The development of community is the essential foundation to IGSS. The teachers spend a significant amount of time getting to know students; with six teachers in the room, it is much easier to have one-on-one conversations. We are very conscious of helping students develop relationships with each other, in part because when they feel safe and respected, they are more willing to take academic and personal risks, which is of tremendous value to our community of learners. Students often tell us that the IGSS community was the first time they felt valued and understood at school.
Some of our community building takes place during school hours, through House competitions, student teach-ins, and intentional group work, but we also take an annual camping trip, have a lock-in, and host other activities that are optional and take place outside of school hours.
Below, you’ll find images from some of our community building activities.
The yearly camping trip is a beloved annual tradition in IGSS.
Noble Houses of IGSS
IGSS students are “sorted” into 6 different houses at the start of the year. Houses provide smaller groups for discussion or learning, and they are the foundation for spirited house competitions that take place throughout the year.
IGSS Coffee House
The IGSS Coffee House is a long-standing tradition which encourages everyone to share their talents, interests, preoccupations, and idiosyncratic obsessions. Twice a month we make time to allow students to entertain their peers; students regularly surprise us with their interests and abilities. For example this year we have been regaled by students who have recited poetry, played music, walked on stilts, performed magic, made us laugh with stand up comedy, showed us their work in video and wowed us with Irish dance. IGSS Coffee House is an effective tradition for allowing us to see ourselves and to grow into a close-knit community.
