Digital Chapel Issue #60 by Chapel School

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DIGITAL CHAPEL Issue #60 | November 2019

KINDERGARTEN ON THE FARM

MAKERS HOUR

COLLEGE APPLICATIONS

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

TEACHING A CLASS AT USP

LOOK WHO'S HERE

CHAPEL’S BEST UNDER 40

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ECEC KINDERGARTEN VISITS AN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROJECT To wrap up the unit about trees, Kindergarten students visited, at the end of October, a project called “Dedinho Verde” at the organic nursery Sabor de Fazenda, in São Paulo. “After the unit called Trees Study, the field trip allowed children to see each step of the growth of plants, from germination to an adult plant,'' shared Ms. Daniela Sperling. She explained that students learned about the characteristics of fertile soil for plants, and came into touch with each stage of the growth of trees. The encounter with garden life also generated euphoric reactions: “While children were a little reluctant to interact with worms and armadillo bugs at first, they soon felt more comfortable and had fun with it,'' said Ms. Elisabeth Noel Morgan. “The feeling of independence and getting their hands dirty are important experiences for them”. The field trip included a snack with vegetables and organic juice, which the children thoroughly enjoyed. Throughout the visit the kindergarteners learned about the importance of recycling and the preservation of the environment. “They understood that plants are fragile and need care and, when introduced to the process of recycling organic waste, they were introduced to their next unit: reduce, reuse, recycle,” shared Ms. Bruna Evangelista. At the end of the visit, each student planted their own seedling, preparing the layers of gravel, sand and dirt, and took it home Click on this link to see the photos!

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ELEMENTARY MAKERS HOUR CHALLENGES STUDENTS TO SOLVE PROBLEMS

With the goal of developing creativity, resilience, problem solving, team work, communication, the understanding of different perspectives and solution finding, Maker Culture has started to make its way into the elementary school at Chapel through the Makers Hour, lead by Ms. Karina Wenda. Once a week first and second graders come together in pairs to work on solving problems. “We always start with a fun story, and the problem presented in the plot becomes a challenge that students have to solve,” explains Ms. Wenda. The pairs - composed of a first grader and a second grader - will decide how to solve the problem, which materials and strategies they’ll use and, at the end of the cycle, teachers celebrate the learning that takes place with each experience in the search for a solution. “The focus is always on identifying what the child learned in the process. It is not about reaching one specific solution, but about developing creative skills and competencies,” says the teacher. In this context, the teacher is a facilitator. As such, they intervene with questions, and not with answers. “Ten teachers and five assistants observe, facilitate, and guarantee student safety. We encourage them to reach their goals on their own,” she said. Over the course of two years, the program poses different challenges and a new way of dealing with frustration. It is no longer seen as failure, but as fuel for finding a new path. “As we get feedback from the group at circle time, we see that children are able to solve problems in surprising ways. In this program, there are no wrong answers,” says Ms. Wenda. Makers Hour is truly interdisciplinary. It offers students an opportunity to develop skills and the teacher an opportunity to step out of the spotlight to become a facilitator in the search for solutions. Click on this link to see the photos!

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HIGH SCHOOL SUPPORT FOR SENIORS SENDING COLLEGE APPLICATIONS

The admissions process to universities abroad can be stressful and anxiety prone for 12th grade students. They fulfill the requirements to apply to universities while keeping up with their regular school schedule for their last year of high school. “Testing and writing essays are part of the application, and we do them while working towards our IB Diploma. But the process is also cool because for the first time I can choose what I want to study and where,” says Christine Reimer, a senior who is applying to fourteen universities. To help students with all the pieces of the application process, Chapel offers a robust college counseling program which picks up pace a year before applications are due. “We create a plan for each student’s admission process with individualized strategies,” shares Marta Bidoli, high school counselor. The school also offers students the Maia Learning platform, a tool to organize admissions materials and research universities. “We track the process closely, establish a clear calendar and break tasks down for students to work in a timely manner,” says the counselor. To start the process, each student builds a list of universities they will apply to - usually twelve or more, depending on the student. When they finish junior year, they start writing their essays, which usually go through six reviews before reaching their final version. “Writing the personal statement was actually enjoyable: sharing something so intimate, but at the same time developing the idea so carefully, awakened a certain desire to write and tell stories,” said Rafael Prado Lopes, who is applying to ten universities. With a strategy in place, students request recommendation letters from teachers, while the counselor writes a letter for each one of them. “While students are organizing their applications, Chapel creates support mechanisms, not only through the counselor, but also faculty members. In 12th grade advisory sessions we dedicate time to college DIGITAL CHAPEL #60

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applications. At some point we divide students into two groups - one that is staying in Brazil and another with students that are going abroad,” explains Ms. Bidoli. Students pay compliments to the support offered by Chapel: “Ms. Bidoli has been essential to the process. From helping me choose universities, to reading my personal statement over and over again. She was always there, willing and excited to help. My teachers also helped a lot, even indirectly. They helped me understand which areas of study were closer to my heart or which other criteria I might use to choose universities (location, number of international students…), for example. Their support is even more important as the tension grows; they always help distract us or show us the positives,” Sofia Bavaresco explains appreciatively. She is applying to thirteen universities.

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EVENTS CHRISTMAS BAZAAR IS GUARANTEED FUN FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN Organized by the PTA (Parent-Teacher Association) every year, the Christmas Bazaar took place on November 9 and was as successful as its previous editions. Over 1000 visitors showed their appreciation for the products of 80 exhibitors and four NGOs, and had fun with the activities that were specially prepared for families. “What makes this event special, once again, is bringing the school community together, creating a Sunday family celebration,” said Ana Paula Argon, president of the PTA. The event started at 11am and soon after art teachers Cris Maesano and Sylvia Almeida offered a workshop where students made Christmas ornaments they could later take home. Nine food trucks offered a variety of foods and beverages while parents and children played soccer and basketball, organized by Bruno Pereira, Sports Director, with the support of the StuCo (Student Council). Chapel students’ participation is worth highlighting. The NHS (National Honor Society) drive to collect colored pencils and playdoh to be donated to Santo Eugenio School, maintained by the Oblate fathers, was a success. And on the stage specially set up for this event, high school students gave thrilling musical performances, organized by Maxine Baines. Children also had fun with the MundoMaker activities and inflatable playground while they waited for the main attraction, Santa Clause. “It was a cheerful celebration that anticipated the feel of the holiday season, gathering families to meet and strengthen bonds. We achieved our goal of offering a special day to the Chapel community,” celebrated Carla Fegyveres, PTA Secretary.

Click on this link to see the photos!

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HIGHLIGHT

LIBRARIAN TEACHES SPECIAL CLASS AT USP Five years after completing her Master’s degree at the School of Communication and Arts at the University of São Paulo, librarian Fernanda Caires was invited to return to the classroom, but not as a student this time. On October 21st she taught a class about school libraries to a group of undergraduate Library Science students. The invite was because her M a s t e r ’s t h e s i s b e c a m e p a r t o f t h e bibliography of the Info-education: theory and practice course. This means that while taking this class, undergraduate and graduate students in the Library Science program at one of the most relevant universities in the country discuss the thesis of one of Chapel’s librarians. My research focuses on means for children, especially the ones learning to read, to feel at home in a library. I want them to understand the languages and codes in this very distinct setting,” explains Ms. Caires. She also points out that developing student autonomy and independence in the library is growing in importance. Teachers and librarians are no longer the people in possession of knowledge, but curators and facilitators that guide users as they seek information. In this context, Ms. Caires’ thesis gains relevance. She shared that students were interested in the theory discussed in class. They were engaged and shared personal recollections of the experiences they lived in school libraries. “I was both happy and honoured with the invitation. Being able to contribute to the education of students who are preparing themselves to manage school libraries and work in them was memorable,” said Ms. Caires.

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NEW TEACHERS TEACHING AND TRAVELING Brian Manning | HS History and Geography teacher

With an undergraduate degree in Political Science from Georgetown University (Washington DC) and a Masters of Education from Lewis & Clark College (Portland, Oregon), Brian Manning has been teaching with the goal of travelling the world. He taught in the United States for a year, and then for another in South Africa, and yet another in South Korea. And since July he has been in Brazil - a country he wanted to learn about because of its beaches and soccer. “I’d either go to Africa to teach in Morocco or in Cameroon, or I’d come here. I choose Brazil,” shares Mr. Manning. “I am taking advantage of this time to teach and travel because I am not married and have no children.” The new High School teacher learned about Chapel at a Job Fair in San Francisco and is enjoying this new experience. “The school is beautiful, and the students are very interesting. He is also delighted by the content he teachers. He recently went on a field trip to Bertioga and was impressed by the natural beauty of the paulista coast. When he is not working, Brian Manning tries to explore the city and take short trips. He enjoys walking around and, thanks to a few Brazilian friends, he also takes public transportation and taxis around town. Being a soccer fan, he wants to watch a match at Morumbi or Itaquerão - he still hasn’t settled on a team. “I also like running and I read a lot. And I love looking at maps,” says Mr. Manning.

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NEW CHALLENGES Brian Helverson | HS Math teacher “I wanted to learn more about other places and people. I wanted to grow and challenge myself as a professional.” This is how Brian Helverson responds when asked about what brought him to Brazil. With an undergraduate degree from East Stroudsburg University in Math and a Masters of Education from Wilkes University, both in Pennsylvania, his home state, Mr. Helverson has been a high school math teacher for ten years. After working in schools in his home state, as well as New Jersey and South Carolina, he decided to teach abroad because of a class in his master’s program. “I had a class that discussed cultural diversity and it awakened in me an interest in learning and being in different places to experience this diversity,” explains the new math teacher at Chapel. Brazil had always been on his list of places to visit, and, when he learned about Chapel at a Job Fair in Atlanta, he decided to come. “I lived a simple life within my comfort zone. The need for a new challenge started to arise. Spending this time in Sao Paulo, with everything this city has to offer, will help me become a better person and professional,” says Mr Helverson. Mr. Helverson has been enjoying Chapel. “This is a cool school. People are warm and supportive, students are patient. It is the challenge I was looking for.” He also enjoyed meeting people from different regions of Brazil and the United States at school. In his free time, this new teacher goes to the gym and tries to engage in water sports. He also enjoys running and reading.

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CHAPEL’S BEST UNDER 40: Nicolas Ceva Babikian, 23 years old. Lives in: São Paulo, SP Time at Chapel: Kindergarten (2002) to 12th grade (2015). What did you study? I have a BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) in Photography from New York University. Tell us a little about your line of work. I had three internships in New York, but right now I am treating a few health issues. I am taking six months off to take care of myself! Your biggest goal in life is: Be a good husband, photographer, son, and brother. Share your best memory of Chapel. My best memory of Chapel is the community as a whole. Seeing friends everyday is priceless. How did Chapel influence your life? Chapel showed me that there is always a way to help those around you. Donations, time, attention, or even photographs… it doesn't matter how you help, there is always a way. It also taught me that a sense of community is important for the rest of my life.

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DIGITAL CHAPEL is a Chapel School publication. All rights reserved. R. Vigário João de Pontes, 537. – Chácara Flora – CEP 04748–000 São Paulo – SP – Brazil Phone: +55 11 5521–7763 – www.chapelschool.com Articles: Paula Veneroso and Chapel team – Translation: Chapel School Photos: Chapel files – Design: Otávio Garcia