Accent

ACCENT 2012-2013 at The Awty International School ACCENT 2012-2013 1

ACCENT 2012-2013 at The Awty International School

BOARD OF TRUSTEES MR. MARK SCHROEDER Chairman MR. NABEEL AMUDI Treasurer MRS. LISA MEACHAM Secretary MR. FREDERIC BONTEMS DR. STEPHEN CODRINGTON MR. JEAN-FRANÇOIS GENAY MR. ED HARRIS MRS. KAREN JOYCE-MARIE MR. JEAN-BAPTISTE JUERY MR. BOUALEM MAIZIA MS. ZENA MAJDALANI MR. VICTOR OBADIAH MRS. MEREDITH PHILIPP-TCHOLAKIAN MR. JOHAN PFEIFFER MRS. VÉRONIQUE PRENTICE MR. MARC WATTS SENIOR ADMINISTRATION DR. STEPHEN CODRINGTON Head of School MR. BOUALEM MAIZIA Proviseur and Deputy Head of School MR. SAMUEL WAUGH Head of Upper School MR. THOMAS BEUSCHER Head of Middle School MR. STANLEY WAY Head of Primary School MRS. ERIKA BENAVENTE-MANCILLA Director of Admissions - Secondary MRS. FAYE BOUAZZOUZ Director of Admissions - Primary MR. DON DAVIS Director of Facilities MR. RONALD JACKSON Director of Advancement and External Affairs MR. BRIAN KELLEY Director of Service Learning MR. HANK NICODEMUS Chief Financial Officer MR. WILLIE ROBERTS Director of Technology MR. JOHN HOYE Athletic Director

Ta b l e o f C o n t e n t s

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Primary School

Middle School

• • • • • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • •

Library Fun Days Family and Friends Day A Day of Thanksgiving La Galette des Rois / La Rosca de Reyes Spell Check Houston Rockets Game Go Texan Day Field Day Fun Music to Our Ears Help Shelter Animals Sharks & Stingrays!

Odyssey of the Mind

4 The Awty International School

Soccer Champs!

Bingo & Bears S-p-e-l-l-i-n-g Bee Brian Falkner Visits Awty Mad Science Los Aztecas Big Bend XXV Green & Gold Field Day

ACCENT 2012-2013 at The Awty International School

48

Upper School • • • • • • • • • • • •

6

From the Head of School

8

From the Proviseur

10

Advancing Awty

66

Parent Volunteers

82

Highlights

109 Thank You! Merci!

Matters of the Heart College Fair Lady Rams Dominate Seniors Trick & Treat Good Woman of Setzuan V-Awty-Ville HLSR Art Competition 2013 Career Fair Senior Tea Singers Visit New York Champions Throughout!

College Savings ACCENT 2012-2013 5

From The Head of School

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very week since I came to Awty, I have published a blog on my website. My intention has been to keep our whole school community – students, parents, faculty, staff, board, alumni – informed about the exciting things that have been happening at our great school, and to make everyone a little better informed about the nature of international education. I have also wanted to give some insights into what it is like to be the Head of what is now the largest international school in the United States and the largest independent school in Houston.

In one of those weekly blogs, titled “Roots and Wings” back in February, I wrote about the importance of openmindedness and open-heartedness. I believe that these two concepts lie at the heart of what is necessary for a diverse school such as ours to thrive.

When I refer to “open-mindedness”, I mean flexibility of mind, a willingness to consider, and even seek out, contrasting viewpoints and different ways of tackling a task. Open-mindedness means truly embracing the concept of a consultative environment, but in a way that encourages listening and self-reflection, not pushing one’s own viewpoint to the exclusion of honestly considering others. It means listening attentively, sympathetically, and

6 The Awty International School

respectfully to others, entertaining new ideas, new points of view, new suggestions for thought and action.

Open-mindedness is an intellectual endeavor; it is based on data and evidence, and it accepts that there can be more than one way to achieve the same ends in different contexts.

On the other hand, “open-heartedness” embraces what I call “emotional receptivity”. Unlike open-mindedness, which is an intellectual exercise, openheartedness is a response of the emotions. In other words, open-heartedness requires a genuine willingness to engage with the depths of others’ beliefs, passions, and perspectives.

Together, these two complementary concepts of open-mindedness and open-heartedness should enable a school to work in a dynamic, respectful, and focused way as an authentic learning organization to bring about effective change.

One of the great pleasures I have enjoyed at Awty has been mixing with our fabulous students. As I have done so, enjoying friendships from our bright little three year olds in the PreSchool, through our wonderfully curious and articulate Lower and Middle School students, and right up to the young men and women whose maturity and thirst for truth and wisdom have delighted me in the Theory of Knowledge classes I have taught here, I have been impressed by the openmindedness and open-heartedness that I have encountered.

My hope is that for as long as they

live, Awty’s students will never lose either their open-mindedness or their open-heartedness, for both of these are qualities that our world needs desperately.

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haque semaine depuis que je suis arrivé à Awty, je publie un blog sur mon site Internet. Mon intention a été de tenir toute la communauté scolaire – élèves, parents, enseignants, personnel, conseil d’administration, anciens élèves – informée des choses passionnantes qui se sont passées dans notre formidable école, et d’informer chacun un peu mieux de la nature de l’enseignement international. J’ai aussi voulu donner quelques éclairages sur ce que c’est d’être le directeur de ce qui est maintenant la plus grande école internationale des États-Unis et la plus grande école indépendante de Houston.

Dans un de ces blogs hebdomadaires de février, intitulé « Des racines et des ailes », j’ai écrit sur l’importance de l’ouverture d’esprit et de l’« ouverture du cœur ». Je pense que ces deux concepts sont à la base de ce qui est nécessaire pour qu’une école diverse comme la nôtre réussisse.

Lorsque je parle d’« ouverture d’esprit », je veux parler de flexibilité, de la volonté d’envisager et même de rechercher des points de vue différents et des diverses façons d’aborder une tâche. L’ouverture d’esprit veut dire véritablement adopter le concept d’un environnement consultatif, mais d’une façon qui encourage

Dr. Codrington teaching his 12th grade Theory of Knowledge class.

l’écoute et la réflexion sur soi, pas de pousser son propre point de vue jusqu’à exclure d’envisager honnêtement les autres. Cela veut dire écouter les autres avec attention, sympathie et respect, apporter de nouvelles idées, de nouveaux points de vue, de nouvelles suggestions pour réfléchir et agir. L’ouverture d’esprit est une entreprise intellectuelle, elle repose sur des données et des preuves et elle accepte qu’il puisse y avoir plus d’une façon de parvenir aux mêmes objectifs dans différents contextes.

D’un autre côté, l’« ouverture du cœur » adopte ce que j’appelle la « réceptivité affective ». À l’inverse de l’ouverture d’esprit, qui est un exercice intellectuel, l’ouverture du cœur est une réaction des émotions. En d’autres termes, l’ouverture

du cœur exige une volonté authentique de s’engager dans les profondeurs des convictions, des passions et des points de vue des autres.

Ensemble, ces deux concepts complémentaires d’ouverture d’esprit et d’ouverture du cœur devraient permettre à une école de travailler de façon dynamique, respectueuse et concentrée, comme une authentique association d’apprentissage, pour apporter un changement efficace.

L’un des grands plaisirs que j’ai apprécié à Awty a été d’aller à la rencontre de nos fabuleux élèves. En le faisant, en appréciant l’amitié de vos brillants petits de trois ans à l’école maternelle, jusqu’aux formidablement curieux et éloquents élèves du collège et du lycée,

jusqu’aux jeunes gens et jeunes femmes dont la maturité et la soif de vérité et de sagesse m’ont enchanté dans les cours de Théorie de la connaissance que j’ai donnés ici, j’ai été impressionné par l’ouverture d’esprit et l’ouverture du cœur que j’ai rencontrées.

Mon espoir est qu’aussi longtemps qu’ils vivent, les élèves d’Awty ne perdent jamais leur ouverture d’esprit ou leur ouverture du cœur, car ces deux qualités sont celles dont notre monde a désespérément besoin

- Dr. Stephen Codrington Head of School

ACCENT 2012-2013 7

From The Proviseur

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otre école s’est embellie, ne trouvez-vous pas que c’est une belle Ecole ? Sans ironie aucune, je dirais qu’autrefois, il n’y a pas si longtemps, la beauté d’Awty était intérieure : une belle âme cachée dans « Big Blue ».

Big Blue, ce bâtiment gris qui a réellement été bleu (il suffit de consulter les images d’archive) fut le symbole de l’école. Les collègues qui ont connu les débuts d’Awty aiment raconter l’histoire de Big Blue contenant toutes les classes et l’administration. Ce n’est plus le cas depuis longtemps, et c’est ainsi que se constituent les légendes : on revisite gentiment l’histoire pour la rendre plus belle. Big Blue continue à être utilisé par les élèves et des enseignants du Primaire, c’est également là que se trouve encore l’infirmerie.

Notre école est donc plus belle aujourd’hui qu’hier, principalement grâce au nouveau bâtiment, qui se nomme Bâtiment de la Fondation du Levant, qui a fait un généreux don à Awty. Grâce aussi à ce magnifique parking (j’ai découvert récemment qu’un parking pouvait être esthétique !), le visage de l’école a changé, pas un lifting, une évolution majeure pour cette jeune école de bientôt 57 ans. Les visiteurs de passage à Awty, sont impressionnés par cette métamorphose. Tout n’est peut-être pas parfait mais il faut

8 The Awty International School

avouer que nous donnons une bien meilleure image extérieure.

Notre école se porte bien, car l’esprit d’Awty, lui, n’a pas changé.

Nous sommes restés cette organisation complexe, unique même, qui scolarise désormais plus de 1 500 élèves. Nous sommes ainsi devenus la première école internationale des Etats Unis par la taille. Sans doute plus que pour cette raison, mais restons modestes. Les deux sections de l’école ont trouvé un rythme de croisière, et les enfants semblent pleinement épanouis dans leur école.

La formule employée á maintes reprises « l’élève au centre du système éducatif », est une réalité dont nous pouvons être fiers à Awty. L’éducation telle que nous la concevons doit être du surmesure, les réussites et les difficultés de chaque élève doivent être prises en compte par les enseignants. Il n’y a pas de hasard ou de formule magique, c’est parce que nous « accompagnons » les élèves dans leurs apprentissages qu’ils réussissent scolairement mais aussi personnellement. Nous les rencontrons souvent (jamais assez en ce qui me concerne), nous les connaissons bien et nous devons rester bienveillants.

Notre école évoluera encore tout en restant fidèle à ce que nous sommes aujourd’hui : une école ouverte d’esprit préparant les élèves au monde de demain.

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ur school has embellished itself... don’t you think that ours is a beautiful school?

Without a trace of irony I would have once said (and not that long ago) that Awty’s beauty was of an inward kind. It was a beautiful soul hidden within “Big Blue”. Big Blue, a gray building that was once blue (check it out in the school’s archival images), was the emblem of the school. Those of our colleagues who have known Awty from its first days love to tell the history of Big Blue when it housed all classes and the entire administration. For some time now this has no longer been the case but this is how legends grow. History is gently revised to make it all the more pleasing. Big Blue is still being used by students and teachers in the Primary School and it is still home to the School Clinic.

So, our school is more handsome today than it was yesterday and this is primarily thanks to our new Levant Foundation Building named after the foundation that bestowed such a generous gift on Awty. The face of the school has also changed (but not a face lift!) by our magnificent parking garage. I only recently discovered that a garage could have esthetic value! This addition represents a major evolution for our young school that will soon celebrate its 57th birthday. Visitors to Awty are impressed by this metamorphosis. Things are not perfect but we must admit that we are offering a much better external image of ourselves.

Our school is doing well because the Awty spirit, for its part, has not changed.

We remain a complex, even unique, organization with an enrollment of nearly 1,500 students. We have become the

Mr. Maizia joined Lower School students at the annual Summer Readers Pizza Party on September 7, 2012.

largest international school in the United States in terms of enrollment. We are without a doubt the greatest international school for other reasons but let’s remain modest! The school’s two sections have hit their stride and the children appear to be developing fully in their school. We can be proud that the catchphrase that is bandied about “an educational system with the child as its focus” is a reality at Awty. We conceive education as something that must be tailor-made. Teachers must take into

consideration each child’s difficulties and successes. If we depend on neither happenstance nor magic formulas, it is because we “accompany” our students in their learning process so that they may succeed both academically and personally. We meet with them often (never often enough as far as I am concerned), we get to know them well, and we must remain caring and supportive.

Our school will continue to evolve while remaining faithful to what we are today: an open-minded school prepar-

ing students for the world of tomorrow.

- Mr. Boualem Maizia Proviseur & Deputy Head of School

ACCENT 2012-2013 9

March Flood, PK-4, shows off one of his books as he prepares for class.

10 The Awty International School

Advancing Awty STEWARDSHIP. PHILANTHROPY. ALTRUISM.

The Awty International School became the world-class institution it is today because of the support of so many who share their time and resources. Volunteers support The Awty International School’s advancement functions with contributions of both time and monetary resources, which attracts private support and improves public understanding of the school’s impact on the world today. Look behind any activity at Awty, whether in the classrooms, on the athletic field, in a fine arts room, or even in a language lab, and you will find three types of gifts in action that allow Awty to excel: gifts of time (from parents who volunteer), gifts to the Annual Giving program, and gifts to the Capital Campaign. All of these have an impact to help sustain Awty’s unique approach to education, and for this, we say thank you. We are very grateful for your continued support. The investments made by the Awty community created, and continue to improve, an engaging educational environment conducive to a world-class education. Your gifts of both time and resources contribute to the success of both current Awty students and the next generation by making the school a place where they can grow to become leaders in their communities, and across the globe.

From Aw t y to Africa

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he rhythmic sounds of Africa transported party-goers to an amazing land of wonder and adventure during this year’s gala, From Awty to Africa: A Walk on the Wild Side.

From the steady beat of the drummers

2013 Gala Chairs Janice Glaser and Nadia Tajalli

greeting guests at the door to the character dancers who entertained the crowd during the cocktail hour, to the joyful sounds of the talented Lower School choir, it was a spectacular night for all!

Awty teachers Jean-Luc Detchessahar and Rebecca Johnson were recognized and honored for their long-tenured service and dedication to Awty.

Awty students Margaret Glaser and Kian Tavackoli gave a special tribute to honorary chair Mr. Fayez Sarofim for his continued support and generosity to the school.

A warm thank you goes out to Awty moms Janice Glaser and Nadia Tajalli for chairing such a lovely event. The gala chairs and their wonderful gala committee members have worked

12 The Awty International School

very hard this year to give us a memorable evening.

Many thanks to the sponsors and underwriters, particularly the lead sponsors of the evening including Chevron, ConocoPhillips, and TOTAL. The other sponsors for the event included Rising Rhinos sponsor Aramco Services Company; Swinging with the Monkeys sponsor Baker Hughes; Elephant Quest sponsors Mr. and Mrs. William Fulton, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Glaser, The Meacham and Pierce Families, and Shell Oil Company; and Cheetah Unleashed sponsors Air Liquide, Bailey Architects, CenterPoint Energy, Inc., FMC Technologies, The Friedkin Group, Inc., Mr. and Mrs. Richard Howard, Mr. and Mrs. Rick Pleczko and Mr. and Mrs. Adan Vega, PORTÓN, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Salek, Mr. Fayez Sarofim, Marsha R. Schenau, Martha Turner Properties, Mr. and Mrs. Jorge Simon, Sun Coast Resources, Inc., Dr. Shahin Tavackoli and Mrs. Nadia Tajalli, Tellepsen, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Vetters, Wellen Real Estate, Willis of Texas, and Libbyette Wright, M.D., Clear Dermatology and Skin Surgery Center of Houston.

Couple sponsorships included Mr. David Adler and Mrs. Christine Kirchner, Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Bailey, Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Brock, Dr. Robert Brown and Mrs. Dena Rafte, Mr. Todd Colvard and Mrs. Kelly Moneyhan, Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Dabney, Mr. Ross Davidson and Mrs. Kristina Anderson, Mr. and Mrs. Martinus De Jong, Mr. Bernard Fields and Ms. Margaret Goldberg, Mr. Ed Harris and Ms. Doreen Hanrahan,

Mr. and Mrs. David Haug, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Heintz, Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Hohman, Dr. Richard Jefferis and Mrs. Valerie Longmire-Jefferis, Mr. and Mrs. Fam Kourouma, Mr. Rony-Claude LeBrun and Mrs. Jane Jordan, Mr. and Mrs. Georges Maalouf, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Matthews, Mr. and Mrs. Raj Rangwani, Dr. and Mrs. Alan Rechter, Mr. Eduardo Salomon and Mrs. Carolina Simon de Salomon, Mr. Vahid Shariatzadeh and Mrs. Nessa Sanei, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Slaughter, and Dr. and Mrs. Anthony Zamany.

Underwriters for the evening included Awty Alumni Parents Association (Cocktail Reception Entertainment), Mr. and Mrs. Mario Elie (Lighting), Mr. and Mrs. William Fulton (Favors), Gardere (Underwriter’s Cocktail Party), Mr. and Mrs. Brian Hendry (Special Entertainment), Mr. and Mrs. Richard P. Hogan (Photography), Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Hohman (Red Wine), Dr. Richard Jefferis and Mrs. Valerie Longmire-Jefferis (Red Wine), JPMorgan Chase (Auction Software), Memorial City Bank (Valet Services), MetLife (Programs and Signage), Mission Laïque Française (Cocktail Reception), Phoenicia Specialty Foods (Underwriter’s Cocktail Party), Sage Dining (Auction Software), Mr. Manuel Sanchez and Mrs. Gina P. Pavon (Auction Software), Spec’s (White Wine), Visicor (Auction Software), Mr. and Mrs. Anthony West (Table Host Gifts), and Mr. and Mrs. Salim Zakhem (Lower School Choir Costumes).

Thank you to all who donated auc-

The Lower School Choir gave a special performance at this year’s gala.

tion items and to the Awty families who are hosting a Sociable. We also appreciate the teachers and parents who worked so hard to create the beautiful class projects that were sold in the online auction. We raised over $95,000 in our online auction this year – a big thank you to all who participated!

A special highlight of the gala evening gave guests the opportunity to participate in Paddles Up! and make monetary donations to the school’s financial aid program. This special appeal was raised during the live auction,

asking our community to support this worthwhile cause. With great enthusiasm from the crowd, we raised $50,000 for financial aid.

Because of the generosity and support of the Awty community, this year’s gala brought in more than $480,000 for the school. Thank you for making this a fun, festive, and memorable evening for Awty!

ACCENT 2012-2013 13

From Aw t y to Africa

Lisa Ferrara and Giancarlo Ferrara

Anthony Brock and Bianca Brock

Jean-Luc Detchessahar recognized as a Faculty Honoree.

Awty Dads Rob Pierce and Nicholas Patrick pose with a dancer from Red Door Productions.

Mary Schroeder and Mark Schroeder

Rebecca Johnson recognized as a Faculty Honoree.

Ilya Janos Kolozs Djembe Drummers

The McGrady Family

SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, March 15, 2014 Hilton Americas Karen Matthews & Suneeta Rangwani Co-Chairs

2012-2013 Annual Fund

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hank you to all of our fami-

could not be possible without the

Mike Matthews, Karen Joyce and Dan-

lies who have participated in

help of our wonderful volunteers. The

iel Marie, and Adrienne Brown-Frank-

the 2012-2013 Annual Fund!

Chairs of the Annual Fund are Aimee

lin. The grade level representatives for

A gift to the Annual Fund is the first

and Tyler Flood, Jill Munk, Corinne Ro-

the French Bilingual Section include

and most important gift we ask of

chette, and Suneeta and Raj Rangwani.

Amy Prevatt-Miller, Anne-Sophie Luc-

each family every year, and again, our

Their leadership has helped us achieve

quin, Johan Pfeiffer, Corinne Rochette,

families have participated at another

high levels of participation over the

Sheri McDonald, Patty Burns, Jill Munk,

record breaking number. As of May

past two years.

Nathalie Heidrich, Genoveva Jeanner-

1, 2013, we have raised $529,167, and

The grade level representatives

et, Marie-Laure Bocabarteille, Sabine

71% of our families have participated.

for the International Section include

Juèry, Suzanne Chalet Winfrey, Amelie

The faculty and staff have achieved

Elaine and Joe Clopton, Kerry and Jay

Ferreira, Lucia Warden, and Catherine

95% participation, and the board is at

Harpole, April and Kevin Bailey, Lisa

Corcoran.

100%.

and Hermen Key, Andrea and Kevin

The faculty and staff representatives

The Annual Fund supports all aspects

Toledano, Deborah and Chris Helman,

for the year include Susan Permenter,

of the Awty experience, from providing

Linda Shepard, Monica Fulton, Joya

Erika Watson, Tom Quitzau, John Hoye,

for our fine arts and athletic programs

and Shauvik Kundagrami, Celia Balli

Randall Seymour, Sonia Richi, Marga-

to enhancing the school’s technology

and Danny Ramirez, Julia and Robert

ret Buehler, Karine Pousset, Stan Way,

to keeping our buildings and grounds

Wellner, Mariella De Biasi and John

and Robert Sload.

safe for our students to celebrating the

Dani , Amy Pierce, Kelly Moneyhan and

Thank you to each and every one of

school’s diversity. Your support makes

Todd Colvard, Donna and Brian Oakley,

you for your dedication to Awty and

a difference in the lives of each of our

Joke and Thieleman Versteeg, Maryel-

the Annual Fund!

students, and we are very thankful for

len and Patrick Quarles, Marsha and

your continued support.

Aart Schenau, Pam and Greg Wellen,

The success of the Annual Fund

Mary and Mark Schroeder, Karen and

- Reema Kasavich Associate Director of Annual Fund

Raven Schwam-Curtis, 9th Grade, Sehtaj Singh, 7th Grade, Dexter Gutierrez, 11th Grade, Isabella Simon, 7th Grade, Rhett Cai, 7th Grade, and Imani Acogny, Tle

ACCENT 2012-2013 17

Clementine Perdereau, CM1, competes in the scooter relay races during Field Day 2013.

Primary School FUN. CREATIVE. ENERGETIC.

PRIMARY SCHOOL LEADERSHIP: Mr. Stanley Way, Head of Primary School Mrs. Cintra Horn, Deputy Head of Primary School Mrs. Karine Pousset, Director of French Primary Education PRIMARY SCHOOL ACTIVITIES: • Library Fun Days • Family and Friends Day • A Day of Thanksgiving • La Galette des Rois / La Rosca de Reyes • Spell Check • Houston Rockets Game • Go Texan Day • Field Day Fun • Music to Our Ears • Help Shelter Animals • Sharks & Stingrays!

• Odyssey of the Mind

Library Fun Days!

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ver the course of the year, the Primary School libraries organize several fun and educational events to encourage and promote a love for reading. This year, some of those events included Summer Readers Pizza Party, Constitution Day, and Lire en Fête.

Summer Readers Pizza Party: This year’s Summer Readers Pizza Party with Dr. Codrington and Monsieur Maizia was held on Friday, September 7, 2012. Over 100 students from Grades 2-5 attended the event.

Each student enjoyed pizza, soda, and cookies. They also received a “Summer Reading Success” pencil, an “Australia Ticket to Read” bookmark, and a special certificate from the librarians.

The Awty Summer Reading Program is designed to encourage reading for pleasure. In order to receive an invitation to the pizza party, students in 2nd grade were required to read 26 books over the summer while 3rd grade students were required to read 25 books.

Students in 4th grade were required to read a minimum of 1,700 pages while 5th grade students were required to read a minimum of 2,500 pages. Congratulations to all of our summer readers; keep up the good work!

Constitution Day: Did you know that the United States Constitution has only 4,400 words?

Did you know that it is the oldest and shortest constitution of any major government in the world? Did you know that the word democracy does not appear once in the Constitution?

20 The Awty International School

These are just a few interesting facts about the U.S. Constitution that students learned as The Awty International School and the Lower School Library welcomed Alexandra Farias and Clayton Morton from the Houston Bar Association on September 17 for Constitution Day. They visited with some of the 3rd and 5th grade students, read a book about The Constitution, and discussed the Bill of Rights with the students. Constitution Day is a nationally recognized holiday that celebrates the signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787.

Lire en Fête: Once again, October was declared Lire en Fête (a celebration of books and reading) in the libraries. This annual tradition brings teachers, staff, and parents into the library to read a story or share their favorite children’s book with the students.

Guest readers this year included Mona Albalawi, Valérie Andrieux, Diana Armentor, April Bailey, Guy Benet,

CM2 students Dalal Daher and Eka Savajol

Pilar von Bismarck, Patricia Boulos, Rachel Brown, Penny Cleveland, Stephen Codrington, Greg Cullinan, Antoine L. Durand, Nadia Fahl, Alberte Gajewski, Emilie Gauttier, Stéphanie GentelleBonnassies, Isabelle Gousserey-Raillard, Sylvie Gray, Cintra Horn, Anne Krayenbuhl-Jolliet, Victoria Lazar, Lauren Linn, Julie Loisel, Boualem Maizia, Sophie Malbrel, CleRenda McGrady, Marie-Helene Nguyen, Linda Palermo, Amy Pierce, Kerry Polzin, Marylyn Raia, Corinne Rochette, Maria Salinas, Jessika Smith, Hilary Unger, Maria Cristina Villasenor, and Stan Way. Many thanks to all of the volunteers who shared their love of reading with the students.

They enjoyed all of the great stories that were shared.

Lire en Fête began in 1989 in France, and has grown in popularity worldwide since its inception. The spirit of Lire en Fête is to promote a love of reading. Sharing a story or book with a child today can encourage them to become life-long readers.

Second graders Sameer Walji and Senator Flood enjoying some pizza at the Summer Readers Pizza Party.

Mrs. Emmanuelle Roussel introduces Alexandra Farias and Clayton Moore.

Mr. Greg Cullinan reads to the Preschoolers.

Mr. Stanley Way reading to CP students.

Christian Bennett, 1st Grade, and Rosanna Bennett

Polly Turner and Chloe Turner, Kinder

Family and Friends Day Each school year, The Awty International School recognizes the family members and friends who help to enrich the lives of the students. These wonderful individuals were invited for a special morning dedicated to creating memories for the students and those special people in their lives.

On Friday, November 14, more than 600 doting friends and family members were welcomed to the Primary School on Awty’s campus. The day began with a special presentation in the Globe, where our visitors were greeted with a warm welcome and enjoyed a musical performance.

Andrea Nurko, 3rd Grade, and Mauricio Cheskes

Joel Adler, 3rd grade and his grandfather Hans Kirchner

After the welcome presentation, our visitors then moved down to the classrooms, where they enjoyed some valuable time with the students. Here, the guests participated in classroom lessons, helped with art projects, and a few even learned some new dance moves.

Avery Smith, PK4, and Tiffany Avery-Smith

A Day of Thanksgiving

O

n November 15, the Lower

them about Thanksgiving.

Pilgrims and Native Americans after

School students celebrated

This Thanksgiving feast was made

their first harvest in the New World

Thanksgiving at lunchtime.

possible by Chef Tim, Sage Dining, and

in 1621, it did not become an annual

Each student received a headband

the APPA. A special thank you to all of

holiday until President Abraham Lin-

with feathers as they entered the café.

the parent volunteers who decorated

coln issued his Thanksgiving Proclama-

The students then feasted on tradtion-

the cafe, handed out headbands, and

tion in 1863 creating a national day of

al foods including turkey and dressing,

served the students.

thanksgiving. For many, Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is an annual holiday

is a day to spend quality time with fam-

During lunch, Mr. Stanley Way, Mrs.

celebrated in the United States on the

ily and friends and it is a time to give

Cintra Horn, Ms. Marylyn Raia, Ms. Julie

fourth Thursday during the month

thanks for each other and for all of life’s

Loisel, and Mrs. Penny Cleveland per-

of November. Even though the “First

blessings.

formed a skit for the students to teach

Thanksgiving” was celebrated by the

mashed potatoes, corn, and more.

Jana Tannir, 2nd Grade, and Mrs. Christine Megartity

Mrs. Penny Cleveland, Mrs. Cintra Horn, and Mr. Stanley Way

APPA volunteers helping with the Thanksgiving feast.

Mrs. Marie-Line Viart and her CP students

ACCENT 2012-2013 23

Galette & Rosca

O

n Friday, January 4, the Primary School students once again celebrated “La Galette des Rois” and “La Rosca de Reyes,” by gathering together to enjoy the delicious Galette and Rosca. This year, a group of Lower School students taught both the Preschoolers and the other Lower School students about these traditions.

Each year on January 6, the Feast of the Three Kings, “l’Epiphanie” or “la

Fête des Rois,” is celebrated. For this celebration, a special cake called “la Galette des Rois” is eaten. The “Galette” is a flat, shiny round of puff pastry filled with “frangipane”, an almond cream. A figurine, “la fève”, is hidden in this cake.

Whoever finds it in his or her piece of cake is king or queen for the day.

Similarly, in most of the Spanish speaking countries, the Catholic community commemorates the visit of Three Wise Men (Los Tres Reyes Ma-

gos) to infant Jesus. The tradition is very similar to the one celebrated by the French community with one difference, the Three Wise Men bring toys/ gifts to the children. In Spain and in Mexico, they have “La Rosca de Reyes” which is a cake shaped like a doughnut. In Mexico, inside the “Rosca” you can find a baby doll which represents baby Jesus.

Chloé Ruzzo, CM2

Julia Brown, 1st Grade

5th Grade/CM2 students Dalal Daher, Pablo Sivov, and Eyimofe Ariyo

Mr. Way addressing the Preschoolers

24 The Awty International School

5th Grade Spelling Champions Yasmine Roy and Dalal Daher with Mrs. Mary Herendeen

Thibault Tonnel, CM2 and Mees Korsen, 5th Grade

Spell Check The 4th Grade/CM1 and 5th Grade/CM2 students participated in the Lower School Spelling Bee on Tuesday, January 8, taking turns spelling words like curiosity, distinctive, and condone.

This year for the first time ever, there was a two-way tie in 5th Grade. Both Dalal Daher and Yasmine Roy correctly spelled word after word for so long that the judges had no choice but to declare a tie. In 4th Grade, the winner was Nathalie Tawa and the runner-up was Lucas Backx.

4th Grade Spelling runner-up Lucas Backx and champion Nathalie Tawa with Mrs. Mary Herendeen.

Congratulations to these students! All four students did a superior job and went on to represent the Lower School as they competed with the Middle School students in Awty’s Annual 4th-8th Grade Spelling Bee on January 15.

5th Grade students compete in the 2013 Lower School Spelling Bee.

Mrs. Herendeen preps students before the spelling bee.

Awty’s Lower School Choir

4th Grade/CM1 and 5th Grade/CM2 students Chloe Ruzzo, Kyle Pierce, Julia Dani, Isabella Evans, Navreena Kaur, Langston Jackson, Peter Cuthbert, Mari Hershkowitz, and Mariana Suarez

Houston Rockets Game On Saturday, January 26, the Lower School Choir along with Lower School Music Teacher Natasha Ramirez had the distinct honor of singing the National Anthem prior to the Houston Rockets game against the Brooklyn Nets.

5th Graders Fahd Dilawar and Hamza Zulquernain

For several years now, the Lower School Choir has been invited to perform at one of the Rockets games. Prior to the performance, the students got a behindthe-scenes look at the Toyota Center, even getting a glimpse of the star athletes as they left the locker room. Once the students warmed up their vocal cords backstage, they were moved to center court where they opened the game with their moving rendition of the National Anthem. Following their performance, they took their seats with their friends and family and enjoyed the game. The Rockets defeated the Nets 119-106.

Awty’s Lower School Choir performs the National Anthem at the Rockets game.

CM2 students Isabelle Pham and Olympia Crave

Go Te xan Day iddy up Little Doggie! Red

G

The Lower School students had a

sie Fiddler while students in grades 4

bandanas, straw hats, and

busy day filled with activities centered

and 5 were transported back in time

cowboy boots were all the

around Texas. They began their Texas-

by Texian Time Machine. They learned

rage during this year’s Go Texan Day,

size day of fun and learning with a

about music, blacksmithing, spinning

which was celebrated by Primary

little line dancing on the playing field.

and weaving, and much more. Later in

School students on Thursday, February

Screams of excitement could be heard

the day, the older students also heard

7, 2013.

as the students learned about snakes,

presentations about Texas folk songs,

The Preschool students got up close

lizards, spiders, and other critters na-

the Pony Express, and Texas geogra-

and personal with several furry crit-

tive to Texas. The students took turns

phy.

ters from Marsha’s Petting Zoo includ-

watching rope tricks by Ketch the

Overall, the students and teachers

ing chickens, goats, rabbits, a llama, a

Riding Roper, hearing stories inside

discovered traditions and customs

duck, and some baby pigs. They also

the tipi, and learning about the great

(and a few varmints) unique to Texas.

took turns riding the ponies and enjoy-

state of Texas. Students in grades 1 to

Yee Haw!

ing story time inside an authentic tipi.

3 also heard several songs by Aunt Su-

Nathaniel Black, Kinder

Ketch the Riding Roper shows the Lower School students a few tricks.

5th Graders Max Stephens, Hamza Zulquernain, and Brigit Wilson with Mrs. Jessika Smith

CM2 students Hermine Comte, Inès Mugnier, and Salome Ripoche

ACCENT 2012-2013 27

Field Day Fun

I

t was two days loaded with fun when the Lower School students competed in an array of activities during Field Day 2013. The 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders competed on Friday, February 22 while the 1st and 2nd graders took their turn a week later on Friday, March 1.

The opening ceremony was held on the morning of Friday, February 22 as all of the students paraded into the stadium and around the track. Two students from each grade then par-

5th Graders Max Stephens, William Ward, and William Patrick

28 The Awty International School

ticipated in the torch relay including 1st grade/CP students William Roussel and Kaitlyn Pierce, 2nd grade/CE1 students Rodrigo Amare and Berenice de Moucheron, 3rd grade/CE2 students Isabella Chamma and Anton Maironi, 4th grade/CM1 students Bastien Gaussent and Nicole Dunkel, and 5th grade/CM2 students William Patrick and Clemence Martin Denavit. The teachers then teamed up and competed against each other in the obstacle course. Finally, Mr. Way declared “Let

the games begin.�

Each grade level participated in eight different competitions including speed race, sack race, long jump contest, partner races, obstacle course, relay race, scooters relay, and bounce relay. The winners in the speed race, sack race, and relay race then competed in the finals. Each day ended with a friendly competition of tug-of-war.

Lots of fun was had by all!

4th Graders/CM1 students Leila Shadfar, Petronille Tard, Yoan Roul, Paul Baubert, Layla McGrady, and Ava Casey

The faculty team that won the obstacle course during the faculty competition.

Parker Jackson, 1st grade

3rd Grade/CE2 students Maria Abounohra and Zareh Malkhassian

Music To Our Ears

E

ach school year, Awty’s Primary School students showcase their musical talents during their grade level performances and this year was no different. Under the guidance of Mrs. Natasha Ramirez, Mr. Gwenaël Toutous, and Ms. Zulfia Finigan, the students delighted audiences with their performances.

The performance season began when 4th grade/CM1 students took to the stage with Broadway Beat on December 12. The students sang nine popular showtunes from famous musicals including I Want to be Happy (from No No Nanette), Give My Regards to Broadway (from Little Johnny Jones), Dancing Queen (from Mamma Mia), Yo Soy Yo Don Quijote (from Man of La Mancha), La Faute À Voltaire (from Les Misérables), The Perfect Nanny (from Mary Poppins), Sparklejollytwinklejingley (from Elf), A La Volonté du Peuple (from Les Misérables), and We Go Together (from Grease).

Two days later on December 14, the PK-3/PS and PK-4/MS students put their family and friends in the holiday spirit with their performance of Snowman and Four Seasons. The students performed nine songs including Flocon Papillion, La Primavera, The Little Caterpillar, Colchiques dans les pres, Halloween Song, Invierno, Frosty the Snowman, Snowflake, and Santa Claus is Coming to Town. The story and script were written by Preschool Music Teacher Zulfia Finigan. The Snowman was played by Oliver Winkler and the children were played by March Flood,

30 The Awty International School

Liesl Sercu, and Selena Said.

In January, the 3rd Grade/CE2 students’ talent shined through when they delivered It’s a Small World After All. They traveled the globe singing 12 songs including Sakura, Shalom Chaverim/ Hevenu Shalom, A Saint-Malo Beau Port De Mer, Hallo Wereld, Dans Les Prisons De Nantes, Un Espagnol, Troika, I Went To Market, Arroyito, Vive Le Douanier Rousseau, Bossa Cat, and It’s a Small World.

Lady bugs, fireflies, ants, bees, and one stinky cockroach were all-a-buzz during the 2nd grade/CE1 students’ performance of “Bugzzz...” on February 8. The students (aka: bugzzz) took the audience on a picnic while performing 10 songs including Ouverture, La Mouche, La Puce et le Pianiste, Be a Lady, Le Mille-Pattes, March of the Army Ants, La Cucaracha, Primprenille, la Reine des Chenilles, Mijn Beste Vriend, and Goin’ on a Picnic.

Lions, tigers, and bears...oh my! It certainly was a “Jungle Party” during

PK-4 students Caroline Cole, Scotia Linn, and Jesse Kojima-Angeli

the 1st grade/CP students’ performance in early March. The students made their way through the jungle singing eight songs including Welcome to the Jungle, Dans la Jungle des Animaux, Como Hace el Cocodrilo, Ik Wil Een Kagoeroe, Un Jour un Hippopotame, The King of the Jungle, Le Lion et la Gazelle and It’s a Jungle Out There.

At the end of the school year, both the Kindergarten/GS and 5th Grade/ CM2 students will give a special musical performance during their graduation ceremonies.

All of these performances would not have been possible without the help of the teachers, aides, and some key parent volunteers. On behalf of the Primary School students, thank you for giving them the opportunity to experience the performing arts.

4th Grade/CM1 students perform Broadway Beat

3rd Graders Andrea Nurko, Flynn Kelleher, and Alexa Fernandez

Cameron Patrick, 1st Grade

Ava Harrington, 2nd Grade

Hel p Sh elt er A n i m a l s

D

o something! We did! The 4th Grade students in Sandie Masson’s class are working on a project to help shelter animals. They are collecting food, toys, blankets, and money. “Investing in animals helped us work together, share our ideas, and feel useful. This project makes us proud.”

SPCA PROJECT: SAVE. PROTECT. COLLECT. ACT. Shelter animals wait patiently in their cages for long days and we decided to help them by bringing them toys and treats to relieve their distress. We visited the SPCA shelter and saw caged, frightened, sick, and lonely dogs, cats, and horses that had been mistreated or abandoned by their owners. But, it was still a wonderful experience because they taught us respect, generosity, and most of all that with a little effort a small idea can become a big project.

OUR PROJECT CONTINUES… Now that the seed of that idea has been planted and sprouted, it’s beginning to grow. It has to be watered, or it will die! We need gardeners big and small to help us. Donations are being collected in classroom 241 (orange corridor in the Lower School). We need your participation: toys, food, blankets, baskets, treats…Without you, our project will end. And above all, don’t forget to pass on the message! A thousand thanks!

32 The Awty International School

OUR VISIT TO THE WILDLIFE CENTER: WILDLIFE IN A BIG CITY The Wildlife Center is a shelter that takes care of wild animals and rehabilitates them. Every year, 8,000 wounded, sick, or orphaned animals are saved and released back into their natural habitat.

Many were victimized by humans: hit by cars, injured by weapons, poisoned, or even abandoned by people who owned them illegally.

DID YOU KNOW...

• It’s against the law to keep a wild animal at your home?

• Some animals can’t return to nature due to their injuries or because they can no longer survive on their own and the Wildlife Center takes care of them for life?

• Groundhogs are a species that was imported to North America and that they did not originally live in this country?

• Owls don’t move their eyes and that’s why they turn their heads 270°?

CM1 Students

HOW DO YOU SAVE A BABY BIRD THAT FALLS FROM A TREE? Find the nest and put the baby bird back in. Its mother has no sense of smell and won’t reject it. If you don’t see a nest, fill a sock with rice, heat it in the microwave, and put it in a shoebox.

Put the bird in the box, where it won’t be cold. Then take it to the Wildlife Center. The Wildlife Center is located next to the SPCA and it is only five minutes away from the school! Go for a visit or to make a donation! It’s located at 7007 Katy Road. Tel: 713-861-9453.

EMERGENCY! DONATIONS NEEDED. In one week, the Wildlife Center took in more than 100 baby squirrels. Volunteers have to feed them and keep them warm while they grow up.

The sanctuary is in need of heated aquariums to use as nurseries for the animals. Since the cost for these are high and the Wildlife Center doesn’t receive any government subsidy, the center is in need of donations.

CM1 Teacher Sandie Masson, SPCA Human Educator Katy Jacklitsch, Awty Mom Gina Gaston Elie, Awty Mom Corinne Rochette, and CM1 Students

CM1 students help load donations to take the SPCA.

Rescued owl at the Wildlife Center

ACCENT 2012-2013 33 Gaston Elie, CM1

Senator Flood

C.J. Nwafor, Oscar Martin, McKenna Balliet, Carmen Backx, and Dr. Jacobo Nurko

Sharks & Stingrays!

On April 10, you could hear a lot of oohs and aahs and the occasional funny comment like “smells like sushi” coming from the 2nd grade classrooms. Ms. Greenwood’s, Mrs. Megarity’s, and Mrs. Wolff’s 2nd graders got an up close look at both a dissected shark and a dissected stingray during a lab while they were learning about sharks and their habitats. Dressed in lab coats, gloves, and goggles, the students were not only able to view the anatomy of both creatures including the fins, gills, heart, liver, and teeth, but they were also able to touch the animals.

Sarah Al-Maqtari and Thea Wilson

34 The Awty International School Alex Karni, Mrs. Christine Megarity, Juan Diego Lechin, Emma Fulton, and Beckham Matthes

This lab would not have been possible without the help of several volunteer parents. Many thanks to Veronica Avila Chavero, Tiffinay Al-Maqtari, April Bailey, Nadia Fahl, Shannon Harrington, Jacobo Nurko, Imanol Pagazaurtundua, Linda Shepard, Adriana Silva, and Heba Zeid.

Mrs. Tiffinay Al-Maqtari dissects one of the stingrays.

Odysse y of the Mind

F

or the first time, Awty had not

touching it. Once the structure was

many weekends with the coach and

one but four teams participate

resting in place on the tester, the team

parent volunteers to plan, build, and

in Odyssey of the Mind. There

tested it by balancing and support-

practice their balsa wood structure

was one team from 2nd grade that

ing as much weight as possible on it.

presentation. They won 5th at Region-

included Zoya Zulquernain, Senator

The structure was scored for traveling

als and 3rd at State with their 15g balsa

Flood, Theadora Wilson, Jameel Fahl,

across a scoring line and for how much

wood structure supporting 350 lbs.

Rodrigo Amare, Trey Vetters, and Sa-

weight it held. The placement of the

They also scored the second highest

meer Walji.

There were two teams

weights onto the structure was inte-

rating in the state in the spontaneous

from 3rd grade. The first team includ-

grated into the team’s performance.

exercise, which tested the kids cre-

ed Connor Smith, Peyton Tcholakian,

The creative emphasis of this problem

ativity in responding to spontaneous

Abby Hendry, Romit Kundagrami, Elliot

was on the commercial, how the struc-

questions. On this journey, the team

Lazar, and Matthew Jason and the sec-

ture was transported to the tester, and

learned valuable skills in team building

ond team included Sophia Papadakos,

how weight placement was integrated

and creative problem solving as well as

Alexa Fernandez, Andrea Nurko, Alex

into the team’s performance.

trust and collaboration. Last but most

Brown, Moses Trejo, Matthew Karaz-

Awty’s 5th grade team built their

importantly, they had fun and are al-

incir, and Sam Harris. Finally, there was

skit around what they know best and

ready talking about going to the World

one team from 5th grade which in-

celebrate every day at school—their

level next year.

cluded Kyle Pierce, Sabrina Rangwani,

diversity. The team was the “Interna-

This is the first Odyssey of the Mind

Fahd Dilawar, Hamza Zulquernain,

tional Peace Hero Squad” that con-

trophy for The Awty International

Adam Husseini, and Julia Dani

sisted of members representing six

School and a beginning for the stu-

All four teams competed at the re-

different countries and how they were

dents to explore and excel in future

gional level on March 2 and the 5th

coming together to save the world.

competitions with their creative pre-

grade team advanced to the State

They incorporated the six languages

sentations and problem solving skills.

competition on April 13, where they

in their skit and created a plane with

placed 2nd in the spontaneous com-

flags of all six countries on the side.

petition and 3rd overall in Division I.

They also ensured they were environ-

The 5th grade team was given prob-

They

lem was to design and build a single

milk cartons, water

structure, with all components con-

bottles, and boxes

nected, using only balsa wood and

from school which

glue. The structure was featured in a

they used to cre-

team-created commercial and tested

ate the ramp and

by being released down a ramp so it

the plane for the

dropped onto the floor and traveled

commercial.

ported to the tester without the team

dents who participated this year.

mentally friendly.

lem 4: Tumble-wood. The team’s prob-

partially across it, and was then trans-

Congratulations to all of the stu-

collected

The

team

worked hard over

5th Graders Sabrina Rangwani, Julia Dani, Kyle Pierce, Hamza Zulquernain, Adam Hussaini, and Fahd Dilawar

ACCENT 2012-2013 35

6ème students Paul Colmet Daage and Xavier Bouchetenjoying time away from class during break.

Middle School GROWING. CURIOUS. LIVELY.

MIDDLE SCHOOL LEADERSHIP: Mr. Tom Beuscher, Head of Middle School Ms. Karen Waugh, Deputy Head of Middle School MIDDLE SCHOOL ACTIVITIES: • Soccer Champs!

• Bingo & Bears • S-p-e-l-l-i-n-g Bee • Brian Falkner Visits Awty • Mad Science • Los Aztecas • Big Bend XXV • Green & Gold Field Day

Soccer Champs!

T

he Awty Rams 8th grade boys’ soccer team was named champions of the Greater Houston Athletic Conference this past fall. Awty, who finished the season with a 9-1 record, finished one game ahead of Lutheran South Academy, who finished 8-2. This is the third consecutive year that the Rams completed the season in first place.

“I am extremely pleased with the growth of this team over the season.

The way they played gives me confidence many will be ready to join the

Upper School soccer program next winter,” stated Coach Nelson Bonzi.

In winning district, the boys played a smothering defense, allowing only five goals the entire season. They were also able to use multiple lineups, allowing ample playing time for the entire team.

Many of the current Upper School soccer players have found much success since playing for Awty’s Middle School team, a trend that should continue in the coming years.

This year’s 8th grade team included Honce Mondesir Abdias, Josmar Cam-

Awty’s 8th Grade Boys Soccer Team and 2012 GHAC Champions Coach Nelson Bonzi

38 The Awty International School

bridge Abdias, Indra Acogny, Sebastian Adrianza, Marcos Botto-Tornielli, Paul Bourgogne, Pierre Delelis, Gavin Hohman, Alexandre Ionesco, Omar Issa, Thomas MacDonald, Martin Motta, Nicolas Motta, Edoardo Palazzi, Bryce Piper, Peter Prentice, Nicholas Reitsma, Dylan Rodriguez, Alexandre Ryelandt, Louis Shaw, Kylen Slade, and Johannes Versteeg.

- John Hoye Athletic Director

6th Graders Ava Pleczko, Gabriella Gonzalez, Danielle Zabaneh, Gabrielle Balthazar, and Yasmeen Mawlawi

Margaret Schroeder, 8th Grade

Bingo & Bears The Middle School continued its annual tradition of collecting teddy bears in all shapes and sizes this past holiday season. For entry into the popular Bingo & Bears event, which began in 2007, students were asked to donate teddy bears.

The students played several rounds of bingo with the chance of winning fun and cool prizes like ping pong paddles, slinkies, crayons, a soccer ball, a basketball, gift cards, and Blockus. The big prizes given away included a $100 gift card to design your own Converse shoes (Winner: Saud Al Angari, 8th grade), free dress day for the entire grade (Winner: 8th Grade), and a pizza party for an advisory class.

(Winner: Ms. Laurence Paul’s advisory).

Bears, Bears, & More Bears

Each year, this event brings joy to many faces and this year was no exception.

Over 200 teddy bears were collected and delivered to various charities in Houston, bringing smiles and a little holiday cheer to many children in need. Through Bingo and Bears, Awty Middle Schoolers not only participated in a day of fun, but they also learned the importance of giving.

Jacob Berg, 6th grade, Alexandre Ionesco, 4ème, Mr. Beuscher, and Mr. Hoye

Oscar Bigno and Joshua Santurbano, 6ème

S-p-e-l-l-i-n-g Bee

I

s it mutton or muton? Knack or

an, 7th Grade, finished as the runner-

Andre Vega (8th Grade), Griffin Wilkins

nack? Forty or fourty? This is just

up.

(6th Grade), and Alexandra Wolff (6th

a sample of words 13 students

Congratulations to Nicolas and Elo-

Grade).

in 4th grade/CM1 to 8th Grade/4ĂŠme

ise as well as all of the students who

Thank you to Mr. Tom Beuscher for

needed to know how to spell correctly

participated in the competition includ-

moderating the spelling bee and to

as they competed in the Annual Spell-

ing Lucas Backx (4th Grade), Marcos

judges Mr. Stanley Way, Mrs. Mary

ing Bee on Tuesday, January 15.

Botto-Tornielli (8th Grade), Dalal Daher

Herendeen, and Mrs. Carol Munn for

After several rounds of competition,

(5th Grade), Layla Hanusic (7th Grade),

upholding the rules and determining

Nicolas Feder, 6th Grade, became the

Rebeka Mroskowicz (8th Grade), Shah-

whether or not words were spelled

school champion after correctly spell-

rzad Rasekh (7th Grade), Yasmine Roy

correctly.

ing the word m-u-t-t-o-n. Eloise Cow-

(5th Grade), Nathalie Tawa (4th Grade),

Mrs. Herendeen, Mr. Way, Nicolas Feder, Mr. Beuscher, and Eloise Cowan

Spelling Bee Contestants

Nicolas Feder, 6th Grade 2013 Spelling Bee Champion

Students in the audience cheering on one of the contestants.

40 The Awty International School

Chan Mye Myint Thu, 8th Grade, and Mr. Falkner

Hugo Borrel, 6ème, and Mr. Falkner

Brian Falkner Visits Awty New Zealand author Brian Falkner made a special visit to Awty on January 28.

He gave presentations to both Middle and Upper School students, held autograph sessions, had lunch with members of the Middle School Book Club, and held a writing workshop for both Middle and Upper School students.

Mr. Brian Falkner

Mr. Falkner has had a love for writing since he was in school. It took him 30 years, but his dream of becoming a writer was realized with the publication of his first junior novel The Flea Thing. Since then, he has written several novels for young adults. Prior to becoming an author, Brian trained as a journalist and then worked as a reporter and an advertising copywriter, a radio announcer, and an internet developer. His hobbies include scuba-diving, travel, amateur theatre, photography, and rugby. He currently lives on the sunny Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia.

Mr. Falkner holds a writing workshop for Middle School and Upper School students.

ACCENT 2012-2013 41 Librarians Jessica Holland, Lucas Anderson, and Diana Armentor with Mr. Falkner

Alejandra Gerlach and Ananya Govindan

Elissar Zabaneh and Daniella Jimenez

Mad Science On March 20, Mrs. Lisa Sload’s 6th graders learned a lesson in surface area and digestion.

The students first had to break off a large piece of egg white (protein) and measure its mass. They then broke off tiny pieces of egg white and measured them and made sure the tiny pieces had the same mass as the large piece. Next, they placed the egg whites in two test tubes with hydrochloric acid and pepsin to monitor the digestive process: the large piece in one test tube and the tiny pieces in the other. Finally, the students observed the changes in the egg white over the course of a few days.

Aarsh Kak

42 The Awty International School Paul Sload, Adriana Morales, and Daphne Panagos

In this lab, the students learned that mechanical digestion (chewing) serves the purpose of exposing more surface area to the enzymes so that digestion happens quicker and more completely.

Tyler Presswood, Millad Moradi and Jacob Berg

Los Aztecas

D

id you know that the Aztecs’

cocoa beans as currency and

that

primarily done in Spanish.

famous city of Tenochtitlan

three of their most recognizable con-

Here, the Middle School students

is buried under Mexico’s

tributions to the types of food that we

taught the Kindergarteners about

capital, Mexico City? When you trav-

often eat are chocolate, guacamole,

Aztec culture and its significance on

el there, you can visit its ruins in the

and popcorn?

modern Mexico. Each Kindergartener

city’s Main Square called Zócalo. Did

Sra. Villaseñor’s Middle School Span-

also created a piece of artwork to il-

you know that they built their city on

ish students and Ms. Olga’s and Ms.

lustrate what they had learned during

top of a lake by using floating islands

Case’s Kindergarten students in the

this interaction. All of their artistic cre-

called chinampas? Did you know that

International Section learned these

ations were displayed and presented

their most important crop was corn

facts and more during a collaborative

in Café South.

and that they believed that the feath-

project about Los Aztecas. While the

ered serpent, Quetzalcóatl, brought it

students studied Los Aztecas, the in-

to them? Did you know that they used

teraction between the two classes was

8th Graders Jon Donaldson and Aliya Khan with Mrs. Case’s Kinder class.

Thomas MacDonald, 8th Grade, and Zoe Willoughby, 7th Grade with Mrs. Olga’s Kinder Class

Jacob Berg, 6th Grade, Zoe Mitchell, 8th Grade, and Raquel Haddad, 6th Grade with Mrs. Case’s Kinder class.

Dominic Zambonini, 7th Grade, Alejandra Gerlach, 7th Grade, and Hélène Chacón, 8th Grade with Mrs. Case’s Kinder class.

ACCENT 2012-2013 43

Big Bend XXV

T

his year’s Big Bend trip marked a milestone...25 years! On March 22-26, 98 French and International 8th grade students, along with a team of 15 dedicated faculty and staff members, set off to discover and rediscover the pleasures of life in the West, its great outdoors, and starry skies.

It was a genuine adventure in direct contact with nature, in complete autonomy, without electronics, and without parents. Students set out to discover not just the environments of Big Bend National Park, Garner State Park, and Fort Davis; they set out to discover themselves.

They learned about the necessity for rules in communal living, about the responsibilities involved in cooking for over 100 people, but above all, they

8th Grade/4ème students and chaperones on the 25th Annual Big Bend Trip.

44 The Awty International School

learned to adapt to the fabulous desert surroundings, hiking trails, and pathways of all lengths.

The trip remained true to its pedagogical intentions, thanks to a booklet The Big Bend Guide, sponsored by BHP Billiton Petroleum. The booklet allowed students to learn about human history and, thanks to the participation of Sam Clayton, the geology and botany for which the park is renowned.

Students shared a hike with 8th graders from Terlingua High School who were eager to share the petroglyphs and secrets of their own Indian trail. Followed by a quick lunch they spent the afternoon canoeing on the Rio Grande river.

In the evening, before dinner, various teacher-led activities allowed students to discover astronomy and other

sciences, but above all, the discussion would inevitably turn to activities to come and what the next day would bring. Occasionally, however, discussions had to be put on hold…to brave a sudden hailstorm!

The 8th graders on this 25th annual Big Bend trip showed great enthusiasm, an inquisitive spirit, and a positive, willing approach, as much in their discovery of the parks as in their execution of the daily chores essential to the wellbeing of the group.

The exemplary behavior and good will of this class showed during this school’s 25th anniversary of adventures in Big Bend.

- Philippe Carre & Miranda DeVries Big Bend Coordinators

8th Grade/4ème students Yann Belougne, Alexandre Ionesco, Edgar Bauer, Paul Bourgogne, Indra Acogny, and Peter Prentice

Students hike in Santa Elena Canyon.

Ms. Crystal Heiberger gives a Geology lesson at Boquillas Canyon.

8th Graders Caitlin Matthews and Lily Grigorian

Green & Gold Field Day

M

iddle School students took a break from their daily routine and enjoyed the annual Green and Gold Field Day on April 12.

The friendly competition got underway just after noon at Awty Field.

The students divided up into the advisory groups and participated in several games including ping pong and dodge ball. They also competed in several races including a waiters’ race, books on head relay, sack race, and clothes race. During the waiter’s race, students had to balance a cup of water on a tray, walk/run from one cone to another, and try not to get tripped up

by Coach Vedrenne. During the books on head relay, each student had to follow an obstacle course while balanc-

ing a book on their head—no hands were allowed. During the sack race, students had to hop in a sack to a cone and then back to the starting line. Finally, during the clothes race, each student had to put on a shirt, pants, and shoes, race to cone and back, and then undress and pass the outfit to the next student on their team.

The teams also competed at other games including house of cards, words in words, and wordle. First, the students competed to see which team could balance the most cards in building a house of cards. During words in words, each team was given a word.

The team then had to come up with as many words as they could using only the letters from the original word they were given. Finally, the teams compet-

7th Graders Hector Acevedo, Benjamin Barrera-Rothaus, Sadie Greenwood, Abigail Partridge, Noor Mohamed, and Katherine Linnartz

46 The Awty International School

ed in a game of wordle where the students were given several pictograms that represented a common word, phrase, or expression. The students had to solve as many of the wordles as they could in a certain amount of time.

Finally, it would not have been field day without everyone’s favorite contest, the water slide. Each student took their turn at the water slide, attempting to be the longest slider in their rotation.

Overall, the students (and the teachers, too) had a ton of fun at this year’s Green and Gold Field Day!

Adrien Marcos, 6ème

8th grade/4ème students play a game of dodgeball.

4ème students Alexandre Ionesco, Paul Bourgogne, Indra Acogny, Josmar Abdias and Pierre Delelis

Felipe Monteiro, 7th Grade

Annabella Wong, 11th Grade, performs as Wong, a water seller, in The Good Woman of Setzuan.

Upper School AMBITIOUS. BRIGHT. INSPIRING.

UPPER SCHOOL LEADERSHIP: Mr. Sam Waugh, Head of Middle School Mr. Robert Sload, Deputy Head of Middle School UPPER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES: • Matters of the Heart • College Fair • Lady Rams Dominate • Seniors Trick & Treat • Good Woman of Setzuan • V-Awty-Ville • HLSR Art Competition • 2013 Career Fair • Senior Tea • Singers Visit New York • Champions Throughout!

• College Savings

Isis Acogny

Dimitri Louvrier-Saint-Mary, M. Logette, and Gabriel Guerin

Matters of the Heart The heart is one of the most important organs in the human body, continuously pumping blood around the body through blood vessels. Did you know that the pig heart is very similar to the human heart in structure, size, and function?

Did you know that they both have four chambers and four valves?

On Tuesday, September 18, Monsieur Olivier Logette’s 2nde Biology class learned this and more during a hands-on lab. Using real pig hearts, the students first identified the different parts of the heart and then they carefully dissected the heart. The dissection allowed the students to observe the major chambers, valves, and vessels of the heart. They were able to identify how the blood circulates through the heart to the lungs and back and out to the rest of the body.

Loic Bazin

50 The Awty International School M. Logette preps his 2nde Biology class before the heart dissection lab.

Important parts of the heart are identified and labeled.

C ol l e g e Fa i r

A

wty’s College Counseling Of-

Swarthmore College (USA), Università

to visit with the representatives from

fice, in collaboration with

Bocconi (Italy), Vesalius College (Bel-

the visiting schools and ask them vital

Council

International

gium), Karlsruhe Institute of Technol-

questions about the school, the appli-

Schools and the IB, hosted the 2012

ogy (Germany), IE University (Spain),

cation process and admission require-

International College Fair on Saturday,

Yale-NUS College (Singapore), Uni-

ments, their programs, and scholar-

September 15.

versity of Glasgow (UK), University of

ship and financial aid opportunities to

Nearly 70 universities and colleges

Melbourne (Australia), Ecole hôtelière

name a few.

from around the globe were in at-

de Lausanne (Switzerland), and many,

tendance including Emory University

many more.

of

(USA), Harvard College (USA), Univer-

The college fair gave Upper School

sity of British Columbia (Canada),

students and their families a chance

2012 International College Fair

Cecilia Perez and Andrea Perez, 10th Grade, talk to Richard Ou, the rep from Harvard College.

This year’s college fair would not have been possible without the gracious support of the APPA and for this, we thank you!

Catherine Nash from Leeds Metropolitan University meets with a student.

Jim Bock from Swarthmore College meets with Awty students

ACCENT 2012-2013 51

L a d y R a m s D o m i n at e

B

ehind the speed of freshman Sydney Arceneaux (2nd), sophomore Nikita Prasad (4th), and junior Bella Grant (5th), Awty tallied just 45 points as a team to claim their first TAPPS 4A crown since 2009!

The trio was joined by freshman teammates Christina Moreno, Lauren Ward, Amanda Gerlach, and Bitsy BrandfieldHarvey, easily beating second place rival Fort Bend Christian Academy by 65 points. In the victory, the Lady Rams also defeated defending State Champion Incarnate Word (Corpus Christi) which scored a distant 124 team points.

The 3200-meter course proved challenging to many competitors as Awty’s presence from the start was quite evident. As the gun went off, Moreno, who was battling a nagging back injury, took the lead, pushing the pace through the first 1,000 meters. She was closely followed by a pack of her teammates who strategically positioned themselves within the lead group.

At the one-mile mark, when the

field began to spread apart, the Rams were clearly in position for a title as all seven runners were within 21 seconds of each other. Leading Awty was Arceneaux and Prasad who were tied for 4th place, Moreno (11th), Ward (14th), Grant and Gerlach who were tied for 16th, and Brandfield-Harvey keeping pace in 25th place.

Nearing the 2800-meter mark in the race, Arceneaux, Prasad, and Grant had all worked their way into position for an individual championship. Over the final 200 meters, all three made their final push, passing other runners in contention, solidifying their position as a top-ten finisher and member of the TAPPS all-state team. After their finish, the wait for their teammates was short lived as Moreno, Ward, Gerlach, and Brandfield-Harvey all finished within an astonishing 35 seconds of one another!

“We’re state champions; I can’t be anything but happy with the team’s performance,” said program head Rob-

2012 TAPPS State Cross Country Champions with Athletic Director John Hoye and Coach Robert Sload.

52 The Awty International School

ert Sload. “The girls have trained well through the season and we knew if we ran like we were capable, it would have been difficult to beat our girls. I am glad to see that’s how it played out.”

The Lady Rams, who embraced a team mentality, adopted a strategy of running as a group that kept them in contention in each of the meets they competed in throughout the season, winning three. The approach obviously paid off.

“We were fortunate that we are blessed with a wealth of talent,” continued Sload. “It’s no secret that the win today is for our family: the runners, teammates, parents, and classmates.

This is for us, but it also serves as motivation for this young team we have.”

The cross country all-state nomination is the second for Prasad, who also finished 6th in the 2011 state meet and the first for Arceneaux and Grant.

- John Hoye Athletic Director

Mathilde Houilliez, Anthony Garnier, Anne Nhung Paulhe, Lola Grichendler, and Eva Grichendler

David and Daniel Alexander

Seniors Trick & Treat Each year on Halloween, the seniors get to enjoy a popular Awty tradition. The seniors, along with the Preschoolers, are the only students on campus who get the honor of dressing up in their favorite Halloween costume for the day. It is a special day when the seniors, who are growing into mature young adults, can relax a little and revert back to their young childhood days.

Mélanie Guirette Hentschel and Carlos Luis

Many of the students take months, sometimes even years, to plan out their costumes for the event. There’s always creative, fun, and wacky costumes amongst the crowd. This year, we saw everything from fictional characters (Barbie, Cat in the Hat, and Kungfu Panda) to celebrities (Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, and Serena Williams) to advertising characters (Mr. Peanut, Energizer Bunny, and Rosie the Riveter) to animals (a lamb, a cat, and a penguin) to a pair of Twinkies. Keeping with tradition, the seniors gathered together in the Quad for their class photo.

Halloween is sure to be one of the students’ favorite memories of their last year at Awty.

Class of 2013

Sam Steakley, John Ellis, John Law, and Nicolas Sempere

Good Woman of Setzuan

U

nder the direction of Martha Bawara, students in the IB Theatre Arts Program delighted audiences with their rendition of The Good Woman of Setzuan, a play

by Bertolt Brecht, on December 6-8.

Notes from the Director, Martha Bawara: A Good Woman provides inspiration to a vast array of societal and philosophical questions. The question discussed longest (with no consensus)

by Awty’s IB Theatre students when initially reading the play was, “Where is the line between good and bad?” What separates understandable acts of self preservation from immoral acts self promotion? This notion became our central concept as some of the characters’ intentions are clearly accepted as more reasonable than others; some deemed worthy while others seem excessive or egocentric. Why? This conundrum has accompanied the play since it’s infancy. In it’s original form Shu Fu is a capitalist entrepreneur who views all others as beneath him and easily justifies his selfish actions to himself under the guise of business ownership.

Brecht was so surprised at the audience’s positive response to the character that he rewrote Shu Fu to strengthen him as a antagonist. And it worked! Without any change in plot or additional negative action the audience immediately saw Shu Fu as an arrogant leech on society.

Brecht had simply changed Shu Fu’s occupation to opium dealer; which begs the question, is it who we are or what we do that makes a person “good” to a society?

54 The Awty International School

After the foundation of “realism” in theatre, Brecht felt the need to re-frame a tactical approach to the art form and created “Epic Theatre”, which in practice is anything but epic. Using conventions such as unrealistic sets, minimal staging, and poetic dialog Brecht set about to alienate his audience. This technique, called Verfremdungseffekt, means to limit a viewer’s sympathetic attachment to the characters, thereby demanding a critical reflection. Playing into this epic form, it is common to have masked characters in this production to aid in the alienation technique and display the hardening of a person through life with a literal mask. Wanting to stay true to Brecht’s theory we began with the masking concept for those characters deemed as immoral. However, early on I found myself frequently substituting the word lens for mask. After some thought I recognized I connected less to the idea of masks we must put on in life and much more to the perception of individuals having different lenses through which they view the world. “Good” people look out through a lens that may seemingly go against their best interests, yet they find fulfillment through their com-

Cast of The Good Woman of Setzuan

mitment to others, as is the case with our main character. So, rather than put masks on, signifying hardening in life, our characters take the masks off, representing the loss of the youth-like optimism that allows for selfless choices, their veneer of goodness stripped away.

Again, our main concept appears.

The line between tolerable versus unacceptable varies depending on your lens.

Many decide to justify unethical actions based on a view of the “real world” when really the world is how you see it.

The cast included: Celeste Bawara, Lionel Bawara, Ryan Bitar, Jackie Buskop, Priya Canzuis, Matthew Chalcraft, Dilan Dundar, John Dunlop, Bernd Faveere, Shelby Flavin, Joni Grommesh, Brenna Haffey, Ahsan Khan, Iman Khan, Leonie Schmidt, Jonathan Sload, Hannah Svanberg, Andrea Torres, Cory Wellen, Alex White, Bella Wong, Kyren Wong, and Anuscha Zeighami.

Many thanks to the following people who made this production possible: Martha Bawara (Director and Production Elements), Alessandra Albin (Masks Designer/Creator), Margaret Glaser (Runner), and Adela Depavia (Stage Manager).

Annabella Wong, 11th Grade

Kyren Wong, 11th Grade

Seniors Ryan Bitar and Iman Khan

Bernd Faveere, 11th Grade

Hugo Sivov, 9th Grade

Connor Grace, 9th grade

V-Awty-Ville For the first time, the 9th Grade theatre students held a two-night performance for family and friends. Under the direction of Martha Bawara, they presented V-Awty-Ville on January 18-19.

The ensemble cast included Sebastian Andrade, Sabrina Bitar, Adam Brown, Claire Buehler, Francesca Canjar, Priya Canzius, Rodolfo Fernandez, Abbey George, Connor Grace, Joanne Grommesh, Jana Ihnen, Oliver Kuhn de Chizelle, Devon Merz, Christina Moreno, Michael Niemer, Gabrielle Opdam-Zeegers, Kian Raissian, Romain Ruscev, Leonie Schmidt, Hugo Sivov, Ellana Slade, Eva Sload, Elena Solimano, Claire Steakley, Hannah Williams, Anuscha Zeighami, and Filip Zuvic.

9th Graders Devon Merz and Ellana Slade

Cast of V-Awty-Ville

A special thanks to Awty students Shelby Flavin, Sam Quitzau, and Andres Morales for helping behind the scenes.

Olivier Kuhn de Chizelle, 3ème

HLSR Art Competition

A

wty Art students competed in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Art Competition for the 31st year, and continued the school’s winning tradition.

Congratulations are in order to all of those who participated especially Erica Weissmann, 9th grade, for her Gold Medal win. Her piece, a colored pencil drawing of a cow’s skull was on display at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Hayloft Gallery throughout the duration of the rodeo. The following students also competed in the competition and should be congratulated:

 Amelie Roberts, 9th grade. Her piece was in the running for Best of Show and Gold Medal.  Zack Willoughby, 12th grade - 1st place  John Law, 12th grade - 1st place  Rosina D’Angelo, 10th grade - 1st place  Marie Farhat, 10th grade - 2nd place  Nguyen Huynh, 10th grade - 2nd place  Tien Tien He, 9th grade - 2nd place  Lexie Acevado, 9th grade - 2nd place  Bitsy Brandfield-Harvey, 9th grade 3rd place  Sarah Mohammed, 9th grade - 3rd place

For the three dimensional portion of the competition, over 250 3-D pieces in clay and wood were entered from students in both public and private schools. A very hearty congratulations for Nash Baughn, 11th grade, for winning 1st place with his wood turned bowl of mesquite. Congratulations are also due to Eva Sload, 9th grade, for her sculpture Bunny BBQ and to Maryam Madanizadeh, 10th grade for her sculpture of a lamb. Both received 2nd place.

Erica Weissmann, 9th Grade

Amelie Roberts, 9th Grade

Bitsy Brandfield-Harvey, 9th Grade

Sarah Mohammed, 9th Grade

ACCENT 2012-2013 57

Catherine Ohrt, 3ème, and Ms. Linda Ibrahim

Nicole Dunham, 9th Grade and Kian Tavackoli, 10th Grade, with Dr. Pablo Motta

2013 Career Fair The entire Upper School student body was invited to attend a Career Fair, which was hosted by Awty’s College Counseling Department, on February 7.

More than 90 professionals from varying career fields volunteered their time to speak with our students about college education in their field, day to day tasks, likes and dislikes of their job, and much more. Some of the career fields represented at the fair included engineering, arts, education, medical, finance, government, and marketing.

Ms. Marian Ladner

58 The Awty International School Upper School students listen to Mr. David Adler.

Many thanks to all of the professionals who cleared their busy schedules and volunteered to visit with our students. A big thank you also to Awty parents Karen Joyce and Lucia Warden who, along with the College Counseling Department, organized the event. Finally, thank you to the Advancement Department and the APPA for helping to make the event a great success.

Mr. Tyler Flood talks with 9th Graders Anuscha Zeighami, Federica Schininà, and Sabrina Bitar

Senior Tea n Tuesday, February 19,

O

The first tea time was hosted at Mrs.

Field and was attended by the seniors,

the Class of 2013 partici-

Awty’s home with seven seniors and

Head of School, and Proviseur as well

pated in a long-standing

their teachers. When the number of

as the staff and faculty who work with

tradition at Awty, the Senior Tea with

graduating students and their teach-

the Class of 2013 during their last and

the Head of School, the Proviseur, and

ers grew too large for her small home,

most important year at Awty.

members of the Upper School Faculty.

Awty parents graciously opened their

Mrs. Kay Awty, the founder of Awty,

homes to continue this annual event.

began this tradition in 1981 because

Today, Awty’s senior class numbers

she wanted to chat with each of the

91 and tea time now takes place in a

graduating students in a relaxed atmo-

setting more appropriate to a large

sphere and hear their views, goals, and

number of attendees. This year’s Se-

aspirations for the future.

nior Tea was held outside at Awty

A special thanks is sent to Chantal Duke for coordinating the event and Liza Heintz for creating a lovely setting for an afternoon tea.

Jennifer Iriarte, Daichi Onda, John Law, and Ken Bourgeau

Alex Howard, Mariam Qazilbash, and Iman Khan

Nicolas Sempere, Maxime De Zeeuw and Daniel Ron

Sarah Gilbert, Loïc Lajourmard de Bellabre, and Eva Grichendler

ACCENT 2012-2013 59

Singers Visit New York

S

ingers from the Upper School, representing grades 9-12, participated in the National Youth Choir at Carnegie Hall on March 3, 2013. The National Youth Choir is comprised of auditioned choirs from across the United States that prepare prescribed songs in advance and then travel to New York City to rehearse together and perform in Carnegie Hall.

This year, the other choirs from Naples, FL, Lone Peak, Utah and Waynesboro, VA, combined with Awty to form a 235 voice choir lead by Dr. Anton Armstrong, conductor of the renowned St. Olaf Choir. He has been invited to lead choirs around the world, and in 2006 he was the conductor of the Texas All State Choir.

Named for Andrew Carnegie who made his fortune in the steel industry, Carnegie Hall is one of the most famous performance halls in the United States. Finished in 1891, it was home to the New York Philharmonic orches-

Awty singers perform at Carnegie Hall with other choirs from across the country.

60 The Awty International School

tra for 70 years as well as host to many other famous performances, including one by The Beatles on their first trip to the United States. So our students went from zero to sixty, so to speak, from Awty, where we have no designated performance space, to one of the world’s greatest.

Some parents of Awty singers traveled to New York to attend the performance.

They were entertained by a variety of styles of music from Handel to Mendelssohn to a modern arrangement of a traditional spiritual, in which Awty student Danna Ghafir had a solo. Only a limited number of people can say they have sung on the stage of Carnegie Hall, and it’s an even smaller number who can claim to have done it solo.

The singers were only in New York for three and half days, but they were very busy days. There were several combined rehearsals with the choirs from the other schools to refine the performance. Between rehearsals, Awty

students saw two Broadway musicals, one of which starred Matthew Broderick (aka Ferris Bueller), had a view of New York from the top of Rockefeller Center, experienced a tour of NBC studios, home of NBC news and Saturday Night Live, explored the Guggenheim Museum and even took in a little shopping on Fifth Avenue. Of course, they also had an opportunity to try authentic New York pizza and bagels near the hotel, which was just a block from the World Trade Center, travel on the infamous New York subway, and see the bright lights of Time Square at night.

The trip was organized by Robert Dee, Head of Performing Arts, and went very smoothly with the assistance of Dr. Keith Yost as chaperone.

This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience which the Awty singers will remember. Congratulations to them!

- Robert Dee Chair of Performing Arts

John Ellis, 12th Grade, Armanda Simon, 11th Grade, Danna Ghafir, 11th Grade, Mr. Rob Dee, Lea Maalouf, 11th Grade, and Katie Hillyer, 11th Grade

Awty Singers in New York City

The choirs rehearse prior to their performance in Carnegie Hall.

Brenna Haffey, 11th Grade, Alexander Pleczko, 10th ACCENT 2012-2013 61 Grade, Jacqueline Buskop, 10th Grade, and Ken Bourgeau, 12th Grade

Cha mpions Throughout!

I

am pleased that the athletics programs at The Awty International School continue to produce numerous outstanding individual and team performances, demonstrating that our students are as dedicated to ex tracurricular activities as they are academics.

Of the 14 varsity sports offered to students, more than half completed their season ranked in the top five in the final Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) state rankings, a credit to our dedicated coaching staff and students alike.

In the fall of 2012, Awty’s Lady Ram cross country team ran away from all competition when they dominated the TAPPS 4A division, winning the state title by a convincing 65 points. In the race, Awty placed three runners in the top ten, including freshman Sydney Arceneaux (2nd), sophomore Nikita Prasad (4th), and junior Bella Grant (5th). All three were recognized as all-state performers for their top placement. From her strong race results, coupled with her strong academic performance, Grant was also named to the academic all-state team. The state title was the Lady Ram’s fourth in the program’s history.

When the winter sports season began, Awty’s athletes kept up their winning ways. Historically, swimming

62 The Awty International School

and soccer have both been extremely successful for the Rams, and this year was no exception. The boys and girls swim teams, under the guidance of program head Tom Quitzau, used their early morning practices and competitive pre-season meet schedule to help prepare for the state competition in San Antonio. After impressive performances at the preliminary regional meet, where the boys swam to first place and the girls second, the boys team finished as state runner up with the Lady Rams finishing third in state.

On the way to the teams notable finishes, three new school records were set. No other schools in the TAPPS league were able to match the top finishes of our Awty swimmers, which is an impressive honor.

A second highlight of the winter season belongs to both varsity soccer programs. Following up last season’s remarkable soccer campaigns, expectations remained high. Eager to please, the Lady Rams finished league play undefeated, earning a number one seed entering the state soccer tournament. Awty, which finished the season playing in the state championship game, ended up as TAPPS Division II state runner-up. Awty’s boys soccer program kept pace with the girls, also finishing as TAPPS Division II state runner-up, clearly showing both programs are performing as well as ever. League coaches recognized Awty’s superior play by naming 10 girls and 11 boys to the all-district team, with four players also being honored with all-state dis-

tinction.

During the spring athletic season Awty continued their impressive 2012-2013 campaign with both the boys and girls tennis teams claiming district championships. Out of 12 possible players, ten Rams advanced to the state tournament held in Waco.

As in years past, Awty finished the state tournament strong, with both varsity teams finishing in the top five final ranking in state. In addition to the tennis team’s success, Awty’s girls track and field team also capitalized on strong performances during their season. Two school records were broken (1600-meter run and the distance medley relay) on the way to the Rams placement in the state meet.

Collectively, Awty’s results in athletic competitions speak directly to the well-rounded nature of our students. The success of our teams in the pool, on the court, soccer pitch, and track demonstrate unique accomplishments where students learn outside of the classroom, mastering teamwork, cooperation, and how to support one another. We take pride in our accomplishments, but we revel in effort, comradery, and sportsmanship of our students.

- John Hoye Athletic Director

2013 Varsity Swim Team

2012 Varsity Girls Cross Country Team

Madison Ladner, 12th Grade Track & Field

Andres Morales, 10th Grade Soccer

C o l l e g e S av i n g s

A

s higher education costs con-

of a state to participate in its 529 plan.

you to set aside more than $100,000

tinue to rise, many parents

In some states, you may even name

per beneficiary, and they generally

find themselves faced with

yourself as the beneficiary, if you are

have no age or income restrictions.

the nagging question, “Will I have

planning to further your education in

enough money to pay for my child’s

the future.

• Tax-Free Distributions. Earnings grow tax deferred, and distributions

college education?” Although most

Although details of these plans vary

are tax free if used for qualified educa-

people are likely

by state, they generally come in two

tion expenses. In addition, some states

to

that

forms: pre-paid tuition plans and

offer their own tax breaks, although

investment

college savings plans. Pre-paid tu-

you may need to be a resident of that

in higher edu-

ition plans allow participants to “lock

state.

cation

usually

in” tuition rates at eligible state col-

• Gift Tax Benefits. 529 plans allow

reaps its rewards

leges or universities with a lump-sum

you to transfer up to five years’ worth

in higher long-

investment or monthly installment

of annual gift tax exclusions in one

term earnings—

payments. The funds are pooled and

calendar year, as long as no additional

and,

hopefully,

invested over the long term, so the

gifts are given to that individual during

greater job satisfaction—one key con-

earnings meet or exceed future tuition

the five-year period. Individuals may

cern is how to choose a smart savings

expenses. The contract value may also

gift up to $70,000 in one year and mar-

vehicle. 529 plans are flexible invest-

be applied to private or out-of-state

ried couples may gift up to $140,000.

ment options with tax benefits that

schools (although possibly not at full

• Switching Funds Tax Free. You

may suit your needs.

value, depending on the state). It is im-

may switch funds from one 529 plan

These state-sponsored plans offer

portant to note that participation does

to another 529 plan free of any taxes.

attractive tax benefits and allow you to

not guarantee admission to college;

You are allowed to make such a switch

contribute substantially higher sums

prospective students will still have to

as frequently as once a year without

than other savings vehicles, such as the

meet the school’s entrance require-

changing beneficiaries, and you may

Coverdell Education Savings Account

ments. College savings plans allow

also make interstate plan transfers.

(ESA) and custodial accounts. Tax-free

variable contributions over time, and

• Expanded Beneficiary List. Due to

distributions from 529 plans may gen-

the full value of the account can be ap-

tax reform, the list of possible benefi-

erally be used for any “qualified” higher

plied at any accredited institution of

ciaries has been expanded to include

education expense, including tuition,

higher education nationwide.

cousins. For example, grandparents

agree

an

room, board, fees, books, supplies, and

MAJOR ADVANTAGES:

with multiple grandchildren can set

equipment. Due to a provision of the

There are some major advantages to

up a 529 plan for their first grandchild.

American Recovery and Reinvestment

establishing a 529 plan, including the

Should that first grandchild choose

Act of 2009 (ARRA), beneficiaries of

following:

to delay pursuing an education, the

529 plans may also use tax-free distri-

•

Substantial Contributions Al-

grandparents may transfer the plan to

butions to cover the cost of computer

lowed. Contribution limits are signifi-

equipment and internet access. You

cantly higher than with other college

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:

don’t necessarily need to be a resident

savings alternatives. Some states allow

Professional Asset Management.

64 The Awty International School

another grandchild.

529 plans offer a “hands-off” savings

*529 Plans are state-sponsored invest-

ties. This article supports the promotion

approach. Funds invested in the plan

ment programs. There is no guarantee

and marketing of financial products and

are professionally managed through

by the issuing municipality or any gov-

services. You should seek advice based

the appropriate state treasurer’s office

ernment agency. You should consider

on your particular circumstances from

or by an outside investment firm hired

the potential benefits (if any) that your

an independent tax advisor. MetLife

by the plan.

own state’s plan (if available) offers to

does not provide tax or legal advice.

Penalty for Refunds. A Federal 10%

residents prior to considering another

Please consult your tax advisor or attor-

penalty may be imposed on the earn-

state’s plan. There may be tax benefits

ney for such guidance.

ings portion of a nonqualified with-

to plans offered by your resident state.

Metropolitan Life Insurance Com-

drawal in addition to ordinary income

As with all tax-related decisions, consult

pany (MSI), 200 Park Avenue, New York,

tax. However, you may be able to roll

with your tax professional.

NY 10166. Securities offered by MetLife

over the account to a new beneficiary to avoid a nonqualified withdrawal.

Annual asset charges for a 529 plan may be higher than corresponding

Securities, Inc. (MSI) (FINRA/SIPC). MLIC and MSI are MetLife companies.

Effect on Financial Aid. Any invest-

share classes of underlying mutual

This article appears courtesy of Co-

ment may affect a student’s eligibility

funds. Municipal fund securities (529

lin Eddington. Colin is a Registered

for financial aid. A 529 account, wheth-

plans) are sold by offering statements,

Representative with Metropolitan Life

er owned by a dependent student, a

which are available from your registered

Insurance Company and MetLife Secu-

parent, or a Uniform Gifts or Transfers

representative. Please carefully consider

rities, Inc. He focuses on meeting the

to Minors Act account (UGMA/UTMA),

investment objectives, risks, charges,

individual insurance and financial ser-

is reported on the Free Application for

and expenses before investing. For this

vices needs of people in our commu-

Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) applica-

and other information about municipal

nity. You can reach Colin at the office at

tion as a parental asset. Parental assets

fund securities, please obtain an offering

832-251-5431.

are assessed at a maximum 5.64% rate

statement and read it carefully before

in determining the student’s Expected

you invest. Investment return and princi-

Family Contribution (EFC). For more

pal value will fluctuate with changes in

specific information, refer to the par-

market conditions such that shares may

ticular state plan, and consult a knowl-

be worth more or less than original

edgeable professional.

cost when redeemed. Diver-

Conclusion: 529 plans are worth studying.

Since 529 plans also operate under

Copyright © 2013 Liberty Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved. L0213308002[exp0314][All States][DC,PR]

sification cannot eliminate the risk of investment losses.

Pursuant to IRS Circular 230,

individual state laws, costs, and details

MetLife is providing you

vary by state. For more information,

with the following noti-

and to compare state plans, do a little

fication: The information

“homework” and visit these websites:

contained in this article is

Savingforcollege.com and Collegesav-

not intended to (and cannot) be

ings.org.

used by anyone to avoid IRS penal-

ACCENT 2012-2013 65

Awty Moms Claudia Manisck and Adriana Silva volunteer in the Brazil booth at Awty’s 2013 International Festival.

Parent Volunteers ENTHUSIASTIC. HELPFUL. TALENTED.

Parents are an integral part of the success of The Awty International School. Research shows that parent involvement causes children to behave better, earn higher grades, score better on tests, and graduate at higher rates. Parental involvement in student activities, sporting events, and school functions is the best way to get to know your school and to actively participate in the educational support of your student. At Awty, the Awty Parents and Personnel Association (APPA), the Awty Rams Booster Club, and the Awty Dads’ Club support the school during each and every school year. The APPA is the primary volunteer organization at Awty. It serves as the parent’s voice to the school, and works to represent the views of its members across the Awty community. This organization also organizes some of the larger events on campus including the Fall Fun Festival and the International Festival. The Awty Dads’ Club provides a community for dads to socialize as well as to support the development and cultivation of the school and its mission. For a few years now, the Awty Dads’ have hosted Happy Hours for dads, grilled burgers and hot dogs at Homecoming games, and organized the annual Saint Arnold Bash. Awty’s Athletics department benefits from the hard work and energetic support of parents who volunteer for the Rams Booster Club. Through the Booster Bistro, Concession Stand, Spirit T-shirt Sales, and more, the club raises money that goes toward purchasing much needed equipment and supplies for Awty’s various athletic teams.

Fr o m T h e A P PA P r e si den t

I

t has been an honor to oversee the APPA this school year. What an enjoyable ride meeting and working with so many to accomplish all that we set out to do. I have been at the school six years and our APPA board has grown from 12 positions to 44 with more than 150 room parents.

You have made the job easy and very rewarding and we have coordinated and executed more than 50 events this year. Our school is fortunate to have the support of an amazing and dynamic group of volunteers and staff. Every one of you brings your own unique contributions to help our school prosper for our children. We are no doubt a unique school and because of our families, the students are the lucky ones who get to experience such a remarkable learning environment.

Thank you not only for your time and energy, but also for your advice, input, and ideas. Elsewhere in Accent you will read about many of our events: Celebrating Awty started this school year off with a bang and brought us together as “One Awty” with many languages and cultures celebrating all that makes us unique. You will also see photos of Fall Fun Festival and International Festival, which are two of our largest and most cherished events and bring such joy to us all. It seems our Internation-

68 The Awty International School

al Festival has a strong reputation in the wider community. I even received phone calls from schools that have heard about our amazing International Festival and inquired about how they might emulate the event in their own cities We had our most successful Career Fair yet with over 90 guest speakers and more than 200 eager, interested students. We celebrated our faculty and staff with a grand Teacher Appreciation Week that included a service learning component as our children donated clothing to our teachers’ charity of choice. We provided a delicious breakfast and complimentary chair massages for all who attended. Our Service Learning program also helped the first grade children with their annual toy drive, which ties into their IPC curriculum on simple machines. The APPA provides treats and rewards for teachers throughout each trimester with our Teacher Hospitality Program.

We had three Secondary School teams participate in the Dragon Boat Races in Clear Lake. We continued our tradition of a Thanksgiving spectacular

APPA Volunteers

complete with feather headbands and learning crafts every day for a week. Our parents assisted with the Francophonie activities to make it outstanding and unforgettable.

I must acknowledge our outstanding APPA Board Officers who have been such a great team to work with.

They are a source of comic relief and calm resolve while supporting our parents and staff with efficiency and fervor. Gracias also to those who participated as room parents—you are a committed group who gave generously of your time and talent. Finally, merci to every parent who glued a feather on a headband, participated as a speaker in a classroom or at Career Fair, spent time manning a booth at our festivals, educating our children about your country and cultures, assisted with daily lunches in Primary School, or coordinated graduation activities, class celebrations and field trips. Awty is special because of your commitment and passion.

- Meredith Philipp-Tcholakian APPA President

Leila Horsey, Iona Reitsma, Liz Farrow, Ginny Svanberg, and Kathryn Whitaker

PulchĂŠrie Gueneau de Novoa

Jessica Donaldson, Lydia Pfeiffer, and Catherine Karmel

Fatima Pemba Lerondelle

Michele Grace and James Grace

Shannon Rechter, Gina Pavon, and Dena Rafte

Celebrating Awty To kick off the school year right, The Awty International School and the APPA joined forces to host Celebrating Awty, an international evening of wine, fun, and dancing on September 7.

The event united Awty families from all corners of the globe through good conversation, savory food, delicious wine, and upbeat music. It was a wonderful night of celebration and community.

A special thanks go to the many volunteers who helped organize the event including event chairs Gina Pavon, Dena Rafte, and Shannon Rechter. Our sincerest gratitude goes to the event sponsors for their generous donations to this event including the APPA, Ferrara Catering, Ninfa’s, Phoenicia Specialty Foods, and Spec’s Wines, Spirits, and Finer Foods. THANK YOU! MERCI ! ¡GRACIAS! Robert Heintz and Liza Heintz

Robert Glaser, Janice Glaser, Karen JoyceMarie, and Suneeta Rangwani

Steve Kunkemoeller and Pamela Kunkemoeller

Dads’ Night Out

D

ads’ Night Out has become

Awty administrators Dr. Stephen Co-

times they are open to Awty moms,

an annual staple amongst

drington, Ronald Jackson, and Stan

too. Some of the events the Awty Dads’

Awty Dads. Each year the

Way for drinks, fun, and Awty camara-

Club has hosted include weekend

derie.

soccer and tennis matches, network-

Awty Dads’ Club hosts the happy hour event, giving Awty Dads, both old and

Throughout each school year, the

ing night with Awty Alums, tailgating

new, a chance to take a break from the

Awty Dads’ Club gives dads an oppor-

party prior to a Houston Dynamo soc-

grind and connect with other dads for

tunity to socialize as well as to support

cer game, the annual bash at Saint Ar-

a few hours. This year’s happy hour

the development and cultivation of

nold’s Brewery, and the ever-popular

took place on September 20 at Taco

the school and its mission. They orga-

BBQ at Awty’s Homecoming game.

Milagro.

nize fun and casual events that are not

Around 35-40 dads were joined by

only open to all Awty Dads but often

Dominique Dion and Todd Feder

Chris Lombardo and Gianluca Forcella

Shams Siddiqui, Greg Frommert, and Rob Ervin

Jay Reynolds and Didier Germain

ACCENT 2012-2013 71

Fa l l F un Fe s t i va l

T

raditionally, orange and black are the colors one associates with Halloween, but this year Awty went green! Awty’s Fall Fun Festival teamed up this year with the Awty Sustainability Committee to host “Awty Goes Green for Halloween!” The fun took place on the Awty School grounds on October 27.

Booths and games highlighting environmental and sustainability issues were featured. Festival participants learned about these pressing issues with hands on activities and games.

Students who brought an item to be recycled received an LED light bulb.

Dead batteries were also collected as part of the school’s battery waste initiative.

The festival also offered new games, incredible inflatables, and fun rides.

Also featured at the festival was a disc jockey, karaoke machine, and the return of the beloved petting zoo! Halloween wouldn’t be Halloween without a spooky haunted house, so this year the festival featured two...one that surely created a few goose bumps amongst the older students and their parents. The playful ghosts of the second haunted house introduced the younger students to the pleasure of being scared. The festival also offered the students a chance to make Halloween themed crafts with repurposed items, to shop at the ever-popular Spook Shop and of course, devour delicious healthy food and snacks!

4th Graders Miles Lewis, Chander Henderson, Esteban Ayala, Ali Armstrong, and Leila Shadfar

72 The Awty International School

This ghoulishly good time was sponsored by the Awty Parent and Personnel Association (APPA). The APPA is a voluntary organization made up of Awty parents and staff whose purpose is to support the school through its social, educational, and fundraising events and projects.

A big thank you to many companies that donated the food for the festival including Whole Foods, Ice Express, Glazier Foods, Jakes Finer Foods, and Ferrara Catering - Giancarlo Ferrara.

Many thanks also to the Fall Fun Festival Chairs Lydia Pfeiffer and Sophie Gagey as well as the many volunteers who contributed their time, talent, and dollars to make this year’s festival a great success.

Guests at the 2012 Fall Fun Festival take a train ride around campus.

2012 Fall Fun Festival

Bailey Williams, PK-3, and Amelia Williams, Kinder

3rd Graders Nour Barakat and Sophia Ayala

Love Green! Live Gold! t was a gold rush as students,

I

conjunction with Awty’s Athletic De-

port assists the Athletic Department

staff, and faculty celebrated not

partment, organizes two to four Spirit

in ensuring Awty Athletes have the

three but four Spirit Days this

Days each year. The Spirit Days evoke

equipment and backing necessary to

school year. They showed their school

a sense of pride among the student

do their best in competition.

pride by wearing the bright gold Spirit

body in their athletic teams, in their

T-shirt on September 20, March 14,

work, and in their school.

If you would like to know more about the Rams Booster Club or would like to

and April 18. A fourth spirit day was

The Booster Club supports athletics

become a member, contact Jennifer

spontaneously added on October 19

in many ways, including funding for

Hohman, Rams Booster Club Presi-

to show support of Awty’s Cross Coun-

new game uniforms, equipment, and

dent, at thehohmans@gmail.com or

try Teams as they traveled to compete

travel. The Booster Club also sponsors

visit www.awty.org/ramsboosterclub.

at the TAPPS State Meet.

an end-of-season party for each sport.

The Awty Rams Booster Club, in

Kinder/GS students Lyra Hugand and Hala Morsi

4th Graders Ariel Karni, Adam Abou El Nour, and Peter Cuthbert

74 The Awty International School

Needless to say, their continued sup-

10th Graders Thor Crux, Ben Balthazar, Sam Quitzau, Zain Husaini, John Schroeder, Griffin Rechter, and Aaron Hurd

6ème students Emma Daveau, Neelam Monroy, and Jeanne Frebault

Mark Smithard, Christy Clark, and Sacha Clark

Trevor Munk and Jill Munk

Saint Arnold’s Bash It was all about beer and BBQ when nearly 200 Awty parents, staff, faculty, and friends had some Texas style fun at the 5th Annual Saint Arnold’s Bash, which was hosted by the Awty Dads’ Club on November 3. Guests piled their plates high with scrumptious Texas BBQ catered by Demeris Bar-B-Q, enjoyed Saint Arnold’s beer on tap, and two-stepped to country tunes spun by DJ Ferbidden.

Founded by Brock Wagner and Kevin Bartol, Saint Arnold’s Brewery is the oldest craft brewery in Texas. Their first keg of beer was shipped on June 9, 1994. They brew both year-round beers and seasonal beers. If you don’t have time to take a trip down to the brewery, Saint Arnold’s beers can be found locally in bars, restaurants, grocery stores, liquor stores, and warehouse stores.

Brian Oakley

Many thanks to Brian Oakley and the Awty Dads’ Club for organizing another great event. Cheers!

Greg Frommert, Marcia Vilas, and Alfredo Vilas

Jackie Castagnoli and Noël Hudson

T e a c h e r A p p r e c i at i on

M

arch 4-8 was Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week at Awty. As a token of appreciation for their teachers, students brought small items each day of the week including cards, flowers, and sweet treats. One day, each student brought a paper leaf they created and added something nice about their teachers. The leaves were all then added to a bulletin board to create a tree. On one of the days, students were asked to bring a gently used item of clothing to be donated to Houston Children’s Charity, a local charity cho-

Sonia LeLarge and Susan Permenter

76 The Awty International School

sen by the teachers.

On Thursday, March 7, teachers and staff alike were celebrated at the annual Teacher Appreciation Breakfast, which was hosted by the APPA Teachers and staff were greeted at the door by smiles and the friendly faces of members of the APPA. Each employee then received a flower corsage created by the 4th grade/CM1 and 5th grade/CM2 students. The decor was bright and cheerful and included photos of the teachers and students as well as artwork created by students in 1st grade/CP, 2nd grade/CE1, and 3rd

grade/CE2. Not only were the teachers and staff served a delicious breakfast that included fresh crepes, gourmet coffee, sweet pastries, fine meats and cheeses, and more, they also had the option of getting a complimentary 1015 minute chair massage by a professional massage therapist.

Many thanks to the APPA for hosting this wonderful breakfast, especially event co-chairs Catherine Karmel and Joya Kundagrami and all of the volunteers who helped with organizing the event.

Deborah Drummer, Susan Permenter, Dr. Stephen Codrington, Valerie Reeves, Jill L’Abbate, and Christine Megarity

Naomi Rinche and Elaine Clopton

Tree created by the students for Teacher Appreciation Week.

Catherine Karmel and Joya Kundagrami

I n t e r n at i on a l F e s t i va l

T

he sites and sounds of Brazil came alive at Awty’s annual International Festival on April 1112, 2013. The festival celebrated its 15th anniversary this year and was organized by event chairs Ana Escalona and Claudia Fernández and the Awty Parents and Personnel Association (APPA).

For the first time since its inception, the welcoming ceremony had to be moved inside the PAAC due to rain. The ceremony opened with the traditional parade of flags, which were carried by the Class of 2013 and accompanied by the steady beat of Awty’s drumline.

Deputy Consul of Brazil Mr. Roberto Furian Ardenghy served as the guest speaker during the festival. Other members of the Consular Corps attended the event including representatives from the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Egypt, France, Israel, Mexico, Paraguay, and Russia.

Entertainment during the ceremony included a performance by a group of Capoeiristas provided by the Brazilian Arts Foundation. Capoeira is an art form from Brazil that combines martial arts and dance. Following their performance, Brazilian singer/songwriter and musician Lois Albez entertained the crowd. Ms. Albez, who grew up in Recife, has performed for major corporations such as Xerox, Fred Sands, and Time Warner as well as A-list celebrities including Steven Spielberg, Sting, Tom Hanks, and Barbra Streisand. She was joined by Awty’s own Renata Bevilacqua for a couple of songs.

Dr. Codrington then recognized each

78 The Awty International School

country represented by a booth at the festival. As he announced each country (over 40), a student from that country stood holding a large black and white sign with the name of the country. He also recognized the return of the Peace Booth. Dr. Codrington then recognized event chairs Ana Escalona and Claudia Fernández for their hard work organizing the two-day festival.

The ceremony ended with a showstopping performance by samba dancers from Morena Flor, Houston’s premier Brazilian entertainment group that specializes in authentic Brazilian dances that are elegant and full of energy. The dancers wowed the crowd with their floor show.

Following the ceremony, Middle School and Upper School students took turns on Thursday visiting the booths and learning about the culture and customs of each country represented.

On Friday, students and staff/faculty alike celebrated their heritage by wearing their national dress. During the day, Preschool and Lower School students took their turn visiting the booths. They

Lower School Choir

collected stamps, accumulated souvenirs, and tasted delicious foods from around the world.

Around noon, the Lower School Choir began the day’s entertainment by singing several songs in different languages.

Later that afternoon, Ms. Albez and Mrs. Bevilacqua performed again in the quadrangle. Other entertainment included an Acroyoga demonstration, a performance by Anime Alive (Awty students Jessica Zhai, Jocelyne Ortiz, Armando Ortiz, Catherine Harrison, Joni Grommesh); “Gangnam Style” dance by the 5th Grade Odyssey of the Mind Team; and a performance of Taylor Swift’s song “22” by 8th Grader Jackie L’Abbate. Seventh Grader Zoey Willoughby then sang a song by Jason Mraz while playing the Ukulele. Finally, Alexandre Mello closed the entertainment with a special speech about his beloved Brazil.

The two-day festival ended late Friday afternoon with a grand parade of nations, which was coordinated by Awty mom Ana Castañeda. Over 60 students represented 27 different countries during the fashion show.

Lilia Silva and Amandine Rivière-Verberckt, CM2

Antoine Karsenty, Senior

Diabitos de Yare: CE1 students Julien Lesguillier, SebastiĂĄn Daprez, and Guillaume Novoa-Gueneau

Lois Albez

I n t e r n at i on a l F e s t i va l

Zoey Willoughby, 7th Grade

Ras Gackou, Senior

Dr. Stephen Codrington, Ana Escalona, Boualem Maizia, Claudia Fernandez, and Mark Schroeder

Acroyoga Demonstration

PK-3/PS students Raphael Garbino-Carminati, Isabelle Forissier, and Aly Gamby

Samba Dancers from Morena Flor

Rina Browning, Alex Lechin, 11th Grade Maria Beatriz Malard, Anastasia Koloskov, 11th Grade, and Tania Fuentes

Isabela Setiawan, PK-4

CM1 students GrĂŠgoire Colmet Daage, Noam Rapoport, and Axel Nicolet participate in the Francophonie Fashion Show.

Highlights A LOOK BACK AT SOME OF 2012-2013’s MAIN EVENTS

There have been several fun and exciting highlights during the 2012-2013 school year at The Awty International School. In the following pages, some of the main projects, programs, and events are spotlighted including Hispanic Heritage Assembly, International Talk Like a Pirate Day, Chinese Language Teachers Association of Texas Conference, A Fall Concert, Houston Rockets “Food for Families” Food Drive, Founder’s Day, 2012 Homecoming, People of Color Conference, Holiday Events at Awty, 2013 Book Fair, and 2013 Francophonie. Also included is a special Bravo! section featuring some of our students and faculty members and their accomplishments on and off campus.

2012-2013 has been a splendid year at Awty and we wish everyone a wonderful summer break! We will see you back in August for the 2013-2014 school year.

Hi spa n i c Her i ta g e

A

t Awty we have a wonderfully

duras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile.

tage in American culture beginning

diverse school community,

There were a number of celebrations

with Christopher Columbus. We also

and we celebrate various lo-

during this month, and we treated our

enjoyed listening and singing along to

cal cultures during the Monday morn-

students to the many elements of his-

an excellent Mariachi band, Mariachi

ing Assemblies. The first celebration

tory and culture in this region which

Calmecac, which is a colorful Hispanic

this year was Hispanic Heritage Month.

has so much influence on the life and

art form we all appreciate. This partic-

This special month, first recognized by

history of Texas.

ular group of musicians were extreme-

President Lyndon B. Johnson, was from

Javier Marin, Spanish teacher, to-

September 15 to October 15 and it

gether with other faculty members in

commemorated the independence of

his department organized a program

seven Latin American countries – Cos-

in which students presented informa-

ta Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Hon-

tion about the history of Hispanic heri-

Mariachi Calmecac with the 6th Grade students.

5ème students Matteo Frateschi, Maria Zaharatos, Felicie Tard, Cecilia Burns, and Albane Marande

84 The Awty International School

ly talented, energizing our students and faculty.

Javier Marin, 9th Grader Bitsy Brandfield Harvey and 10th Graders Abigail Relf, Syeda Jan, Maryam Madani Zadeh, and Matthew Chalcraft

Mariachi Calmecac

Librarians Jessica Holland, Diana Armentor, and Lucas Anderson

9th Grade students Maxim Gurevich and Eva Sload

Talk Like a Pirate Day Ahoy Mateys! It was all about treasure maps and pirate booty in the Sarofim Library on September 19 as the librarians celebrated International Talk Like a Pirate Day with the students.

Students who checked out one or two books during the day could dig through the pirate chest for pirate booty. For the adventurous students, secret treasure maps were hidden on campus. Once they found one of the maps, the students had to follow the map to find the hidden treasure.

Eric Verchére, 6ème

2012 marked the 10th anniversary of the worldwide celebration of International Talk Like A Pirate Day. The day originated over a game of racquetball by two ordinary guys, John Baur and Mark Summers. For a complete history of how the adventure began or to learn how to talk like a pirate, visit www.talklikeapirate. com.

Students in the Sarofim Library learnerd how to talk like a pirate.

Adrian Barbir, 6ème

C LTA - T e xa s C on fer en c e

U

nder the guidance of Awty’s

to provide a base for common peda-

and Learning in the Age of Mandarin”.

own Jiayao Pang, The Awty

gogical improvement and individual

Francoise Shih, Consortium of TX Chi.

International School hosted

career development.

Language Institute presented on “Im-

the 2012 Chinese Language Teach-

This year’s conference focused on

mersion Chinese Program at Stafford

ers Association of Texas (CLTA - Texas)

several topics including teaching skills,

MSD” while Hsin-Hui Grace Lin, U of H

Conference on October 21, 2012. More

strategies, and methods; integrating

at Victoria presented on “Technology

than 100 Chinese teachers of various

culture into language classes; using

to teach Chinese language and cul-

levels and schools from all over Texas

technology to teach Chinese language

ture”. Awty alumnae Sarah Comstock

participated in the conference.

and culture; classroom management;

performed a song using the guzheng,

and teaching materials.

a classical Chinese instrument and

CLTA - Texas, founded in 2007, is a non-political, non-profit educational

The conference opened with wel-

then gave feedback from a student’s

and professional organization to en-

coming remarks by Dr. Stephen Co-

point of view. Xiaohong Wen from

hance the quality of the Chinese lan-

drington and opening remarks by

the University of Houston presented

guage teaching at all education lev-

Educational Consul Baiyu Xu, Chinese

“Teaching skills, strategies, methods,

els; to serve as a resource network for

Consulate in Houston. The keynote

and teaching materials”. Finally, there

Chinese language teachers to share

speaker for the event was Christopher

were four workshops about classrom

ideas and disseminate information;

Livaccari, Director of Education and

activity and management including

to conduct professional development

Chinese Language Initiatives, Asia So-

one led by Awty teacher Xuemei Luo.

for Chinese teachers in both language

ciety. He spoke about “How Chinese

teaching and cultural awareness; and

Became a World Language: Teaching

CLTA - Texas Committee with Dr. Stephen Codrington

86 The Awty International School

Madison Lopez, 12th Grade, Daichi Onda, 12th Grade, and LucBla Houttuijn Bloemendaal, 11th Grade

6th grade/6ème students Nathalie Jeanneret, Amna Al-Homaid, and Isabel Guinotte

A Fall Concert Thanks to the exciting growth within the Music Department, the annual Fall Concert was expanded and held over two nights this year.

The Instrumental Concert, which was held on October 19, featured Beginning Band, 7th Grade Band, 8th Grade Band, Middle School Honors Band, 9th Grade Percussion Ensemble, 9th Grade Jazz Band, Upper School Jazz Ensemble, Advanced String Ensemble, String Orchestra, and Wind Ensemble. These musicians were directed by Jason Peguero, Director of Instrumental Music, and Gesina Thompson, Orchestra Director.

Emre Kilic, 9th Grade, and Jason Peguero

The Choir Concert and Dance Performance was held on November 2 and featured the Middle School Choir, 8th Grade Dance, 9th Grade Vocal, Madrigals, Region Audition Singers, and Awty Singers. The choirs were directed by Robert Dee, Choir Director, while the dance performance was choreographed by Shaun Peacock, Dance Teacher.

Ken Bourgeau, 12th Grade, Rob Dee, and Dexter Gutierrez, 11th Grade

8th Graders Lily Grigorian, Cécile Pomarède, Gabrielle Rendino, Jacqueline L’Abbate, and Heloïse Juery

F o od F or Fa m i l i e s

T

he Awty International School partnered with the Houston Rockets in hosting “Food for Families,” a school-wide food drive on October 22-26. Every student and teacher was asked to donate nonperishable food items throughout the week-long drive.

We were humbled by the kindness and generosity of the Awty community. You went over the top to show what a caring, thoughtful community we have, and demonstrated to Awty’s students how important it is to always think of those who are in need of help.

In one week’s time, more than 11,600 food items were donated to help meet the needs of Houston’s hungry families.

All of the collected food was donated to two local charities including Target Hunger, one of Houston’s largest organizations that distributes food to families and assists individuals in inner-city neighborhoods who are

food insecure. The other organization that benefited from the food drive was Kids Meals, Inc., a non-profit that serves healthy lunches to over 1,700 hungry pre-school aged children, living in poverty. They provide and deliver nutritious meals, free of cost to the families, Monday through Friday, year-round.

While this was a worthy cause, the Houston Rockets also made it into a two-fold competition. First, the class that collected the most food in the Primary School and in the Secondary School at Awty received a visit on October 29 from a Rockets representative as well as one of the Rockets players. In Primary School, the winning class was Mrs. Permenter’s 3rd Grade class, which donated almost twice as many food items as its nearest competitor with 1,156 items! In Secondary School there was a very tight race between 12th and 8th Grade, with 8th Grade pulling ahead to take the win

Susan Permenter and her 3rd Grade class with Houston Rocket Donatas Motiejunas, Stan Way, and Boualem Maizia

88 The Awty International School

with 938 items donated. These classes were recognized and congratulated

by Houston Rockets player Donatas Motiejunas. Each student in these classes received a T-shirt and ticket vouchers to a home game.

In the second phase of the competition, Awty competed against four other schools to see which school could collect the most food during the drive. The school that collected the most amount of food received a Rockets Rally with Clutch, the Rockets mascot. With the outpouring support of the Awty Community, Awty was announced as the winning school and Clutch made a surprise visit during Awty’s homecoming pep rally.

From the Advancement Department to you, we thank you and express our enthusiastic gratitude for your incredible participation in the Houston Rockets “Food for Families” school-wide food drive.

8th Grade students with Boualem Maizia, Donatas Motiejunas, Tom Beuscher, Ronald Jackson, Karen Waugh, and John Hoye

Clutch, Houston Rockets mascot

8th Grade students meet Houston Rocket Donatas Motiejunas

Ava Harrington and Shannon Harrington

F o un der ’s D ay

O

n Friday, November 9, Awty celebrated “the little school that grew” and honored the woman behind it all. November 12 would have marked Mrs. Kathleen Awty’s 100th birthday and to celebrate the occasion, the school declared November 9 “Founder’s Day”. Students from Preschool to Upper School participated in the celebration through various activities during the day. They were joined by Mr. Sandy Awty (Mrs. Awty’s son), Mr. Jean-Christophe Deberre (Executive Director of the Mission Laïque Française), Mr. Roger Truchi (who was

the first Proviseur of French Bilingual Section, which was created at Awty School in 1978), and other former students, teachers, and administrators.

The Awty School was founded by Kathleen “Kay” Awty on September 10, 1956, with only 27 students. The incorporation of an Upper School in 1975 changed the school into a college preparatory school which merged with the French School of Houston and became The Awty International School in 1984. What began as a small preschool located at 3736 Westheimer has since become the largest private school in

Former teachers, administrators, and alumni joined the current staff, faculty, and board members in celebrating Founder’s Day.

90 The Awty International School

Houston with more than 1,500 students at its current location, 7455 Awty School Lane.

Through humble beginnings and trying times, Awty has become a dynamic international community with nearly 60 different nationalities represented among its student body. Without Mrs. Awty’s vision and love for children and education, Awty may never have come to fruition.

Camille Bennet, Mr. Jean-François Genay, Mr. Michael Flanet, Mr. Jean Christophe Deberre, Mrs. Karine Pousset, Mr. Boualem Maizia, Ms. Cecile Kombrza, Mr. Gwenael Toutous and the CM2 students

Seniors Melissa Blott, Benazir Sako, and David Alexander with Sandy Awty

Roger Truchi, Boualem Maizia, Sandy Awty, and Stephen Codrington

Sandy Awty and Candace Huijgen’s Dutch students

2012 Homecoming

H

omecoming and Spirit Week took place on November 26-30. Awty hosted the annual Homecoming soccer game against the Northland Christian Cougars on Friday, November 30. The Rams came away with a another victory, defeating the Cougars 3-0.

During halftime, the cheerleaders performed (both the varsity squad and the Lower School squad) and the Homecoming Court was announced.

Senior Melanie Guirette was crowned Homecoming Queen and Carlos Luis Garcia was selected and crowned Homecoming King. Awty’s 2012 Homecoming Court also included Nicole Dunham as 9th grade Princess, Stephanie Lucena as 10th grade Princess, and Rym Benchaabane as 11th grade Princess.

During the week leading up to the

5th Graders Valeria Keuser, Deanna Rassoli, Zoe Slaughter, and Chelsey West

92 The Awty International School

homecoming game, students and staff participated in several “spirited” activities. On Monday, November 26, Awty students sent the Cougars to dreamland by dressing in their favorite pajamas. On Tuesday, November 27, Awty students dressed in mismatched clothing as they “Clashed the Cougars”.

On Wednesday, November 28, it was Blackout Day! Awty students showed their school pride by wearing the 2012 Homecoming T-shirt. On Thursday, November 29, Awty students tipped their hats to the Rams and socked it to the Cougars by wearing a silly hat and/ or crazy socks to school. On Friday, November 30, Awty students showed an abundance of school spirit by wearing green and gold, some even painting their faces and coloring their hair with the school colors.

They also participated in a rowdy

pep rally on Friday. The pep rally opened with the announcement of the candidates for the 2012 Homecoming Court. The cheerleaders then led the student body in a number of cheers.

Both Mrs. Jennifer Blessington’s advisory class and the Lower School cheerleaders did some cheers before the crowd as well. The PAAC really started rocking with a surprise visit from “Clutch,” the Houston Rockets mascot.

Clutch pumped up the excitement and had everyone on their feet! Both the Awty Band and Drumline set the tone with upbeat music throughout the pep rally. Towards the end of the pep rally, the Varsity Boys Soccer Team was introduced by the Rockets announcer and then the team closed the rally with their rendition of Gangnam Style!

Melanie Guirette Hentschel, Terminale, and Carlos Luis Garcia, 12th Grade

Awty Boys Varsity Soccer Team

6th Grade/6ème students Elena Tycer, Eric VerchÊre, Finn Stables, Jacob Berg, Ada Naab, Misha Salahshoor, Oscar Bigno, and Spencer Talbot

Natasha Ramirez

2012 Homecoming

4ème students Capella Bigno, Heloïse Juery, and Inès Rousset

Hélène Rousset, 1ère

4th Grade/CM1 boys enjoy Pajama Day during Spirit Week.

10th Graders Alexander Pleczko, Benjamin Matthews, Aaron Hurd, and Joseph Halow

11th Grade/1ère students Michael Farhat and Kenaz Coqk

Booster Club Moms Christine Preti, Diane Izzedin, and Janet Sempere

8th Graders Meher Qazilbash, Juliet Quint, Margaret Schroeder, and Kalina Mishev

Clutch, Houston Rockets Mascot

Aw t y Joins 2013 PoCC he National Association of

T

This year Awty had the privilege of

ning down the road, screaming from

Independent Schools (NAIS)

serving as one of three host schools,

burns to her skin. That unforgettable

hosted their annual People of

along with St. John’s and Kinkaid. We

Pulitzer Prize winning photograph

Color Conference (PoCC) in December

were extremely honored to be able

changed the way the world looked at

at the Hilton Americas and George R.

to work alongside so many incredible

the Vietnam War, and at all wars. After

professionals to make this conference

two years of medical care, Phan Thi re-

a success. As one of the host schools,

turned to her village. Her government

there were many opportunities for

subjected her to endless interviews,

Awty to gain national exposure, shar-

used her story in propaganda films,

ing the great educational experience

and supervised her as a “national sym-

we provide. For the past year a plan-

bol of war.” In 1986, Phan Thi settled in

ning committee consisting of more

Canada. In a commemorative ceremo-

than 100 independent school leaders

ny for the Vietnam War, in Washington

have volunteered to help coordinate

D.C., as she was delivering a speech,

the event. Three members of the Awty

she publicly pardoned the person who

community, John Hoye (conference

had launched the napalm bombing of

co-chair), Ronald Jackson, and Anton

her village in Vietnam. Phan Thi’s story

Truong served to help make this con-

was turned into the book The Girl in the

ference a success.

Picture and the documentary “Kim’s

Bernard Harris and John Hoye

Brown Convention Center. This conference served as a safe space for profes-

Here are a few of the events where Awty was highlighted:

Story: The Road from Vietnam.” Kim Phuc Phan Thi was designated UNES-

sional development opportunities for

On December 5, a pre-conference

CO Goodwill Ambassador in 1994.

people, who, by virtue of their race or

tour was held at Awty for attendees.

Ever since, she has dedicated her life

ethnicity, comprise a form of diversity

Mr. Ronald Jackson and the Advance-

to promoting peace. She founded the

termed “people of color” in indepen-

ment Department coordinated this

Kim Foundation International, which

dent schools.

tour.

provides to children who are victims

PoCC serves as an energizing, revi-

On December 7, Martha Barwara

of war medical and psychological sup-

talizing gathering for people who ex-

opened the conference’s second day

port to help them overcome their trau-

perience independent schools differ-

by bringing a group of 10th grade

matic experiences.

ently. The purpose of PoCC is to help

students to perform a theatrical inter-

Also on December 7, Renata Bevi-

participants understand their roles in

pretation of “The Cold Within”. This was

lacqua and Melanie Gauthy presented

advancing in their schools equity and

followed by the keynote speaker of

a workshop entitled: Empowerment

justice around racial and ethnic iden-

the day, Kim Phuc Phan Thi. In 1972,

through Knowledge: How Compelling

tity. The focus is to provide a sanctuary

Americans and the South Vietnamese

Documentaries Can Build Awareness,

for people of color and allies in inde-

Airforce dropped napalm bombs on a

a documentary movie, by its appeal

pendent schools as inclusive school

village near Saigon. Nine-year-old Kim

and impact through carefully chosen

communities are built.

Phuc Phan Thi was photographed run-

sounds and images, opens the door

96 The Awty International School

and facilitates curiosity in a topic, re-

School of Medicine, Brooks Air Force

liberation struggle, Baratunde has long

gardless of the school subject it might

Base in San Antonio, Texas. He served

been taught to question authority. His

serve. The goal of this workshop was

as Vice President and Chief Scientist of

inquisitive mind, forged by his moth-

to share tested and confirmed class-

SPACEHAB, Inc., an innovative space

er’s lessons and polished by philoso-

room practices that build citizenship

commercialization company, where

phy degree from Harvard, have found

and awareness in students, helping

he directed the company’s space sci-

expression in the pages of Vanity Fair,

them develop critical thinking skills

ence business. He also served as Vice

on the radio waves of WNYC, and on

and take personal and social respon-

President of Business Development

the screens of news networks such as

sibility. Workshop attendees learned

for Space Media, Inc., an informatics

CNN, MSNBC, BBC, and Al Jazeera. In

how to use and explore appealing and

company, establishing an e-commerce

2006, he co-founded Jack & Jill Poli-

free and/or easy-to-access documen-

initiative that is now part of the United

tics, a black political blog. For the past

taries to fuel their students’ reflection,

Nations education program. He is cur-

four years, he has served as Director

self-questioning, and curiosity about

rently Chief Executive Officer and Man-

of Digital for The Onion. His most sig-

our world’s realities and challenges.

aging Partner of Vesalius Ventures, Inc.,

nificant expression, however, is prob-

By making them feel responsible for

a venture capital firm that invests in

ably his own creative experimentation

their choices, we empower and inspire

early to mid-stage healthcare technol-

with new digital platforms, from Four-

students to take action in their daily

ogies and companies. Harris believes

Square to Twitter and beyond. Fast

lives. A list of documentaries that can

that education and effort will allow

Company listed him as one of the 100

be used in class and guidance in how

anyone to meet any challenge in life,

Most Creative People in Business and

to link them to the use of various new

inspiring others to reach for the stars.

then-candidate Barack Obama called

technologies that are so vital in today’s

Among the many boards he serves on

him “someone I need to know.”

teaching was also provided.

is the National Math and Science Initia-

On December 7-9, Dr. Codrington

On December 8, Ronald Jackson

tive. Harris is the founder of The Harris

served as an affinity group leader for

introduced keynote speaker Bernard

Foundation, a non-profit organization

international educators during select

Harris. Mr. Harris has a daughter, Alex,

that supports math and science edu-

workshop sessions.

who graduated from Awty in 2010.

cation and crime prevention programs

In 1995, Mr. Harris became the first

for America’s youth

The

conference,

which

attracts

nearly 3,500 independent school em-

African-American to walk in space.

On December 9 , John Hoye intro-

ployees and 1,000 students each year,

A veteran astronaut for more than

duced the closing ceremonies speaker

made its second trip to Texas, with this

19 years, he has logged more than

Baratunde Thurston. Mr. Thurston is a

being the 25th year anniversary. Need-

438 hours and traveled over 7.2 mil-

technology-loving comedian. With an

less to say, we were excited about our

lion miles in space. After receiving

ancestry that includes a great-grand-

school’s participation and involvement

his Master of Business Administration

father who taught himself to read, a

in the conference as a whole.

from the University of Houston and

grandmother who was the first black

then a Doctorate of Medicine (MD)

employee at the U.S. Supreme Court

from Texas Tech University, he trained

building, and a mother who took over

as a flight surgeon at the Aerospace

radio stations in the name of the black

- John Hoye Athletic Director

ACCENT 2012-2013 97

H ol i d ay E v e n t s at Aw t y

T

he annual Tree Lighting Ceremony opened the holiday season at Awty on December 7. This is one of the few events that the entire student body, staff, and faculty get to attend together during the school year. The Lower School Choir, Middle School Select Choir, Madrigals, Awty Singers, Orchestra, and the Wind Ensemble provided the entertainment.

Everyone in attendance sang along to some holiday classics including the all-time favorite Feliz Navidad. Santa made a special appearance during the ceremony, delighting students both young and old.

Keeping with tradition, the student who has been at Awty the longest and the student who has attended Awty the shortest amount of time were honored with lighting Awty’s Christmas tree during the event. This year, the honor went to ten students. Nine seniors, Daniel Alexander, David Alexander, Assalia Boulos, John Ellis, Shelby Flavin, Sam Franklin, Alex Howard, Francesca Pacifico, and Vivi Stellenwerf began attending Awty as preschoolers in 1998 and have all been at Awty the longest. Lenaic Huon de Penanster, a PS student, is the youngest student and the student who has attended Awty the shortest. They were all joined

by Dr. Codrington and Santa in lighting the tree.

Awty would like to extend a big thank you to Robert Dee, Jason Peguero, Sina Thompson, and Natasha Ramirez for coordinating the event and providing the entertainment. Special

98 The Awty International School

thanks goes to Martha Bawara and the IB Theatre classes for providing light and screen technicians, to Becky Johnson and her art students for decorating the tree, and to the maintenance crew for setting up the PAAC. On December 10, Awty’s Performing Arts Department presented A Winter Concert. Under the direction of Robert Dee, Jason Peguero, Sina Thompson, and Shaun Peacock, Beginning Band, 8th Grade Band, 8th Grade Dancers, the Middle School Honor Band, the Middle School Choir, the Orchestra, the Madrigals, the Ram Xpress Dance Team, the Awty Jazz Ensemble, the 9th Grade Voice, the Awty Singers, and the Wind Ensemble, as well as several soloists performed at the event. Nearly two dozen songs and two dances were performed at the concert including holiday classics like Jingle Bells, White Christmas, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Santa Baby, and Deck the Halls.

A special thanks goes to the follow-

Dr. Codrington addresses the student body at the Tree Lighting Ceremony.

ing people for their assistance with the production of this concert: Martha Bawara, Don Davis, Roger Edwards and the Maintenance Staff, the P.E. teachers, and John Hoye.

Duing the holiday season, our thoughts naturally turn toward gift giving, seeing family and friends, and thinking of ways to make others happy.

Here at Awty, we have many wonderful traditions that make it such a special place. One tradition that is especially meaningful is Awty’s Annual Toy Drive for Houston’s needy children.

After Thanksgiving, students collected dozens of toys for Santa to take to those less fortunate. On December 18, Santa made a special visit to Awty to gather these toys. He made a grand entrance on top of a fire engine from Houston Fire Department Station No. 38. Santa and the firefighters visited with the students before gathering the toys that were collected. Santa then distributed the toys to local charities in Houston.

Seniors Assalia Boulos, Daniel Alexander, David Alexander, Shelby Flavin, John Ellis, Vivi Stellenwerf, Francesca Pacifico, Sam Franklin, and Alex Howard with Dr. Stephen Codrington and Lenaic Huon de Penanster, PS

Benjamin Harrison, 7th Grade at the Holiday Concert

Lower School Choir

Santa stops to talk to Jackson Bailey, PK-4, Camila Vilas, PK-4, and Mariam Hamouie, Kinder

2 0 1 3 Bo ok Fa i r

M

ore than 4,000 books were on display and for sale at Awty’s 2013 Book Fair in March. Books on every level (from preschool to current adult bestsellers) and in multiple languages (English, French, Spanish, and Dutch) were all available at this year’s book fair.

Students of all ages had a chance to visit the three-day book fair and peruse through the massive selection of books. Some students selected books for the simple pleasure of reading,

while others focused on books that are on the summer reading list.

Many thanks to everyone who purchased a book (or several books) at the fair. All proceeds from the sales at the book fair go to the library to help pay for books, author visits, and reading incentive programs. Thank you also to those who purchased books and donated them to Awty’s libraries!

A big thank you to the Awty librarians Diana Armentor, Lucas Anderson, Jessica Holland, Emmanuelle Roussel,

PK-4 students March Flood, Bernardo Amare, and Jake Blumrosen

100 The Awty International School

and Amanda McKenzie as well as all of the volunteers who helped to make this event a success. All of the help from Awty faculty, staff, students, and parent volunteers was truly appreciated.

If you would like to volunteer in one of Awty’s libraries or if you are interested in helping with next year’s book fair, please contact Diana Armentor at darmentor@awty.org.

CM1 students Justine Gagick-Petersen, Talia Cohen-Fette, and Nathalie Tawa

11th Graders Evan Palmer, Cameron Modry, and Amit Momin

3rd Graders CĂŠlia de Patoul, Jordan Fenske, and Gloria Bertrand

Jasmine Gray, 6ème

2013 Francophonie

I

t was a day of celebration on March 15, 2013, when The Awty International School observed the International Day of Francophonie.

The day was filled with fun events for all students from PK-3/PS to 12th Grade/Tle. Students, faculty, and staff members showed their French pride by dressing in the French colors of bleu, blanc, and rouge or wearing the designated Francophonie T-shirt. The French Bilingual Section organized a special and eventful Francophonie day for the students.

The Preschool students began their day with a special breakfast. The Lower School students started the day watching a fashion show put on by other Awty students, modeling outfits that represented Francophonie. The Preschoolers also watched the fashion show mid-morning. In the Lower School classrooms, students spent the morning moving from classroom to classroom learning about different French customs, playing French board games, and making art pieces. Posters with Francophonie themes were created and displayed in Big Blue. The Lower School students then judged and voted on the best one. For the Secondary students, the day was divided into two groups: workshops (poetry, films, games) in the morning lead by students from the French and International Sections and a show of performances in the afternoon involving all secondary students. The 7th grade French Section students performed plays they put together under

102 The Awty International School

the guidance of Dr. Jean-Luc Detchessahar. Students from Lower School to Upper School enjoyed friendly games of petanque during break and lunch.

During the afternoon show, awards for Awty’s Short Story competition were presented to Upper and Middle Schools students from both sections.

Later that evening, all Awty families were invited to a casual potluck dinner with traditional “francophone” dishes.

The Francophonie events would not have been possible without the help of several parent volunteers and for this, Awty says MERCI BEAUCOUP! Parent volunteers included Wafa Barouni, Anne Baubert, Marie-Laure Bocabarteille, Armelle Bontems, Isabelle Caron, Catherine Corcoran, Susanne Daniault, Sylvie Delusseau, Pauline de Moucheron, Amelia Fonseca, Julie Fette, Lydie Gourret, Alexandra Hugand, Karen Jakubowicz, Sabine Juery, Anne Krayenbuhl-Jolliet, Brigitte Lahitte Crohare, Mandy Liu, Sandra Cea-Loveless, Anne Maizia-Verheyleweghen, Sophie

Malbrel, Véronique Prentice, Christelle Rivière, Camille Tonnel, and Françoise Vermet.

Used by over 200 million people and spoken on five continents, the French language unites countries, institutions and individuals. The French-speaking community in different countries brings together people who not only speak French, a language of education, culture, and communication, but people who also love French culture. Since the 1970’s, the entire world has had a unique opportunity in March, the International Day of Francophonie, to appreciate and celebrate the culture of French speaking countries. Throughout the month of March in Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas, The French Cultures Festival featured lectures, films, theatrical shows, concerts, receptions, parties, wine lectures, and cheese tastings. For more information, please visit www.frenchculturesfestival.com.

Louise Schuwer, 2nde, Olivier Kuhn de Chizelle, 3ème, Boualem Maizia, Malena Charreton, 3ème, Margot Guinotte, 3ème, Fredrika Pfeiffer, 5ème, Robert Bunch, 6ème, and Oscar Bigno, 6ème

4ème students have fun playing a game of Petanque.

Eulalie Bauer, CM1

Basile Caron, 5ème

Baptiste Pousset, 4ème

2012 Francophonie

Olivia Tawa, CM1, Nathalie Tawa, CM1 and Luc Tawa, CE1

Rohaan Khan, 4th Grade

5ème students Christopher Wright, Maria Zaharatos, Cecilia Burns, Eloise Cowan, and Maria-Carmen Denaclara

5ème students Anna Abounohra, Perrine Simon, and Maria Zaharatos

Alexandra Hugand, Sylvie Delusseau, Amelia Fonseca, Brigitte Lahitte Crohare, Marie-Laure Bocabarteille, and Lydie Gourret

Christopher Corcoran, Tle

Anastasia Morrow, CM1

ACCENT 2012-2013 105 Kinder students Ethan Bianco and Cooper Yi

Br av o ! ! !

Stéphanie Jeanneret, Brenna Haffey, Ella Wong, Kyren Wong, Albin John and Naim Mekdessi

Sydney Arceneaux, 9th Grade and Cross Country Coach Robert Sload

A

wty freshman cross country runner, Sydney Arceneaux, earned city-wide recognition after leading the Lady Rams to the TAPPS 4A State Cross Country title in Waco. Arceneaux, who finished second overall in the race, crossed the finish line in a time of 12:35.8 over 3,200 meters, good enough to be named the Houston Chronicle Female Athlete of the Week. As the only ninth grade finisher in the top five (and one of two in the top ten), Arceneaux used an impressive finish to pass two runners in the last 50 meters to secure second place.

This honor is the first for Arceneaux as a Lady Ram.

106 The Awty International School

I

n November 2012, six of Awty’s 11th grade students placed in the 11th Greater Houston Chinese Speech Contest. Congratulations to Naim Mekdessi (3rd place in the non-native group), Kyren Wong (3rd place in the native group), Ella Wong (4th place in the native group), Brenna Haffey (3rd place in the non-native group), Stéphanie Jeanneret (2nd place in the non-native group), and Albin Abraham John (2nd place in the non-native group).

Kian Raissian, 9th Grade

C

ongratulations to Kian Raissian for being selected to both Texas High School AllState Orchestras! Kian, a cellist and member of the Awty Orchestra, attended the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Clinic and Concert in San Antonio. This is a huge conference for Texas music educators with band, orchestra, and choir students from both public and private schools across the state competing for membership in one of the All-State groups. Kian performed on February 9 with the TMEA Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Allen Tinkham of the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra. Kian also earned membership in the Texas Private School Music Educators Association (TPSMEA) All-State Orchestra and performed with that group on February 2 at Texas State University in San Marcos. These were outstanding musical experiences for Kian and represent many hours of hard work during lessons, individual practice, and rehearsals. He is a fantastic musical ambassador for Awty.

11 Grade/1ère students Bella Grant, Ella Jakubowicz, and Charlotte Burnod

T

hree Awty art students Bella Grant, Ella Jakubowicz, and Charlotte Burnod participated in Houston’s 2013 OPEN THE DOOR art exhibit. Sixty doors were created

by French and Texan artists citywide.

Bella’s door promotes the “Open the Door” mission statement as it is based on the idea of a new experience, and the journey in which those experiences take us on. Ella’s door was inspired by the Big Bang theme and could also be connected to the dream. Charlotte’s door represented a non-proportional, non-linear map of both Houston and Paris, showing the similarities and differences between the two cities. According to the website, “OPEN THE DOOR stems from the idea that every new experience we encounter, be it a new phase of life, learning about a new culture, or meeting new people, can be represented by the image of a door.

We can choose either to leave the door closed or open it and step across the threshold.”

11th Graders Tanmay Gupta, Nitin Ponnaganti, Sebastiaan Crane, Marco Monteiro, and Ben Penchas

F

ive Awty 11th grade students Sebastiaan Crane, Tanmay Gupta, Marco Monteiro, Ben Penchas, and Nitin Ponnaganti participated in NASA’s Space Settlement Contest. They were joined by other students from schools across Texas and Iowa in the three-day competition. When they arrived, the students were randomly placed into one of four “companies”.

Each company contained 40 students.

Sebastiaan and Marco were a part of the Rockdonnel company, Nitin was a member of the Vulture company, Tanmay was a member of Vereinigten Flugfahrten, and Ben was a part of the company named Grumbo Aerospace. Each had to design a space settlement that could hold 5,000 people and be self-sustaining. The students had to put their plan into a 50-slide PowerPoint presentation and then present their design to a board of experts in the field (astronauts, engineers, etc.). Nitin’s company, Vulture, was the winning company. Eight members from this company will be chosen to participate in the global contest in June.

Anthea Lavergne

C

ongratulations to Anthea Lavergne on receiving a Fund for Teachers Grant!

Anthea was awarded a grant to attend workshops in St. Louis, New York City, Amari, and Crete, to learn audio theater production, electronic music production, and the art of contemporary oral storytelling to develop the listening skills and language fluency of English Language Learners. Anthea is a first-year teacher at Awty. She teaches computer class in the Primary School and she also coaches track.

ACCENT 2012-2013 107

Kindergartener Chloe Herron poses in the photo stand at the Iran booth at the 2013 International Festival.

Thank You! Merci!

T

his issue of Accent would not have been possible without the help of many. A special thanks to all who contributed an article, a quote, and/or photography. Thank you also to those who helped with the translations, reviewed and edited articles, identified photographs, conducted interviews, and/or covered events. THANK YOU! MERCI! Uzma Babar

Lifetouch Photography

Robert Sload

Martha Bawara

Limb Design

Jessika Smith

Camille Bennet

Lauren Linn

Sina Thompson

Tom Beuscher

Julie Loisel

Anton Truong

Lamis Boz

Boualem Maizia

Connie Turner

Philippe Carré

Maria Beatriz Malard

Maria Cristina Villasenor

Ingrid Cheskes-Nurko

Javier Marin

Sean Von Felden

Penny Cleveland

Sandie Masson and her CM1 Class

Erika Watson

Dr. Stephen Codrington

Amanda McKenzie

Karen Waugh

Robert Dee

Christine Megarity

Sam Waugh

Jean-Luc Detchessahar

Metropolitan Life Insurance Company

Pam Wellen

Miranda DeVries

Carol Nash

Steve Willhelm

Colin Eddington

Liza Navarro

Lisa Wolff

Kim Gowen

Urusa Nawaz

Ruthanne Greenwood

Nelson Photography

Pulchérie Gueneau de Novoa

Marie-Hélène Nguyen

Doreen Hanrahan

Jiayao Pang

Mary Herendeen

Lydia Pfeiffer

Leila Horsey

Meredith Philipp-Tcholakian

John Hoye

Christine Preti

Candace Huijgen

Puente Photography

Ronald Jackson

Dena Rafte - Rafte Photography

Becky Johnson

Natasha Ramirez

Catherine Karmel

Suneeta Rangwani

Reema Kasavich

Emmanuelle Roussel

Cécile Kombrza

Patricia Seller-Wolff

Caroline Lassiter

Armanda Simon

Beverly Lawson

Lisa Sload

ACCENT 2012-2013 109

ACCENT 2012-2013 at The Awty International School

ACCENT is published at the end of each school year by the Advancement Department at The Awty International School. This publication is for students, staff, faculty, parents, alumni, and friends of the school. Communication may be addressed to the editor/designer.

MR. RONALD JACKSON

Director of Advancement and External Affairs MS. GWEN CARIO

Associate Director of Communications and Editor/Designer MRS. REEMA KASAVICH

Associate Director of Annual Fund MRS. LAUREN LINN

Associate Director of Events MRS. CAROL NASH

Advancement Coordinator and Database Manager MS. LIZA NAVARRO

Advancement Associate

ADDRESS CHANGE?

Please notify the Advancement Department of any address changes.

PARENTS:

If this issue is addressed to your child who no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please send the correct address to: The Awty International School Attn: Advancement Department 7455 Awty School Lane Houston, Texas 77055 Tel: 713-328-5861 Email: cnash@awty.org

ACCENT is printed on recycled paper at Modern PrintShop, Houston.

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