As part of our ongoing series Meet Our GDS Faculty and Staff, we are excited to present: Meet Jenna Clifton!
Read the Q&A below to learn more about Jenna.
Primary Role: Lower School Learning Specialist working with grades 3 and 4
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Years at GDS: This is my 6th year!
What do you love about GDS?
I love the community, the kids, and my colleagues. It’s pretty amazing to love coming to work each day!
Why do you do your job?
I love working with students and their families to help them figure out how they best learn. I want every student to find a joy of learning, and to know that sometimes, we all need a little support to do just that.
A favorite part of your job?
Watching those joys of learning: seeing a student experience a moment of understanding or growth is the most special and magical moment. We are so fortunate to be able to see kid’s eyes light up when they are truly excited to be learning about something every single day.
Your work style in a few words?
Organized, kind, open, collaborative, and always fun!
A top hope/wish for your students and/or colleagues?
That students know they are loved even on the hard days. You are seen, supported and loved.
Personal passions/hobbies/pastimes?
I don’t get [the opportunity much] without interruptions anymore, with an almost two-year-old running around, but I love a good 1,000-piece puzzle, building a new Lego set, or just a day to curl up and read. I also LOVE the beach, hiking in the mountains and trips to the park with the little one.
A few favorites…?
Favorite recipes: So many, but my family often requests my Balsamic Chicken Asparagus pasta every year on vacation. It’s a crowd pleaser!
Favorite movies: Too many, but going old school: Hocus Pocus, Home Alone 1 and 2 (the ONLY real ones), and The Breakfast Club
Favorite band: Oh that is a tough one, I can’t choose just one! I am known for my VERY eclectic musical taste.
With kiddos who named baby when pregnant
Tell us about your family and/or pet(s).
My partner Max and I have a beautiful daughter, Ellorie, who is almost two years old, and OBSESSED with sea turtles! She sleeps with six stuffed turtles and has to tell them each goodbye in the morning. It adds some time to our morning routine, but it’s the cutest thing! Ellorie is sort of GDS-famous, as the current 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students were involved in the choosing of her name and some friendly bets on what her first word was going to be (it was “Mama,” of course).
One thing about yourself your students/colleagues/others probably don't know?
Most do by now, but I am a lifelong, diehard Washington Capitals fan. My uncle, brother and cousin all said about 17 years ago that if the Capitals ever won the Stanley Cup, we would all get tattoos of the cup and the year… Guess who was the ONLY person to actually follow through with it when it FINALLY happened in 2018. Yep, me :) Go CAPS!
If you happen to have a bucket list, one thing on your life bucket list you've already accomplished?
To be super cliche: becoming a Mom. What an absolute gift.
Something on your life bucket list you have yet to accomplish?
Travel to South Africa to swim with the sharks! Travel to Australia and see a wombat! SOO cute.