GSDS High School Weekly Update

Rylee is a model student who proves daily that a positive attitude and creativity are essential parts of problem-solving. Rylee approaches every concept as a puzzle to be solved, showing exceptional dedication to her work. This innovative spirit shines brightest during hands-on projects, where Rylee designs visually appealing and precise models that bring abstract concepts to life. Always quick to share a word of encouragement or collaborate with peers, Rylee’s vibrant optimism and helpful nature make the classroom a more inspiring place for everyone. Congratulations, Rylee!

Gray Stone had 3 girls and 3 boys to make All Conference at the Yadkin Valley Championship XC race last night. Gracie Matheny led our girls with a time of 24:28. Anna McLaughlin and Daleiah Waters finished top 10, securing All Conference. Gabe Webster and Wyatt Dabbs finished top 10 in the boys' race to make All Conference. Layne Higgins won the boys' race with a time of 16:54 and earned Yadkin Valley Male Player of the Year. Congrats to all!

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.

This week I had the chance to talk to Gray Stone student Teddy Morton to learn about college

fly-in programs he participated in this year. This summer and fall, Teddy visited Washington

University, Williams College, Kenyon College, and Claremont McKenna College through

all-expenses-covered college fly-in programs. These fly-in programs are unique from traditional

college visits, as you live on campus for a few days and truly experience the student life at a

college. These programs are targeted at first-generation college students (students whose

parents did not attend college) and lower-income students. These opportunities require

applications that are similar to those of a traditional college application. Despite the extra work

required in the application, Teddy loved his experiences, especially those at Claremont

McKenna.

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.

Piper Campbell, Nora Hatley, Diya Sharma, and Dara Lash did a fabulous senior project presentation at the weekly Rotary meeting in Albemarle this past Thursday.

LANCE MADE IT HAPPEN!

Thanks to everyone who took a chance on our Skip the Line Fundraiser! Your support means so much to our Gray Stone family, and we had a great time drawing the winners.

Both families now get to skip the car rider line and use the front parking lot for drop-off and pick-up from October 13 through December 18. Enjoy those few extra minutes, and we hope you make good use of them! ☕

Please join us in congratulating our two lucky families:

Thank you again to every family who participated. Your support helps make Gray Stone such a special place for our students. ❤️

Addisyn is pictured with her dad, Nick. Her mom, Tonia, is not pictured, but she gets to enjoy the perks too!

Jaxon is pictured with his mom, Michele. His dad, Brandon, is not pictured, but he’s sharing in the fun!

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.

On Wednesday, October 21, we’re joining schools across the country in celebrating Unity Day, the signature event of National Bullying Prevention Month. Our message is simple:

We invite every Knight to wear orange that day as a visible sign that no one here stands alone. "Orange" you glad that when we all show up in the same bright color, we're sending a clear message to every student: you are seen, you are valued, and bullying has no place in our school, online, or in our community?"

Grab something orange, wear it proudly, and help us fill the halls with kindness!

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.

October 21: Anti-Bullying - Unity Day (Wear Orange)

October 23: Testing Day: Pre-ACT 10th / PSAT 11th (Virtual 9th & 12th) No Lunch Served

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)

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