CONTENTS
 THE IMPACT OF THE ASV EDUCATION ON OUR GRADUATES A VISION OF CONTEMPORARY INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION LITERACY AND TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS AT ASV AND MUCH MORE
ANNUAL REPORT
2015-2016
ANNUAL REPORT
2015-2016 The Impact of an ASV Education on our Graduates
Page 1 A Vision of Contemporary International Education
Page 3 Literacy Programs at American School of Valencia
Page 8
Technology Programs at ASV
Page 10 Global Exchange Programs Student Testimonials
Page 12 ASV+. A Successful Year and Enhancements for 2016-2017
Page 14
ASV Graduates. A New Journey: Celia Sorzano writes about her life at ASV Javier Peris’ Graduation Speech
Page 16 New Launch of the ASV Alumni Association
Page 18!
ASV ANNUAL REPORT 2015-2016. June 2016 Director: Michael L. Smith Articles: Alberto Domingo, Michael L. Smith, Dr. Adam Spina, Dr. Kristy L. Beam, Samuel Landete. Other contributions: Escarlata Casas, Elena Corchs, Neus Forner, Víctor Estela, Marc Tomas, Celia Sorzano, Javier Peris,Verónica Cinosi, Josep V. Frechina Design and layout: Carlos Minuesa Photos: ASV Archive. Made with Apple Pages and visual elements from freepik.com AMERICAN SCHOOL OF VALENCIA. Urbanización Los Monasterios. Avenida Sierra Calderona, 29 46530 Puçol (Valencia) Spain www.asvalencia.org asvalencia@asvalencia.org
American School of Valencia. Annual Report
The Impact of an ASV Education on our Graduates June is a time eagerly awaited by all of our students and the excitement of completing one more year, but it is also because they can begin enjoying the rewards of the summer holidays. For teachers and the administrative staff it is a moment to look back and appraise the school year. Was it good? Perhaps exceptional? As with many things in life, the answer depends on what we are evaluating and we are comparing. Using the ASV Graduating Class of 2016 (the students in Grade 12) as a reference, I think that the result is, like other years, wonderful. It is wonderful because these students completed a fifteen year path in which they grew as individuals and their knowledge and their personality. It is also wonderful because they surpassed the challenge of graduating from a school with an innovative educational philosophy, which encourages them to develop critical thinking skills and to look for a deeper, consistent knowledge. And finally it is wonderful because they know that this achievement, their graduation, is the first step towards a higher goal. In the last years, young people may feel a bit restless when they have to choose university degree and start thinking about their future careers. It is natural because deciding what they will be doing during the next four or five years, how to make real their vocation, is one of the most important decisions in their life. I hope that our graduates will have the best possible time during these days while they await for their admission tests or a letter of acceptance from the university o their choice. As I said in my speech at the graduation ceremony, we know that they are facing a complicated time in which the world is looking for new political, moral and economic directions. They should not have to be afraid of this challenge, because they can build this new paradigm by using their personal skills and the values they learned at the
DR. ALBERTO DOMINGO PRESIDENT OF THE ASV BOARD OF GOVERNORS
American School of Valencia. At the university, I am able to easily recognize ASV graduates, who luckily I have in my classes. They have something special that makes them shine among other students. Without doubt, your time at the American School of Valencia is the best launching pad for the adult life! The truth is that I am not the only one enjoying news from ASV alumni. The entire school community is happy when our graduates return to visit the school, and when they receive a prize or they earn an important achievement in their careers. This year, we knew that a member of the Class of 2011, Estrella Garcés, was was selected in April 2016 for the SSM Traineeship at the European Central Bank. Pablo Joaquín Martínez (Class of 2009) recently won two special awards for his extraordinary achievement studying a Double Degree in Law and Business Management and Administration at the University of Valencia. Blanca Simón (Class of 2012) heads for a career in reproductive medicine and was recently awarded with the President’s Presenter Award 2016 given by the Society for Reproductive Investigation. Finally, we know that Domingo Carlos Salazar (Class of 1999) is an outstanding researcher at the Institute Max Planck for Evolutionary Anthropology, in Leipzig (Germany). These are just a few examples showing the variety of professional profiles among our alumni and, how they stand out in their careers. It is also interesting to notice how our graduates choose many different disciplines. We have doctors, engineers, architects, lawyers, but are also alumni who have explored careers in politics, technology, art, or music. Let me describe a recent event we prepared for our alumni community and which we briefly report on page 18 of Page 1
American School of Valencia. Annual Report Day and tell which parts of the ASV Profile of the Graduates this publication. On April 22, 2016 the American School of are most appreciated among employers and companies. I'm Valencia held an alumni reunion on the occasion of the 35th sure there are many other options to enable them to anniversary of the school. Sixty graduates returned to our campus reconnect with their former school, so I invite you to keep in and could see how the school has changed and learned how we touch with Mr. Josep Vicent Frechina, the ASV Alumni are forming again the alumni association. Those who graduated a Coordinator. I would also long time ago were amazed like to mention that a when they saw for first time the Sports Hall, the Dining Hall or growing number of our soccer field. But the main graduates are returning to purpose of this event was to let enroll their children at the ASV graduates surpassed the challenge of alumni know that they still are American School of graduating from a school with an innovative an important part of our school Valencia. I am really happy community. to know that, and I’m sure educational philosophy, which encourages ASV alumni have an the admissions team or their important role on the orientation former teachers share this them to develop critical thinking and look for we offer to High School feeling. Those who a few a deeper, consistent knowledge students. Those we recently years ago saw them leaving started their university studies, the school as young no matter who they are, may students, now welcome come and describe the transition them as parents looking for to university life; these meetings are called Alumni Talks and we an international, rigorous, and open minded education. always enjoy their experiences. On the other hand, those who are developing a professional career, may join us during Career
ASV Board of Governors Generalitat Valenciana. Currently working as Technical Assistant in the R&D High Consulting Council (President’s Office, Generalitat Valenciana). He is also Associate Professor at the Faculty of Economics, Department of Economic Structure, of the University of Valencia, (Spain). Ms. Carmina Oliver. Degree in Economics and Business Management. Auditor. Partner and Administrator in an auditing firm.. Ms. Maribel Pastor. Law and Nursing Graduate. Director of a real-state group. Manager in the hospitality business and in childhood education.. Dr. Miguel Peris. Ph.D. in Chemistry.Professor of Food Analysis at the Faculty of Agronomy, Department of Chemistry, Polytechnic University of Valencia (Spain). Dr. Javier Sánchez. Ph.D. in Business Administration. Full Professor of Marketing at Jaume I University, Castellón (Spain). Dr. Hanna Skorczynska. Ph.D. in Anglo German Philology. Associate Professor and Vice Director of the Applied Linguistics Deparment. Polytechnic University of Valencia (Spain). Dr. Alberto Domingo. Ph.D. in Civil Engineering. MSc. Architectural Management and Design. Lecturer at the Polytechnic University of Valencia (Spain), at the University of Tokyo (Japan), and at the University of Antioquía in Medellín (Colombia).
A notable event this year was the election of a new ASV Board of Governors in the General Shareholders Meeting held on February 17, 2016. After presenting a list headed by Mr. Alberto Domingo Cabo, shareholders voted and elected a new board made up of the following parent-shareholders: Mr. Juan José Clemente. Civil Engineer and MSc. Ouvarges d’art at ParisTech University. Mr. Francisco Estela. Industrial Technical Engineer. Maîtrise d’Electronique-Electrotechnique et Automatique. Dr. Begoña Giner. Ph.D. in Economics. MSc in Accounting and Finance.Professor of Financial Economy and Accounting at the University of Valencia (Spain). Mr. Joaquín Martínez. Degree in Economics and Business Management. Technician in General Administration at the
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American School of Valencia. Annual Report
A Vision of Contemporary International Education Ask virtually anyone about the purpose of international education today, and without a doubt you, will receive as many varieties of explanations as the number of people you ask. So, attempting to bring clarity, unity and purpose to contemporary international education can be a herculean task, but this does not make it any less important to address.
MICHAEL L. SMITH DIRECTOR OF THE AMERICAN SCHOOL OF VALENCIA
changes that await our graduates. Fortunately, ASV has a world-class team of international educators who are committed to the pursuit of excellence in support of our students, and I am exceptionally grateful to all of them in helping us define and implement our Mission of preparing, “. . . globally-conscious, life-long learners in an innovative, collaborative, and caring environment.” However, despite our many successes, our facilities have not kept pace with the scope of changes and 21st Century learning competencies. Consequently and as I wrote in the Annual Report 2014-2015, ASV began evaluating the connection between learning and its physical spaces with the development of a Master Facility Plan. It is important that I explain the concepts behind the Master Facility Plan and its raison d´être. Firstly, the Master Facility Plan is not just about paint and introducing some new technologies. It is a paradigm shift about how students learn the new global competencies that are frequently called the Five C’s: Communication, Critical Thinking, Collaboration, Creativity, and Character, along with a rigorous international curriculum. What we are beginning to reimagine now is the confluence of a learning mindset with a variety of new curricular offerings that are delivered in a critical thinking methodology where students and teachers collaborate and communicate with the expanded integration of technology in flexible learning spaces. In this new paradigm, learning is visible, which will also be reflected in the structure of the new learning spaces, or what we traditionally called classrooms. Anyone who has seen the newly reimagined pilot high school classroom will easily understand this new concept. This innovative learning platform will provide students and teachers with the opportunity to expand learning beyond the traditional four walls of the classroom, making learning visible to all. Learning spaces can now be any space within the school, where students can collaborate and integrate technology and communication skills inside and outside of ASV. No student learns in isolation but rather through a combination of disruptive experiences, creating new solutions, and working collaboratively and communicating as a learning team. Along with a highly dedicated and motivated teaching staff, ASV is implementing this innovative learning concept across the curriculum, which aligns
Over the past three years, the school’s leadership team, along with the Board of Governors and with the valued input of numerous students, parents, staff and international education experts, has been moving with purpose to redefine a new vision and transform the educational model at the American School of Valencia (ASV). Our goal is to holistically unify multiple aspects of learning into a cohesive, sustainable, purposeful and informed manner through our philosophy of learning, curricular offerings, methodology, campus facilities, data-driven decision-making, professional experiences and accreditation standards. As I have explained previously, ASV is accredited by the Middle States Association (MSA) in the United States, which accredits approximately 3,000 schools and universities in 90 countries, and ASV is officially registered as an international school (centro extranjero) with the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports. This means that our links with American and international education is fundamental to our continuance and success. These links and our international mindset will be more visible throughout ASV in 2016-2017 as the school welcomes an increasingly diverse international student and parent population. While admission to ASV has always been selective and competitive, it is gratifying that so many international families consider ASV as their first and best international education choice. So, please take the opportunity to welcome our new international families to the ASV school community. While ASV endeavors to incorporate many aspects of our host country and city’s culture into our school, it was our founding parents’ vision in 1980 that ASV would be a hallmark of American and international education in the Valencia community that would distinguish ASV from other schools in Valencia. For 35 years now, ASV has successfully fulfilled our founders’ vision and our mission of creating students who make a global impact. One needs only to look at the ASV Hall of Fame on our website to see the success of our students in a global context. We can all be proud that we are faithfully fulfilling our founders’ mission, yet we also need to look aggressively into the future in order to continue to keep pace with the enormous global challenges and Page 3
American School of Valencia. Annual Report with the concepts that will be constructed through the implementation of the Master Facility Plan. With our Mission as a guiding concept, I would like to share with you some of the exciting changes, innovations and ideas we are planning and implementing to create a truly relevant and inspiring learning environment for all of our current and future students. ASV has and will continue to move forward progressively as we define and clarify our vision of a real-world, relevant and high-performance contemporary international education.
GLOBALLY-CONSCIOUS No doubt many of you know of ASV’s participation and hosting of Model United Nation Conferences such as VALMUN, MADMUN and THIMUN, which take place every year for students in seventh through twelfth grades. Each year, ASV students engage with hundreds of other like-minded international students in Valencia, Madrid and The Hague who firmly believe that they can make a difference in our world by discussing and debating a number of the world’s most pressing issues. ASV is proud of the cooperation it receives from the United Nations Support Base in Quart de Poblet for VALMUN each year, and the scope and breath of VALMUN will continue to expand in 2016-2017 with greater diversity of participating schools and delegates in order to help our students explore global solutions. Together, they are becoming tomorrow’s leaders today. What may be less known but equally important is our students’ involvement in a host of other community services such as our students’ support and visits to El Preventorio de Nuestra Señora del Amparo, a childhood center in Gandia; various IB student’s CAS projects; SOS Sagunto, an animal shelter near our school; holiday baskets to families in Puçol; the elementary students’ pen pal and bake sale projects with Kapita School in Zambia; as well as our students’ generous support of the ASV Foundation Halloween and BBQ events. In 2015-2016, thirty-seven ASV students also had the opportunity to experience one of our Global Exchange Programs with the Community School of Naples in Florida and with Foxborough Regional Charter School in the Boston, Massachusetts area. By both hosting and visiting with other international students and schools, we are bringing the world to ASV and taking ASV to the world. Plans are underway to continue to expand the Global Exchange Programs with other international schools and in additional grade levels. As you may already know, our student-athletes are also experiencing the opportunity to explore new avenues of collaboration and teambuilding with a multitude of athletic exchanges with a variety of international schools. Collectively, these experiences make ASV students some of the most globally-conscious students of any international school. This makes ASV a positive force in helping our students understand the world in a global context beyond the borders of our school, city, and country.
languages open new opportunities as employers actively search for multilingual communication competencies. Therefore, we cannot underestimate the importance of language acquisition and language fluencies in today’s global economies. Consequently, beginning in the 2016-2017 Academic Year, ASV will offer all sixth grade students the opportunity to begin learning either French or German as an integral part of their curriculum. The benefits of early language acquisition are obvious to all of us, and the opportunity to begin learning another language, such as French or German, greatly expands our students’ language competencies into the future. There is ample and reliable research that shows the positive benefits of mental plasticity of multilingual children. Of course, the long term benefits of early language acquisition will become self-evident as our students approach their later high school years and the opportunity to study the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, as well as enter university and the workplace. ASV will also be expanding the opportunities of International Baccalaureate (IB) students in eleventh and twelfth grades to study a wider variety of IB subjects with the integration of Pamoja, the official IB online learning provider. Not only does Pamoja offer a wide variety of IB courses, but it also provides IB students and ASV with a flexible and adaptive learning platform to fill the curricular needs of individual students without compromising the physical, instructional and educational integrity of the school. Especially with expanded technology integration and significant upgrades to the school’s technology infrastructure, this is an exciting new opportunity for IB students. In addition, all IB students, parents and staff will be provided access to a new IB integrated information system through ManageBac, which offers students, parents and staff the opportunity to monitor each IB student’s progress in areas such as CAS, TOK and the Extended Essay. So, our IB students will have several new services that will help them effectively manage their course offerings and success. Additionally, the Preschool and Elementary staff has created a 2016-2017 School Improvement Plan that
LIFE-LONG LEARNERS Learning in this new age requires new competencies, among which the most important is arguably communication. Of course, communication requires that there is a sender and a receiver of information and the two parties are on the same wavelength or understand the same language in which they are communicating. In today’s transparent and borderless world, Page 4
American School of Valencia. Annual Report addresses various performance tasks and learning targets across the curriculum in Math, Writing, International Mindedness, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports ( P B I S ) , Te ch n o l o g y I n t e g ra t i o n , Standards-Based Grading Policies, and Curricular Alignment in Spanish. This plan supports our teaching staff in focusing on key areas in alignment with Common Core Standards, as well the internal and external assessments results of our students in order that our teachers can address students who may need additional support or who may need more advanced instruction. Language acquisition, expanded IB learning opportunities, and comprehensive improvement plans provide long-term benefits to our students and support the concept that our students are and will continue to be life-long learners.
Apps for Education, especially Google Classroom, ASV has demonstrated its commitment to integrating technology in Preschool, Elementary and High School. To date, approximately 45 percent of all ASV staff have experienced onsite Google Apps for Education professional development and are competent to utilize Google Apps and Google Classroom. ASV’s goal is that by the end of 2017-2018, 100 percent of all ASV staff will be competent in Google Apps for Education utilization. Secondly, as I am writing this for publication, ASV is in the • final stages of a collaborative agreement with Apple that would provide unique discounts on certain Apple products for all ASV students, parents and staff. Thirdly, there will be several visible signs of facility • improvements when students return to classes in September 2016. Some students and parents will have already seen the pilot high school classroom that incorporates flexible seating, technology integration, and visible learning. This classroom will serve as a model for future learning spaces and there is already a buzz amongst students who are anxious to experience it. Of course, no learning space is as valuable as highly qualified and motivated teachers, and two pioneering high school teachers will be guiding this pilot classroom model: Ms. Julie Murphy and Ms. KyleAnn Kiraly. Fourthly, extensive upgrades will also be made to the first • and second grade classrooms, much like the pilot high school classroom, while adapting to the age and learning styles of early elementary students. Again, there will be flexible learning and seating spaces, technology integration, visible learning and an aesthetically pleasing learning environment. Fifthly, additional upgrades will be made to the Sports Hall, • where due to the limited seating capacity of the current Dining Hall, a new eleventh and twelfth grade dining hall will be built in conjunction with other upgrades to the Sports Hall, which includes new locker rooms, four additional classrooms, as well as improving the safety and security of the Sports Hall. Sixthly, ASV will continue with the external assessment of • third, fifth, seventh and tenth grade students based on international education standards through the International Schools’ Assessment (ISA), which is based on the internationally endorsed reading, mathematical literacy and scientific literacy frameworks of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
INNOVATIVE ASV is fortunate to be one of the pioneers in innovative methodological, technological and educational practices long before many other schools existed or began replicating our practices. Whether it was offering a truly multilingual educational experience, introduction of interactive whiteboards, implementing the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, or externally assessing our students based on international education standards through the International Schools’ Assessment (ISA), which is based on the internationally endorsed reading, mathematical literacy and scientific literacy frameworks of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the founding parents of ASV were intent that ASV should be different than other local or national schools. However, as we all know, today’s innovation can easily become yesterday’s obsolescence, and it is imperative that ASV does not sit on its past laurels. Instead, we must continue to search for new practices, technologies and facilities that are beneficial in preparing our students for the global challenges facing them in the years ahead. The school leadership team, school staff and our Board of Governors are dedicated and determined to maintaining ASV’s leadership in innovative education and strategically plan the investment, implementation and renovation of key areas such as professional development, technology, expanded curriculum and state of the art facilities around our goals. In 2016-2017, ASV will begin implementing a broad spectrum of upgrades that will impact learning, our learning spaces, technology integration, which will position ASV with other high-performance international schools throughout the world. • Firstly, after the successful launch of iPads into the first and second grades in 2015-2016, ASV will begin the implementation of iPads into Kinder and third through fifth grades with the addition of 100 iPad Air 2 tablets, as well as 30 MacBook Airs that will be used in sixth grade classes. Along with the implementation of Google
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American School of Valencia. Annual Report This is a key external assessment measure of how ASV students compare with other international students in reading, mathematical and scientific literacy in terms of general competencies. Essentially, the test surveys how well students can apply the knowledge and skills they have learned at school to real-life challenges. ISA does not test how well a student has mastered a school’s specific curriculum; rather it compares ASV students with 355 international schools and 76,000 students throughout the world.
the academic year. In order to continue to enhance and continually improve ASV+, we will be implementing it in tenth through twelfth grades in 2016-2017. This now means that all students in PK2 through twelfth grade have an opportunity to participate in one of fourteen different ASV+ activities. Currently, 68.8 percent of all eligible Preschool and Elementary students participate in ASV+, with waiting lists in some activities.
So, the ASV definition of success is not confined to just one meaning, but rather a variety of academic, facility and external measures. Along with a continued evaluation of other external assessments and criteria, ASV can and will continue to be the vanguards of contemporary international education.
Therefore, due to the demand for ASV+ activities and as part of the Master Facility Plan, four multi-purpose rooms will be constructed in the Sports Hall that will be able to safely accommodate ASV+ participants in such activities as ballet, yoga, urban dance, funky and hip hop, as well as provide the participants with the facilities they require to master their activity. Of course, these multi-purpose rooms will also be available and used for a myriad of other school activities, meetings, Model United Nations, or academic course offerings.
COLLABORATIVE
I have often used a quote from the American automobile pioneer, Henry Ford, which best exemplifies the power of collaboration when he said, “Coming together is the beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” No person or CARING group has a monopoly on good ideas, and the best teams work for a collective purpose. In our case, it is to support our students Not all schools use the word “caring” in their Mission in preparing them well for life after ASV. Of course, in order to Statement but it is a word so important to ASV that a quote understand our goals, it is imperative that our team (students, from the legendary basketball coach, John Wooden, is placed parents, staff, governing bodies, and the school leadership team) in the Dining Hall for all students to see that states, “Nobody are working together. cares how much you know until they know how much you A comment that I hear often is that “the school needs to care.” Caring is a value that is ever present throughout ASV communicate more”, yet when I and it is also a value that is a evaluate the communication tools and responsibility of every person in our methods used by hundreds of other school community, not just a few. international schools, I am confident In our school setting, caring takes ASV definition of success is not that ASV makes a convincing place in many forms, most commitment to communicating and important of which is that students confined to just one meaning, but collaborating with its school community are open-minded and respect the through multiple means: Board of diversity of cultures which rather a variety of academic, facility Governors, Annual Shareholder represents the fabric of ASV. and external measures Meetings, Parent Delegates, two AMPA In 2015-2016, the school meetings per year, parent-teacher implemented a well-known conferences, ASV Voices, use of behavioral program called Positive Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and B e h av i o ra l I n t e r ve n t i o n s a n d LinkedIn, the ASV website, Student Councils, student assemblies, Supports (PBIS) that teaches students the rewards of positive High School Advisory, a multitude of parent workshops behaviors and influences students to think differently about throughout the academic year; grade level parent meetings; caring, respect and responsibility. As an integral part of the school excursion meetings; the thousands of one-to-one meetings PBIS program, a recognition system was implemented where that take place, and hopefully, Annual Reports such as you are any ASV staff member could provide any student in Preschool reading now. While the school remains open to additional forms and Elementary with a “High Five” in Preschool or an “ASV of communication, perhaps it is not a question of more Ticket” in Elementary. More than 8,000 High Fives and ASV communication but a different communication delivery format. Tickets were distributed and they were in turn submitted for Consequently, ASV will be implementing a new and selection on a weekly basis to recognize our students’ unique school-related mobile application (commonly referred to positive and caring behaviors. The result of the initial as an App) that can be downloaded from the App Store for implementation of PBIS has been a significant reduction in iPhone users or from Google Play for Android users. The app is behavioral referrals in Preschool and Elementary. Dr. Spina multilingual, provides dates for all school events, access to and Ms. Corchs, the Preschool and Elementary Principal and PowerSchool, offers many forms of receiving push notifications Vice Principal respectively, have also carried out several and will be offered to all students, parents and staff in July 2016. professional development opportunities with ASV staff The initial implementation of the app will be a basic menu, but members and Preschool and Elementary Parent Delegates. To the app is scalable and will continue to be modified and further promote PBIS, it will also be implemented throughout upgraded throughout the upcoming academic year. high school in seventh through twelfth grades next year, Lastly, nothing speaks more about collaboration than along with a series of parent workshops to help parents when our students are working together in one of the many ASV+ understand and support the school in its implementation of activities that are offered during the school day and throughout PBIS. Page 6
American School of Valencia. Annual Report Throughout 2015-2016, ASV has also been collaborating on a comprehensive bullying prevention protocol to address any incident of student or parent allegations of bullying. The school has been fortunate that our Learning Support Team has had the cooperation of the Minors Section in the Office of Wellbeing and Integration (Bienestar Social e Integración, Sección del Menor) in creating this comprehensive policy document that will be implemented in 2016-2017. This policy document will be detailed in the 2016-2017 Student Handbook. This initiative will also be aligned with the school wide implementation of PBIS, and student and parent workshops will be offered to inform all of our school community of its responsibilities in creating a caring environment. Of course, any policy document is only as good as the implementation and support it receives, so ASV is asking for student and parental support on multiple levels to prevent unkind or inappropriate acts. Unfortunately, there are some misinterpretations of what constitutes bullying, which are now clearly defined in the new protocol. It is important that students and parents differentiate between an immature or unkind act, and ongoing and continuous inappropriate behavior. Most importantly, there is an inconsistency in parental support when the school addresses any allegation, especially of the aggressor, even when incontrovertible evidence is provided. So again, your support is paramount in order for ASV to continue to offer a truly caring and openminded environment. An additional means by which ASV demonstrates caring is by helping new high school students with the transition to entering ASV. In 2016-2017, a new High School Ambassador Program has been established with thirty-two high schoolaged students who will serve as student ambassadors, guides and mentors. At some time in all of our lives, we have been the new person in our school, community or workplace, and it is always comforting to know that new students can begin their experience at ASV with a new friend by his or her side. So, I would like to thank the 2016-2017 High School Ambassadors for their support and in demonstrating that ASV is truly a caring school. Caring is such a holistic characteristic that it also includes how our students approach nutrition and dining. As the school has grown and expanded, its physical facilities are stretched and the school must address our physical facility areas, such as the Dining Hall experience, with vigor and ingenuity. Therefore, in order to provide the quality of dining services that we wish to offer, ASV will be expanding its dining services in several ways in 2016-2017:
will allow the serving line to move more quickly, permit students more time to sit and eat their lunch, as well as provide ageappropriate supervision in the Dining Hall.
Lastly, as part of ASV`s accreditation process, the school was required to submit a Mid-Term Report to the Middle States Association (MSA) on May 1, 2016 detailing the school’s progress in achieving its Student Performance and Organizational Performance Objectives which were selected in 2012. After a thorough review by MSA and the Commission, I am happy to report that their findings are that ASV is faithfully and successfully achieving its objectives and meets all of the indicators of quality as determined by MSA’s twelve standards. Therefore, I would like to share with you some excerpts of the MSA Mid-Term Report Response addressed to me on June 2, 2016: This is to confirm that the Middle States Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools has received, reviewed and accepted the Mid-Term Report completed for American School of Valencia. The report was found to be complete, and shows evidence of faithful implementation of your school’s plan for growth and improvement. You are to be commended for providing a very thorough and thoughtful report highlighting the consistent and effective results of your school’s work over the past three years. Your documentation of progress over time demonstrates strong leadership and strong commitment to students and parents. Your school is accredited until May 1, 2020. We will contact you in the spring of 2017 to initiate the reaccreditation process. Sincerely, Priscilla L. Feir, Ph.D. Accreditation Officer Middle States Association
I trust that with the information provided in this Annual Report, you will see tangible evidence that ASV continues to progress and to be a leader in international education. Of course, our success is only possible with all members of our school community collaborating in unison. Therefore, I hope you will join our dedicated Board of Governors, world-class staff and hundreds of committed community members in forging ahead with this new vision of ASV. We are building an exciting future for our children and for successive generations of students yet to come. Nothing should be more important to our school community at this critical time of accelerating change. I hope all of you have a relaxing and enjoyable summer. Travel safe during the summer holidays and I look forward to welcoming all of you back for an action-filled 2016-2017 Academic Year on September 8, 2016. In the meantime, thank you for a truly magnificent 2015-2016!
1. In conjunction with the Master Facility Plan, a new eleventh and twelfth grade Dining Hall will be constructed as an addition to the Sports Hall. This will provide our eleventh and twelfth grade students with a unique and enjoyable dining service. In collaboration with Colevisa, our food service provider, we are also evaluating the lunch menu that will be served in this new facility. 2. In the main Dining Hall, two serving lines will be open for all third through tenth grades in order that students may be served more quickly and efficiently. Preschool, first and second grade students will continue to be served at their table in the Dining Hall. 3. Preschool, Elementary and High School students will have dedicated dining service hours that are unique to each section. This
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American School of Valencia. Annual Report
Literacy Programs at the American School of Valencia #ASVReads
ASV is accredited by the Middle States Association (MSA), an internationally recognized school accreditation agency based in the United States. In order to maintain our accreditation, every seven years the school sets ambitions school improvement goals that are evaluated by MSA. In the current accreditation, the school goals include a focus on the area of literacy development.
DR. KRISTY L. BEAM HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
standards, Reader’s Workshop becomes the principal strategy for teaching literacy. Reader’s Workshop is an inherently differentiated approach to reading instruction. Teachers provide lessons on specific reading strategies and then work with small groups of students in order to focus instruction at a level that challenges (but does not frustrate) novice readers. Reading levels are determined by administering the College Teacher Benchmark Assessment (CTBA) throughout the year. CTBA measures each student’s reading fluency and comprehension level, thus providing teachers the data they need to provide appropriate instruction. Another important assessment proctored to students in grades three through ten is the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) test. This internationally normed assessment provides teachers a second diagnostic data point regarding each students’ reading aptitude at the outset of the school year. Similar to the CTBA, MAP is proctored a second time in the spring. Spring MAP scores provide staff an opportunity to gauge student growth in the area of literacy over the course of an academic year. Additionally, these data allow teachers to implement additional interventions or extensions to literacy instruction for individual students. They also allow ASV to evaluate the effectiveness of its literacy program and make instructional and curricular adjustments on an annual basis. Our final outcomes are measured by the International Baccalaureate (IB) and Selectividad exams for our graduating seniors. ASV consistently scores above the world average on
One of ASV`s student performance objectives goal states that by 2019, “all students at American School of Valencia will read at grade level.” During monthly meetings, a team of teachers and administrators facilitate school wide literacy initiatives, collect and analyze data, and determine next steps for improvement. Focusing on the following strategies, we have made significant improvements in school wide literacy: • • • •
DR. ADAM J. SPINA PRESCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL
Implementing a cohesive Reader’s Workshop program Creating a print-rich environment throughout the school Integrating reading instruction into content areas Designing support structures for struggling readers
Beginning with the 2012-2013 school year, ASV adopted the academically rigorous Common Core State Standards (CCSS), a framework for English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics adopted by 42 US states and aligned to international education reform. The standards outlined in the Common Core are designed to prepare students for university level studies and developing career readiness. Faculty at ASV are invested in aligning curriculum both horizontally (across a single grade level) and vertically (throughout all grade levels) to ensure all aspects of the standards are adequately addressed. To assist with this process the school has adopted the use of Atlas Rubicon curriculum mapping software as a planning and analytics tool. The focus of the preschool is developing foundational literacy skills through an integrated instructional approach. As students enter Kindergarten and are introduced to common core
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IB exams and at the top of the Valencian community on Selectividad exams. As a result of cohesive, rigorous approach to literacy in Preschool through 12th grade, our students graduate as effective communicators, able to convey ideas and information creatively and confidently.!
The extensive Middle States Association (MSA) seven-year action plan to ensure reading success of all our students includes activities and supports such as:
READING WEEK
In addition to providing an abundance of quality resources for staff and students, our library staff actively promotes the enjoyment of reading through a variety of school-wide celebrations and other special events. We celebrated the second annual Reading Week at ASV, introducing several new ideas that engaged students in the joy of reading. Activities during this week included flower sale, the “10 at 10,” where everyone stopped and read their favorite book for 10 minutes each morning at 10:00. We held a Book Fair, allowing families to purchase quality literature in English. Lower elementary students participated in a dynamic assembly-line story factory by creating a chain story where students in Preschool created the characters and each consecutive grade added details to the story. Guest storytellers came with enchanting and engaging tales that captivated our young students. Additionally, professional authors visited and interacted with our students, sharing about their careers as writers and their passion for reading.
READING VOLUNTEERS
To involve our school community in our literacy initiative we initiated a reading volunteer program. Parents and high school students can volunteer weekly to come and read one-on-one with students in English or Spanish. This program builds on the idea that the best way to improve reading skills is by reading.
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Read about the Reading Week 2016 on the school web Volunteers are trained to help students understand “what good readers do”.
SUMMER READING
The importance of daily reading does not stop when the weather gets warm! We offer summer reading programs to all our students. High School students are assigned engaging summer books and projects to keep their reading skills sharp during the months away from school. As a multilingual school, we encourage strong literacy skills in Spanish, Valenciano, French, German and of course, we emphasis English. We encourage students to speak English in all areas of the campus unless they are in class with a different language of instruction. By focusing on excellence, adhering to high standards and monitoring for effective implementation, we aspire to achieve our goal and ensure the highest success for all our students in the area of literacy.
American School of Valencia. Annual Report
-./01)2)*3 '()*(!+, !"#$%& Living in 2016 is exciting. We have access to all the information in the world from our pocket. We can instantly communicate with anybody, anywhere in the planet. We can create and collaborate in real time. This reality has changed work methods of many professions, essentially in the services sector, and will do even more so in the coming years.
SAMUEL LANDETE ASV IT COORDINATOR
teachers, students and parents of the American School of Valencia.
Conscious that we must prepare our students for this new environment, at the American School of Valencia we have developed three big programs of technology and information literacy in this new 21st century skills.
Digital citizenship
Google Apps for Education
Internet benefits far exceed its disadvantages, but we should never forget them. Along the year, two workshops took place dedicated to internet security awareness for parents, and for the students the implantation of the Common Sense Media(3) curriculum will continue with units centered in identity, digital footprint and reputation, cyberbullying, digital literacy, security, privacy and digital rights. !
We want our school to use the same tools that enable this revolution in the real world, hence our bet for Google Apps for Education, the Google suite used in 7 out of 8 universities of the Ivy League and in 72 of the 100 most important universities of USA(1), as well as in 64% of the companies in Fortune 500(2). Each student, parent and teacher has one account with unlimited storage, at zero cost to the school, student, parent or staff. As part of the ongoing professional development this year we have held different seminars and during two weekend specific workshops aimed at obtaining the Google Certified Educator title. We will continue offering workshops next year. Technology does not stop its progress, and we must be lifelong learners to model and inspire this behavior in our students.
References
Extension of the Elementary Technology Integration
(1) https://googleblog.blogspot.com.es/2012/09/a-new-wayof-doing-things-on-campus.html (2) https://www.google.com/work/ (3) https://www.commonsensemedia.org/educators/scopeand-sequence
To ease the introduction of technology in the curriculum the 1st and 2nd grade classrooms were equipped with a cart with 30 iPads and a cart with 30 MacBook Air. Given the program success 100 additional iPads destined to students are going to complete the provision next school year, allowing access to the devices from Kinder to 6th grade. In addition, an agreement is being forged with Apple that will derive in advantages for
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What is the cloud?
Logging in to the ASV Google account
Traditionally, to use a software program it had to be installed and was physically located in your computer's’ hard drive. Nowadays, many tasks are completed by programs that are not physically in our computer. For example, to write an essay we can use Google Docs visiting https:// docs.google.com. Google Docs is located at the Google servers. The abstract term “the cloud” refers to the powerful internet-connected computers that host the programs that can be used through your internet browser. ASV students are becoming acquainted with this learning paradigm from an early age. In 1st and 2nd grade they are usually seen combining text and images in Google Slides, using the iPad version, and in higher grades creating presentations and essays using Google Drive enables them to work in any place (school or home) and with real-time collaboration of their peers. They quickly lose the fear of losing their work since they understand that documents get backed up constantly in the cloud without their intervention.
Students, parents, and staff have a personal account within the specific framework Google Apps for Education. Teachers and staff are under the domain @asvalencia.org, while students do have @studentasvalencia.org, and parents @parentasvalencia.org. User name and password are shared with PowerSchool by using a Single-Sign-On system. Modern web browsers (especially Google Chrome and the feature “Switch Person”) are really convenient to use the ASV account alongside other online profiles. Learn more about the Google / PowerSchool SSO by reviewing this resource page: https://goo.gl/HJthrM!
Parent Technology Workshops This year Mr. Samuel Landete offered two orientation workshops on Internet safety practices. The first workshop was addressed to parents with children in Preschool and Elementary School. Participants received interesting information about finding ageappropriate contents on line, balanced use of computers and other digital devices, and a final list of resources, apps and websites. High School parents attended a few weeks later an specific talk on Internet addiction, cyberbullying, use of social media, and other teen-related topics. Use the short URLs to review the presentations: Orientation for Preschool and Elementary parents Orientation for High School parents
Spanish English Español Inglés
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goo.gl/97Eqo1 goo.gl/iCHLfx goo.gl/D9qzSo goo.gl/hdFO6g
American School of Valencia. Annual Report
Global Exchange Programs: Exploring New Frontiers friends in a different but similar school community”, Mr. Smith explained. ASV students opted for an exchange at the Community School of Naples (Florida) or the Foxborough Regional Charter School (Massachusetts). The application process was competitive and the ASV assessed each applicant’s academic record, behavioral history and an essay. Exchange dates varied according several factors such as the school academic calendars, climate conditions, or interesting events for the exchange group. !
American School of Valencia completed the second edition of the Global Exchange Program established with two school in United States. “The goal of this program is to foster international mindedness on our students while they learn to face personal challenges such as living away from their families”, ASV Director Michael L. Smith declared. “By offering two different destinations, students can experience the diversity of the United States, while they reside with host-families, attend classes at a local school, and meet new
Neus Forner
10th Grade Student. Visited Community School of Naples in 2015 and 2016 Traveling abroad is one of the finest experiences you can have. I spent a whole month living in Naples. I had a great time! I experienced the true American life by going to school, living with a family. Making new friends has opened a lot of doors for me. I think the global exchange has changed me as a person, and evolved my open-mindness. Last year I participated in the global exchange in Florida, and that is when I first met Ellie. She has become one of my best friends, and we are constantly learning from one another. This year, in my month long immersion, I stayed with Ellie, of course. She is coming to visit Spain in summer this year, and I can't wait to see her again! Not only do you make new friends, but you bond with the people from your school that accompany you during this trip. I bonded with students of higher and lower grades, and it was great! The families take you to see every special place in Naples! It's so much fun! I recommend this experience to everyone! It makes you grow as a person so much!
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VĂctor Estela
9th Grade Student. Visited Foxborough Regional Charter School The global exchange program which ASV has offered, has deďŹ nitely been worth the effort. This program has helped me develop my character and values as I enjoyed my time with a new family. By living in an environment full of international families, not only American, but from other areas all around the world, I have fostered an internationalmindedness by learning to accept and appreciate the diversity of cultures. In my case, I had two unique traditions at my home, I had both American and Indian cultures to experience. I was able to take part of a family from India that came to the US, and develop an internationalmindset that I will always carry with me. Besides, I had the amazing opportunity to visit famous sites like Boston, Manhattan (NY), the Plymouth Plantation, and universities like Harvard, MIT, Boston University, Brown University and Boston College. Moreover, I have learned how to take care of myself in other countries. Lastly, I gained a good glimpse at the American education programs, an option to take in account for future decisions. It has been an exciting experience, and I am amazingly grateful for this trip that has surely marked my future.
Marc TomĂĄs
8th Grade Student. Visited Community School of Naples The exchange program has been one of the best experiences I had in my life. The idea of being able to socialize with other people, be with a new family, visit other countries is incredible and fantastic. I learned a lot from this exchange in particular. I had the opportunity to know how American traditions were celebrated. Also, I was able to meet people from outside of my country, which makes me a more open-minded person. The experience there was amazing. Everybody treated me as if I was at home. They were incredibly open with me and made my stay in Naples much better. I could also see how an American school worked; which classes they have, the sport spirit, etc. I highly recommend that every single student to apply to this incredible Global Exchange program, because it makes you a better person without a doubt.
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combine children from different grades "ASV+ promotes bonding between students who feel that we belong to the same school community”, Ms Corchs says. Playing sports “is positive for their lifestyle” meanwhile, arts and technology “expand their talents and abilities.“ The program included two sports days (ASV+ Day and Olympics Day) and a special concert with the ballet and the hip hop groups, and short plays performed by the students learning French and German. "The soccer and basketball teams in Preschool and Elementary also had friendly matches at ASV or off campus, and the 4-6 grade field hockey team participated in the regular season organized in Valencia. High School students had the opportunity to represent ASV in the AMAC soccer and basketball tournaments, where they played against other international schools from a variety of Mediterranean countries. Competitions have a clear educational role, Ms. Corchs explained: "children learn how to win and how to lose, and develop fair play, respect to opponents or referees.” Alongside respect and sportsmanship, the ASV+ program also promotes diligence and balance, among other features connected to the ASV Profile of Graduates.
ASV+, the official s c h o o l extracurricular activities program, recently presented what is new for the next school year and which activities will be available for ASV students in 2016-2017. This past year was really positive as we had outstanding enrollment in Preschool and Elementary as well as had a larger variety of games, competitions and special events for students and families. "We are really proud of ASV+. It exceeded our expectations not only thanks to students’ participation, but also because we consolidated all of the activities, and a team of high-quality coaches and teachers. It is also rewarding to see that the school had life outside school hours hosting games and events where families, players, and coaches shared special moments”, Preschool and Elementary Vice Principal Elena Corchs declares. “Another key for success was that activities are integrated within the school day, a feature that ASV families have been demanding for a long time”, ASV+ coordinator Escarlata Casas comments. ASV + includes a wide range of activities offered in English by expert coaches and professionals. As groups always
New features for the 2016-2017 Academic Year The upcoming edition of ASV+ grows and offers new artistic and technological activities. "It covers all grades, from PK2 Page 14
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to 12th grade. Activities will take place two sessions per week, but we are also adding a 90 minutes athletics session once a week, as it is recommended to have competitive teams", Ms. Casas explained. An important enhancement is the introduction of the STEM, an activity combining science, technology, engineering and math. Ballet, hip hop, urban dance, and funky groups are available again for preschool and elementary students. Sixth grade students are invited to apply for the High School activities.
!
ASV+ Materials and Special Events • Minimum two (2) sessions per week (90 minutes session for varsity sports) • ASV+ t-shirts for athletics • ASV+ water bottle for athletics • Progress reports in December and June
Learn more about the ASV+ Program for 2016-2017 and the registration process by watching this video.
• Matches and competitions (in 6th through 12th grades, some international matches and competitions may be planned) • Two (2) ASV+ Days • ASV+ Concert in June for world languages, dance and musical groups • Winter Holiday Concert for world languages, dance and musical groups • Textbook for world language groups
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ASV Graduates. A New Journey Celia Sorzano Salutatorian of the ASV Graduating Class 2016 Looking back over the years we have spent at ASV, I realize that we all share so many good memories. The American School of Valencia not only taught us to be risk takers, globally-conscious, responsible, and diligent students. This school has also taught us how to be the best version of ourselves that we can be, to cherish our time in
Javier Peris’ Graduation Speech
Valedictorian of the ASV Graduating Class 2016 Good evening family, friends, faculty and fellow graduates… It is a great honor for me to be speaking here in front of all of you. These past months have been full of fatigue, hours of study and stress, but today we leave that aside and celebrate that we have accomplished our goals. Today we celebrate our graduation. It seems like only yesterday when we were crossing the main entrance door for the first time, looking all around us wondering where we were. Today, we will cross the gate for the last time holding our diploma and inevitably looking back to all the experiences we have lived within these walls. We find ourselves in the time of our lives where we make important decisions about our future. It is probably not the best age to make them, but we should be confident about them and mature enough to choose the right path. Through the two last years, I realized I had to change my initial plans, but now I am sure I am on the right path. Taking these complicated decisions makes you grow, mature and teaches you to fight for what you want, work hard and never give up. So, take advantage of the opportunities that we have, strive
school because it is a period of our lives that only happens once, and to put effort into anything that we do. I remember that when we once entered the High School halls, we were all quite scared because we had gone from being the eldest of our “section” that was Elementary to being the youngest, and feeling vulnerable. But the years passed and we grew confident and learned that High School is just another path that you have to take to become yourself, and the American School of Valencia has surely made it a more pleasant process.
for excellence and be humble enough to make and learn from your mistakes. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to our teachers. You cannot imagine how thankful we are for all of you for sharing your time and knowledge with us. You helped us grow, gave us advice whenever we needed or talked to us when we had any problem. I think many of us do not value enough the chance we have of having such close relationships with you. From the first to the last, every single teacher has inspired us and made sure that we were moving on the right path. Todos nosotros tenemos la suerte de tener una familia que se preocupa, lucha y lo daría todo por nosotros. Hoy en especial, es un día para darles las gracias. No solo queremos darles las gracias por brindarnos todas las oportunidades del mundo como poder venir a este colegio sino por ser un espejo donde poder vernos reflejados y los mejores guías posibles para nuestro camino. Gracias papá por enseñarme la humildad, la bondad y el cariño por los seres queridos. Gracias mamá por enseñarme la constancia, el respeto y la compasión. Día tras día intento ser como vosotros y gracias a vosotros día tras día crezco como persona. No quiero olvidarme de mis tíos, de mis primos y de mis abuelos que son una parte fundamental también de mi vida. Además
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tengo que dar gracias a mi segunda familia. Esos amigos que se convierten en hermanos, esos amigos con los que te das cuenta lo que representa la verdadera amistad: la tranquilidad de saber que por mucho que tú falles siempre tendrás a ese amigo que nunca te abandonará sino que te ayudará y dará todo por ti para asegurarse que te mantienes en el camino correcto. Amigos, mirad a vuestro alrededor. Entre estos muros nos hemos formado, hemos crecido y hemos pasado la mayor parte de nuestra vida. Durante este año he escuchado muchas veces la frase “Qué ganas tengo de acabar el colegio…” Al escucharla, yo no decía nada, simplemente me quedaba pensando. Pero hoy es el día para decir algo. Está claro que a nadie le gusta hacer exámenes o estudiarse el carlismo por mucho que Ms.Cristina lo haga parecer muy divertido e interesante. Pero este colegio nos ha demostrado que venir cada día a clase es mucho más que venir a hacer exámenes, presentaciones o trabajos. Yo echaré de menos la charla de 10 segundos con los cocineros todos los días, ver a Mr.Eyler quitarles la bola a los pequeños o ir al despacho de Ms.Fe para revisar los comentarios de texto. Este colegio te permite ser tú mismo, explorar y explotar tus virtudes y no avergonzarte de tus defectos. Por ejemplo, yo he mostrado mi destreza con el micrófono cantando el eye of the tiger, mi explosividad en el campo de fútbol o tantas otras cosas que este colegio te permite hacer que lo convierten en un lugar único. Y aunque hoy lo parezca, hoy no toca decir adiós ya que aunque no volvamos a pisar este colegio como alumnos, todos nosotros seguiremos siendo siempre parte de esta gran familia. Ahora os hablo directamente a vosotros compañeros porque los verdaderos protagonistas somos nosotros. Es verdad que me siento muy orgulloso de recibir este premio, pero sin duda estoy más agradecido de poder haberlo conseguido junto a vosotros. Como grupo, hemos tenido nuestras discusiones y nuestras peleas, pero debemos ser maduros y lo suficientemente listos para darnos cuenta que el aprecio que tenemos unos por otros debe superar cualquier diferencia. Seguro que no hemos sido el grupo más brillante, ni el que mejor se porta; como dicen los profesores: somos
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muy buenos chicos pero tenemos mucho peligro cuando nos juntamos, pero es eso amigos de lo que más orgulloso me siento. Me siento orgulloso de formar parte de un grupo muy unido formado por un grupo de personas tan humanas, con tanto espíritu de cooperación que sin duda nos convierte en un grupo único. Hemos forjado lazos de amistad y de amor que no tengo ninguna duda que nos acompañaran toda la vida. Miro atrás y me acuerdo de la ski trip, nuestro viaje a París o este año cuando intentamos cantar una canción todos juntos. No nos engañemos amigos, estas experiencias son las que valen la pena y de las que nos acordaremos toda la vida. De este grupo, no tengo duda que saldrán extraordinarios profesionales. Jaime y Peiró serán brillantísimos ingenieros, Celia y Lillo serán médicos sobresalientes y César y Ruano serán grandes hombres de negocios. Pero más que salir asombrosos profesionales salimos personas increíbles gracias a los valores que se nos han inculcado desde casa y aquí en el colegio. Creceremos y cambiaremos, pero siempre seguiremos siendo nosotros, las mismas personas que han recorrido con éxito este largo camino. No tengo duda de que Iñaki siempre seguirá sonriendo, Carmen será siempre esa persona tan noble y Juanda será siempre el ejemplo de la generosidad personificada. Amigos os miro a los ojos y veo en cada uno de vuestros rostros la misma emoción que teníamos cuando llegamos aquí por primera vez. Sin duda, este ha sido el año de los “últimos”. El último año, la última assembly, la última tutoría… Parece el final de una aventura y lo es pero es el comienzo de una nueva etapa que empieza mañana mismo. Por mucho que nos separemos, tomemos caminos diferentes y empecemos lo que se dice una vida nueva, siempre seremos la promoción de 2016 que hoy se reunió en este parque que la ha visto crecer para celebrar su graduación. Y ahora ya para despedirme me dirijo a mis compañeros y a todas las promociones que llegarán a donde estamos nosotros. El otro día mientras escribía el discurso me di cuenta de una cosa: los grandes triunfadores de la vida no han dejado de ser alumnos como nosotros vestidos con la toga y el birrete en su día de graduación. La vida es un continuo casting y tenemos toda la preparación necesaria para pasarlo con éxito. Hemos vivido en una especie de burbuja muy protegidos pero nos han avisado y formado para afrontar la vida real. Por ello, ahora depende de nosotros y ha llegado nuestro momento: no dudemos y hagámonos oír porque el mundo real nos espera y debemos estar preparados para todo lo que pueda pasar. Aunque por el momento, convirtamos el cansancio y el esfuerzo de todo este año en energía positiva para conseguir que la celebración de nuestra graduación sea una noche inolvidable. Muchas gracias.
American School of Valencia. Annual Report
CLASS OF 2016 UNIVERSITY ADMISSIONS
UNITED KINGDOM CARLOS GÜEMES
MAR HERNANDEZ JAIME BRIZUELA
CARMEN MONTEMAYOR CESAR REIG
JUAN JOSE MATA
RAFAEL ESPINOSA
UNITED STATES CARLOS RUANO (ST. BONAVENTURE UNIVERSITY - NY)
OTHER EUROPEAN COUNTRIES
MADISON BEAM (UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA - GA)
JORGE PEREZ (CZECH REPUBLIC)
LAUREN ISRAEL (DREXEL UNIVERSITY - PA)
JAVIER MARTINEZ (POLAND)
JULIA MURPHY (NETHERLANDS)
LUIS BARBOZA (UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT - CT)
MARIA MORA (ITALY)
New Launch of the ASV Alumni Association
Graduates are the best ambassadors of the “ASV Difference” as the successes they achieved in the years following their graduation correlates directly to the quality of the education they received. In addition to introduce the new ASV Alumni Association, this reunion is one way the school community can thanks them for their contribution to the history of ASV.
Sixty ASV graduates attended the official presentation of the Alumni ASV Association on Friday, April 22, 2016, at the school campus. Francisco Estela, representing the Board of Governors, and Michael L. Smith, Director of ASV, welcomed participants with their opening speeches. After this introduction, the ASV Alumni Coordinator, Josep Vicent Frechina, described how former students have been in touch with the school since 1993, when the first graduating class left ASV, and described the process American School of Valencia is completing to refound the ASV Alumni Association. Three members of the ASV faculty, Marc Boyer, Cristina Jofre, and Escarlata Casas, added their voices to the presentation. After this ceremony, Mr. Boyer guided the alumni around the school campus, describing the most recent changes, and the group enjoyed some refreshments at the Dining Hall.
Alumni are invited to update their data on http://asvalencia.org/community/alumni/. They also can connect with the alumni coordinator and other graduates on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8312992
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