TODAYSEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2014

▶ GOGRALAND

Friendship SkillsPage 4

Poised to LearnPage 6

Mission Skills 7Fall Sports 9Alumni 13

Inside this

Issue:

Ronni McCaffrey, Head of School

Graland Library Continues to EvolveCurriculum review is an important part of our process to ensure Graland students are receiving the best education possible, our goal since 1924. Considering observations from the Association of Colorado Independent Schools’ visiting team, we’ve taken a close look at our library services and realized changes were needed to improve our program.

The Library Task Force, a committee of teachers, librarians, administrators and parents, carefully studied the current use of Graland’s library, trends in designing library spaces and programs, and the meshing of technology, information skills and library curriculum. Here is a brief report on the group’s findings.

Faculty and Students Share NeedsAfter surveying Middle School teachers, the task force turned its attention to hearing the students’

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The Potential for GreatnessBy Ronni McCaffrey, Head of School

“The potential for greatness lives within each of us.” I keep this quote pinned above my desk as a daily reminder

of the promise of Graland’s mission. Each word, “potential” and “greatness,” as well as the phrase, “lives within each of us,” is significant.

The person who articulated and demonstrated this maxim came into the world prematurely as one of the youngest in a family of 22 children. An African-American woman growing up in 1940’s Tennessee, Wilma Rudolph faced a number of obstacles to survival, much less to success. She was a very sickly child who fell victim to polio and wore a leg brace throughout her childhood. Doctors told her she would never walk properly; however, her mother told her she would. Wilma chose to believe her mother. Not only did she walk, but she ran -- all the way to the 1960 Olympic Games where she was the first woman to win three gold medals in one Olympics.

At Graland, we commit to cultivating engaged citizens and thoughtful leaders who are equipped with strong intellect and character. We pursue this through a vigorous program of academics, arts and athletics. Each child enters Graland with individual potential: latent qualities, inherent abilities, distinct capacities, a continuum of interests and passions, specific challenges, hopefully only a few fears, and a thoroughly unique personal, familial and cultural history.

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Graland Today is a monthly publication of Graland Country Day School

Volume 5, Issue 1

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

“ “

“Graland fosters a community of people

who care passionately and are inspired

to make a positive change in the world.”

-Anna Newman ‘12, see story page 13

NEW FACULTY AT GRALANDWe’re pleased to introduce the teachers who are new to us this year. Help welcome these educators to our team!

MIDDLE SCHOOLMarielle Carlson, FrenchMadame Carlson is a native French speaker and an energetic educator. Before coming to Graland, she taught beginner, intermediate, and advanced French to middle school students. Her credentials are impressive; she has a master’s degree in linguistics and publishing and a certificate of French foreign language instruction, both earned at universities in Paris.

Katie Cohen, FrenchMadame Cohen, a current Graland parent and a dedicated French instructor, received her master’s degree in K-12 foreign language education from the University of Denver. The opportunity to study abroad at the University of Bordeaux in France allowed her to perfect her grasp of the French language and go on to teach preschool, elementary, and high school French students in the Denver area.

Dan Hazlett, BandWith 12 years of experience, Mr. Hazlett is ready to teach students at Graland all there is to learn about instrumental music. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music performance and is now working toward a second master’s degree in music education specializing in conducting. Dan recently self-produced an album titled Lullabies For Little Ones.

LOWER SCHOOLCourtney Menk, Grade 4 teacherBefore coming to Graland, Ms. Menk taught fourth grade and technology at an elementary school in Parker. She brings a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction and a bachelor’s degree in accounting. With a minor in mathematics, she is well-equipped to teach our Math in Focus curriculum.

Helen Weaver, Kindergarten teacherMs. Weaver comes to Graland from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where she taught at an independent school. She brings a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a double concentration in Spanish and English. Her passion is to help young students succeed in subjects like reading and writing.

Graland Today I 3

It is my pleasure to welcome you to Graland Country Day School for the 2014-15 academic school year. Graland is in fantastic shape and I look forward to another outstanding year. I particularly offer a warm welcome to new families in our community. You could not have picked a better time to join the Graland fold and I look forward to seeing you on campus.

In June 2014 we bid farewell to 68 graduating eighth graders. At the graduation ceremony, I reflected on Graland’s ongoing commitment to intellectual excellence, building strong character and preparing our students to be engaged citizens and thoughtful leaders. As we celebrated the graduates’ accomplishments and thanked them for their contributions to the school it was obvious to all that Graland is clearly living and leading by its mission and guiding principles.

I hope you share my excitement at seeing the joyful faces on campus -- students and faculty alike. The learning environment at Graland has never been better. We are fortunate to have an outstanding faculty and staff who show up every day with their A game and a commitment to providing our children with the best. “Go Graland” is so appropriate in describing the overall culture of achievement and innovation that is a hallmark of our school.

The Board of Trustees has a terrific partnership with Head of School Ronni McCaffrey and her talented

team. Ronni’s dedication and commitment to Graland is evident everywhere. Last year Graland successfully expanded the pre-kindergarten program, launched a very successful seventh grade trip to Washington, D.C., and provided the first year response to the Association of Colorado Independent Schools re-accreditation, which Graland received in 2013. In addition, more than half of our faculty participated in some form of professional development during the summer months.

Graland’s Board of Trustees continues to provide strategic advice to Ronni and her team, and it continues to be a pleasure to serve with incredibly committed and talented fellow Trustees who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to Graland, its faculty, staff, parents and students.

Looking forward, the Board’s primary goal will be to continue providing support to the Head of School with emphasis on Graland’s general strategic direction. Specifically, the Board will focus on the following matters during the upcoming year:• Implementing initiatives and goals of the 2011-17

Strategic Plan;• Continuing review of the updated campus master plan;

and,• Continuing detailed review of the operating budget to

ensure financial sustainability.I am excited to begin my third and final year as President of Board of Trustees and eagerly look forward to continuing to witness the development of so many fine young individuals who are thriving on the Graland campus. On behalf of the board I offer a big thanks to you all for the many contributions of time and resources that you continue to provide to Graland. Ascende Omnem Montem.

Christopher W. Hunt, President, Board of Trustees

Welcoming New Trustees in 2014Each year, the Board of Trustees changes membership as some volunteers move on and new ones are added. Starting this

year, we welcome two new trustees to three-year terms on the board.

FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT By Christopher W. Hunt, President, Board of Trustees

Max Caulkins ‘87 and his wife Ramey have two children at Graland: Hayden in Grade 3 and Eliza in Grade 2. He is a graduate of Colorado College, where he earned a degree in political science. Max is the founding partner of Thrumpcap Capital and involved in other corporate ventures in Colorado. He is the current chair of the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Denver and has a passion for fitness and sports.

Bernard “Bernie” Dvorak and his wife Amy Blair are raising one daughter, Ariana, who is now a Graland kindergartner after attending our Early Childhood Learning Center last year. Twin boys joined our preschool this year. A native of Michigan, Bernie is the executive vice president and chief financial officer at Liberty Global. He is also a board trustee at Freedom Service Dogs of America and Rocky Mountain Repertory in Grand Lake. Bernie enjoys exercise and all types of outdoor activities.

MAX CAULKINS BERNARD “BERNIE” DVORAK

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Lower School News

Remember when you went school shopping in August? You scoured the racks to find clothes to fit your child who came back from camp two inches taller, found yourself in a long discussion about which pair of shoes to buy and made several shopping trips to find the perfect backpack.

As parents, one thing we often forget as we prepare our children for a new school year is to reflect on the friendship skills he or she brings to campus. Wouldn’t it be great if we could purchase these skills, tuck them in that new backpack and send the kids off to school knowing they could handle any friendship situation that comes their way?

While that is never going to happen, parents can help children develop social competencies. Here are three ways

to give your child the confidence he needs to establish healthy friendships at school.

Model Positive BehaviorParents can model positive conflict resolution by taking time to play with their children. For example, say you and your child are building with blocks together. If your child roughly grabs a block from you, respond: “It hurts my feelings when you grab the block without asking first. Find another way to get me to share.” If your child doesn’t have a clue, suggest strategies such as: “Try asking with words. Offer me one of your square blocks and I might trade for the rectangle one.” By giving honest feedback and offering

alternatives to negative behavior, you give your child tools to make better friendship decisions.

Bringing Friendship Skills to School By Nan Remington, Head of Lower School

Nan Remington, Head of Lower School

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Interpret IntentionsFor some children, it can be difficult at the beginning of the year to meet new friends or to resume friendships with children they knew the previous year. Kids often need coaching on how to interpret their peers’ intentions and behaviors. Children who ignore established play themes can be guided to go with the flow. For instance, if a group of children are playing firefighter, an additional child can more easily play with the group if he offers to call 911 rather than announcing that everyone has to stop and play house now.

Step BackAt home and school, children need time to play with limited adult intervention. Adults do have a role in facilitating interaction and coaching hesitant children, but overall children develop friendship skills best when they direct much of their own play. Given freedom and hands-on experiences, children gradually learn what behaviors help or hinder their relationships.

The results of a number of studies indicate that children can be taught friendships skills. The strategies are simple and revolve around teaching children a range of friendly behaviors such as: talking with others while playing, showing an interest in others, smiling, offering help and encouragement when needed, being willing to share and learning how to enter a game or social situation.

Children who are able to form friendships are happier at school and usually have stronger academic skills than those who have difficulties in social situations. While it is important to focus on the academic skills, we also need to be mindful of the development of our children’s important social skills, which contribute so much to their happiness and well being.

Math Mastery By Nikki Spiers, Grade 1 Teacher

Brimming with anticipation, Lower School students and their families appeared on campus last August for Getting-to-Know-You conferences. Touring the classroom with each student, we arrived at the shelves storing math supplies and manipulatives.

With purposeful intention I said, “These are all the tools we’ll use in math. I can’t wait for the great problems we’ll solve and games we’ll play. I really love math!”

It may seem an insignificant comment at first, but initial conversations, like this one, are a small step in generating a love for math in some of our youngest students. Just as we teach phonics and comprehension skills to read and enjoy literature, we teach computation, patterning and measurement skills, to name a few, in order to enjoy problem solving. Math is embedded in many of Graland students’ favorite events, from collecting, sorting and counting pasta boxes in first grade for Read to Feed to engineering inventions for the Gates Invention Program in the Middle School.

Mission: Math Excellence Looking to further develop our school culture as one rooted equally in mathematics and literacy, the Math Professional Learning Community (PLC) was established during the 2013-14 academic year. The Math PLC’s mission is to pursue best practices in mathematics for the Lower School community. Through leadership, collaboration, communication and inquiry, we are committed to supporting faculty and parents to foster our students’ intellectual excellence in mathematics.

Goal: Math Fact MasteryOne of our first agenda items was an in-depth discussion of math fact mastery. Mastery of basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division facts is an essential brick in the foundation of problem solving, enabling students to tackle more engaging and challenging material. Hoping to break free of tedious drills and harness the power of game-based learning, several Math PLC representatives piloted two Internet math programs, Dreambox Learning and MobyMax, in their classrooms. These programs feature adaptive learning platforms that continually assess and adjust problems to meet students at their level.

What did the students have to say about the programs? Let’s just say that when children ask to do math during choice time, you know that you have a winner! We anticipate they will continue to be a hit when they are rolled out for school wide usage in the 2014-15 academic year.

Moving Ahead with MathThe Math PLC will focus its work this year on best practices in differentiation. Often mistaken for simply pushing to a new grade level of material, true differentiation recognizes the level of understanding for each individual and stretches him to broaden his perspective.

For example, “Number Talks,” a math discussion technique developed by math professor Sherry Parrish, was implemented in several classrooms in 2014 with notable success. This method enables students to share problem solving strategies and exposes them to new ideas from their peers, often strengthening and expanding their understanding of the given problem.

As we continue to explore the topic of differentiation, education consultant and former Graland teacher Shelly DuBose will meet with teachers throughout the year to discuss how to implement the Math in Focus program in ways that best support and challenge all levels of learners.

Nikki Spiers, Grade 1 Teacher

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Bringing Friendship Skills to School

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Middle School News

When I visited the Institute of Design at Stanford this summer, I was most captivated by their belief in stools. For collaborative meetings, they use stools instead of chairs because stools lead you to action. Stools literally pitch you forward so that you are poised to get up, move to the white board and share your thinking.

Furniture may seem like a simple way to motivate, considering that many experts are spending hours and hours trying to determine what inspires students to learn. In Tony Wagner’s Creating Innovators, he discusses the work of Dr. Teresa Amabile of Harvard Business School. She purports that innovation comes from three elements: expertise, creative thinking skills and motivation. Of all of these components, Dr. Amabile counts motivation as the most important: “People will be most creative when they feel motivated primarily by the interest, satisfaction, and challenge of the work itself—and not by external pressures.”

In his book, Drive, Daniel Pink elaborates on motivation by explaining that it “depends on three nutrients: autonomy, mastery and purpose. […] It is devoted to becoming better and better at something that matters. And it connects that quest for excellence to a larger purpose.” Tony Wagner expands on the writings of Amabile and Pink by exploring the attributes that he believes make up intrinsic motivation: play, passion and purpose.

Intrinsic Motivation in ICEThough there are external pressures on our students here at Graland, they are equally balanced with stories of innovation and intrinsic motivation. During the third trimester, I taught an ICE (Innovation, Creativity, and Expression) Block class with Dan O’Neill, informally entitled Shakes Now, in which students applied the universal themes of Shakespeare to an original short film.

During the process of making the film, students had to “pitch” their concept to us: “Think a little Romeo and Juliet, a little Cinderella, all in modern times.” Trying our best to embody intimidating Hollywood bigwigs, we reacted to the pitches with questions and suggestions, pushing each group to refine their thinking. If we accepted the students’ storyboard, script, and concept, they were “green lit” and able to begin using the filming and editing equipment.

Though admittedly this scenario was a simulation, students still demonstrated their playfulness, passion and purpose during each of the pitches. Mr. O’Neill and I followed the ICE model established by the Gates Invention Program by giving students the chance to innovate, to develop

their projects and then share them. Every ICE teacher looks for ways to

have each student express his or her creativity to an audience even if that audience happens to be two middle-aged men, trying to pose as

producers. That is the beauty of the ICE Block: it relies on autonomy and

relevancy to motivate students to create their best.

Meeting the Challenge in ScienceThis type of teaching is not only occurring in ICE classes. Throughout the Middle School science curriculum, you see students designing projects for real challenges. In Mrs. McCurdy’s eighth grade science class, she often motivates students by presenting authentic tasks. For example, during a unit on motion and forces, eighth graders research exactly what makes a successful ski jumper by watching videos of ski jumping at an Olympic level.

Based on their research, they create a smaller-scale ski sled, which mimics the “optimal ski jumper.” Students then collaborate in groups of two to consider what designs would minimize friction and optimize lift and velocity. While testing prototypes, students keep a thought log, including results and design pictures, on student blogs. These posts are shared with not only each other, but also eighth grade students at New Canaan Country School in Connecticut. Students then use the feedback to revamp designs and create a second “improved” prototype, which is tested in another round of races.

Of course, other disciplines aside from science also try to trigger students’ intrinsic motivation by setting up scenarios that allow students to follow their own enthusiasm for a topic and share that excitement with others. Throughout the school, teachers consistently look for the right strategy to push students to the edge of that stool, ready to lurch forward into learning.

Poised to LearnBy Josh Cobb, Head of Middle School

Josh Cobb,Head of Middle School

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Graland Today I 7

What if there was a way for a school to ascertain that students were not only being prepared for competitive high schools and colleges, but for all aspects of life in the 21st century? Last year, in an effort to gather this data, Graland piloted the Mission Skills Assessment (MSA), which gives schools and parents that information in a scientific and standardized manner.

MSA’s founding organization, Independent School Data Exchange (INDEX), describes the assessment as “a tool to alter the way schools think about education.” After analyzing many independent school mission statements, INDEX found six common attributes: Teamwork, Creativity, Ethics, Resilience, Curiosity and Time Management. Then INDEX, with the support of the Educational Testing Service (ETS), developed an assessment for these traits.

About the AssessmentEach construct is evaluated through three components: a self-assessment, a teacher assessment and a “situational judgment” assessment. Using a triangulation method, the responses from all three sections are cross-referenced and analyzed to produce measurable results.

The Mission Skills Assessment has been administered in independent schools by early adopters for approximately four years and is now used to evaluate as many as 17,000 students according to 2013-14 data. The assessment demonstrates high reliability (.90-.92) for each construct, comparable to the reliability score of the SATs (.91) but as the sample population increases, the data is likely to fluctuate.

Graland’s Pilot YearThe 2013-14 MSA pilot for Grades 6-8 at Graland yielded very good results.* Graland middle schoolers in these grade levels outperformed the majority of participating INDEX schools in all constructs, while significantly outperforming them in the areas of Creativity, Ethics, Intrinsic Motivation and Time Management.

While often referred to as “soft skills,” focusing on MSA traits does not make a school a less rigorous academic environment. On the contrary, the work of Angela Duckworth, Carol Dweck and Paul Tough now purport that students cannot have academic excellence without them. Graland’s continual emphasis on these skills not only gives students more academic opportunities but an advantage for life satisfaction and success.

*Although Graland also received information on specific grade levels and genders, individual data remained anonymous to schools.

For the second year, Graland Middle School students were honored after they competed in the Western Academic Talent Search (WATS). WATS is facilitated by the Center for Bright Kids and provides opportunities for academically talented students in Grades 3-9.

More than 60 percent of our middle schoolers qualified for additional testing after scoring highly on ERBs.* As part of WATS, some of those eligible students opted to take the SAT, ACT or EXPLORE examinations, all designed for much older students.

At a ceremony in May, 17 were recognized for placing in the top 10 percent (Top Honors) or top 25 percent (Honors) when compared to other high performing students in the western division. The western division includes Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Idaho and Montana.

In a similar talent search conducted by John Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, Graland had two additional award-winning students, Jackson Dean and Mitch Larocque (both Grade 7 in 2013-14).

Congratulations to all our high-achieving students for your recognition!

* To qualify, students scored at or above the 95th percentile on any subtest administered by the Educational Records Bureau.

Ben DeVoss, Middle School Counselor

The Mission Skills AssessmentBy Ben DeVoss, Middle School Counselor

HIGH ACHIEVERS EARN RECOGNITION

Congratulations to these 2014 WATS Honorees

HIGHEST HONORS (TOP 10%):GRADE 5 IN 2013-14:

Ava Barish, James Cobb, Kendall Smart

GRADE 6 IN 2013-14: Matthew Nekritz, Claudia Sanchez, Jacob Storch, Lili Zeisser

HONORS (TOP 25%):GRADE 6 IN 2013-14: Alden Alijani, Joe Smith

GRADE 7 IN 2013-14: Alex Alijani, Max Andrus, Joe Cohen, Jackson Dean,

Anna Sanchez, Peter Sauer, Andy Sevilla, Aiden Woodard

The students listed are those who elected to share their results with Graland. Other students may have achieved similar

recognition unknown to us at the time of publication.

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Graland is pleased to introduce our new head librarian, Lindsay Brennan. Lindsay is a native Coloradan with an English degree from Colorado State University and a master’s degree from University of Northern Colorado in library and informational management and technology.

With a teaching background on the high school level, Lindsay is well equipped to guide and train Graland students in using library and technology resources. We sat down with her to learn more about her passion and plans.

Graland Today: What are your goals for your new position?

Lindsay Brennan: I enjoy helping students and teachers creatively use technology when appropriate (rather than using technology just for the sake of it). Technology and libraries are now inseparable and since my specialty is technology integration, this is a passion of mine. Our new librarian, Meredith Hausauer, has a background in library services and served as a technology liaison at an elementary school, so our staff has the skills to enrich learning in the ways that kids like to learn.

GT: What is your favorite thing about working with students?

LB: I enjoy teaching and being a school librarian because I really enjoy adolescents and kids. Their imagination, creativity and willingness to try new things is

refreshing. I love talking with youth about books, especially when helping them learn to explain why they loved a particular book or scene in a story.

GT: Why did you become a librarian?

LB: I became a librarian after teaching English for five years because I favored discussing books to discussing the Oxford comma. I also preferred teaching research skills and helping kids find and use cool resources to grading research papers and speeches.

GT: What is your favorite book or genre?

LB: I don’t have a favorite book because

it constantly changes, but some that are close to my heart include Harry Potter and any of Philippa Gregory’s Tudor novels. I loathe romance and tend to steer towards science fiction and fantasy novels. I’m currently reading Go Ask Alice and A Game of Thrones.

Faculty Fact:

Talk about interesting hobbies. Lindsay competes with an internationally ranked roller derby team called Rocky Mountain Rollergirls where she skates as a jammer. She goes by the name “Phantom Menace,” a reference to a Star Wars movie.

voices. A student survey reinforced the need to develop a program to meet their changing needs in our technological world. Middle schoolers told us they wanted to use the library more, but what they need isn’t there and the environment isn’t appealing to them.

Curriculum EvolvesAlong with a strong library curriculum, the need to understand how to find, assess and use information is critical to today’s learners. Therefore, Gail Hill, director of curriculum and

instruction, and Jessica Ross (former technology liaison) spent many hours developing a new information literacy scope and sequence to complement general library skills. They consulted with international curriculum expert Heidi Hayes Jacobs, who pushed their thinking and corroborated their work.

Graland is moving in a great direction that will offer students more ways to research information, learn and apply new skills. Stay tuned as the task force continues to collaborate on creating a library and information sciences program that is beneficial for all students at Graland.

Say hello to our team of experts in the Graland Library: head librarian Lindsay Brennan, library coordinator Linda Sears and librarian Meredith Hausauer.

Library Leader Brings New Energy to Graland

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Graland Library Continues to Evolve

Graland Today I 9

Fall Athletics See Key ImprovementsIt’s a new school year and a fresh start for fall athletes, who have more sports choices than ever thanks to two changes to our Middle School athletics program. Best of luck to all our athletes playing in fall sports! Go Graland!

Our athletic department now offers a co-ed golf option to students in Grades 7/8. Led by Coach Di Nestel, the team tees off at their home course, CommonGround in Lowry.

Golf joins cross-country and tennis to provide more individual sports options for students. “Adding golf to our program has been in the works for a few years,” Di shares. “Graland has a robust team sports program and now it’s time to bolster our individual sports offerings.”

The team of golfers has a challenging season ahead while learning a game Arnold Palmer described as “deceptively simple and endlessly complicated; it satisfies the soul and frustrates the intellect. It is at the same time rewarding and maddening - and it is without a doubt the greatest game mankind has ever invented.”

Di agrees. “I’ve played sports all my life and this is the hardest

thing I’ve ever tried to get good at, mostly because of the mental aspect,” she explains. To address those challenges, Coach Nestel will draw on her own experience as a student of the game.

“I’ll encourage them to be more patient than I started out,” she says. “The game is a constant challenge to be your better self. Some days you won’t be, but understand that it’s OK and tomorrow is another day.”

Without officials monitoring play, golfers are expected to embrace the spirit of the game by internalizing qualities such as fair play, sportsmanship, honesty and integrity, adds Di.

The team will compete in weekly tournaments with their independent school peers at St. Mary’s Academy, Cherry Hills Christian School and Colorado Academy. Mark your calendar for October 2, when Graland will host its first golf competition at CommonGround.

CROSS COUNTRY EXPANDSGraland’s co-ed cross-country team, formerly offered to Grades 7/8, will be joined by a new group of runners this year after the sport was expanded to include Grade 6.

Coach James Foreman is excited to share his love for running with a younger class of students. “Offering cross country to sixth graders gives more depth to our athletic program and helps young athletes develop more skills,” he says. “I always hear from the winter and spring coaches that the runners from cross country make a true impact on the other sports.”

He says sixth graders were eager to join the team, which inspired him to make time in his schedule to coach the runners during their physical education period.

“I look at it like a junior varsity/varsity structure where the younger athletes are looking up to the older ones as role models,” he explains. “They will benefit from competing with older athletes and developing the resilience necessary for this sport.”

For fall sports results throughout the season, visit our website under the Athletics tab.

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Potential Potential is not a fixed quantity but, like leavened dough, it expands as students interact with adults and their peer groups. Kids are highly motivated to learn from and to share their interests with other kids, whether in sports, music, video games, books, or hobbies like the rubber band bracelet craze that swept Graland last year. (I am still finding those tiny multi-colored bands all over the school!) The optimum learning community is both robustly diverse and consistently inclusive in many respects: culturally, socio-economically, geographically, in family structure, and in interests and abilities as well as in learning styles. Such a community gives kids the space and motivation to stretch, change and explore (and be challenged by) new ideas and perspectives.

Since 1994, Graland’s Board of Trustees has exercised prescient leadership in developing and sustaining a diverse and inclusive school community. In the last school year, 2013-14, the board’s strategic planning committee reviewed and updated the existing Board Policy on Diversity, and presented it to the full Board of Trustees for reaffirmation on the 20th anniversary of the original policy adoption. In 2007, students, teachers and families completed the AIM survey (Assessment of Inclusivity and Multiculturalism) sponsored by the National Association of Independent Schools. The work continues this year as the School assesses its growth in this area and plans for the future beginning with the administration of a second

AIM survey of the school community starting in November.

Greatness Greatness depends upon our success in guiding each student to investigate, discover, appreciate and utilize his inimitable collection of gifts and limitations. Together, the student and his teachers combine these ingredients, as one would work leavened dough: kneading and shaping, devoting ample energy, enthusiasm, time and warmth to meld disparate elements into an integrated entity.

The single most important element in this process is the relationship between the child and the educator who brings his or her own passions, motivation and expertise to the work. Teachers must possess depth of knowledge in human development and learning. They must have mastered a wide range of teaching methodologies and subject area skills to be able to differentiate the learning experiences and maximize each individual student’s potential. Wisdom about life and a strong sense of humor are also integral to an outstanding teacher’s repertoire. Graland is blessed with educators who are exceptionally intelligent and interesting, are highly skilled and delight in teaching kids, and are voracious learners themselves. What better role models could we have to inspire our students?

LivesPotential is not static; it is an active rhythm stimulated by a variety of environments in and beyond the classroom. When I was a

grammar school student, we sat in rows, head behind head. The mark of a good student was her ability to sit quietly and still for hours with eyes cast in the direction of the teacher. If one of our students did that today, we would check for a pulse.

Thankfully, teaching and learning has evolved into a highly interactive process emphasizing collaboration and creation. This brings challenges of a different kind, as visitors usually must wend their way around groups

of students working in the hallways. This

summer, we

experimented with more efficient use of space in the library and the ground level of the Anschutz Commons. Ergonomically designed furniture promotes increased comfort and concentration as well as the flexible use of space. Laurie Chandler, and her sixth grade math students are evaluating new table and chair designs. A tour of the school will reveal the different seating designs being test driven by students of all ages.

Within Each of UsThe actualization of potential takes a lifetime. However, each and every Graland student must leave us well begun and fortified with the requisite knowledge, skills, values and motivation to learn that will enable him or her to become the engaged citizen and thoughtful leader we promise.

The three-year-olds who entered the preschool this year comprise the Graland Class of 2025. We predict they will enter the workforce in approximately 2033. Given the accelerating pace of change, it is difficult to envision what knowledge and skills they will need for jobs that may not yet exist. We do know that they will need to think and reason, frame and solve problems, communicate in a range of formats, adapt to evolving technologies, learn new languages, and locate, analyze, synthesize and evaluate information. Moreover, they will need the motivation and skills to continually learn throughout their lifetimes.

Graland teachers and administrators constantly analyze curriculum and evaluate programs for mission alignment and in light of current research and best practice. The new library team has made great strides in the redesign of the library space and toward the expansion of services. I invite you to visit the Graland Library in the Hamilton-Reiman Building for a glimpse of the future.

“The potential for greatness” is a quality not only of individuals but organizations as well. Author and leadership expert Jim Collins defines a great organization as one characterized by superior performance, distinctive impact and endurance over time. On reflection, I would add one other characteristic: clarity of mission, the standard by which we assess the three prior attributes.

By this definition, Graland qualifies as a great school. But, as we say, “A great school never sits still.” I look forward to the 2014-15 school year as a time to realize great potential.

continued from page 1

Graland Library Continues to Evolve

Graland Today I 11

Your Generosity Hard at WorkBy Suzanne Connors, Director of Development

Congratulations to the Graland community -- you surpassed all expectations with your generous giving to the Annual Fund last year! With unprecedented unrestricted support and many targeted restricted gifts, you made a significant difference in the school’s ability to pursue its mission of academic, athletic and creative excellence.

Our ChallengeOur challenge from the 2013-14 Board of Trustees was to raise $750,000 in unrestricted support and another $75,000 in special projects funding. Led by outstanding volunteers at the Board level (Geoff Lord, chair of the Development Committee) and at the committee level (Dana Klapper ’83 Cohen and Dianna Goldberg ’84 May), and a small army of grade representatives, we surpassed these goals. Please see the graph below.

Our AllocationsWhile $750,000 was allocated directly to the operational budget to supplement tuition, the remainder allowed the administration to support key operation and programmatic growth, including:

• Defining a leading edge technology literacy curriculum with the support of education expert Heidi Hayes Jacobs

• Piloting a film program and enhancing digital media use school-wide• Funding a re-imagined science curriculum, including LEGOTM robotics and early

engineering components• Enhancing safety and security with increased off-duty police presence• Supporting professional development across the faculty• Exploring exemplary library programs and facilities nationwide

Our GratitudeWith investments such as these, Graland is able to maintain a standard of excellence that sets it apart from neighborhood schools and other independent schools. Your gifts allow us to maintain a high level of financial rigor that includes reserves for future programmatic and operational needs (such as replacing a school bus, additional trips and athletics program enhancements). In short, your generosity helps Graland go further. Thank you!

Suzanne Connors, Director of Development

$869,622ANNUAL FUNDUNRESTRICTED

$500,000ENDOWMENT

GIFT IN SUPPORT OF GATES PROGRAM

$206,838 ANNUAL FUNDRESTRICTED

(INCLUDING $75,000 FROM THE GPA)

2013-14 GIVING TOTALSTOTAL: $1,576,460

32%

13%55%

The kick off to the

2014-15 Annual Fund

campaign is coming quickly

– October 1.

Help us reach our goals

again this year with these

easy options.

ANNUAL FUNDGRALAND

go beyond

CHECK IT OUT,

CHECK IT OFF

SEPTEMBER: Read our letter inviting you to give during the Annual Fund “Done in 31 Campaign.”

OCTOBER: Speak with a parent volunteer about your gift or pledge.

DECEMBER: Mark your calendar to consider an end-of-year gift.

JUNE 30: Pay outstanding pledges for the 2014-15 school year.

R

R

R

R

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OPEN HOUSE DATESSeptember 30 8:30-10 a.m.October 22 8:30-10 a.m.November 12 6:30-7:30 p.m.November 20 8:30-10 a.m.December 10 8:30-10 a.m.

WELCOME NEW FAMILIES!We have had a wonderful time getting to know our newly enrolled families through our new Middle School family kickball game, the Lower School new family barbecue, the preschool/pre-kindergarten and kindergarten play dates, and the new parent dinner this summer. While every new family is buddied up with a veteran family to help them learn more about Graland, please introduce yourself and welcome these new faces to the Graland community.

�DON’T FORGET! SIBLING APPLICATIONS DUE IN NOVEMBERApplications for siblings of current students are due November 15. Be sure to visit the Admission tab on the Graland website for a step-by-step guide to applying or stop by the Admission office.

ASSISTANCE AWARDSDid you know Graland awarded $1.7 million in financial assistance this year? Recruiting and retaining qualified families who enrich our diverse community is a top priority at Graland. The entire school benefits when students are able to attend no matter their means. If you or a friend is interested in finding out more please contact the Admission office.

40 Different zip codes where

Graland families live

GOING BY THE NUMBERS

105 Tours (including 5 Open Houses) offered for 2015

admission

11 New families who relocated

from out of state

1 New student from another

country (Russia)

25 Preschools feed into

Graland’s Kindergarten

65New families joined

Graland this fall

SPREAD THE LOVEYear after year, the number one way that new families are introduced to Graland is through recommendations from current

Graland families. Thank you for spreading the word and sharing your love for Graland with your friends, coworkers and families! Please continue to do so and encourage them to visit our campus during Open House season.

go greater

Graland Today I 13

Alumni News

Top Five Reasons to Download the Evertrue App

SEARCH. Graland’s alumni directory is right on your smartphone so you can search for fellow Graland alumni by name, class year, company, location and industry.CONNECT. Network with other Graland alums on LinkedIn right within the app.FIND. Use the map feature to find nearby Graland grads worldwide.FOLLOW. Be in the know through links to social media channels and the latest Graland news, and register for upcoming events.WIN? Everyone who downloads the app and logs in will be entered into a drawing for a cool techie prize TBD. But seriously, it will be cool.

Anna Newman’s summer adventure sent her to Copenhagen, Denmark, where she attended an international conference for Alzheimer’s researchers – as a presenter. So how did a high school senior with no medical degree get invited to this event? With a little grit, wit and support from her family, teachers and mentors, Anna made it happen.

Personal Struggle, Personal GrowthLike many journeys, Anna’s started with a struggle. After her grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Anna reached out to Graland connections for help understanding this disease. She was ultimately put in touch with renowned scientist Huntington Potter, Ph.D.

Dr. Potter is the director of Alzheimer’s disease research at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. With his encouragement, Anna, as a high school junior, secured an internship in a bio-chem lab to gain valuable foundational experience not usually taught at the high school level. After designing her own independent study class, for school credit, Anna created and implemented a culminating project she called The Memory Box and sent herself on a path to Denmark.

A Project By Youth For SeniorsThe Memory Box project relied on Anna’s experience serving residents at Sunrise Senior Living as a Graland student. In spring 2014, she came back to Graland and challenged current seventh graders involved in the same service learning project to learn more about Alzheimer’s, a disease that affects many of their senior buddies at Sunrise.

To demonstrate an appreciation for the older generation, each student made a shadow box with mementos from a cherished elder while learning more about the person’s life and history. At an Alzheimer’s awareness event organized by Anna and hosted at Graland, several experts (including Dr. Potter) presented current research and best practices in managing this disease. Students displayed the memory boxes and accepted donations to support further research and to make a difference. The seventh graders, inspired by Anna, raised $3,000 in one night.

The Days in DenmarkAlthough her application to present at the Copenhagen conference was a long shot, Anna submitted it anyway and was ecstatic to learn The Memory Box Project fit the conference’s need for topics related to social issues.

“I felt so empowered by the experience,” she says. “I hope that what I’m doing is relevant and important and helps others who want to know about Alzhermer’s research.” She took the chance to hear from some of the most notable researchers in the field of Alzheimer’s but by far the greatest outcome was making contacts with other social activists. “Many were interested in sponsoring my project at other Colorado schools and others were interested in recreating the project in schools throughout the world,” she says.

This summer Anna also worked as a research assistant in Dr. Potter’s lab and next year plans to attend the same conference in Washington, D.C. as she continues to share The Memory Box project. “I couldn’t have done it without Graland students,” Anna shares. “They inspired me to keep going. They went above and beyond. If seventh graders are passionate about this, I know I’m on the right track.”

YOUNG ALUMNA TAKES ON ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

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2

3

4

5

Relive Reunion 2014 It’s not every day that we see alumni from 50 years ago mingling with those from just last year, but last spring more than 150 former students and faculty returned to reconnect and reminisce at May’s Alumni Reunion 2014.

We gathered on campus under a double rainbow for a casual dinner, campus tours, live music, a kickball game between the classes of 2013 and 2014, and a heartfelt award presentation. After dessert and more conversation, the event came to a reluctant end. It was a fantastic evening and we are grateful to our engaged alumni community for making it so enjoyable for all.

Alumni Award HonoreeVALERIE GATES ‘69 - NANCY NYE PRIEST AWARD

Mrs. Priest beamed with joy as her friend and former student accepted this award. “Val is deep Graland. She cares about lots of things passionately,” said Dianne Gates ‘69 Wallach, in her videotaped tribute. Valerie credited Graland, specifically its teachers, for making her a lifelong learner.

Anna Newman ‘12

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Each fall the Birner family looks forward to the Graland Gallop. “It has become a family tradition,” says Amy Birner, mom of Amelia and Max (Grade 3) and their big sister Sophia (Grade 5).

“We still get a chuckle recalling when the twins, while in preschool, tripped up at least 10 other kids in the 100-yard dash! It is all in good fun. Now they keep track of their times and try do better every year,” she says.

Graland families and friends will gather again to celebrate the new school year with the traditional 5K run/walk/wheelchair race for participants of all ages. The 100-yard Dads’ Dash will be back as will the 1K Buddy Run and kids’ 100-yard dash, offering younger children a chance to join in the fun. Prizes are awarded to the top finishers in each age category. The start line is located on the east side of the park near S. Franklin and E. Mississippi.

Each of the Birner children has a different reason for joining on race day. Amelia says, “It’s fun crossing the finish line!” Max says, “I like seeing my teachers and meeting their dogs!” And Sophia says, “I love all the people cheering me on and being so supportive!”

For families new to Graland this year, Amy explains, “The Gallop is a very low key event and a great way to support the Graland Parent Association. You do not have to be a running family. Many parents and grandparents will walk and visit, while

the kids might run the 5K. Lots of families bring their dogs and some will run or walk pushing a baby

stroller. It is always a well-organized event and Washington Park is a beautiful location.”

Early bird cost is $20 per person before September 17; regular price is $25. Proceeds from the Gallop provide support to the school for a variety of needs as identified by the administration. Be sure to bring a little cash to the race if you want to enjoy a

gourmet coffee from the coffee cart or a snow cone. Sponsorship opportunities are still

available, offering perks such as a family’s name or company logo on race bibs, t-shirts

banners and other Gallop promotional materials. For information about becoming a sponsor, contact Liz

Arnold, Katrina Benes or Rachael Rhine. For more information and to register online, visit

graland.org/gallop.

THE GALLOP IS COMING! THE GALLOP IS COMING!Sunday, September 28, Washington Park • 7:30-8:45 a.m. registration, 9 a.m. start

PRE-RACE FUELING DINNER AT PATXI’S

TO BENEFIT GRALANDThursday, September 25

5:30-8:30 p.m. Patxi’s, 185 Steele St.

Patxi’s will donate 10 percent of purchases all day

– dine in or take it to go!

Graland Today I 15

Your 2014-15 GPA Officers

President:

Lisen Kintzele

President-Elect: Shannon Burke

Vice President, Programs & Operations: Shannon Burke

Vice President-Elect, Programs & Operations: Erin Neren

Vice President, Community Events: Tia Wolkov

Vice President-Elect, Community Events: Suzie Bomgaars

Vice President, Communications: Dawn Song

Vice President-Elect, Communications: Amy Birner

Vice President, Fundraising and Events: Marna Belfance

Vice President-Elect, Fundraising and Events: Liz Arnold

Treasurer: Kathryn Albright

Treasurer-Elect: Deb Knobelman

Secretary: Kim Montgomery

Parliamentarian: Amy Chapman

Lower School Representatives: Marty Lord & Cory Dunnick

Middle School Representatives: Lisa Kornfeld (5/6) & Carol Karshmer (7/8)

Nominating Chair: Molly McCray-Finke

Thank you to the following exceptional

volunteers who served on the 2013-14 GPA Council:

Kathryn AlbrightMarna BelfanceChris BrownerShannon BurkeKathy GillespieCarol KarshmerLisen Kintzele

Molly McCray-FinkeErin NerenDawn SongTia Wolkov

You can model community service to your student by signing up as a Graland volunteer. Sign in to our website and click on the GPA button to learn about all the volunteer opportunities offered by the Graland Parent Association. Whether you want to help with the lunch line or plan the Lower School Sock Hop, there’s something to fit every parent’s need and schedule.

▶ Coming EventsVolunteering Made Easy: Graland Parent Association 101Monday, September 15, 8:15-9:15 a.m., Caulkins BoardroomAttend this informal event for parents who are ready to engage with the Graland Parent Association (GPA).

NEW! Family Outdoor Movie NightFriday, September 19, 6:30 p.m., Preisser FieldBring a blanket, a picnic, and come sit under the stars with your family for a screening of the classic family movie ET: The Extra-Terrestrial.

GPA General MeetingsThursday, September 18, 8:15 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., Anschutz CommonsThursday, October 23, 8:15-9:30 a.m., Caulkins BoardroomGet involved! All parents welcome!

Go Green with GralandUse Your Feet or Share a Seat on Fridays, September 26 and October 24Be kind to the environment while supporting Graland’s Sustainability Committee. Students are encouraged to walk, bike or carpool to school, and participants will be entered in a drawing for great prizes to be given away at the end of each trimester.

Breakfast with Dads & Special FriendsTuesday, October 2, 7:30-8:10 a.m., Anschutz Commons PatioMeet new Graland dads, mingle with old friends and start the day off right with your student.

Harvest DinnerThursday, October 30, 6-8 p.m., Anschutz CommonsA free community-wide, come-as-you-are, casual event for every Graland family and members of the faculty and staff. Watch for the online registration coming later this fall at graland.org/harvestdinner.

Go Volunteer!

GRALAND STORE HOURSCome check out our great new gear for all things Graland. Friday, September 19, 2:30-3:30 p.m.Friday, September 26, 2:30-3:30 p.m.Friday, October 24, 2:30-3:30 p.m.

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NON-PROFITORG.

US POSTAGEPAID

DENVER, COPERMIT NO. 2006

Graland Country Day School55 Clermont StreetDenver, CO 80220

303.399.0390graland.org

▶Community Calendar

September 19Family Outdoor Movie Night (see page 15)

September 28Graland Gallop at Washington Park (see page 14)

October 2Breakfast with Dads and Special Friends (see page 15)

October 16-17Parent Teacher Conferences

October 31Halloween Parade

STAY CONNECTED AND GOGRALAND!Visit campus for a community event. 321 Alumni:

Update your contact information. graland.org/stayconnected

Join us on

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

GO ONLINE FOR GRALAND NEWSWhere can you get news from Graland Today and Graland Online in one place? From the Graland website home page, click on News, upper right, for our redesigned News Hub! It features weekly news, magazine-style articles, a blog, photos and departmental news plus archives of past articles. Check back often for updated stories that keep you in the know and on the GO!