A Letter from the Assistant Executive Director Owen Davis, Ph.D.
A Learning Community
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Leaders in the Making
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Caps for Chemo
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Delegates in Training
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Leaders Empower Leaders
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Regional Champions
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Teacher Feature
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Dear SCS Friends and Families, Welcome to the first edition, of “This SCS Life,” our school newsletter. The goal of “This SCS Life” is provide a snapshot of various aspects of the people, events, values, and learning that make life at SCS unique and special. Most of you are familiar with the school’s mission statement: that SCS exists “to form personas íntegras who reflect Jesus in character, wisdom, and influence.” But our mission is much more than words on paper. It is a mission that is lived out each day in the lives of our students, staff, and families in the classroom, in the cafeteria, on the stage, and on the athletic field. Some aspects of “This SCS Life” have been an integral part of our school for decades. Alumni return to see their old teachers and talk about the friendships and sense of community that provided many memories. And discipling students has always been foundational to an SCS education. However, “This SCS Life” changes from year to year as times change, people change, and education changes. Our newly implemented STEM program—with the sponsorship of our Parents’ Association— has elementary students learning the basics of coding and engineering, middle school students programming robots, and high school students learning college-level computer science. Our elementary students are learning about biblical character traits through our new character formation curriculum. Middle school and high school students are leading an initiative to make SCS more environmentally sustainable through a partnership with Eco-Schools. And the SCS athletics program continues to make an impact on the local sports scene by building on our overall soccer championship in the Copa McDonald’s with a regional championship for boys futsal in the Copa Claro. These are exciting developments that keep life at SCS fun, engaging, and preparing students to be the next generation of leaders who will transform the nation. But what remains constant in “This SCS Life” is that all of these activities remain rooted and grounded on the school’s mission to guide students to know Christ and follow his footsteps. That is what gives “This SCS Life” a meaning and relevance that is constant through the years. We hope that you enjoy “This SCS Life” as much as we do!
Alumni Spotlight 10 Student Work 11 Family Day 12
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SPIRITUAL LIFE “Be Transformed by the Renewing of Your Mind” The integration of faith and learning is one of our foundational philosophies of education. Beyond the Bible classroom and weekly chapel, all teaching faculty at SCS are enthusiastic about a Gospel worldview as an important pedagogical tool for educating the hearts and minds of their students. In our math department, Chris VanSlooten is working to train up critical thinkers in his classes. In addition to praying for his students and encouraging them in their faith, Chris also seeks to integrate mathematical concepts with biblical themes. At the end of every unit, Chris poses a Thought Provoking Question (TPQ) to his students and gives them the freedom to respond and support their answers. According to Chris, “as a math teacher, I obviously hope that my students learn a lot of math. But that isn't my only hope for my students. My one deep hope is that my students experience and know God through their math classes in such a way that they are compelled to love, serve, and transform their world.” Earlier this semester, Chris asked his Algebra 2 class the following question: What is the relationship, if any, between the transformation of functions and the transformation of humans by the renewing of our minds? 10th grader Fidio José Rodriguez Garcia responded this way: “In Algebra, we are learning about the transformations in math. Transformations change the shape, size
“My one deep hope is that my students experience and know God through their math classes.” or position of the image. But these are also some of the ways that you can be transformed to do the will of God. These changes, even though they don’t change how you physically look, will be visible to others and will eventually lead to the transformation of all of those around you.” This is just one of many examples of how students at SCS are learning to integrate faith and learning.
MEET THE ARTIST: Soheila Peña If you have been on campus recently, you may have spotted our newest mural showcasing our theme verse for this school year, Romans 12:2. Soheila Peña is the SCS parent and gifted artist who saw the project through to completion. Soheila is passionate about using her talents for the glory of God, artistically representing Scripture and the truth of the Gospel. When asked about the relationship between art and faith, she said, “The gifts of God were given to be used. Especially arts and craft were used as a form of worship and a form of showing the beauty of God's Word through art.” She leans on the Scripture for this calling, citing Romans 11:29 which reads, “for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” Her hope is that through her art, students will understand that “the word of God is beautiful, compelling, current, omnipresent and that through beauty we can also love Him and His creation.”
A LEARNING COMMUNITY Literacy and Lifelong Readers As a college preparatory school, our goal is to produce graduates equipped for success in competitive international universities and in their future careers. In pursuit of training tomorrow’s young professionals; elementary teachers, library staff, and Principal Chris Gann have teamed up to promote reading as a regular habit among students. Reading is a lifelong skill that contributes to every child’s development and success. Through encouraging literacy and training lifelong readers, SCS is commitment to helping each child reach their full potential.
In addition to each teacher’s individual classroom library and our newly renovated campus library, Arianny Brenes, our gifted library media assistant, has created traveling collections of books which rotate every four weeks through the K-2 classrooms. This allows young students to access a diverse selection of reading materials This year, students are highly encouraged to access our li- throughout the year. Mrs. Brenes’ goal is that students brary resources every day. In prioritizing reading for all will choose to read books that are personally interesting ages, students now participate in Drop Everything And to them in addition to those that are assigned to them in school. Read (DEAR) time throughout their school day. Mrs. Brenes also hopes to encourage parents to read in either English or Spanish with their children because “reading in any language helps children develop reading and thinking skills.” She advises that families should “think of reading habits as something to develop in milestones and that starting with even 15 minutes a day can make a significant difference in the child’s vocabulary growth.” Parents are welcome to come to the newly renovated library any time with their children to read and borrow books or participate in the Spring Scholastic Book Club fair by purchasing reading materials for their homes.
LEADERS IN THE MAKING Eagle Character Program Launched The spiritual formation of our students is one of our most important objectives here at SCS. Every year, the campus chaplains and Bible teachers choose a theme to shape the school year. Our spiritual focus this year is “Transformed,” based on the call found in Romans 12:2 to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” This calling supports our school mission of developing followers of Jesus who are personas íntegras, reflecting Jesus in character, wisdom, and influence. One way we are helping our youngest students to become more like Jesus is through our new elementary Eagle Character Program. Created by SCS elementary counselor, Caitlan Reid, this program instructs students on 24 different biblical character traits over the course of their time in the elementary division. Each quarter, students learn about specific traits through reading, activities, and cooperative games in a weekly class taught by Caitlan. Additionally, SCS elementary music teacher Abby Müller reinforces this learning through creativity like character-based music, theater, and gross motor skills instruction. Classroom teachers also regularly emphasize the key character traits through classroom anchor charts and curriculum character connections.
“bridging the gap between biblical principles and student actions.”
5 All SCS faculty are committed to the holistic development and success of each student and the character program in the Elementary School is a key part of this growth. This comprehensive curriculum is designed to instill in our students the characteristics of Jesus. In addition to classroom activities, teachers who see a student demonstrating a particular trait with their peers are awarded an eagle character sticker for the day and points are added to their class-wide “Fruit of the Spirit” tree. For example, when a student is seen exhibiting generosity, they are celebrated by teachers and peers. When a class fills their tree with fruit, they win a class party to celebrate good character. Caitlan says she “loves to see other kids noticing and affirming good character in each other.” Abby agrees, saying that “it has been a truly wonderful time to both teach and practice the Christ-like qualities that we yearn to see in each of our students.” Here at SCS, we believe it’s never too early to begin teaching our children the lifelong habits and characteristics of a good leader. A strategic and purposeful approach to character instruction has been a key part of Principal Gann’s initiatives for the elementary division this year. He believes that “the character program is having an immediate impact on our students by bridging the gap between biblical principles and student actions.”
CAPS FOR CHEMO Young Leaders for a Cause We believe students of all ages are capable of Christ-like leadership and service, and in the Middle School students are eager to grow in their leadership capacities! That is why we have introduced the house system, spearheaded by our most enthusiastic student leaders. In grades 5 through 8, students are divided into 4 teams: Amistad, the house of Character, Integritas, the house of Integrity, Sapientia, the house of Wisdom, and Altruismo, the house of Influence. The purpose of the house system, according to Middle School Principal Jeff Diggle, is “to encourage community through cooperation, service, and friendly competition.” Each year, house leaders are elected by their peers to lead their team in different activities and initiatives. During the first semester, leaders partnered with TapitasXQuimio and Friends Against Childhood Cancer Foundation, to raise money for Pediatric Chemotherapy by collecting plastic bottle caps from all members of the SCS community. Across campus, students and staff from every division can be seen collecting bottle caps and encouraging students in their efforts. Emma Fields, science teacher and house advisor, said “it’s amazing to see the campus united around a great cause like this. I am proud of my students for taking ownership of this initiative and having so much energy. The best kind of leaders find joy in service!”
The Friends Against Childhood Cancer Foundation promised that for every 100 bottle caps collected, a child would receive one free round of chemotherapy. Since the start of this campaign in October, this team of leaders gathered over 16,000 bottle caps! When asked about the project, 6th grader and Altruismo house leader Rafelina Polanco, said “This project is special to me because kindness is so important. Especially for kids who cannot afford chemo and need help dealing with cancer. Kindness is important for leadership because it builds trust and the people have confidence that you’re going to lead them well.”
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Answers from some of our Middle School House Leaders Jean Luis Ardavin th
Amistad, 5 Grade “You need to have good character because as a leader people look up to you. You need to be kind and a problem-solver.”
Haley Byrd Sapientia, 7th Grade “Leaders need wisdom to help others know what good decisions to make.”
Ximena Gonzalez
Gabriel Breton
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Altruismo, 8th Grade
Integritas, 7 Grade “Leaders need to have integrity because you can bring everyone together in a good way and others will look up to you if you are doing the right thing.”
“Being a good influence helps you be a good leader because you want people to follow your good example and act like you do.”
Delegates in Training CILA 2019 This year, nearly forty SCS students travelled to Santo Domingo to participate and compete in the 2019 International Conference of the Americas (CILA). Our students sat on committees such as UNESCO, the UN Security Council, and the International Justice Court along with 500 students from all over Latin America. They won distinct honors in multiple categories. A group of seven students, representing France, performed a cultural dance and won second place for their rhythm and grace. The choreography incorporated ballet, typical dance, and hip-hop. Our students took home
awards for their work in the committees as well, including William Choi (8th), Gian Marco Felipe (8th), Caterina Torres (9th), Liana Portela (10th), and Alicia Taveras (10th). Victoria Luciano, our Dominican Studies Coordinator, worked many hours with the students, helping them draft articles and resolutions for their committees. When asked about the value of CILA, she said “By studying the United Nations, our young people begin to learn about the world around them and take responsibility for their decisions. They learn to express themselves professionally, participate in complicated discussion, speak with respect, and understand a diversity of gifts and talents when seeking team solutions.” Victoria also believes the experience is important for her students’ faith as they grow to be global citizens who care for their world.
LEADERS EMPOWER LEADERS High School Networks of Service High school students at SCS have numerous opportunities for leadership and growth. In addition to a high level of academic rigor, students study what it means to be women and men of influence who model their lives after the person of Jesus. This year, the Prefect Board, the highest level of student leadership, teamed up with the Class Councils to form an Executive Council. Executive Council members are elected by their classes to serve and train up others in leadership. The Executive Council’s mission is “to unify and organize the high school by working alongside each Class Council so they can adapt and implement new systems in their classes throughout the year.” Students in this role have the opportunity to learn from faculty and staff mentors, to empower their classmates through communication and shared wisdom, and to grow in community with one another. Each class has the responsibility of keeping track of a budget for events, initiatives and activities throughout the year. The Executive President Ho Jin Kang described the council's purpose this way: “to provide support to Class Councils, promote collaboration and organization across campus, and provide leadership and mediation between high school and administration. We listen to their ideas and help them brainstorm ideas and fundraising.” Ho Jin feels his communication and strategic financial planning skills have grown since he took the position of President.
Dr. Rachael Browne, the High School Principal, says of Ho Jin, “The president’s responsibility is big! Ho Jin helps his team generate school spirit, host activities, remain financially accountable and responsible as an organization. These are lifelong leadership skills.” As president, Ho Jin oversees weekly meetings and communicates with the administration with the help of the Senior Prefects. Dr. Browne is inspired and excited by the cooperation across groups and councils on campus. If Ho Jin could say anything to his peers, it would be that “Anyone can be a leader! It doesn’t matter if you are outgoing or quiet—all that is needed is to be a servant, to be willing to sacrifice, and to think creatively about solutions to problems. We are blessed to be in a community that gives everyone the opportunity to serve and make a positive change.”
REGIONAL CHAMPIONS
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Varsity Futsal Team Wins Regional Final This year, the SCS Eagles Varsity Boys Futsal Team took home the Copa Claro Regional Cup for the second year in a row. To earn their spot, the team faced off against DaVinci in the semi-finals and won in penalty kicks. Defending the goal was 11th grader Armando Bisono. In the final game, SCS defeated Oasis 6-1. Juan Herrera, our Athletic Director, says of the team “I am very proud of their hard work and perseverance. They needed to win five straight games to qualify for the final and they went above and beyond.”
At the Copa Claro National Tournament in Santo Domingo, 12th grader Franklin Rodriguez was honored as the National Top Goal Scorer for the League. Known for his leadership and character, Juan Herrera says of Franklin “He is a special player. He is always focused and gives his 500% at every game. He sets an example for other athletes and takes his leadership role very seriously.” Franklin also plays for the Dominican National Team and is a member of the National Honor Society here at SCS.
REBECCA VERHAGE Math and English Teacher SCS faculty are highly credentialed and deeply motivated by the holistic development and flourishing of their students. Rebecca Verhage has been serving at SCS since 2014, teaching Middle School math and English. Rebecca has an elementary education degree with endorsements to teach middle school from Trinity Christian College in Illinois. According to Middle School Principal Jeff Diggle, “Rebecca loves her students and provides a safe and caring classroom, so current and former students are constantly staying after school in her room to visit or work on homework. She is dependable and shows her dedication to the school through coaching volleyball, being a TNL leader, assisting with NJHS, and volunteers to help students complete missing assignments after school once a week.” When asked about her time at SCS, Rebecca said “What I love most about teaching middle school is that no day or class is the same. Each student brings a unique personality and perspective that makes class discussions and activities interesting. I enjoy watching students master a particular topic or skill and celebrating their success with them. More
than just mastering a skill in math or learning to write the best paper for English class, my hope for my students is that they would seek to be young men and woman of integrity, to be people who want the best for others and to realize the love of God.” For Rebecca, what makes SCS unique is that all staff “pray for, encourage, correct and walk along side our students, helping to shape them as young men and women.”
LEONELA CABRERA, Class of 2005 Learning Endless Opportunities
I am proud to be an alumna of an institution that believed in giving me more than just an education. SCS Alumni are world changers! Leonela Cabrera, class of 2005, is the Founder and Academic Director of Learning Endless Opportunities (LEO) in Santiago, Dominican Republic. What began as a tutoring program in her own living room is now a school serving 80 students from the age of 2 through grade 12. While a student, Leonela realized her passion for teaching when serving as a teacher’s aide, lending a hand to elementary teachers and interacting with young students in the classroom. Pointing to her SCS education as the start of her faith, the Lord used Isaiah 54 to call her into a full-time career in education. The faculty at SCS also impacted her future profession; she noted, “seeing teachers at SCS do their jobs with excellence inspired me to the same.”
on to serve at SCS for 14 years, in capacities such as Summer School Coordinator, Kindergarten Teacher, and Admissions Testing. In all aspects of her life, she seeks to reflect Jesus in her relationships and profession and is committed to using her gifts and talents to serve others and support her community. She says, “SCS, to this day, has had a profound impact on my personal life by instilling in me the teachings of Christ.”
At SCS, she learned to think critically and gained the practical skills to make her “university ready at graduation.” Leonela studied early childhood education at Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo and went
When asked about her time at SCS, she said “I am proud to be an alumna of an institution that believed in giving me more than just an education. SCS gave me the gift of opportunities beyond my reach, life-long friendships, and the foundation of my spiritual formation.” Her greatest desire is that every student, parent and teacher that walks through this door would leave having received far more than they had hoped. Leonela said, “I am so grateful God gave me the opportunity to have my own business. My experiences working at SCS still informs my business decisions today!”
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“Fire” There was once a boy, Who couldn’t see the world without fire, He would look to the water, and see fire, His world burned endlessly, fire everywhere. Fire was all he knew, but before he could see the world clearly, He could see the rain fall majestically like an angels tears, He could see the trees become sad and drop all their leaves, He could see the animals on the street. But now all he sees is fire, All that he feels is fire. by Daniel Santana Fernandez, 11th
“Humans” by Jimena Gúzman, 12
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“White Canvas” by Inha Cho, 12th
I looked around for any red lines Many which I’ve unwillingly drawn white In a bold manner Stood between my eyes The empty space between my artwork Displayed a crimson statue The closer I approached The faster the colors faded The red paintings I loved To protect I departed The lonely white canvas I despised No longer existed Now filled with beautiful lines The red canvas I touched Lost its livingness and turned white.
by Laura Contín, 12th
We are thankful to our Parents’ Association for an incredible Family Day, as well as to our vendors and performers. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with SCS families through fun games, activities, music and delicious food.
GET IN TOUCH Autopista Duarte Km 5½ | Santiago, Dominican Republic DR: (809) 570-6140 | USA: (646) 736-6657 info@scs.edu.do | www.scs.edu.do