Germantown Elementary School District #60

It's Match Day! Kayne takes to the course at Kokopelli Golf Club in Marion for the Boys’ State Golf Tournament.

Tee it up, Bulldog STRONG!

On this Graduation Eve, we shine our spotlight on the Class of 2026. Enjoy this picture walk down Memory Lane.

Then and now — chasing dreams with courage.

Then and now — ready to explore, ready to lead.

Then and now — quietly shaping the world around him.

Then and now — leadership in the making.

Then and now — making moves on the court and in life.

Then and now — quiet beginnings, confident strides.

Then and now — full of potential, ready to soar.

Then and now — strong hands, strong heart, strong will.

Then and now — fearless, fiery, and full of heart.

Then and now — steady heart, strong spirit.

It's Race Day!

This morning, our Girls on the Run participants will take on their end-of-season 5K at Ballpark Village, a celebration of growth, perseverance, and joy. Each season concludes with this event, giving every girl a chance to experience the pride that comes from setting a goal and crossing the finish line. No matter their pace, every participant finishes with confidence and carries that sense of accomplishment with them long after the race is over.

Girls on the Run - STRONG in heart. STRONG in stride.

Then and now — resilient, remarkable, ready.

Then and now — a new chapter, same love for reading.

Then and now — bold enough to make a difference.

Then and now — kindness that never changed.

Then and now — from tiny backpacks to big goals.

In this season, many of us---adults and children---are carrying a lot. This is a good time to pause and practice giving grace to one another. Grace reminds us to slow down, assume positive intentions, and respond with patience rather than reaction.

One of my favorite lines from a podcast I’ve been listening to recently is: “He’s a good kid having a hard time.” This mindset shifts us from "What’s wrong with you?" to “What do you need right now?"

What giving grace looks like:
Young children: knowing that big feelings are okay and understanding they have limited words to convey their feelings and needs.
Elementary years: knowing emotional ups and downs are part of development; it’s just where they are.
Middle school: expecting strong emotions, challenges figuring out who they are, and increased stress that comes with this age.

How we can practice at home:
Pause before correcting or reacting.
Separate the child from the behavior. She’s not irresponsible. She forgot her lunchbox. He’s not a bad kid. He struggled through that moment.

Grace doesn’t remove expectations---it helps children meet the expectations with support, understanding, and compassion.

Then and now — bold enough to make a difference.