MEET THE DIRECTOR

Marna Weiss

Dear Parents,

Education has always been my passion. I love to learn new things, and I want to share that joy with as many people as possible.  In my role as Lower School Director at Country Day, I work with students, parents, teachers and staff who are constantly focused on all kinds of learning.  I love my job, and feel an obligation to provide the best possible environment to promote learning.

One important means is to establish a strong sense of community.  In the Lower School, we build community in many ways.  Parents are always welcome as volunteers in the classrooms or to help teachers with special activities.  Parent Coffees on topics of current interest bring parents together for social and educational experiences.  Special events such as Family Reading Night and the Back to School Picnic serve to strengthen the connections between families and teachers.  Parents are necessary partners in the learning process. In addition to the teachers, my door is always open and I am easily accessible in person, on the phone or by email at any time.

Strong connections between students and teachers are also vital for optimal learning.  Teachers in the Lower School are experienced, passionate about their craft and have a great understanding of child development.  They build trust with their students and create classroom environments where students feel comfortable asking questions and taking risks.  Teachers understand and meet each individual student’s academic, social and emotional needs.

The academic curricula and character education are of equal importance in the Lower School, resulting in a well-balanced educational experience that focuses on the whole child.  Strong programs in language arts, math, science and social studies with a global bent are offered alongside a formal character education program that focuses on both values and behaviors, teaching students how to act and react in social situations.  Students must reach their full learning potential and also understand the importance of how their words and actions affect others.  It is vital that they be prepared and understand how to function in today’s global society.

I believe that creating a close community with parents as partners, fostering strong connections between students and their teachers, and offering an outstanding academic program that includes a formal character education component is a winning combination for laying the best educational foundation for young children. All children should derive joy from learning both now and throughout their lives.

Sincerely,

Marna Weiss
Director, Lower School
La Jolla Country Day