A note from our Executive Director
Dear Beloved Community,
Each week, I watch Abbott Elementary, a sitcom that has the amazing ability to capture both the heart-warming moments and the natural comedy that exists while working in a school. A recent episode featured first-year teacher Gregory, played by Tyler James Williams, being honored as Teacher of the Year. He feels uncomfortable with the attention and undeserving of the honor. So in his acceptance speech, he says, “This profession isn’t about being the best, it’s about doing your best. Being a constant for your students on the good days, the bad, the terrible. It’s the showing up that counts.”
2022-23 School Year In Review
The staff, parents, and supporters of International Community School have shown up this year each and every day to uplift our incredible students. And our students have shown up, too! It’s not always easy to give your best at school, especially if school is in a second language or culture from your own. But our community has been Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges all year long, and we are celebrating their successes!
The 2022-23 school year has flown by, but I cherish every moment a student understood a new concept, a parent got involved, and a teacher-led with enthusiasm. We’re showing up every day, and the work we’re doing counts so much. As I look ahead to next year, I am delighted to accept the Executive Director position which I head this year as interim. I know ICS has a bright future, and I am eager to continue investing in every child’s growth and success.
Thank you for being a part of our 2022-23 impact!
A note from our Board Chair
Here’s the truth: our students are more than test scores and points on a graph. Every child, teacher, parent, or staff who walks the halls of International Community School has a story, a family, and a history they bring to our collective. It is my honor to serve as Board Chair of an organization made up of these amazing individuals.
This Impact Report highlights some of the incredible accomplishments of our students and staff. It is a community effort, and we have so much to celebrate! Some highlights I’m particularly proud to honor:
- ICS’s relentless focus on student achievement and well-being. They have leveraged quantitative and qualitative measurements to make sure our students are gaining knowledge and growth!
- The ways this Leadership Team has set a clear vision. The IB PYP has been the academic north star, and the vision has stayed the course.
- The high-quality staff who choose to work at ICS. These amazing individuals are committed to the school’s mission, vision, and values. They’re not about lip service! Each and every day, they ensure that the ideals of the school are alive and well.
- Our Executive Director Fran Caroll. She has worked tirelessly to secure the stability of the ICS community with the direct support of a spectacular principal, Dr. Alastair Pullen, and a powerhouse Director of Community & Culture, Ms. Charlotte Flores.
From its beginnings until now, ICS demonstrates what’s possible for multicultural students, families, and community members when they come together to build bridges and break barriers.
The renowned poet, writer, and activist Maya Angelou once said, “It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength.” The young people at ICS are learning about this beauty and strength each and every day. What a joy to celebrate the impact of this community in the 2022-23 school year.
-Dr. Chanika Perry, ICS Board Chair
A Message from our Founders
This impact report is particularly poignant for us because it marks the 20 year milestone for our school. We could not be where we are today without the foundation set by ICS founders back in 2002.
We were honored to sit down with Bill Moon, Barbara Thompson, and hear from Sister Patty about the journey to start International Community School, as well as their dreams for the next 20 years!
“If there ever was a time in human history to claim and proclaim authentically the Beloved Community, it is now.
It is time to cry out hope and meaning even if it flies in the face of our dominant culture, a culture which often snares us into a net of individualism. As I look to the future of ICS, I still see the Beloved Community.”
