Graland, Class of 2024By Ronni McCaffrey, Head of School

During the summer, my favorite indulgence is to read the newspaper (yes, paper) every morning, and not just scan the headlines. Last August, one particular article in the New York Times caught my attention: “Blackberry Sends a Message: Once Dominant, Now Seeking to Avoid Oblivion” (Austen, August 12, 2013). Clearly, Blackberry’s marketing department had not caught wind of this news because in another section of the very same paper, there was a significant advertisement for the newest version of the Blackberry phone. Having owned a Blackberry in the not too distant past, I marveled at how quickly unplanned obsolescence can overtake even the most successful enterprise.

Reading about Blackberry’s pending extinction, a chill went up my spine as I recalled a piece from the Fall of 2012 issue of the journal Independent School. Jim McManus, a

TODAYNOVEMBER 2013 - JANUARY 2014

▶ GOGRALAND

Grade 3 Enjoys HarvestPage 4

Middle School Trips Wrap UpPages 6-7

Athletics 8Development 10Graland Cares 14

Inside this

Issue:

Ronni McCaffrey, Head of School

Four-Star Dining at GralandTwo short years ago, Graland held the grand opening of its modern dining hall in the Anschutz Commons, and today as many as 750 people eat lunch in the commons on a daily basis. It’s a huge operation but one that works smoothly thanks to two professionals: Diana Wink, food services manager, and Raleigh Joyce, executive chef.

What are some things you have learned in the last two years?

Raleigh Joyce: We’ve become more kid-friendly in the food we offer and how it’s advertised, which is a big plus for the smaller children. We continue to pursue organic and nitrate-free food as well as local produce like peaches, corn, mushrooms and potatoes. Local food is more conscientious, and it reflects our commitment to sustainable communities.

Diana Wink: We’re doing much more batch cooking so everything is nice and fresh -- which makes a huge difference as far as quality is concerned. We’re also offering a larger variety of items for all the special dietary needs [vegan, gluten free, dairy free, etc.].

continued on page 3

This is the first in a series of articles centered on the concepts of 21st century learning. Keep reading for a case outlining why Graland is putting serious effort into this topic. Next issue: What are the key components of 21st century learning?

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Graland Today is a monthly publication of Graland Country Day School

Volume 3, Issue 2

Send correspondence to: Associate Director of Communications

Graland Country Day School 55 Clermont Street Denver, CO 80220

communications@graland.org graland.org

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 beengaged citizens and thoughtful leaders.

Ascende Omnem Montem

GRALAND’S GUIDING PRINCIPLESPursue Excellence

Guide Critical ThinkingInstill Integrity

Inspire LeadershipPromote IndependenceStimulate InnovationHonor Individuality

Cultivate CompassionEmbrace Experiences

Celebrate PerseveranceValue Tradition

Build Community

“ ““From hiking Chief Mountain in third

grade to listening to Martin Luther King’s

Mountaintop Speech in eighth grade, our

students have crested the bridge and have

begun to understand what it means to be

engaged citizens and thoughtful leaders.”

-Josh Cobb, see story page 7

The National Western Stock Show has selected lifetime Graland trustee Frederic C. Hamilton for its 2014 Citizen of the West award.

Fred, a pioneer in the oil and gas industry, is widely known in Denver for his philanthropic generosity. Graland’s gymnasium is named for this benefactor, who not only supports the school financially but he also gives his time by serving on the Graland Board of Trustees. Fred and his wife Jane sent two children to Graland (trustee Crawford Hamilton ’75 and Thomas Hamilton ’77). Three of their grandchildren are current students in Grades 8, 7 and 4.

“Fred Hamilton has been one of Graland’s most generous donors – of his time, his energy and his financial resources,” says Christopher Hunt, president of the Board of Trustees. “Fred is a thoughtful voice whose long-term perspective always ensures that Graland stays on a steady course and is positioned for success. His dedication to this institution is infectious and it is a privilege to serve with Fred on the Board. We value our sense of community at Graland, and strong communities start with good citizens like Fred.”

The Citizen of the West award has been given since 1978. Fred joins a respected list of recipients including Graland alumnus Charles C. Gates ’34 and several past parents at Graland, such as past trustee Allan Phipps. Fred will receive the prestigious award at a dinner in January that raises funds for scholarships.

Trustee Fred Hamilton Makes Headlines

Graland Today I 3

What is your approach to creating menus?RJ: My creative inspiration really comes from kids’ suggestions. The student council asked us to bring back hamburgers, for example. And the fun piece is planning theme days. I include foods the kids haven’t seen much, but are not so far out there that they won’t try them. Last year, I had kids eating cabbage and brats and coming back for seconds. “Christmas in France” went very well, and we’ll do that again this year. We also have “Breakfast for Lunch” each month, which is a kid favorite.

Besides the great lunches, what else do you provide at Graland?DW: We offer Snack Club in the afternoon for student athletes and package all the morning and afternoon snacks for the classrooms. We do almost all the catering on campus for adult events and manage the school’s composting program.

Is there anything new this year?RJ: The new “grab and go” cooler is stocked with fruit, yogurt, salads and sandwiches until 2 p.m. every day. It’s geared towards Middle School students to ensure they get enough food to sustain them during the day. Sodexo has also partnered with the wellness app, myfitnesspal. Anyone with a smartphone can scan the bar code in the lunch line and find out the nutritional components of our Sodexo recipes.

How can parents get involved?DW: Parents can join the lunch room volunteers who are stationed at either the dessert counter or in the lunch line to provide another adult presence during the busy lunch hours. They also help the little ones find nutritional balance on their plates by suggesting a variety of foods.

Diana and Raleigh are employees of Sodexo, the global food service leader contracted to manage Graland’s dining hall operations.

What We Say About Sodexo

“The generosity and kindness shown by the dining hall staff coupled with the terrific dietary options are unparalleled. It’s like eating at an amazing four-star restaurant every day – great staff and great food. I love the vibe in there.” ~Dan O’Neill, drama teacher

“What I’ve enjoyed most about our new lunch program is hearing parents talk about how their students tried something new, whether it’s collard greens, tilapia or artichoke hearts. Kids know the dining hall staff by first name and enjoy a positive lunchtime experience.” ~Juan Botello, director of finance and operations

“I’ve found the staff to be incredibly caring. My son Charley has a nut allergy and the staff went the extra mile to help him understand that Graland is a secure environment.” ~Sharon Dye, Graland parent

continued from page 1

Four-Star Dining at Graland

32 The number of years

Jackie Wylde has dishedout lunches at Graland!

4

Did you start your day sampling cucumbers and peppers fresh from the garden?

No doubt you have shopped for locally grown produce at a farmers’ market, but did you buy your goods in Spanish?

Beginning on day one this year, third grade Spanish classes experienced the abundance of a Colorado harvest in a variety of integrated ways. Our first goal was to prepare for a trip to the Cherry Creek Farmer’s Market. Students studied the names of many fruits and vegetables and learned phrases that would help them communicate with Spanish-speaking vendors. They practiced with video tutorials, in-class simulations and taste tests from the Graland garden.

On market day, both the vendors and other shoppers were delighted to see these young customers in action. They smiled when they heard them ask, “¿Cuánto cuesta?” and negotiate the sale in Spanish. The kids were smiling too! They may

have been to the farmers’ market with their parents but having their own money for shopping turned it into a very empowering experience.

This year, we also hosted our own farmers’ market on campus with produce from the Graland garden. Student “vendors” used their Spanish language skills to sell tomatoes, cucumbers, herbs, onions and more to

faculty and staff. Student bankers totaled the sales and the class donated the money to The American Red Cross for Colorado flood relief efforts.

Throughout the unit, third graders tracked their progress in a self-assessment journal entitled “Sí se puede!” Inspired by César Chavez’ quote meaning “Yes, we can,” students confidently recorded that they had met the goals of the unit. Whether they were singing songs about fruits and vegetables at a Lower School assembly, following a recipe for salsa or

creating their own recipes for a delicious salad, these students demonstrated that “Sí se puede!” is the perfect motto for our Spanish class.

Lower School News

Grandparents and special friends were campus guests in September, when they explored Graland with their favorite students and learned about the amazing education happening here.

“The kindergartners are so proud of their new environment and want to share what they have already learned. For me as a teacher, it was a blast!” ~Wendy Demartini, kindergarten teacher

“The children were talking about who was coming to Grandparents and Special Friends Day all week long. They could hardly contain their enthusiasm!” ~Lisa Palmer, pre-k teacher

“It was wonderful to see the students interacting with their grandparents while they both used their senses to make observations about the green space outside the classroom. Grandparents also enjoyed helping their grandchildren learn to use a microscope

to look at plants and insects.” ~Elizabeth Leddy, science teacher

“My students were so excited to share their work that was displayed in the room. They were so proud of all they have accomplished in just a few weeks!” ~Melissa Yoder, kindergarten teacher

“It is hard to distinguish who is more excited on this day – grandparent or child! Grandparents have a unique long-term view and delight in the smallest

accomplishments and it is wonderful to watch the interactions that take place. A child feels so valued when a grandparent recognizes his work.” ~Nan Remington, head of Lower School

“I had a wonderful time with my granddaughter Jordyn today! Love Grandparents Day!” ~Lily Medina, Graland grandparent (via Facebook)

“It was wonderful. So happy I was able to be there.” ~Marlene Siringo, Graland grandparent (via Facebook)

Harvest Offers Chance to Integrate LearningBy Christi James, Spanish teacher

Grandparents and Special Friends Day

Take a look at Graland’s farmers’ market, where third graders sold produce from the Graland garden to faculty and staff!

▶

Christi JamesSpanish Teacher

Graland Today I 5

The benefits of a preschool to Grade 8 education are many: an involved community; nurturing, caring adults; and a consistent educational experience. Perhaps one of the most endearing benefits at Graland is the Buddy Program, which started in the early 1980s.

When teachers pair younger and older students, each child participates in a mentor relationship that teaches them how to be an engaged member of a community, according to Head of Lower School Nan Remington.

“Older students are the key to modeling appropriate behavior and interpersonal skills,” Nan shares. “The meaningful activities they share with younger students create lasting friendships and a true sense of belonging. By the time children are in third grade, they’re saying, ‘I can’t wait until I’m the older buddy.’”

Grade 4 is the pivotal year when students transition from younger to older buddy. Without exception, students take this responsibility seriously and start the year teaching their kindergarten buddies to tie shoelaces. It’s an exercise in patience and empathy, to be sure.

Once students get to Middle School in Grade 5, they’re buddy program veterans who appreciate their roles as mentors, says Brenda Stockdale, dean of Grades 7/8.

“I love the fun factor,” she says. “When middle schoolers play with younger kids, there is so much laughter and movement. It brings out the best in them and lets them practice nurturing and showing compassion.”

Middle schoolers who want extra time with their little buddies sign up to work in the Early Childhood Learning Center during the elective block. It was a popular choice, according to Brenda, and speaks to the affinity our students have for younger children. This year, 12 boys and girls in Grades 7/8 help teachers by reading, singing and playing with 3- and 4-year-olds.

The Buddy Program was on full display at October’s Buddy Field Day, a Graland tradition that got a new twist this year. Students were paired with their buddies for fun and games like gunnysack relays and parachute activities. The whole day was designed to be more inclusive of our oldest and youngest students.

“Field Day is now also Buddy Day,” explains Bambi Mayo, PE teacher. “It’s all about cooperation and teamwork and helping buddies get to know each other. We made sure they had fun together so they could really start to form relationships.”

The Buddy Program unites students across the Lower School and Middle School, bringing a sense of community to Graland’s campus. It gives younger students a role model and older students a responsibility. All around, it’s a Graland tradition that benefits every student by cultivating compassion and inspiring leadership.

“ “

“ “

“ “

“You don’t think the younger buddies are looking up to you, yet when they see you they get so excited. It

feels pretty good.” -Paul Stone, Grade 8

“I had a big buddy in third grade who always said ‘hi’ to me outside of the classroom. He made an effort to reach

out and showed me the kind of buddy I wanted to be.”

-Charlie Wallace, Grade 8

“When I see my little buddy from last year we give each other a hug. All of us look forward to being with our

buddies and spending time with the younger kids.” -Alyvia Gonzales, Grade 7

BUDDY PROGRAM

Graland BuddiesPreschool + Grade 8

Kindergarten + Grade 4Grade 1 + Grade 5Grade 2 + Grade 6Grade 3 + Grade 7

6

GRADE 7: HARD WORK

IN DENVER

Middle School News

Fall Traditions: Trips Program Makes MemoriesFall at Graland means exciting adventures for our middle schoolers! Our trips program is an important component

of a Graland education that teaches teamwork, fieldwork and, sometimes, hard work. Take a peek at what our students in Grades 5-7 experienced during September’s trip season.

Fifth graders take their first overnight trip with Graland on a journey to the La Foret Conference and Retreat Center, located in the scenic Black Forest (near Colorado Springs). Throughout the week, activities are organized to promote group interaction, cooperation and healthy relationships.

“La Foret is an important opportunity to both work and play together to build a strong and supportive community in Grade 5,” says Andy Dodge, science teacher and trip leader. “During this time much is done to establish an important foundation for the entire year.”

A host of adult chaperones accompanied students -- MESH (math, English, science, history) teachers, advisors and other faculty members. In addition, Graland employs experienced professionals from Outer Edge Performance who guide students through the high and low rope initiatives to accomplish several goals:

• Expose students to a variety of both group and individual challenges.• Develop trust in themselves and others.• Encourage participation in structured, cooperative group activities.

Sixth graders have been trekking to Rocky Mountain National Park for the past 35 years, an excursion that puts them in an ideal location to study mountain life zone ecology. Through field studies of plant and animal life, students gain first hand knowledge of scientific concepts, according to science teacher and trip leader Aaron Murray.

“We traveled to Alluvial Fan to study aquatic ecology, and students collected and analyzed macro invertebrates to determine water quality and oxygen content,” he says. “On the alpine tundra, we observed various behavioral and physical adaptations of plants and animals to endure the abiotic and biotic limiting factors of the region. We also studied the nocturnal habits of animal species and learned about night vision.”

The trip was not all scientific, thanks to art teacher Andrean Andrus and English teacher Allison Birdsong. They led students in creating beautiful watercolor landscapes with corresponding poems. All activities encouraged self-confidence, group cooperation and positive social interaction, forming an important basis for a meaningful year. The evening program on drumming, in particular, encouraged students to come together for a harmonious result.

“This trip was the greatest bonding experience I have ever had at Graland,” says sixth grader Matthew Nekritz.

Seventh graders tackled unkempt alleys in a community clean up project designed to prepare them for a new trip to Washington, D.C. in the spring. There, students will learn more about democracy and how to affect change.

For two days, students and chaperones rode the RTD bus into local neighborhoods to pull weeds, collect trash and paint over graffiti. “Our theme for the year is ‘engaged citizens,’” science teacher Mark Gatlin explains. “The kids dove into their work and had good interactions with the neighbors. People really seemed appreciative.”

One of those neighbors was Denver resident Jodi Meisinger. “Our alley was in dire need of a makeover,” she says. “I think teaching our youth the value of volunteer work is one of the best investments of our and their time.”

GRADE 6: FIELDWORK IN ESTES PARK

GRADE 5: TEAMWORK IN LA FORET

“What would you march for?” That was Joanne Bland’s question to our eighth graders before we began our walk across Edmund Pettis Bridge, following in the footsteps of those who marched from Selma to Montgomery for voter rights in 1965. It was the question Joanne Bland asked herself as she made that historic march as a child, almost 50 years ago.

We crossed the bridge over the slowly meandering Alabama River in silence, feeling the weight of the humid heat and considering the question posed. I imagined the students let their thoughts wander like the river below, some thinking of anything but activism, several potentially grasping on to a personal cause. This Civil Rights Trip is a journey in and of itself: eighth grade students traveled 3,351 miles to trace the path of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. from Atlanta to Memphis. Cresting the bridge, I realized this trip teaches the path from engagement to leadership, the path of a productive citizen.

Later that night in Montgomery, 14 eighth graders gave speeches to an audience of their peers and teachers, gathered by the shores of that same Alabama River. Hoping for a spot on student council, these students spoke of both the mundane (dress code and school food) and the profound (inclusivity and community). Impacted by the events of the day, they stepped forward and displayed courage, composure and eloquence beyond their years. They showed us the leaders they will become.

Two days later, walking around Kelly Ingram Park in Birmingham, Ala., I was struck by how much the Civil Rights Movement relied on children. Since adults had to work to keep their families afloat, they did not always participate in the protests. High school and middle school students did. They put themselves on the front lines and risked imprisonment and injury by billy clubs, fire hoses and dogs. The statues in Kelly Ingram Park depict the heroic actions these young people took to help move the Civil Rights Movement forward. As our students walked quietly through the park and reflected on these images, they considered the courage and commitment of those children.

Our trips program is designed to help students grapple with what it means to be engaged citizens and thoughtful leaders. In

the past six months, I have been fortunate to chaperone both the sixth grade trip to Mesa Verde and the eighth grade trip down south. On the surface, these trips seem very different, but they both help build the foundation of involved citizenship for our students.

Specifically, I remember the solo walk that students took during the southwest trip. On the plateau above Mesa Verde, teachers released the students at one-minute intervals to walk alone toward Petroglyph Point. Though this simple, solitary act may seem irrelevant to leadership, the ability to turn inward and to know yourself fully is essential to eventually looking outwards and leading others thoughtfully.

Though most of our students are not ready to lead a movement, they have begun their own march to future leadership. This fall, students from third to eighth grade left campus to have experiences that will help guide them to civic engagement. Our fifth graders focused on teamwork as they helped each other overcome the challenges of both low and high ropes courses. Our sixth graders experienced even more than usual this year as they comforted each other in the face of being stranded in Estes Park. Finally, our seventh graders took RTD buses into our community right here in Denver to roll up their sleeves and help clean up neighborhoods.

From hiking Chief Mountain in third grade to listening to Martin Luther King’s Mountaintop Speech in eighth grade, our students have crested the bridge and have begun to understand what it means to be engaged citizens and thoughtful leaders.

MIDDLE SCHOOL TRIPSCrossing the Bridge to Leadership: The Trips Program at GralandBy Josh Cobb, Head of Middle School

go further

Josh Cobb,Head of Middle School

Students explored issues of racism at the Rosa Parks Museum in Montgomery, Alabama.

8

The tricky part about attending conferences on exercise science is sifting through all the information geared toward high-end coaches and athletes while applying the concepts to the young, developing athlete.

Over the summer I had the opportunity to attend the National Strength and Conditioning Association national conference in Las Vegas, and this trip was different. There were a number of sessions on youth training and conditioning in response to the rapid growth of youth in sports. One common theme that piqued my interest was on long-term athletic development (LTAD).

Philosophy of LTADLTAD focuses on whole-body training rather than by sport-specific training. LTAD uses certain phases of maturation and development to emphasize sport-generic traits such as coordination, strength, balance, agility, flexibility, endurance, joint mobility and stability, speed and power. Essentially this model is designed to combine successful training methods with pediatric exercise science in order to reach a greater physical potential.

The analogy I like to use is a tree. The roots are the fundamental movement and sport skills, the trunk is the sport-generic skills and the branches are the specific sports in which the youth would participate. If the athlete develops the sport-generic traits, they will have a strong trunk to support the physical demands of whichever sport(s) they choose. If the athlete’s development bypasses the sport-generic skills in favor of more sport-specificity, the developing athlete may find short-term success, but will be left with a weaker trunk that is less proficient of handling the physical demands of the sport over the long-term.

Impact on Graland StudentsFrom a curriculum standpoint, the sport-generic concepts have a stronger emphasis through each grade level to aid

the student’s overall athletic preparedness. We implement these ideas through daily warm-up activities and individual units of study on balance, agility and fitness for overall coordination, strength and flexibility.

Additionally, as of June 2013, the national standards for K-12 physical education and athletics have changed. In April, the American Alliance of Health, Physical

Education, Recreation and Dance is expected to release new guidelines to reflect the need for physical literacy in students in order to promote “a lifetime of healthful activity.” This is an opportunity for Graland to integrate more current best (and supported) practices in order to stay at the forefront of athletic development and physical competence for our students.

In a recent American College of

Sports Medicine article by one of the leading advocates for youth training and conditioning, Avery Faigenbaum, et al. summarizes, “Practitioners should be cognizant that children are not simply miniature adults, and their primary motivation for exercising is to have fun, make new friends, and learn something new. The adult exercise prescription paradigm is often inconsistent with the needs, abilities, and interests of school-aged youth.”

The adoption of LTAD and other related models meets the needs of young, developing athletes and can provide them with the skills necessary to be successful for the duration of their athletic careers while promoting an active lifestyle for the years thereafter.

Recommended Resources• Canadian Sport for Life

• Santa Monica Sports Medicine Research Foundation’s Prevent Injury and Enhance Performance (PEP) Program

• FIFA 11+

Developing Long-term AthletesBy Chris Hecht, Physical Education Teacher

Physical education is a key part of Graland’s mission to enrich learning for our students. Coach Chris Hecht is a National Strength and Conditioning Association certified strength and conditioning specialist (with distinction) and trainer who stays current on trends in youth athletics.

Chris Hecht,Physical Education Teacher

Graland Today I 9

Summer Travel Enriches Faculty LivesEarlier this year, two Graland faculty members were awarded funds to pursue summer sabbaticals in foreign lands. The purpose of the program is to finance summer experiences of study, travel, service or research that breathes “fresh air” to the individual and fosters a renewed enthusiasm for teaching and learning. Here are their accounts of these unforgettable experiences.

Rwanda – Always in My HeartBy Brenda Stockdale, Dean of Grades 7/8 and Secondary School CounselorFor many years, I dreamed of visiting Africa in a service capacity. In fact, it was number one on my “bucket list” for a long, long time. My visit to Kigali, Rwanda, changed my life in so many ways – from opening my eyes to a new culture and warmhearted people, to teaching me about horrific civil strife and the possibility of healing and renewal.

Rwanda is a land of paradoxes; my two-week experience revealed:

• a history of civil strife and a horrific genocide, yet a current state of peace, renewal, and development;

• traditions in the midst of progress;• poverty juxtaposed with affluence; • an array of experiences that included staying with

a host family, working with orphans, stepping into the “DMZ” of the Congo and meeting with First Lady Jeannette Kagame

While I can now cross off Service Trip to Africa from my bucket list, my trip to Rwanda, I hope, was just the beginning of a new educational and personal journey. Click to read more.

Thailand – The Land of SmilesBy Michelle Benge, Lower School Science TeacherI spent three weeks in Bangkok, Thailand, teaching English at the Wat Wetawam Primary School where enrollment is approximately 1,700 students from kindergarten through grade 6.

I have been blessed to travel a lot in my life but I have never before traveled on my own or as an international volunteer, which made this a unique and rewarding experience. My

job there was to help strengthen the English skills of both teachers and students. For Thai children, learning English can be quite a challenge

because there is not much exposure to English outside the classroom. Large class sizes mean there is just not

time or room for one-on-one teaching or much small group work. I learned that teaching in Thai schools

often means lots of worksheets and always being prepared to sing: Itsy-bitsy Spider, Hokey Pokey, etc.

What I appreciated most was the opportunity to interact with the people of Thailand.

Thais are gracious and fun loving. Sanuk is the Thai word for “to have fun.” Thai people believe that everything, even work and school, should have some element of sanuk. Nothing is taken too seriously, and yet everything is done with care, genuine interest and awareness. You will always be OK in Thailand as long as you smile! Click to read more.

10

Now that the Done in 31 Campaign has made significant progress toward our participation goals, it’s time to start seeing your Annual Fund dollars put to good use. The Annual Fund supports every aspect of the Graland experience from classroom supplies to overnight trips (see page 6-7). Here are some more ways giving to the Annual Fund helps Graland offer the best education possible to your students.

How does professional development help my child succeed? Graland uses a portion of your Annual Fund dollars to support continuing education for our teachers. Training and inspiring our teachers is crucial to providing a learning environment that prepares students to go further in life. When teachers grow their skills for the classroom, everyone wins: students are more engaged and prepared for their future while teachers report higher job satisfaction.

“Student outcomes are always at the forefront of professional development funding for teachers,” says Gail Hill, director of curriculum and professional development. “Continuing education allows teachers to be on the cutting edge of trends and it educates them in implementing adopted curricula and new technologies. Modeling lifelong learning is yet another benefit to students.”

What role do sports play in developing well-rounded students? While playing a sport teaches valuable physical skills and promotes a healthy lifestyle, healthy competition teaches so much more. Interacting with other students through sports helps kids learn about leadership, teambuilding and goal setting. It impacts self-esteem and confidence. The principles of hard work and dedication often carry over into academic success. Even constructive criticism from coaches and inevitable losses teach resilience – the ability to recover quickly from disappointment or hardship.

“As athletes, our students get to really experience and practice Graland’s guiding principles,” says Athletic Director Ann DeBoe. “A lot of character building happens through sports, and these are lessons that students carry with them throughout their lives.”

Why are learning specialists the key to effective teaching? Learning specialists support Graland’s pursuit of excellence by helping identify and address learning differences that are impeding student progress. They serve as coaches and consultants to assist teachers in offering lessons that appeal to a variety of learning styles. Graland’s five learning specialists give students the extra instruction to succeed in core curriculum subject areas.

“At any school, there is a myriad of diverse learners,” explains Nan Remington, head of Lower School. “Learning specialists identify and understand a child’s unique profile to help his teachers address those individual learning needs in the classroom. Learning specialists also facilitate communication between the classroom teachers and parents, and create a partnership among all those who teach the child which results in a uniform and consistent approach to supporting a student.”

Go Beyond: How Students Benefit from Annual Fund Giving

Graland Today I 11

go beyond

OUR STUDENTSGO HIGHER WHEN

YOU GO BEYONDgraland.org/annualfund

Time for Year-End GivingIf you're considering a year-end gift, please make your donation online (graland.org/annualfund) by Tuesday, December 31, so the charitable giving can be credited to you in the 2013 year. All gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Thank you in advance!

Colorado Gives DayTuesday, December 10, cogivesday.org

Pay your pledge or donate through cogivesday.org and the Community First Foundation will match your gift. There are no credit card fees charged to Graland for this service, which means more of your gift goes to support student programs and services. Mark your calendar!

ANNUAL FUNDGRALAND

go beyond

JOIN US!INFORMED GIVING: THE NUTS AND BOLTS ABOUT TUITION AND BUDGETINGA BRIEF INFORMAL DISCUSSION AND Q&A

DATE: Friday, January 17TIME: 8:15-9:15 AM

LOCATION: LibraryRefreshments will be served

Hosted by the Development Office

Do you know how Graland sets the annual budget and why it affects tuition? Find out at our second of three “Informed Giving” events! Juan Botello, director of finance and operations, will present and answer questions. Join us for this informative talk and light refreshments hosted by the development office.

12

Alumni News

It’s always nice to find a friendly and familiar face in a new environment. With that in mind, we kicked off the Graland Alumni College Ambassador Program to support our alumni who are going to college for the first time or transferring to a new institution.

We pair these younger students with another alum who is year or two older and can act as a resource during the decision making and transition process at colleges throughout the United States. These ambassadors answer questions via email or phone, and if possible, even meet visiting alumni on campus when they tour.

We now have more than 25 Graland alumni serving as ambassadors and we are always adding to our list! If you’re interested in being a resource and representing your current school, please contact Kristin Weber (303-249-2852). We especially need more representation from every Colorado university and college. Thank you for volunteering!

For those alumni who are in the process of looking at colleges, visiting campuses and completing applications, please contact Kristin Weber (303-249-2852). If we have an ambassador at any of the schools you are considering, he or she can help field your questions. We have alumni in schools big and small and all over the country, including Princeton, Chapman, Stanford, Regis, University of Colorado-Boulder, Colorado College, Middlebury, Bowdoin, University of Michigan and many others.

More News from Fall AthletesField hockey is one of many fall sports for high schoolers. Congratulations to these former Graland athletes who are tearing it up all over Denver:

Cross CountryKent Denver: Stephen Hanley ‘12 and Lyndsey Benes ‘13 George Washington High: Megan Hill ‘12 (varsity) and Sara Hill ‘12 (varsity)

VolleyballGeorge Washington High: Anna James ‘12East High: Rachel McIntosh ‘11 (varsity)

TennisKent Denver: Blake Parsons ‘12 (varsity) and Drew Parsons ‘12 (varsity)

LacrosseEast High: Cole Shwayder ‘12, Max Bragdon ‘12 and Willy Gettinger ‘12

We look forward to hearing updates for the winter and spring seasons! Where have you gone? What are you doing? Keep us posted at alumni@graland.org.

Alumni Athletes: Field Hockey When Graland’s field hockey coach, Allison Birdsong, proudly informed us that two of her former players made the varsity field hockey team at Colorado Academy, we got curious. What are other field hockey athletes doing at the high school level?

Turns out, Graland girls are rockin’ it in high school. At Colorado Academy, Nellie Turnage ’13 and Isabel Chandler ’13 give a lot of credit to Graland for their success on the playing field.

“As the only two freshmen on the varsity team, it has been a challenge, but even more so, it’s been a blast,” Isabel says. “I had the opportunity to meet older girls and play at a much higher level. Because of Ms. Birdsong and Ms. Mayo, I’m a stronger field hockey player, let alone athlete. My skills all started with them, and I am so grateful for it.”

Graland girls are also shining at St. Mary’s Academy. “I felt pretty confident trying out for the team because of all the practice and coaching I got from playing at Graland,” shares April Morland ’12, a varsity player. “I was one of the few girls who had been playing since sixth grade and it really benefited me because I already knew the game and had the skills necessary to make varsity. It is a lot of commitment outside of school but it is worth it because every day is so fun and the hard-core coaching and practice is making me a much better player.”

Field Hockey HotshotsColorado Academy: Morgan Bullen ‘13, Tate Wooley ‘13, Jacqueline Patel ‘13, Julia Kelly ‘12, Tess Hankin ‘12, Caroline Reisch ‘11 (varsity), Nellie Turnage ‘13 (varsity) and Isabel Chandler ‘13 (varsity)Kent Denver: Paula Petit-Molina ‘12 (varsity) and Erin O’Shaughnessy ‘12 (varsity) St. Mary’s Academy: April Morland ‘12 (varsity), Brittany Taylor ‘12 (varsity), Sophie Finke ‘12 (JV) and Ralsey Miller ‘11 (JV) East High: Remi Ruyle ‘12 (varsity)

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Making the College Transition Easier

Graland Today I 13

thought leader in our field, described four possible causes for the demise of an independent school, the first being Mission Fatigue. I define this condition as one in which the School community loses sight of “The Immutable” or core aspects of its mission and focuses solely on “The Ephemeral” or transient aspects of its mission.

A worthy mission carries a school through time. A successful school is constantly re-articulating how its values remain relevant for each succeeding generation of students. The changing environments, evolving technologies and shifting societal demands will shape how the school prepares its students for their future, in light of its mission. Today, it is imperative that school leaders continually make the school’s mission and guiding principles relevant to 21st century learners and their parents. To avoid Blackberry’s fate, a good school must be future-oriented, constantly scanning the horizon for indicators of what its graduates will need to be successful learners throughout their lives, and adapting its program to deliver on its promises. As we say here at Graland, “A great school never sits still.”

Our 100th anniversary class, the current Graland Preschool class of three year olds, will graduate from Graland in 2024 and high school in 2028. Assuming the current rate of change is predictive, the tertiary education our youngest students choose, or design, may be far different from the current traditional, very expensive, post-secondary experience. Note that I did not use the word “college.” By roughly 2032, most of Graland ’24 will be venturing into their first paid, or unpaid, employment. Research shows that for most young people, this period between “college” and professional preparation (usually three to five years) is a time for exploration and experimentation; nevertheless, the amount of educational debt they have accrued will strongly influence Graland ‘24’s choices at this juncture.

In Thomas L. Friedman’s column titled “Need a Job? Invent It” (New York Times, March 20, 2013), he suggests that most of us had it easy. We got to “find a job” after college, but many of our kids and grandkids will have to “invent” a job. What will Graland ’24 need to know and to be able to do to achieve this? In search of an answer, Friedman interviewed Harvard

educational researcher Tony Wagner, author of The Global Achievement Gap and most recently, Creating Innovators. Wagner’s response to the question via email was so enlightening, I include the entire quote:

“Today, because knowledge is available on every Internet-connected device, what you know matters far less than what you can do with you know [emphasis added]. The capacity to innovate – the ability to solve problems creatively or bring new possibilities to life – and skills like critical thinking, communication and collaboration are far more important than academic knowledge. As one executive told me, ‘We can teach new hires the content

and we will have to because it continues to change, but we can’t teach them how to think – to ask the right questions – and to take the initiative.’”

To think, to question and to take initiative have been among the goals of Graland’s instructional program since 1924. So, what’s new? Latin, Greek and French were essential

elements of any classical education in the 19th century. In 1950s New York, I spent the hour after lunch every day practicing my palmer and chancery scripts. Today, the instructional team is debating the most effective approach to ensuring that all students have a working knowledge of the keyboard. The destination, intellectual excellence, never changes but the routes to that endpoint: the knowledge, the skills, the motivations and the attitudes must continually adapt to the time and place the learner finds himself.

What this mean for educators is a relentless devotion to authentic student assessment, professional research and continual training and collaboration. To teach all of our students the same way, year after year, would be malpractice. For parents, it can be very confusing as they evaluate the efficacy of an educational program for their child. They know what worked, and what did not work, in their own education, but what about their digital native children who will be entering an increasingly diverse and complex future? What will those students need to know and be able to do to be happy and successful adults, engaged citizens and thoughtful leaders?

For what year are we preparing our Graland students? 2032…and beyond.

““

“Increasingly in the 21st century, what

you know is far less important than what

you can do with what you know.”

-Tony Wagner, Creating Innovators: The Making of Young People

Who Will Change the World

continued from page 1

Graland Class of 2024

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Graland Cares Campaign: Nov. 11 to Dec. 6The holidays are a time for giving, yet many senior citizens pass the season without the joy of receiving even a small gift. Through the GPA’s annual Graland Cares campaign, you’re invited to share a little something with these special women and men.

1. Pick up a snowflake tag and a bag from the display in the Georgia Nelson Building.2. Shop! Fill the bag with small gift items appropriate for an older man or woman.3. Deliver the bag to Diane Street’s desk by Friday, December 6.

Your thoughtful gift will be delivered to the low-income seniors and disabled adults at Volunteers of America’s Sunset Park when the GPA hosts its annual Snowflake Holiday Party on December 13. For more information about Graland Cares, contact Bethany Karlin or Josie Burke.

Book It to the Graland Book FairNov. 18-24, Barnes & Noble bookstore (960 S. Colorado Blvd.), open daily 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Fall is a time for Graland traditions, and the annual Book Fair is the perfect way to shop for yourself or pick up holiday gifts. Mention Graland when you check out and 20 percent of every purchase will benefit the Graland Parent Association. Can’t make it to the store? Students will bring home order forms and books will be delivered to the classrooms!

During the Book Fair, the Lower School continues to support DPS’s Harrington Elementary, where a large majority of students qualify for the free or reduced-price lunch program. Buy a book or two for Harrington and help these kids get the supplies they need to become lifelong learners. More online at graland.org/bookfair.

Shop online! You (and all your out-of-town relatives!) can also make purchases during the Book Fair at bn.com using voucher number 11216504.

Author to Share Happiness TipsWednesday, January 15, 7 p.m., Anschutz CommonsIs happiness a learned skill? Find out when sociologist and “happiness expert” Christine Carter, Ph.D. comes to Graland to discuss her book, Raising Happiness: 10 Simple Steps for More Joyful Kids and Happier Parents. Register online at graland.org/PEN.

Drawing on scientific research in psychology, sociology and neuroscience, Dr. Carter also uses her own chaotic and often hilarious real world adventures to demonstrate how parenting styles and practices affect children.

Carter is a source expert for numerous news agencies including The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times and USA Today. She also consults with Good Housekeeping, Parenting, Redbook and dozens of other publications. Her television appearances include “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” “The Dr. Oz Show” and the TODAY show in addition to radio appearances.

Don’t miss PEN Book Club with Head of School Ronni McCaffrey, where she will be discussing Dr. Carter’s book (see below).

Kick Off Party: Books with a TwistMonday, November 18, 3:30-7 p.m. Kids will enjoy Game Night while their parents shop, and we’ll announce the winners of the Lower School bookmark contest!

Special Book Fair Events

PEN Book Club with Ronni Thursday, November 21, 9-10:30 a.m.Head of School Ronni McCaffrey will discuss Raising Happiness: 10 Simple Steps for More Joyful Kids and Happier Parents by Christine Carter (available in advance at Diane Street’s desk for $22). The author will also appear at Graland in January (see story above).

Graland Today I 15

Affinity groups bring parents together who have something important in common, such as a special interest. Through affinity groups, Graland’s goal is to cultivate community, identify issues and generate discussion in group environments where Graland parents share experiences, learn from one another and strengthen their community ties. Click to view a video in which James Foreman, diversity coordinator and dean of Grades 5/6, explains affinity groups. Suggest a new group, get more information, or sign up online at graland.org/affinity.

Thank You for a Great Gallop!From the tiniest future Graland students in strollers to

Graland grandparents, Gallop participants made September’s big event a huge success. Please support the local businesses

that sponsored this year’s Gallop.

Platinum Sponsor

Gold SponsorsWizBang Solutions The Arnold Family The Laney Family

Silver SponsorsDean Electric Smashburger

The Terry FamilyGraland Board of Trustees

Bronze SponsorsApex Dermatology

Axis DenverBase Fitness

Benson OrthodonticsBishop-Brogden Associates Inc.

Boulder Running CompanyCMC Group

Children’s Dentistry of Cherry CreekColorado Kids for Kids

Eberle OrthodonticsGreat Harvest Bread Co.

Levin OrthodonticsOld Greenwich Builders

Patxi’s PizzaPescadowearSugarlicious

The Browner FamilyThe Kechriotis FamilyThe Lubchenco Family

Thank you to the Turner and Smith families and to the following for in-kind donations: Colorado State Bank and Trust, Einstein’s Bagels, Eldorado Spring Water, Great Harvest, Hail Merry, King Soopers, Pete’s Produce of Hilltop, Smashburger, Sports Authority,

Target (Glendale), and TULA Hot Yoga Denver.

Event chairs and their tireless committee members were the heart of the Graland Gallop.

Thank you to these ladies for all their hard work!Liz Arnold – Chair

Katrina Benes and Rachael Rhine – SponsorshipSarah Hunt and Jennifer Terry – Registration

Carolyn Howard – Awards and Faculty RecruitmentShannon Burke and Erin Neren – Marketing and Graphic Design

Maureen Kechriotis – T-Shirts

It All Adds Up: Grocery Shopping Can Earn Dollars for GralandWhat’s easier than shopping at your local King Soopers or Safeway and earning a five percent donation to Graland? Nothing! Visit the Graland Store or go online to purchase a reloadable grocery gift card that gives back – for only $5. You’ll automatically have $5 loaded up to spend on gas, groceries, prescriptions – pretty much everything in the store. The cards make a great gift, too! For more information, contact Bill Bivens (303-298-7373).

Five Tips for Maximizing your Grocery Card1. Make it a habit – reload your card BEFORE the clerk

begins the checkout process each time you shop.

2. Earn miles or reward points by using your credit card to load your grocery card at the checkout stand.

3. Use gift cards at the pharmacy and suggest grandparents do the same.

4. Load gift cards with gas money for your older children, which they can use at the grocery store’s fuel pump.

5. If you own a business and use petty cash for vehicles, preload gift cards for your employees to use when they purchase gas.

Modern Families (non-traditional families)Parents of Students of Color

International FamiliesFamilies of Adopted Children

New Families to GralandDad’s Basketball League

Parents of TweensParents of Students with Learning Differences

Moms of Multiples

Affinity Groups: Communities within our Community

Join Us!

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DENVER, COPERMIT NO. 2006

Graland Country Day School55 Clermont StreetDenver, CO 80220

303.399.0390graland.org

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Please recycle this publication or view it online at graland.org in the news section.

Community CalendarNov. 11 to Dec. 6 Graland Cares Campaign Give a gift to a local senior citizen! See story on page 14.

Nov. 18-24Book FairThe annual Book Fair is the perfect way to shop for yourself or pick up holiday gifts – plus 20 percent of your purchases benefit Graland. See story on page 14.

Dec. 10Colorado Gives DayPay your pledge or donate to Graland through cogivesday.org and the Community First Foundation will match your gift. Mark your calendar!

Dec. 20 Festival of Light and Holiday Sing-AlongStudents, faculty and staff invite parents and other guests to celebrate the holiday season in song! Students should wear their “holiday finest” or “Sunday best.”

Dec. 20 - Jan. 7 Winter Break

Dec. 31Year-end GiftsGo online and make your gift by December 31 for tax purposes in 2013. Thank you!

Jan. 15Author VisitIs happiness a learned skill? Find out with author Christine Carter. See story on page 14.

Jan. 17Informed Giving: The Nuts and Bolts about Tuition and BudgetingJoin Juan Botello, director of finance and operations, for a chance to hear about tuition and the Graland budget. Feel free to ask questions!

Jan. 30 Birch Street BashCelebrate the parents, teachers and staff who embody Graland’s vibrant community at this casual, adult-only event. Visit graland.org/birchstreetbash.