Teaching and Learning

Dear GWA Families,

I am very excited to join GWA as the new primary principal. I have nearly 30 years of experience as an educator, and have served as a primary principal at schools in Colorado and in Istanbul for the past 21 years. Prior to becoming an administrator, I worked as a School Psychologist. I have a master’s degree in Educational Psychology and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership.

My educational philosophy is grounded in the belief that we are most successful when we work together as a school community to do what is best for the students at our school. I believe in shared leadership and working in partnership with parents to help ensure student success.

This year I am looking forward to furthering the mission and vision of GWA and also embracing the goal of building BRIDGES as outlined by Dr. Wendy Rubin - our Head of School. I am also very excited to welcome new staff members and to get to know the large number of returning staff here at GWA.

Personally, I am fortunate to be working alongside my wife Christa Keppler who will be the director of teaching and learning at GWA. She has an extensive background in education as a teacher, instructional coach, and primary principal.

There are a number of initiatives that we are embarking on this year at the primary level including:

The implementation of a new literacy curriculum
The implementation of a new literacy assessment
A focus on standards based instruction and planning
An enhanced Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) system focused on a restorative justice approach and acknowledging students for positive behavior
The implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support which focuses on differentiating instruction for our students and also meeting their social and emotional needs

We look forward to having you and your child join the GWA community - a community where we focus on equipping minds and building character in every student at our school.

Sincerely,

Dr. Mike Keppler

Learning at GWA begins at the primary school level. We are a diverse and inclusive community of learners who are developing into positive, contributing citizens who will serve Morocco and the world. The Primary School aims to foster positive, multilingual, and contributing citizens. We believe that children thrive in a learning community that is diverse, rich, and inclusive where every child feels they can contribute, belong and add value. GWA students engage in experiences that develop a strong foundation in academics, the arts, languages, and physical education. GWA Primary School students are encouraged to research their own curiosity, seek information and answers, and discover new questions to facilitate their learning.

UNDERSTANDING THE WHOLE CHILD

Cultivating students with strong social and emotional skills is an important focus of our work in the Primary School. We encourage a socially collaborative environment where students are viewed as creative problem solvers while reflecting on their mistakes and challenges as learning and growth opportunities.

Our approach to student behavior helps students to understand how they can find solutions that meet their needs as they use a variety of strategies to make appropriate choices. We value a school community where all students feel they can contribute, belong and add value.

CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

At GWA, our Primary education model revolves around student-centered learning within an American standards-based framework. We integrate workshop and inquiry-based methodologies to foster effective teaching and learning. Our curriculum offers comprehensive instruction in English language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and social-emotional learning, ensuring each child’s growth through purposeful planning, implementation, and assessment of standards.

Emphasizing a holistic approach, GWA prioritizes the arts and physical activity as integral components of education. Specialist educators guide students in music, art, and physical education, enriching their skills and experiences. While English serves as the primary language of instruction, students actively engage in French and Arabic classes weekly, complemented by Moroccan studies to deepen cultural understanding.

The elementary community is dedicated to nurturing essential skills such as self-regulation, collaboration, organization, and reflection, supporting every child’s development comprehensively.

Discovery

Pre-K

Kinder

Grade 1

Grade 2

Grade 3

Grade 4

Grade 5

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