The Value of TIS (Part 3)

There is something special about being a part of a community. When I went to school and reflecting on Sebastian's early years in daycare,  we never felt like we were a part of a community. I never realized how impactful being a part of a community would be until we joined The Innovation school. TIS provides a true sense of community that is reminiscent of a second family.

One of the benefits of being a part of a close-knit school community is that bullying is not a part of TIS, and when there is a conflict, it is handled by the students through their student-led "Judiciary Committee.". It is harder to be mean to someone that you know really well. When you know someone well, you look out for and take care of that person. When they need help you help them. It is not a chore and it isn’t difficult. You do it because you care. Being a part of a community,  you care about one another. And that is what The Innovation School creates. 

I enjoy being able to go to the school and have lunch with my kids and watch them help each other. They help each other get settled for lunch, including helping the youngest students with the microwave and they help with cleaning up and taking care of the lunch space. That's the power of community.
 
I love to watch the students all play together during recess and be kind to one another throughout the day. I love to watch the older students reading to the younger ones and the younger ones showing off their art projects to the older students. 

Last year, the school went skiing at Huff Hills and the parents were welcome to come. I was thrilled to join, since it would be my first time skiing. After learning the process to ski with the help from other students and parents from the school, I attempted the larger hill. I remember falling and being so scared to finish the hill. Other people that were there and not affiliated with the school just skied on by. When all of a sudden another student  from the school approached me and asked if I needed help. With them just asking if I needed help, I worked up the courage to finish the hill. That is the amazing part of being a part of this community.

This year for the school's Holiday program they held a Holiday Party. All the families gathered and participated in a potluck and watched our children perform holiday songs. It was nice to gather as a community and get to know one another during this special time of year. 

I love our school community and I hope to be a part of it for many years to come!

Angie Gross

Life Coach, military servant, and mother of two TIS students (Sebastian & Paige).