Dear Bolinas-Stinson School Families and Community,
47TH ANNUAL ART SHOW A HUGE SUCCESS
Thank you to all the families, staff, and community members for coming to the 47th Annual Bolinas-Stinson Art Show! On the evening of Friday, May 24th, the Quesada was filled with excited students, proud parents, enthusiastic staff, and supportive community members admiring the outstanding collection of student art. We enjoyed cob oven pizza and live conga drums as well! A huge shout out to our tremendous art shop teachers, staff members, and parent volunteers who helped pull this spectacular event together!
WELCOME ILIE WATTERSON - OUR NEW 7TH & 8TH GRADE MATH AND SCIENCE TEACHER
We are thrilled that Ilie will be joining our 7th and 8th grade teaching team alongside partner teacher, Gohar Yervandyan. Ilie lives in her hometown of Inverness where, after years of adventure and education, she returned with her husband to raise their family. Ilie worked on a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) organic farm, taught preschool, and discovered her passion for swimming while earning her B.A. in Child Development from Humboldt State University. Ilie later worked as a support teacher at Marin Country Day School while obtaining her teaching credential at Dominican University.
Math has always been an integral part of Ilie’s life. She earned her Master’s degree with an emphasis on geometry. Ilie’s passion for math led her to develop the math curriculum at Novato Charter School, while teaching in the middle school for nine years. She also served as the middle school coordinator and worked to develop a small, yet dynamic, middle school program.
Upon the birth of her third child, Ilie began her own home-based preschool in Inverness Park. Last year she returned to middle school teaching math at Marin Waldorf School while her youngest son joined the pre-k class at Stinson. Being a part of the vibrant Bolinas-Stinson School community inspired her to join the faculty. When Ilie is not teaching or with her own children, she can be found swimming across Tomales Bay or running on the trails of Point Reyes.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WONDERFUL GOLDEN BELL RECIPIENTS
Excitement was in the air at the the Marin County Golden Bell Awards ceremony on May 23rd, at Dominican College Angelico Hall. Bolinas-Stinson School had a nice cheering section to support Gohar Yervandyan, 7th/8th grade English Language Arts and Social Studies teacher; Colin Schlidt, 2nd/3rd grade Instructional Assistant; and Steve Aikenwood, for his work supporting our Book Fair.
Each of these amazing staff members was elected by their peers for their outstanding work with our students. They exemplify the how teaching is much more than just academics, as evidenced by their dedication to make learning meaningful and by forging lasting connections with their students.
DON JOLLEY POTLUCK BBQ - A GOOD TIME HAD BY ALL
It was a perfect evening for sharing food, friendship, and good memories at this community event showcasing Don Jolley and his vibrant teaching career of over 31 years at the Bolinas-Stinson school. Thank you everyone who was able to attend. It was a time for students, parents, staff, and community members, past and present, to come together and appreciate the magic of Don and the Bolinas-Stinson School. Highlights of the evening included impromptu, heartfelt speeches, as well as inspired and spirited ballroom dancing by students. A good time was had by all!
Warmly,
Michelle Stephens
Bolinas-Stinson School Principal