I wish each of you family time and lots of “game-on” fun as we head into the Holiday Break. Below are resources shared by parents at our Early Childhood and Elementary check-ins. Some of these bring out the competitive edge while others require a team effort (for example, see games by Peaceable Kingdom). In addition to your great suggestions, our fifth and sixth graders, as our on-campus experts, added a few of their favorites. Besides their choices listed below,...
This past week during our Hour of Code activities we saw a flurry of young coders diligently working to solve coding challenges. The students were engaged and focussed. They showed persistence, drive, and importantly, joy in what they were doing! The value of learning how to code extends well beyond just using a computer. Coding, more formally referred to as programming, teaches students logical reasoning, problem-solving and creative thinking. Some suggest that coding helps students to build...
In Iceland, there is a tradition called Jólabókaflóð, meaning “Yule Book Flood." In November, each household receives a catalog of books from which they select gifts for friends and family members. Like many parts of the world, Icelanders who celebrate Christmas open their gifts on December 24. Families open their books and then spend the evening reading, often while drinking hot chocolate. In the United States, we are similarly flooded with book recommendations as the year comes to...
Dear Families, We hope that you have had a wonderful holiday and that you found a way to celebrate safely with loved ones. As the number of COVID-19 cases in San Diego continues to rise along with a sharp increase in hospitalizations, it remains essential for us to put all of our communal and concerted efforts into slowing the spread of the virus so that we may remain together on campus. What has worked for us thus far...
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...
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,...
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...
Just because we can’t all be together for the time being does not mean that we can’t have a great time together! Be on the look-out for information on the following FUN activities that will take place in the coming several weeks: Padres Spirit Day will take place on Friday, October 2. Students are welcome to wear Padres colors or gear and cheer on our home team! It is also a free dress day! The Halloween Parade is on October 30 this year, and parents can...
The Elementary roll out schedule welcomed Kindergarten, Grade 1, and Grade 2 students back to campus this week for in-person instruction. Ms. Walters made great use of the new outdoor learning spaces while teaching a self-portrait lesson!...
