INTERACT
we will always be part of INTER!
Fall 2016 | Issue VII
Elementary students reading and using technology at the Library.
Knowledge, Skills and Values Equal “Grit” Dear Interamericano Community, A few years ago, when I first became a principal, I had the opportunity to read an article in the New York Times entitled “What if the Secret to Success Is Failure? As I was reading, I caught myself, time after time, listening to the voice in my head that said, “this is exactly what I have been talking about with teachers, students and families at previous schools and now here at Colegio Interamericano.” In the article, the writer, Paul Tough, expresses the exact same theme that I have been trying to instill in students ever since I first started working in schools. That theme is that there is more to an education than Language Arts and Math; success begins with teaching students to be resilient and to be children of strong character. In this fast-paced world full of Iphones, Facebook, virtual learning and fast food, it is my sincere hope that schools continue to be social places. The school environment is where children are first exposed to the same issues they will face in the future as they develop and become independent. Not surprisingly, these issues are best categorized as having more to do with character than they have to do with academics. All too often, students think that they go to school to become educated so they can eventually attend a prestigious college, but the piece they don’t spend enough time considering is the reason why. So what is the reason? I believe Martin Seligman, psychology professor from the University of Pennsylvania, explains it best: cultivating strengths represented along the reliable path to “the good life,” leads to a life that was not just happy but also meaningful and fulfilling. The definition of “the good life” is quite different from the one most of us might be accustomed to as measured by degree of wealth and/or power. Now that we’ve come full-circle, what is character? Can it be taught and learned in a school setting? I am convinced the answer to the question is, emphatically, “YES.” However, I must point out that this cannot be taught and learned exclusively in a classroom setting. While at home, families play a significant role. Positive modeling needs to be omnipresent in a child’s life for character building to be truly successful. In the New York Times article, Angela Duckworth, professor at the University of Pennsylvania, describes this ability to develop character by using an English idiom: “Grit.” She explained “People who accomplished great things often combined a passion for a single mission with an unswerving dedication to achieve the mission, whatever the obstacles and however long it might take. She decided that she needed a name to describe this quality, and she chose the word “Grit.” So what we are really trying to do here at Inter is to encourage children to develop and strengthen their Grit. We reinforce this with our Assemblies, our Student Council, Arts, Athletics and most directly with our Curriculum. Through these environments we encourage students to be risk-takers; participate in activities they are either unfamiliar with or something which they are not already skilled at. In most cases it is likely to be both. According to Duckworth, and I agree with her, this would help our students not only strengthen their Grade Point Average, but equally importantly their C.P.A. or Character Point Average. It is my hope, as well as it is with many of my fellow educators, that someday you will need to submit both scores on a college application. Wishing you all happy holidays.
EVAN HUNT
General Director Interact magazine | issue vII 2016
3
ACADEMICS
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
FEATURES
Telling Interamericano’s story is not our job, it is our privilege. As we continue to celebrate the 40th anniversary of our school, we have the opportunity to share all the great things that are happening on our campus with you: from academics, to events, to successful alumni stories. InterAct Magazine’s main objective is for you to be well-informed about everything that happens at our school, while we tell our story. We would like to thank everyone who made this magazine possible – from teachers, to students, to our General Director. Even as the busyness surrounds us in this fast-paced world, we invite you to take the time to read through these articles and continue to be involved in your children’s education. Enjoy!
Michelle Hernández & Marinés Figueroa School Communications
DIRECTOR Evan Hunt General Director
EDITOR IN CHIEF Marinés Figueroa Communications Coordinator
DESIGN & CONTENT MANAGER Michelle Hernández Communications Assistant
ACTIVITIES
Letter from the editor
ACADEMICS PAGE # 06 - One more way to provide support 16 - Achieving academic goals through support program and enrichment 21 - We strive to help students define what success means to them 22 - Student Awards 28 - Students demonstrating excellence in the area of scholarship, leadership, service and character
FEATURES PAGE # 07 - PK-Learning Adventure 11 - Staff Highlight 15 - The new role of the Library at Inter 17 - Elementary is all about fun and educational activities 18 - We will always be part of Inter 24 - Destination Imagination 29 - Thinking with your hands, a multicolored sensory experience 30 - Alumnus Highlight: Alejandro Barillas
ACTIVITIES PAGE # 08 - Inter Community having fun! 10 - Time travel is possible 12 - Un-bee-lievable 14 - Leadership and project development 20 - Door decorating: celebrating our country 25 - Cultivating students’ desire to be lifelong learners 26 - Enthusiasm and teamwork 31 - Upcoming events
Interact magazine | issue vII 2016
5
A
DEMIC
S
enrichment in ece
CA
one more way to provide support by: Elizabeth barnes | ece & elementary principal
EARLY CHILDHOOD
Every parent knows that no two children develop and grow at the same rate. One child may read above grade level while another reads below in the same class. In the previous education model teachers taught to the middle and hoped the low students would catch up and the high students wouldn’t get bored. This model of education was designed to produce factory workers on an assembly line where creativity, collaboration, critical thinking and communication were not valued and were discouraged. Here in ECE we know that your children must be prepared to live and work in an ever changing world and we want to ensure they are meeting their maximum potential, whatever that may be.
6
In the ECE division we provide a variety of support methods to ensure that your children are being met exactly where they
are and challenged to continue growing and developing. In class, small groups meet with the teacher or educational assistant to receive direct instruction at their level. Both the teacher and educational assistant monitor the student’s progress to determine if the student has mastered the taught skill. These new skills, as well as previously taught skills, are reinforced within the other independent centers. Previously taught skills spiral through the lesson until the majority of the class has mastered them. If there are a few students who still haven’t grasped these skills, they are recommended to the enrichment program that takes place after school. The enrichment program, new at Interamericano this year, is specifically designed to assist students in mastering those exact skills they are struggling with in class; these are skills that the rest of the students are able to do without any assistance from the teacher. A student will only be referred to enrichment for a few weeks. Once the learning objective has been met, the student is removed from enrichment. If the student continues to work in enrichment on a single skill for more than four or five weeks and is still unable to master the concept, homework may be sent home as additional support and a formal evaluation will be requested. If this evaluation recommends tutoring, then and only then will the school recommend it. Just like enrichment, we want tutoring to be focused and specific and only for those who really need it.
Interact magazine | issue vII 2016
f
tures ea
ece learning method pk-learning adventure! by: andrea garcía | ece teacher “The most rewarding and important type of learning is through experience, seeing something with our own eyes.” - Jack Hanna In Pre-K at Interamericano we dive headfirst into fun, meaningful and hands-on experiences. This quarter Pre-K learned about our neighborhood and had a big focus on our community helpers. Students were excited to learn more about the people who help them and their parents within their community. They developed a deeper appreciation for these hard-working men and women and learned to value the importance of community.
Our first community helpers to visit the school were the Volunteer Firefighters. The firefighters reminded students not to
play with fire and provided some safety rules for home. They shared some interesting facts about their suits with the students and, with help from the teachers, they demonstrated how the fire hose works. To everyone’s surprise and excitement, they turned on the sirens and lights while driving around the parking lot. Our next community helper to visit was a chef who brought some professional kitchen tools and shared some ideas of what to cook at home. We also had two special visitors from our own school community. Mrs. Barnes, our ECE principal, told us about the importance of her work as a leader and how much she loves helping teachers become successful in their teaching. Julio, our janitor, spoke about all the things he uses to clean the classes and how much he enjoys keeping the school clean to prevent illnesses.
EARLY CHILDHOOD
Our final community helpers were police officers. They gave advice on how to drive safely, including not talking on your phone when you are diving and being a polite driver. They brought some traffic signs, vests, cars, whistles and gloves to teach students to be responsible drivers.The students had so much fun. As a wrap-up and to provide meaningful closure on the topic of community helpers, students had the opportunity to dress up as the community helper they want to be when they grow up. Students were able to share why they wanted to be that community helper when they grow up and it was so sweet to see the Pre-K students dressed up as future professionals.
Interact magazine | issue vII 2016
7
a
ivities ct
inter community is having fun! from INDEPENDENCE DAY to INTER BINGO, KITE FESTIVAL to family day and much more!
independence day
children’s day
kite festiva character d
holiday 20 8
Interact magazine | November-december 2014 issue vII 2016
inter bingo
family day
al & day
concert Interact magazine | issue vII 2016 Interact magazine | November-december 2014
921
a
Field trip
ivities ct
time travel is possible! by: marielos duarte | ece teacher
The definition of time travel is “the action of traveling through time into the past or the future.� Scientists and science fiction writers have dreamed of this possibility and we have all thought at one time or another about how fantastic it would be to be able to go back and see what life was like ohso-long ago. You may think that time travel is impossible but last month our grade one students at Interamericano climbed aboard a big yellow bus and went back in time. During the first quarter of Social Studies and Language Arts in first grade, students learned about life in the past, compared and contrasted it with the present and made predictions about the future. Different activities were used to enrich their knowledge and there was no better way to end the term than to live and experience the past firsthand. Antigua is one of the best preserved colonial cities in the world and it is only 45 minutes away from Guatemala City. Its
Students began their adventure with a map in hand and took a walk through the past. They made stops at five different key places. At the Capuchinas ruins students learned about the old buildings and structures still standing. At the Jade Museum students learned about how the Mayan civilization used jade as one of its main resources. The students discovered the process of making chocolate at the Chocolate Museum, marveled at the beauty of Guatemalan typical crafts in the market and had a wonderful picnic at the park where they embraced Antigua’s incredible beauty.
early childhood 10
beautiful surroundings, cobblestoned streets, antique architecture and majestic volcanoes transported our students through time, back to the colonial times of Guatemala.
The students truly enjoyed their trip through time and made connections to the curriculum and to their own lives. This is a trip that will not soon be forgotten. It would not have been possible without the help and support of school staff and the parents who came with us. Stay tuned for the next first grade grand adventure!
Interact magazine | issue vII 2016
f
tures ea
STAFF HIGHLIGHT “Sometimes I return back to the state of mind I had as a child when I believed nothing was impossible.” - Jonathan Harnisch, When We Were Invincible by: kenneth davis | hs principal
andrea garcía
rebecca kramer
ozie hood
camilo rivas
ANDREA GARCÍA - ECE TEACHER As a kid, what was your favorite subject? My favorite subject as a child was Science because I love to learn about nature and physics, and also because I learn better through observation and experiment. Aside from being a great student academically, did you participate in any other activities? Yes I did. I participated in Spelling Bee contests, both in English and in Spanish; and I was part of the cheerleading team. What is your favorite book? My favorite book is The Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman & Ross Campbell. Have you always wanted to be a teacher? Even when you were little? Yes! Ever since I was little, I always wanted to become a teacher. I knew it was my passion and most of the time after I finished my homework I pretended to be a teacher and give the lesson to my dolls and stuffed animals. I had my big board and lots of books to grade them. It was definitely my calling! REBECCA KRAMER - ELEMENTARY TEACHER As a kid, what was your favorite subject? Art! Aside from being a great student academically, did you participate in any other activities? In elementary school I sang in a few talent shows and had a job at a preschool. In high school I did volunteer work in my community and even spent a summer as a volunteer in Honduras where I fell in love with Latin America! What is your favorite book? The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Have you always wanted to be a teacher? Even when you were little? I always played school when I was little. In 3rd grade I even had a white board in my bedroom! In fifth grade I had an amazing teacher who showed me my potential and made me feel good about my learning and ever since then I knew I wanted to be just like her. OZIE HOOD - MS TEACHER As a kid, what was your favorite subject? My favorite subject was History. Aside from being a great student academically, did you participate in any other activities? I participated in various school sports, such as Basketball, Football, Track and Cross Country. I was also a part of Student Council and National Junior Honors Society. What is your favorite book? My favorite books were “Of Mice and Men”, “The Hatchet” and “Encyclopedia Brown”. Have you always wanted to be a teacher? Even when you were little? Growing up, I wanted to work in television or radio. It wasn’t until college that I wanted to become a teacher. CAMILO RIVAS - HS TEACHER As a kid, what was your favorite subject? I have always loved literature. Aside from being a great student academically, did you participate in any other activities? I was in the band! What is your favorite book? My favorite book is “La Hojarasca”. Have you always wanted to be a teacher? Even when you were little? Yes. It has been something that has always been a passion.
Interact magazine | issue vII 2016
11
a
ivities ct
SPORTS UPDATE un-bee-lievable! Keeping a seven year old tradition alive at Inter—the ECA programs BY: joel longsworth | eca coordinator
As you know, one of the best things about our school is the wide range of extra curricular activities (ECAs) that students have an opportunity to participate in once the regular school day is over. It is definitely an exciting part of the day that students in all divisions look forward to on a daily basis. Therefore, our goal is to continue to ensure that students have positive, rewarding and enriching experiences through the programs, activities and events that the division organizes throughout the school year.
We currently have approximately 990 students from all divisions taking advantage of the broad ECA and Athletic programs at Colegio Interamericano. We offer 124 different club and team options for students from Pre-Kinder to grade 12 that include a variety of athletic (42), musical (27), academic (18), artistic (17), dance (8) and cultural and language (12) programs. Just to give you an idea of how big the division really is, there are 1,324 different spots being offered through the different sports and ECA programs this year. This is because many of our students love ECAs so much that they participate in multiple activities (more than 1 ECA), staying an extra hour, sometimes two, after school several times per week.
20 magazine | November-december 2014 12 Interact Interact magazine | issue vII 2016
It is also our pleasure to share with all of you that this year’s ECA holiday concert took place on Wednesday, November 23 at the covered court. We had two parts to the show. The first one featured ECA students in Pre-K, kinder and grade 1, and the second part featured ECA students from grades 2 to 5, as well as a special appearance by Middle School students. The community had an opportunity to enjoy performances by our various music, dance, singing and arts clubs this year. It is also our goal to provide new and exciting ECA options for students by January 2017, and our aim is to offer at least one new activity or club per area of discipline. You will receive information about these options and how you can register your children before the December break. If you have not been able to participate in this wonderful program, don’t worry, you’ll have a chance to do so by mid-year. As you can see, this year will be full of ECA fun and excitement once again! And remember: ECAs are “un-bee-lievable”! Please feel free to contact us should you have any questions, comments or suggestions. We would greatly appreciate your feedback and we look forward to hearing from you!
Interact magazine Interact |magazine November-december | issue vII 2016 2014
1321
a
stuco elementary
ivities ct
leadership and project development by: katrin huenemoerder | stuco elementary advisor
When you witness 26 Elementary students staring anxiously at a raw egg hanging on a string from the ceiling, waiting for it to be cut down and find out if the construction they built earlier would keep the egg intact - you are looking at 26 future student leaders who just completed a full project management cycle. On two Saturdays, members of the Elementary Student Council and Student Congress spent a total of 12 hours getting trained to work as a team and identifying and developing future projects for the Student Council. The “egg-cercise” was just one of the many different activities and challenges the group had to face, making them a stronger team, learning how to communicate better with each other and how to value each other’s ideas.
ELEMENTARY
The student leaders developed creative projects in order to make Inter Elementary a better place.
14
Grade 2 student leaders came up with a full plan for an Inter Elementary Spirit week to celebrate our school. Grade 3 students developed an alternative menu for the cafeteria in order to better meet students’ nutritious needs. Grade 4 students build a travel brochure with lots of suggestions for possible Interamericano field trips and Grade 5 student leaders developed a plan for an outdoor classroom and a school garden, in order to create the opportunity for alternative learning and experiential education. Thanks to all Interamericano Elementary student leaders for dedicating your time, ideas and creativity toward making your school a better place for your friends, your teachers and the administration, by taking ownership and working toward the mission and vision of Colegio Interamericano - to become the best bilingual school in Guatemala.
Interact magazine | issue vII 2016
f
tures ea
revisiting the library the new role of the library at inter by: mary loria | library digital media specialist
A more recent feature useful with Follett Destiny is the Fountas and Pinnel reading program service. This feature allows users to see the reading level of each book in the library. It also enables searching for materials specific to the user’s reading level. Another addition to the library services is a new subscription to Flipster. Flipster is a magazine service that allows people to browse digital versions of the latest issues of popular magazines. With a web browser on any device, you may access 33 magazine titles available anytime and anywhere. However, with the Flipster app the digital magazines can be downloaded for offline reading.
Education and library research studies have provided clear evidence that effective school libraries help all students achieve academically. Colegio Interamericano strongly recognizes this role in helping fulfill its mission to prepare global citizens with the knowledge, skills and values to lead and improve a rapidly changing world. That is why this school year, the library ushered in new and improved services and facilities for the school community. First, the library has upgraded its library automation system to Follett Destiny, a system used by international schools worldwide. Students, teachers and parents may now search for books and other digital resource, by going to http:// interamericano.follettdestiny.com. The link can also be found under the Portals and Library tab on the school’s website.
To access Flipster, go to the online library catalog and choose the magazine you want to read. For first time users, you may ask for the username and password from the library. Last but not the least, new sets of furniture have been custombuilt to suit the needs of its users. There are new connectable tables that allows working space for both independent and collaborative tasks. A comfortable couch has also been added for more comfortable and leisure reading. All these changes is only the beginning. This will be a continuing process of evaluating the needs of the students and making sure the library meets them. But how do we know all this is changing the role of the library at Inter? Ask the next student you see on the hallway.
Interact magazine | issue vII 2016
15
A
DEMIC
S
targeted instruction
CA
Achieving Academic Goals through Support Program and Enrichment by: theresa levalley | Academic Support Coordinator
What is the Academic Support Program? The goal of CIG Academic Support Program is to enable all students to maximize their potential, succeed in academics and experience continued social/emotional growth and development. Our Support Program is based on the concept that differentiation is achieved by the continual adjustment of an appropriately challenging learning program to match a student’s demonstrated level and pace of learning. This is achieved through Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), a Response to Intervention (RtI) model of instruction and parent and student involvement. Through these programs and partnerships, CIG can successfully meet the individual needs of our students. How do we achieve our goals? We collaboratively work together to target instruction at the learning level of all of our students using RtI. Response to intervention (RtI) is a process that helps students who are struggling with specific skill acquisition. In this model, every teacher will use interventions (teaching strategies) to help students succeed in the classroom. If a student is struggling, his or her teacher will use curriculum-based measures, formative assessments and teacher observations to choose a proven strategy to help support student learning. If a child does not respond to the initial interventions, more focused interventions are used to help the child master the skill.
ELEMENTARY
Tier 1 students receive instruction from the continual adjustment of an appropriately challenging learning program. This targeted instruction will match a student’s demonstrated level
16
Interact magazine | issue vII 2016
and pace of learning. Teachers and Educational Assistants will work in concert to progress monitor and differentiate instruction based on all students’ needs. Students who need additional instruction can receive “Tier 2 supports” during Enrichment time. During this time, specific learning needs are met and students have an additional opportunity to gain proficiency on skills and objectives outside of their Tier 1 instruction. Through progress monitoring and frequent PLC meetings, teachers can monitor the duration and frequency needed for students to attend Enrichment. For students who continue to struggle, we are fortunate to have the Academic Support Program (ASP) to provide “Tier 3” instruction. This instruction is strategically tailored to help students progress from their current growth and developmental level and recoup skills they need to continue to progress. This instruction is aimed at “closing gaps” in students’ learning to help them achieve proficiency in below-level, or gradelevel concepts. The ASP team uses data from Tier 1 and Tier 2 instruction to guide lessons in Tier 3 instruction. In doing so, all students are given the opportunity to make progress at their own individual pace while being monitored to ensure that academic goals are achieved.
f
tures ea
fun & educational activities ELEMENTARY IS ALL ABOUT FUN AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES by: silvia de morales | elementary vice principal
Every school year brings a wide variety of activities for elementary students, and with it new opportunities for them to engage in meaningful learning. This year has been no exception. We kicked off the month of August with a gathering welcoming learning and dreams. This assembly included a very moving activity where students wrote down their dreams and goals in Language Arts classes and then sent them into the sky tied to balloons. In September, as is now accustomed here at Inter, we celebrated our country’s independence through multiple events including our Mercadito, the welcoming of the torch and our civic engagement assembly where we sang traditional Guatemalan songs at the top of our lungs. These activities allowed students to learn, remember and appreciate their cultural heritage. October brought more opportunities to learn about our traditions, in this case through a unit on kites. Students read about and discussed our traditions while integrating this cultural information with the academic curriculum, whether in Social Studies, Mathematics or Science. However, it might be safe to
say that the highlight for many of them might have been flying a kite for the first time! Three large events await us in November and we are incredibly excited. First, we’re having a day where students can dress up as their favorite literary characters and a door-decorating competition. Next, we’re having the now-traditional Book Fair. Finally, the National Symphonic Orchestra is coming to visit. Once again, our main focus and goal is promoting meaningful learning for all of our students. Literary character dress-up day and the door-decorating contest are activities where we celebrate and foster reading comprehension and enjoyment. This year’s book fair aims not only to promote reading through the availability and acquisition of books, but also to offer reading workshops for those in attendance. Finally, it is worth noting that it will be an invaluable experience in our music classes to have the National Symphonic Orchestra on campus and interacting with our students. This will be an opportunity for students to learn more from the orchestra masters through the didactic concert directed by Mónica Sarmiento. In this way, we will close out our first semester. As a special sneak peek, we’re also excited to share that we’ve begun preparing other exciting activities outside school to integrate into our curriculum. Stay tuned.
ELEMENTARY Interact magazine | issue vII 2016
17
f
tures ea
i love inter!
Here at Colegio Interamericano we’re cherish the diverse staff and student body that makes up our school family because we believe that it enriches our community experience. While we may have different backgrounds, opinions, favorite academic subjects or even goals, there’s one thing we can all agree on and say proudly: I love Inter. We all love Inter for different reasons, and live and express that love in different ways. We went around campus and asked a few people why they, too, love Inter. Here’s what they said: “You learn a lot, speak English and make friends. And it’s fun!” -Kamila, Isabella, Priscilla, Giuliana, Mia, Adriana, Camila Grado 3 “Friends, teachers are the best- you learn a lot from them and they treat everyone equally” Stefan, JP, Gabriel, Adrian, David Grado 5
18
Interact magazine | issue vII 2016
“It’s a very well-integrated school. It has some very nice people who are always willing to help you if you need it” Nicolle Dardón, Grado 8 “I love working at Inter because my teaching work is respected, because my opinions on how to improve our school are heard and the school cares about each of its teachers. I love being able to implement my ideas within my classroom and being directly responsible for the continued improvement of my curriculum. At Inter, teachers are treated professionally: there are high expectations of teachers and the environment is polite and cordial at all times. I am In… I am Inter.” Gerald Schaeffer, Middle and Elementary Technology teacher
“I love Inter because as a teacher I can be myself, I have a voice and can have lots of fun with my kids while learning together!” Melania Argueta “I love working at Inter because it helps me develop as an individual since they value my daily efforts and allows me to effect positive changes in my students.” Claudia Díaz, High School Spanish teacher “I love Inter because the community is so warm and close: teachers, family and friends show up to Family Day, poetry events, sports games and a million other activities in support of our students.” Duda Radulovic, Grade 7 Language Arts and Social Studies Teacher “I love Inter because it’s the place where I can develop professionally.” Camilo Rivas, High School teacher
“I love Inter because the community makes me feel appreciated and my opinion matters. It’s a place where rights are respected and I can grow as an individual.” Any Mancilla, Middle School Spanish Teacher “I love Inter because all the students know each other and love each other like family.” Sigrid Holmgren, Biology Teacher “To me, Inter is my second home… and home is where the heart is! I love Inter because it has an inviting atmosphere where everyone is able to succeed.” Leo Braham, 5D Language and Social Studies This is how we love Inter. How do you?
Interact magazine | issue vII 2016
19
a
independence activities
ivities ct
door decorating: celebrating our country BY: Yajaira Aguilar, Eva Ureta & Marlene Mรกrquez | ms teachers
MIDDLE SCHOOL
On September 15th, most Central American countries commemorate gaining independence from Spain. In 1821, after two previous attempts, these countries achieved their freedom from the Spanish monarchy. The attainment of independence was peaceful, unlike other countries which struggled to become independent States. To celebrate Guatemalan independence, the Social Studies program carried out a very creative and important activity in the month of September.
20
Every homeroom decorated a door with relevant information about a designated department of the twenty two that make up our beautiful country. Students learned about the amazing and unique places of this land and the variety of
customs, traditions, languages, handcrafts, foods, social groups, folk clothing, location, current population and festivities of their designated region. This activity took several days to accomplish. Students researched all the information related to their assigned department during Social Studies class, created visual aids and posters and, with the support of their homeroom teachers, hung these on their classroom doors to be displayed. When they were finished decorating them, every section had the opportunity to visit the different door displays and listen to a presentation about every department. Students felt as though they had actually traveled and visited every department of Guatemala. This was the very patriotic way in which Middle School students celebrated the month of September.
Interact magazine | issue vII 2016
a
demic
s
ca
talent is overrated we strive to help students define what success means to them BY: victor ramirez | ms principal
Middle school is an exciting time. New doors open and many more opportunities are offered at school. Some students decide to take a more serious interested in sports, academics, student organizations and/or social issues. At CIG, we strive to help students define what success means to them. It is important to set goals and be precise about what they want to accomplish. When students are looking for their goals and their personal definition of success, we encounter the question of talent. Some students would like to be in the Honor Roll, but they think they are not “talented� in certain class; therefore, they do not think this goal is attainable. The big question here is: Is talent the main or only factor to be successful in an academics or sports? Different authors and researchers have found out that talent is overrated. While some genetic traits might give you certain advantage in an academic or physical activity, it is clear that hard work trumps talent.
In middle school, we create time during homeroom to talk with our students about important topics like success and talent. I invite you to read more about this interesting topic.
Success is about hard work and perseverance. The way we think about challenges is more important than talent when we want to be successful. Talent without hard work is not enough. Talent can be developed with practice. If we decide to work hard and persevere, we will be successful in what we do.
Interact magazine | issue vII 2016
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Here are some recommendations: 1) Talent is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else, by Geoff Colvin. 2) Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck. 3) Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell.
21
A
DEMIC
S
student awards & achievements
CA
congratulation guillermo and castillo for outstanding pa in the karat ch
jeremiah oliveros won 1st place at the latin american minicross championship (50cc category) held in guayaquil, ecuador
Christian wever won the panamerican junior karate championship for the second time in a row
the boys and girls basketball teams won the Bicultural Cup. Go Grizzlies!
JIMENA VICO OBTAINED 1ST PLACE IN THE SINGING CATEGORY OF THE CHIKY TOUR
The boys closed out the United Basketball Tournament in second place in the silver division, while the girls are coming home as Champions of the silver division.
22
Interact magazine | issue vII 2016
katia oliveros and ann obtained 1st and 2nd pl gymnastics copa pa
Congratulations students! The inter community is proud of
you!
ns
to sebastián r their articipation te world hampionship
nika spross lace at the anamá 2016
students set an example for their peers with hard work and good grades. The Honor Roll Assemblies were held to celebrate it. Way to go students!
camila and daniel cascante obtained silver medals for their outstanding participation in the kickboxing panamericano championship (kata category) held in cancún, méxico.
f
tures ea
destination imagination
“Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”-Albert Einstein BY: maría montes | ms vice principal At Colegio Interamericano we want our students to get a chance to explore their interests. For some of our learners that means practicing sports; others would rather play an instrument. Then there is another group of students, the ones who like to imagine and create new things. For them, every year Inter participates in a program called Destination Imagination (DI).
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Destination Imagination is a program that fosters students’ creativity, courage and curiosity through open-ended academic challenges. Students prepare the solutions to these challenges together with a team and then they get to showcase them at tournaments.
24
At the beginning of the school year we presented the program to all Middle School students and those who were interested signed up. For the first four weeks we had workshops in which we practiced different skills such as the collaborative problem solving process, persistence and respect for others and their ideas. From that big group, seven teams were formed and now they are coming up with solutions for all the different challenges to compete in the tournaments.
Interact magazine | issue vII 2016
We will have an in-school tournament at the end of February, the National Competition on April 1st and the teams who get first place will get a chance to compete in Global Finals at the end of May. Through the Destination Imagination program, we want to make sure our students are empowered with the skills and values needed to succeed, lead and improve our rapidly changing world.
a
ivities ct
International Award program cultivating students’ desire to be lifelong learners BY: sarah cusworth | hs international award program coordinator This year we are delighted to announce that not only is Colegio Interamericano the only school in Guatemala currently licensed to offer the Duke of Edinburgh International Award program, but now we also have a group of bold and adventurous students who are working toward their silver award. There is a lot of evidence that shows that participation in extracurricular activities benefits young people’s growth. Because of this, we take special care in the continued expansion of the extracurriculars program in our school so that we enhance this developmental opportunity and benefit our students’ future. In October of this year, a group of ten of our students took part in the first silver expedition to ever happen in Guatemala. Carrying backpacks which weighed approximately 20 to 30 pounds, students trekked a total of 80 kilometers over 3 days in the Sierra de las Minas, located in the eastern section of Guatemala. It was not an easy feat as we had to endure rain and thunderstorms, cross rivers, navigate through the jungle and get to the top of Volcán Palomas as part of the expedition, but they all made it in good spirits and persevered to the
end. The camping in Las Minas was very special as we are lucky enough to have sites that are far away from the nearest villages, giving our students a full sense of nature and isolation. The experience we had- handling tough weather, sleeping in flooded tents, creating a path in the jungle, trekking through steep terrain and extremely long distances, as well as exploring a beautiful part of Guatemala- will stay with us for a long time and hopefully cultivate students’ desire to be lifelong learners.
high SCHOOL Interact magazine | issue vII 2016
25
a
ivities ct
ATHLETIC SPORTS UPDATE TEAMS GREAT CHALLENGE Enthusiasm and Teamwork = GREAT FUTURE by: allan BY: ALLAN secaida SECAIDA | athletic SPORTS COORDINATOR director
AASCA Our basketball teams also participated in a Central American tournament. Our boys’ basketball team placed 2nd, while our lady Grizzlies brought home first place after finishing the tournament as Champions of the silver division.. It was a very exciting competition and the matches were very intense. This tournament took place in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, and 12 teams from all of Central America participated.
We have now been working on our respective athletic disciplines for two months. As a part of our planning, students have responded both to the discipline and technical foundations that our coaches have been sharing with their sporting teams. We’re about to execute our third International Friendship Tournament, where all three divisions will be represented in Volleyball and Soccer, featuring teams from El Salvador and Guatemala.
OUR MAJOR TEAMS Our High School basketball teams (men’s and women’s) were crowned Champions during their participation in the Bicultural Cup. This tournament is organized for American and International schools in the area. Our Grizzlies proved themselves the best in the city, putting our school’s name up high and making us proud.
20 magazine | November-december 2014 26 Interact Interact magazine | issue vII 2016
Upcoming Events: - Shaddai Cup; Elementary teams: November - Track & Field AASCA, Middle and High School; El Salvador, November 9-13 - International Friendship Tournament; Elementary, Middle and High School Volleyball and Soccer teams: November 1719
T h i s y e a r teachers h a v e j o i n e d forces to help integrate math
and literacy into specialist subject areas.
- Montessori Cup; Elementary, Middle and High School Volleyball, Soccer and Basketball teams:January-May - Metropolitan League; Elementary, Middle and High School Volleyball, Soccer, Basketball and Track & Field teams: January-May - AASCA Soccer; High School teams: Nicaragua, February 15-19 2017 - AASCA Swimming; Middle and High School teams: Panama, March 16-19, 2017 - AASCA Volleyball; High School Teams: Nicaragua, April 1923, 2017
I n
Spanish, we are aligning our writing program with Literacy By Design so
2721
Interact magazine Interact magazine | November-december | issue vII 2016 2014
A
DEMIC
S
national honor society
CA
students demonstrating excellence in the area of scholarship, leadership, service and character by: karla gonzĂĄlez | High School Counselor/College Advisor/AP
HIGH SCHOOL
The National Honor Society (NHS) is the nation’s premier organization established to recognize outstanding high school students. NHS serves to acknowledge those students who have demonstrated excellence in the area of scholarship, leadership, service and character. Every year current NHS members organize and plan a ceremony to formally invite the top students to be part of this prestigious organization.
28
The purpose of this ceremony is to welcome the new members and to recognize the honor to be part of this organization. These students were selected because they have demonstrated the ability to maintain a high academic level. Also, they are model students for their peers, teachers and the rest of the community. Newly inducted members also have the opportunity to invite their parents to the ceremony to celebrate their academic success and established virtues such as being caring, service-oriented and innovative individuals.
This school year, the NHS induction ceremony was held on September 29th at Colegio Interamericano. During the ceremony, the new members accepted the membership and the commitment involved with this honor. They committed to make voluntary contributions to their community and their school. Additionally, they pledged to continue to demonstrate high standards of honesty and reliability and, also, to strive to become better leaders who are resourceful, problem solvers and idea contributors. The induction ceremony was an emotional event for students and parents alike, because the students were honored to become part of this organization, which will help them to become better people not only in the academic area but also in their social and personal lives. At Colegio Interamericano, we are convinced that this ceremony was the beginning of something special for the new inductees; a new experience which will change their lives for the better since they have promised to serve others as well as contribute to their school, community and family. In addition, students will continue to learn and experience what it means to be part of a community and work as a team. In conclusion, this NHS induction ceremony made a difference for each member of the NHS in which they demonstrate their willingness to become a better person. It’s a moment where the students become empathetic, cooperative and helpful. For example, during the ceremony, the NHS students served the food to the new members as a sign of affection and appreciation.
Interact magazine | issue vII 2016
f
tures ea
museo ixchel Thinking with your hands, a multicolored sensory experience by: carol Castro and Olimpia Vásquez | hs Productivity and Development teachers
of textiles and techniques, uses for ceremonial accessories and the symbolism and stories woven into and narrated by each thread in the huipil. One of the essential discussion questions in class was about what reality is and how it can be perceived through our senses. The answer came to us exactly as we began the workshop “Thinking with your hands”, an activity that students particularly enjoyed, where they put into practice the necessary steps for weaving a bracelet. They recognized that the reality that each one achieved was a direct result of the many faces, colors, traditions and forms of their sensory experience. As teachers of Colegio Interamericano, we celebrate activities that, like this one, leave a mark on our students. We believe that all acquisition of knowledge requires creative answers to information, evidenced through every project executed by our students.
HIGH SCHOOL
To take a walk through the museum was to immerse ourselves in the stage that showcases textile tradition in Guatemala. It captured our imagination and opened our minds, in spite of the high temperatures in each room, necessary for the preservation of the collection. We walked out impregnated with the smell of each loom, which in conjunction with the magic that flew around each room allowed us all to understand how this multicolored tradition is what ties us together and strengthens the identity of Guatemalan society. This past October 5th, tenth grade students had the opportunity to visit the Ixchel museum. There were three objectives and underlying themes for our trip, promoted by the host and reinforced in our classroom: to create a sensory experience, to think with our hands and to strengthen elements of Guatemalan culture and identity. As part of our experiential learning model, during the tour, which was guided by Guatemalan folklore connoisseurs, students saw many of the unique pieces in the museum’s collection as they learned about different kinds
Interact magazine | issue vII 2016
29
f
tures ea
ALUMNus highlight: alejandro barillas
At Inter, we’re proud to be a family, and that includes alumni. We not only celebrate our students’ accomplishments while they are in school; we also share their joy when those accomplishments happen after graduation. Such is the case of Alejandro Barillas, founder of Urban Taxi and a member of the class of 2006. Since his graduation from CIG, Alejandro completed a Business Administration degree from Universidad Rafael Landívar and has continued learning with general education courses. When asked what kind of kid he was at Inter he candidly replied that he was not studious and definitely hyperactive. He explains that his penchant for talking to people and socializing has actually helped him throughout his professional development because it has opened a lot of doors. He credits this with helping him to not be afraid of challenges or sharing his opinion. Among the things he remembers fondly from his time at Inter, he highlights AASCA activities and the friendships he made, some of which helped him make Urban Taxi a reality. So, what is Urban Taxi? Alejandro and his business partners created a service network that allows consumers to safely hail and hire a taxi service with a pre-established flat rate. This way, users know how much their ride will cost them in advance, regardless of how traffic conditions affect the ride. Alejandro told us that one of the ways he makes his business stand out in its industry is by focusing on customer service. “Provide excellent service, listen to what customers want and need and deliver it to them. That’s what turns a one-time
user into a frequent client,” he says. “We’re currently the only company in Guatemala running a ‘Don’t drink and drive’ campaign and that has allowed us to cover things like concerts and clubs, as an alternative transportation service for people who want to consume alcohol.” He goes on to explain how it has been the presentation of the Urban Taxi brand as a “young” brand that knows the needs of both users and the industry that has allowed for the rapid growth the company has had in Guatemala. What is Alejandro’s philosophy? He says, “Live today like there’s no tomorrow and take advantage of the opportunities you get. Believe that it is possible to achieve the goals you set for yourself, and which set you apart from others.” Alejandro wants to be remembered as an entrepreneur who changed the way people use transportation in Guatemala and how people experience taxi service. Here at CIG, we’re happy to continue calling him one of our own.
alejandro barillas Class of 2006
30
Interact magazine | issue vII 2016
a
ivities ct
upcoming events
We hope to see you soon !
Winter Break December 3 - January 3
Classes begin January 4 AASCA Music Festival (Panama) January 25 - 29
100th Day of School January 30 Mathcounts (El Salvador) February 2 - 5
Sports Day February 11
AASCA Soccer (Nicaragua) February 15 - 19
World Read Aloud Day February 22 ECE & Elementary Carnival Celebration February 28
Arts & Music Festival March 20 - 24
ECE & Elementary Summer Festival April 5 - 6 AASCA Volleyball (Nicaragua) April 19 - 23
Easter Egg Hunt April 22
Teacher Appreciation Week May 2 - 5 MS Mother’s Day Breakfast May 9
Seminario Presentation May 18 Seniors Graduation Ceremony May 27
G5 & G8 Promotions Ceremonies June 7
Interact magazine | issue vII 2016
31
interamericano.edu.gt
www.