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New Gifft Leader Looking for a Few Good Ideas

Judith Chamberlain speaks with Rotary members.With a new head of school, Gifft Hill School on St. John is reaching out to the community for input.

“I’d like to hear good ideas from the community,” Judy Chamberlain told the approximately 20 people gathered Friday for the Rotary Club of St. John’s weekly meeting. It was held at the Westin Resort and Villas Beach Café.

She also said she welcomes volunteers who want to share their expertise.

While the school has always been academically inclined, Chamberlain said she envisioned adding a “career-ready” curriculum to the school that would prepare students for jobs after graduation. They could include management jobs at restaurants and health clubs, for example, she said. Not to mention, she said, “navigation courses and woodworking."

She also hopes to expand the school to include adult learning opportunities.

Chamberlain is continuing a partnership with Iowa State University that started last spring. The program sends a team of three students to the school to work on sustainable agriculture at the school. She said that it was another way to serve St. John.

“They’ll teach children and the children will go home and teach their parents,” she said.

She also hopes to develop a continuing education program at the school for its alumni.

Chamberlain arrived on St. John in July after a lengthy career teaching all over the country. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Latin form George Washington University and a master’s degree also in Latin from Catholic University

“Last spring I saw a poster for Gifft Hill School and I knew it was just what I wanted,” she said.

Chamberlain got a warm welcome from Julius E. Sprauve School Assistant Principal Brenda Dalmida.

“We exchange students,” she said, speaking about a ballroom dancing program that brings youths from both schools together.

Chamberlain pointed out to the Rotary members that thanks to fundraising efforts by Rotary and other island groups, the school is able to offer full and partial scholarships to 73 students. The school has a total of 160 students in grades pre-kindergarten through 12.

In discussing the Rotary’s goals, President Bruce Munro said that he’s pushing to increase membership. He urged anyone who’s interested in joining Rotary to contact any Rotary member or come to the Friday luncheon meeting. It begins at 12:30 p.m.

To learn more, visit the local Rotary Club website. Chamberlain can be reached at 776-1730.

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