I am for IB as a parent. I am excited that my children will have opportunity to study content through the six trans-disciplinary themes of global significance that IB's PYP offers, allowing them to make connections across subjects and between themselves and the rest of the world. They will also start learning Spanish, which is most beneficial at their young age. I believe that having all teachers receiving professional training in order to teach IB will help them be the best teachers they can be for my kids.

I am for IB as a teacher. I see more possibilities for more students in high school after they will have participated in IB for several years. More students will be prepared to take rigorous classes, and less will struggle with the transition between eighth and ninth grade. The English Learners will have the chance to study in both English and Spanish all along, which research shows will boost their literacy in both languages, therefore lessening the achievement gap that we now see.

I am for IB as a community member. I believe that IB could invigorate Incline Village. Being the only school around offering IB from first through 12th grade will not only enhance the schools, it will also keep families here and help attract new ones too. This will be an attractive package to many people looking for quality education for their children.

I am for IB as a person. I wholeheartedly embrace IB's mission statement and with their goal for students: “To become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.”

Laura Smith

Mother of two Incline Elementary Students

ESL Teacher, Incline High School