A NEWSLETTER FROM GILLISPIE’S LEARNING VILLAGE IN LA JOLLA
EDUCATING FUTURE SHAPERS
ALISON FLEMING, HEAD OF SCHOOL
I’m frequently asked how Gillispie addresses preparing children for the future with the disruptive innovation of AI technology. What habits of mind or skills are necessary? What knowledge is needed, given AI breakthroughs are happening at breakneck speed?
At Gillispie, we learn to think as futurists. Short of a crystal ball, we cannot predict the future but we can create a future we wish to see.
Author and educator Lisa Kay Solomon writes about “shaping the future” in a way that Gillispie teachers can aspire to.
“This moment has made us realize that we cannot just prepare students for the future, we must help them develop the
SPECIALTY SPOTLIGHT THE RYTHM OF LEARNING STARTS HERE
p. 2-3
INNOVATION CORNER DESIGNING DEEPER LEARNING p. 4-5
HAPPY HAPPENINGS SMALL HANDS, BIG WORLD p 6
STUDENT CORNER LEARNING THAT STICKS
P. 7
COMMUNITY THE GILLISPIE SUN WILL ALWAYS SHINE ON YOU! p 8
EDUCATING FUTURE SHAPERS (cont’d)
imagination, agency, and will to shape the future. In a world filled with more unknowns than knowns how do we help our students not just be “prepared” but capable of envisioning and building the futures they want to bring to life?”
In our most recent strategic plan, On the Horizon: Journey to 2028, we honed in on Innovation, Inclusion, and Wellness as our top three priorities in meeting our future.
When students are intrigued and challenged, they want to dig deeper into subject matter and
create (Innovation). When children feel seen and that they belong, they learn better (Inclusion). Recognizing the importance of building healthy classroom learning environments, we launched Responsive Classroom, an evidenced-based approach that postulates great cognitive growth occurs through social interactions like the practice of Morning Meetings (Wellness).
Please enjoy these articles that show the handson, authentic experiences our students dig into, and how we actively equip resilient and confident learners with the ability to face their futures.
THE RHYTHM OF LEARNING STARTS HERE
IAN LEWIS, MUSIC TEACHER
Kindergarteners practicing for their Spring Music Performance with Mr. Lewis
At Gillispie, music is a vibrant and joyful part of every student’s learning journey. With a legacy spanning over 30 years, our music program is integral to nurturing confident, creative, and connected learners from early childhood through upper elementary grades.
We know music education supports academic growth by strengthening memory, focus, language development, and mathematical reasoning. Paired with dancing and playing instruments, music
enhances fine and gross motor skills. Music is also a source of well-being and joy; it nurtures belonging, community, and cultural awareness.
But there’s more Music education encourages a rhythm of learning where students become comfortable with exploring, making mistakes, and growing through persistence and reflection. These experiences build emotional resilience and a mindset that supports long-term learning.
The success of our year-end Spring Music Performance is the result of our students not only learning harmonies, memorizing lyrics and music, and practicing stage presence, but also embracing the process trying new things, recovering from mistakes, and steadily improving through consistent effort. Singing and performing help students find their voice, build confidence, and feel a true sense of belonging
We especially see this in the Choir, an extraordinary group of 40 students in grades 2 through 6, whose performances are the result of early morning rehearsals every E Day, requiring commitment, teamwork, and vulnerability. In their words:
“I like that no one gets judged for how they sing.” ~Jack, Grade 4
“It’s great that other grades participate, not just mine. It brings the whole school together.”
~Gabrielle, Grade 5
“When I get off the stage, I feel good It feels like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders ”
~Sophia, Grade 4
“We’re nervous when we get on stage, but that goes away when we start to sing.”
~Evelyn, Grade 4
Gillispie Choir with Ms. Chen and Mr. Lewis
Grade 2 Recorder Presentation
Grade 4 Ukulele presentation
Preschoolers enjoying the stage!
DESIGNING DEEPER LEARNING
BRIAN BELSHA AND CHIP EDWARDS, SCIENCE & DESIGN TEACHERS
Powerful learning happens when students are given the opportunity to connect ideas across subjects and bring them to life with their own hands.
In the Design program, our goal is to develop projects that encourage students to think about and work within a concept from multiple angles. For example, a project that engages with a class novel, historical period, artistic movement, or cultural festivity that the class is studying deepens their appreciation of that idea
The Grade 6 Ancient Coin Project is an example of how students not only learn about history but immerse themselves in it.
While studying ancient Greece and Rome in Social Studies, students explored these civilizations through a new perspective in Design by examining and recreating the artistry and symbolism of ancient coins dating back 2000 years Ancient Greek and Roman coins served as powerful symbols of identity, leadership, and culture, offering a meaningful
Grade 6 students in Design class with Mr. Belsha and Mr. Edwards
DESIGNING DEEPER LEARNING
and tangible connection to the history students were exploring.
After researching historical imagery, students selected two designs to represent the heads and tails of their own coin. They sketched their designs, enlarged them to five inches in diameter, and traced the details onto acetate to prepare for laser cutting.
These outlines were reduced in size, cut into thin plywood, and used as stamps to press into Sculpey copper-colored clay Students reviewed their oven-baked Sculpey prototypes, then created final versions using copper clay tiny particles of pure copper held together with a binder to give it a sculptable consistency.
Once completely dried, the coins were torchfired for 15 minutes, sintering together all the metal and burning off the binder.
The resulting coins are pure copper – strong, lustrous, and satisfyingly heavy. As our sixth graders prepare to graduate, we hope these coins serve as a lasting reminder of their time spent at Gillispie and a reminder to carry their creativity and confidence into the future
(cont’d)
Sketching coin designs
Reviewing oven-baked Sculpey prototypes
Copper clay coins drying
Torching copper clay coins
SMALL HANDS, BIG WORLD
MONICA BOJALIL AND GEOVANI HERNANDEZ, EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHERS, MAPLE CLASSROOM
During Around the World Week, our Maple kids explored the rich and colorful traditions of our community through stories, songs, food, and cultural celebrations all without leaving the classroom!
Over the course of the week, Maple friends danced the Swedish frog dance, Små Grodorna, and wore flower crowns of Midsummer, experiencing Sweden’s love for music, nature, and community. They practiced French phrases while painting Eiffel Towers and enjoyed croissants and macarons, bringing the French language and culture to life. Indian traditions came alive through vibrant books and a joyful Holi celebration, where students threw colored powder to mark the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. They also explored Persian culture by celebrating Nowruz, setting a symbolic Haft-Seen table, and learning about the Festival of Fire with its themes of renewal and hope.
Young children are naturally curious about the world around them. Sharing diverse cultural traditions through hands-on activities is a
wonderful way to nurture that curiosity. These experiences help children understand that because people look, speak, or celebrate differently, everyone has something special to share.
Our Maple parents deepened this learning when they joined us to share parts of their culture, making these experiences come alive. One memorable moment came when a Maple parent sang “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” in French the children instantly recognized the tune. Their eyes lit up with curiosity, and they immediately began to sing along. Even though the words were different, they recognized the feelings and ideas. It was their song, too!
Seeing our little ones respond with such joy reminds us how early cultural experiences support their sensory and emotional development while building a strong sense of community. These meaningful moments spark empathy, curiosity, and connection planting seeds that will grow into lifelong appreciation for the rich diversity of the world around them.
Flower crowns of Midsummer
Setting a symbolic Haft-Seen table for Nowruz
Festival of Fire
Painting Eiffel Towers
Tasting French pastries
Celebrating Holi
LEARNING THAT STICKS
MRS. CHANEY AND MR. INIGO, GRADE 5 TEACHERS
Our Grade 5 students stepped into the future to explore what real life might be like through an amazing hands-on learning experience at Junior Achievement BizTown. BizTown is a 10,000-square-foot mini-city featuring 21 lifesized San Diego businesses, where students stepped into the roles of bankers, business owners, radio hosts, veterinarians, and more.
In the weeks leading up to their visit, students explored how an economy functions, applied and interviewed for jobs, and learned the basics of running a business and managing personal finances Before participating in formal job interviews with parent volunteers, they practiced with peers honing skills like giving a confident handshake, making eye contact, and thoughtfully answering interview questions based on their own experiences.
A special opportunity this year was the chance to apply for the role of Judge, which required students to complete a formal application. The final candidate was selected by the Grade 5 teachers with input from the parent interviewers, making it an authentic hiring process
Parents also played a role by assisting with interviews and sharing their career paths and real-world business skills. Mrs. Wilson spoke about starting her own business her motivations, lessons learned, and gave advice for future entrepreneurs. Mr. Inigo also spoke about his professional background while one student presented his newly launched garbage bin cleaning business!
At BizTown, students put their knowledge into action as they opened bank accounts, paid taxes, voted for mayor, and worked to turn a profit The experience challenged them to think critically, collaborate with others, and connect classroom learning to real-world challenges.
Through weeks of preparation and a day of immersive learning, our fifth graders embraced new roles and responsibilities, gaining confidence, building curiosity, and deepening their connection to the world beyond the classroom essential skills in advancing career goals.
Interviewing!
Mayor of BizTown
Working at BizTown
THE GILLISPIE SUN WILL ALWAYS SHINE ON YOU!
NATACHA HOSY, MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS LEAD
At Gillispie, community is something we actively build every day. It lives in our daily connections and in the lasting bonds that unite students, families, faculty, and alumni across generations
Last week, we welcomed back over 25 graduating high school seniors who began their educational journeys at Gillispie. It was a joyful reunion filled with smiles, hugs, and plenty of “Remember when...?” moments. As they walked through campus, they were struck by how much had changed. In the Sandbox, a chorus of “Wows!” echoed as they explored a building that was new to them. And how did they ever ride those tiny tricycles in the EC outdoor classroom?!
This week, we celebrate our current Grade 6 class as they prepare to walk across the stage and receive their diplomas. Our twelve graduates have grown into thoughtful, capable students who are ready to take on new challenges We’re so proud of all they’ve accomplished and look forward to welcoming them back someday as alumni
The journey has come full circle for one alumna. We’re thrilled to welcome Maxine McInerney back to Gillispie, this time as a Partner Teacher in our Early Childhood (EC) program Her story began in Mrs Tarantino and Mrs Harper’s preschool class, where she was known for her imagination and joyful spirit Maxine fondly remembers riding bikes in the outdoor classroom and going on field trips with her class She is excited to join the EC team in August, and Mrs Tarantino and Mrs Harper are proud to now call her a colleague
To our alumni and families: remember that “The Gillispie Sun will always shine on you ” You will always be part of our extended family, and we are honored to be part of your journey Alumni, stay in touch! Follow our Alumni Instagram account and tag us @gillispieschool alumni We’d love to share your story and celebrate your continued success
