With a new year comes new opportunities for our students (February 2022)

I trust this message finds you and your families well and in good spirits as we continue to contend with the many ramifications and disruptions brought on by COVID-19. Our sincerest thanks go out to our families and community members. Because of you, GHC has been able to manage the ongoing coronavirus pandemic since March 2020. It is a testament to you and our staff that our focus continues to be on the growth of our students. 

Of course, even the slightest setback in our students’ growth runs counter to GHC’s mission and to the dedicated work of our faculty and staff. We are steadfast in our commitment to continue seeking creative solutions to the challenges the pandemic poses and adapting our teaching practices in any way necessary to provide our students with the highest quality education and learning environment. We will continue to keep you well-informed about our plans and any other relevant updates, as we have over the past two years. 

For the moment, I ask that you turn your attention to what matters most: our students and their learning. Throughout the pandemic, the daily magic that occurs at GHC – breakthroughs in the classroom, discoveries during after-school clubs, and triumphs on the playing field – has continued to inspire and motivate me. 

Our high school robotics team, Robodox, started off the year with a victory in an offseason competition, and its members are taking advantage of being back together to boost the collaborative spirit of their work. The innovation and problem-solving the team consistently demonstrates reflects the 21st Century education we seek to provide at GHC. You can learn more about them at this The Plaid Press story.

On the track, GHC senior Sofia Abrego has won five City Section titles and qualified for State four times. As this story by Spectrum News showed, she is just as much a champion in the classroom. Sofia will be headed to Dartmouth College in the fall, where we know she will continue to shine.

I also want to make sure everyone has heard about the podcast, BizWorld, that our DECA entrepreneurial program has started. In their first two episodes, DECA students have delved into the work of Hollywood producer David Gale and the president of National School Choice Week. This project not only advances the club’s focus on business, finance, and marketing but also provides members the chance to learn about one of the newest types of media that are reshaping how we consume news and entertainment.

A tremendous example of our students’ interdisciplinary learning comes out of our TK-8 program’s music classes. Ms. April Johnson, our TK-8 music teacher, has been leading our students in songs highlighting the Lunar New Year, tying in the International Baccalaureate emphasis on global context and multicultural activities. Students are singing in Mandarin, playing a variety of instruments, and learning about different cultures through music. Ms. Johnson is an experienced teacher with an extensive background in music education, including a long-standing role as a Director with the Los Angeles Children's Chorus, and we are delighted she is a part of the GHC community.

And finally, if you did not see the profile of long-time and much-beloved high school Spanish language and literature teacher, Sigfrido Zimmerman, I would strongly encourage you to take some time to learn more about one of the pillars of our campus and community. Although the pandemic has forced us all to adapt and adjust, Mr. Zimmerman reminds us that if the heart and core of what you do comes from a place of care and concern, the positive results will follow. 

These stories reflect just a sliver of what has been going on at GHC this school year. As this semester progresses, I know there will be exciting new highlights to share in the weeks ahead. Please be on the lookout for them, as well as for updates about the coronavirus and our ongoing response. 

Again, thank you for your continued support of Granada Hills Charter. Together we will continue to make GHC safe and strong.