Highlights and Heads Up

• Grandparents and Special Friends Day Schedule of Events

• Please Take the Parent Survey

• See the Horizon, Shape the Future: A GSA Conversation Series
• Duo Dash 1K

• Firebird Fund Update: Week 5

• Pics from Fall Festival!

Grandparents and Special Friends Day is Next Friday!

We’re looking forward to one of our favorite traditions of the year—Grandparents and Special Friends Day on Friday, November 7!
It’s always such a joy to welcome the special people who play such an important role in our students’ lives. Please take a moment to review the details below so the day runs smoothly for everyone.

Celebration Times:

Middle School: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Lower School: 1:00 – 2:30 PM

If Your Child’s Guest Can’t Attend
Please email Robyn Burchfiel by Monday if your student will not have a grandparent or special friend joining us. We have special plans in place to make sure every child feels celebrated, and knowing ahead of time helps us prepare.

Going Home with Grandparents
If your child will be heading home with their grandparent on Friday, November 7, please send a note to their teacher by Thursday, November 6.

Dress Code
Students should wear their Monday dress uniform on Friday, November 7.

Pick-Up Times for Friday, November 7:

• Grandparents taking Lower School students home: 2:20 PM
  
  
• Lower School parents picking up students and grandparents: 2:20 PM through the car line
  
  
• Lower School parents picking up students only: Regular dismissal times
  • Kindergarten – 2:45 PM
  • 1st–4th Grades – 2:55 PM
• Middle School: Regular dismissal at 4:00 PM

Honoring Loved Ones
If your child’s grandparent has passed away or lives too far away to attend, we invite you to send a framed photo to school for our special remembrance table. This is a meaningful way to honor those who hold a special place in our hearts. Please write your child’s name and grade on the back of the photo; we’ll return all photos the following week.

We’re so grateful for the chance to celebrate the love and support our students receive from family and friends—it’s one of the many things that make our community so special.

Please Take the Parent Survey!

We’re preparing for our upcoming ISAS re-accreditation, and we need your input! Please take 10–15 minutes to complete the parent survey about how well the school is meeting your expectations and living its mission. Your feedback is essential—we currently have responses from only 5% of parents. The survey is open through November 7th.  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VMZQ5VC

See the Horizon, Shape the Future: A GSA Conversation Series

At the beginning of the school year, we announced a series of Parent Salons—small, conversation-based gatherings designed to strengthen parent connections, deepen engagement with GSA’s mission, and explore the vision shaping our school’s future.

Our first Parent Salon will take place on Thursday, November 13, featuring Head of School Rebecca Yacono and Dr. Joshua Childs, a faculty member at the University of Texas and expert in educational leadership. This evening is designed especially for parents of students in Grades 2–5, and invitations have already been sent to those families.

For more information about the purpose, format, and speakers for the Parent Salon series, please view our Parent Salon FAQs.

The next Parent Salon will be held in early 2026, and over the course of the spring, each grade will have the opportunity to attend a Salon that connects most closely to their child’s GSA experience. We look forward to continuing these meaningful conversations across our community.

Duo Dash 1K

Get ready for the Duo Dash 1K at TSBVI on Wednesday, November 5! Grades 4-8 will depart GSA at 3:15 PM and head to TSBVI for the race.

Race Schedule:

• Pairings – 4:00 PM
• Announcements – 4:15 PM
• Race begins – 4:30 PM (runners, joggers, walkers)

Pick-Up:

5:00 PM at

First Unitarian Universalist Church (4700 Grover Ave).

Please note—no return rides to GSA after the race.

Students may wear their Duo Dash shirts to school on Wednesday and should bring an after-school snack.

Families are encouraged to come cheer—it’s going to be a fun and spirited afternoon!

Firebird Fund Update - Week 5

The competition is heating up, Firebirds! Congratulations to 4th Grade for becoming the second class to reach 100% participation! Way to soar!

In a close race for third place, 6th Grade and 8th Grade are neck and neck at 88%, with Kinder and 2nd Grade right on their heels at 83%!

Schoolwide, we’re now at an impressive 83% participation — and climbing!

Let’s keep that momentum going! Help your class reach the 100% mark and push us closer to our goal. Make your gift today and fuel the Firebird spirit!

Want a dose of inspiration? Check out our new blog post, “Why We Give: Donors Share Their Stories.”

Pics from Fall Festival!

So many celebrations and festivities have been happening at the GSA! Thanks to everyone who came out for our most successful Fall Festival ever! We're still going through all of the pictures, so for now, please enjoy some of the pics from the Photo Booth. GALLERY PASSWORD: 20251025.

November 7

Grandparents and Special Friends Day

November 10 

Student Holiday

November 24-28

Thanksgiving Break

December 10

Winter Music Concerts 

Afternoon: Grades K-3-Strings & Piano

Evening: Grades 6-8 Piano

December 11

Winter Music Concerts 

Afternoon: Grades 4-5-Strings & Piano

Evening: Grades 6-8 Strings   

December 19

Pajama Day

December 22-26

Winter Break

December 29-January 2

Winter Break

January 5

Student Holiday

January 6

Classes Resume

Our Contact Information
*{{Organization Name}}*
*{{Organization Address}}*
*{{Organization Phone}}*
*{{Organization Website}}*

*{{Unsubscribe}}*