Here at GUS, the old adage ‘the more things change, the more they stay the same’ seems to ring true. Skyscrapers, Lighthouses, and White Shirt projects came in over the first weeks since the winter break, and while these projects are tried and true staples of the GUS curriculum, students find so many ways to make each project new and innovative. While we marvel at their creativity, we take pride in the GUS way-the way each child is excited to share what they learned, the way each project taps into a child’s natural sense of curiosity, and the way it never gets old. Every year, we are captivated by how our students’ work demonstrates what happens when you balance a rigorous education with a joyful learning environment. It’s not only fun for students, but fun for all of us as observers. Perhaps joy was never more present than as the 8th graders put in their dances at Arts Night! Dancing Through the Ages and reminding us, once again, what a special place GUS really is. 

And, it’s not just the children that are learning with full hearts. How grateful we are as a faculty for all the professional development opportunities that have resulted for the Nance Fund. Important work that allows our school to innovate and change, while staying true to our unique pedagogy. Amy Gallo modeled finding the joy in learning with her Tadler Grant to follow the butterflies to Mexico, a wonderful adventure she was able to share with her students, adding a truly special element to their butterfly study. Her joy multiplied by all the students in her class.

So times change, but that which is at the heart of our work at GUS remains true. We have been reviewing our school mission and years of mission and vision work as part of our study of Who Am I? What we have found is a dedicated continuity to community, creativity, and curiosity. GUS continues to stand strong, never losing sight of who we are at our core. A philosophy that guides the way, much like our 4th graders researched lighthouses.

It is certainly a happy new year at GUS, and we look forward to all 2023 has in store. 

Trust and forward,

Gretchen Forsyth
Head of School