A time to begin again.

I love a clean slate, a blank page, a white canvas. I like do-overs and mulligans. I believe we learn from doing, mistakes included, and as a result, we become better. I love September and the start of school because it is a chance to do it all again, but better!

Every new school year is an opportunity for students to recreate themselves - to bring forward what they’ve learned and what they value and let go of the things that didn’t work or weighed them down. Each year, students embark on new adventures, try new sports, and push themselves to know more than they did before. They get to try out new roles like “I am a dancer” or “I am a scientist,” while discovering new things about themselves. Here at GUS, they don’t need to be afraid about the times they fall down, don’t get the right answer, or wish they had done something differently. There is always the opportunity to try again, and it is in that freedom to give their full effort without fear that the most powerful learning takes place. No doubt, this new year will be a year of possibilities for our students. 

It isn’t just the students that get a chance to begin again. As a school, each year offers opportunities to try new things. Last year, we came together as a community to think about where we are going and our new strategic directions offer a path forward for GUS that is exciting and inspiring. As we start the school year, there is a feeling that anything is possible as we continue to dream big for our small school. 

This year there is also a palpable excitement across campus as we welcomed so many wonderful new members to the GUS community. Danielle Figueira is our new Director of Advancement, Jessica Torcicollo is our new Director of Finance, and Emily Glore is our new Director of Admissions, each of them bringing new energy and a fresh perspective to the administrative team here at GUS. In addition, we welcomed two new teachers: Suzy Light for lower school math and Jenni Athanas for 6th grade math. Both veteran teachers, they jumped right in and have been wonderful additions to the GUS team. We also welcomed 41 new students and 31 new families to our community this fall. New faces bring new energy as they begin again in a new place with a contagious enthusiasm for all things GUS. How happy we are to have them all.

Excited about possibilities, inspired by how bravely our students put themselves out, motivated by dedicated families and devoted staff, I am filled with joyful anticipation of all that will cross our paths this year. It is certainly a happy new year here at GUS, and we are thrilled to begin again. No doubt, this will be a year to remember! 

As I said at Back to School Nights, we know you have a choice, and we are so grateful you chose GUS!

Sincerely,