6 Questions for a San Marino Local: Carver PTA President Jennifer Giles

Similar to many locals, Jennifer Giles and her husband Mark moved to San Marino 11 years ago to raise their family.

“When we started having children, we knew we wanted to put them into public school,” said the local mom. “We decided to move to San Marino for its highly regarded public schools.”

The busy mother of two boys–10-year-old Carson and 7-year-old Cole –Giles is the incoming PTA President at . Giles has been volunteering at the school throughout her six years as a Carver parent.

“It started out in small amounts because I was learning my way around the campus and the different programs and fundraisers we have,” said Giles. “When my younger son enrolled at Carver it was easier for me to give more of my time because I didn’t have to straddle between two schools trying to volunteer. I want to be there more often to support the teachers and staff.”

While she won’t officially take office until July 1, Giles has been busy planning the school calendar and deciding what programs the PTA assist the staff with.

“The PTA is really not completely about fundraising for the school,” said Giles. “It really helps support the enrichment programs that we have through the assistance of our parent volunteers. It’s not always fundraising, we’re really helping the school and using the dollars that we do raise to help fund the computer lab, library, music programs and assemblies.”

Since state budget cuts have led to shortages in school programs, money raised by the PTA helps supplement state funding and provide children a well-rounded education.

Giles’s reason for being an active Carver parent is simple–love.

“I love the school and our principal Mrs. Hollingsworth,” said Giles. “I really enjoy the parents and being asked to be the PTA President was a big honor. The more that I looked inside myself, I found I could be a good leader and provide the right guidance to parents.”

Giles knows she will have plenty of work on her hands as PTA President but is more than up for the challenge.

“We’ve done so well continually over the years that a lot of the roadmap is in place,” said Giles. “I’m excited to move along and put my own personal touches to make the year unique.”

The busy mom took time out of her schedule to take on the San Marino six.

What do you like most about San Marino?

The friendships and the neighborhoods–when new families move in on our street everyone is so welcoming and eager to include them in activities, play dates and block parties. I just feel that the sense of community is what I love the most about San Marino.

What is your favorite restaurant in San Marino?

is a great place for fresh fish. The owners are super friendly and if you have a request they’re always there willing to help out and go the extra mile for you.

What is your favorite place in San Marino to take a stroll or go for a run?

In and around . I usually leave from our house and run to Lacy Park and go up and down the stairs, run around the perimeter and head back. Definitely Lacy Park.

What is a little known fact about you?

I am really a tomboy. Having two boys, I love to play outdoors, go on hikes and be outside. I love the summertime–it’s carefree. I just love to be outside and play with the kids.

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

Coffee and chocolate.

Any exciting summer plans with your family? 

We are driving up to San Francisco in August for a family wedding. We’ll stop and see places along the way.