Opening Day

Opening DAY NEW STUDENTS AND TEACHERS SPEAK ON THEIR FIRST-DAY EXPERIENCES

DIANE YU

ART TEACHER

AMELIA TALLEY ’25

“Opening Day was the perfect first impression of GPS: Everything is a party! It was so fun, and I loved seeing all of the traditions that I will get to watch—and eventually be a part of—for the rest of my time at GPS! I really liked how new students were included in the walk across the lawn, even though we didn't come here for Middle School. Opening Day really showed me the GPS sisterhood that everyone talks about.”

“I knew I wanted to attend GPS after touring—it felt magical. So being here on Opening Day, I felt a sense of pride to be a part of this. I had met some of my classmates before school started, so it was nice to have them show me around and answer questions. Probably my favorite part of the day was meeting all of my teachers because I didn’t know what to expect, and they were all so cool and nice.”

“Opening Day was such a thrilling, colorful, and spirited experience! As a new teacher to GPS, I was excited to see how the school came together as a whole. From the students being greeted by balloons and music to announcing the new school year theme to students dressed in class colors, the day encompassed the joy within GPS. One of my favorite parts of the day was getting to take a selfie with the new teachers and staff in front of a ‘Honk if You Love a Bruiser’ sign. I am proud to be a part of the GPS community!”

ZORA HAMMOND ’27

“The first day of school is always filled with excitement! It’s been that way since I was a GPS girl. However, this year had something new—perhaps excitement to be back after the summer. Maybe even hope that this year, things will start to go back to normal. But I felt my dream of coming back to work at GPS come true on Opening Day! Girls walked into school laughing and hugging friends. Teachers asked how the girls’ summers had been and expressed excitement to have them back in class. It was wonderful.”

SARAH WHITNEY ANDERSON ’12

DIRECTOR OF CAMPS & CLINICS

& ADMISSION COUNSELOR

“Opening Day was exciting—there was a lot to process! Being new, I was a little bit nervous, but when I got here, there was music blasting and people talking and hugging each other. It was similar to what I expected based on what I’d heard about GPS. Everyone was nice and welcoming, and I had a Girl Guide to help me through the day. It was interesting to hear about things and then see them firsthand. I loved watching the sixth-graders come in, then the freshmen walk across the lawn—it was a celebratory day. The next thing I’m looking forward to is Winterim!”

JA’NIAH COOPER ’23

TAKIERAH BATTS ’24

“I attended the same elementary, middle, and high school until now, so this was my first time transferring schools. Opening Day was a lot different—it was loud but a lot of fun. There was a lot of dancing, a lot of music. The teachers and students are different here—they’re very sweet, and my grade is very close knit and inclusive. I’ll say I got lost at least twice on the first day, but I knew I could ask anyone at the school where my classroom was, and they would help me.” Hold a phone or tablet camera over this QR code to experience all the excitement surrounding the first day of classes at GPS!

“Opening Day was really fun and welcoming because when we first walked in, all of the seniors were standing up and cheering for us. I figured we’d just be going to classes, but we had this big, cool event. It was fun because you got to meet a lot of people and see everyone in your class. I saw some older girls I knew, and they all said they wished I had a great day and were super nice. I think next year will be cool because now we know what to expect, and we’ll get to cheer on the new sixth-graders!”

WEEZIE RESPESS ’28