes when attendance is taken each day at 9:30 AM. Doctor appointments made after this time are ideal.
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Open Lunches at Upper School | Starting Tuesday, September 5th | |
Parents/guardians of scholars in grades 6th through 10th can accompany their scholar during their lunch period on Tuesdays and Thursdays only beginning on 9/5/23.
Parent/guardian must sign up for a slot prior to visiting for lunch. This will ensure that there is enough seating available for scholars and their guests on that day.
*Please read the Lunch Guidelines before RSVPing
*Background Checks must be completed before arrival to campus for lunch.
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We are so excited to announce that on Wednesday, September 20th, our campus will kick off the start of the Big Give with a Tailgate at the entrance gate of the Middle School and JV Football home games! Come for free food, activities, football, and to "get your Give face on" while donating to our campus.
But what is the Big Give?
The Big Give is a 24-hour day of giving that will take place from 6 p.m. on Wednesday, 9/20, to 6 p.m. on Thursday, 9/21. These donations, made through the Big Give's website, benefit our Community Investment campaign and will enable us to secure facility updates such as a new shade structure near the gym, increase security on campus, purchase athletic equipment, and so much more.
No gift is too big or too small! Last year, our goal was $40k, and over 250 Spartan families rallied to raise over $40k by the night's end. This year, we are aiming for 100% participation. So, all families who donate will receive a thank you decal and be entered into drawings for NEW Spartan Swag!
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Hearing, Vision, and Acanthosis screenings will be conducted for all 3rd, 5th, and 7th graders on Tuesday September 12, 2023. Please be sure to send your scholar with their glasses, contact lenses and/or hearing devices.
The tests conducted to evaluate your child's vision and hearing are screens; they are not diagnostic. This means that if your child fails a screen, it is necessary for him or her to be evaluated by his or her primary care provider to determine whether there is a problem. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
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Upper School Housekeeping |
Dismissal Cut-Off
Thank you for your patience with Carline during our first few weeks of school. Beginning Tuesday, September 5th, the Upper School carline will end at 4:10. Scholars who are not picked up at this time will be placed in Homework Club and will be charged $1/minute.
Please review the following wave times-
3:30-3:40 pm Upper School Students Only
3:40-4 pm Upper School Students with Lower school siblings
4-4:10 Homework Recovery/Detention
Teacher Tutoring
Tutoring has begun! All teachers have their tutoring times posted on their classroom doors. Teachers offer tutoring during morning break and by appointment.
| Scholars can find this station around the corner from the kitchen in the gym (across from the Coach's office). |
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Parent Pick-Up Basketball | Wednesday, September 6th at the GHWH Gym | |
Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should they care? (Benefit) What do I want them to do here? (Call-to-Action)
Create a great offer by adding words like "free" "personalized" "complimentary" or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining"!
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Apply for Free & Reduced Lunch! | |
Great Hearts participates in the Free & Reduced Lunch (FRL) Program. Your family may qualify for breakfast and lunch meals at a minimal or no cost. You can submit an application at https://linqconnect.com/public/meal-application/new?lang=English
This state application is still required even if you applied and qualified for preliminary assistance with the campus over the summer.
If you have any questions, please email Meals@GreatHeartsTXSchools.org
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Please Note: 9th-grade students who are taking music first semester will need a 1” black 3-ring binder.
Welcome! This list of SA Music Performances is just a snapshot of the opportunities for live music in SA. I am hoping it will encourage families to attend performances and experience the beauty of live music! If you are interested in a different genre of music performance, please reach out to me so I can share those opportunities.
Mrs. Lewis, kathryn.lewis@greatheartstxschools.org
Music Instructor, Upper School
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We have completed our first week of intramural practices! I just want to thank everyone for a great first week and to picking up your scholars in a timely manner!
Here is the updated and FINAL practice schedule for both sports.
Flag Football:
Monday and Wednesday from 4:15-5:15
Volleyball:
Pevensies and Reepicheep will practice on Monday from 4:15-5:15 and Wednesday from 5:15-6:15
Baggins and Oakenshield will practice on Tuesday from 4:15-5:15 and Thursday from 5:15-6:15
Intramural Volleyball families, just a reminder for the practices that are held from 5:15-6:15, you will need to pick up your scholars in carline and then drop them off in front of the gym before practice starts. If your child is already signed up for Athenaeum or Homework Club, they may stay in there until practice starts. Just please let me know that your scholar is doing that so I can inform who is in charge.
Also, please make sure your scholar brings a water bottle to practice.
If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Boring. hannah.boring@greatheartstxschools.org
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Athletics Shoutouts:
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Excellent job to our 8th grade cross country team, who placed 2nd at the San Antonio Spartans Cross Country Meet.
- MS FFB won their first game against Valor 52-0.
Upcoming Athletic Competitions:
Tuesday, September 5th -
Spartan Volleyball vs. Anne Frank Inspire – 5:30 pm – Home
MS Flag Football vs. GHNO – 6:00 pm – Home
HS Girls Volleyball vs. SST Hill Country – 6:30 pm – Home
Agoge Volleyball @ Somerset Academy – 6:30 pm - Away
HS Boys Volleyball vs. IDEA Brackenridge – 7:30 pm – Home
Wednesday, September 6th –
MS FFB vs. GHMV – 5:45 pm – Home
Thursday, September 7th –
No Competitions Upper School Curriculum Night
Friday, September 8th – Paint the Town Blue
Agoge Volleyball vs. SST Hill Country – 5:00 pm - Home
Spartan Volleyball vs. Lighthouse Public – 6:00 pm - Home
HS Girls Volleyball @ Southwest Preparatory – 6:30 pm - Away
HS Boys Volleyball vs. Harmony SA – 7:00 pm – Home
Saturday, September 9th –
HS FFB @ IDEA Ingram Hills – 12:00 pm - Away
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Parent Service Organization | |
The transformative education offered at Great Hearts Western Hills will only be possible through the generous and passionate commitment of a Parent Service Organization (PSO).
Upcoming Events
September 12th - Spirit Night - Raising Canes, 8915 Potranco Rd, from 12 pm - 8 pm
September 8th Teacher Luncheon (see link below)
September 21st - PSO General Meeting for Upper and Lower School Families, Lower School MPR at 6 pm
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Teacher Luncheon -- Items Needed! | |
Our first staff luncheon will be on Friday, September 8th, with the theme "Nacho Average Teacher," featuring a nacho bar.
If you plan to contribute an item, please drop it off at the upper school lobby by Thursday, September 7th.
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Upper School Library Volunteers Needed | We're excited to get the library open and available to our scholars and we need your help. | |
Care and Concern Comittee -- Items Needed! | Care & Concern is asking for help with lunches, click on the Signup Genius link for more info: | |
Daily School Lunch Volunteers | It takes many hands to make sure our students are fed quickly every day. | |
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Texas Education and Legislative Updates:
The Virtue of Citizenship: Learn how to advocate for our classical public charter schools through the Parent Advocacy Leadership sponsored by the Texas Public Charter School Association. You will learn how to do advocacy actions like this video created by a GH Arlington PAL alum. Apply now between September 11 – 22 to join the next cohort of charter parent advocacy champions! The fall cohort will meet virtually on the second Wednesday of each month between October and December.
Lawmakers convened the 88th Texas Legislature in May without passing a school finance package. It is expected that a special legislative session will be called – likely in October – to tackle increases to the state’s rate of per-pupil funding, teacher pay, and more. In the spring, the Texas House’s omnibus school finance bill would have decreased per-pupil for charter schools. TPCSA is working hard behind the scenes garnering support for increases in state funding for charters, in particular to address their inequitable facilities funding.
Stay up to date on critical charter school bills and action alerts from the Texas Public Charter School Association (TPCSA). TPCSA is the statewide organization representing Texas charter schools to state leaders, lawmakers, and state agencies.
All parents can stay informed by subscribing to TPCSA’s emails and alerts. To receive TPCSA emails and alerts, please click this link.
To learn more about charter advocacy, contact GH’s Family Advocacy Manager Bridie Chaudoir at bridie.chaudoir@greatheartstxschools.org
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As the academic year progresses, photographers from Upper and Lower will continue to share photo memories from our campus on our new SmugMug site. Just use the password "plato" to enter and view. | | | | | |
