Monthly Archives: October 2011

October 27, 2011

Recently, I received an email from a parent who shared with me her daughter’s response to a writing prompt based on the novel Jonathan Livingston Seagull. As the assignment was described by the former Gillispie student, “We read Jonathan Livingston Seagull (classic) by Richard Bach. We are supposed to write a letter to ourselves about a fierce wondering we have and how it relates to JLS. So, I have attached my story onto this email to have you read it when you have time (Mom made me send it to you).”

Though I appreciated that this parent credited the School for helping her child on her way to becoming a writer who understands the importance of revisions, let it be known that none of us at Gillispie can take credit for the message that was uniquely this student’s. It’s a message that all budding authors and future leaders must keep in mind.

In her response, the young writer reminded herself, “Even though you may be a tiny speck on this earth, you have every right to stand up for what you believe in. Don’t feel like you have no say because you are so small. Do something about it. There is one way to make yourself be heard. It’s probably one of the most powerful parts in your body. It was put in everyone for a reason. And that, my friend, is your voice. Use it, and be remembered.”

Frankly, these are the moments that make me hopeful for our future and proud of our children. As we face our everyday challenges, may we all heed this young person’s advice to find our voice in taking a stand on what we believe.

Alison Fleming
Head of School

October 20, 2011

This month we celebrated the birthdays of two special individuals who have demonstrated passion and dedication throughout their lives.

Earlier in the month, Moreen Fielden, Gillispie’s head of school from 1990-2003, was invited for an early morning cup of tea in our new library space. Given her commitment to instilling a love of reading and writing in students, this was a vey meaningful space for her. In the picture, Ms. Fielden is surrounded by faculty and staff whom she hired during her tenure and who remain here.

This Tuesday, Ellen Browning Scripps, who would have been celebrating her 175 birthday, was honored for her many philanthropic contributions to San Diego, including her ongoing support of our school through the Ellen Browning Scripps Foundation. At a Grades 2-6 Assembly, Dr. Molly McClain, history professor at the University of San Diego, provided rich details of Ms. Scripps’ life’s work through her descriptions of historic La Jolla.

These two remarkable women, as forward thinkers, have left a living legacy by creating a sense of community, both in La Jolla and at The Gillispie School.

Alison Fleming
Head of School

October 13, 2011

Take a look around you . . . chances are you’ll see a mobile device. iPads and iPod Touches, loaded with educational and productivity applications, provide us all with learning opportunities. Mobile learning can happen anywhere: in a classroom at The Gillispie School, at the dining room table, in the library, in front of a science exhibit, or even at the beach.

With such a variety of tools and resources always available, mobile learning provides increased options for personalization. Learning with the iPads at Gillispie often has students working interdependently, in groups, or individually to solve problems, to work on projects, to meet individual needs, and to allow for student voice and choice. The iTunes store has over 500,000 available apps, so how do we decide which apps to use?

Word of mouth among educators, information gathered at conferences, ratings in research publications, and a rubric are some of the ways. We also depend on the spirit of collaboration so prevalent throughout the Gillispie School community. Here are some of the apps we use at Gillispie.

Have you found educational applications you are purposefully using at home with your children? If so, we would love to hear about them; please send us your app recommendations.

Laura Moore
Instructional Technology Teacher

October 6, 2011

The year is off to a great start and I’m pleased to announce the kick-off of Gillispie’s 2011-2012 Annual Giving Campaign–donor materials were mailed home this week. We are excited to have Gillispie parents Jill Skrezyna and Alex Sun as our campaign chairs this year.

As is the case at most independent schools, the income generated by tuition at Gillispie does not cover the cost of educating a child. The Annual Giving Campaign bridges the shortfall between tuition income and expenses. Your donation to the school’s most important campaign is 100% tax-deductible.

The Gillispie School Board of Trustees, families, faculty, and staff have participated at the 100% level for eight consecutive years. We are proud of this extraordinary effort. Alumni and grandparents participate as well. The goal for this year’s campaign is $310,000. The Campaign has a formal start date of October, and although gifts and pledges are accepted through June 30, 2012, we usually try to wrap up 100% participation by end of January.

Thank you for your purposeful generosity.

Nancy Torns
Director of Development