School News

What Does Peace Mean to You?

The United Nations declared the International Day of Peace each September as a day devoted to “commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples.”  As the upper elementary students gear up for the International Day of Peace and the IMS Peace Run later this month on September 21 and 22, they set out to learn more about PEACE by interviewing a few special staff members.

Rebecca and Keara Interview Adam Marske

Today we interviewed Adam Marske. He teaches the Spanish Elementary class with Alexandra Zapata.

Keara: This is our first interview and we’re a little nervous. Please let us know if you aren’t comfortable with a question.
Rebecca: What’s your favorite animal? (This is a warm-up question) Adam: My favorite animal is the golden retriever.

Rebecca: What does peace mean to you?
Adam: To me it means to forgive others easily, to find calmness in the midst of difficulty, when there is equality and no war.

Keara: Do you have any ideas of how we can celebrate the International Day of Peace?
Adam: I like how we have done it in the past – the whole school gets together outside. It would be neat to celebrate how other people are helping to bring big changes and peace.

Rebecca: You ran in the IMS Peace Run last year. Are you planning a rematch?
Adam: Yes, I am!


Luke and Zach Interview Sophie Acquart

Today we interviewed Sophie. She teaches in the French primary class, La Maison [des Enfants].

Zach: What’s your favorite animal?
Sophie: My favorite animal is the black panther

Luke: What does peace mean to you?
Sophie: It means a quiet, safe, friendly environment.

Zach: Do you have any ideas of how we can celebrate the International Day of Peace?
Sophie: By being together and singing a song and talking to each other about what peace means to us.

Luke: Do you know about the IMS Peace Run? Are you coming?
Sophie: I did not know about it!


Raphi and Eva Interview Cathy Constantine

Today we interviewed Cathy. She is the Lower Elementary English teacher.

Raphi: What is your favorite color?
Cathy: My favorite color is purple.

Eva: What do you do at IMS?
Cathy: I have fun teaching!

Raphi: What does peace mean to you?
Cathy: Peace is a feeling within yourself.

Eva: Do you have any ideas of how we can celebrate the International Day of Peace?
Cathy: Every day should be an International Day of Peace. I like to celebrate with poetry and songs.

Raphi: Do you know about the IMS Peace Day Run? Are you going?
Cathy: Yes, maybe I’ll come.


Blake and Gabriel Interview Charmie Subasinghe

Today we interviewed Charmie. She is the daily toddler teacher.

Blake: We’re a little nervous because this is our first interview. Please tell us if you aren’t comfortable with a question.
Gabriel: What languages do you speak? What is your husband’s name?
Blake: That’s too personal!
Charmie: It’s OK, Blake. My husband’s name is Ushan. I speak English and Sinhala (a language of Sri Lanka).

Gabriel: What does peace mean to you?
Charmie: Peace is inside yourself.

Blake: Do you have any ideas of how we can celebrate the International Day of Peace?
Charmie: Since at IMS we do a lot of work on making peace, students could help spread peace by exchanging letters, cards, or poems with other students around the world.

Blake: Are you going to our Peace Day Run at the new school?
Charmie: Yes, I’m planning to!