Not rendering correctly? View this email as a web page here. Director of Innovation Peg Keiner speaks at a gathering of Apple Distinguished Schools Leaders In the Use of Technology GEMS World Academy Chicago was one of just nine schools selected to present at a recent showcase of Apple Distinguished Schools in Illinois. Peg Keiner, our director of innovation, spoke to the gathering about our Field Study program, a robust mobile- learning initiative that has students regularly interacting with people, institutions and neighborhoods all over Chicago. Our students use iPads on these focused explorations in order to record and share data. To read more about this event, go here. GEMS Names New Head of School Thomas Cangiano, who becomes GEMS World Academy's head of school in the summer of 2018, meets with parents during a recent visit to our campus GEMS World Academy Chicago welcomes an experienced education leader as the school's new head of school, effective summer of 2018. Thomas Cangiano, currently the president of Shady Side Academy, a private school in Pittsburgh, has a strong record of success as a school head and an international educator. Mr. Cangiano will guide the GEMS community as our Upper School building is constructed and we complete our pre-K-through-12 campus. He succeeds Interim Head of School Andrew Sherman, who is moving into a consultant role after leading our school during its first high- school year. For more about Mr. Cangiano's appointment, go here. A Visit From A Coding Innovator Girls Who Code founder Reshma Saujani speaks to GEMS students Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code and a Chicago-area native, visited GEMS to speak to our female-identifying students about the importance of asking questions, taking risks and following one's passions. Ms. Saujani's appearance was arranged by our Parent Teacher Organization, and our students enjoyed the chance to speak to a real-life innovator. GEMS makes it a priority to give students access to entrepreneurs and professionals whose work can inspire students to make a difference in the world. A video from Ms. Saujani's appearance can be found here, and a photo gallery can be found here. How Knowledge Progresses In the IB GEMS uses the International Baccalaureate framework, a cohesive academic program A key strength of the International Baccalaureate framework in place at GEMS is the way individual units of study "talk" to each other, giving students a chance to revisit concepts with increasing levels of depth as they progress through the program. Pre-K students, for example, complete a unit on symbiosis, which revolves around the idea that humans and animals rely upon one another. In first grade, students complete a unit on biodiversity, during which they consider the importance of maintaining the balance of organisms within systems. Fourth-graders complete a unit on interdependence. And fifth-graders present a year-end exhibition that explores some aspect of sharing the planet. Each of these inquiries succeeds as a discrete learning experience. But taken together, the units create a rich exploration of bigger concepts, like connection and responsibility. Read more about this aspect of the IB in this recent blog post. Curious About GEMS World Academy? Seventh-graders, during a unit on ancient civilizations, created travel agencies that arrange trips to the times and places being studied GEMS World Academy Chicago, an International Baccalaureate World School and an Apple Distinguished School, combines a rigorous inquiry- based curriculum with an emphasis on world languages, mobile learning and the creative use of technology. We invite you to learn more about our mission, approach and award-winning building by signing up for an admissions tour by clicking the button below. We are enrolling now for pre-K through high school. The priority deadline to apply for admission is Dec. 31. GEMS World Academy Chicago 350 East South Water Street Chicago, IL 60601 United States Phone: 312-809-8941, www.gemsworldacademy-chicago.com Office hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday You received this email because you are subscribed to Marketing Information from GEMS World Academy Chicago. Update your email preferences to choose the types of emails you receive. .