As you walk through GSA there are many examples of the creativity and curiosity of our girls. How exciting it is to see science projects coming together for Science Fair, watching tie-dyed scarves being revealed as the strings are cut and the material unfolded, and class projects coming to fruition. But most of all it is wonderful to watch our girls learning, laughing and growing.
The range of topics for Science Fair is extensive and impressive! Do you know if baking soda reacts more vigorously with vinegar, water, hair spray or nail polish remover? Do you know the best matter in which to grow flower bulbs? Is there really a gender difference in visual memory? Do rabbits see in color? If you attended the GSA Science Fair you found answers to all those questions and more.
I was in awe of the beautiful tie-dying created by our girls for sale at the Children's Hospital gala. The scarves, children's clothing and ties are truly spectacular and sold like the proverbial hot cakes. We have made Mrs. Hoover promise that more can be made in the spring so that we can keep them ourselves.
The culmination of the 6th grade "write your own novel" was great fun and truly impressive. Excerpts from their efforts were shared at the celebration of their month long writing marathon. Move over John Grisham & Iris Johansen; our girls are on the way up!
There wasn't a better breakfast in town as the 3rd grade math class served breakfast tacos from Kapelle's Kitchen, an "upscale restaurant" in Room 5. The girls learned about the cost of buying ingredients, making the tacos, serving breakfast and making change. The waitress's tips were very good which is appropriate for excellent service.
If you ran into some 5th graders the past few weeks you were likely to hear girls practicing for their presentation of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. Such phrases as "Rather your eyes with his judgment look." might be heard as they practiced in the classroom or while transitioning classes. These girls may be Broadway bound!
Haikus and diamonte poetry about winter and the holidays has been the focus of the 4th grade. The weather has been providing inspiration for their creativity. Ask a 4th grader for a description of diamonte poetry if you are unaware of the format - I had to ask.
First graders are in the spirit of the season with their community service project of helping a single parent family of 6. The girls paired up to get a present for each of the 6 children in the family. How terrific that they are thinking of others!
Almost daily the kindergarten class has something they have made to take home and proudly display. Their classroom boasts life-size cut outs of each of them with the insides on the outside as they are learning about internal body structure.
The 7th and 8th graders have been busy on a variety of projects. Besides their Science Fair projects, they are in the process of building a battery powered electric motor in SET (Science/Engineering/Technology). Eighth graders took on the responsibility for helping Mrs. Lamare catalog, assemble and set up the new equipment for science lab.
Everywhere you turn at GSA there is something dynamic going on. It is easy to take life at GSA for granted when every day such unique events are taking place. The Girls' School of Austin is truly a treasure. I am grateful for the talented faculty that inspire the girls and the support of our parents. I am counting many blessings.
Happy Holidays to all. Rest up and we will see you next year!
Dr. Rita Sherbenou,Interim Head of School