Giselle Gault McGee
(photo courtesy of the McGee family)
More about Giselle by PS 58 Parent Coordinator Joan Bredthauer:
Giselle Gault McGee was a dedicated educator who pioneered French-English language programs in NYC schools. Her warm leadership as Principal of PS 58 The Carroll School from 2006 to 2014 created an environment of positivity and collegiality that welcomed new ideas and encouraged meaningful parent engagement.
Shortly before her planned retirement, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The news was devastating to our school community. She died in December of 2017.
In 2006, Giselle was appointed principal at P.S. 58, The Carroll School, in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn by former Chancellor Carmen Farina. Giselle believed strongly in the importance of arts programming and experiential learning in daily curriculum. She gave countless Carroll Gardens children a unique school experience by providing school-wide enrichment, including ballroom dance, chess, story-telling through ballet, opera, and even special “wildlife” visits from birds of prey, small mammals and reptiles, to name a few of the programs Giselle brought to her students.
Giselle was one of only three forerunners in the NYDOE to launch a French-English Dual Language Program and grew the school from 330 to more than 800 students. On the last day of school 2006, Chancellor Joel Klein visited Giselle's school and was quoted in the Daily News saying, "You've got a great new leader in here who really has united this community."
Principal Giselle Gault McGee was made a Knight in the Order of Academic Palms in 2009 by French Ambassador Pierre Vimont for her work with the French-English Dual Language Program. She also received the Label FrancEducation, a prestigious award, given by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a formal recognition and accreditation to schools providing a French bilingual program. At the time, only eight schools worldwide had received the award, including two New York recipients.
Giselle Gault McGee was a dedicated educator who pioneered French-English language programs in NYC schools. Her warm leadership as Principal of PS 58 The Carroll School from 2006 to 2014 created an environment of positivity and collegiality that welcomed new ideas and encouraged meaningful parent engagement.
Shortly before her planned retirement, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The news was devastating to our school community. She died in December of 2017.
In 2006, Giselle was appointed principal at P.S. 58, The Carroll School, in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn by former Chancellor Carmen Farina. Giselle believed strongly in the importance of arts programming and experiential learning in daily curriculum. She gave countless Carroll Gardens children a unique school experience by providing school-wide enrichment, including ballroom dance, chess, story-telling through ballet, opera, and even special “wildlife” visits from birds of prey, small mammals and reptiles, to name a few of the programs Giselle brought to her students.
Giselle was one of only three forerunners in the NYDOE to launch a French-English Dual Language Program and grew the school from 330 to more than 800 students. On the last day of school 2006, Chancellor Joel Klein visited Giselle's school and was quoted in the Daily News saying, "You've got a great new leader in here who really has united this community."
Principal Giselle Gault McGee was made a Knight in the Order of Academic Palms in 2009 by French Ambassador Pierre Vimont for her work with the French-English Dual Language Program. She also received the Label FrancEducation, a prestigious award, given by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a formal recognition and accreditation to schools providing a French bilingual program. At the time, only eight schools worldwide had received the award, including two New York recipients.
Giselle was a true people person, who bought a smile and compassion to everyone who crossed her path.
Here are some additional details about the ceremony:
Wear Orange!
On this special day, we’ll remember Giselle’s incredible positivity of spirit and generosity. Giselle was a ray of sunshine in our lives. Her favorite color was sunny ORANGE, and we invite you to wear orange in her honor.
Cookie Swap
The dedication ceremony will be followed by a cookie swap. I know you all remember Giselle’s incredible hospitality and, of course, her amazing baking skills. She never attended a meeting or gathering without bringing a delectable homemade treat with her to share. Please help us celebrate this particular memory by signing up to bring a batch of individually wrapped cookies for the swap, or to help us set up and serve them to our guests.
Photos and Remembrances
We also encourage you to bring photos and written notes of remembrance for a display, which we will present to Giselle’s family.
On this special day, we’ll remember Giselle’s incredible positivity of spirit and generosity. Giselle was a ray of sunshine in our lives. Her favorite color was sunny ORANGE, and we invite you to wear orange in her honor.
Cookie Swap
The dedication ceremony will be followed by a cookie swap. I know you all remember Giselle’s incredible hospitality and, of course, her amazing baking skills. She never attended a meeting or gathering without bringing a delectable homemade treat with her to share. Please help us celebrate this particular memory by signing up to bring a batch of individually wrapped cookies for the swap, or to help us set up and serve them to our guests.
Photos and Remembrances
We also encourage you to bring photos and written notes of remembrance for a display, which we will present to Giselle’s family.
Date: Monday, April 1st (Giselle’s birthday)
Time: 4:00 PM
Where: Corner of Carroll Street and Court Street
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1 comment:
This is what "Community" is about--gathering to acknowledge the things which we value together! Even if you didn't know kids at this school, the energy of this place (guided by people like Ms McGee) spills over all around us, coloring the whole community in a sunny orange glow.
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