For Families

Our International School invites parents and guardians to be actively involved in the school community.

We value the partnership with our families and engage with them in many ways. This page provides resources for parents and guardians of our students and is a great starting point to orient yourself as a new family. Parent engagement is an important part of our school life, and we hope you explore the many opportunities to get involved. If you have any questions, please get in touch with us at info@gisbos.org.

GISB Families Calendar

Everything that is happening at GISB in one place.

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2026–2027 Calendar

2027–2028 Calendar

October 2026

MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
1
2
  • Friday Coffee Hour
3
4
5
  • Grade 4 Overnight Field Trip to the Ecology School
6
  • Grade 4 Overnight Field Trip to the Ecology School
  • Tuesday English Coffee Hour
7
  • Grade 4 Overnight Field Trip to the Ecology School
8
9
  • Friday Coffee Hour
  • Picture Retake Day @ LC & UC
10
11
12
  • Indigenous Peoples' Day - No school
13
  • Fall Break
14
  • Fall Break
15
  • Fall Break
16
  • Fall Break
  • Head of the Charles Parking Opportunity @ UC
  • Friday Coffee Hour
17
  • Fall Break
  • Head of the Charles Parking Opportunity @ UC
18
  • Fall Break
  • Head of the Charles Parking Opportunity @ UC
19
  • Fall Break
  • Professional Development Day - No School
20
  • (Student) Parent Teacher Conferences for ES/MS/HS
  • Tuesday English Coffee Hour
21
  • (Student) Parent Teacher Conferences for ES/MS/HS
22
  • (Student) Parent Teacher Conferences for ES/MS/HS
23
  • (Student) Parent Teacher Conferences for ES/MS/HS
  • Friday Coffee Hour
24
  • Lower Campus Open House
25
26
  • Parent Teacher Conferences Early Education | Preschool, Pre-K & Kindergarten
27
  • Parent Teacher Conferences Early Education | Preschool, Pre-K & Kindergarten
  • Tuesday English Coffee Hour
28
  • Parent Teacher Conferences Early Education | Preschool, Pre-K & Kindergarten
  • Board of Trustees Meeting
29
  • Parent Teacher Conferences Early Education | Preschool, Pre-K & Kindergarten
  • Middle School Halloween Dance
30
  • Parent Teacher Conferences Early Education | Preschool, Pre-K & Kindergarten
  • Friday Coffee Hour
31
October 14, 2026
  • Fall Break

    October 13, 2026 - October 19, 2026  

    With field trips, visitors, adventures around school, and lots of games, there is never a dull day. GISB vacation programs work to provide a well-structured and balanced childcare option that provides a safe environment focused on learning about and playfully exploring the week's theme with an emphasis on promoting the German language.

    The Fall Vacation Program takes place Tuesday October 13 to Friday, October 16, 2026 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm with an extended day option until 5:00 pm. 

    See more details

October 15, 2026
  • Fall Break

    October 13, 2026 - October 19, 2026  

    With field trips, visitors, adventures around school, and lots of games, there is never a dull day. GISB vacation programs work to provide a well-structured and balanced childcare option that provides a safe environment focused on learning about and playfully exploring the week's theme with an emphasis on promoting the German language.

    The Fall Vacation Program takes place Tuesday October 13 to Friday, October 16, 2026 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm with an extended day option until 5:00 pm. 

    See more details

October 16, 2026
  • Fall Break

    October 13, 2026 - October 19, 2026  

    With field trips, visitors, adventures around school, and lots of games, there is never a dull day. GISB vacation programs work to provide a well-structured and balanced childcare option that provides a safe environment focused on learning about and playfully exploring the week's theme with an emphasis on promoting the German language.

    The Fall Vacation Program takes place Tuesday October 13 to Friday, October 16, 2026 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm with an extended day option until 5:00 pm. 

    See more details

  • Head of the Charles Parking Opportunity @ UC

    October 16, 2026 - October 18, 2026  

    Park with Ease During Head of the Charles and support grade 12!

    Heading to the Head of the Charles Regatta? Grade 12 students are offering convenient parking at GISB’s Upper Campus (57 Holton Street) for just $40 per spot, per day. Parking is available from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM during the event weekend (October 16, 17, 18). All proceeds will help fund their much-anticipated Abiball (senior prom). It’s a great way to support our seniors while securing a prime parking spot for the regatta! Please spread the word to friends, family, and anyone attending!

    See more details

  • Friday Coffee Hour

    October 16, 2026  8:30 am - 10:00 am
    168 Western Ave, Boston, MA 02134

    Start your Friday with a warm cup of coffee, a fresh pastry, and friendly conversation with fellow GISB parents. It’s a wonderful way to round off the week and build connections within our school community. Hosted by our Welcome Team.
    Contact: Sandra Wendland at welcometeam@gisbos.org

    See more details

October 17, 2026
  • Fall Break

    October 13, 2026 - October 19, 2026  

    With field trips, visitors, adventures around school, and lots of games, there is never a dull day. GISB vacation programs work to provide a well-structured and balanced childcare option that provides a safe environment focused on learning about and playfully exploring the week's theme with an emphasis on promoting the German language.

    The Fall Vacation Program takes place Tuesday October 13 to Friday, October 16, 2026 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm with an extended day option until 5:00 pm. 

    See more details

  • Head of the Charles Parking Opportunity @ UC

    October 16, 2026 - October 18, 2026  

    Park with Ease During Head of the Charles and support grade 12!

    Heading to the Head of the Charles Regatta? Grade 12 students are offering convenient parking at GISB’s Upper Campus (57 Holton Street) for just $40 per spot, per day. Parking is available from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM during the event weekend (October 16, 17, 18). All proceeds will help fund their much-anticipated Abiball (senior prom). It’s a great way to support our seniors while securing a prime parking spot for the regatta! Please spread the word to friends, family, and anyone attending!

    See more details

October 18, 2026
  • Fall Break

    October 13, 2026 - October 19, 2026  

    With field trips, visitors, adventures around school, and lots of games, there is never a dull day. GISB vacation programs work to provide a well-structured and balanced childcare option that provides a safe environment focused on learning about and playfully exploring the week's theme with an emphasis on promoting the German language.

    The Fall Vacation Program takes place Tuesday October 13 to Friday, October 16, 2026 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm with an extended day option until 5:00 pm. 

    See more details

  • Head of the Charles Parking Opportunity @ UC

    October 16, 2026 - October 18, 2026  

    Park with Ease During Head of the Charles and support grade 12!

    Heading to the Head of the Charles Regatta? Grade 12 students are offering convenient parking at GISB’s Upper Campus (57 Holton Street) for just $40 per spot, per day. Parking is available from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM during the event weekend (October 16, 17, 18). All proceeds will help fund their much-anticipated Abiball (senior prom). It’s a great way to support our seniors while securing a prime parking spot for the regatta! Please spread the word to friends, family, and anyone attending!

    See more details

October 19, 2026
  • Fall Break

    October 13, 2026 - October 19, 2026  

    With field trips, visitors, adventures around school, and lots of games, there is never a dull day. GISB vacation programs work to provide a well-structured and balanced childcare option that provides a safe environment focused on learning about and playfully exploring the week's theme with an emphasis on promoting the German language.

    The Fall Vacation Program takes place Tuesday October 13 to Friday, October 16, 2026 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm with an extended day option until 5:00 pm. 

    See more details

  • Professional Development Day - No School

    October 19, 2026

    See more details

October 20, 2026
  • (Student) Parent Teacher Conferences for ES/MS/HS

    October 20, 2026 - October 23, 2026  

    Our virtual fall Parent-Teacher Conferences are an opportunity to connect with your child’s teacher(s), discuss their progress and experience at school, and address any questions about their learning and development.
     

    Elementary, Middle & High School | Grades 1–12
    October 20–23
    Families in Elementary, Middle and High School are invited to meet with their child’s homeroom teacher and Subject Teachers. Students in Middle and High School are welcome to participate.

    Please sign up for your conference by October 16. If you are unable to find a suitable time, please contact your child’s teacher directly.

    Please sign up here

    Meeting links for all teachers

    See more details

  • Tuesday English Coffee Hour

    October 20, 2026  8:30 am - 10:00 am

    Would you like to practice your English?  Or maybe you don't speak German, and are looking for ways to connect with other GISB parents?  Maybe you'd like to spend a pleasant morning enjoying coffe/tea, a pretzel, and good company?  All are wonderful reasons to join us at Swissbäkers for fun, relaxed conversation in English!  Our group will meet weekly on Tuesday mornings after drop off (8:30am).  We hope to see you there! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Chrissy Meyer at christinameyer@usa.net

    See more details

October 21, 2026
  • (Student) Parent Teacher Conferences for ES/MS/HS

    October 20, 2026 - October 23, 2026  

    Our virtual fall Parent-Teacher Conferences are an opportunity to connect with your child’s teacher(s), discuss their progress and experience at school, and address any questions about their learning and development.
     

    Elementary, Middle & High School | Grades 1–12
    October 20–23
    Families in Elementary, Middle and High School are invited to meet with their child’s homeroom teacher and Subject Teachers. Students in Middle and High School are welcome to participate.

    Please sign up for your conference by October 16. If you are unable to find a suitable time, please contact your child’s teacher directly.

    Please sign up here

    Meeting links for all teachers

    See more details

October 22, 2026
  • (Student) Parent Teacher Conferences for ES/MS/HS

    October 20, 2026 - October 23, 2026  

    Our virtual fall Parent-Teacher Conferences are an opportunity to connect with your child’s teacher(s), discuss their progress and experience at school, and address any questions about their learning and development.
     

    Elementary, Middle & High School | Grades 1–12
    October 20–23
    Families in Elementary, Middle and High School are invited to meet with their child’s homeroom teacher and Subject Teachers. Students in Middle and High School are welcome to participate.

    Please sign up for your conference by October 16. If you are unable to find a suitable time, please contact your child’s teacher directly.

    Please sign up here

    Meeting links for all teachers

    See more details

October 23, 2026
  • (Student) Parent Teacher Conferences for ES/MS/HS

    October 20, 2026 - October 23, 2026  

    Our virtual fall Parent-Teacher Conferences are an opportunity to connect with your child’s teacher(s), discuss their progress and experience at school, and address any questions about their learning and development.
     

    Elementary, Middle & High School | Grades 1–12
    October 20–23
    Families in Elementary, Middle and High School are invited to meet with their child’s homeroom teacher and Subject Teachers. Students in Middle and High School are welcome to participate.

    Please sign up for your conference by October 16. If you are unable to find a suitable time, please contact your child’s teacher directly.

    Please sign up here

    Meeting links for all teachers

    See more details

  • Friday Coffee Hour

    October 23, 2026  8:30 am - 10:00 am
    168 Western Ave, Boston, MA 02134

    Start your Friday with a warm cup of coffee, a fresh pastry, and friendly conversation with fellow GISB parents. It’s a wonderful way to round off the week and build connections within our school community. Hosted by our Welcome Team.
    Contact: Sandra Wendland at welcometeam@gisbos.org

    See more details

October 24, 2026
  • Lower Campus Open House

    October 24, 2026  10:00 am - 12:00 pm
    46 Belmont St, Watertown, MA 02472, USA

    For more information and to register, please click here.

    See more details

October 26, 2026
  • Parent Teacher Conferences Early Education | Preschool, Pre-K & Kindergarten

    October 26, 2026 - October 30, 2026  

    Our virtual fall Parent-Teacher Conferences (PTCs) are an opportunity to connect with your child’s teacher(s), discuss their progress and experience at school, and address any questions about their learning and development.

    Early Education | Preschool, Pre-K & Kindergarten
    October 26–30
    Families are invited to meet with their child’s teacher.

    Please sign up for your conference by October 16. If you are unable to find a suitable time, please contact your child’s teacher directly.

    Please sign up here

    Meeting links for all teachers

    See more details

October 27, 2026
  • Parent Teacher Conferences Early Education | Preschool, Pre-K & Kindergarten

    October 26, 2026 - October 30, 2026  

    Our virtual fall Parent-Teacher Conferences (PTCs) are an opportunity to connect with your child’s teacher(s), discuss their progress and experience at school, and address any questions about their learning and development.

    Early Education | Preschool, Pre-K & Kindergarten
    October 26–30
    Families are invited to meet with their child’s teacher.

    Please sign up for your conference by October 16. If you are unable to find a suitable time, please contact your child’s teacher directly.

    Please sign up here

    Meeting links for all teachers

    See more details

  • Tuesday English Coffee Hour

    October 27, 2026  8:30 am - 10:00 am

    Would you like to practice your English?  Or maybe you don't speak German, and are looking for ways to connect with other GISB parents?  Maybe you'd like to spend a pleasant morning enjoying coffe/tea, a pretzel, and good company?  All are wonderful reasons to join us at Swissbäkers for fun, relaxed conversation in English!  Our group will meet weekly on Tuesday mornings after drop off (8:30am).  We hope to see you there! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Chrissy Meyer at christinameyer@usa.net

    See more details

October 28, 2026
  • Parent Teacher Conferences Early Education | Preschool, Pre-K & Kindergarten

    October 26, 2026 - October 30, 2026  

    Our virtual fall Parent-Teacher Conferences (PTCs) are an opportunity to connect with your child’s teacher(s), discuss their progress and experience at school, and address any questions about their learning and development.

    Early Education | Preschool, Pre-K & Kindergarten
    October 26–30
    Families are invited to meet with their child’s teacher.

    Please sign up for your conference by October 16. If you are unable to find a suitable time, please contact your child’s teacher directly.

    Please sign up here

    Meeting links for all teachers

    See more details

  • Board of Trustees Meeting

    October 28, 2026  6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

    See more details

October 29, 2026
  • Parent Teacher Conferences Early Education | Preschool, Pre-K & Kindergarten

    October 26, 2026 - October 30, 2026  

    Our virtual fall Parent-Teacher Conferences (PTCs) are an opportunity to connect with your child’s teacher(s), discuss their progress and experience at school, and address any questions about their learning and development.

    Early Education | Preschool, Pre-K & Kindergarten
    October 26–30
    Families are invited to meet with their child’s teacher.

    Please sign up for your conference by October 16. If you are unable to find a suitable time, please contact your child’s teacher directly.

    Please sign up here

    Meeting links for all teachers

    See more details

  • Middle School Halloween Dance

    October 29, 2026  6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

    Get ready for a spooky good time! Students from Grade 4 through 8 are invited to join us for a Halloween Dance on Thursday, October 29 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the GISB Upper Campus.

    Admission is $20 per student and includes pizza, beverages, music, and plenty of fun. Costumes are encouraged, so come dressed to impress!

    Don’t miss this chance to dance the night away and celebrate the spooky season!

    To register your student and pay the admission fee, please click here. 

    Note: The Halloween Dance will only take place if we have at least 20 students registered. Students in Grades 4–7 who don’t usually attend Student Life can sign up for a one-time drop-in that afternoon. To reserve a spot, please contact Tatjana Zaehringer.

    This event is hosted by Grade 11, and all proceeds will help fund their Abiball 2028.

    See more details

October 30, 2026
  • Parent Teacher Conferences Early Education | Preschool, Pre-K & Kindergarten

    October 26, 2026 - October 30, 2026  

    Our virtual fall Parent-Teacher Conferences (PTCs) are an opportunity to connect with your child’s teacher(s), discuss their progress and experience at school, and address any questions about their learning and development.

    Early Education | Preschool, Pre-K & Kindergarten
    October 26–30
    Families are invited to meet with their child’s teacher.

    Please sign up for your conference by October 16. If you are unable to find a suitable time, please contact your child’s teacher directly.

    Please sign up here

    Meeting links for all teachers

    See more details

  • Friday Coffee Hour

    October 30, 2026  8:30 am - 10:00 am
    168 Western Ave, Boston, MA 02134

    Start your Friday with a warm cup of coffee, a fresh pastry, and friendly conversation with fellow GISB parents. It’s a wonderful way to round off the week and build connections within our school community. Hosted by our Welcome Team.
    Contact: Sandra Wendland at welcometeam@gisbos.org

    See more details

November 3, 2026
  • Tuesday English Coffee Hour

    November 3, 2026  8:30 am - 10:00 am

    Would you like to practice your English?  Or maybe you don't speak German, and are looking for ways to connect with other GISB parents?  Maybe you'd like to spend a pleasant morning enjoying coffe/tea, a pretzel, and good company?  All are wonderful reasons to join us at Swissbäkers for fun, relaxed conversation in English!  Our group will meet weekly on Tuesday mornings after drop off (8:30am).  We hope to see you there! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Chrissy Meyer at christinameyer@usa.net

    See more details

November 6, 2026
  • Friday Coffee Hour

    November 6, 2026  8:30 am - 10:00 am
    168 Western Ave, Boston, MA 02134

    Start your Friday with a warm cup of coffee, a fresh pastry, and friendly conversation with fellow GISB parents. It’s a wonderful way to round off the week and build connections within our school community. Hosted by our Welcome Team.
    Contact: Sandra Wendland at welcometeam@gisbos.org

    See more details

November 9, 2026
November 10, 2026
  • Tuesday English Coffee Hour

    November 10, 2026  8:30 am - 10:00 am

    Would you like to practice your English?  Or maybe you don't speak German, and are looking for ways to connect with other GISB parents?  Maybe you'd like to spend a pleasant morning enjoying coffe/tea, a pretzel, and good company?  All are wonderful reasons to join us at Swissbäkers for fun, relaxed conversation in English!  Our group will meet weekly on Tuesday mornings after drop off (8:30am).  We hope to see you there! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Chrissy Meyer at christinameyer@usa.net

    See more details

November 11, 2026
November 12, 2026
  • Parent Council Meeting (in person) @ UC

    November 12, 2026  7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

    General Meeting & Section meetings

    See more details

November 13, 2026
  • Friday Coffee Hour

    November 13, 2026  8:30 am - 10:00 am
    168 Western Ave, Boston, MA 02134

    Start your Friday with a warm cup of coffee, a fresh pastry, and friendly conversation with fellow GISB parents. It’s a wonderful way to round off the week and build connections within our school community. Hosted by our Welcome Team.
    Contact: Sandra Wendland at welcometeam@gisbos.org

    See more details

  • Upper Campus Open House

    November 13, 2026  8:30 am - 12:15 pm

    Our Upper Campus will open its doors to current GISB families for a special Open House during the regular school day. Join us from 8:00 am to 12:15 pm for a firsthand look at teaching and learning at GISB, including classroom visits, information sessions, and opportunities to connect with faculty and staff.

    RSVP here!

    See more details

Lunch

Daily lunch at the Upper and Lower Campus

GISB offers a daily hot lunch program in collaboration with our partner, STAR Academy, who prepares and serves daily meals for our students. Meals follow a healthy, well-balanced school menu and typically include a main dish, soup, and salad. Together, these components provide a complete meal that includes protein, grains, and vegetables, designed to support students’ nutrition, energy, and well-being throughout the school day.

Families can order lunches on a monthly basis, with ordering always taking place for the following month. This structure supports consistent meal planning while giving families clarity and flexibility. Find the sign-up link in the Weekly Update.

Sample menus are provided below, along with additional information about the program in our FAQs.

School Policies

Fostering a safe and nurturing environment where students can learn and grow.

GISB is committed to providing all students with a safe and supportive learning environment. For questions about policies, please contact GISB’s Head of Administration.

GISB families can review further policies by logging into their Educate Account.

Get Involved

German International School Boston offers many opportunities for parents to meaningfully contribute to the school community through leadership and volunteer opportunities. You can become a Class Representative in your child’s classroom, have fun connecting with other families while organizing community events, or serve as a Board Member or on a Board Committee.

GISB values the time, skills, and effort of all parents and we hope that you will find an opportunity to contribute to our community, no matter if it is big or small. Should you have any questions about parent involvement at GISB or if you would like to volunteer a specific skill set, please contact the Head of Administration at hoa@gisbos.org. We are looking forward to connecting with you!

Participate in School Governance

GISB is a non-profit membership organization, which is governed by the Board of Trustees. The board is elected by the school’s members. All current parents/guardians are automatically members of the organization upon enrollment of their child and can participate in board elections. Membership fees are waived for parents/guardians of current students. 

As a member, you can attend the annual membership meeting where the Board of Trustees and the Head of the School share information about the state of the school, financials, and strategic priorities for the years ahead. Your role is to ask questions and approve their reports. Elections for the Board of Trustees also take place at the annual membership meeting. To learn more about the role of the Board of Trustees, click here.

Memberships are also available for community members who are not currently enrolled at the school, for example, alumni. There is an annual fee of $50.00 for individuals who are not current parents at the school. If you are currently not a parent and interested in a membership, please fill out the membership application.

pencils

Join the Parent Council

At the start of each school year, every class at GISB elects representatives to the Parent Council. The Council meets approximately every six weeks throughout the school year to share information, raise concerns, problem-solve in collaboration with the school administration, and inform fellow families in the classrooms. The Parent Council also organizes community events, the staff appreciation fund, teacher thank-you gifts, and staff appreciation day.

Sweets

Volunteer at GISB

Share your culture and expertise at GISB! We’re always happy to find a place for motivated volunteers. There are many opportunities to help out in the classroom, chaperone field trips, or help out with community events. Contact the parent council or events@gisbos.org to start the conversation.

Quick Links

Learn more about our programs and quickly find additional resources below.

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