News

This article was originally published in the July edition of Moffly Magazine's Education section and was written by GFA's Chair of Computer Science Nina Yuen.  

The creation of something original is a harrowing task. Be it an innovative, problem-solving design or a piece of visual art, the ideation that must happen to get there requires confidence, a suspension of disbelief, and a degree of magical thinking. It requires a harnessing of the self-editor, that nagging inner critic that often leads creators to dismiss an idea as impossible too soon. Perhaps most importantly, it requires a level of comfort navigating ambiguity – the ability to sit in the awkward space of not knowing how something will turn out. 

Weeks into her new role as GFA’s first Director of Excellence in Teaching, Meghan Chew has launched Open Classroom Week. From October 10-14, faculty and staff will have the privilege of learning from watching their colleagues teach. The goal is for all members of GFA’s professional community and our students to benefit from exchanging ideas, techniques, and inspiration. Dragon Digest sat down with Mrs. Chew to hear more. 

September 15 marks the start of National Hispanic Heritage month in the United States - a month in tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our country and society. For longtime Lower School faculty member, Jen Ferreira, marking what it means to be Hispanic American is an everyday occurrence. 

"Gaga is like its own world right now,” Kathleen Nicholson remarks. GFA students are ‘GaGa for Gaga’ after the installation of the new Gaga Pits on the Front Lawn and by the turf fields. 

Each year, on the second day of school, GFA students from the Middle and Upper Schools meet in the Coyle Gym to hear from class leaders, the musicians among them, and our school’s administrators. A longstanding school tradition, Convocation marks the official start of the academic year with humor, spirit, and speeches that set the tone for the months to come.