DIRECTOR’S Letter
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elcome to our 60th year of learning and community at Colegio Maya. Lets take this moment in time to celebrate the rich history and traditions of Maya and at the same time look forward to what the next 60 years could and should look like. Please join the conversation September 5th for our “Future of Colegio Maya” evening. You can RSVP here. It has been a wonderful opening to the school year filled with community building, new friends, deep learning conversations and of course great fun. In 2017/2018 we look forward to the next steps for our innovation hub, implementing and expanding our learning ecosystem and growing opportunities for all students to engage in deep, real world learning experiences. We will continue to ask the question, what is most important to learn. We will focus on the three C’s of concepts, competencies and character as we prepare students for an unknown future. We are developing our profile, as seen here to ensure that all students gain the skills, charter traits and connected learning that we know will serve them well wherever their path may lead. It is with great pleasure and pride that I welcome all to the new school year. To the new families, we are excited to have you here and look forward to getting to know you in the coming weeks and months.
Happy 60th Anniversary Colegio Maya! “Catch the Spirit!”
Michael Johnston PhD. Director - Colegio Maya http://www.cm.edu.gt/
Issue No. 19
Calendar Cafeteria Menu Back to School Gallery
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Special Announcements It’s Elementary Letter from the Principal News Elementary Library News Articles from 4th Graders It’s Secondary Letter from the Principal Secondary Library News Service Learning Secondary Events Be the Change Gallery Seniors Retreat Athletics
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School Calendar September
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thur
4B Day
5A Day
6B Day
7A Day
• Start MS-HS Bicultural Basketball
• Bring the family • Workshops / Musical and Drama AASCA
• ASSCA HS Leadership Conference • Workshops / Musical and Drama AASCA
• ASSCA HS Lea Conference • Workshops / M Drama AASCA
11A Day • Guatemalan Heritage Week • Drama AASCA rehearsals
18A Day
12B Day
• Tribes Basic Training #1 • Tribes Parent Training • Guatemalan Heritage Week • Drama AASCA rehearsals
19B Day
13A Day
14B Day
• Guatemalan Heritage Week • Drama AASCA rehearsals
• Tribes Basic Tra • Tribes Parent T • Guatemalan He • Drama AASCA
20C Day
21A Day
• Drama AASCA rehearsals
• Tribes Basic Training #3 • Drama AASCA rehearsals
• MAP Testing - Fall Season • Drama AASCA rehearsals
• MAP Testing - F • Tribes Basic Tra • Drama AASCA
25A Day
26B Day
27A Day
28B Day
• MAP Testing - Fall • Drama AASCA rehearsals
• MAP Testing - Fall • Drama AASCA rehearsals
• MAP Testing - Fall
• MAP Testing - F • Drama AASCA
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Sept. 15, 2017 Guatemalan Independence day-No school
Sept. 20, 2017 Teacher Professional Development/Early Release (Students out at 12:00)
Sept. 20, 2017 Elementary All Star Students Assembly
rsday
adership
Musical and A
raining #2 Training eritage Week A rehearsals
Fall raining #4 A rehearsals
Fall A rehearsals
Friday
1A Day
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Saturday
3
Sunday
• Workshops / Musical and Drama AASCA
8B Day
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• ASSCA HS Leadership Conference • Workshops / Musical and Drama AASCA
• ASSCA HS Leadership Conference
• ASSCA HS Leadership Conference
15No School
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22B Day
23Adveture Leadership
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• MAP Testing - Fall • Drama AASCA rehearsals
• MAP Testing - Fall
• MAP Testing - Fall
29A Day
NJHS 30NHS& Communication
• Elementary All Star Students Assembly • MAP Testing - Fall • Drama AASCA rehearsals
• MAP Testing - Fall • Drama AASCA rehearsals
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Back to School! First Day of School
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The Spanish and Fine Arts Departments are pleased to present Colegio Maya's Second Annual
Guatemalan Heritage Week September 11th-14th Get ready for music, food, local artists, activities, tipico dress and MORE as we Catch the Spirit together in honor of Guatemalan Independence Day!
Don't forget to wear tipico on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and go all out in blue and white on Thursday!!
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It’s Elementary Elementary School Welcome!
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want to welcome all of the elementary parents and students to another wonderful year at Colegio Maya!
picture of this problem? Now how can we use the picture to solve the problem?” ■ Get more information and ideas about how to help your child by visiting this website for families: www.mathlearningcenter.org/families By being open to learning and talking with your child, you can help your child develop strong skills and a love of math.
Already, students have made great friends, learned the classroom and school procedures, and teachers have made exciting plans for their learning. This year, we have started a new math program called Bridges. We are excited to dive into this program. Bridges is a K–5 math program that will help us meet the new standards and make math meaningful and exciting. When you are helping your child, the math might sometimes seem unfamiliar or different than you remember, but there are many ways you can help!
We will also be using Units of Guided Inquiry with all students this year. What is inquiry based teaching/learning? Inquiry-based learning starts by posing questions, problems or scenarios— rather than simply presenting established facts or portraying a smooth path to knowledge. The process is often assisted by a facilitator. Inquiry is a dynamic process of being open to wonder and puzzlement and coming to know and understand the world. We are all very excited as we have seen student’s love of knowledge sparked as they investigate solutions to problems in the world and think deeper about common understandings and look for new ways of learning.
■ Invite your child to talk about the math by asking questions like, “Did you do a problem like this at school? How did you think about it?” ■ Focus on the pictures. Bridges uses visual models to make the mathematics accessible to all learners. Talking about the pictures is a great way to get started. Ask questions like, “Can we draw a
Something to ponder
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hey are growing up! Here in elementary school, we work with students to build their capacity for solving problems each year, both with their schoolwork and their peer relationships. As these skills develop, they are able to transfer them to other aspects of life, and eventually be a self-sufficient human being. It is through these social and educational activities that students grow their capacity for making good decisions for their future.
How can you help? Talk with your children at the end of the day by asking “open ended” questions such as, “What exciting things happened at school today?” “Tell me what you did at recess.” Then ask follow up questions to help your child feel comfortable telling you what happened. Too many times, it is easy for a child to say, “Nothing” or “It’s fine!” With a few specific questions and patience, your child will begin talking more about their school day. 14
If your child tells you about a friendship issue they are having, ask them to look at the situation from multiple perspectives. What if they were in the other person’s shoes, or had the same feelings as the other person? Encourage your child to use their words to describe their feelings and thoughts to their friends the next time a similar situation occurs. Let them practice the conversation with you. If the situation continues, suggest your child ask for help from an adult at school. These skills will help your son or daughter gain experience in
relationship skills with their peers. The next day, follow up with your child and help them measure their success. With each passing year, students navigate a new set of expectations in school as well as changing dynamics in their own personality and how new thoughts and feelings affect the world around them. With your leadership, as well as the support from school personnel, your child will progress from year to year in their development with confidence and success.
Class attendance is important!
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e believe there is a direct correlation between class attendance and academic performance. It is the responsibility of parents to ensure that students attend school on a regular basis. Students who frequently miss class time jeopardize their learning and consequently the ability of the school to evaluate their work and/or grant credit for work done.
e-mail on the day of your son or daughter’s absence from school. Students who anticipate a prolonged absence from school must make arrangements with their teachers at least two weeks in advance in order to receive the assignments and work schedule for the time he/she will be absent. Students returning to school after an absence must bring a note from their parents to the appropriate school office in order to obtain an admission slip before proceeding to class.
Parents -please contact the school by telephone or
Star Students D • • • • •
uring the month of August we celebrated our value “Caring”. How wonderful is to give this appreciation to our students who demonstrate actively caring for people. They are: Laura Saravia, • Andrew Maclure • C.J. Marx Thomas Schutt • Ivanna Marti • Natalia Song Lina De la Fuente • Gabriel De la Fuente • Angel Lara Montserrat Lima • Finley Johnston • Eduard Rossbach Aanya Shekher • Gabriela Mazo
STUCO Last Friday, August 25th, elementary students elected their STUCO Members. All speeches were incredible, with strong voice, character and leadership. • President - Maya Arevalo • Vice-President - Santiago Rossbach • Secretary - Jimin Woo • Treasurer - Finley Johnston Congratulations to all of you; we are sure you will work hard to make elementary a better place for all. 15
Elementary Library News We will have an amazing Reading school year!
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e have a great variety of books to choose from. Do not forget to return them. Upper elementary students are learning about biographies. Lower elementary is learning about caring for others through our story books. We will have an amazing Reading school year. Regards! Mrs Claudia de Obregon
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From Grade 4 A few of Colegio Maya’s fourth grade students are sharing their impressions of school.
Being a New Student at Maya by Doyun Kim, Grade 4
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ello, my name is Doyun and I transferred this year to Maya. Maya is a fun place to be. There are lots of things to do. Maya is as friendly as my old school and that makes it easier to adjust. All the teachers at Maya are nice to new students. I like the way they treat me at school. Maya is larger than my old school. I like it because there are a lot of a places to explore. Maya is a lovely place and there are a lot of things to learn here. I’m excited to advance my studies and make new friends. I hope you can come and enjoy the sweetness of Colegio Maya.
I Love Colegio Maya By Saanvi Mishra, Grade 4
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et me tell you all about my school. I am going to start with my favorite part which is the friends you make. Everyone is always nice to you. No one is ever mean to you. Also if you are new they will help you out, like if you don’t know where the bathroom is. Second, the teachers are super nice. They teach you a lot of things like math, English and more subjects. Sometimes they play games that include learning. The games are super fun. Third, there are after school activities. You choose from a list that the teacher gives you, like volleyball, track and field, soccer and more. Also the classrooms have a lot of games, notebooks and more. There is so much stuff to do - I mean a lot. Colegio Maya is my dream school. I love Colegio Maya. It is amazing. I am sure you will too.
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It’s Secondary Secondary School Welcome back
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would like to take this opportunity to say a warm welcome to all new and returning students, faculty and parents joining us for the 2017-18 school year! It promises to be one full of growth and opportunity for students and parents.
a lead in school. Last week Seniors and Juniors helped elementary students view the eclipse safely and then yesterday students ran a number workshops for our Be the Change 2017 Service Learning conference. We look forward to many more rich learning experiences like this in the coming weeks and months.
In the short time I have been here I have already been impressed by the number of students taking
The Future of Education at Maya - September 5th 1:00-6:30pm
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his coming Tuesday September 5th we invite you to informative sessions and conversations about learning at Maya. As well as having a chance to meet your child(ren)’s mentor and teachers, and hear more from our architects about our plans for the new Innovation Hub. there will also be workshops on “Growing up Digital”, and also on assessment. The assessment sessions will explain how we are planning to make our assessment and reporting process more transparent and consistent for students and parents and offer more detailed feedback to students on how they can assess their own learning and set their own goals for improvement.
Here is the full schedule: • 1:00-3:00 Elementary Open House • 1:30-2:00 Secondary Assessment and Reporting update (PAFA) • 2:00-2:30 Secondary Assessment and Reporting update (PAFA) • 3:00-4:00 Meet the Mentor and Teachers (Secondary School) • 3:00-3:30 Growing Up Digital Session 1 (PAFA) • 3:30-4:00 Growing Up Digital Session 2 (PAFA) • 3:00-4:00 Meet the Architects - Innovation Hub Colegio Maya (PAFA Lobby) • 4:15-5:45 Screening “Most Likely to Succeed” (PAFA) • 5:45-6:30 Panel Discussion “The Future of Education” (PAFA)
To conclude, we will be screening (in English with Spanish subtitles), “Most Likely to Succeed” (PAFA), a documentary that explores some the shortcomings of the current educational model in preparing students for life beyond school, and explores new approaches to teaching and learning. Just before the film screening, students will be offering a selection of international food to raise funds for their service learning programs.
If you did not receive our Invitation Letter you still can RSVP by clicking here.
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HS STUCO had their first leadership training experience for the year on Saturday, August 19th at Colegio Maya.
• understanding the importance of leadership for the common good • understanding the importance of the care, handling and management of resources • becoming agents of innovative ideas for the improvement of the environment • realizing the need to protect the environment through recycling, conservation, restoration and regeneration. • becoming a proactive and innovative leader who is open to all cultural differences
After School Activities and Clubs
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s part of our efforts to nurture and develop the many and varied interests, talents and skills of our student body, we have expanded our offerings of afterschool sports and activities. New additions include ultimate frisbee, dance and Cooking club*, Art Club*, and Global Issues Network. We are hoping also to introduce swim training as a option in the mornings (details to come). * require payment
We wish them well and know they will be proud ambassadors for Maya.
In addition, we have introduced some studentrun, teacher-sponsored lunchtime clubs. These include; Chess Club, Robotics Club, and Journalism Club. Full schedule and payment forms can be found here
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n a personal note I want to say a huge thank you to all the parents and students who have helped me and my family settle so quickly into school and Guatemala. We feel truly part of the landscape already and proud and privileged to be members of the Maya community! Please, if you have questions or would like to come in and talk with me, mail me or make an appointment with Ms Karla Gonzalez (secondary@cm.edu.gt)
AASCA HS Leadership and Service
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ext Wednesday September 6 nine of our High School students head off to the AASCA Leadership and Service conference in Roatan, Honduras for a series of teambuilding, leadership workshops and community service. The group will be interacting with top students from a number of participating AASCA schools. The goals of the conference include:
Graham Maclure Secondary Principal
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Secondary Library News
Our New Books are Finally Here! Come and see WHAT’S NEW! https://animoto.com/play/VX2F0uo9Oqy3W6vat3ff0Q
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Chess Every Monday & Wednesday During Lunch
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hess is often cited by psychologists as an effective way to improve memory function. Some contend that it can increase one’s intelligence.
It has been shown to improve student’s grades and other positive effects as well.
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Service Learning What is Service Learning?
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hat is exactly the question that our students wrestled with last Wednesday on our first C-Day of the year! As they worked together in their mentor groups and with their whole grade to analyze, research and collect data on many different global initiatives happening today in our community here at Maya and in the world beyond. Students worked through the five step process of service learning while engaging in collaborative activities with peers to begin to explore real world issues related to the UN’s sustainable development goals. It was an exciting day of learning that culminated with the students presenting their 60 second elevator pitches to all of Secondary in the PAFA.
Cathy Berger Kaye, an extraordinary lady considered to be the guru of service learning in schools and communities around the world. Here is how she defines Service Learning in her latest book, The complete guide to service learning: “A research-based teaching method where guided or classroom learning is applied through action that addresses an authentic community need in a process that allows for youth initiative and provides structured time for reflection on the service experience and demonstration of acquired skills and knowledge.” (The complete guide to service learning, pg. 9, Cathy Berger kaye)
Our hope for students at Colegio Maya this year, as we embark on this new journey together, is to make learning real for students through opportunities to serve. Check out their work from the slides linked in this google slide presentation. Thanks to Mr. Maclure for putting it together!
According to Cathy, if we follow this well structured way, that connects classroom content, literature, and skills to community needs, our students will achieve the following outcomes through authentic service learning:
Student Outcomes: • • • • • •
Apply academic, social and personal skills to improve the community. Make decisions that have real, not hypothetical results. Grow as individuals, gain respect for peers, and increase civic participation. Experience success no matter what their ability level. Gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their community and society. Develop as leaders who take initiative, solve problems, work as a team and demonstrate their abilities while and through helping others. (The complete guide to service learning, pg. 9, Cathy Berger kaye)
We look forward to a great year of service and learning here at Maya~! Jamie Day Service Learning Coordinator 22
HS STUCO Leadership Training T
he members of HS STUCO had their first leadership training experience for the year on Saturday, August 19th, here at Colegio Maya. The students started the day with community building activities that helped them use communication and collaboration skills. Then, they were led by Dr. Johnston through a series of activities to determine the difference between goals vs. tasks and leaders vs. managers. They used this knowledge to come up with qualities and characteristics that they want to have as effective leaders for STUCO. They also worked to identify goals for HS STUCO in the areas of community building, student advocacy, and service learning, all with the purpose of making Colegio Maya a better place for learning!
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Video Game Design New in Middle School Give it a try!
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ur middle-school students have been learning about video game design. Here are some examples of the work they have done in class. Make your own 8-bit character using: https://make8bitart.com/ http://www.piskelapp.com/ Make your own 8-bit music (chiptune) using: http://www.beepbox.co/
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Solar Eclipse August 21st 2017 Another demonstration of the spirit of Maya!
During the latest solar eclipse, the HS Physics students helped the primary students observe using safe methods.
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Be the Change
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Senior Retreat Hun Nal Ye
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eniors participated in their annual retreat this year at Hun Nal Ye park in Coban. As well as bonding, through activities such as canopy, tubing, hiking, swimming in the river, and just relaxing together in the spectacular surroundings, students also participated in some team-building and goalsetting activities. Highlights included seeing how many shapes students could create on the river swing, hearing the classes improptu group performance in order to the class mascot and watching teachers squirm as they were subjected to the class karaoke ensemble on the seven hour bus journey! Many thanks to Ms Boehm, Ms. Steagall, Ms. Morales, Mr. Mazarakis, Mr Dupont and Mr Maclure who all accompanied the students and made the trip possible. We look forward to seeing our Seniors taking a lead this year in driving the learning and building school spirit! Go Class of 2018!
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Athletics Copa Bicultural Support our athletes!
Date 4-Sep
Time 15:00
Home Maya
Visitor Americano
Gender Male
Sport Basket
Place Maya
5-Sep 7-Sep 11-Sep 12-Sep 13-Sep
15:30 15:30 15:30 15:00 15:30
Inter Maya Montessori Maya Decroly
Maya Inter Maya Decroly Maya
Male Male Male Male Male
Basket Basket Basket Basket Basket
Inter Maya Montessori Maya Decroly
18-Sep 21-Sep 26-Sep 28-Sep 2-Oct 9-Oct
15:15 15:30 15:00 15:30 15:30 15:30
Male Male Male Male Male Male
Basket Basket Basket Basket Basket Basket
Maya Americano Maya Village Maya Christian Academy
Maya Montessori Americano Maya Maya Village Village Maya Maya Christian Academy Christian Academy Maya
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Coming Soon! The Multimedia Design Students are Working on a New Design for