Welcome to the Week of December 13, 2020
Dear Families,
The pleasant weather we had this past week is a reflection of the pleasant week we had at the Upper School. At the beginning of the week our National Honors Society decorated our front office and stairwell with twinkling holiday decorations, lifting everyone's spirits and bring a smile to every face. Throughout the week, teachers and students have been abuzz with enthusiasm for their studies. And, at the end of the week, students left campus with the anticipation of their Winter Holiday only a week away.

While we look forward to our Winter Holiday, we also look forward to the conclusion of the Second Semester two quick weeks after we return to school in January. With so many distractions in this holiday season, we encourage you to check in with your students about upcoming assignments and assessments to help them maintain focus on their studies. We appreciate your partnership in educating your children!
Below are announcements and important upcoming dates. We look forward to a wonderful week and, as always, please reach out to me with your questions.

Yours in Partnership,
Michael Cowan
Headmaster, Upper School
Great Hearts Irving
At a Glance
December 14-18 | Holiday Cookie Extravaganza
December 19-January 3 | Winter Holiday
January 15 | End of Semester 1
January 16-19 | MLK Weekend - No School
A Closer Look
Thank You!

Thank you Great Hearts families who supported the Warren Center Toy Drive!  We had a short time to collect toys and with the enthusiastic leadership of our NHS vice-president, Ms. Ryan Fox, and your generous donations, we were able to contribute a carload of gifts! These toys will bring happiness to the children and siblings that the Warren House serves. Thank you, again, for your generosity!
Holiday Cookie Extravaganza

Tis the season to treat our teachers to the best of your holiday kitchen for our 6th Annual Holiday Cookie Extravaganza! Drop off your favorite holiday treats for our amazing faculty and staff to feast on any time during the school day, all week long, at both campuses!
Upper School Snowflake Fund

In lieu of individual holiday gifts to our upper school teachers, the Great Hearts Irving PSO invites families to contribute money instead. This money will go directly to the teachers in the form of a holiday cash gift! Donations will be accepted through Wednesday, December 16th. For more information, click below!
Spirit Night at Shake Shack

Join us at Shake Shack (Irving location) Wednesday, December 16th from 11am-10pm for Spirit Night! See the flyer below for how to make your orders count toward GHI and the safety precautions Shake Shack is putting in place for our community. And don't forget to send your students to school in Spirit Wear T-Shirts on Wednesday! 
Mustang Athletics

Your Great Hearts Administration Team has made the difficult decision to cancel this year's basketball season in the effort to maintain the health and well-being of our entire school community.
Please visit the athletics page located under "Academy Life" on the GHI website for all news and updates for Mustang Athletics. Contact our Athletic Director, Gary Gray, with questions (gary.gray@greatheartsirving.org).
Ways You Can Help

Substitute Teachers

Due to the current state of affairs, we anticipate an increased need for:
 
  1. Short and long-term substitutes
  2. Athenaeum teachers and assistants
  3. Teachers available to fill mid-year openings

If you or someone you know has interest in applying, please use the links above to complete an online application today! Please reach out to careers@greatheartsamerica.org with any questions!