Graland Today April/May 2013 by Graland Country Day School

April/may 2013

System of Change: A Transformation of Graland’s Science Program By Gail Hill, director of curriculum and instruction

Today Acclaimed Educator Inspires Graland

“Systems,” “interactions,” “structures,” “patterns of change,” “inquiry,” “enduring understandings”… all are concepts recently tossed around by the science task force as we work to revitalize Graland’s science program. Scientific literacy and inquiry are at the forefront of our thoughts as we seek to develop storylines for each grade Gail Hill level and to solidify an overarching theme to run throughout the curriculum. Some of the biggest questions we are addressing while dissecting our curriculum are: • What subject matters are important for 21st century learners? • Does our progression of units make sense to Graland students? • Will the curriculum help instill work habits, skills and concepts that can be retained and transferred to solve real world problems? Early in September, the task force agreed that open minds and an honest assessment of our curriculum would be needed in order to instigate change … and so began our work. Initially we delved into what we were currently teaching by grade level and physically sorted units into the National Science Education Standards. Completion of this exercise allowed us to see where we needed to make adjustments to ensure a forward-thinking, balanced program. Next, a targeted read through of our curriculum maps proved fruitful. We looked for gaps and redundancies while also considering the timeliness of subjects with regard to 21st century thinking. continued on page 4

Inside This Issue 5 Lower School News 8 Middle School News 11 Alumni News 12 Development News 13 Graland Parent Association

In April, Graland hosted a conference featuring renowned education expert Heidi Hayes Jacobs for more than 700 members of Colorado independent schools. Watch for more from Ronni McCaffrey, Head of School, on how this valuable experience will impact Graland students. Pictured: Ronni McCaffrey and Dana Pease.

Graland Granted Reaccreditation by ACIS Graland and its Board of Trustees are pleased to announce the School has been granted reaccreditation from the Association of Colorado Independent Schools (ACIS) and is now certified Preschool through Grade 8.

The ACIS Accreditation Committee writes:

“ ...Graland has made significant progress since the last evaluation visit in many key areas, including: new facilities, clarity of mission, board/head partnership, school-wide communications, and several areas of professional development. The visiting team also commended the school for having strong mission/program congruence and high morale among faculty and staff. These achievements demonstrate the strong, effective leadership that [is being provided] to Graland Country Day School.” The announcement follows an extensive self-study period that culminated in November 2012 with a visit from ACIS colleagues. They spent four days on Graland’s campus meeting with virtually every Graland employee, several trustees and many parents. To view an executive summary of the ACIS Visiting Team Report or a full copy of the report, please contact Sarah Young in the Head of School’s office. u

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Art Show and Ice Cream Social Friday, April 19 Enjoy a sweet treat at the Anschutz Commons, and then browse the campus* to admire exceptional student artwork! Each student will have 2-3 pieces of artwork on display, so be sure to invite friends, neighbors and grandparents to Graland! * Art will be displayed in Hamilton Reiman Building, Gates Middle School Building and Georgia Nelson Building

At Graland Country Day School it is our mission to: Achieve intellectual excellence, build strong character, enrich learning through the arts and athletics, and prepare our students to be engaged citizens and thoughtful leaders. Ascende Omnem Montem Graland’s Guiding Principles Pursue Excellence Guide Critical Thinking Instill Integrity Inspire Leadership Promote Independence Stimulate Innovation Honor Individuality Cultivate Compassion Embrace Experiences Celebrate Perseverance Value Tradition Build Community

Graland Today is a publication of Graland Country Day School Volume 2, Issue 4 Send correspondence to: Associate Director of Communications Graland Country Day School 30 Birch Street Denver, CO 80220 communications@graland.org www.graland.org

Two Long-Term Employees Dubbed Master Teachers Graland’s Master Teacher program is designed to honor employees with 20 or more years of service to the school. On April 8, the entire school will assemble to honor the newest inductees.

Diane Street

Good old-fashioned networking is how receptionist Diane Street landed her job at Graland in July 1993. She had been working for the past 19 years as a bookkeeper for Skagg’s Drugstore in University Hills. A neighbor’s sister who worked in Graland’s development office got word Diane wanted to work at a school, and the rest is history. “Diane is often the ‘first face and voice’ of Graland and I can’t think of anyone who could do that any better than she,” says Di Nestel, director of programs. “She is a constant in Diane Street with all of our morning rituals: parents, two of her favorite students and faculty alike.” The reason for Diane’s loyalty Graland students. is simple. “This place cares about the kids,” Diane explains. “I feel good about coming here everyday because of what Graland offers our community. There’s a real family feel that Ronni [McCaffrey, Head of School] brought to Graland when she took over.” Diane describes her job as “Heinz 57” – a little bit of everything. She handles billing for the after care program, helps the administrative offices, answers phones, directs “traffic” in the Georgia Nelson Building - you name it. She’s even been the Tooth Fairy. It all started with one little girl who wanted help pulling her loose tooth back in the 1990s. “I pulled her tooth and I guess she started talking,” Diane laughs. “Then one day a dad came in and asked if I could pull his child’s tooth. After that, one of the moms told me they dubbed me the Tooth Fairy.” One of the perks to working at Graland is driving back and forth with her two grandchildren, every day. Her goal is to stay around long enough for twin granddaughters Sophia and Isabella to graduate from Graland. Diane is clearly a planner, because the two babies haven’t even been born! Twenty years is a long time to build special memories, and Diane has her share. One is the honor of having a Graland yearbook dedicated to her in 2009. Being named a Master Teacher is her newest. “It’s huge,” she says. “The time has gone by so quickly.” Contrary to what some kindergartners think, Diane does not actually live at Graland. She goes home every night to her husband of more than 30 years, Butch, and her English bulldog, Lucca. She enjoys a good book, and The Color Purple is her favorite. She loves flowers and dotes on her family, two daughters (Kelli and Samantha) and their children. She is also an animal lover. “I would have loved to work at Graland in Georgia Nelson’s day, when kids brought their pets to school,” she says, with her customary smile and twinkling eyes. Diane, you are a treasure to Graland and we are proud to give you the title Master Teacher. Congratulations. u

Linda Solorio

When she joined Graland in December 1993, Linda Solorio had a 12-year-old son. Now, she has a 12-year-old granddaughter. Time flies. “I remember when I first started working here and saw the Master Teacher pictures on the wall,” Linda says. “Someone told me that anyone who has been here 20 years is a Master Teacher. And I said, ‘I’ll be here 20 years to get my picture on the wall.’” And she has. Linda is the administrative assistant in the Lower School and is best known for the professional customer service she provides to parents, teachers and staff at Graland. She once studied psychology at Ball State University and finds she has a knack for working with people. “Teachers come in for my wise, old advice,” Linda says goodnaturedly. It’s hard to believe she was once the newbie on campus. Linda clearly remembers coming in for her interview in the old Georgia Nelson Building. “I thought it was a creaky, scary building and I wondered, ‘What am I getting into?’” The first person she met was former second grade Master Teacher Connie Ankelein, and she has felt at home ever since. “I have never come to work dreading it,” Linda shares. “This is where I like to spend my day because I know what we’re doing for students and how dedicated the teachers are to making sure kids are prepared. It’s a collaborative, fun place.” Part of the fun is seeing three of her grandchildren at school. The children come in from Morrison every day and spend one weeknight with Linda and her husband George. She also enjoys close bonds with many of her coworkers. When she turned 50, the Lower School teachers had students make masks of the characters from Friends, Linda’s favorite TV show. They popped into her Linda Solorio is office to sing the show’s theme song, I’ll Be There for You. surrounded by her “It was the biggest granddaughters at surprise,” Linda remembers with a smile. “It made me feel Graland. that the faculty members really appreciate everyone, not just other teachers.” In fact, Linda has made friends all across campus. When Sarah Young, assistant to the Head of School, started at Graland in 2006, Linda was her designated “buddy.” The two have grown close. “I would have not survived without her,” Sarah says. “She’s encouraging and supportive, she understands, she makes me laugh. She knows how to deal with different personalities with grace and charm. When I grow up I want to be like her.” In another 20 years, Linda hopes to be home enjoying great-grandchildren. “At some point, I’ll decide to leave but I’m not there yet. I love the people and I love Graland,” she says. “This is my life, besides my grandkids.” Linda, you’re a true asset in the Lower School and an anchor for many who respect and admire you. Congratulations on being named one of Graland’s Master Teachers. u

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All School News continued from page 1

System of Change: A Transformation of Graland’s Science Program

“A student should graduate from the Graland science department able to think both critically and creatively. They will have proven themselves as innovators able to apply new solutions to real world problems.” ~ Andy Dodge, Grade 5 science teacher

“This collaborative process has allowed time to reflect on what I am doing in my classroom and think about the bigger science picture, preschool-Grade 8. The discussions about what is important and what we can do to support our students as problem solvers and critical thinkers has helped strengthen our program overall.” ~ Elizabeth Leddy, Lower School science teacher

Program Mission: The Graland Science Program serves as a platform for future scientists, engineers and technically literate non-scientists. Mission goals:

Provided they met our criteria, we preserved the legacy of popular and successful units. However, where old units no longer serve modern needs, we sought to make alterations where necessary and even to eliminate dated units. In their place we plan an array of fresh, engaging topics such as LegoTM engineering, construction challenges, bioengineering and the human genome, population dynamics and robotics. Our curriculum work is ongoing as we actively rework units, explore new curricular resources and research additional local field trip options. Delving deeply into our curriculum has proven to be both invigorating and challenging and has already yielded great results by revitalizing energy and solidifying our science educators into an even more effective cross-divisional team. Along with our strengthened curriculum, future enhanced science labs will support bringing the science program’s mission to life. Stay tuned for more news over the summer from the science task force and the unveiling of Graland’s updated curriculum throughout the 2013-14 school year. u Task force members: Graland science teachers: Andy Dodge, Aaron Murray, Mark Gatlin, Dalton McCurdy, Elizabeth Leddy and Michelle Benge; Seth Terry ‘83 (parent and scientist); Dr. Mindy Zarske (director of K-12 engineering education at CU’s BOLD Center); chaired by Gail Hill, Graland’s director of curriculum and instruction. 4

• T o engage students in fundamental scientific inquiry • T o inform lifelong decision-making by enhancing an understanding of diverse systems and their interrelationships • T o encourage students’ curiosity, creativity, leadership and risk-taking through innovation and exploration • T o develop critical thinking skills through real-world problem solving • T o recognize and discuss ethical issues related to scientific advances • T o actively promote connections to math, technology and literacy

Lower School News Kindergarten May Day Celebration By Justin Miera, chair of visual and performing arts May Day celebrations have endured for centuries throughout Europe. Traditions like dancing around the Maypole are symbolic of the trip around the seasons of the year, and even the seasons of one’s own life. In America, the customs were enhanced with the generosity of neighborly May Baskets filled with seasonal treats. Once upon a time at Graland, Maypole dances and May Baskets were a staple part of festivities that included the crowning of the May Queen, Miss Georgia Nelson herself. Today, Graland’s May Day celebration is a chance for kindergartners to celebrate the natural change of season and their growth at school. In music class for example, they’ve gained skills including the ability to keep a steady beat, coordinate that beat with friends and work together to demonstrate this teamwork with confidence. The event is appropriately held outside where the children will sing May Day songs, play instruments and perform circle dances. Young children most often find relevance in the world closest to themselves, which is why some early kindergarten curricular units include “All About Me,” “All About the School,” and “Outside my Door.” This change to spring is a great opportunity for kindergarten students to reflect on the school year, anticipate the next, and show off the skills they have developed. Please join us! u

Kindergarten May Day Celebration Wednesday, May 1 8:20 a.m. Preisser Field

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Valuing Tradition Graland’s many traditions reinforce classroom learning, and these traditions connect today’s students with those who have preceded them.

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Lower School News PE Program Unique to Graland

Having physical education class every day is something most of our community accepts as normal. Teacher Bambi Mayo got a different view when she attended the National PE Institute conference last summer along with 300 instructors from elementary, middle and high schools across the U.S. “Other teachers talked about dealing with their programs being cut, how to share equipment with other schools and budget worries,” she explains. “I was almost afraid to speak up about our program in comparison.” Graland students are indeed lucky to have amazing facilities and six dedicated PE teachers, not to mention 30 minutes of daily activity. But Bambi didn’t attend the conference so Graland could rest on its laurels. She went for Bambi Mayo professional development -- to learn about the link between curriculum and assessment. “The kids are wonderful and they love PE,” she says. “I want to make sure our assessment of their skills means something to them and that we promote self esteem and an active lifestyle.” Since returning from the conference in North Carolina, Bambi has taken a new approach to teaching her students. “I now realize how important it is for the kids to know the objective of the lesson and what they’re being evaluated on so they can give their best effort,” she explains. “I have to be clear in giving directions and explain why we’re learning a certain skill, like throwing or catching, and why it is important.” Because they work with students from kindergarten to graduation, the PE team has the unique opportunity to form lasting bonds with students. In her 16 years at Graland, Bambi has seen many boys and girls grow and mature. “Alumni always come back to campus and want to see their coaches,” she says. “Between the six of us, we have decades of knowledge not just about physical development, but also social skills development. We focus on teaching sportsmanship, cooperation and teamwork, and we have a great connection with the kids.” Faculty Focus: In high school at Kent Denver, Bambi played field hockey, soccer and lacrosse. She went on to Skidmore College to play field hockey on the collegiate level. Today, she trains with weights, jogs and skis with her family, setting a good example of lifetime fitness for her students. u

Grade 2 Highlight: Biography Tea

The Peace Jam unit introduces the notion that there are people who have made positive contributions to society. These are the individuals that second graders are encouraged to study. Students are also Every May, a trumpet fanfare heralds the arrival of 72 influential people encouraged to select a person to study based upon their own interests to Graland’s campus. Gone are the 72 second graders who have and experiences. On a day in early February, while exploring diligently conducted a six-week research project, and in their a math website, MacCoy Weil discovered that Welsh place walk individuals ranging from Mother Teresa to Neil mathematician Robert Recorde first recorded the equals Armstrong to Rosa Parks. symbol in 1557, and mused, “I love math and I’m part Ask any Graland student about their second grade Welsh. Maybe I could study him for the Biography Tea.” highlight and undoubtedly they will say the Biography During the six-week project, students are taught th Tea. May 16 will mark the 15 anniversary of this research skills that culminate in a visual display of wonderful Graland tradition. As proud parents and their work in the form of a poster, and for many it’s a Thursday, May 16 eager students enter the Anschutz Commons on that lasting reminder of their work on the biography. day, they will learn facts, hear anecdotes and have 8:30-9:30 a.m. “My favorite part was making the poster,” says their questions answered, as each second grader Anschutz Commons current fourth grader Lola Barish. “It’s still on my takes on the persona of their chosen individual. bedroom wall.” Many new second graders will excitedly tell me at As Graland teachers, we are constantly looking for our Get-to-Know-You conferences in August, “I’m going to ways to develop our curriculum to provide students with be (insert name here) for the Biography Tea!” This enthusiasm essential 21st century skills. This year the second grade team continues throughout the year as class discussions often gravitate is excited to introduce a new technology component to the Biography toward possible choices, especially once the students begin studying Tea. Students will create a digital presentation to share with their the lives of Nobel Peace Prize laureates during the PeaceJam unit. classmates. By Justine Hall, Grade 2 teacher

15th Annual Biography Tea

Grade 4 Builds Special Friendships By Jessica Rowe, Grade 4 teacher Each year the fourth grade class embarks upon many new journeys, but there is one in particular that has a lasting effect on all who are involved. This journey is scary for some, inspiring for most, but memorable for all. I am referring to the Unified Neighborhood program. For the past several years, Graland has been an official Special Olympics Colorado Project Unify® school. The program uses sports and education programs to develop school communities where all youth are agents of change – fostering respect, dignity and advocacy for people with intellectual disabilities. As Graland’s liaison, it is my responsibility to assure we are fulfilling our requirements. The Unified Neighborhood program allows us to accomplish this, and so much more. Our program is a partnership between Graland fourth graders and select Denver Public School special needs classrooms. Our partner schools this year include Ellis Elementary, Place Bridge Academy, The Joshua School, Park Hill Elementary and Asbury Elementary. Starting in October, students participate in monthly activities to learn about each other, explore their differences and ultimately discover what it truly means to accept others. This year, students have bowled together, celebrated the holidays, set goals and even had a portrait exchange in February. The school year is almost over, but our Friday, April 26 biggest event is yet to come! In April, we’ll host the Sam Loewi Unified Neighborhood 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ceremony and Games. This event celebrates Graland Fieldhouse acceptance, and honors all the students who participated in the Unified Neighborhood program this year. The Sam Loewi Unified Neighborhood Games promises to be an exciting and moving event, so don’t miss it! u

Sam Loewi Unified Neighborhood Games

Along with the skills needed to create a digital presentation, the students are taught how to: • Read for information • Take notes • Plan, write and edit a fourparagraph report • Type the report after practice using the online typing program TypingPal™ • Compile a simple bibliography • Search for information and photographs on the internet • Write captions • Write a description paragraph • Create a timeline We are excited to share our learning with you on May 16. Please join us for this very special event. u William W. as John James Audubon and Millie B. as Susan B. Anthony

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Middle School News Academics: The Science of Engineering Students in Andy Dodge’s fifth grade science class went up against the crushing machine recently, better known as “The Breaker of Dreams,” after a lesson on structural engineering. Using an iPadTM app called Simple Physics, they first learned about good design and how design must match purpose. After experimenting with tower designs, students began the hands-on assignment: employ their learning to build a balsa wood tower that meets specifications and can withstand the crushing machine. To face “The Breaker of Dreams,” towers must have a 4” base and 8” height using only 18 feet of balsa. All the work is done in class. “I hold a cutting clinic so students learn to cut miter joints conservatively,” he explains. “Then they learn to sand the edges so there’s more surface area for the glue.” Cutting correctly proved to be one of the more difficult parts of the assignment. Caroline Burke-Dullinger says, “It’s hard to get the cuts exactly how you want them – not too long, not too short.” Often, the students’ first attempt at tower construction doesn’t hold as much weight as they might have hoped for. Many give it a second go, with better results. “Limiting the amount of wood they can use causes students to make good choices,” Andy says. “A strong tower doesn’t happen by accident and more wood isn’t necessarily better. Towers with the best design and construction aren’t always the prettiest ones aesthetically.” One student who developed a unique design, Jeremy Gart, learned a lot about geometry and angles as he created a tower with octagonal bases. “I was looking at different designs, and saw they were all threeor four-sided,” he explains. “I wanted to try an eight-sided design and tri-level tapering.” His base is four inches in diameter, the middle platform is three and the top platform is two inches. The walls of Jeremy’s tower employ a zigzag design, which he believes is “the most powerful.” “Nothing’s been tried like this before,” Jeremy claims. “It could be amazing if the bottom design holds, or it could snap if it isn’t structurally sound.” Therein lies the rub; eventually, the crushing machine has its way. “They all get crushed,” says Andy, “Some more readily than others. “The point of the lesson is to understand structural engineering and design principles, gain appreciation of good design and then apply those ideas on a micro scale.” u

»»» Academics: Looking Ahead Sixth graders perform dissections and conduct more laboratory experiments in science. Seventh graders have roles in mock trials and argue a cause in the mock Continental Congress. By eighth grade, students are discussing sophisticated literature and using math lessons to make unique piñatas.

Focus On

More Photos

Service: Graland Eagles Fit in at the Zoo Who doesn’t love the zoo? Our fifth graders certainly do, after spending the year with Denver Zoo docents and getting an insider’s view of zoo life. “All kids remember going to the zoo, but most didn’t know the zoo works around the world to promote animal conservation,” says Annie Lassiter, math teacher. In fact, students are gearing up to act as ambassadors for an endangered species during the Party for the Planet at the Denver Zoo on April 19. Stationed throughout the grounds, they’ll share facts about animals and the importance of protecting the life and habitat of every species. “I think it’s a fun experience to learn about different animals we haven’t heard about before,” says Alden Alijani, who is studying the Lake Titicaca frog. His group is making an iMovie to show zoo guests how they can help the species recover from its endangered status. To prepare for the big event, students spend four mornings at the Denver Zoo participating in a variety of learning opportunities and helping with tasks. Each student joins one of nine groups to specialize in

Grade 5 Traditions: Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Knighting Tradition Honors Grade 5 With nearly 90 years of history behind us, Graland is never short of cherished traditions: kindergartners have the rodeo, eighth grade has graduation and fourth grade has the Special Olympics games. In fifth grade, students train to become Graland’s Knights in Shining Armor, a time-honored tradition that teaches medieval history and the characterbuilding traits of loyalty, honor and understanding. “Knighting was once seen as a transition moment from Lower School to Middle School,” explains history teacher Mitch Masters. “Now, it’s a rite of passage that signifies a student’s place in the Middle School. The students are acknowledged for having the character, compassion and grit to be part of the Middle School community.”

Royal Court

The knighting ceremony would not be complete without a royal court presiding over it. Two sixth graders serve as king and queen, who oversee the ceremony and dub the knights. The pair is selected by their peers for having noble qualities like kindness, gentleness and leadership. It is a big honor to be named to the royal court, which also includes two royal assistants to the king and queen.

Road to Knighthood

»»» Service:

Before the culminating knighting ceremony, students must demonstrate mastery of a myriad of chivalrous topics. There are three distinct phases of the training.

Looking Ahead In sixth grade, students begin working with the homeless during lunch hour at the Capitol Hill soup kitchen. They serve trays of food to the grateful crowds on Friday afternoons throughout the year.

Denver Zoo’s Party for the Planet Featuring Student Docents from Grade 5 Friday, April 19 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

a particular animal that they will advocate for protecting. They meet the animals and practice sharing information about their assigned species. “Docents love to work with Graland kids because they have repeat visits with them and can go deeper with their teaching than with most groups,” Annie says. To supplement their learning, students participate in activities and take behind-the-scenes tours. In January, they made paper mache objects to enhance the physical and mental well being of the zoo animals as part of an enrichment activity. On a visit in March, groups went on a tour of the commissary where they learned how the Denver Zoo feeds up to 4,000 animals every day. To hone their presentations before the public event, fifth graders practice one last time in front of their first grade buddies, giving younger students a glimpse of the service project that awaits them in Grade 5. “It’s a strong experience to help the animals and I think it also impacts fifth graders,” Lili Zeisser explains. Students bring awareness of animal welfare to zoo guests which “gets more people to protect the animals,” she says. u

Dates: May 28-31 (one class per day); 8:10-9:10 a.m., Woodruff Multipurpose Room Reception to follow, 9:15-10 a.m. Page At school, students begin their study as “pages in the castle.” They learn about feudal and caste systems, the life of an indentured servant and other aspects of medieval society. They also begin to evaluate their own characteristics, which they will incorporate into a knight’s shield. “We study heraldry and the meanings of ancient images,” Mitch says. “They’re not allowed to be superficial and select a soccer ball to describe themselves if they like soccer, for example. It’s about character, what they’re like as people.” Students determine their characteristics and then research the symbolic images that represent those traits, whether animate, inanimate or even mythical. A stork, for example, represents someone who takes care of others. An ant symbolizes great labor and wisdom. A heron stands for vigilance. Squire After two weeks as page students spend the next week as squires. At school, they paint their shields with their symbols of character and write a speech about their noble qualities and their aspirations as a knight, which they will read during the knighting ceremony. Knight The actual knighting ceremony is top secret – open only to knights and their parents; no younger siblings are admitted. After receiving knighthood, students parade through campus on their way to a special reception, to the cheers of Lower School students. Alumni or older siblings with shields are welcome to bring them to share during the reception, where photographs with the royal court are permitted. Knighting is not only a Graland tradition, but also a rite of passage that beautifully brings together the school’s mission to build strong character and its guiding principle to build community. Long live the knighting ceremony! u

»»» Traditions: Looking Ahead This class of fifth graders will be one of the first to start a new Graland tradition: the Grade 7 trip to Washington, D.C. in the spring. The inaugural trip, part of the history curriculum, will kick off in 2014. Students will see history come alive at our nation’s capital, setting the stage for their eighth grade unit on the Civil Rights Movement. Destined to be an epic trip for seventh graders, the D.C. adventure will replace both the 100 Elk and Keystone Science School trips. Graland Today I 9

Middle School News Transitioning from “Home” to High School

Denver metro area. Travis Rase ‘12, a freshman at Kent Denver School, gives eighth graders this advice: “Enjoy your time at Graland. By Brenda Stockdale, secondary school counselor Be patient making new friends in high school.” More words of wisdom come from Anna James ’12, a freshman enrolled It’s been a fantastic year for our eighth graders! It in the GW-IB program: “Get involved! Become part of a began with the inspiring trip to the South, followed by sport, a club or some kind of extracurricular activity.” She carline Fridays, high school visits, interactions with goes on to say, “Because of the great arts and sports at fifth grade math students at Harrington Elementary Graland, it encouraged me to go into speech and debate, School, Spirit Days, Chubbs the class mascot, Pre-K sports, and theatre.” buddies, dances, the Faculty v. Grade 8 basketball Students should realize that transitioning from Graland game and much, much more. Underlying each of to high school is a process. They can’t expect to feel “at these memorable experiences were the advisors’ home” at their new school right away. It can take months – unwavering support and the faculty’s dedication to maybe their entire freshman year – to figure out where things teaching and coaching these wonderful young people. are located on campus, to make a new group of friends, to get to Brenda Stockdale Through the ups and downs of eighth grade, our students know their teachers and to find activities of interest. have kept their eyes on the next milestone: high school. Not only are our eighth graders transitioning this fall, but parents After months of planning, our eighth graders now know where are, as well. Many families will watch their youngest or their only child they’re heading next year. As most of us remember from our own youth, walk across the stage in June. Eighth graders and their parents alike the transition from middle school to high school brings excitement and will no doubt be overcome with many conflicting emotions as they trepidation. At a new school students may fear anonymity, unfamiliar say their goodbyes, but if they walk out the gate knowing their` son or surroundings and higher academic expectations. daughter is well-prepared for the next step, chances are the transition Our soon-to-be-graduates are preparing to move from a place will be less daunting for everyone. u they’ve called home for much of their lives. The Middle School faculty have helped prepare our students in myriad ways for the upcoming transition to high school. They’ve held them responsible for their own learning, taught them strategies for East High School academic success, nurtured their character and provided opportunities for leadership and growth. Without a doubt, our graduating class is Colorado Academy ready for new challenges.

Class of 2013 High School Placement

In the coming months, parents might consider these ideas to ease the transition to high school: • • • • •

• • • •

Become acquainted with current students and parents. Attend orientation sessions. Attend summer programs, if offered (ie: classes, Denver Public School’s Freshman Academy). Take advantage of programs for incoming students (lunches, receptions, tours). Attend events offered on campus (athletics, arts, special presentations). Join a team or club. Plan a social outing with Graland Graduation several families. Friday, June 7 Communicate with your advisor over the summer. 10 a.m. If you are assigned an older student ambassador, be open Graland Fieldhouse to suggestions for getting together before the start of school. This person can be a good resource.

Some of the best advice comes from Graland alumni who are finishing up their freshman or sophomore year in high school. Many of them say that Graland prepared them well and instilled in them a solid work ethic. One parent declares, “Graland prepared my daughter 120 percent!” Sophie Levine ‘11, who currently attends George Washington High School’s International Baccalaureate (GW-IB) program, says, “Graland prepared me for high school because I had all the tools I needed for doing well in my classes. I knew techniques for time management, studying and test taking.” The downside of moving on to high school, many alumni assert, is the difficulty of leaving their friends, who scatter throughout the 10

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Kent Denver Regis Jesuit Cherry Creek High School George Washington International Baccalaureate

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Mullen Valor Other*

*Schools include: Arapahoe High School, Denver Jewish Day School, Denver Academy, Denver School of the Arts, Smoky Hill International Baccalaureate, South High School, St. Mary’s Academy and Waldorf School

Eighth graders pause for a photo on their Civil Rights trip, September 2012.

Alumni News

New Alumni Get Support from Ambassador Program Entering high school or beginning a college career is at once exciting and daunting. In an effort to support our young alumni during these major life transitions, the Alumni Board has created the Graland Alumni Ambassador Program.

The purpose of the Graland Alumni Ambassador Program is to connect high school and college freshmen with other Graland alumni enrolled at their respective institutions. The role of an ambassador is to: • Communicate with Graland alumni who may be interested in attending your high school or college (make yourself available). • Answer questions and provide advice regarding the application and selection process. • Support Graland alumni transition into high school or college with course selection, dorm selection and so on. • Connect with fellow Graland alumni who are incoming freshman at your institution or nearby in order to provide support and mentorship as they transition to new surroundings. We are planning a Move Up Day on May 17 for high school alumni to return to campus and meet with eighth graders. If you are interested in being an ambassador, either for high school or college students, please contact Kristin Eklund ’88 Weber at kweber@graland.org or 303-398-3623. u

Alumni Returned to Campus to Inspire Grade 8 Wednesday, April 10 at Graland Eight Graland alumni returned to campus in April for the second annual alumni speaker series. Representing the fields of entrepreneurship, technology, science, medicine, law, politics and visual arts, alumni engaged in lively conversations about different career paths with our eighth grade class.

Sad News from Graland: Bernice Rodgers (1934-2013) Graland sadly announces its former secretary to the headmaster, Bernice Rodgers, passed away February 24, 2013, of complications from cancer. To all those who knew and loved Bernice, our thoughts and prayers are with you. A fixture at Graland from 1976-2000, Bernice served several heads of schools and interim heads, remaining in contact with each following her retirement. She is featured in the 2002 Graland history book, Climb Every Mountain, where she is described as “a tireless worker and loyal friend.”

“I had the privilege of working along side Bernice at Graland,” says her daughter-in-law Sue Hall Rodgers, former director of admission and financial aid. “This special time gave me a window into her world there -- a chance to see firsthand why her years at the school were truly a highlight of her life. it seemed not a day went by without someone stopping by to see Bernice; the chair in front of her desk was a busy and popular place.” Kay Hanson, Middle School administrative assistant, remembers working with Bernice on side-by-side typewriters and proofing schedules together late at night while snacking on diet Coke and Goldfish crackers. The best memory, however, is of the dependable colleague and friend who cared about everybody. “She had a very natural rapport that charmed everyone she met,” Kay says. Lifetime trustee Ellie Caulkins agrees. “She was my friend, and everyone loved her,” Ellie shares. “It was such a pleasure working with Bernice. She was unflappable – nothing fazed her.” Former headmaster Michael Teitelman directly benefited from Bernice’s professionalism and on-the-job charisma. “She was an absolute gem,” Michael recalls. “Bernice always had a smile on her face and embodied the spirit of Graland in everything she did. She enriched us all, and no one could replace her.” The Denver Post published a lovely obituary notice and Graland’s website has a virtual guest book to record your remembrances and condolences to the family. u

Graland Today I 11

Development News Percent Participation by Grade

Giving to Graland It’s not too late to join Graland families by giving to the Annual Fund! Overall, we’ve seen 70 percent of parents participate and we’re still hopeful to reach 100 percent. The amount of your gift is less important than your participation to show support for Graland’s programs and services. To make your gift online, go to the Support Graland tab at graland.org.

Remaining Families to Donate

Kindergarten

88%

Grade 1

79%

Grade 2

70%

Grade 3

71%

Grade 4

70%

Grade 5

70%

Grade 6

74%

Grade 7

62%

Grade 8

70%

17 26 18 60

Percent Participation

100

Donor Reception Gets New Date Donors at $2,500 level and above to be feted in the fall Our most generous donors will be honored on September 26 in the fall celebration of giving. As recommended by the Board of Directors, the change allows us to invite 100 percent of the prior year’s donors to the reception hosted by Ronni McCaffrey, Head of School. Want to join them? Make your donation of $2,500 or more by June 30.

Did you pledge a gift to the Annual Fund? To be included in this year’s donor list, please make your full payment by June 30.

Annual Fund Giving Levels 1927 Circle $10,000+

Founders Circle $5,000-9,999

Head of School Circle $2,500-4,999

Scholars Circle $1,000-2,499

Honors Circle $500-999

Faculty Fellows Circle under $499

GPA News Title Sponsors of the Fourth Annual Eagle Invitational Golf Tournament Thank you to the following sponsors for their generous support of this Graland tradition. Please thank them in person by patronizing their businesses.

Eagle Sponsor

Birdie Sponsor: The Alijani Family

Hole Sponsors: #1: Daniel’s Petroleum - The Baker Family #2: Crawford and Sue Hamilton #3: Ringsby Realty - The Ringsby Family #4: The Hunt Family #5: Dean Electric #6: Team Window Genie - The Wissner Family #7: fruition - The Anderson Family #8: The Price Family #9: Sage Hospitality - The Isenberg Family #10: BOARDLife - The Klutznick Family #11: Ernst & Young - The Belfance Family #12: Ouray Sportswear - The Boris Family #13: Class of 2020 - Gulick, Hatcher, Wiley & Youssi #14: McCaffrey A Team #15: The Albright, Gowen, Wimer & Weil Team #16: Peepers Optical #17: Birner Dental Management - The Birner Family #18: Graland Board of Trustees

Eagle Nest Egg Sponsor: Hamilton Family Foundation The Decker Family

Par Sponsor: The Grier Family

Tin Cup Sponsor: The Birner Family

EJCM Construction Management Shield Sponsor – Front 9: The Gillespie Family

Shield Sponsor – Back 9: Robin Beery and Mark Filerman

Green Sponsor: The Brown Family

102.3 Espn Logo White Sponsor: ESPN 102.3 Denver’s Sports Station

In Kind Sponsors: Woody and Mitzi Beardsley GolfTEC - The Gart Family Little Pub Company - The Berzins Family Dan and Laura Wolf - The Ritz Carlton - Bachelor Gulch CommonGround Golf Course Wizbang - The Soudani Family

NEW! Family Golf Clinic to Include 9-Hole Middle School Par 3 Golf Tournament Thursday, May 16, 3:30-6 p.m. CommonGround Golf Course at Lowry Graland’s Family Golf Clinic is back for its second year – bigger, better and more inclusive than ever! The cost of $50 per family includes food and drinks, an 18-hole mini putt putt course, lessons with a golf professional and range time. New this year, and included in the price, is a 9-hole Middle School Par 3 golf tournament. Students must be experienced players who know the general game of golf, can carry their own clubs and keep proper score, and are independent enough to navigate the par 3 course on their own with a playing partner (fellow Graland student). Prizes for the Middle School tournament will be awarded to the first, second, and third place players as well as for contests such as “closest to the pin” for boys and girls. The minimum number of players in the tournament is 18 and the maximum is 36, so sign up soon to assure your student’s spot at graland.org/golf. u

Don’t Play Golf? No Problem! Come to the Eagle Coffee Prize Sponsor: Geoff and Marty Lord

Family Golf Clinic Sponsor: Graland Grandmothers

Friday, May 17, 8:30 a.m., CommonGround Golf Course, free Drop off your kids at school and come on over to the golf course for the casual, come-as-you-are Eagle Coffee. Enjoy a cup o’ Joe with Graland friends, old and new, after the golfers tee off. It’s free and you don’t have to register – just show up! u Graland Today I 13

GPA News

NEW! Wristbands to Simplify Experience for Students at “Luau” Carnival Wednesday, May 22, 3:10-6:30 p.m. Say “goodbye” to tickets and “hello” to wristbands! Each student will get Carnival fun for the presale price of $20 ($25 at the door) – exceptions include the Men’s Grill, Aloha Kitchen, water and sodas. The wearer will have unlimited access to all games, booths, inflatables, face painting, tattoos and the new limbo stick and hula hoop competitions! It also includes snow cones, popcorn and cotton candy. Super simple! Please plan to stay and enjoy dinner with your family at the Men’s Grill, headed up by Graland dad Mark Berzins and the

Men’s Grill Team. Savor a hamburger, turkey burger, or hotdog with fruit and chips for $5. Each meal purchased benefits Graland 100 percent because the incredible Berzins family donates all the food! And, be sure to take home casseroles, baked goods and other delectables from the Aloha Kitchen! Visit graland.org/carnival beginning April 1 to learn more about the Luau Carnival, sign up to volunteer and order Carnival wristbands and T-shirts. You can even sponsor a T-shirt for a member of the faculty or staff. Don’t miss this wonderful Graland tradition! u

GPA Honors Its Own at Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast Tuesday, May 21, 8:30-10 a.m. Anschutz Commons Join us as we recognize Graland Parent Association volunteers for their outstanding contributions to the school community this year.

Upcoming GPA Events April 19 Graland Store Open 2:30-3:30 p.m. Spring Arts Show Celebration & Ice Cream Social 3:30-5:30 p.m.

April 26

Use Your Feet or Share a Seat

May 3 Graland Store Open 2:30-3:30 p.m.

May 8 GPA General Meeting 1:30-3 p.m., Anschutz Commons VOA Theodora House Dinner 6-7:30 p.m.

May 16 Family Golf Clinic & 9 Hole Par 3 Middle School Golf Tournament 3:30-6 p.m., CommonGround Golf Course at Lowry

May 17

Use Your Feet or Share a Seat Eagle Coffee 8:30-10 a.m., CommonGround Golf Course at Lowry Eagle Golf Tournament 8:30-3 p.m., CommonGround Golf Course at Lowry

May 21 GPA Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast 8:30-10 a.m., Anschutz Commons

May 22 Graland Carnival 3:10-6:30 p.m., Preisser Field & Graland Fieldhouse Graland Store Open during Graland Carnival

Meet Incoming GPA President Kathy Gillespie Kathy Gillespie, who will serve as president of the Graland Parent Association (GPA) next year, has been a parent here since her son Jackson started kindergarten in 2004. “From the moment we toured the school we knew what a special place it was and what a great fit it would be for our family,” she says. While Jackson will move onto high school in the fall, Kathy and her husband Pete’s younger daughter, Caroline, will continue at Graland as a seventh grader. Their older daughter, Katelyn, is finishing her freshman year at St. Lawrence University in upstate New York. Kathy works part-time in the Colorado Attorney General’s Office, Appellate Division, where she specializes in child sex assault appeals and argues cases in front of the Colorado Court of Appeals and the Colorado Supreme Court. “Working part-time gives me a great balance between the kids, school and work,” she says. Before working in the attorney general’s office, she served as a prosecutor in the 18th Judicial District - District Attorney’s Office, where she also specialized in child sex assault cases. When she’s not in court or volunteering at Graland, Kathy might be found in Franktown, where she keeps her horse, a Friesian-cross who she says, “works part-time as my therapist.” Along with Caroline and Jackson, Kathy does dressage, a competitive equestrian sport (see the story on Jackson in the December/January 2013 issue of Graland Today!). She can also be found skiing, hiking and biking in the Colorado Rockies and spending time at the beach in Sea Island Georgia, a favorite place since childhood. A devoted GPA volunteer for many years, Kathy has served as a room parent (three times), a Grade 5 rep, a Grade 8 advisory rep, vice president of fundraising, chairperson of the Birch Street Bash and Back-to-School Coffee, and as a “worker bee” for several other events. “I have loved all the great people I have met through the GPA and have some lasting friendships with moms, faculty and staff that I might never have had if we had not been in the trenches together,” she says. “Having those connections with them has been a huge resource to me and has helped me get through a lot of tough school and parenting issues.” u

“I look forward to helping Ronni, the Board of Trustees, the faculty and the staff make the School the best it can be. I also want to do what I can to make sure that parents of younger children, as they are coming up the grade levels, get an opportunity to volunteer and be a part of their child’s experience at Graland. It is truly an amazing school and this will be my small way of saying thank you.” ~ Kathy Gillespie, Incoming GPA President

Graland Today I 15

Graland Education Prepares Student Fashion Designer Petite seventh grader Sophia R. recently competed against college students on the big stage of paper fashion – and won. The Denver Paper Fashion Show is an annual tradition hosted by the Art Directors Club of Denver. It’s the largest show in the United States, although shows are held around the world. Each year the event sells out and proceeds from ticket sales and paper fashion sales benefit local at-risk youth. At the show, models walk the runway to display the extravagantly made outfits, crafted mostly from paper. Judges look for originality, creative complexity, overall presentation (including wearability) and technical attributes. “My mom took me to the paper fashion show in fifth grade and this year I entered in the student category,” Sophia says modestly. Mind you, Sophia was one of the youngest designers and competed against college students studying fashion design. Her entry took several months to create and features a strapless design with a long train, paper lace and paper flowers. Read the whole story at graland.org. 16

Community Calendar April 19

Spring Arts Celebration & Ice Cream Social 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Grade 5 Zoo Docent Experience (see page 8)

April 26 Sam Loewi Unified Neighborhood Games (see page 7) 10 a.m.-1 p.m. May 16-17

GPA Golf Events (see page 13)

May 22

Graland Carnival (see page 14) 3:10-6:30 p.m.

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