We are now coming to the end of a very busy four months of school.  The holiday season is at our doorstep and the GAIS staff, students and parents will soon have time to rest, relax and renew their energies for the upcoming year.  I would like to congratulate the teachers and staff of the GAIS on a very productive, positive and exciting first four months of school.  We have had a rich academic program, many extra-curricular activities and some very successful events that have involved parents and friends. We have worked hard to provide an outstanding world-class educational program and have been able to maintain our student enrollment numbers despite the difficult economic times which have confronted us in the past year. GAIS is ever evolving and in the past year we have made important additions to the school's program and facilities to support our objectives. A new website, renovated science lab, revised curriculum and improved library are a few of the many improvements recently made. Through our continued evolution as a PYP World School, and with specific attention to academic rigor in the Middle School, we have established a dynamic educational program which will see the school move forward into the MYP in the years ahead. This March we will host an evaluation team from the International Baccalaureate office in New York and look forward to showing them our excellent academic standards and practices supported by a strong and cohesive community based on the values of international understanding and respect.

Through the support of the parent community, GAIS has built the strong foundations on which a great school can grow and flourish.  The new year brings with it a new challenges for the school.  As many parents are aware, this January we will hold discussions with the Menlo Park School District about the renewal of our lease which ends in June of 2011.  In preliminary meetings, the school district superintendent and board commented on the outstanding relationship that they have had with GAIS over the years and the desire to find a solution so that this relationship would continue into the future.  They clearly indicated that our site does not fit well with the needs of the district and that they will look for other ways to resolve the enrollment increases that the district is facing. It is my hope that in the upcoming discussions on the lease we will find a solution that serves both of our needs.  However, to be safe, we have already begun a search for alternative facilities. Be on hand for a thorough report on this at our Members Meeting in January.

I would like to thank all of you for your help and collaboration in our common goal of educating your children.  The positive interaction between family and school is necessary to help us reach our objectives and give our students a rich and nourishing learning experience.  Towards this end, I thank the members of the School Board, the Parent Representatives and the various school committees that are actively and productively working to assist the staff and school in the many ways they do.  Indeed, all parents play an important role at GAIS and whether you help in classroom, organize events or are generous in your donations to the school, your participation is greatly appreciated.

I would like to conclude by commending the outstanding GAIS staff.  We are fortunate to have such a competent, caring and dedicated team of staff and faculty at our school and your appreciation of them was wonderfully demonstrated by the fantastic appreciation dinner given last week.

Have a Happy Holiday and a great start to the New Year.