Golden View art teacher painting of red lava

Thank you Mr. Stephenson for sharing this painting!

February at Golden View

A LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL

February 2023

Dear Friend of Golden View Classical Academy,

If you’re like me, February is the time when resolutions magically devolve into failures. Working out seems less worthwhile, and chocolate seems so worthwhile, you wonder why you ever let that sweet friend go. Maybe it’s a bit sooner for you, or later, but at some point, we settle again into our habits that are extremely resistant to change. I wonder if part of it is that there is nothing really natural or even customarily important about January 1st, so no real reason to do anything that lasts.

At school, February is a little different, because the cycle is different. There really is a customarily important beginning and end, one that matches roughly with a natural seasonal change, and this compels us all - teachers and students alike - to reflect on what we’ve done, what we haven’t, and what we hope to do next.

Seniors start to sense this and see that their next year is altogether different from previous years, which makes it an extremely fruitful time for introspection and personal growth. We don’t get many of those moments in life, and having a Class that goes through it every year is something that keeps the school fresh and new.

The new kindergarten faces every year are one thing, as a reminder of the ongoing work we do in common with young people. But the reflection that seniors engage in, in more or less open rebellion to school, or something in them that they want to see grow and mature, is refreshing. It’s revitalizing, because this is it - the chance when we get to look on and say, “good luck” with confidence and a deeper awareness of just how troubled the waters of adulthood can be.

I hope your February can take a turn like theirs, or at least be refreshed in thinking about what the future holds at truly pivotal moments. There are better resolutions to consider when one looks through the fresh eyes of a soon-to-be alum, more open vistas, though perhaps a bit more constrained as the years pass.

So here’s to February, thankfully the shortest month of the year, when we regain our senses and bring back the chocolate, and have the chance to look upon what’s next with hope and purpose.

Sincerely,

Dr. Garrow

Principal, Golden View Classical Academy

CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHT

In first grade history at Golden View, students are asked to write a sentence and draw a picture that portrays the events that occurred in the lesson of the day. Currently, we are studying the main events that led up to the American revolution and some of the American heroes of this time. We began with King George the III taxing the colonists, the Boston Tea Party, Paul Revere and the midnight ride, the “shot heard around the world,” the writing of the Declaration of Independence, Benjamin Franklin, and finally George Washington.

This month, we were tasked with completing our submission for the Scholars Cup, a competition sent out to all Hillsdale member schools. These entries are sent back to Hillsdale to be voted upon, and the winning school receives $2000, a trophy, and the glory! For our submission, we were asked to have students write a multi-sentence narrative of a historical event and draw an illustration. We turned this assignment into an opportunity to introduce paragraph writing, as well as to tie their work back to the virtues of wonder and responsibility.

From Ms. Myers, Grammar School Teacher at Golden View

ATHLETIC HIGHLIGHT

Here at Golden View, we are fortunate to offer basketball at the Middle School level. A record 49 students are involved in Middle School basketball this year, allowing us to offer 2 girls teams and 3 boys teams. This season, we had some exciting additions! Coach Van Gieson gave our 7th Grade athletes the confidence to soar. Our boys also received brand new jerseys, which really encouraged them to set forth that competitive spirit.

Our athletes practice fundamentals, but also are introduced to more complicated concepts like running plays and implementing strategies. They are learning how to be better basketball players, but, more importantly, through hard work, failures and success, and relationship building, they are developing their moral character.

Please come support our Golden View athletes and join us for some upcoming games! Follow this link for game schedules.

NEW AND NOTEWORTHY

CSI Award of Distinction

Golden View Classical Academy has been recognized for the 4th year in a row with the 2022 Award of Distinction from the Colorado Charter School Institute! This award is presented to schools that demonstrate excellence in academic, financial, and organizational performance. Great work students and staff!

Apply for Enrollment

We are still accepting applications for the 2023-2024 school year. All interested families can fill out an application on our website. We will continue to send out offers as seats become available through the end of September 2023.

Board Meeting

The March Board Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 15 at 5:30pm in the Bailey Heritage Library. You can find meeting agendas on BoardDocs prior to the meeting.

Introducing The American Heroes Project!

Golden View Classical Academy is proud to announce the launch of The American Heroes Project. These short, character-focused stories revive for your family a list of heroes to learn about, to be grateful for, and to emulate.

Purchase your physical copies or PDF downloads here: https://www.americanheroesproject.net/store