Lower School Celebrates Peace
At an assembly this week, Lower School students examined the subject of peace through literature, art and music. Led by fourth graders Finley Bell and Nate Romo-Nichols, they learned what "peace" means and why it is important in our world in advance of International Peace Day on September 21. Established by the United Nations, Peace Day has been celebrated annually since 1981.
After morning greetings, the Pledge of Allegiance and the Graland Song, students listened to the book If Peace Is... by Jane Baskwill read by second graders. They were encouraged to spend time in the classroom sharing what peace means to them.
Ms. Cathy Naughton and Ms. Parthenia Williams then discussed an upcoming art project for the Lower School. Students will make "Pinwheels for Peace" in art class to install on campus.
Next, Mrs. Kathy Riley talked about Graland's Hidden Heroes program. "This is how we acknowledge students who are living the Graland Guiding Principles in a humble, kind way," she explained. Teachers can nominate a Hidden Hero by emailing Mrs. Riley throughout the year; the names will be announced during Lower School assemblies.
Our new director of equity and inclusivity, Mr. Oscar Gonzalez, was introduced to students. "To create world peace, we have to start at a smaller level, like the classroom," he shared. "Think about Graland's Guiding Principles and how you can meet someone new and learn about who they are." Mr. Gonzalez also talked about his family and how they came to Denver from Mexico in the 1970s. He described what it was like to be the first person in his family to go to college and being a role model for younger siblings and cousins. To conclude, he shared more about his role at Graland. "Equity means treating people fairly and making sure they have what they need to succeed. That's my job at Graland: to help everyone feel like they belong."
To end the assembly, Mr. Justin Miera led students in a sing-along with two peace-themed songs: Peace Like a River and Make New Friends.
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After morning greetings, the Pledge of Allegiance and the Graland Song, students listened to the book If Peace Is... by Jane Baskwill read by second graders. They were encouraged to spend time in the classroom sharing what peace means to them.
Ms. Cathy Naughton and Ms. Parthenia Williams then discussed an upcoming art project for the Lower School. Students will make "Pinwheels for Peace" in art class to install on campus.
Next, Mrs. Kathy Riley talked about Graland's Hidden Heroes program. "This is how we acknowledge students who are living the Graland Guiding Principles in a humble, kind way," she explained. Teachers can nominate a Hidden Hero by emailing Mrs. Riley throughout the year; the names will be announced during Lower School assemblies.
Our new director of equity and inclusivity, Mr. Oscar Gonzalez, was introduced to students. "To create world peace, we have to start at a smaller level, like the classroom," he shared. "Think about Graland's Guiding Principles and how you can meet someone new and learn about who they are." Mr. Gonzalez also talked about his family and how they came to Denver from Mexico in the 1970s. He described what it was like to be the first person in his family to go to college and being a role model for younger siblings and cousins. To conclude, he shared more about his role at Graland. "Equity means treating people fairly and making sure they have what they need to succeed. That's my job at Graland: to help everyone feel like they belong."
To end the assembly, Mr. Justin Miera led students in a sing-along with two peace-themed songs: Peace Like a River and Make New Friends.
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
