Dear Ashton Family,
I hope the summer weeks have allowed for joyful family bonding and at least some time of sweet peace. We are excited to soon have our students back with us, as well as to welcome new students and parents who are joining our family this year.
After two years of maneuvering through the uncharted waters of a world pandemic, and guiding our students to show resilience and find strength in Christ, we will now embrace the virtue of generosity.
If we have reflected on what we have seen and learned over the last two years, I think that in spite of the challenges, we can admit that we have been very blessed as a school family. Our students and staff did indeed demonstrate resilience and strength that allowed us to deliver instruction and spiritual and emotional support, even with varying formats. Students flourished, some needing more support than others. Yet we were there, standing firm in Christ’s strength. During those two years, our school community remained almost entirely intact, and this year we will welcome more new families than than ever. To add to the excitement of new beginnings, we look forward to celebrating our 25th anniversary later in the school year.
It seems only appropriate that after taking in so many blessings, we generously turn our focus outward this school year towards others. The Bible verse will be: “Instruct them to do what is good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and willing to share,” 1 Timothy 6:18.
Our theme song will be “Do Something” by Matthew West. Please take time to listen and read the lyrics of this theme song, which we will come back to at different moments throughout the year.
Enjoy the week ahead and we will see you on August 23rd and 24th.
God bless you!
Inés Gygax
Mrs. Ines Gygax’s 30 years as an educator and administrator have included middle and high school teacher, department head, academic director and for the past 12 years as Head of School at Ashton School. These years have been filled with rewarding experiences, yet her passion is to see children and adolescents developing in academic understandings and skills while growing in their knowledge and love for God.
Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable — if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy — dwell on these things. – Philippians 4:8
While “free time” often includes reading, cooking and spending time with her family, one of the greatest pleasures is to browse and explore literature about innovative ideas in education and delve deeper into research-proven strategies and programs that will benefit students and overall school improvement. These activities are enjoyed even more so if there is a view to an ocean or lake.
Ms. Gygax holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Connecticut, a Master of Education degree from Framingham State College and a Certificate in Educational Leadership for International Schools from Buffalo State University of New York. In 2016, Ms. Gygax was awarded a fellowship to participate in the Klingenstein Center for Independent School Leadership program for Heads of Schools at Teachers College, Columbia University.
It is a blessing to serve the Ashton community and to contribute to the lives of the children we are blessed to educate.
General Academic and Administrative Members
(GAAM Team)
Ms. Inés Gygax
Head of School
Ms. Yolanda Resek
Pre-School and Elementary Principal
Ms. Elsa Torres
Secondary School Principal
Ms. Laura Viera
Academic & School Improvement Coordinator
Ms. Wendy Rudeke
Guidance Department Head, Secondary School Counselor
Ms. Sarah Rodríguez
Elementary Counselor
Mr. Stalin Gavilán
Assistant Principal
Ms. Ivana Reyes
Community Engagement Manager
Ms. Sarah Julian
Administrative Services Director
Ms. Patricia Morillo
Operations Director
Chantal Rosario / Ashton Connections & Enrichment Coordinator