A Word from

the Headmaster

Greetings, Highlander Families,

I wanted to share the results of our End-of-Quarter Family Survey. We’re happy with the results and definitely have a great foundation to build on as we move forward.

We used a 5-point Likert scale to rate ten survey questions. The school averaged an 82% for selections of Agreed or Strongly Agreed.

Some High Points:

I receive timely feedback on my student’s academic progress (81.7%)

Teachers are responsive to my email communications (86.7%)

The expectations at this school are high and yet there are supports my student to be successful (87%)

The top rated response: I am glad I moved my student to GH Invictus (93.7%)

Next steps:

We are so proud of our strong start and all of the good work that goes on every day in every classroom. I’m grateful to see that so many of our families are engaging with the opportunities that we have scheduled for families to be together (Green/Gold, upcoming Movie Night, etc).

Our teacher-led clubs will continue to grow in number and variety every year, as our staffing model increases (more teachers = more clubs) and we will also seek outside vendors to lead clubs for us as well. Extra-curricular opportunities are an important part of our academy and we will continue to offer the best that we can provide.

Thank you for being a part of our learning community.

Take good care,

Save the Date

11/18 | Family Movie Night on the turf

Weather permitting

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.

Charter School Advocacy

Congratulations to our Great Hearts Texas parent advocates – Laura Martinez (GH Western Hills parent) and America Gies (GH Northern Oaks and GH Online parent)!

Along with GH Family Advocacy Manager Bridie Chaudoir, these parent advocates were recognized for their participation in the national charter school “Back Off Rally” held in Washington, D.C. in May. The Policy Innovators in Educators Network (or PIE Network) named the Texas’ team’s effort as “one of the best defensive advocacy strategies in the country” for raising awareness about the U.S. Department of Education’s proposed rules that would choke off charter school funding.

Thank you, Laura and America, for your willingness to travel to our nation’s capital and share your voices in support of charter schools!

Our GH scholars are making tremendous achievements. Every child deserves to thrive — and with strong parent support, we’re making sure they can.

The Texas Legislature is preparing to convene at the start of 2023. Our elected leaders make big decisions about public education, so they need to hear directly from parents about the positive difference that charter schools like ours are making.

Please join in participating in Capitol Connections Week. In early December, you’ll have the opportunity to meet virtually with a state lawmaker who represents you — alongside a small group of fellow charter school parents, educators, and other supporters.

The Texas Public Charter Schools Association is hosting this event and will handle all the logistics, including sending you all the information you need. In just one 30-minute meeting, you can make a huge difference for students by simply telling your story.

We encourage you to sign up here. You deserve to be heard!

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.