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NOTES FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
This morning marked our annual T-Bar slalom where I had the pleasure, not of working on course crew, announcing, or gatekeeping, but of taking the broad view.
As I made my way around the race venue, I saw a diverse group of gatekeepers made up of parents, teachers, and a lone Nordic skier. I observed coaches supporting one another as they kept eyes on all of our athletes (not just the ones in their specific groups). I witnessed coaches commenting on the strengths of each GMVS athlete who went by and seeking them out to provide feedback. I saw parents and children embracing at the finish line, and I saw coaches at the start helping our kids control their nerves and maintain their focus.
Most importantly, I witnessed most of our alpine skiers in action. One by one, they snapped off slalom turns and crossed the finish line to cheers from their teammates, peers, parents, and teachers. For some, today's race marked a return to the starting gate following a long period off-snow due to injury. Never have I see so much tension be dissolved after a great 1st run than I did today.
Taken individually, each of my observations this morning -- and over the last several days -- is simply a snapshot in the daily activity of our school. Yet, these "fractals", according to organizational psychologist, Debbie Freed, are "self-replicating patterns that, when examined, mirror the larger system." When we connect the dots, then, we trace each fractal's roots back to the school's mission, core values, and beliefs. From there, we can see how each moment itself is a reflection of our mission and core values.
The image of GMVS from 10,000 feet is one of which we should all be proud. Abi Jewett '18 racing in her first World Cup with her family and friends cheering her on from the finish line. Brian McLaughlin '12 "taking over" our Instagram account the day before scoring his first World Cup points at Beaver Creek last weekend. Staff volunteering to help out and cover for one another as needed -- even at the 11th hour. Advisors supporting students when needed, regardless of the time of day. Students helping students and standing up for themselves and their beliefs. The list goes on and on and on.
This is the power of our collective community, and it's the very same thing that enables GMVS graduates to build powerful enclaves in every corner of the world.
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Training on Inverness
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KELLY BRUSH RACE ARENA IS BUSTLING
The mid-winter conditions and excellent snow surface at Mt. Ellen have provided us with a fantastic start to the race season. The Kelly Brush Race Arena has been very busy this week.
The GMVS Ski Club began their season this past Saturday with a gorgeous blue sky day and over 150 kids skiing on Inverness and the TBar. The GMVS Power Term started on Sunday, December 3rd, which is a five day program designed to jump start the young ski racer's season. Power Term is led by Sally Utter and is supported by GMVS coach Chris Frank.
Today's VARA Open at the Kelly Brush Race Arena continues the tradition of being one of the first winter races in Vermont.
The free skiing has been as good as it gets and with GS and SL training on Spring Fling and Inverness, our students are cranking out the training runs in advance of the upcoming weekend races.
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1st TK Despres, 2nd Brian Bushey and 3rd Josh Valentine as they swept the podium in the West Yellowstone Biathlon race. |
WEST YELLOWSTONE FALL CAMP 2018
Every year the GMVSxc team tacks on one additional week in the western U.S. to take part in the Yellowstone Ski Festival. "Fall Camp" as it is commonly referred to by many, is often the first opportunity for people from around the country to ski on groomed Nordic trails.
The town is located at an elevation over 6,600 ft and by late November temps are well below freezing. If anywhere in the contiguous U.S. can attempt to guarantee XC skiing by Thanksgiving year after year, West Yellowstone, MT can. Whether there are pristine tracks or only a few inches of snow the skiing is remarkably good and the training is always outstanding. We can ski right from our door to the tracks and the gym is only a five minute jog. In West Yellowstone every year we set the tone for our team with routine, focus, fun, and some early season competitions. The student-athletes get lots of time to learn what it means to travel well, train hard, and keep on top of their studies. Crucial skills for success later in the winter are established at Fall Camp and soon back in New England we will get to see our preparation pay off. Now it's go time and race season is on, so let's get after it!
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HABITS OF HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL GUMBIES
To kick off our first week of the winter schedule teams of students, teachers, and coaches did some work, in our weekly Assembly, talking about the goals and challenges of winter at GMVS, and what it takes to succeed. Each group benefited from hearing diverse perspectives and sharing thoughts about the "Seven Habits" of highly successful Gumbies. It was clear in the conversations that all involved take great pride in our school and their contributions to each aspect of the GMVS experience.
While y
ou might think there would be many different ideas to make our "Seven Habits" list, the lists were remarkably the same. Here are some of the commonly identified traits and habits: Managing time, communicating effectively, helping each other, being prepared, staying healthy (sleep, fuel, cleanliness), working hard, being positive, and having fun!
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Our Giving Tuesday campaign was a wonderful success and we can't thank you enough. We were able to raise $5,655 through your generous donations and it also allowed us to connect with over 70 members of the GMVS family. We were extremely pleased by the interaction of young alumni (who graduated 2000 and above) who made up 1/3 of all who donated. Combined we had a strong current parent group, many alumni, Board of Trustee members, current grandparents, individuals, and staff. It warms our hearts to see you thinking of GMVS and staying in contact through social media. We further invite you to keep an eye on our facebook and instagram as we do our best to share photos, milestones, and more information with you all about all our Gumbies past and present.
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Kick-off to the GMVS Ski Club season! Go mini Gumbies!
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A FEW SNAPS FROM OUR RECENT ADVENTURES
Check out great photos of GMVS activities on SmugMug, a photo-sharing website where we post pictures from races, games
, camps, theater and other weekly campus events. The website is gmvs.smugmug.com and the password is GMVScommunity. Enjoy!
GMVS Ski Club Kids Parade at the 2018 Killington World Cup
GMVS at the Killington World Cup
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| Inverness Action - First Training Day of the 2018-19 Season |
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December 22
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Annual Holiday Party at Tucker Hill Inn
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Dec. 19-Jan. 1
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Holiday Break
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March 6-9, 2019
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NCAA Championship at Stowe Mountain Resort and Trapp Family Lodge |
March 29-31, 2019
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Alumni Winter Carnival
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GMVS ONLINE STORE
Check out our logowear (Big Truck hats, hoodies, and t-shirts) and gear up to support Gumbies around the world as the season continues.
Order HERE!
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