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2023 – 2024 Subject Advisor of the Year

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We extend heartfelt congratulations to our 2023 – 2024 Subject Advisor (SAD) of the Year, Mr. Grant Norcross, from BASIS Independent Bellevue!

Congratulations, too, to our runners-up, Ms. Laura Butchy (Performing Arts SAD) and Ms. Sarah Morehouse (Kindergarten Civics, History & Science and Mathematics SAD)!

The SAD of the Year is a celebration and greater recognition of all the work our Subject Advisors (SADs) do, including providing template syllabi for teachers, creating assessments, collaborating with SETs across the BASIS Independent School network, and working incredibly hard to build subject mastery for each of our students.

“Subject Advisors are wonderful at what they do,” expressed Ms. Linda Louis, Senior Director of the BASIS Curriculum. “It is important to acknowledge the myriad ways they impact our network and to give teachers the opportunity to reflect on how much their work has been positively shaped by their SADs.”

The role of a Subject Advisor (SAD): curriculum and community
BASIS Curriculum Schools have a Subject Advisor for each required course and some electives, all the way from STEM Discovery in PreK to Capstone courses for seniors. A SAD is first and foremost a classroom teacher; experienced BASIS Curriculum Schools teachers apply to take on the SAD role and become extensions of the BASIS Curriculum Team. SADs are responsible for updating the curriculum and refining vertical alignment annually, this task involves looking beyond their classroom experiences, seeking input from teachers across the network of BASIS Independent and International Schools, incorporating insights from assessment data, and considering ongoing conversations in their fields.

The power of a network, leveraged by Subject Advisors
Throughout the year, SADs prompt discussion among teachers of their course(s) and provide valuable guidance to teachers in monthly forums. Teachers can share advice on pedagogy, assessments, and classroom activities, and request resources or assistance. SADs also host network-wide meetings over Zoom throughout the year to cultivate a community of colleagues. Their role in shaping learning outcomes and facilitating opportunities for professional growth and development ensures continuous improvement in the educational experience provided to students.

How SADs are nominated
Teachers across our network were asked to nominate their SAD in an anonymous, voluntary survey. The BASIS Curriculum Team reviewed all entries, carefully considering responses on several critical topics from academic support to community-building and more. Testimonials from advisees about how enthusiastic, helpful, and knowledgeable their SADs are made the decision to choose the winners extremely difficult!

Writes one of Mr. Norcross’s advisees: “I am nominating Grant Norcross because I believe that his approach to teaching math is exceptional, and he has done an amazing job working with us to help us understand our goals while still recognizing the rigor associated with the curriculum.”

Says another advisee: “As a new teacher at BASIS Curriculum Schools, Grant’s resources were very helpful to get started, to have an in-depth idea of the curriculum and possible approaches. He communicated with us often and was very quick to respond after any questions or issues. I felt I had someone who I could reach out to at any point, and I found his comments on my syllabus and other resources useful.”

We are incredibly grateful to our exceptional Subject Advisors for their hard work and dedication. Congratulations on the completion of another school year!

SAD Celebration
To celebrate Mr. Norcross and his achievements the BASIS Curriculum Team supplied a staff breakfast for his campus. BASIS Independent Bellevue Head of School, Dr. Elizabeth Thies, commented, “He is not only an exceptional teacher to the students at our campus, but a stand-out teacher mentor across our network!”

2023 – 2024 Subject Advisor of the Year

by Leave a Comment

We extend heartfelt congratulations to our 2023 – 2024 Subject Advisor (SAD) of the Year, Mr. Grant Norcross, from BASIS Independent Bellevue!

Congratulations, too, to our runners-up, Ms. Laura Butchy (Performing Arts SAD) and Ms. Sarah Morehouse (Kindergarten Civics, History & Science and Mathematics SAD)!

The SAD of the Year is a celebration and greater recognition of all the work our Subject Advisors (SADs) do, including providing template syllabi for teachers, creating assessments, collaborating with SETs across the BASIS Independent School network, and working incredibly hard to build subject mastery for each of our students.

“Subject Advisors are wonderful at what they do,” expressed Ms. Linda Louis, Senior Director of the BASIS Curriculum. “It is important to acknowledge the myriad ways they impact our network and to give teachers the opportunity to reflect on how much their work has been positively shaped by their SADs.”

The role of a Subject Advisor (SAD): curriculum and community
BASIS Curriculum Schools have a Subject Advisor for each required course and some electives, all the way from STEM Discovery in PreK to Capstone courses for seniors. A SAD is first and foremost a classroom teacher; experienced BASIS Curriculum Schools teachers apply to take on the SAD role and become extensions of the BASIS Curriculum Team. SADs are responsible for updating the curriculum and refining vertical alignment annually, this task involves looking beyond their classroom experiences, seeking input from teachers across the network of BASIS Independent and International Schools, incorporating insights from assessment data, and considering ongoing conversations in their fields.

The power of a network, leveraged by Subject Advisors
Throughout the year, SADs prompt discussion among teachers of their course(s) and provide valuable guidance to teachers in monthly forums. Teachers can share advice on pedagogy, assessments, and classroom activities, and request resources or assistance. SADs also host network-wide meetings over Zoom throughout the year to cultivate a community of colleagues. Their role in shaping learning outcomes and facilitating opportunities for professional growth and development ensures continuous improvement in the educational experience provided to students.

How SADs are nominated
Teachers across our network were asked to nominate their SAD in an anonymous, voluntary survey. The BASIS Curriculum Team reviewed all entries, carefully considering responses on several critical topics from academic support to community-building and more. Testimonials from advisees about how enthusiastic, helpful, and knowledgeable their SADs are made the decision to choose the winners extremely difficult!

Writes one of Mr. Norcross’s advisees: “I am nominating Grant Norcross because I believe that his approach to teaching math is exceptional, and he has done an amazing job working with us to help us understand our goals while still recognizing the rigor associated with the curriculum.”

Says another advisee: “As a new teacher at BASIS Curriculum Schools, Grant’s resources were very helpful to get started, to have an in-depth idea of the curriculum and possible approaches. He communicated with us often and was very quick to respond after any questions or issues. I felt I had someone who I could reach out to at any point, and I found his comments on my syllabus and other resources useful.”

We are incredibly grateful to our exceptional Subject Advisors for their hard work and dedication. Congratulations on the completion of another school year!

SAD Celebration
To celebrate Mr. Norcross and his achievements the BASIS Curriculum Team supplied a staff breakfast for his campus. BASIS Independent Bellevue Head of School, Dr. Elizabeth Thies, commented, “He is not only an exceptional teacher to the students at our campus, but a stand-out teacher mentor across our network!”

2023 – 2024 Subject Advisor of the Year

by Leave a Comment

We extend heartfelt congratulations to our 2023 – 2024 Subject Advisor (SAD) of the Year, Mr. Grant Norcross, from BASIS Independent Bellevue!

Congratulations, too, to our runners-up, Ms. Laura Butchy (Performing Arts SAD) and Ms. Sarah Morehouse (Kindergarten Civics, History & Science and Mathematics SAD)!

The SAD of the Year is a celebration and greater recognition of all the work our Subject Advisors (SADs) do, including providing template syllabi for teachers, creating assessments, collaborating with SETs across the BASIS Independent School network, and working incredibly hard to build subject mastery for each of our students.

“Subject Advisors are wonderful at what they do,” expressed Ms. Linda Louis, Senior Director of the BASIS Curriculum. “It is important to acknowledge the myriad ways they impact our network and to give teachers the opportunity to reflect on how much their work has been positively shaped by their SADs.”

The role of a Subject Advisor (SAD): curriculum and community
BASIS Curriculum Schools have a Subject Advisor for each required course and some electives, all the way from STEM Discovery in PreK to Capstone courses for seniors. A SAD is first and foremost a classroom teacher; experienced BASIS Curriculum Schools teachers apply to take on the SAD role and become extensions of the BASIS Curriculum Team. SADs are responsible for updating the curriculum and refining vertical alignment annually, this task involves looking beyond their classroom experiences, seeking input from teachers across the network of BASIS Independent and International Schools, incorporating insights from assessment data, and considering ongoing conversations in their fields.

The power of a network, leveraged by Subject Advisors
Throughout the year, SADs prompt discussion among teachers of their course(s) and provide valuable guidance to teachers in monthly forums. Teachers can share advice on pedagogy, assessments, and classroom activities, and request resources or assistance. SADs also host network-wide meetings over Zoom throughout the year to cultivate a community of colleagues. Their role in shaping learning outcomes and facilitating opportunities for professional growth and development ensures continuous improvement in the educational experience provided to students.

How SADs are nominated
Teachers across our network were asked to nominate their SAD in an anonymous, voluntary survey. The BASIS Curriculum Team reviewed all entries, carefully considering responses on several critical topics from academic support to community-building and more. Testimonials from advisees about how enthusiastic, helpful, and knowledgeable their SADs are made the decision to choose the winners extremely difficult!

Writes one of Mr. Norcross’s advisees: “I am nominating Grant Norcross because I believe that his approach to teaching math is exceptional, and he has done an amazing job working with us to help us understand our goals while still recognizing the rigor associated with the curriculum.”

Says another advisee: “As a new teacher at BASIS Curriculum Schools, Grant’s resources were very helpful to get started, to have an in-depth idea of the curriculum and possible approaches. He communicated with us often and was very quick to respond after any questions or issues. I felt I had someone who I could reach out to at any point, and I found his comments on my syllabus and other resources useful.”

We are incredibly grateful to our exceptional Subject Advisors for their hard work and dedication. Congratulations on the completion of another school year!

SAD Celebration
To celebrate Mr. Norcross and his achievements the BASIS Curriculum Team supplied a staff breakfast for his campus. BASIS Independent Bellevue Head of School, Dr. Elizabeth Thies, commented, “He is not only an exceptional teacher to the students at our campus, but a stand-out teacher mentor across our network!”

2023 – 2024 Subject Advisor of the Year

by Leave a Comment

We extend heartfelt congratulations to our 2023 – 2024 Subject Advisor (SAD) of the Year, Mr. Grant Norcross, from BASIS Independent Bellevue!

Congratulations, too, to our runners-up, Ms. Laura Butchy (Performing Arts SAD) and Ms. Sarah Morehouse (Kindergarten Civics, History & Science and Mathematics SAD)!

The SAD of the Year is a celebration and greater recognition of all the work our Subject Advisors (SADs) do, including providing template syllabi for teachers, creating assessments, collaborating with SETs across the BASIS Independent School network, and working incredibly hard to build subject mastery for each of our students.

“Subject Advisors are wonderful at what they do,” expressed Ms. Linda Louis, Senior Director of the BASIS Curriculum. “It is important to acknowledge the myriad ways they impact our network and to give teachers the opportunity to reflect on how much their work has been positively shaped by their SADs.”

The role of a Subject Advisor (SAD): curriculum and community
BASIS Curriculum Schools have a Subject Advisor for each required course and some electives, all the way from STEM Discovery in PreK to Capstone courses for seniors. A SAD is first and foremost a classroom teacher; experienced BASIS Curriculum Schools teachers apply to take on the SAD role and become extensions of the BASIS Curriculum Team. SADs are responsible for updating the curriculum and refining vertical alignment annually, this task involves looking beyond their classroom experiences, seeking input from teachers across the network of BASIS Independent and International Schools, incorporating insights from assessment data, and considering ongoing conversations in their fields.

The power of a network, leveraged by Subject Advisors
Throughout the year, SADs prompt discussion among teachers of their course(s) and provide valuable guidance to teachers in monthly forums. Teachers can share advice on pedagogy, assessments, and classroom activities, and request resources or assistance. SADs also host network-wide meetings over Zoom throughout the year to cultivate a community of colleagues. Their role in shaping learning outcomes and facilitating opportunities for professional growth and development ensures continuous improvement in the educational experience provided to students.

How SADs are nominated
Teachers across our network were asked to nominate their SAD in an anonymous, voluntary survey. The BASIS Curriculum Team reviewed all entries, carefully considering responses on several critical topics from academic support to community-building and more. Testimonials from advisees about how enthusiastic, helpful, and knowledgeable their SADs are made the decision to choose the winners extremely difficult!

Writes one of Mr. Norcross’s advisees: “I am nominating Grant Norcross because I believe that his approach to teaching math is exceptional, and he has done an amazing job working with us to help us understand our goals while still recognizing the rigor associated with the curriculum.”

Says another advisee: “As a new teacher at BASIS Curriculum Schools, Grant’s resources were very helpful to get started, to have an in-depth idea of the curriculum and possible approaches. He communicated with us often and was very quick to respond after any questions or issues. I felt I had someone who I could reach out to at any point, and I found his comments on my syllabus and other resources useful.”

We are incredibly grateful to our exceptional Subject Advisors for their hard work and dedication. Congratulations on the completion of another school year!

SAD Celebration
To celebrate Mr. Norcross and his achievements the BASIS Curriculum Team supplied a staff breakfast for his campus. BASIS Independent Bellevue Head of School, Dr. Elizabeth Thies, commented, “He is not only an exceptional teacher to the students at our campus, but a stand-out teacher mentor across our network!”

A Total Eclipse Adventure: Mr. Chris’s Journey to Totality

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Mr. ChrisOur very own 4th Grade Learning Expert Teacher (LET), Mr. Chris, recently embarked on an astronomical adventure! Traveling with his family to Gatesville, Texas, he experienced the awe-inspiring phenomenon of a total solar eclipse and shares it with us here. Mr. Chris’s dedication to this experience reflects his passion for learning and exploration. He brings this same energy to the classroom every day, inspiring his students and colleagues.

A Glimpse Through Mr. Chris’s Lens

A passionate amateur astronomer, Mr. Chris meticulously planned this trip for a year. Witnessing totality for a breathtaking 4 minutes and 15 seconds was an experience he won’t soon forget. While we can’t fully replicate the magic of the moment, Mr. Chris brings his infectious enthusiasm to life through incredible photos and an engaging video. Read on to hear his first-hand account.

This week, a rare celestial event cast a shadow over our part of the world – the awe-inspiring total solar eclipse of 2024! I hope everyone had a chance to safely observe this remarkable phenomenon.

For me, the experience transcended mere observation. I had the incredible fortune of traveling with my family to Gatesville, Texas, where we witnessed totality unfold on a quiet country road, nestled between a cow farm and an army base. Being just outside the direct path, we were still treated to an unforgettable 4 minutes and 15 seconds of complete darkness.

I’m excited to share some photos and a video with you, including some stunning close-ups captured by my dad’s telescope. You’ll see details like Baily’s Beads and the sun’s corona, which the telescope rendered in an almost mythical green hue, although that is not the actual color.

In the video, you might hear us mention seeing solar flares. While scientists haven’t recorded any flares during this eclipse, what we witnessed were actually solar prominences – massive, long-lasting structures on the sun’s surface. The largest one in our photos is a staggering 3.5-4 times the diameter of Earth!

The sudden drop in temperature and the eerie darkness during totality were truly striking. We had planned to observe the cows’ reactions, but once it hit, we were too busy being awestruck! It was an experience filled with pure wonder and excitement.

Sharing this experience isn’t just about how amazing it was, but also about encouraging you to chase your own astronomical adventure. While total eclipses are rare in North America, they occur more frequently elsewhere. Check out this website to explore the next 15 total solar eclipses. If you ever get the chance to witness totality, don’t hesitate! It’s an experience you won’t forget.

Happy stargazing!

You can meet passionate teachers like Mr. Chris at our upcoming Open Houses and admissions events – learn more. He is also hosting a Nature & the City summer program at BASIS Independent Manhattan Lower School – view details and register here.

Our Two-Teacher Model Explained

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The Symbiotic Classroom is a hallmark element of our Primary Program, but what does that mean to a parent? How do our students benefit? We take this biology term and translate it into a successful teaching model that pairs a Subject Expert Teacher (SET) and a Learning Expert Teacher (LET). Read on to have this SET/LET relationship explained.   

Imagine being back at school, sitting in a class where you already know the material, feeling like you’re “ahead” of everyone else. This is boring! Then you head to a class you don’t like, but it is only because you are struggling to understand the lesson. The teacher is going too fast! Now imagine there was a second teacher in those classes who really knows you. They recognize your strengths and provide enrichment when needed. They identify your areas of growth and provide support to help you achieve your highest potential. This approach best describes the SET/LET model at BASIS Independent Manhattan.

Meet the SET 

Subject Expert Teachers (SETs) are just that—experts in their field of study—teaching classes in the subjects for which they received their degrees and are, therefore, most passionate about them. Their area of expertise is their sole focus, allowing them to concentrate on creating captivating, in-depth lessons for all grade levels they teach. Students in grades 1 and above have one SET for each discipline rather than one teacher who teaches multiple subjects. 

Meet the LET

Learning Expert Teachers (LETs) span across grades 1—4 and are responsible for one class of students whom they stay with for the entire academic day. In addition to co-teaching with the SETs, LETs provide customized support in those classes, as needed. Because LETs are with just one class all day, they build trust and understanding with their students to better guide them throughout their academics.

SET LET Model

The Benefits

Together, these expert teachers focus on building a classroom culture of social-emotional support and academic excellence. The SETs and LETs collaborate to create lesson plans that are both advanced and accessible to all students. The symbiotic relationship between these two teachers in the classroom helps provide:

  • Minimal distractions and maximum learning,
  • Flexibility for one-on-one and small group work,
  • An infectious passion for subjects passed on from teacher to student, and
  • Individualized attention on student progress and overall happiness.
  • At BASIS Independent Manhattan, the SET/LET relationship is at the heart of our goal to instill a lifelong passion for learning in our students.
Kindergarten Teacher Appreciation

Finding a Connection

In addition to co-teaching with SETs, LETs lead a weekly class called Connections. This course encourages students to utilize their knowledge in a creative way. Students are presented with project-based scenarios that require the use of problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration as they establish links across subjects. Connections shows our students how each subject is related to the other while gaining a deeper understanding of the material.

One of our most exciting Connections projects happens in grade 1 when students combine everything they learn about Ancient Egypt in Humanities, art, science, and engineering. The real-world connections across disciplines occur when they:

  • Write their name and phrases in hieroglyphs,
  • Construct pyramids using marshmallows and toothpicks,
  • Learn about mummies and recreate the mummification process with a stuffed animal and shoebox, and
  • Explore Ancient Egyptian culture and clothing. 

Contact the Admissions Team
Should you have any questions, we invite you to explore our website, visit our school, or contact our Admissions team to learn more.

BASIS Independent Manhattan, a private school offering PreK through Grade 12, is based in Manhattan, New York. Students thrive alongside Subject Expert Teachers as they engage in a liberal arts program with STEM offerings. 

Collaborative Learning, Personalized Support: Inside the Classroom with Ms. Park at BASIS Independent Manhattan

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For Ms. Park, teaching Grade 4 at BASIS Independent Manhattan is more than a profession; it’s a calling fueled by a passion to shape lives. In this Teacher Feature, Ms. Park shares insights into how BASIS Independent Manhattan goes beyond academics to foster collaboration, address parental concerns, personalize learning, and celebrate the unexpected in the journey of education.

How does BASIS Independent Manhattan help students develop essential life skills like collaboration, communication, and resilience?

That is what I love about this school. We prioritize holistic development, recognizing that success extends beyond academic achievements. Each day, my goal is to create a collaborative learning environment where my students engage in group projects, discussions, and activities that help develop essential life skills.
4th art stopmotion animation (1)
For example, we have recently been working on a unique interdisciplinary project in art and Mandarin, recreating traditional Chinese tales in stop-motion animation. The students designed and built the puppets and sets, brainstormed story sequences, and took turns at the animation station. Although the art-making process was slow, methodical, and frustrating at times, I saw the students display patience and teamwork, resulting in an impressive final project that was presented to the school.

What are some common concerns parents have about their 4th grader’s education?

I commonly hear worries about middle school readiness, including handling academic challenges and managing schedules with extracurricular activities. I am able to address these with families by providing a nurturing environment focused on individualized learning. 

Having a close and collaborative relationship with parents/guardians and my co-teachers, we maintain consistent and transparent communication about student progress using the Communication Journal (known as the CJ). I also hold twice-a-week student and parent hours that provide personalized attention.

4th music ukelele song composing (6)

As a Learning Expert Teacher, how do you personalize learning for each student?

Differentiation is at the core of our educational philosophy at BASIS Independent Manhattan. As a LET, I’m committed to understanding each student’s unique needs and talents. I always look for opportunities to get to know my students such as engaging in morning meeting check-ins and conducting personal academic and individual check-ins during study hall. This allows me to tailor my support precisely to each student. 
IMG_4999
Additionally, collaboration with SETs is crucial, as it helps identify students who may benefit from pull-out groups for additional support. This individualized approach ensures that each student achieves their full potential.

What’s the most unexpected thing you’ve learned from your students at BASIS Independent Manhattan?

One of the most remarkable aspects of teaching at BASIS Independent Manhattan is the constant curiosity and unexpected insights from our students. I am astounded at the unique perspectives my students bring to constructing skyscrapers in engineering and the innovative problem-solving they use in math. 
4th_engineering_paperskyscrapers (1)
As their teacher, I love to couple that curiosity with a growth mindset and see how these students positively approach challenges. I see them use the “power of yet” to confidently navigate their educational journey, and I am thrilled to be along for the ride. 

We are grateful to Ms. Park for sharing her insights that provide a glimpse into the vibrant educational ecosystem at BASIS Independent Manhattan where collaboration, personalized learning, and a celebration of curiosity combine to create a unique and enriching experience for students. Having a teacher like Ms. Park who has close relationships with students and families is a treasure, resulting in a rewarding experience of witnessing daily growth and enthusiasm.

Interested in learning more about our passionate teachers and academic program, sign up for our interest list, visit our school, or attend an admissions event. 

BASIS Independent Manhattan is a PreK – Grade 12 private school, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. 

Wings of Inspiration: A Journey into Public Art with Carmen Recio and the Audubon Mural Project

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In the vibrant art scene of New York City, having a public art piece comes with prestige. We are proud to share that Ms. Carmen Recio (Visual Arts Subject Expert Teacher, PreK-5) has her first artwork on display through The Audubon Mural Project, and it is on display in Washington Heights. Through a unique blend of passion, community engagement, and avian inspiration, Ms. Recio shares her experience with us, the community, and her students.

Initiation of Inspiration
In the fall of 2021, Ms. Recio participated in the Audubon Mural Project’s 5K one-of-a-kind art run that stopped at various murals where runners were met by artists and advocates who shared facts about the murals of painted birds. The inspiration went full circle as Ms. Recio first drew on this experience to do collaborative bird drawings with her grade 4-5 students, which she shared with the organizer of the Audubon Mural Project, Avi Gitler. From there, Gitler offered Ms. Recio the opportunity to paint a mural for the project.

The Artistic Process
Ms. Recio first chose an endangered bird species – the Spruce Grouse – and made preliminary sketches before transferring the design onto Polytab, a canvas-wallpaper hybrid. Days of meticulous painting followed as she used a stepstool to reach the large artwork that had to be mounted on her bedroom wall. Ms. Recio said it was a joyful project and very fun to paint. Once completed, Gitler and his team took charge of installing the masterpiece at its location on 158th St. and Broadway.

Connecting Art to Education
As an educator, Ms. Recio seamlessly integrates her artistic endeavors with her teaching. Her unit on street art empowers students to create large gridded drawings of birds. They vote on a species, measure out a grid, and piece together their drawings as a class. This hands-on approach not only fosters creativity but also imparts valuable lessons about collaboration and environmental responsibility.

Beyond the classroom, Ms. Recio has integrated real-world experiences into her teaching. Past collaborations with the Wild Bird Fund brought rescued pigeons to the school, creating tangible connections between students and the broader efforts of organizations like Audubon.

Conveying a Message of Awareness
Ms. Recio’s mural features the Spruce Grouse, a symbol of the project’s mission to raise awareness about endangered bird species. Several students and Wildcat community members have ventured to visit her artwork which helps spread a message about the impact of climate change and habitat loss on these creatures.

Through her creation, Ms. Recio hopes to inspire change in simple ways, urging people to reconsider their interactions with wildlife, from choosing appropriate bird feed to taking steps to prevent window collisions during migration season.

Our school is fortunate to have an educator like Ms. Recio who uses her passions to creatively transform art into awareness and inspire her students and the public. Stop by the mural for a photo opp and tag her @art_with_carmen and @basisindependentmanhattan to show your support of our fabulous Wildcat faculty who continue to show their passion inside and outside of the classroom!

Cultivating Excellence: Exploring the Dedicated Leadership of BASIS Independent Bellevue’s Dean of Students

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Welcome Back, Mountaineers!

We hope this message finds you filled with excitement and anticipation as you return to school this fall throughout the PNW. As we eagerly embrace the return of the school year, BASIS Independent Bellevue is excited to introduce you to our esteemed Dean of Students, Ms. Huang. With a rich educational background and a deep commitment to nurturing students’ social and emotional growth, Ms. Huang plays a vital role in our school community.

Meet Ms. Huang:

Ms. Huang’s educational journey is a testament to her dedication to the field of education. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Shanghai International Studies University, a Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies from Washington State University, and a Master of Education from the University of Washington. Her extensive academic background equips her with the knowledge and expertise to guide our students effectively.

Ms. Huang’s Role as Dean of Students:

As the Dean of Students at BASIS Independent Bellevue, Ms. Huang has set an important goal for herself as an educator. Her mission is to form strong bonds with her students, create a secure and nurturing learning environment, guide students through their educational journey, and help them realize their fullest potential. Ms. Huang understands the BASIS model and approach and what we require that ultimately sets our students up for social, emotional, and academic well-being.

Ms. Huang works alongside Ms. Stienessen, the Director of Student Affairs. Together, their team is focused on creating a supportive community where students are willing take risks, be comfortable with failure, and develop into resilient learners.

Approach to Support:

Ms. Huang firmly believes that students thrive when they are genuinely interested in what they are learning and are motivated to explore and discover knowledge on their own.

Prior to becoming the Dean, Ms. Huang was a founding faculty member, serving as a Learning Expert Teacher (LET) for Grade 3. This experience has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of our school’s culture and the needs of our remarkable students. Ms. Huang as has three years of experience working at a BASIS Curriculum School in Arizona as a Subject Expert Teacher (SET) teaching Mandarin for grades K-4. This experience, along with her experience last year being the LET, helped her fully understand the co-teaching model. To her, it’s the best approach to help students with academic support, as well as challenging them with their potential.

“Students learn best when they are interested in the topics and wanting to learn themselves,” says Ms. Huang. “We can help make this happen by providing different types of learning, creating various activities, and providing intuitive practice opportunities.”

Outside of the Classroom:

Beyond her role as an educator, Ms. Huang enjoys spending quality time traveling with her family, indulging in mint chocolate chip ice-cream, and watching Korean dramas. These interests reflect her passion for discovering new experiences, fostering meaningful relationships, and finding joy in life’s little pleasures.

As we embark on this new school year, we are fortunate to have Ms. Huang as our Dean of Students, guiding and supporting our students on their educational journey. Her dedication to social and emotional learning, coupled with her commitment to creating a stimulating and inclusive learning environment, sets a strong foundation for a successful academic year.

Welcome back, Mountaineers! We look forward to a year filled with growth, learning, and personal development under the caring guidance of Ms. Huang and our exceptional educational team.

The Magic Behind BIF’s Operations Team

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Behind every stunning Broadway performance or Nascar photo finish, there is a team dedicated to navigating obstacles and pushing their common vision toward realization or beyond to even greater heights. At BASIS Independent Fremont, that group is our Operations Team. From tightening the literal nuts and bolts of the school to safeguarding the health of our community, the Operations department is our figurative “man behind the curtain,” creating moments of magic for students and staff every day. We sat down with the Lower School Operations team to pull the curtain back and hear, in their own words, how this magic is made.

At the helm, Associate Head of Operations, Mr. Hinkel-Lipsker, breaks down the range of this diverse and instrumental team.

“The Operations department makes up all the parts of the school that are not primarily academically focused: the Front Office, the Facilities and cleaning crew, the Health Coordinator, technology coordination, after-school care, lunch delivery, and finances. We are also the HR department for the school, tasked with identifying and retaining world-class staff members. As the head of these teams, I like to think I constantly have my finger on the pulse of the school from all angles.”

From our students’ first moments stepping onto campus to their final waves at dismissal, Operations Team members are a constant thread throughout their day. Ms. Allen and Mx. Ansel comprise our Front Office team. 

“When students and parents arrive in the morning, the Front Office is often their first stop at the school. We know waking up early and getting to school is tough sometimes, so we take pride in providing warmth and welcome to our students as they start their days,” Ms. Allen explains.

Mx. Ansel elaborates further, “Students love to stop by the Front Office for all sorts of reasons. Our team is the liaison between students and families while the kids are in school. We like to act as a home base of sorts, where students can gather dropped-off items or grab a fresh mask to wear. They’ll drop in to snag a water bottle if they’ve forgotten theirs at home. Our favorite moments are during quiet times when students drop in just to say hello or share a new joke they heard.”

At the end of the school day, students have many options depending on their academic needs, schedules, and interests.

“It is the job of the Front Office to make sure that students safely arrive at their proper location at the end of each day. This is a meticulous and ever-changing task in which we take great pride. We work hard to make sure that when a family member arrives at school, their student is exactly where they are expected to be.”

Whether our students’ attention is focused on an after-school club, upcoming STEM Festival, or drama performance, our Operations Coordinator, Ms. Michelle is there to ensure staff and students are ready for special projects and events and that their classroom supplies are well-maintained. Any time there is a class party, a new engineering project, or a classroom resource needed, she oversees the logistics to ensure the materials are ready and waiting for our students.

“When teachers request manipulatives or other classroom resources, I order and deliver the materials to the classrooms. When I see the faces of the kids light up when they catch a glimpse at their new project or activity, I get to feel a little bit like Santa Claus every week! The most exciting time is Term Project Week. The school commits a lot of resources into making this week really special and engaging for the kids, and I get to be at the center of it all.”

During the last week of the academic year, Term Projects Week, students exchange their typically structured day for a week-long interdisciplinary project developed entirely by our teaching staff based on student interests.

Just as our spiraling curriculum evolves based on advancement and student interest, so do our campus’ facility demands. Ms. Christy, our Technology Coordinator, ensures students’ and staff members’ technological needs are not just met but surpassed.

“I always look for opportunities to incorporate the newest technological advancements into our classrooms. Living in the heart of Silicon Valley, we have the best access to the newest systems. Our students are very technology-focused, and I love seeing their excitement when they see a piece of new technology. It’s a passion we share!”

“My department oversees the security of students and staff when they interact with the internet and computers, and I take pride in constantly updating and upgrading our systems to ensure the highest level of safety for our students.”

Similarly, Facilities Manager, Mr. Thorpe, tells us, “safety is always the number one priority for all departments, but especially for the Facilities team. When our community was returning to school from quarantine due to COVID-19, there was a lot of work to be done to physically prepare our students for distancing while on campus. Countless hours of planning and execution went into creating partitions, new floor plans for travel between classrooms, and of course, a rigorous daily cleaning protocol which included hydroelectric spraying.”

“All the work involved was 100% worth it because, in the end, we got to see students back in the classroom and enjoying each other’s company once again.”

As Health Coordinator, one of Mr. Nate’s roles is to communicate with the county about all COVID-19 concerns.

“Limiting the spread of COVID-19 in our school and community has been a huge task, and I am proud to get to manage the safety of our students, parents, and staff in this way.”

Mr. Nate explains, “I have a great role in our school where students see me as someone that helps them fix things and will stop to ask for help for issues beyond medical assistance. Being someone that our students can trust is very special, and I want all of our kids to know that the Health Office is a safe space.”

Mr. Hinkel-Lipsker sums it up nicely. “Our community teamed up to fight against COVID-19. We went through so many policy changes, sometimes with very little notice, but our staff, students, and families were all on the same side of “Team Safety.” Through all the hybrid schedules, distance learning, and flexibility, we were able to come back to school in the safest way possible and have grown so much more since then. I am so proud of all of us for making it to this point together as a team.”

To learn more about the Primary Program at BASIS Independent Fremont’s Lower School, click here.

BASIS Independent Fremont is a grades TK-12 private school based in Fremont, California, providing students an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum.