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ISSUE NO. 1 | MARCH 2023

TVA implements full face-to-face classes

ON THE LINE

MAKATI, Philippines - After an unprecedented shift to online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Vanguard Academy (TVA) officially implemented full face-to-face classes last November 7, 2022.

TVA opens school cafe and launches official merchandise

Under the Department of Education's (DepEd) Order 34, s. 2022, all schools were expected to return to inperson learning. This order was released in July and revised for private schools later that October. Despite these revisions, TVA pursued the transition to full face-to-face classes as the community had prepared for it since the opening of the school year last August.

TVA builds partnerships for immersions and preservice training

TVA successfully enforced this mode of learning for its students through many months of preparing classrooms, abiding by health and safety protocols, and training faculty and staff. All Vanguards looked forward to this change as a necessary response to meet the holistic learning needs of every student.

Vanguard Ventures

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Vanguards conduct first onsite fire drill News page 3

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Vanguard Vantage Lifestyle page 10 1

NEWS | THE FRONTLINES

TVA opens school cafe and launches official merchandise

January 24 marked a milestone for The Vanguard Academy as the school cafe officially opened its doors for service. TVA held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the momentous occasion with Mrs. Maricris Ong, a Vanguard parent and the Organization Vice President for People at CBTL, Inc., as the keynote speaker during the launching program. As a joint effort and collaboration between the Explore, Discover, and Nurture (EDN) and Transcend departments, the school cafe operates every 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from Tuesdays to Fridays, and serves coffee, fruit drinks, rice meals, sandwiches, and snacks. The school cafe, Think Beyond Coffee, provides EDN and Transcend students the opportunity to practice their skills in communication, independent living, and social relations. It also continues to promote the wonders of empowering individuals of all abilities and has now become a staple in the daily snack and lunch breaks of all Vanguards.

NEWS | THE FRONTLINES

TVA builds partnerships for immersions and pre-service training Following its pilot work immersion program in Subic Bay Freeport last July 2022, TVA is on a mission to expand its partnerships to support the future paths of Vanguards in tertiary education, employment, and independent living. This expansion began through the work immersion programs with The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Mumuso, and Sunrise Buckets. TVA likewise welcomed pre-service teachers from the National Teachers College, as well as speech and occupational therapy interns from the University of Santo Tomas - College of Rehabilitation Sciences. Both sets of interns had opportunities to witness how multidisciplinary collaboration is practiced in TVA to ensure that stakeholders meet the holistic development of all students with quality and consistency. © Teacher Anj, Teacher Bernie, Teacher Chrys

Vanguards conduct first onsite fire drill with the Bureau of Fire Protection Attendees learned about the proper evacuation procedures and handling of fire extinguishers, both of which are crucial knowledge to ensure appropriate action to support students’ needs and safety during emergencies.

TVA implemented its first onsite fire drill with the local Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) last February 10, 2023. Vanguard teachers and staff attended a basic emergency preparedness and response seminar before the target event.

There were a total of three mock drills that occurred before the final drill; classroom teachers also made sure to practice the procedures with their students during enrichment blocks. All students, teachers, staff, and caregivers in the vicinity participated in the drills, and the school’s Emergency Response Team led the onsite evacuation to its success through collaboration and communication. 3

FEATURES | EARLY INTERVENTION TO GRADE 3

EI to Grade 3 explore fun through art, food, and games The youngest Vanguards spent the first semester navigating new experiences through multisensory activities using art materials and making food. Those in the lower elementary years did the same by incorporating play into their academic learning.

Pizza Please: The Pre-K and Kindergarten students make delicious pizza for an afternoon snack.

All Aboard: Grade 2 students worked together to build their very own train tracks.

Fruity Fare: Students from Early Intervention make their own fruit salad bowls with their caregivers.

Color Crew: Grade 1 students collaborate on a class poster using colored markers.

Book Buds: Grade 3 students read together at the media center for the first time.

Math Mushroom: A Grade 2 student works on tracing and copying numbers for Math class. 4

FEATURES | GRADES 4 TO 6

Grades 4 to 6 express creativity in words, works, and wonders As the resident middle schoolers, the Grades 4 to 6 department created many memories during the first semester by engaging in all kinds of activities.

Calming with Colors: The Grade 6 students displayed their completed rainbow mural which they did during their enrichment blocks as a mindfulness activity.

A wide array of experiences in storymaking, art, and collaborative forms of expression were highlights for these Vanguards.

Ribbon Row: Tying aprons means helping a friend!

Go the Distance: The Grade 4 students work on different tasks that promote their unique strengths in math, football, and drawing.

Achievement Unlocked: Learning is fun in pairs!

Color Connect: The Grade 6 students experimented with different food coloring and tissue paper to create rainbow dye.

Fantastic Five: The Grade 5 students pose for a photo with their accomplished group painting during their culminating activity for the first quarter. 5

FEATURES | GRADES 7 AND 8

Grades 7 and 8 embark on different livelihood and socialization activities Socialization and service were the central tenets of Grades 7 and 8’s milestones in TVA during the first semester. They transitioned from within the four walls of the classroom to either working behind the scenes in the newly opened cafe or joining more socialization activities such as the school band.

Spec-TACO-lar: The Grade 7 students make tacos at the school cafe, Think Beyond Coffee. They also had fun making and serving banana shakes. © Teacher Pearl

Taco Tag Team: The Grade 7 students are dedicated cafe helpers as they focus on manning the taco station for Think Beyond Coffee.

Drawing Partners: The Grades 7 and 8 drew one another in a paired activity for their Social Communication class.

Board Game Bunch: The Grades 7 and 8 took turns in playing the classic Snakes and Ladders. It was such a cheerful and fun game time! 6

FEATURES | GRADES 9 AND 10

Grades 9 to 10 engage in woodwork and pancake-making activities

Securing the Piece: The Grade 9 students participate in a woodwork activity at the Performing Arts Hall.

The first semester was truly eventful for the Grades 9 to 10 Vanguards. The ninth graders participated in a woodworking workshop led by Thrive and Trove Yard (TATY), a local craft shop aiming to develop independent and competent makers through creativity. On the other hand, the tenth graders banded together and made their pancakes in school. The students followed the step-by-step instructions on local boxed mixtures and took turns flipping delicious pancakes.

MeaSUREment: Woodwork involves lots of precision; the Grade 9 students made sure to use all the tools for their workshop!

The Breakfast Club: The Grade 10 students showcase their scrumptious pancake platters.

Carpenters in Class: The Grade 9 students pose for a group photo showing their boxed woodwork after their fun session. © Teacher Shiela

Batter Up: The Grade 10 cooked pancakes in the pantry and made their batter while following all the package instructions. 7

FEATURES | GRADES 11 AND 12

SHS Vanguards extract the DNA of bananas through class experiments

Having the courage to experiment is one of the traits of a Vanguard. The senior high school students attested to this by exploring DNA extraction using bananas. Interestingly, 60% of human DNA is the same as the DNA of a banana! Using household items such as salt, dishwashing liquid, distilled water, and various science tools, Grades 11 and 12 followed the procedures of the experiment. The DNA extraction entailed subjecting the banana to salt, warm water, and dishwashing liquid. The submerged bananas left a residue at the bottom of the test tubes and beakers, and the DNA appeared as cotton-like white strands.

FEATURES | EXPLORE, DISCOVER, AND NURTURE

EDN enjoys preparation and service experiences for Think Beyond Coffee and school merch The Vanguard Academy’s Explore, Discover, and Nurture (EDN) Program is where uniquely gifted individuals will have the space, resources, and freedom to explore, discover, and nurture their interests, skills, and talents that will lead to their sustainable livelihood and well-being. In support of their continued development and empowerment, the EDN students now enjoy food preparation and production experiences, thanks to school cafe operations and the production of official school merchandise.

Butter is Better: Chef Gio demonstrates the perfect buttering technique.

Orders On the Way: Chef Jian cooks the beef filling for the cafe's taco orders.

Taco Turf: Chef Sophia showing off her skills in creating the best taco in TVA!

Sincerely Stamped: Angel proudly labels one of TVA's notebook merchandise.

Fry-YAY: Chef Kaitlin watches over the meat being cooked for the tapa meals.

FEATURES | TRANSCEND

Transcend students experience versatile adventures in the metro

Dining with Friends: J4, JanRaf, Joshua, and David pose for a photo at the colorful table display in Food Wanderer x Lakbay Museo.

The Transcend Program offers opportunities for students to develop their skills and talents in their chosen areas of interest. In the first semester, they focused on honing their skills and interests by visiting art galleries and museums for those leaning towards the visual arts. Keeping a healthy lifestyle was also an experience for these Vanguards as they tried CrossFit and attended the bi-weekly afternoon workouts in school. Apart from these, the Transcend students continued their job readiness experiences by interning at partner companies or working at the school cafe.

Afternoon Run: David, Martina, and JC enjoyed an afternoon of exercising with Vanguard teachers and Mr. Perez.

Crossing Fitness: Mr. Kyle, David, and Beacon join Mr. Perez in a CrossFit training session.

Coffee Cheers: The Transcend students visit The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf branch where fellow Vanguards were interning.

Creative Connoisseurs: The Transcend students visited an art gallery in their debonair outfits.

FEATURES | AT THE FOREFRONT

Vanguards in verse: Heroism in the eyes and words of sixth graders Two Grade 6 students wrote excellent poems illustrating the importance of loving one’s nation. The students wrote these in response to their lessons about Filipino heroism in the struggle for independence against colonialism. What it takes to be a hero What a good question Indeed a good question, that you mentioned It takes bravery and courage And you have to manage You need to make a lot of sacrifices You can be someone everyone recognizes Leonardo G. Belen III Grade 6

You need to be inspiring even in a pickle You need to be encouraging so they will care for other people You need to know how to put others first So they all won't think you are the worst Everything has an end and soon you'll die At least you'll be remembered in their hearts and minds Since you were super inspiring Other people are brave enough To keep your legacy going

Everyone deserves to be free Everyone just like you and me To be free means a good life Free from destruction and strife. To be free means there is no war We are free like a star To be free to have our own land Where we can grow, farm, and expand

Prince Angelo Ferrer Grade 6

Everyone deserves to be free Everyone just like you and me To be free means to be kind Free to have a good heart and mind

LIFESTYLE | VANGUARD VANTAGE

TVA welcomes 20 new members for 2022-2023 Meet the newest additions to The Vanguard Academy’s roster of professionals. TVA’s population grew steadily, and the community looks forward to more people joining the mission to educate and empower learners of all abilities.

Teacher Ina

Teacher Karen

Teacher Patty

Teacher Clayde

Teacher Joanna

EI to Kindergarten

Grade 1

Grade 2

Grade 3

Teacher Love

Teacher Levy

Teacher Andrea

Teacher Shine

Teacher Cha

Grade 6

EDN

High School

Teacher Jenny

Teacher Gab

Teacher Jay-r

Mr. Christian

Ms. Amor

High School

Transcend

IT Head

Maintenance

Mr. Boggs

Ms. Cora

Ms. Isay

Ms. Lea

Mr. Rey

Maintenance

TV A FIGURES in

FIGURES

There are 122 students for S.Y. 2022-2023. 12

LIFESTYLE | VANGUARD VANTAGE

TVA's school band performs at Inclusion Revolution for a cause In celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, TVA’s official band, the Academy of Rock, performed in a benefit concert organized by Best Buddies Philippines, which was held in Tektite Auditorium Ortigas last December 3, 2022. The ticket sales acted as a fundraiser to support projects geared towards including people with intellectual disabilities. The Academy of Rock performed in solo and small groups, showcasing the array of talents that Vanguards have to offer. The school band serves as a platform where students strive toward excellence through respect for the arts, integrity in musicmaking, and the courage to collaborate, all grounded in the humility to succeed.

Beyond the canvas: TVA presents BUKOD-TANGI TVA held the second iteration of its annual art exhibit. This year’s theme, BUKOD-TANGI, celebrated the unique artist within each Vanguard. The event aimed to explore employment opportunities for students outside The Vanguard Academy, establish partnerships with companies, and network with like-minded individuals who advocate for people with special needs. BUKOD-TANGI featured over 300 student-made artworks developed and created throughout the first semester. Paintings and pieces are up for sale, and all proceeds will go to the beneficiary Bahay–Aruga, a free halfway house for children with cancer. The exhibit occurred from March 20 to 25, 2023, at the LRI Design Plaza. 13

Beyond the Frontlines aims to be a platform where news includes everyone. As the official school publication of The Vanguard Academy, it will focus on celebrating school milestones, opening opportunities for storytelling, recognizing school innovations, and encouraging engagement in school events. Donning the school colors of The Vanguard Academy, the logo shows four people representing TVA's core values of respect, integrity, courage, and humility. Though stretching in different directions, all the people emerge from the same core. The four people also form the shape of a torch, holding a bright flame and depicting the publication's goal to illuminate the stories of all Vanguards, empowering a community rich in expression and action. This endeavor aims to provide The Vanguard Academy with a semestral publication that will showcase the diverse voices of Vanguards - going beyond words and encouraging the community to share their stories through art, numbers, photos, music, questions, and all other forms of expression. On the very first issue of this school publication, let us bear witness to celebrating and strengthening our identity as Vanguards — going above and beyond in all that we do. @thevanguardacademy

beyondthefrontlines

www.vanguard.edu.ph 14

BEYOND THE FRONTLINES ISSUE NO. 1 | MARCH 2023

The Vanguard Academy would like to thank our partners, affiliates, and communities for their continuous support to our school's endeavors. Partners and Affiliates

Community Outreach

WE THINK BEYOND

The Vanguard Academy is proudly presented by the Academy for Children of All Abilities Philippines (ACAAP), Inc.