Meet Simone, our GIS Board President. Both of her kids also went through GIS, so she knows the school well, as both a parent and a board volunteer. We asked her a few questions about the school and the value of a good education, hoping to learn a bit about her dedication to the school and why she is inspired to serve as board president.
What’s a moment from your own schooling, at any age, that you still think about today?
I think a lot about the different teachers and how dedicated they were to me and all of us as students and the different teaching styles.
Being in school is such a great preparation for work life learning to deal with different personalities and expectations.
That said I very fondly remember my elementary teacher Mrs Luley who made sure we all had an amazing experience by being very warm and welcoming to all students and creating a wonderful classroom environment.
If a graduate of our school bumped into you at 30, what would you hope they remembered most about their years here?
I would hope they remember that this school builds the foundation to being a life long learner and to always have empathy for others.
What’s something you’ve tried to learn later in life, and what did being a beginner again teach you?
I love to be a constant learner and have worked in many different industries for that very reason. It teaches you to be humble while applying the expertise you already have.
What do you think children gain from learning in a second language that’s hard to measure on a report card?
The ability to take on challenges and other languages - that curiosity never ends for them.
What’s one thing you wish every parent knew about this school before their child’s first day?
The journey matters, that’s why we are part of this community - we do such an amazing job guiding these kids through their education.
There are many moments now and much later that happen as your kids grow up that will make you think about how well they embody the GIS mission.
