Parent Orientation
(A copy of this presentation will be placed online under
the “Parent Portal”
The School
 100 boys for 100 different
reasons
 Underachievement to
Achievement
 Diverse Student Body
 Social Growth
 Physical Growth
 Academic Growth
 Moral Growth
Our Theme for this year….
The People
 Bill Thomas- Dean
 Melissa Nipper-
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Guidance / College
Placement
Sam Corabi- Admissions
Christina HartzAdmissions, Res. Life
The Teachers
The Dormmasters
Who to go to…:
 List in Parent-Student
Handbook of who to
contact for what reason.
What the Mission Statement
doesn’t say…
 We CARE.
 Every boy is capable of success.
 It takes a TEAM, a FAMILY.
 It is all about the students.
 Rediscovery & Reinvention
 Communication is key.
 Our Focus– Now & Future
 Proactive, not Reactive.
Pedagogically Speaking: Teaching Outside Pandora's Box Deborah
M. Roffman Independent School, Summer 2010
Five Core Nurturing Needs for K-12 Kids:
1. Affirmation
2. Information
3. Clarity around Values
4. Limit Setting
5. Anticipatory Guidance
The Rules
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Drugs & Alcohol
Tobacco
Respect & Honesty
Cell Phones
 Not during school day.
 Please- Don’t call/text
your son during the day
 We need your support
 Packages, Phone
Monitoring, etc…
 When in doubt, refer to
the Handbook or Ask
• Weissbourd’s research: Teens’ perception of what they
believe to be the most important value for them in their
parents’ mind:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
For you to be happy
Achieving a high level of income
Having a high status job
Being a good person who cares about others
Gaining entrance into a selective college
 2/3rds public & private school kids thought #1 over #4.
 ½ of high income private school kids thought #5 over #4.
• Weissbourd’s comment on academic “pressure”: 30-40% of
Harvard’s undergrads on anti-depressants
Support @ GRA
Academic
 Extra Help
 Special Help Sessions
 Evening Study Halls
 Weekend Study Halls
 Afternoon Study Halls
 Frequent Grade
Reporting
Social & Emotional
 Contact Melissa Nipper
if you’d like to arrange
counseling for your son
Understand that Einstein wasn’t Einstein when he was born, and
didn’t become Einstein until after years of dedicated, passionate
study. In fact, Einstein was a delayed learner.
Dates to Remember
 Official School Calendar
is in the Handbook and
at grandriver.org
 Fall Parents’ Weekend
 October Long Weekend
 Thanksgiving Break
Finally…
Please call us if you have any questions or concerns.
Boys tend to over exaggerate.
Remember, perception is greater than reality.
Call Us! We’re here to help.
Resources
 Parent-Student Handbook:
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http://grandriver.org/quicklinks/studentparenthandbook-2012-2013
GRA Apparel / Online Store: www.bunkline.com
Grades on EdLine (email Robin Nagle at
robin.nagle@grandriver.org if you have login problems):
http://www.edline.net/pages/Grand_River_Academy
Tim Viands Blog & Twitter Feed- Found on GRA’s Website
GRA Parents Association FACEBOOK Page (Secure for
parents only)
Must Read:
More Resources
 Research & Writings:
 Dr. Robert Brookshttp://www.drrobertbrooks.com/writings/index.html
 Dr. Michael Thompson (Best-selling author)- All of
his books are great. He also has some videos on You
Tube http://www.michaelthompson-phd.com/