GSDS High School Weekly Update

Axyle consistently excels in class, demonstrating strong civics knowledge and thoughtful higher-order reasoning about constitutional concepts. He is an uplifting, respectful presence among his peers, an independent thinker, and a collaborative group member. Axyle is an intelligent and respectful young man who strives to exceed expectations in every class. He also served as Chief Justice during a Supreme Court (SOCTUS) simulation.

Kierstyn Bowden's senior project is conducting a blood drive at Gray Stone In conjunction with One Blood. The Big Red Bus will be at Gray Stone soon. Parents and adults from the community are welcome to come and donate, as the bus will be set up outside the school in the faculty parking lot.

Students 16 and up with signed parental permission forms are also eligible to donate. There are posters throughout the school that include a QR code with more information, registration and waivers. I have also attached to this email.

Gray Stone Day School’s upcoming Japan trip in 2028 is coming up sooner than you may think.

The trip will last eleven days and visit multiple locations across the country. The trip's current

destinations are Osaka, Kyoto, Takayama, Kanazawa, and Tokyo. By going to these diverse

cities, students will be able to experience the Historical, spiritual, and modern culture of Japan.

Whether you are interested in architecture, pop culture, history, art, or food, there is plenty to be

excited about in this upcoming trip.

Diversity Club had fun at Knight Fest, hosting a game and meeting middle school students! Our club meets once a month to learn about and celebrate different cultures, identities, and perspectives. Our next meeting is November 6 in Room 122 during Knight Time!

Diversity Club is an inclusive group that fosters understanding, respect, and appreciation of diverse cultures, identities, and perspectives. With advisor Mary Civitarese, the club offers students from all backgrounds a welcoming, safe space to share experiences and discuss diversity, equity, and inclusion. Students can take part in cultural events, guest speakers, workshops, and community service projects.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and in our school family, it’s a good moment to pause and think about the people behind the ribbon.

Nearly all of us know someone whose life has been touched by breast cancer.

To the survivors: your strength is an inspiration. To those in treatment: we’re cheering you on every step. To the families and caregivers: your love and quiet resilience matter more than you know. And to those we remember with heavy but grateful hearts: your light continues in the people who loved you.

Join us on October 26 for our Breast Cancer Awareness Soccer Match!

Come out and support our Men’s Soccer Team at their final home match of the season. We’re asking everyone to wear pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s a simple way to show up for our team and for everyone in our community who has been affected by this disease. Let’s fill the stands with pink and cheer on our players together.

Thank you for being the kind of community that shows up for one another, in the stands and in life. I’m grateful to walk alongside you.

For her senior project, Breanna Freeman is working with Faith Alive Ministries of Albemarle. They are an organization that prioritizes helping widows and orphans. They provide emergency placement care for kids in foster care. Good luck, Breanna!

🏊Interested in swimming?

Add your name here 👇

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-edMSXuv3HrY943OIMdrxY-1YfbSXOlAqFfiHsh-m48/edit?usp=sharing

See Coach Yanz in room 108 or email gyanz@graystoneday.org with any questions.

Use the information below to access your child's high school photo. Picture makeup day will be on Tuesday, October 27! Let me know if you have any questions.

View and order at: https://shop.jostenspix.com/login
School Name: GRAY STONE DAY HIGH SCHOOL
Event Code: FE338526
Student Identifier: Student Number

The Teal Pumpkin Project is a Halloween awareness campaign run by Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE). Households place a teal-painted pumpkin on their porch to show they offer non-food treats, like stickers, pencils, or glow sticks. That makes trick-or-treating safer and more inclusive for kids with food allergies, celiac disease, or other dietary restrictions. Some families also use the teal pumpkin to signal that they have allergy-friendly options.

Ms. Allen’s Forensic Science students had an incredible opportunity to visit the North Carolina State Crime Laboratory in Raleigh for its Fall 2026 Open House! Students gained firsthand insight into the fascinating world of forensic science through demonstrations and interactions with forensic professionals. They explored areas such as DNA analysis, firearms examination, toxicology, drug chemistry, digital evidence, and fingerprint analysis. This experience brought classroom lessons to life while introducing students to exciting career oppo

Gray Stone will be participating in the Albemarle Downtown Fall Festival on Thursday, October 29th. Several administration staff along with leadership students will be passing out candy and popcorn along with GSDS merchandise. Please feel free to join us. We will have tables set up in front of 224 West Main Street, Albemarle from 5:30-7:30. If you plan to bring your families, stop by to see us!

Hello Knight Families!

We are honored to invite family members of our students who have served or are currently serving in the military to Gray Stone Day School’s Annual Veterans Pancake Breakfast on Monday, November 9, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. in the Commons.

This special tradition is an opportunity to recognize and honor the men and women who have served our country while enjoying a delicious breakfast graciously provided by The Lance.

Please click here to register attendance no later than October 30, 2026. Guest parking will be available in both lots in front of the high school building.

We look forward to welcoming our special guests to campus as we express our gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

LANCE thoughtfully prepared these items to "fill our cups" and celebrate our staff and support their wellbeing.

• Vitamin C supplement

• Herbal tea

• Hand sanitizer

• Kleenex packs

• Chapstick

• Fresh oranges

***Thank you, GSDS staff, for your dedication and hard work throughout the year. Wishing you a cozy fall filled with warmth—please take a moment to recharge and enjoy this small token of our appreciation.

With gratitude, LANCE

October 27: Picture Makeup Day

October 29: Albemarle Downtown Fall Festival 5:30-7:30

October 30: Character Dress-Up Day (Have fun and be creative and safe)

Frequently check the website for any updates about schedules and events. (Access button below)

• Monday Pasta (Meat or Alfredo Sauce), Garlic Bread, Salad Bar

• Tuesday Hot Dogs, French Fries, Fruit, Salad Bar
• Wednesday Beef or Chicken Tacos, Salad Bar
• Thursday Chicken Fried Rice, Mandarin Oranges, Salad Bar
• Friday Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza

The LANCE is a parent-led organization that supports and enhances the existing programs of Gray Stone Day School. We work with the school, parents, teachers, and community to support academics, athletics, and social programs for the students and staff. Here is the LANCE email address: graystonelance@gmail.com

If you are interested in joining, please visit the Lance page on the GSDS website by clicking here.

If you are interested in registering for Driver's Ed classes, please click here.

Gray Stone Day School is a regional school that provides a rigorous, college preparatory curriculum for students in grades 6 - 12. While developing strong character, students engage in highly challenging courses that will require them to work diligently in and out of the classroom. A high caliber teaching staff prepares a rigorous curriculum to prepare students for post-secondary opportunities.

GSDS students continue to balance rigorous academics, community service, leadership, and integrity with grace and determination.

HS Office Manager Email: slisk@graystoneday.org
Website: graystoneday.org
Location: 49464 Merner Terrace, Misenheimer, NC, USA
Phone: 704-463-0567
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrayStoneDay/
Twitter: @graystoneday