News Archive

Recently, Pre-K students at Graland took on an exciting challenge: building their very own treehouses! This hands-on project began with a lesson on trees, where students explored guiding questions such as: "How do we relate to trees?" "How do we climb trees?" "Who lives in trees?" and "What makes a treehouse a treehouse?" They also read the book "Everything You Need for a Treehouse" by Carter Higgins and studied images of treehouses from around the world to inspire their creativity.

This December, in celebration of "Hour of Code," Kindergarteners had the exciting opportunity to dive into the world of coding! Led by Lower School Innovation Specialist Mrs. Leddy, students explored the basics of programming in a fun and interactive way during one of several Tinker Time sessions.

This month in Mr. Master's Grade 6 World Religion class, students delved into the rich tradition of Jewish folktales as part of their unit on Judaism. The class began by reading a variety of folktales, each filled with lessons and cultural significance. Students then wrote essays reflecting on the importance of these folktales in Jewish tradition.

A traveling planetarium recently visited Graland’s campus, giving the seventh-grade students a unique opportunity to experience astronomy firsthand during their science period with Mr. Steve Collins. The visit complemented the students' Earth Science curriculum, where they had already explored key concepts like the Nebular Theory. This theory, which explains how our solar system and planet formed, was introduced at the start of their geology unit. Prior to their planetarium visit, Mr. Collins covered topics like the Big Bang, the formation of the first nebulae and stars, the creation of the 92 elements on the periodic table, and how gravity shaped our corner of the Milky Way galaxy. The planetarium experience provided a dynamic and interactive way for students to visualize these complex concepts and see them in action, deepening their understanding of space and planetary science. 

This month, our Grade 4 students took part in a fun and creative art project inspired by the anonymous French artist “Invader.” Known for creating pixelated mosaics based on the “Space Invader” video game from the 90s, Invader hides his colorful works in cities around the world, and art enthusiasts use an app to locate and track them. Through this project, our students paid homage to Invader’s unique style, embracing the playful and public nature of his work.

Third-grade students recently visited the Denver Botanic Gardens’ Plains Conservation Center, bringing their social studies curriculum to life. The Plains Conservation Center is a nature preserve and educational center where students can explore the lives of the Cheyenne Tribe and 1800s homesteaders, learning how they adapted to life on the high plains.

This November, Kindergarten students had a fun, hands-on math lesson focused on measurement! With the help of expert fourth graders, each Kindergartener was traced on a large piece of paper. The goal? To learn about non-standard units of measurement!

This Veterans Day, our Grade 6 students participated in a meaningful day of learning and service. Mr. Justin Singleton, a Navy veteran and husband of Grade 6 teacher Mrs. Katie Singleton, shared his military experiences with the students. They also heard from Charlene Haskett, our all-school support teacher, who discussed her own military service as a woman of color.

This month, Graland's fifth graders completed a new project that blended literature, symbolism, and creativity under the guidance of Grade 5 English Teacher Kimm Lucas and Innovation Specialist Jorge Chavez. While reading Katherine Applegate's New York Times bestseller "Wishtree," students delved into the significance of symbols in storytelling.

Where a teachers favorite coffee is paired with thoughtful insights.

In this issue, Graland educators share the thought-provoking questions students have asked and the lessons they’ve learned from them. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy reading the heartfelt responses – perhaps with a cup of coffee in hand!

This summer, a dedicated group of educators—Kathy Riley, Tara Lavizzo, Betsy Metcalfe, Ashleigh Stepanian, Elizabeth Leddy, Meggan Dodge, Heather McCormick, and Jess Levy—embarked on a summer grant project focused on enhancing student digital wellness. Concerned about technology’s impact on youth mental health, the team explored thought-provoking resources, including “Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World” by Devorah Heitner, PhD, and Jonathan Haidt’s “The Anxious Generation.” 

Graland is proud to introduce a group of passionate and dedicated individuals stepping into various leadership roles across our campus community. Join us in welcoming Ryan Howsam ’86, Anthony Loeffler, Megan Scremin, and Christopher Smith to Graland’s Board of Trustees; Jessica Perrill as the new chair of the School Culture Advisory Committee (SCAC); Trisha Perlman taking the helm as Graland Parent Association (GPA)President; and Andrew Bourke ’01 leading the Graland Alumni Board.

In this Q&A, these campus leaders share their aspirations for their respective roles, discuss what excites them most about Graland’s present and future, and explore their dedication to cultivating a culture of belonging. As they embark on their leadership journey, their insights offer a glimpse into the positive impact they hope to make at Graland.

This fall, Graland’s fourth-grade students embarked on a geocaching expedition at Castlewood Canyon State Park, marking the beginning of a new tradition for Grade 4. Born from a summer grant project in 2024, this innovative signature trip aims to foster independence, teamwork, and exploration while connecting classroom learning to real-world experiences. 

As the days grow colder and shorter, it’s the perfect time to curl up with a good book. This list, curated by Graland’s Library, highlights the books that our students, parents, and educators have been checking out and enjoying this season. 

Graland's seventh-grade students took a deep dive into the past to study the 13 colonies that shaped the foundation of the United States. As part of their exploration, they examined the unique characteristics and influences of each colony, which provided valuable context for their upcoming trip to Washington, D.C., this spring.

Graland's third-grade students recently engaged in a project aimed at deepening their understanding of Colorado's geographic regions. Guided by essential questions such as "What tools can we use to study geography?" and "How does geography shape the way we live?", the social studies curriculum encourages students to creatively analyze and apply their knowledge.

In Mrs. Katie Mimnall's second-grade math class, students engaged in an exciting activity called "Window Mysteries." 

Graland's eighth graders recently completed a creative project in French class, designing their own children's books about the life of a bug. The project encouraged students to begin with the phrase “C’est l’histoire de/d” (It is the story of) followed by detailed descriptions of their main character, including its name, age, physical appearance, personality, likes and dislikes, and habitat, all while incorporating vocabulary they had learned in class. Additionally, students practiced using different tenses to connect back to their classroom learning and illustrated their stories, which helped them link visual elements with vocabulary and concepts, ultimately deepening their understanding of the French language.

In music class with Mrs. Tara Neeley, Pre-K students recently engaged in a lesson centered around the song “Wake Up Sleepyhead.” The playful tune tells the story of tired cowpokes who, after falling asleep, are called upon by the rancher to find his lost cows.

The Grade 2 science classroom was buzzing with creativity and problem-solving as students collaborated on unique ways to disperse seeds in the natural world. The challenge? Designing mechanisms to distribute seeds by either adhering to an animal's fur, taking flight, or floating through bodies of water. This September, the young scientists worked diligently to develop and test their innovative designs.

This September, Graland's sixth-grade class embarked on an educational adventure to Keystone, Colorado. The trip provided an opportunity for learning and bonding among new classmates, focusing on forest ecology, animal and plant adaptations, and water quality testing.

This September, our first-grade students embarked on an exciting journey into the world of bird conservation at Barr Lake, kickstarting their year-long service learning project. In a delightful surprise, Graland's beloved Eagle mascot visited each classroom before the trip to personally invite the young adventurers to explore its natural habitat and meet its feathered friends.

Diving into the world of "Baby Monkey, Private Eye," Ms. Sara Flansburg's Preschool class discovered the joy of solving mysteries together.

Excitement fills the air as Kindergarten students anticipate the arrival of the Queen of 10, who graces Graland’s halls every tenth day of school to share her wisdom and guide young minds through the enchanting world of mathematics.

When Trisha Perlman, Graland's newest GPA president, and her husband, Jake, were searching for a school for their daughters, they knew they wanted a place that would instill a genuine love of learning while nurturing and supporting their girls as individuals. Upon discovering Graland, they never looked back. Eleanor, now in Grade 7, began her Graland journey in Kindergarten in 2017, with Caroline, now in Grade 4, joining her for Preschool in 2018.

Hats off to the talented cast and the behind-the-scenes crew of “Singin’ in the Rain Jr.” for an unforgettable performance! Throughout the semester, these dedicated seventh and eighth graders and their teachers worked tirelessly, perfecting their singing, dancing, acting, and behind-the-scenes expertise to transport the audience(s) to the golden age of Hollywood. Congratulations to everyone involved on a truly sensational show! Click to watch the highlights of the multi-day performances.

Saddle up for a front-row seat to Graland's cherished Kindergarten Rodeo! All year, our young cowpokes have explored Colorado's rich agricultural heritage through engaging activities in Tinker Time, Writing, Music & Movement, and more. They've also embarked on experiential field trips to the Stock Show and Urban Farms, deepening their understanding and appreciation for rancher and farmer life.

This month, our fourth-grade students embarked on an exciting journey through time as they explored the geological transformations of Earth and Colorado's stunning landscapes in their science class. Guided by their Science Teacher, Ms. Elise de Geus, the students undertook a new unit examining fossil and geological evidence to explain Earth's changes throughout history.

In 2002, eleven Graland alumni (from the classes of 1992-94) had a common goal of creating an organization to benefit local nonprofits making a difference in the community. Recognizing that they could make a larger impact by banding together their resources, rather than giving individually, these former Graland students established the Eagle Fund, which has not only supported many organizations in the Denver community, but encouraged fellow Eagles to get involved. 

Confucius, Archimedes, Thucydides, Nebuchadnezzar, Sargon the Great, Genghis Khan, and Socrates. These are just a few of the historical figures that fifth-grade students personified in a recent grade-wide competition known as “Ancient Survivor.” Throughout April, students were assigned two historical figures, one they would personify and one they would prepare to “battle” debate-style in history class. 

Graland Lower School teachers share their expertise on the foundational aspects of reading: phonics, comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary. These essential components work together to develop young learners into skilled, confident readers. Take a peek into our educators’ insights and discover the keys to reading success!

As Graland approaches its 100th anniversary in 2027, the school enjoys sharing stories of its vibrant history.
This article shares background on a handful of the many pieces of art that adorn Graland’s campus.

As 2027 approaches, there will be many opportunities to honor Graland’s 100 years of excellence. Memories abound in the school archives, as well as in the two main school history books that are available to view on the school website and in the stories passed down between generations. We are fortunate to be able to reflect on the past and look forward to a bright future. 

As part of their service learning work, fourth-grade students got to visit DIRT Coffee Bar on a sunny afternoon this April. DIRT, a mission driven nonprofit, works to promote a safe training and employment environment for neurodivergent individuals as well as prepare them for future work opportunities beyond DIRT.

In celebration of National Poetry Month, Graland kindergarteners embarked on a new field trip to the Botanic Gardens to get inspired for their unit on poetry! The unit is part of a series of writing workshops that take place in Kindergarten throughout the year. 

Watch as students immerse themselves in enriching activities through Innovation, Creativity, and Expression; ICE. From filming and directing self-written stories in The Art of Filming to crafting beautiful wooden pieces in Woodworking, students at Graland are discovering new passions and expanding their skills in ICE. 

Fifth grade students in Meggan Dodge's math class are taking their decimal skills to the next level by planning the ultimate road trip! Students are learning how decimals play a crucial role in real-world scenarios, like planning a vacation. As part of the project, students choose a destination that holds personal significance to them. They then calculate the mileage, gas expenses, and budget for extras like hotels, food, and local attractions. 

Kindergarten students are exploring the mysteries of the solar system in their science class. Mrs. Stephanie Cook, their teacher, is guiding her students to discover how the Earth moves and is giving them a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Inside the pre-kindergarten classroom, a group of students are working on a hands-on architecture and construction activity. Guided by their teacher, Lisa Barone, these little architects are learning not only about building structures, but also about the importance of cooperation and communication.

At Graland Country Day School, the spirit of innovation thrives through the Charles C. Gates Invention and Innovation Program. Established in 1999, this unique program offers students in grades 5-8 the opportunity to explore their creativity, invent new products, and potentially earn a U.S. patent. Funded by an endowment from Charles C. Gates '34, the program has become a hallmark of Graland's commitment to fostering a growth mindset.

Every Thursday this spring, a group of sixth graders from Graland can be found at Trinity United Methodist Church, volunteering their time and energy at the Capitol Hill Community Services soup kitchen. 

The Newbery reading challenge has become a beloved Grade 3 tradition that brings students, teachers, and parents together in a shared love for literature. The Grade 3 students are challenged to read five Newbery Award-winning books, and then engage in a book discussion facilitated by a trained parent volunteer.

Grade 5 students are embarking on an adventure through Greek mythology under the guidance of their history teacher, Mr. Mike Willis. Mr. Willis created an exciting lesson that combines history, literature, and imagination to inspire his students and bring out their creativity.

Under the guidance of their teachers, all Grade 2 students embarked on a journey into the life of Margaret "Molly" Brown. As part of their biography lesson, they learned about this extraordinary woman and uncovered her heroism and impact on society.

Grade 4 students enjoyed an exciting trip to the Blair Caldwell African American Research Library as part of their ongoing research project centered around the influential figures of the Harlem Renaissance.

Students taking the role of backstage crews for the upcoming Grade 7 and 8 musical, "Singin' in the Rain, Jr.," are learning the intricacies of scenic design for the anticipated musical with guidance from their teacher Mrs. Julie Lachance. Having just completed a reading of the script, the students have transitioned into small groups, each tasked with the challenge of designing the set that will become the backdrop for the show.

In the Grade 1 classroom, students are embarking on a musical journey that involves the introduction of a bordun accompaniment on xylophones and metallophones. Picture a scene where these students are playing an open fifth (C and G) in a rhythmic pattern while harmoniously singing the familiar tune of "Rocky Mountain." What makes this experience challenging is the coordination required to sing one rhythm while playing another – a feat that requires concentration and teamwork.

Following their morning meeting with Ms. Brezin, Kindergarten students at Graland gathered for the daily Really Great Reading lesson, a vital part of their literacy journey. The recent session was filled with practical activities aimed at nurturing the students' reading skills.

Creativity and collaboration takes center stage in the Grade 3 theater class with Mrs. Julie Lachance. Each fall, these students engage in a collective brainstorming session, mapping out their hopes and dreams for the drama season. This year, the unanimous desire among the Grade 3 students was to write and bring to life their own plays. 

Grade 8 recently delved into an interesting lab activity – the Soda Can Crush Lab. They journeyed into states of matter, kinetic energy, and the fascinating world of crushed soda cans!

As we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Fieldhouse, the alumni office would like to highlight several former students (Ali Levy ’00,  Alex Smith ’97, Jonathan Vaughters ’88) whose journeys in the areas of sports, athletics, and health & wellness started right here at Graland. We hope that their pursuits and experiences serve as inspiration to fellow alumni, current students, and the entire Graland community.

“I love Graland Athletics because it shows me I can do so much more than I thought. I love that everyone can show their athletic side at school and just let loose. Through playing sports at Graland, I have learned you have to stay ready for anything that comes your way.”
- Garrett E., Grade 6