After a wonderful return to school last week, we now look forward to a busy last week of the 2nd Quarter and conclusion of the 1st Semester. In addition to end-of-quarter tests, we have drama performances from our Juniors and Seniors, Soccer Tryouts on Monday, the Boy's Basketball Season in full swing, and a Rugby interest meeting on Thursday. While the end of a quarter is always busy, students can look forward to a 4-day weekend for rest and relaxation as a reward for their hard work and diligence in the 1st Semester.

Please note two important changes that will be happening at the end of this semester:

First, we will be holding Parent-Teacher Conferences via Zoom in lieu of narrative evaluations this semester. These conferences will be held on the afternoons of Friday, January 29th and Friday, February 6th. Information on how to signup will be sent after families receive Semester 1 Report Cards.

Second, as we welcome more students back to campus for the 2nd Semester, there is a possibility that your student will be assigned to a different section resulting in a schedule change beginning Wednesday, January 20th.

Below are announcements and important upcoming dates. We look forward to a wonderful week and, as always, please reach out to me with your questions.

Yours in Partnership,

Michael Cowan

Headmaster, Upper School

Great Hearts Irving

January 11 | Lunch with the College Counselor

January 11 | Soccer Tryouts on the Courtyard

January 12 | Deadline to Register for National Greek Exam

January 14 | Rugby Interest Meeting

January 14 | Junior Production of Arms and the Man

January 15 | End of Semester 1

January 16-18 | MLK Weekend - No School

January 19 | Faculty PD - No School

January 19 | Deadline to Register for National Latin Exam

January 20 | Beginning of Quarter 3

January 22 | Full Day Friday - Afternoon Carline Begins at 3:35pm

January 26 | Deadline to Register for National Spanish Exam

January 29 | Upper School Conferences

February 5 | Upper School Conferences

On Monday, January 11th, parents are invited to join Mrs. Fitzgerald, Director of GHTX College Counseling, for the monthly virtual lunch about all things college. The topic for January is Standardized Testing. After a short presentation, Mrs. Fitzgerald will take questions.

Middle and High School Soccer Tryouts will be held Monday, January 11th on the courtyard at campus. Dress to play and bring a water bottle.

There will be a Rugby interest meeting held from 3:30-3:50 on Thursday, January 14th in room 103 for both the Middle School and High School teams. No previous experience of rugby is necessary.

Please visit the athletics page located under "Academy Life" on the GHI website for all news and updates for Mustang Athletics. Contact our Athletic Director, Gary Gray, with questions (gary.gray@greatheartsirving.org).

We are working to build relationships with local businesses that are connected to our school community. If you own your own business, or know of one that might be interested, please reach out to Keo.Strull@greatheartsirving.org.

We have changed the dates for Semester 1 Conferences. Save the dates of Friday, January 29th and Friday, February 5th for Parent-Teacher Conferences. Information on how to signup will be sent after families receive Semester 1 Report Cards.

You should have received a message last Tuesday (1/5) concerning registering your student for a National Language Exam. Below are the registration deadlines with links to the original message.

At the end of each school day students must be picked up in carline or driven home by a student driver. Students are not permitted to walk off campus unless they live within walking distance of the school and parents have given consent to Patrick Malone (patrick.malone@greatheartsirving.org).

If you or someone you know has interest in applying, please use the links above to complete an online application today! Please reach out to careers@greatheartsamerica.org with any questions!