Glenbrook School stands as a cornerstone of education, catering to students from kindergarten through 12th grade. With a committed faculty of 50 educators, the institution accommodates approximately 450 students annually, maintaining an average student-to-teacher ratio of about 15:1.
For the younger students, the day at Glenbrook starts with a sequence of rituals aimed at fostering camaraderie and positive habits. The routine includes a morning prayer, the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, a lively rendition of the chicken dance to invigorate the young minds, recognition of the “Citizen of the Day” – students who’ve shown altruism, birthday celebrations, alma mater singing, and the daily “Commitment Statement.” Impressively, the camaraderie extends across age groups, with older students leading the way and the fresh kindergarteners seamlessly joining in, showing their enthusiasm to engage with their “big kid” peers.
For students in grades 7 through 12, Tuesdays through Thursdays commence with an advisory period designed to cultivate personal growth. Students are grouped based on shared interests and assigned advisors. Dr. Coyle, assistant head of the school, emphasizes the significance of this grouping, noting its positive impact on students’ willingness to communicate.
“What we have found over the years is that when we group students together who don’t have common interests, they’re hesitant to talk,” said Dr. Coyle.
The faculty takes a personal approach to ensure every student feels valued and cared for. Students are encouraged to “check in” each day, reporting their social and emotional statuses by sending emojis and brief notes.
The faculty’s dedication to nurturing students extends beyond advisory. They firmly believe that effective education starts with emotional connection. “If you don’t reach them, you can’t teach them” is the prevailing philosophy. The school’s atmosphere is that of a close-knit family. Absent students are promptly reached out to, underlining the school’s commitment to caring for every student.
Glenbrook’s advisory period is complemented by the integration of Lions Club International’s curriculum, Lions Quest. This service-oriented curriculum underscores the importance of giving back, aligning with the school’s holistic approach. Additionally, the advisory period is utilized for tasks like evaluating academic performance for eligibility in extracurricular activities.
Embracing technology, Glenbrook employs Google Classroom for seamless assignment management, while an e-hallpass system streamlines administrative processes. This electronic pass system enables students to request appointments, tutoring, and restroom breaks without interrupting classroom flow. Faculty involvement ensures responsible usage, reducing socialization-related disruptions.
The school prides itself on its diverse range of sports teams, dance lines, and a drum corps, offering students ample avenues for engagement. Glenbrook’s recent football jamboree on August 25th saw spirited support from fans, echoing the school’s vibrant community spirit.
Glenbrook School cherishes its traditions, from the Birthday Book Club, enabling students to donate books to the library, to the Glenbrook Grandparents initiative, inviting grandparents to share meals with their grandchildren. In the face of growth, Glenbrook has added new buildings to accommodate its expanding student body.
In a world where education’s scope transcends textbooks, Glenbrook School’s approach serves as a beacon of comprehensive learning, nurturing minds and hearts alike.