Dolphin Dispatch INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF PANAMA
February 24, 2017
ISSUE 24
START OF THE PANAMANIAN SCHOOL YEAR Ahead of Carnival break, we would like to provide some important information for your consideration regarding the start of the Panamanian school year, which begins March 6-8. On the first day of school, many parents of both public and private schools are asked to accompany their children to school resulting in traffic delays, especially in the vicinity of schools. Although we have worked with our neighboring schools and authorities to stagger their start times in order to reduce traffic jams and delays, there might still be some delays on these days. We therefore, ask your kind assistance in ensuring students board buses on time these mornings. If you are planning on, or regularly bring your child to school, please consider that there is likely to be an increase in traffic on these days. We ask that you please take the necessary precautions to ensure your child is at school on time. Thank you for your consideration.
MODIFIED SCHEDULE : WEDNEDAY MARCH 8 & FRIDAY MARCH 10 On March 9-11, ISP will be hosting the Global Initiatives Network Conference, a student-led event that will bring close to 300 participants from other schools around Central America to our campus. This will require us to use some classrooms for the meetings during these three days. In order to make this space available, we are modifying our schedule that week (March 6-10), moving our half day from Wednesday to Friday for middle school and high school.
Middle School & High School: Wednesday, March 8 will be a full day and Friday, March 10 will be a half day with dismissal at 12:00 p.m. in both the middle and high school.
Elementary School: Elementary students will be dismissed at 12:00 p.m. on both Wednesday, March 8 and Friday, March 10. We ask that you please make the necessary preparations to receive your child as per the schedule above on Friday. There will be no after school activities on Friday for the same reason.
Thank you for your consideration and understanding. IN THIS ISSUE:
Elementary News & Events
Athletics & After School
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Middle School News & Events
PTA Announcements
VISITING AUTHOR
High School News & Events
Cafeteria Menu, Nutrition tips and Calendar
SPIRIT WEEK IN PICTURES
Visual and Performing Arts
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IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS
New York Times bestselling author Neal Shusterman coming to ISP! New York Times bestselling author Neal Shusterman is coming to ISP from March 20th-22nd! What happens when two teenagers are forced to compete for an apprenticeship with the Grim Reaper? That’s the question Neal Shusterman asks in his latest New York Times bestseller and Printz Honor–winning book, Scythe, the first in a chilling new series from the author of the New York Times bestselling Unwind series. Award-winning author Neal Shusterman grew up in Brooklyn, New York, where he began writing at an early age. After spending his junior and senior years of high school at the American School of Mexico City, Mr. Shusterman has made his mark as a successful novelist, screenwriter, and television writer. His books have received many awards, from organizations such as the International Reading Association, and the American Library Association, as well as garnering a myriad of state and local awards across the country.
Read the rest of the press release here Neal Shusterman visit press release
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SPIRIT WEEK STAY TUNED FOR MORE PICTURES NEXT WEEK
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PTA ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Elementary School Becky Jobes, PhD—Elementary Principal—bjobes@isp.edu.pa
School Schedule Modification-Friday, March 10 All ISP students will be dismissed at 12PM on Friday, March 10 due to an international high school conference that will be held on our campus. The elementary division will hold a Family Literacy Afternoon from 12:452:15PM that afternoon. Students with their parents are invited to attend. Please see more below.
Literacy to Life Week--Family Literacy Afternoon, March 6-10 Our elementary school will be celebrating all things literacy with our annual Literacy to Life Week, March 6-10! We have events happening in-class for students throughout the week and we have a visiting author (Kristy Dempsey - www.kristydempsey.com ) who will lead professional development for teachers, work with students, and even hold time for a worskship session with parents. You are invited to join us on March 10 at 11:15 for our annual Lit to Life parade. Students will need to come to school dressed as their favorite literary character. Please remember, March 10 is an early release day for students (12PM instead of the normal 2:40PM). We are using that afternoon time to hold our first Family Literacy Afternoon. From 12:45-2:15PM classrooms will be open for you to spend time with your child while participating in literature activities. Teachers and students will be sharing strategies and ideas for literacy learning at home. Our visiting author will hold a workshop for parents about the power of art and picture books across all ages. Also, our students competing in Battle of the Books will hold a mock battle in our library to practice and showcase this event to parents and friends. Since there are no buses after 12PM on March 10, students are only allowed to attend Family Literacy Time if a parent will also be in attendance. If you are joining us for the Lit to Life parade, you can take your child to lunch off-campus or in the cafeteria before the afternoon events start at 12:45. If you are meeting your child here at school for the Family Literacy time, please complete this online form so that we can provide supervision from 12PM-12:45PM. Students staying on-campus must bring their own lunch to eat that day and must be picked up by 12:40PM. We look forward to celebrating literature with you on March 10.
Parent teacher conference dates, March 29 and 30 Our second round of parent teacher conferences will be on Wednesday and Thursday, March 29 and 30. There is no school for students on these days. However, the conferences will be student-led so we ask families to bring your child with you to the conferences. More information will go out when the date is closer.
ES Musical: Madagascar, April 4-6
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Elementary School Becky Jobes, PhD—Elementary Principal—bjobes@isp.edu.pa ISP Elementary School Students Call for Donations to Support Our Sister School
Dear Parents, For the last 15 years, ISP’s Elementary School has made it a tradition to collect school supplies for our sister school, Gabriel Lewis Galindo, (Las Trancas). Gabriel Lewis Galindo School is a public elementary school located just a few kilometers from our beautiful campus, where over 400 underprivileged children attend grades pre-kinder through 6th grade in morning or afternoon shifts. Click here to read more.
SNACK SPOT Some elementary students have been stopping by the Snack Spot to enjoy a quick bite before riding the bus home. It is a quiet, clean place to eat and allows students to talk to their friends in the shade while they enjoy a quick snack. We encourage your child to pack something healthy—maybe some carrots or an apple—to enjoy before riding home on the bus! ISP’s WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
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Middle School Vickie Swann Middle School Principal vswann@isp.edu.pa Middle School Community Leaders Help Spread Positive Messages New students recently had a special lunch with Mrs. Restrepo to share their experiences as ISP students. They discussed important school aspects such as Canvas, making friends, after school activities, and spirit week. They all feel happy to be part of the ISP family. A group of 8th grade service learning students chose to teach 5th graders important information about bullying, cyber bullying, and peer pressure. They not only showed to be knowledgeable on the topics but showed great technology and communication skills. It is amazing to see the learning that takes places when students use their skills and creativity to teach their peers.
Read more here. ISP’s WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
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Middle School Vickie Swann Middle School Principal vswann@isp.edu.pa
SPIRIT WEEK IN MIDDLE SCHOOL Middle school students and teachers enjoyed another rendition of a yearly tradition: Fun in the Sun! Of course there was much fun and sun (and water!) to be had by all. Even more than that there was a unique opportunity to come together in inter-grade tribes for some friendly competition.
This was a central feature of our annual spirit week including lots of opportunities for creativity, collaboration and - at times - downright goofiness. Thanks all for the support and planning that went into these wonderful events.
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Middle School Vickie Swann Middle School Principal vswann@isp.edu.pa
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High School Eric Monson High School Principal emonson@isp.edu.pa
COUNSELORS CORNER The Counseling Department is happy to announce on-campus opportunities to learn about prestigious summer session programs at top universities in the U.S. during Summer 2017. Wednesday, March 8 12:30 - 1:05 p.m. | Information table in breezeway 1:05 - 1:50 p.m. | Informational meeting in the MS/HS Library
The National Student Leadership Conference https://www.nslcleaders.org/
The NSLC hosts career-focused, summer leadership development conferences for high school students. Affiliated universities include: American University, Fordham University, Georgetown University, Georgia Tech, Harvard Medical School, Northwestern University, Rice University, UC-Berkeley, UCLA, University of Washington, and Yale University Students, if you would like to attend the informational session after lunch, please sign up through Naviance, or see your counselor. _________
Online Resource: In addition to these campus visits, students and parents are encouraged to explore numerous other summer programs via this link: http:// www.internationalacac.org/summer-programs-2017#USANational Please see your counselor if you have questions about summer programs, and need assistance with applying and obtaining needed recommendations. It is strongly encouraged that you apply early if you are considering attending a program this summer. Warm regards from the Counseling Team, David Letiecq Grades 10-12, Last Names L-Z Eddie Levisman Grades 10-12, Last Names A-K ISP’s WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
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High School Eric Monson High School Principal emonson@isp.edu.pa
Readings on Social Justice By: Luis Juarez Camara In celebration of the World Day of Social Justice, celebrated February 20th, I have compiled a list of fifteen books concerned with social justice. These are oriented towards children of a young age to instill with them a sense of communal devotion, altruistic attitudes, and empathy. There is a wide range of topics from environmental consciousness to women’s education in Afghanistan. It is important to communicate the importance of social justice from a young age, and what better way than through reading to get them engaged.
“We Are All Born Free: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Pictures” The Declaration of Human Rights for kids “One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia” Environmental awareness linked with improving ones economic situation “A is for Activist” Sparking activism “Mama Miti: Wangari Maathai and the Trees of Kenya” Story of the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize “Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation” Civil Rights “Four Feet, Two Sandals” Discussion of the refugee crisis “Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah” “My Name is Bilal” Tolerance for the Muslim community “Red: A Crayon’s Story” Story about labeling and upholding fairness “Elizabeth Leads the Way: Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the Right to Vote” “Baseball Saved Us” Concerned about American internment camps for the Japanese, humanizing and personalizing oppressed people “In Our Mothers’ House Concerned about family with homosexual parents “Whoever You Are” Book about differences and various cultures finding what they have in common “Marvelous Mattie: How Margaret E. Knight Became an Inventor” Feminist, oriented towards women in science “Nasreen’s Secret School: A True Story from Afghanistan” The importance of education (contains violence, yet still for kids)
http://www.whatdowedoallday.com/social-justice-books-for-kids/ http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2015/11/picture-books-about-social-justice.html
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Visual & Performing Arts Adam Herzig, Visual and Performing Arts Director—aherzig@isp.edu.pa
#comingsoon
IB ART SHOW: RESFEBER
March 8: IB Art Show
Opening Wednesday, March 8 at 3:00pm
April 4-6: Madagascar, Jr.- The elementary musical will delight audiences of all ages and include an Elementary Art presentation in the PAC Lobby.
PAC Lobby IB Art students are excited to present RESFEBER, a studentled, collaborative show featuring nine talented artists. The name of the exhibition refers the restless race of the traveler's heart before the journey begins, when anxiety and anticipation are tangled together, like a ‘travel fever’. The exhibition looks at the diversity of each of the artists, their journey throughout their lives, and the path of the development of their individual artistic voice. The students hope to engage viewers, as visitors will also embark on a journey throughout the art show, which is meant to introduce them to different cultures, places, and perspectives.
April 27-28: Stone SoupOur first ever Middle School production will feature a timeless African fable relevant to current events
May 6: ArtsFest- With a “World” theme, ArtsFest will feature collaborative art, music, film, theater, and dance performances and workshops May 17-19: High School production
In addition to the opening, RESFEBER will be welcoming viewers throughout the month of March.
All events take place in the P&G Performing Arts Center
For more news and celebrations about these and other events, follow us on Instagram @isparts
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Athletics: #GOISPDOLPHINS! Peter Smyth, Athletic Director—psmyth@isp.edu.pa
MAKING HISTORY AT AASCA SOCCER 2017 The AASCA soccer event is the largest event in terms of numbers of student athletes in attendance and logistics. The standard of soccer is very high, and the competition is fiercely intense over the 3 days. In recent years, ISP teams have consistently improved their performance at AASCA. Last year the girls made history by breaking into the top tier of the competition and making ISP history by reaching the semi-final. But this year history was made again! Both boys and girls teams made it to the AASCA semifinal! READ MORE HERE.
WHAT IS AASCA? The Association of American Schools of Central America (AASCA) was formed to support and encourage academic, artistic, athletic, and cultural interaction between international schools that offer a US type education in Central America. AASCA believes that through the organization and sponsorship of these types of activities that all young people involved will be exposed to and benefit from the multicultural interaction. AASCA works to promote a better understanding of multiculturalism among all races of young people through these events. Read more here.
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Athletics: #GOISPDOLPHINS! Peter Smyth, Athletic Director—psmyth@isp.edu.pa
UPCOMING AASCA COMPETITIONS
AASCA Tennis in Costa Rica Next week ISP is sending 11 talented athletes to compete in the first ever AASCA Tennis tournament. We are excited that Tennis has become a part of the AASCA events calendar and simply thrilled that our ISP tennis players get to perform on the AASCA stage. We wish them and their coaches the best of luck. A complete write up will follow in the next Dispatch.
AASCA swimming 2017 Stay tuned next week for more information on AASCA swimming hosted here at ISP. Mark your calendars for Friday 17th March and Saturday 18th March.
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Athletics: #GOISPDOLPHINS! Peter Smyth, Athletic Director—psmyth@isp.edu.pa
Looking ahead to next week. Saturday 18th April
Rugby – Panama Rigby Federation @ ISP @9am onwards
Monday 20th April
Girls Flag Football @ ISP @10am Sub 10 Girls soccer v Real @ ISP @ 3pm Sub 10 Boys soccer v Real @ ISP @ 4:15pm Varsity Girls Soccer v CCA @ISP @ 3pm
Tuesday 21st April
Varsity Boys Soccer v CCA @ISP @ 4:30pm Sub 12 Boys Basketball v Javier @ ISP @ 3pm JV Basketball v Alberto Einstein @ ISP @ 4pm
Thursday 23rd April
ES Swim meet Sub 14 Boys Basketball v AIP @ ISP @3pm
Friday 24th April
Sub 14 Girls Basketball v AIP @ISP @ 4pm JV Girls Soccer v AIP @ AIP @ 3pm
Saturday 25th April
JV Boys Soccer v AIP @ AIP @ 4:15pm Girls Flag Football @ ISP @ 9am
Sunday 26th April
Liga 10 v Sun Yat Sen @ Maracana @ 11am
We recently had the pleasure of hosting the Youth Flag Football League Jamboree on our multi-sport field. With nearly 2,000 people in attendance, it was a dream come true to see our stands filled to capacity with so much flag football action on the field. Read more here. ISP’s WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
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Athletics: #GOISPDOLPHINS! Peter Smyth, Athletic Director—psmyth@isp.edu.pa
AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES IN PICTURES
TO SEE MORE PICTURES FROM AFTER SCHOOL CLICK BELOW:
STEM - SPORTS - ARTS FOLLOW US: @ispathletics ISP’s WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
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PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION ISP WELCOME TO PANAMA INTERCULTURAL PROGRAM
We had a great time this weekend with Julie and Yves Sautter, two French speakers that are part of our intercultural program. They invited our group to their house to teach us how to make French bread and dulce de leche. We had a great time getting to know each others families. A great first chapter in building our community, which is one of our core objectives in the program. This is the start of several activities we will have during the semester so stay tuned for updates!
After we come back from Carnaval Break please be advised the group will meet on Thursdays rather than Wednesdays.
THANK YOU FOR COMING! SEE YOU NEXT TIME ISP’s WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
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PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION ISP WELCOME TO PANAMA INTERCULTURAL PROGRAM
WHO WE ARE: We are a group of ISP parents who offer orientation and information to families regarding relocation, the local language, improve your Spanish, as well as understanding and navigating Panamanian Culture. WHEN DO WE MEET ? Every Thursdays 8am– 10am in Performing Arts Center Lobby. Join us for some fun, sharing with other as we experience life in Panama together. We are looking for Parent and Teacher volunteers for our program. If you are interested please contact. Graciela Bareiro +50762694472 nexosinitiative@gmail.com
WANT TO KNOW WHAT”S COOKING AT THE ISP CAFETERIA CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO SEE MENU’S & NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION: http://www.isp.edu.pa/Cafeteria FOR QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS PLEASE CONTACT:
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