Lisa Zelinger Cohen: It is important to have representation from all parts of the community on the SAC. I feel that my strong background knowledge of Stargate and my daily workings with our kids would be a beneficial addition to the committee. I would like to expand my involvement in Stargate beyond the classroom and serving on this committee would allow me this opportunity.

Lisa Zelinger Cohen: Elementary GATE teacher. I have been a teacher at Stargate since 2007.

Lisa Zelinger Cohen: I have a knowledge of the community and the history of Stargate. I can reflect on information, data, discussions from both a teacher and a student perspective.

Lisa Zelinger Cohen: The first pressing issue is how to maintain the gifted education we provide for our students as our population continues to change. Having an entire school community that knows, understands and supports gifted best practices will provide our students with the best experience. Giving the teachers the autonomy to use their expertise in these areas will benefit our students greatly. Maintaining that gifted education is not only an academic endeavor, but also a mental one. It is increasingly more important that the school can provide students the ability to learn about themselves and their mental health. It needs to be a combined effort supported from the Board down to the community at large. I hope to be a liaison for both the academic and the social/emotional side since I now have experience in teaching both and I know what teachers are facing in their classrooms on a daily basis.

I think another issue for the Board will be the facilitation of another transition with the recruitment and hiring of a new executive director. I would like to help with that transition by being a liaison and helping to ensure the needs to of the elementary building are being heard.

Lisa Zelinger Cohen: Stargate's Mission and Vision is what should drive it's every move. We are here to provide a differentiated program designed for the intellectually gifted students. We are here to meet their unique academic as well as social and emotional needs. The education they receive at Stargate from kindergarten to 12th grade should be different than what they could receive at their neighborhood school. I believe that the board and it's committees play an integral role in supporting that mission and vision and making sure that the school is run in accordance with it. I think the Board and it's committees should have an in-depth understanding of what it means to educate a gifted child and that decisions regarding the school should be made using that background knowledge. I believe the board and it's committees should listen to their teachers and other experts when reviewing school policies and curriculum adoptions because they are the ones practicing the mission and vision on a daily basis.