"The 6th graders visited the Immigration Station on Angel Island to deepen their study of Shooting Kabul by N.H. Senzai and of their history unit on immigration. To get to the historic site, the children enjoyed a short ferry ride from Tiburon and a 1.5-mile uphill hike. While at the Immigration Station, the students learned about the different groups of people who immigrated to America from 1910-1940 and how each was treated during the process. The children were able to explore the different rooms within the building to include the sleeping quarters, sitting areas, and bathrooms, which provided a greater sense of what the immigration process was truly like at that time. A highlight of the tour was seeing firsthand and hearing the history behind the poetry that many of the immigrants carved into the walls of the station as they waited for entrance into America. Finally, the class soaked in the sunshine and great beauty of the island as they ate lunch along the waterfront before heading back to the ferry."

– Gina Meter, 6th Grade Language Arts Instructor

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Gina Meter has been teaching 6th grade language arts at Pinewood School since 2007. During this time, she has helped her students develop a love for the English language, classic literature, quality writing, and even old-fashioned diagramming. Passionate about her job, Ms. Meter can regularly be found in her classroom reviewing complicated grammar rules with a student or editing the most recent class essays. When not working, this “word girl” is at home enjoying her children, practicing her culinary and photography skills, or out-and-about exploring beautiful California. Ms. Meter holds a B.A. in Political Science and a B.S. in Broadcast Journalism from Boston University and a Master of Arts in Teaching, K-8 from Johns Hopkins University.

Gina Meter | Language Arts (6) | gmeter@pinewood.edu

John Swift was born in Australia and spent his first fourteen years in Europe. The culture at Pinewood reminds him of the culture he had at the International School of Düsseldorf, in Germany, where he was a student from grades three through eight. Mr. Swift is innately driven to help young people come to terms with THEIR learning style so that they don't spend their lives hiding who they are, but rather focus on developing their skills to be life long learners. He believes history is the perfect tool to teach these skills and to deepen critical thinking. It took fifteen years in banking and finance to realize teaching should be his career. John loves spending time with his wife, Ellen, and step-son, Bryce. When he is not with them, he enjoys running in the hills, riding to the coast, and surfing at 41st in Capitola. He also loves reading non-fiction and historical fiction (but doesn't do it enough). John has a Jack Russel/Chihuahua mix named Farley as his wingman. Mr. Swift holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Cornell University and a Multi-Subject Credential, Elementary Ed. from San Jose State University.

John Swift | Dept Chair-K-6 History, History (5-6), Athletic Director (4-6) | jswift@pinewood.edu