Great Hearts Northern Oaks Upper School Newsletter

GHNO News & Updates

Great Hearts Northern Oaks | Upper School | April 29, 2021

Headmaster Letter

Dear Families,

As we enter the last month of this school year, I would like to offer a quote from Robert Hutchins which inspires and clarifies our mission as a classical, liberal arts school—a school which aims at the cultivation of human excellence or virtue:

“the liberal arts are not merely indispensable; they are unavoidable. Nobody can decide for himself whether he is going to be a human being. The only question open to him is whether he will be an ignorant, undeveloped one or one who has sought to reach the highest point he is capable of attaining. The question, in short, is whether he will be a poor liberal artist or a good one”

In these final weeks of school, classes are reaching the ideal expression of what they aim to teach, and it is so special to watch our students live and grow into their capacity as Liberal Artists.

Speaking of final weeks, there is a flurry of activities and events happening on campus.

Below you will find some timely reminders as well as some upcoming events here at GHNO Upper School.

Lastly, we were delighted our seniors were able to have a prom this year. Please enjoy some of the pictures we received from our veteran dad photographer, Mr. Dan Lopez.

Onward Griffins,

Samuel Heisman, Headmaster

Reminders & Events

Lunch Delivery Reset: Students should bring their lunch to school with them daily. Hot lunch is also available on campus for $4 per meal. If lunch is forgotten at home, parents may drop it off at the lower school front desk by 9 a.m. Lunches will not be delivered to students after 9 a.m. If a student does not have a lunch, a school hot lunch will be provided and charged accordingly. Parents may deliver outside food for students on special occasions. Lunch deliveries by outside service providers will not be accepted.

Reminder on school technology (laptops) that were issued to students who are now Brick & Mortar - Devices should be returned at this time. Return devices and power cords to Mrs. Jordan in the Upper School lobby. DL students should keep their devices until further notice.

8th Grade Art Show! Attention 8th Grade families! Mark your calendars for the 8th Grade Art Show Friday, May 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. Come enjoy the beauty, humor, and drama your students have put into their artwork. If your student is online and wants to participate, we need to receive their two chosen artworks at the front office by May 12.

If you have a student who would like to play music at the event, please reach out to Mr. Rerick.

11th Grade Drama Production

May 13-16. See flyer (left) for more information.

Griffin Service Club is sponsoring a donation drive for La Casa. La Casa is an organization supporting refugees who are seeking asylum. Please see this flyer for details on what is being collected.

Sophomores - Class of 2023!

Class Trip Fundraising - Keep selling the Krispy Kreme cards through May 7. Send your customers to this link to purchase.

Seniors - Class of 2021!

Monday, May 3 - Don't forget to wear a shirt for the college you plan to attend, or the occupation you have decided to pursue after GHNO. See the flyer for more info.

Every Friday in May, seniors may wear their GHNO Class of 2021 T-shirt to celebrate their Griffin spirit!

Senior Walk - May 19

This is a tradition we will be bringing to GHNO! Additional details will be sent home regarding this special day.

College Counseling

Follow this link for the college counselor newsletter

Onward Griffins,

Samuel Heisman

Headmaster

Community Engagement

GHNO Community Investment

Thank you GHNO Families!

Should you see the circle CI sticker, make sure and thank your fellow families for supporting GHNO!

Big thanks to the families who headed the call, we bumped up to a 50% family participation rate, which means about 1/2 of our families have made a gift this year (typically we are at a 64%).

Every gift counts and matters to us, if you have yet to make a gift this year, you can do so here.

We recognize this year has had its struggles, which is why your support is more important than ever!

Questions? contact DeAnna Macias.

DONATE TODAY!

Advocacy Corner

Great Heart Texas Advocacy

The Texas Public Charter School Association has been tracking the non-discrimination bill -- HB1348 – that would prohibit cities and municipalities from creating a separate set of rules for charter schools to open and operate. The bill has been sitting in the House Calendars Committee for nearly a month, after which it must be scheduled for a vote on the House floor. Stay tuned for updates and action alerts on this priority legislation through the Texas Public Charter School Association by signing up here.

PSO-Parent Service Organization

PSO News & Events

Teacher Appreciation Week May 3-7- An emailed announcement came out, but you can see the details anytime on the PSO website or read the email here.

New '21-'22 GHNO T-shirt Designs Available Now! - We're excited to announce an EARLY BIRD OFFERING of our '21-'22 GHNO Spirit t-shirts! You may order now through May 5th for in-class delivery in May or shop in person at our "Sidewalk Sale" (see next bullet point).

PSO Sidewalk Sale - May 8, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Used Uniforms and our new GHNO Spirit t-shirts will be available for purchase. Tents will be located around the corner from the lower school front steps. Cash/check helpful, Cards accepted.

Thank you, 7th and 8th Grade parents, for a fantastic teacher lunch on April 16th. Our teachers feel so loved!