President’s Monthly Musing: “Remember Me as IB”

From PTA President Keisha Green

In my former life (years before becoming a PTA President), I worked in higher education administration.  In that role, I frequently came in contact with students who had earned the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma.  I noticed that one after the other set the bar for academic achievement.  Whatever they’d learned prior to college set them on a path to success.  I thought that someday I’d want the same for my children.

After completing research on the IB programmes, I was happy to discover that IB existed at the elementary level (yay for Joyner!).  Yet, I realize that many parents may be unaware of the principles promoted by this special program.  In each of my communications this year, I’ve integrated a bit of those principles.  Its tenets reflect the importance of intellect and more importantly citizenship.

The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.

The IB programme encourages its students to embrace 10 core principles that support its mission.  IB learners strive to be:

Inquirers  “Summer Inquirers”                        Caring “Caring Families with Engaged Learners”

Knowledgeable “Common Knowledge”     Communicators “Champion Communications”

Balanced  “Balanced Foundation”                   Reflective “Rules Reflective of our Purpose”

Principled  “The Power of Principled Parents”    Risk-Takers

Open-Minded                              Thinkers 

Over this past year, I’ve considered each of these principles when making decisions and confronting challenges.  For those of you that I’ve met, and those that I’ve not had the pleasure of meeting, it is my hope that you recognize in all areas, every consideration has been given to embracing humanity and creating a happy place for our children and our world (JYJ).

It has been my pleasure to serve as President of the PTA this year.  I have no doubt that Catherine Otto and her board will continue to make this a better space for our children.  As I say good-bye to this role, if there is any way to remember my tenure, I’d say to Remember Me as IB….

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