Jean-Lou Paré graduated from GMS in 2017 and not long after, his interest "peaked" in the challenge of the Appalachian Trail (AT). After completing a 110-mile stint in Maine, he knew he would be back for more.
Jean-Lou summited Mount Katahdin on August 19 after almost five months on the trail, but his story has only just begun. He has met friends, seen new places, learned life lessons, and even received a nickname along the way. We got an inside scoop from him and how his time as a GMS Panther prepared him for the adventure of a lifetime.
GMS: What inspired you to take on the AT?
JP: I’ve been wanting to do the AT for a while. In 2018 I did a 110-mile section of the AT in Maine, and that’s when I first learned about what it truly was. I really enjoyed that trip and told myself that at some point I’d want to do the whole thing. I was drawn to the physical and mental challenge of it, as well as the change of pace from everyday life. Throughout my time in college, I always knew I wanted to take some time off before getting a job, and as I neared my masters graduation last year, I figured now would be as good a time as ever to give hiking the AT a go.
GMS: Who have you hiked with along the way?
JP: While I set off on this adventure alone, I have met so many great and amazing people along the way. The AT is known for being a very social place where “tramilies” (trail families) often form as you hike around the same people for a period of time. Over the course of the trail, I have been a part of multiple, some tighter knit and some looser than others. I finished the trail hiking with three other people, all of whom I have met along the way: Squirelly, from Connecticut; Lil Beast from Lexington, N.C., and Entity from Roanoke, VA. Those are their trail names, as that is how we know and refer to each other on trail. Over the course of the last few months, I have also had many friends and family come join me for a weekend to a week. My latest visit was Alex Kotis '18 back in Pennsylvania.
GMS: Do you have a trail name?
JP: Yes. Ratatouille is my trail name. I got it because my mom, Flory, is from France and my dad, Pat is from Quebec. The guy who gave me my name started off wanting to call me “Frenchie,” but after I told him that was very basic he came up with Ratatouille.
Trail names are a way of referring to others on the trail. There are no set rules to how they come about or who comes up with them. They can come from someone’s background, physical traits, an embarrassing story, or anything else. They are useful as they usually end up being unique and make it easier to identify individuals, especially when many people could have the same first name.
GMS: What was your start and finish date?
JP: I started March 20 and finished August 19, putting me under the five month mark. The average time is around six months with people taking anywhere from under four to over eight months to complete it.
GMS: Which state has been your favorite?
JP: They have each been so different, but Maine has been my favorite. In a close second are the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The hiking in southern Maine and the White Mountains was the hardest trail, the views have been absolutely spectacular except for a bout of foggy and rainy weather across the Presidential Range. I also really enjoyed the Great Smoky Mountains, Roan Highlands in North Carolina, Laurel Gorge in Tennessee, and the Grayson Highlands of Virginia.
GMS: Did The Land at GMS prepare you for this great hike?
JP: I think so. It taught me a love for and appreciation of nature. In a sense The Land has many similarities to the trail. You spend a lot of time outdoors everyday exploring nature. Nights were spent in rustic shelters. And the community that arose from cooking meals and spending days together is very similar to the one that is created on trail.
GMS: What has been the weirdest thing you’ve run into?
JP: I’ve seen plenty of bugs and critters on trail, many of them that I’d never seen before. I’ve also seen plenty of other wildlife from the more common squirrels, birds and deer, to bears (4 times now), a baby raccoon, and also wild hogs back in the Smokies. Now that I’m in Maine I have also seen a moose and a beaver. It has been a very cool part of the trail.
GMS: What have you learned on this adventure?
JP: My main takeaway from the trail has been to slow down. Not in a hiking sense but in an everyday sense. Life often feels like it comes at you at 100mph, but out here you can take the time to sit and enjoy the view, the stars, the sound of nature in a way that makes the weeks feel like months. Even the month of July feels like it was a long time ago. While I know I can’t take them with me completely, I’m hoping to remember to slow down every once in a while and enjoy the little things in life.
GMS: What are you looking forward to?
JP: Off trail, I’m looking forward to normal food that isn’t dehydrated or long shelf life trail food, as well as regular showers. While I am ready to be done and to go home back to regular comforts, I’m not ready for the adventure to be over.
Rhea Egbert is our Director of Admission and has been working at GMS since 2005. She began her time at our School as a Primary teacher and has since made her way into administration. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a minor in French from University of North Carolina Greensboro.
She is originally from Richmond, Virginia and has two children who are alumni from GMS including Grant (‘13) and Isabel (‘17). Outside of her office and campus tours, she can be found exploring the outdoors, watching movies, and cooking.
GMS: How did you first learn about Greensboro Montessori School?
RE: In 2001 I started looking for a Montessori School for my son.
GMS: Why do you choose to work at our School?
RE: It is my honor to share with families what education can look like.
GMS: What excites you most about working in your administrative field?
RE: I love to help families see education and often parenting in new ways.
GMS: What aspect of the Montessori method inspires you the most?
RE: The Montessori Method allows children to learn to try new things and persevere through adversity. Our graduates know their strengths and challenges and continue to follow their path to reach their full potential.
GMS: What do you enjoy learning from our students, and what do you enjoy sharing with them?
RE: I love seeing students excited about their learning and when they express pride in their accomplishments. As a former teacher, I love the opportunities I have to present a lesson to a child or observe in classrooms.
GMS: What do you enjoy learning from your coworkers, and what are you excited to share with them?
RE: I love hearing the language of positive discipline our teachers use with children and to see the level of respect they have for every child.
GMS: Tell us something about yourself that we wouldn’t learn from your résumé or CV?
RE: I attended a Montessori school for one year when I was three years old. I remember making new friends there.
GMS: Where did you grow up, and do you mind sharing one favorite memory from childhood?
RE: I grew up in Richmond, Virginia. Some of my favorite memories are of travels with my family. We lived in Mexico for 6 months when I was four years old.
GMS: Do you have any pets? If so, what are they and what are they named?
RE: My dog is a Red Cockalier. He is 10 years old and his name is Oler James.
GMS: What hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?
RE: I enjoy hiking, kayaking, reading, watching movies, and cooking.
GMS: Of all the places you’ve traveled to, what is your favorite destination and why?
RE: In 2013 I spent a month in Majorca with my children. We visited many places around the island, ate wonderful food, and had many different experiences there.
GMS: If you could travel anywhere else, where would it be and why?
RE: I am interested in visiting Puerto Rico.
GMS: What is your favorite snack?
RE: I love chips and guacamole.
GMS: You’re going out with friends? Do you meet for coffee or cocktails? What is your favorite drink from those selections?
RE: I love exploring the local coffee shops with friends. Some of my favorites are The Sage Mule, Cafe Genese, and Cozy Brew.
GMS: Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
RE: I love coming to work everyday. I am so grateful to be part of this community.
Ashby began teaching with us in 2016 and is from Seattle, Washington. She has a Bachelor of Arts in theatre from University of North Carolina at Asheville and her Montessori accreditation is in early childhood education.
Outside of school, Ashby and her partner, Adam, are often found “junkin” (thrifting or antiquing), hanging with their cats, or just playing music to pass time.
GMS: How did you first learn about Greensboro Montessori School?
AP: I first learned about GMS through my friends Sundev Lohr and Peter Baggish while I was a student at Grimsley High School. Both of their mothers, Nancy Hofer and Linda Baggish, worked at GMS at the time (this was in the mid 90's).
GMS: Why do you choose to work at our School?
AP: I choose to work at our school because of the children and the creative environment in which we all learn. The GMS campus is also one of the most beautiful places to work in Greensboro. Exploring the gardens with the children or solo, I feel so fortunate to work in such a beautiful, creative environment.
GMS: What aspect of the Montessori method inspires you the most?
AP: The independence that is offered to all in the Montessori classroom and beyond.
GMS: What do you enjoy learning from our students, and what do you enjoy sharing with them?
AP: I learn something new from the students everyday! I am always practicing grace and courtesy, and appreciate when a child reminds me how to be polite and courteous. It's a friendly reminder that adults make mistakes too!
GMS: What do you enjoy learning from your coworkers, and what are you excited to share with them?
AP: I learn so much from my co-workers from all areas of the school. If I ever have a question or concern there is someone that is there for me, and I hope that they know that I am there for them. I never feel alone at Greensboro Montessori.
GMS: Is there anyone in your family or close circle of friends that you'd like to tell us about? If so, who?
AP: My partner in life, Adam. He is an extremely loving and supportive person.
I am immensely fortunate to have a wonderful family in Greensboro. My mother, Ann, lives nearby as does my father, Craig, and step mother, Donna. My brother, Graham, lives outside of Washington DC where he teaches 5th grade. My other brother, Randy, is a wood worker who lives on a boat in Seattle, WA.
GMS: Tell us something about yourself that we wouldn’t learn from your résumé or CV?
AP: At the age of 10, I decided to become a vegetarian. I have been one, dabbling in veganism, since then.
GMS: What is your favorite memory from childhood?
AP: Some of my earliest memories are of me playing with my brothers and cousins. I loved the big city life of Seattle, and always being able to see large bodies of water wherever you go!
GMS: Do you have any pets? If so, what are they and what are they named?
AP: We live with Maggie the white and black cat who has a crooked tail.
GMS: What hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?
AP: I enjoy playing my guitar and ukulele and singing all my favorite songs loudly. I love walking through neighborhoods throughout town, working in my garden and spending time with friends and family. Adam and I also enjoy "junkin." We find rare and beautiful mid century objects out in the wild, and then sell them at our booth at Grandaddies antiques in Burlington.
GMS: Of all the places you’ve traveled to, what is your favorite destination and why?
AP: My favorite destination is the Pacific West Coast. I have friends and family from San Francisco all the way to Seattle who I love to visit and explore with.
GMS: If you could travel anywhere else, where would it be and why?
AP: I'd like to visit anywhere in Europe: England, France, Norway, or Denmark.
GMS: What is your favorite indulgence?
AP: Finding something great at the thrift store or on the side of the road.
GMS: What is something you don’t get to do often but it still feeds your soul?
AP: Meditate.
GMS: What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
AP: Lemon ice cream from Yum-Yum.
GMS: You’re going out with friends? Do you meet for coffee or cocktails?
AP: My friends and I meet at all sorts of places. I love coffee and tea of all kinds! As for a cocktail, I like a classic gin and tonic.
GMS: Other than Dr. Maria Montessori, who would you like to meet from history and why?
AP: Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. has always been one of my favorite authors. I would love to pick his brain... and so it goes…
GMS: Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
AP: I am beyond honored to be part of the amazing community at GMS.
JoAnn Currie joined GMS in 2016 as a student support specialist with a focus in early childhood intervention. She earned a Bachelor of Science in special education from Appalachian State University and holds special education licenses in mental handicaps, emotional handicaps, and preschool handicaps. JoAnn began her teaching career in 1993, and she deeply enjoys working with our students. When not at work, you can find her exercising her inner artist or enjoying a coffee on her porch.
GMS: How did you first learn about Greensboro Montessori School?
JC: I heard about our School through Brooke Juneau.
GMS: Why do you choose to work at our School?
JC: I love the community and the philosophy of how children should be educated.
GMS: What excites you most about working in the Student Support Center?
JC: Seeing the growth of the students and supporting the teachers and families.
GMS: What aspect of the Montessori method inspires you the most?
JC: The aspect of self-directed exploration.
GMS: What do you enjoy learning from our students, and what do you enjoy sharing with them?
JC: I enjoy learning how they see and interpret the world around them.
GMS: What do you enjoy learning from your coworkers, and what are you excited to share with them?
JC: Since I do not come from a Montessori background I enjoy learning about the various works and their purpose. I enjoy sharing strategies that support students in their work.
GMS: Is anyone else from your family or close circle of friends part of our GMS community?
JC: No family, but Brooke is a close friend, and I have come to consider many of my coworkers as good friends.
GMS: Tell us something about yourself that we wouldn’t learn from your résumé or CV?
JC: I am one of five children, and I have lived in Greensboro my entire life. For much of my adult life, I have enjoyed running and have completed three marathons.
GMS: What is a favorite memory from your own childhood?
JC: Some of my favorite memories involve snowy days when streets were closed to traffic so children could sled.
GMS: What hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?
JC: Painting and making jewelry.
GMS: Of all the places you’ve traveled to, what is your favorite destination and why?
JC: Ireland. It is a beautiful and peaceful country and relatives on my mothers side come from Ireland.
GMS: What is something you don’t get to do often, but it still feeds your soul?
JC: Going to the beach.
GMS: You're craving a snack. Do you go for salty or sweet?
JC: Salty.
GMS: If you’re going out with friends, what is your favorite drink to have?
JC: White wine.
Bright and early on the morning of March 3, a group of fourteen sixth, seventh, and eighth graders boarded a bus along with Emily Daniels (Junior High faculty), Sidney McGinnis (director of student support) and Jessica White Winger (assistant head of school). They left the GMS parking lot right around 7 a.m. and headed to Charlotte, N.C. for a day of learning and connecting with educators and peers from independent schools across the state. Their destination was the North Carolina Association for Independent Schools’ (NCAIS) Words Matter Conference, held annually and intended to bring together middle and high school students and their educators to learn about and reflect on complex and nuanced topics impacting our students and schools. As this was our School’s first time participating in the conference, we were excited to attend and unsure about what to expect. When we arrived back to campus, we unanimously agreed that it was a day well spent, and a conference we would like to continue attending in the future.
The theme of this year's conference was "Joy and Courage through Community Storytelling" and its stated intention was to provide, “an engaging, interactive conference designed for faculty, staff, and middle and high school students to explore how language influences relationships, classroom dynamics, and society. This conference aim(ed) to support NCAIS schools as they work to be courageous and unified, and to consider the impact of words and stories in their communities.” This lines up beautifully with our work in our own School community to build resilient, inclusive, receptive, intentional communities across classrooms and divisions.
The conference afforded space for some of our eldest students to spend a day reflecting on their role in that work and the opportunities they have to take ownership of their responsibility and influence in our School. It was also an opportunity for students to exercise some autonomy, as there were different “tracks” for conference sessions throughout the day for middle school students, high school students, and educators, and our students navigated together from one session to the next with confidence and care.
A couple weeks after attending the conference, the group who attended had lunch together to complete a feedback survey for NCAIS, share what was impactful for them, and share the most important ideas, strategies, and tools they brought back to GMS. The group especially appreciated a session on bullying by Peaceful Schools NC, where they discussed the differences between teasing, joking, and bullying, and that “middle school is a great time to develop the skill of being bold in the face of injustice,” even when "injustice in a friend group or within a class or school can be one of the most challenging places to step into bold action.” Our students found the presenters for this session engaging and intriguing, and appreciated learning how they can have a positive role in the system of bullying.
At the end of our day together in Charlotte, the conference organizers shared a video of students speaking throughout the day about what they were learning and why it felt important. We were excited to see our group featured at the start of the video, and our own Lucy (sixth grader) speaking toward the end of the video.
The NCAIS Words Matter conference provided a special opportunity for our students and educators to discuss and learn about important issues with peers from across the state. Our group came away with new ideas and fresh perspectives on important issues facing our community. Current sixth graders had the opportunity to spend time with some of their future classmates and a teacher in Junior High, and our group had the singular opportunity to learn in community with peers from schools across the state of North Carolina. Emily, Sidney, and Jessica reflected our pride to our students for how they showed up ready to thoughtfully and bravely engage with unfamiliar adults and peers and how they represented our School so well. As we walked out of the conference center together, the NCAIS conference organizers made a point to share how impressed they were with our group, which was a wonderful way to end our day together.
Anna Betina is our Toddler division coordinator and Half-Day Toddler lead teacher. She began teaching in 2009 and joined our School in 2017.
A native of Ukraine, Anna is fluent in Ukrainian, Russian, Bulgarian, and English. She holds a master’s degree in psychology and childhood psychology and a doctorate in pedagogical and age psychology from her native country of Ukraine. She also holds her Infant & Toddler (birth to age 3) Montessori teaching credential.
Anna and her husband have a daughter who is in fourth grade at GMS. Outside of the classroom, Anna loves live music and also a quiet nap.
GMS: Why did you choose to work at Greensboro Montessori School?
AB: I did my research based on Montessori theory and fell in love with the method here.
GMS: What excites you most about working in your division?
AB: It excites me to see children as capable human beings, and it gives me huge feedback, which inspires me as a teacher.
GMS: What aspect of the Montessori method inspires you the most?
AB: A toddler's sensitive periods and how to prepare the environment that facilitates those effortless windows of learning.
GMS: What do you enjoy learning from our students, and what do you enjoy sharing with them?
AB: How to be patient and see the child. I love sharing my positive attitude to problem solving.
GMS: What do you enjoy learning from your coworkers, and what are you excited to share with them?
AB: Learning how to listen. Recently, we started sharing articles and podcasts across our division on how to support children in a fast-changing world and how to support this in the classroom. It was very exciting and inspiring.
GMS: Tell us something about yourself that we wouldn’t learn from your résumé or CV?
AB: I used to be a ballerina, and during my teenage identity crisis, I switched to wrestling for 3 years.
GMS: Where did you grow up, and do you mind sharing one favorite memory from childhood?
AB: I grew up in Ukraine. My favorite memory is playing outside with my friends without adult supervision. Also, going to camps each summer without parents for six weeks.
GMS: Do you have any pets? If so, what are they and what are they named?
AB: I have a Black Pomeranian named Mia.
GMS: Of all the places you’ve traveled to, what is your favorite destination and why?
AB: Italy because there is a lot of history and nature to explore.
GMS: If you could travel anywhere else, where would it be and why?
AB: Japan because I’ve never been there and would really love to experience the culture.
GMS: What is something you don’t get to do often but it still feeds your soul?
AB: Visiting my family in Europe.
GMS: What is your favorite snack?
AB: My favorites are seaweed and dried fruits.
GMS: You’re going out with friends? Do you meet for coffee or cocktails? What is your favorite drink from those selections?
AB: I like to drink coffee or tea, or a virgin cocktail.
GMS: Other than Dr. Maria Montessori, who would you like to meet from history and why?
AB: J. Lacan because I would love to understand his theory firsthand.
Katie Jones is a Lower Elementary teacher and has been teaching since 2001. She joined our team in 2014 and has always had a passion for both Montessori education and special education. She has a Bachelor of Science in psychology and a Master of Arts in special education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She also holds her Montessori teaching credential in Elementary I (ages 6 to 9).
Katie grew up in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and she and her husband, Matt, have a daughter, Willa, who is a member of the GMS class of '22 and currently a senior in the International Baccalaureate program at Page high school.
GMS: How did you first learn about Greensboro Montessori School?
KJ: We wanted a Montessori education for our daughter. She joined GMS when she was 4 years old. We absolutely fell in love with the school and the community. I decided to leave my teaching career with Guilford County Schools to come to work at GMS.
GMS: Why do you choose to work at our School?
KJ: The close knit community and the wonderful teachers.
GMS: What excites you most about working in your division?
KJ: The 6-to-9 age group is my favorite. I love the child’s sense of wonder and awe, their excitement, and getting to see those lightbulb moments ... I really enjoy teaching reading as well.
GMS: What aspect of the Montessori method inspires you the most?
KJ: The peace curriculum and focus on individuality, plus the hands on materials.
GMS: What do you enjoy learning from your coworkers, and what are you excited to share with them?
KJ: I enjoy observing various teaching styles and gathering their wisdom.
GMS: Tell us something about yourself that we wouldn’t learn from your résumé or CV?
KJ: I love True Crime. I collect nature. My home is my cozy nest and sanctuary, and my passion is to make it beautiful and homey.
GMS: Do you have any pets? If so, what are they and what are they named?
KJ: We have two dogs, Dusty Jones and Chloe Bell Jones and one cat, Oliver Wendell Jones.
GMS: What hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?
KJ: Gardening, hiking, nature, swimming, and reading.
GMS: Of all the places you’ve traveled to, what is your favorite destination and why?
KJ: Two weeks in Maui, Hawaii. It was my first trip with my husband. It had breathtaking scenery.
GMS: If you could travel anywhere else, where would it be and why?
KJ: Italy because of the food, beauty, culture, and art.
GMS: What is your favorite indulgence?
KJ: Affogato (vanilla ice cream, caramel, and warm espresso) and a massage.
GMS: What is something you don’t get to do often but it still feeds your soul?
KJ: A full day of antique shopping and lunch with my mama.
GMS: What are your favorite snacks?
KJ: Nachos.
GMS: Other than Dr. Maria Montessori, who would you like to meet from history and why?
KJ: Anne Frank. We need to learn from history.
You may have noticed an unusual orange fruit popping up everywhere on campus. You may even have asked, "what is that?"
Originally from Asia, and morphologically considered a berry, the persimmon is a lovely fruit that matures to a deep orange color in late Autumn. If you’ve ever visited Greensboro Montessori School's Primary Garden, you’ve probably noticed our beloved persimmon tree, planted over 20 years ago by master permaculturalist, Charlie Headington. In the years since, this tree has been lovingly pruned and harvested by our favorite garden coordinator, car line greeter, facilities assistant, and student support pal, Aubrey Cupit.
Generations of GMS students share a collective nostalgia for the flavor of the persimmon. To them, it seems a rare, exotic fruit with notes of magic and pure joy only attainable from our grounds. Students begin asking for persimmon snacks in our Environmental Education classes on the very first day of school, and then every subsequent day until we cut into the first ripe persimmon in October. It would be difficult to adequately describe the infectious wave of excitement when our students find out we are having persimmons for snack.
A firm persimmon tastes like a combination of honey, peach, and mango, with earthy undertones and the texture of an apple. For those unfamiliar with this fruit, I would recommend eating it raw, just like an apple, skin and all. Others prefer to bake softer persimmon pulp into pancakes, bread, or cookies. Persimmons work well in savory applications such as persimmon vinaigrette and other meat-based dishes akin to pork and apples. Dehydrated persimmon pulp creates a delicious fruit leather, while dehydrated persimmon slices make an excellent snack.
Each of the five persimmon trees on campus have produced bountiful fruit this season! Our students have reveled in their tastings during Environmental Education lessons and our Junior High Culinary Arts team has been baking with them voraciously! Word on the street is there's a tasty recipe for persimmon scones going around.
Additional Resources
- NPR: Ancient Japanese Food Craft Brings Persimmons To American Palates
- Martha Stewart: 13 Persimmon Recipes Everyone Should Make This Fall
- Wikipedia: Persimmon
Isabelle Bangham joined our School in 1996 as a Primary teacher. She has her Bachelor’s Degree in educational studies from the University of Nice, France and her Montessori teaching credential is in early childhood (ages 2 ½ to 6). Isabelle is originally from Nice and quickly found GMS when she moved to Greensboro.
Isabelle currently works in the Primary 4 classroom with her co-lead teacher, Jackie Shannon. Primary 3 teacher Carmen Romero is also a good friend of Isabelle and has been at GMS for over 30 years.
GMS: How did you first learn about Greensboro Montessori School?
IB: Through a neighbor after my family and I moved back from France to Greensboro, NC.
GMS: Why do you choose to work at our School?
IB: GMS is a very special school where teachers respect their students, and because I believe in Maria Montessori's principles. I have had my two daughters here and they have learned a lot in a safe and wonderful environment who taught them skills that they would not have learned elsewhere.
GMS: What excites you most about working in the Primary division?
IB: I love the fact that each day is a new day and that we can start all over again to help our students the best we can! I also love creating an environment where my students feel loved and appreciated, where they can enjoy learning and have fun!
GMS: What aspect of the Montessori method inspires you the most?
IB: "Following the child", also being respectful and trusting the child.
GMS: What do you enjoy learning from our students, and what do you enjoy sharing with them?
IB: I enjoy seeing their beautiful smiles, their love of learning, their curiosity, and their spirits. I enjoy learning from them their learning style, the way they see others and life, but above all, I love their enthusiasm for everything that they discover and explore every day! I enjoy sharing my gratitude for life, wisdom, kindness, embracing differences, the ability to accept people who are different, empathy, compassion, appreciation of beautiful things, love of traveling, and the French language.
GMS: Is there anyone in your family or close circle of friends that you'd like to tell us about? If so, who?
IB: Yes, my good friend Carmen Romero is a Primary teacher and works next door! I worked with her at the beginning of my career at GMS and we are very close. She was also my children's Primary teacher. Our oldest daughters are very good friends and now have children who are about the same age, so they do a lot of things together! It makes us very happy to know that they are doing life together as parents and can help each other! I have been part of GMS for almost 30 years (and counting), so I know a lot of staff and teachers here. I am blessed to be part of this wonderful community of teachers and students, and I feel good to be a part of this big family!
GMS: Tell us something about yourself that we wouldn’t learn from your résumé or CV?
IB: Nine years ago I became a grandmother of a sweet little baby girl, and five years ago, another angel came along, so I feel very blessed and my heart is very happy to be able to spend time with them and teach them everything that I know! When times are rough, they are always there to remind my husband and I that we have so much to look forward to and so much love to give every day! They are the apples of my eyes!
GMS: Where did you grow up, and do you mind sharing one favorite memory from childhood?
IB: I grew up in Nice on the French Riviera in the South of France. I have fond memories of the beach and different places where my brother and I went with our parents. One of my favorite childhood memories is going to Spain (Eastern part of Spain) with my family. We used to leave in the afternoon and my brother and I would sleep in the car. We would get there late at night, but everything was open and we loved going to eat at the "Bodegas"! We would stay in nice hotels and it was just great! Both of my parents have Spanish origins! My great grand-father was from the island of Mallorca.
GMS: What hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?
IB: I enjoy practicing yoga in class, swimming in the summer with my grand-daughters, going on walks, gardening and cooking when I have the time! I also love organizing parties! In the winter, I like to have Tea at the O'Henry in Greensboro!
GMS: What is your favorite indulgence?
IB: I love chocolate, crepes, french pastries. I love traveling! I also love flowers!
GMS: What is something you don’t get to do often but it still feeds your soul?
IB: Having a facial, or a massage, but the first one is definitely so relaxing and good for my soul!
GMS: Other than Dr. Maria Montessori, who would you like to meet from history and why?
IB: I have always loved and respected Maya Angelou as a poet, writer, actress, director, producer, and Professor and I had the pleasure to see her at one of our AMS conferences in NYC years ago! I love her words of wisdom and quotes.
GMS: Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
IB: I miss my family in France and wish they were closer! I wish it was not so far away! I also enjoy living here in the U.S.A and wish I could have both worlds! I have many blessings in my life including my husband of almost 43 years, and my daughters, son-in-laws, and my lovely grand-daughters!
Cindy Webb is a familiar face at GMS and is about to become even more hands-on in the world of Montessori education. She has been a room parent for eight years and is now officially stepping into her new role as lead coordinator of the Greensboro Montessori School Community Association (GMSCA).
GMSCA has dialed back in the past few years due to the effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic, but Cindy’s mission is to make the organization even stronger than it was before. At a school where meaningful relationships and involvement are integral, her goal is to create a deeper connection between children, parents, and teachers. She has a long history with Montessori and is excited to bring her expertise to the table.
“My husband, Daniel, and I began our search for a school when our son Isaac was 2 years old. Some of our friends always spoke so highly of their children’s Montessori learning experiences, which led me to inquire at GMS. Once we toured the Toddler and Primary classrooms, I knew this was the place where I wanted him to grow. I saw how Montessori’s multisensory approach to learning could build a deeper level of knowledge and awareness than is offered at most schools. The beautiful outdoors spaces (such as the gardens, playgrounds, and woods) really resonated with our family as important learning spaces as well.
Our son Isaac entered Primary in 2016 when he was three years old. He has completed three divisions here and is now a seventh grader in Junior High. Observing typical days in Primary and Lower Elementary allowed me to fully appreciate the expertise of the teachers not only in curriculum, but also in childhood development and management skills. Lower Elementary is where I saw the spark develop for our son to follow his intellectual interests. While those interests have changed over the years, immersing himself in learning about a current focus remains strong. It’s a trait that I envision serving him well throughout his life.”
GMS dedicates children to a life of learning and connecting with the world around them. The Webb family felt these values outside of the classroom and easily connected with the GMS community.
“Conversing with fellow parents about learning experiences across the different divisions, particularly about what to expect in the upcoming years, has been meaningful for us as we have reflected back for others and also looked ahead for ourselves. We also have appreciated the many community events that GMS coordinates for families to come together on and off campus like Curriculum Night, the Fall Festival, and Spirit Night at the Grasshoppers game. Visiting with familiar faces and touching base with new families is the spirit of the GMS community.
One common aspect that I see among the GMS faculty and staff is how dedicated they are to each family and to the role they have in nurturing relationships here. There are over 250 students and even more family members that faculty and staff encounter on campus, from the front desk, to carline, to a large event such as the Fall Festival. They somehow recall every name and make personal connections with us all. That level of engagement with families is impressive. Teachers and staff at GMS love their jobs and know the value of their work. Having a teacher that truly knows your child — how they think, how they learn, and how they interact — is quite special.”
Throughout her time at GMS, she looks back on helping teachers as a room parent fondly. Another mission of hers in her new leadership position is to find ways to show more appreciation towards teachers.
“Time spent with teachers in each division helped me to know them as individuals of shared values and concerns and also to appreciate their influence on students. The work that I have done to support our teachers has allowed them to focus more of their time on the critical work they perform in the classroom and after hours.”
In the past, she created the idea of teacher-affirmation boxes that could be filled with notes from parents and students. Cindy states that having these simple gratifications not only represent GMS values, but also allows those in the home and at school to nurture each other.
She only wants to continue and improve this work in GMSCA.
“Working toward creating meaningful connections and increasing involvement among GMS families is a large priority for this year. One idea I am most excited about is building an active parent education community. We all know how challenging parenting can be, especially when we care so much about understanding what is best for our child’s future. I would like to bring together parents that want to learn mindful approaches for home that support the foundations our children gain here at GMS. A few ideas I am working to develop are a parenting book club or discussion group and also follow-up discussions to the virtual ISACS Parenting Series that GMS will offer again this year.”
Lastly, she has some hopes and dreams as a leadership coordinator. Just like every parent here at GMS, she sees a future for her child and for the village that helps him grow.
“The GMSCA hopes to bring together families in a variety of gatherings on and off campus this year. Many of us build connections with fellow parents centered around the friendships of our children. My hope is for the GMSCA to build relationships across GMS that extend further into our shared interests. One way we intend to do this is through establishing several committees of engaged parents to facilitate connections and support across a variety of school activities and initiatives. The GMSCA has the potential to create so many meaningful connections with faculty, staff, and families that could enhance school experiences and also further enrich our lives. I want all parents to participate in a sense of belonging and purpose at GMS. We hope that you all will join us in the opportunities to come.”
Cindy and her husband Daniel, along with their son, Isaac, are beloved members of GMS and the Montessori community as a whole. Her work as a room parent has already shown her commitment to her community and how she embraces every aspect of it. Keep an eye out for any communications from Cindy in the near future as she embarks on her hopes and dreams for the GMSCA.
