Welcome to the new school year! "Connections" has asked me to summarize the top five GBN educational experiences to look for in the 2014-2015 school year.  

The request is challenging because there are so many events that immediately flood my mind when I ponder the nine months in front of us.

I'm looking forward to the talents of the class of 2018, the powerful leadership capabilities of our upperclassmen, Green and Gold Fridays, Marching Band morning march-throughs, continued athletic prowess by the Spartans in CSL and IHSA competitions, art work additions to the GBN Permanent Collection, Student Advisory Brainstorming, The V Show, Dr. Boyle's College Summary Report at the Parents' Association meeting in October, Quest's Pasta Toss, Loyalty Day, AM Jazz Band creations, New Booster Spartan gear, a possible snow day, and Homecoming decoration transformations.

Limiting the list to the top five is near impossible, but here goes..  

5 Reasons to Look forward to 2014-15
 

#5 - Furthering possibilities of the Chromebook initiative, and its bridge toward student engagement and critical thinking.

#4 - Embracing the return of SPARTANS CONNECT on March 19, 2015.  SPARTANS CONNECT is a day dedicated to students and staff to share common interests and passions in order to build more meaningful and diverse relationships.

#3  - Continuing our focus on problem solving, writing, presenting, and reading, through the Eight Qualities of Literacy.  As Professor John Bean states in Engaging Ideas, "Often the struggle of writing, linked as it is to the struggle of thinking and to the growth of a person's intellectual powers, awakens students to the real nature of learning."

#2 - Basking in the sunshine of GBN.  This gorgeous campus is illuminated by the warmth of kindness, the genius of bright ideas, and the courage of risking failure toward the acquisition of new thinking.  We share this rare sunshine joyfully and unabashedly.

#1 - Learning and teaching.  My most treasured perks as principal are those moments free from meetings that allow me to walk these proud and open corridors listening to laughter, conversation, and debate emanating from passionate discourse inspired by thoughtful lesson design.  Teachers and students, you inspire me.  I'm grateful.

I encourage you to check your email each month for "Connections" newsletter, designed to inform parents about current activities, events, and opportunities at GBN.  The school website and district website are other valuable sources of information.

An important factor in the success of our school is the positive relationship we share with parents.  With all of our contributions, GBN will continue to be a place where students, parents, staff, and community members enjoy learning and working together.

As always, we value your partnership as we guide young adults through the journey of high school.  I look forward to meeting you at Parent Night in the Classroom, September 11, if not sooner.

With Spartan Pride, 

Paul Pryma, Ed. D. 

Principal, Glenbrook North High School