The Growl

TASIS'S VERY OWN DALE CHIHULY SCULPTURE

-Provided by Kristopher Torres

Painted in the brightest colors and streaming down the TASIS tower near the staircase, what appears to be swaying icicles of reds and blues is actually the Dale Chihuly sculpture, a collaborative art project of more than one thousand recycled water bottles made from all different shapes and sizes.

Inspired by the “beauty of the ugly” as said by Ms Lourdes, several students from middle school and high school helped Ms. Lourdes and Ms. Desiree with the project by not only bringing bags and bags of used water bottles but also participating in the assembling process In addition to calling for more ecofriendly practices, this blazing cascade

by Jennifer Encarnación

-Provided by Lourdes Rosa

of colors was influenced by a man and his work.

Dale Chihuly, an American glass artist and entrepreneur, is well known in the field of blown glass, making beautiful, vibrant 3D sculptures that served as inspiration for our own creation. Chihuly is also known for having created the world's largest glass sculptures. He even has a whole museum in the Seattle Center, dedicated to him and his art.

Now that you know a little about the artist, let me tell you how our nine-feet-tall and six-inch-wide sculpture came to be. While it was a challenge to find the right materials to build the sculpture, our school’s middle schoolers and high schoolers managed to collect over a thousand bottles to create it Meticulous craftsmanship followed, with the process of cutting, painting, and arranging each water bottle in place. With the collaboration of the students and the great help of Mr. Ramón Figueroa who, in order to help the students and his daughter Ms. Desiree, custom made the bars for the sculpture to make this ambitious project achievable Although challenges arose concerning logistics and proper installation, after a whole year and approximately 80 hours, it was complete; we had created a testament to imagination, dedication, and craftsmanship.

Having been fortunate enough to participate in

this project, I am able to admire it all the more, while recognizing all the time spent on it. I’ve discovered the patience and creativity required to turn everyday materials into works of art. Working alongside my classmates, I’ve also learned how art can bring people together. Each time I pass by, I feel a deep connection to this piece and a newfound appreciation for the hidden beauty in objects that otherwise might be overlooked

LA ESTATUA EMBRUJADA DE TASIS

By Gia Soto

Todo empezó cuando Ms. Jossie discutió El Burlador de Sevilla con su clase de AP; luego de ese día todo cambió. Era una mañana como cualquier otra en el colegio de TASIS, hasta que los estudiantes de AP Español entraron a su salón. Ella estaba callada, lo cual no era habitual. . . algo raro ocurría. Lo que comenzó como una simple obsesión con El Burlador de Sevilla se había convertido en algo mucho más extraño

Comenzó a hablar en rima:

Leer o no leer, pronto van a saber. . . su nota final, si bien hacen su papel. Parecía poseída por la poesía.

Lo más inquietante era su advertencia constante:

¡El examen se acerca, de ti no se aleja! decía con voz grave. Nadie sabía si realmente se refería al examen. . . o a algo peor. Mientras más hablaba, más aterrorizados se sentían sus estudiantes

Cada día, Jossie aparecía en lugares diferentes del salón. La encontraban junto a la pizarra, o sentada en el escritorio, sin que nadie la viera entrar Se rumoreaba que un fantasma había tomado el cuerpo de Jossie

Se quedaba completamente inmóvil, como si fuera una estatua. Cuando menos se esperaba, comenzaba a moverse lentamente y raramente, hasta quedarse quieta. Tan quieta que parecía una estatua de piedra

Llegó la última clase antes del examen final. Jossie parecía una estatua, cubierta de polvo y tenía una expresión escalofriante. Los estudiantes, aterrados pero curiosos, comenzaron a susurrar entre ellos

De repente, Jossie revivió. Sacudió el polvo de su ropa, como si hubiera salido de un trance, y dijo con una sonrisa burlona:

Tranquilos, chicos, el examen es de risa, si leyeron bien, nada les pisa

Jossie había estado jugando con ellos todo este tiempo. Era una broma elaborada para mantener su atención y hacer que se tomaran en serio la lectura del curso. Los estudiantes no podían evitar reírse aliviados

THE HAUNTED STATUE OF TASIS

Translated By Matilda Murphy

It all began when Ms. Jossie discussed The Trickster of Seville to her AP class; after that day, everything changed. It was a morning just like any other at TASIS, up until the students of AP Spanish entered the classroom Jossie was quiet, which was unusual; something weird was happening. What had started as a simple obsession with The Trickster of Seville had turned into something stranger. . . Jossie began to speak in rhyme: “Read or don't, only time will tell Their final grade, if they’ve done well!”

Afterward, the students noted that Jossie spoke less and less. She seemed possessed by poetry. What worried them most was her constant warning:

“The exam approaches and ever encroaches,” she said with a stern voice. No one really knew if she was referring to the exam. . . or something worse.

Every day Jossie appeared in different places in the classroom. They found her next to the board or at her desk without anyone seeing her enter. The rumor around school was that a ghost had possessed her.

Jossie’s behavior became even more disturbing During class she remained completely still as if she were made of stone . . . When they least expected, she began to move strangely until she came so still she seemed made of stone

The last class before the dreaded final exam had arrived. Jossie was immobile in the center of the classroom. She looked like a statue, covered in dust. Her expression gave chills. The students,

terrified yet curious, began to whisper to each other.

Suddenly, Jossie revived. She shook the dust off her clothes and said with a mischievous smile, “Settle down, don’t feel the strain; If you’ve read, success you'll gain.”

Jossie was messing with them the whole time. It was all an elaborate prank to make sure her students read. They couldn’t help but laugh.

STAFF SHOUT OUT!

By Carolina Hormaza

Many of us students have most likely seen Ms. Karen around the school, whether it’s at a pep rally, in the hallways, or in the classroom However, are we truly aware of all the diligent duties she takes on? Karen Miranda–mother, teacher, and Student Council advisor–is the epitome of a hard worker. Being at TASIS for 16 years, she has consistently exhibited dedication and passion. Furthermore, numerous individuals have stated that being an advisor for StuCo is a full time job in itself, yet she's managed to balance this demanding role while also teaching 3 Spanish courses

When asked, student council members have reached unanimity in the fact that Karen devotes a substantial amount of time to the council, from guiding student leaders in successfully representing their student body to helping them make decisions and plan events; even on weekends she is actively communicating with the members about ongoing events and proposals. Meetings are always occurring; for class board members it’s once in a school cycle, but for national student council board members it’s practically everyday. Upon request, StuCo board member Catalina Quiñones expressed the following about Karen, “She’s always there for us, and she pushes us to do our best She’s the best StuCo advisor I could ask for.” Lia Cruz, secretary and treasurer of the 10th grade class, voiced the subsequent, “She shows her passion in helping every person. She’s an inspiration for us all.” As an advisor, Ms. Karen makes sure StuCo is a learning experience for the board members, all the while coordinating each phase of the program. On behalf of the TASIS Dorado community, we would like to thank you, Karen Miranda, for your unwavering efforts towards this school!

THE CLASS OF 2026 TOURNAMENT

By Andrelle Rivera

As the class of 2026 approaches senior year, a successful tournament is essential for juniors to secure class funds. Fortunately, our class did an outstanding job in planning for and managing this year's volleyball and soccer tournament On the weekend of October 24-26, the juniors exceeded expectations through their hard work and dedication Over 100 teams from across the island participated in this intense 3-day tournament, filled with fun and excitement Yet, none of it could have been possible if not for our generous sponsors whose contributions brought this tournament to life and helped make it an unforgettable experience for the class

Though the competition was fierce, the TASIS Bears were victorious in two championships thanks to our very own Youth Boys Volleyball Team and Junior Varsity Boys Soccer Team! We’d also like to congratulate the Varsity volleyball teams, both girls and boys, who were declared sub-champions in the tournament. A huge shoutout to all the athletes who participated and demonstrated exceptional dedication on the courts in honor of our school.

When asked about the tournament, the President of Class of 2026, Ivana Beltrán, shared her thoughts on how to secure a successful tournament:

“I would definitely advise the upcoming juniors to start the tournament preparation early. One mistake

-Taken from the TASIS Dorado SmugMug

I can admit the board made was that we started a little later and decided on the logo when we were in a time crunch, causing us to experience stress and having to tie many loose ends at the last minute

However, regardless of our mishaps, the work ethic of the board, the advisors, the parents, and the classmates made the success of the tournament, although last minute, possible ”

Lastly, as a junior myself, I’ve seen how our class has become significantly closer as a result of the countless hours dedicated before and during the tournament to make it memorable for everyone. Through this experience, we’ve formed new friendships and built a stronger sense of unity and class pride. I believe that moments like these, where we support and depend on each other, are the ones we’ll remember and share for years to come.

body, whether it be Puerto Rican students who’ve had exposure to English and Spanish since they were young or students who’ve recently moved to Puerto Rico and are still learning Spanish Yet the process of learning a second language can be difficult at times due to a lack of exposure to it and the necessary trial and error involved

On the other hand, one of the biggest challenges for native Spanish-speaking students is to preserve their mother tongue while maintaining grammar conventions. Since most classes in our school are given in English, Spanish-speaking students can lose touch with their first language. Still, some make constant efforts to maintain their mother tongue in their lives.

-Taken by Ted Lammot

When most students’ thoughts occur in English, a common issue when speaking Spanish is the direct translation of words or phrases that aren’t the same. Sometimes, the intended meaning is clear, but in reality, these utterances are out-right disparates, meaning absurd or contrary to reason. When speaking Spanish outside of the TASIS bubble, we can cause misunderstandings through our inappropriate use of the language, making it complicated for others to understand what we’re trying to say.

Let’s be honest; with the constant Spanglish in our brains, it can be hard to speak both languages appropriately and not shift from one to the other Here are some of these common, often comical, phrases and mishaps occasionally heard among TASIS Dorado students

-Taken by Ted Lammot

By Ana López

e Use Intended Meaning Appropriate Use e usta Fulana I like Fulano 1. He/she likes Fulano/ Fulana. 2

Me gusta Fulano 1 A él/ella le gusta Fulano/Fulana 2 de e que

I just realized that 1 I realized that 2

Me acabo de dar cuenta de que… 1. Me di cuenta de que 2

un Can I have [an object]? ¿Me puedes dar un [objeto]?

mi a I completed my Harvard application

Voy a pretender que estoy triste I am going to pretend to be sad

Ya completé mi solicitud para Harvard

Voy a fingir que estoy triste

If you have any questions about these or your own disparates, definitely ask your Spanish teacher After all, yo

MIDDLE SCHOOL SECTION

6TH GRADERS SPEAK

OUT:

OPINIONS ON GOGUARDIAN

By Nathleen Rovira, Vivecca Santiago & Victoria Fahme

GoGuardian is a tool that helps schools monitor and manage what students do on their computers during class. It ensures they stay focused on learning and are not distracted by games or other websites. It also provides a safer digital learning environment by guiding students to focus on appropriate resources. Individuals within the school were interviewed and shared their candid thoughts on GoGuardian.

NEGATIVE

“GoGuardian has several significant drawbacks. First, it severely limits our privacy by monitoring online activity without our consent. Second, it blocks access to games and websites that we enjoy, restricting our ability to explore and relax during our free time. All we’re left with is basic options like Google Doodle, which often feels inadequate. This constant oversight suggests a lack of trust in students, and if the program were removed, many of us would likely demonstrate responsibility to earn back access to the sites we value.” – Anonymous

MIXED

“I have mixed feelings about Go Guardian The pros of Go Guardian are people not getting distracted and disruptive in the middle of class and not being sent immediately to Camacho. The cons of Go Guardian are that some teachers take advantage of this tool Something I think that could help Go Guardian is that instead of immediately blocking our computers, they could give warnings. After the second strike, they block the computers, and at the third strike, they send people to Camacho’s I think that TASIS introduced Go Guardian to keep peers safe from non-educational and dangerous websites and, overall, to try to improve everybody's learning.” – Anonymous

POSITIVE

“GoGuardian is good. It helps teachers maintain

the standard of the class, helping students to stay focused on the task at hand It does have its cons because the teacher has to maintain focus through the computer instead of person-toperson interaction.” – Ms. Melissa Toledo

Although some students may have critical or mixed feelings on GoGuardian, teachers seem to have a positive outlook. After all, the software is keeping students safe online and preventing them from doing what they’re not supposed to. Positive feelings or not, GoGuardian is still new to TASIS, and it’s one of the many means implemented by the school in an attempt to improve student learning.

BORICUA POR DENTRO Y POR FUERA

By Alejandra Barrientos

La isla del encanto, Borinquen, es hogar de más de 3 millones de puertorriqueños. Algunos dirán que ser puertorriqueño significa ser alborotoso, hablar mucho, y ser alegre, pero no es tan simple. Los puertorriqueños que habitan la isla han pasado por muchas dificultades y luchas que definen su carácter como resiliente. El Huracán María, la catástrofe de categoría 5 que cambió a la isla para siempre, sirve de testamento a su resistencia. Mientras la isla se recuperaba, hubo una canción que se volvió muy popular y que se tocaba en las estaciones de radio todos los días. Yo recuerdo que siempre, de camino a la escuela, esperaba escuchar esta canción con mucha anticipación. La canción, titulada “Isla Bendita”, fue escrita y grabada por varios artistas puertorriqueños que se unieron para transmitir un mensaje de esperanza al pueblo de Puerto Rico, a través de su letra empoderadora y sentimental. El mensaje es uno que mueve y entusiasma, y que ni se me olvide mencionar, el orgullo que crea. Hasta el día de hoy cuando escucho esta canción me da un sentimiento poderoso de orgullo desde el fondo de mi corazón orgullo por la patria, por la isla y por nuestra gente que no se quita

Puedes poner a un puertorriqueño mil veces dentro de la tormenta más potente, y verás como, sin fallo, empuja hacia adelante cada vez

La fuerza del pueblo puertorriqueño es una que no se compara. Tienen la habilidad de unirse como “hermanos del mismo horizonte” Cuando una meta se planta dentro de ellos, nada los puede parar, mucho menos si se juntan y funcionan como uno. Los puertorriqueños sienten un amor inmenso por su isla y esta es una de las cosas que, desde mi punto de vista, define a la puertorriqueñidad Yo pienso que la isla entera es una reflección de la puertorriqueñidad. Sus playas son un espejo de su belleza y profundidad; los montes y el campo, imagen de su vastedad y grán corazón; los flamboyanes, ceibas y palmeras, una representación de las diversas raíces que corren por toda la isla y permanecerán siempre ahí. El puertorriqueño y su identidad están también en cada uno de los colores de la bandera Con simplemente ver la bandera puertorriqueña colgando de algún balcón o volando de una asta, entenderás que la isla no es ningún chiste para los puertorriqueños y la defenderán hasta su último aliento. La bandera cubre y arropa al puertorriqueño en momentos de debilidad y el sol taíno de Puerto Rico los alumbra en la oscuridad. Los puertorriqueños tienen identidad a través de sus símbolos patrióticos, así también como los símbolos de sus antepasados Por ejemplo, el coquí, aún siendo pequeño, produce una canción que se escucha por millas. Al hablar, aunque venga de una isla pequeña en el medio del Caribe, en la voz del puertorriqueño no hay temblor.

Un aspecto que también está presente en la naturaleza del puertorriqueño es su hospitalidad. El puertorriqueño acepta e invita a personas de distintas culturas, como bien se ha hecho en nuestra escuela, TASIS Dorado Nuevas familias de otros países llegan a TASIS todos los años y los estudiantes puertorriqueños los acogen y les enseñan sobre su cultura. Esto da una grán oportunidad para que los estudiantes nuevos puedan aprender y sean introducidos a su nuevo hogar. Yo he tenido esta oportunidad de darle la bienvenida a nuevos estudiantes a

lo que significa ser puertorriqueño. Hasta hoy día, mis amistades que vienen de otros países siguen aprendiendo algo nuevo de la cultura puertorriqueña cada día, ya sea por interactuar con otros puertorriqueños o en sus clases, etc. A los puertorriqueños también nos gusta compartir lo que significa nuestra cultura con los demás. Ser puertorriqueño en TASIS Dorado significa celebrar con otras personas que no necesariamente comparten las mismas tradiciones que uno. Por eso te queremos invitar a la Tarde Puertorriqueña el martes, 19 de noviembre, organizada por el TPA de TASIS Dorado para celebrar el descubrimiento de Puerto Rico. Podrás disfrutar de un compartir familiar donde ofrecerán piraguas, helado de coco y piña, limbers y más. La actividad tendrá lugar en el Alumni Courtyard de TASIS desde las 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm. ¡Te animamos a que vengas con tu familiar para que puedas celebrar la hermosa cultura de Puerto Rico!

-Provided by Karen Miranda

BORICUA INSIDE & OUT

Translated by Matilda Murphy, JoAnna Eva Raffaele, and Valentina Fuentes

The Island of Enchantment, Borinquen, is home to more than 3 million Puerto Ricans Some might say to be Puerto Rican is to be rowdy, talkative, and happy, but it’s not that simple. Puerto Ricans who inhabit the island have endured many hardships and challenges that have defined their character of resilience Hurricane Maria, the category-5 catastrophe that changed the island forever, is a testament to their resistance. As the island recovered, there was a song that became very popular and was played on the radio stations every day I remember that on the way to school I was always excited to hear it. The song titled “Isla Bendita” was written and recorded by many Puerto Rican artists who came together to transmit a message of hope to the Puerto Rico people through its empowering and sentimental lyrics Its message has the power to move and excites us, not to mention, the pride it arouses. Even to this day, when I listen to the song, I feel a strong sense of pride from the bottom of my heart pride for my homeland, for the island, and for our people who never give up Put a Puerto Rican through the most powerful storm a thousand times, and see how without fail they’ll push forward every time.

The power of the Puerto Rican people is unmatched They have the ability to unite like “brothers and sisters of the same horizon.” When a goal is planted within them, nothing can stop them, even more so if they join together and become one. The Puerto Ricans feel an intense love for their island, and it’s one of those things that, at least in my point of view, defines what it means to be Puerto Rican. I think th t th h l island is a reflection of the Puerto Ri Its beaches mirror its beauty and mountains and countryside are an vastness and grand heart; the flam ceibas, and palm trees, a represen diverse roots that run through all th will always remain there. Puerto Rica identity is also in each one of the c flag Just by seeing the Puerto Rican from some balcony or flying on a p understand that the island is no jok Ricans, and they will defend it un breath. The flag covers and clo Ricans in moments of weakness, and the taíno sun of

Puerto Rico shines in the dark. Puerto Ricans have an identity stemming from their patriotic symbols as well as the symbols of their ancestors. For example, although small, the coquí produces a song that can be heard for miles. The Puerto Rican voice, even though it comes from a small island in the middle of the Caribbean, never trembles

An aspect that’s also present in the nature of Puerto Ricans is their hospitality. Puerto Ricans accept and invite people from different cultures as has been done in our school, TASIS Dorado. New families from other countries come to TASIS every year, and Puerto Rican students welcome them and teach them about their culture. This gives new students the amazing opportunity to learn and be introduced to their new home. I have had the opportunity to welcome new students to what it means to be Puerto Rican To this day, my friends who come from other countries continue to learn something new about the Puerto Rican culture every day, whether by interacting with other Puerto Ricans or in their classes, and so on Puerto Ricans also love to share what their culture means to them with others. Being Puerto Rican at TASIS Dorado means celebrating with other people who do not necessarily share the same traditions. That's why we want to invite you to the Tarde Puertorriqueña (Puerto Rican Afternoon) on Tuesday, November 19, organized by the TPA of TASIS Dorado to celebrate the discovery of Puerto Rico. You can share a special family time, enjoying shaved ice, coconut and pineapple ice cream, limbers, and more. The activity will take place in the TASIS Alumni Courtyard from 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm. We encourage you to come with your family so you can celebrate the beautiful culture of Puerto Rico!

T H E G R O W L

Staff Reporters and Editors

Gia Soto

Matilda Murphy

Bianca Maldonado

Andrea Herrera

Jennifer Encarnación

Andrelle Rivera

JoAnna Eva Raffaele

Valentina Fuentes

Alejandra Barrientos

Carolina Hormaza

Ana López

Nathleen Rovira

Vivecca Santiago

Victoria Fahme

Advisors

Kristopher Torres

Royale McCormack

Photographers

Ted Lammot

Milan McClammy