Dear Families, As recently reported, there seem to be two vaccines that are showing promising results. Yet today, without a vaccine, the number of COVID-19 cases in San Diego has tripled over the last two weeks, and California has doubled its cases in the last 10 days. And, as you are aware, we entered the Purple Tier as of Saturday because the case rate is well over the 7% threshold. So, how can we at Gillispie put...
Thanks to the nearly 30 parents (and grandparents!) who participated in yesterday's webinar with Professor Seth Lerer. It is not an understatement to say his presentation was riveting, and the ensuing discussion quite lively! A recording of his webinar was sent out for you all to enjoy. Professor Lerer will be joining us for a second session on Dec. 2, at 10 a.m. to share ways that children's literature can serve as a tool for having difficult discussions...
Hello Everyone, As the holidays are upon us, I am updating you on the questions you have asked regarding traveling. With COVID-19 cases increasing in San Diego County, it’s important we put our best foot forward in protecting our students’ and employees’ health, which will also allow the School to remain open for on-campus learning. As a reminder, travel is considered by the State, County, and CDC to be a high-risk activity (See Oct 21 guidance from the CDC...
Hello Gillispie Families, In the last few weeks, we have started sharing student compositions. This year we are using a new computer program called Soundtrap. Soundtrap is a digital audio workstation (DAW), similar to Garageband, which is created by the makers of Spotify. In previous years, students have created songs but there wasn't an opportunity to share their original compositions with their peers. Since the format of specialty classes is different this year, we have been sharing our songs...
Recently, the School sent out a COVID-19 Symptom Decision Tree explaining how the School will handle students and staff who have COVID symptoms. Please read the document closely to see when students must stay home and what conditions they must meet to return to campus. Students who stay home for fewer than three days will not join online learning cohorts. Please let them rest so that the students' main focus when they stay home is on getting...
The wall pictured above is in our front lobby, and every time someone invests in the ONEGillispie Annual Campaign, a number 1 is placed on the wall. Thank you to all the wonderful number 1’s who have already supported our campaign! Annual funds provide critical operating support for the School and we are humbled each year by the generosity of the Gillispie community. Our goal this year is to raise $325,000 and we are well on our...
This article is written by Anna Gonzalez’s (Maple classroom) high school daughter and is dedicated to all committed and passionate preschool teachers everywhere! In comparison to coming home from work and being on long, constant phone calls, my mother comes home to plan what I refer to as "meaningful arts and crafts". Preschool teachers are constantly trying to find a way to make learning as fun and effective as possible, and being in the midst of it,...
Thank you, families, for being so proactive and forthright with us about your children's health. You have been keeping children home when they are not feeling well, and initiating COVID-19 tests to rule out this illness in an abundance of caution. So far, so good! All of this helps our community stay safe. As another precautionary measure recommended by the CDPH, SDCPH, and CDC, Gillispie students and employees are highly encouraged to be immunized this fall...
There is nothing quite like the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren. At Gillispie, we love to involve grandparents! We have designated the week of November 16 as “Grandparents Week” and will have opportunities for grandparents and special friends (no matter where they live) to engage virtually with their grandchildren’s classrooms and with the School. Because most, if not all, of our events this year will be virtual or have a virtual component, we hope to involve our grandparents and...
Our Gillispie at H.O.M.E. (Hands On Mindful Exploration) program offers Early Childhood families who elected not to have their child/children on campus this year a lively distance cohort experience. We've already begun the second of nine monthly sessions, and the positive feedback has been tremendous! While this interactive community has been offered in a daily format to children ages 2 through Prekindergarten, we are opening up another opportunity for students ages 20-36 months with a once-a-week model. Parent Toddler at H.O.M.E will offer 8-week sessions that will include...