June Newsletter
2026
by Kara Lawler
Dear families,
June is always quiet here on campus, and it gives me time to reflect on the previous year and plan for the upcoming one. As I look back on the 2025-2026 school year, I look back in wonder, which was our word of the year. We have all shared so much over the past nine months, and the year has been nothing short of a wonder of its own.
Together, we have watched our girls grow in the best ways. I've marveled at the sisterhood here on campus, shown in all spaces and places, and highlighted in our new Sisters in Stewardship leadership initiative. Our girls know that two flowers can (and do) bloom at the same time, and they clap hard for one another in the classrooms, on the dance floor, on the stage, in the riding arenas, and on the sports fields. Not only have they grown as students, but they have also grown as humans in curiosity, empathy, and resilience. I'm so proud of them.
As I look toward the 2026-2027 school year, I am excited about the promise it brings. The word of the new school year is hope, which is something we believe in deeply here at Grier. Planning is already happening here on campus for year, and we look forward to new beginnings and celebration of traditions that make our community so special. Hope is in all things.
Thank you all for trusting us with your girls. I wish you a wonderful summer filled with the laughter of loved ones. Please continue to check your email for important school year updates.
My best,
Kara Lawler
.
by Natalie Toma, Travel & Attendance Coordinator
Fall 2026 Travel Schedule
Fall 2026 Student Return Times
- Student Leaders: September 2, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Returning Students: September 3, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
(Returning day students will have scheduled activities.) - New Students: September 4, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
(New day students will have scheduled activities.)
New Student Travel Submission
Families of new students can expect to receive an email in early June with details about travel arrangements and arrival plans.
New students should email their travel plans to travel@grier.org.
Please include the following information:
- Arrival date and time
- Mode of transportation (flight, train, parent drop-off, etc.)
- Copies of all travel tickets (flight, bus, train, etc.) attached to the email
Transportation Confirmation Process
After travel plans have been submitted and a driver has been confirmed, new students will receive an email confirming their arrival time and, if applicable, the assigned driver’s name and contact information.
Baggage Information
New students requiring school transportation should include the number of bags they anticipate bringing in their email submission. This information helps ensure the appropriate size vehicle is assigned for transportation.
Returning Student Travel Submission
Returning students should submit travel plans through the REACH App.
Please include:
- Arrival date and time
- Mode of transportation (flight, train, parent drop-off, etc.)
- Upload all travel tickets (flight, bus, train, etc.) into REACH when submitting travel plans
Transportation Confirmation Process
- Students needing transportation from an airport will receive a “Safe Travel Plan” email that includes the assigned driver’s name and contact information.
- For parent drop-offs, an email confirmation will be sent with the approved arrival date and time.
Baggage Information
Students requiring school transportation should indicate in the REACH App “Notes” section how many bags they anticipate bringing. This information helps ensure the appropriate size vehicle is assigned for transportation.
Unaccompanied Minors
- An “Unaccompanied Minor” refers to students for whom parents purchase an additional airline supervision service.
- Most airlines require this service for students under the age of 14. If you have questions regarding airline age requirements, please contact the Travel Office.
- When this service is used, airlines require parents/guardians to complete additional authorization paperwork for student drop-off and pick-up. All required documentation must be completed prior to departure.
- Copies of completed paperwork should be emailed to travel@grier.org or uploaded through the REACH App.
- Please do not mark a student in REACH as an unaccompanied minor unless this service has been formally arranged with the airline.
School Year Leave Requests
To ensure assigned driver availability, all weekend travel requests must be submitted through the REACH App by Wednesday at 1:00 PM.
Please note:
- Travel plans submitted through the REACH App receive priority processing.
- All travel requests should be submitted through the REACH App and/or emailed to travel@grier.org.
- The travel phone line is active only during major travel weekends.
Travel Office Phone: 814-684-3000 ext. 7037
by Kathryn Barr, Dean of Academics
“The Lake Isle of Innisfree”
By William Butler Yeats
I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,
And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made;
Nine bean-rows will I have there, a hive for the honey-bee,
And live alone in the bee-loud glade.
And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow,
Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings;
There midnight’s all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow,
And evening full of the linnet’s wings.
I will arise and go now, for always night and day
I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore;
While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements grey,
I hear it in the deep heart’s core.
Academic Updates
Congratulations to the class of 2026 on their graduation! We wish you all the best in your next steps of life.
Grades are available on PlusPortals for families to view. Please refer to the instructions below if you do not remember how to find grades.
Grades:
To access grades via the website:
1. Login to Grier’s instance of PlusPortals
2. Select E-Locker
3. Select E-Portfolio and the Grade Report will appear as a PDF
To access grades via the app:
1. Login to the app.
2. Select more along the bottom toolbar
3. Select E-locker
4. Select E-Portfolio and the Grade Report will appear as a PDF
Summer Work
For those students who registered for AP and honors courses next year, you were to see the instructor for any required summer work. If you have not done so, you must email the teacher of the course and ask for the summer work; this is your responsibility. All honors English courses have required summer reading. The required summer reading for English is linked in this newsletter. All summer work is expected to be completed on the first day of classes. Please reach out if you have any questions.
Student Schedules
The master schedule will be built in July. Student schedules for next year will not be available until August. If there is an issue with a student schedule, Ms. Barr will reach out while building.
Math Practice
All students are encouraged to maintain a level of practice with the math skills they learned this past year. Khan Academy is a wonderful resource for students to review and work problems. Younger students are encouraged to practice their times tables via note cards or Quizlet.
Link to Khan Academy: https://www.khanacademy.org
Students Taking External Summer Coursework
Students taking external summer coursework are reminded that all courses must be completed by mid-August. An official transcript must be sent to the Dean of Academics prior to the start of school. Please reach out if you have any questions.
Head of School Summer Parent Book Club
Please join Kara for the Summer Parent Book Club! June's read is Brave, Not Perfect, by Reshma Saujani. You can find the book here. In her book, Saujani discusses the trap of perfectionism many girls fall into. As parents of teenage girls, this is a timely read!
by Erin Guydish Buchholz, Dean of Student Life & Belonging
As one year ends, we already begin looking forward to the start of next year. Please find attached, the calendar for next school year. Important dates and schedule alterations are listed and color coordinated. Please note that student leaders are expected to attend all Sister in Stewardship sessions (there are 8 in total). All other students are expected to attend four panels throughout the year.
Please also note the dates and times for arrivals and departures. Students should arrive according to the time frames listed. If no time frame is listed, arrivals and departures surrounding breaks are expected to occur between 7 am and 7 pm per Welcome Home Cabin hours.
Roommate and suitemate assignments will be completed over July. If you are a returning student, did not choose a roommate, and did not submit the roommate preference sheet, please return it to Dr. Gb (eguydish@grier.org) before July 1st. If you are a new student, please complete the form to be assigned a matching roommate to Dr. Gb also before July 1st.
The Dorm Packing List is also included here for new students (and as a refresher for returning students). Please also remember that no packages should arrive for students prior to August 10th.
by Anthony Lang, Dean of Faculty
The campus of Grier School is quiet, as teachers have begun their break along with the students. While there will be moments of rest and recuperation, faculty will also work on future plans, revise lessons, and prepare for new courses. Many faculty will help teach during Grier Summer Camp, and help welcome returning girls and introduce new campers to what Grier is. As summer begins and the weather finally looks like it will bring us some much needed sunshine and blue skies, the Grier faculty wish everyone a good break and also give that gentle reminder, don't forget about that summer Honors and AP homework!
Please follow the link below to view photos from our talented group of Photography Students and Photography Instructor, Mrs. Christine Fernandes!
Full Page Ad example
Half Page Ad example
Thinking of Summer Vacation already?
Summer camp offers girls ages 7 - 17 a chance to experience Grier featuring our signature programs of Art, Dance, Horseback Riding, Music, and Tennis in a fun-filled camp environment! Help us get the word out about the fun that is Grier Summer!
General Camp Activities include: Archery, Art, Creative Writing, Dance, Horseback Riding, Musical Theatre, Photography, Science, Swimming, Videography
Intensive Activities include: Art, Dance, Horseback Riding, Music, and Tennis
We will be offering three one-week sessions for both day campers (ages 7-17) and boarders (ages 9-17). Campers are welcome to attend up to all three!
- July 5-11
- July 12-18
- July 19-25
For more information, follow this link: Grier Summer
by Cherie Gates, Athletic Director
Greetings from the Athletic Department,
The school year came to a wonderful close, with student enjoying our beautiful swimming pool and taking in a few tennis matches on the courts. As we look ahead to summer, we are excited to kick off our new tennis camp this July, led by Head Tennis Coach Nick Margiasso. Our varsity coaches are already looking forward to welcoming student athletes back next fall for our try-outs and the start of the fall season. We hope everyone enjoys a safe, relaxing and active summer.
Go Foxes!
by Dr. Nancy Burke, Director of STEM Education and Science Dept. Chair
As the final month in the scholastic year, May was no exception to the many exciting STEM activities happening at Grier School. During our underclassmen awards ceremony 18 members of our chapter of the National STEM Honor Society (NSTEMHS) were recognized. I’d like to especially acknowledge two graduating seniors, Zara Dowadu and Cachen Chu, who were founding members of our chapter and had maintained membership for three years. Thank you ladies, for your years of hard work and dedication. Other graduating senior members include Yanrui Qu, Lucy Buchanan, Lucy Hanlon, Josie Filan, Hyunseo Back, Emily Ding, Emily Nie, and Cassidy Hunter. Returning and new members include, Olympia Rock, Zoe Skiadas, Scarlett Toth, Samantha Cates, Mengxi Yu, Kaylie McCabe, Beatrix Freidman, and Amalys Zahrouni. The purpose of the of the STEM Honor Society is to inspire student participation in science, technology, engineering, and math (“STEM”) disciplines and activities; to provide recognition of student achievement in STEM and to promote, encourage, and build a culture of STEM awareness at Grier school. Our school chapter maintains rigorous standards for acceptance into NSTEMHS, including a minimum grade of 88 in all STEM courses, a minimum of 3 STEM related courses per semester, and a minimum of 120 hours of STEM related extracurricular activities per year. I am so proud of our new and returning members, and look forward to another great year of working together.
In the month of May two Grier students participated in the statewide Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) competition held at Pennsylvania State University. Alexandra Cohen-Anderson, a ninth grader, received a second award for her project examining the effect of time pressure on test performance. Olympia Rock, a junior, received a first award and perfect score for her project studying the effect of pH on the formation of biofilms by oral bacteria. In addition to these awards, Olympia also received an award for excellence in microbiology as well as a $2000 scholarship, if she should choose to attend Pennsylvania State University.
To close out the school year our NSTEMHS students hosted our third annual school-wide STEM-bowl competition, complete with STEM themed foods like micro-chips and DNA (pretzel) twists. Questions in math, physics, chemistry, biology and technology were fielded by teams with members that included students ranging from our newly minted 5th and 6th grades to seniors, fun and laughter was shared by all.
Until next time, remember that at Grier School, GIRLS BELONG IN STEM!"
~Don't let anyone rob you of your imagination, your creativity, or your curiosity”— Mae Jemison, Engineer, Physician and Former NASA Astronaut
Two of Grier’s Equestrians were lucky to compete at the very famous Devon Horse Show and Country Fair.The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair is the oldest and largest outdoor multi breed horse show in the United States where riders from all around the world come to compete!
Grier girl Hazel P. put in some great rounds in the Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal as well as the ASPCA Maclay Horsemanship with Jimena F’s “Fidelina Z”.
Grier girl Jimena F. competed in the $1,500 1.10m Junior Jumpers where she had a clear round and also competed in the $11,500 NAL/WIHS 1.15m Junior Jumper Classic where she and Grier School’s “Cadeau JH” brought home a 3rd place finish! Incredible!
Way to go girls! We are so proud!
Congratulations to the class of 2026 on your recent graduation!!
In the next two weeks, final transcripts and paperwork will be sent to all seniors attending universities. If additional information is needed, please contact Ms. Barr and Mr. Shelton.
Juniors are encouraged to plan and attend college visits over the next three months. Use this time to explore and research your college list. Juniors should also be working on their personal statements for their college applications. When the rising seniors return in the fall, they will begin the application process in full. There will be weekly Sunday workshops and one-on-one meetings for each student. All seniors should be checking their emails at least once a week for information from the Dean of Academics and College Counseling Office.
Grier will once again be partnering with Paul Martin of College Money Method to provide financial aid workshops for families during the 2026-2027 school year. These webinars will be sent out as they occur. All upper classmen's families are encouraged to attend.
SAT and ACT preparation
All rising seniors are encouraged to prepare for a summer or fall SAT/ACT exam. There are many online resources available to students for this purpose. Additionally, Grier will be hosting its annual SAT Boot Camp in August as part of the Summer Enrichment Programming. A link to the registration form is included with this newsletter.
College Counseling Reading Corner
In an effort to help students with their college essay writing, this months reading suggestion is Write Your Way In: Crafting an Unforgettable College Admissions Essay by Rachel Toor. Rachel currently serves as a Creative Writing professor at Eastern Washington University. She is a former admissions counselor at Duke, and her book helps to alleviate and inspire students as they write their college essays.
Stay in Touch!
Want to be "in the know?"
Want to be connected DAILY to Grier School?
There are multiple ways to follow along with the daily happenings here at Grier! Follow these steps to stay connected to your daughter and our Grier School extended family!
- Follow us on Instagram @grier_school
- Follow us on Facebook @ Grier School | Tyrone PA | Facebook
- Log onto our website: www.grier.org
Important Mail and Delivery Information!
WE HAVE CHANGED OUR SHIPPING ADDRESS. PLEASE SEE BELOW!
ALL PACKAGES from UPS, FEDEX, DHL, AMAZON, and USPS should be sent to:
Name
Grier School
4100 Juniata St
Tyrone PA 16686
ALL POSTAL MAIL (letters, cards, etc.) should be sent to:
Name
Grier School
2522 Grier School Rd
PO Box 308
Tyrone, PA 16686
Please note: Students are not permitted to order from InstaCart, UberEats, or any food delivery services. This is a safety concern. They are allowed to order from Domino's only on Friday and Saturday evenings for a 6-10 p.m. delivery to 4100 Juniata Street. With our amazing new food service and the extended hours of 1853, there are many options here on campus!
