FEBRUARY 2025 • ISSUE 7
GEM A NEWSLETTER FROM GILLISPIE’S LEARNING VILLAGE IN LA JOLLA.
SKILLS FOR LEARNING AND LIFE
IN THIS ISSUE
PAUL GHIGLIERI, ASSISTANT HEAD OF SCHOOL HEIDI LONG, M.ED., LIBRARIAN
SPECIALTY SPOTLIGHT
A HEART & MIND WORKOUT p. 3
The struggle is real – the overflowing backpack, the last-minute run to the store for a project due tomorrow, or the forgotten homework sitting on the kitchen table. For many parents, helping their children navigate these challenges can feel like an uphill battle. These skills are not just about academic success. They are foundational to developing a growth mindset, persistence, motivation, and a positive self-concept to be a citizen of the world. We believe so strongly in the power of these skills and have dedicated extra time in our school day to helping our students develop them. This year, we are piloting SMARTS Executive Functioning Curriculum in Grades 2 through 4 with plans to expand the program into Grade 5 next year. This research-based program
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INNOVATION CORNER
BRIDGING THE WILD p. 4-5 HAPPY HAPPENINGS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD
MAGNOLIA’S MAGICAL STICKS p. 6 STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
STACK, STUMBLE, SUCCEED P. 7 COMMUNITY
JOY IN ROLLING UP OUR SLEEVES! p. 8