Dear Grand Oak Families,
The staff and family at Grand Oak hope that all of our families have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends. We are so thankful for the wonderful support our families have given us in regards to all of the various activities that have gone on in the school so far this year. We have had a positive beginning of the year, our community has been very supportive of our incredible teachers, the PTA has helped with our Friday Folders and school tours, parents have supported our “Invest in the Nest” campaign, our book fair and other events have been supported enthusiastically. The items on this list are not even close to comprehensive, but you can see the fantastic support and teamwork that our school community is modeling to our children every day. What a wonderful way to build a strong legacy!
I am proud and thankful for our focus on new ways of personalizing teaching and learning and how our teachers and parents have been true “role models” of collaboration for our children to see. Our teachers have been getting accolades from across the state for what we are doing and we are excited to have visitors from all over the east coast seeing what our teachers and students are doing at Grand Oak. We are working hard every day to help send powerful messages to our children regarding what type of well-rounded citizen that they can become. Focusing on being respectful of each other and our school environment, working hard and not giving up on homework and projects and being honest and forthright with teachers, family and friends are just a few of the ways that we try to set positive examples for our children. We pledge to continue to focus on our vision: Collaborate, Innovate, Achieve each and every day! We thank you for continuing to reinforce these same values and expectations with your children at home. Together we will help support our children to be wonderful citizens of the world.
When we return from break we will be starting our weekly phone surveys to parents to make sure we are meeting community expectations. We have also received many “Raving Fan” comments from parents regarding our teachers. Please keep these emails coming! These are the “thanks” that keep us energized and committed to the children of the Huntersville community.
This will be my last note prior to the Thanksgiving Holiday Break and I wish all safe travels, fun shopping and blessed time with family and friends.
Respectfully,
Mr. Giovanelli
Here are the next 2 lessons that you can share with your children from the Hal Urban book: Life’s Greatest Lessons. I hope you discuss them with your family and are able to use them each day.
1. Honesty Is Still the Best Policy-As we teach our students about becoming well-rounded citizens much time should be spent in this area. Great topics to talk to our children about in this area are talking to them about how it will give them piece of mind, build their character and reputation with others, it will build strong relationships with friends, and it will be build self-confidence and mental health. Honesty is the best policy!
2. Kind Words Cost Little But Accomplish Much- We must model and teach our children the importance of looking for good in everyone around them. No matter how different a person may be we can still find good in them. Showing children by our interactions that we should build people up, rather than tearing them down and making people feel good will allow them to see how important these interactions are with their peers and with their families.