OVERVIEW

The Guru Angad Institute of Sikh Studies (GAISS) is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) tax exempt faith-based educational organization seeking to enshrine an appreciation and understanding of Sikh heritage, language and music among children, youth and adults.

The Institute cultivates a sense of belonging and purpose in Sikhism through inspiration, motivation and a diligent educational agenda.  GAISS is fostering leadership skills in students and inculcating a sense of pride and self confidence relating to Sikh heritage and knowledge of global issues.

The volunteer staff of GAISS serve as role models for the students (ages 6 - 18) and everyone associated with the Institute share a common vision.  We appreciate the commitment and involvement of parents in their children’s education.  Our current staff includes: Noni Kaur Bawa, Gurleen Kaur, Manpreet Kaur Rohatgi, Prem Singh, Davinder Singh Garcha, Jasleen Kaur Sawhney, Vijendera Kaur Taur, Lajivendra Singh Taur, Rubinder Kaur Gill, Kanwal Kaur Bajwa, Jagdish Kaur Rishi, PritamPal Singh Rishi, Surinder Kaur Bindra, Amrik Singh Kaisth, Ravinder Kaur, Bimla Kaur, Kamalpreet Kaur, Darpan Kaur and Sher Singh.

GAISS is a duly incorporated organization with a constitution and a set of bylaws.  The current Board of Directors of GAISS are: Sukhvinder Singh Sawhney, Jagdish Kaur Rishi, Manjeet Ahluwalia, Amrit Kaur Sagoo, and Manmeet Singh.

We thank our volunteers, parents and students for their endless support and cooperation.  If you consider our work to be an invaluable service, please show your support by a tax exempt donation.

OPERATIONS

In Fall 2007 we restructured our school year such that the first semester is from September to December and  the second from January to June.  There are lots of planned activities too during the summer break.  Regular classes are held on Saturday’s from 1-5PM and extra classes as needed are held from 5-6PM.  Children also meet during the week for Gurmat Sangeet practice sessions in the evenings, as needed.

Fee is considered a donation but required @ $30 per month to cover a portion of the operational costs throughout the year.  The other half of the school’s funds are raised from donations from parents, board members and private donors.

The facility GAISS rented for the first 5 1/2 yrs of its existence was a Pre-School / community center which gave us the necessary amenities for a school like environment.  In April 2010 we moved into our facility which was also built like a school.

In 2006 we implemented the standardized Gurmat and Punjabi curriculum “Sojhi” developed by the Sikh Research Institute.

Advancement through the levels is based on age, participation and meeting the standards prescribed in the curriculum, paying special attention to language arts.

GAISS is the only school of its kind in North America that teaches Gurmat Sangeet using traditional string instruments.   Our students participate in Gurmat camps and do Kirtan Seva at Kirtan Darbars and Sammelans.