Dear GSB Families,

Three weeks into the summer break, we are delighted to reach out to you with wonderful news about GSB and the return to school this fall. Thank you all so much for your patience as the School Leadership Team has worked to ensure that 2021-2022 will be a terrific academic year for our families. The spirit and energy of this community has carried us through this challenging period, and all of us at GSB are deeply grateful.

Building News
It’s official! The final interim location before GSB moves into its forever home at 770 Sterling Place is 9 Hanover Place in Downtown Brooklyn. We are excited to move into two floors of 9 Hanover, which offers newer classrooms with more natural light, proximity to Fort Greene Park, and a convenient location close to many subway lines. The building has eligibility for a DOT yellow school bus, and we are doing everything in our power to have the buses running by September.

All school supplies are boxed up and waiting to be moved into our new classrooms, so we can return to full in-person schooling for all students, including the extended day after school program (you can view and book here). While we do not currently anticipate the need to extend the lease at 9 Hanover beyond the 21/22 school year, the lease includes an extension feature should we need it for any reason.

IB News
GSB is now an International Baccalaureate (IB) Candidate school, which means we are in the final stage before approval to become an official IB World School. From GSB’s inception, the IB Diploma was the goal for our graduates, and we are thrilled that our 9th graders will begin the IB Middle Years Programme, the precursor to the IB Diploma Programme (in grades 11&12). We are proud to be affiliated with an organization that sets the highest education standards worldwide.

Oktoberfest News
After an Emmy-nomination level remote Oktoberfest last year, we are returning to an in-person Blocktoberfest on Sunday September 26th from 11-6PM. Mark your calendars; this is where the GSB community celebrates Bavarian-style and in a true Brooklyn fashion. The event is open to all, kid-friendly, vegetarian-friendly, and a great time to celebrate our special community. The master of Blocktoberfest, Vinz Feller, has already applied for all permits to make this outdoor event possible, including dance, fashion, art, and fundraising on location and remotely (even family members from abroad can participate!).

You will receive specifics shortly about Blocktoberfest 2021, but you can book your ads already (great for businesses, causes and greetings to special people – info attached below). Proceeds will support our new location. We can’t wait to see you – in Tracht or not. We would like to extend a special invitation to our new GSB families that are joining this year – come out and celebrate with us!

Enjoy your summer and wishing you a healthy return.
On behalf of the GSB Team,
Kathrin Nagle