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WELCOME TO THE CITL'S NEWSLETTER
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The Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning (CITL) aspires to be a dynamic, collaborative environment that inspires the TASIS Dorado Community to learn together, exchange ideas, and problem-solve. Combining the expertise of faculty and administrators, professional development workshops, and student support services, the CITL enriches teaching and learning by encouraging interdisciplinary discussions and inspiring forward-thinking educational practices.
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The CITL Cove covers the major events promoted by the CITL over the past semester. These activities were organized by the TASIS Community, the CITL, the Research & Writing Lab, the Library, the CITL teachers, and others. Like the CITL, the newsletter cultivates innovative teaching and learning by highlighting ways the CITL is achieving its goals.
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PROGRAM GOALS 1. Build a culture of inquiry, experimentation, and collaboration among students, faculty, and the greater TASIS Dorado Community 2. Foster reflective teaching and learning practices in order for faculty to create a robust and responsive culture of learning for their students 3. Offer a range of services and emerging technologies for all students to maximize their learning potential 4. Teach digital citizenship, information and media literacy, and effective research and writing skills 5. Support faculty scholarship and professional development with a focus on student-centered pedagogies and innovative curriculum design 6. Create opportunities to engage in realworld issues, exchange ideas on a global scale, and serve as a portal bringing the world to TASIS Dorado and TASIS Dorado to the World
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The CITL opened with cheers and a big blue ribbon to inaugurate its grand opening. Inspirational words were shared by the Head of School, Deborah Monroe, the Assistant Head of School, Dr. James McCartney, and the President of the Board, Federico Stubbe, Jr., along with other board members. The occasion called for celebration as hors d'oeuvres were served to everyone present. Guests were invited to explore the CITL and interact with its innovative and collaborative spaces. The CITL welcomes all members of the TASIS Community, supporting them in their teaching and learning needs. The CITL provides innovative spaces for integrative and experiential teaching and learning and supports the GOA program that offers over 10 online courses to our students.
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GRAND OPENING
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Federico Trápaga, a 6th grader and frequent visitor of the CITL, says that the CITL is a quiet space where students can study and relax.
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Since its opening, the CITL has seen many visitors come through its doors. Students and faculty frequent the spaces for productive studying and stimulating conversations. From smiles to supportive comments, the TASIS Community has many positive things to say about the CITL. Federico Trápaga, a 6th grader and frequent visitor of the CITL, says that the CITL is a quiet space where students can study and relax. We'd like to extend a Big TASIS Bear Hug to our Regular Bears!
The CITL Team is here to help the TASIS Community with all of its innovation needs.
MEET THE CITL CORE
(From left to right) Dr. James McCartney oversees operations at the CITL and supports its many initiatives. In addition to managing the CITL, Ms. Nilda "Profe" Rivera, the CITL Director, coordinates the Professional Development & Growth Coaches Programs at TASIS Dorado and teaches AP US Government & Politics. When he's not teaching British Literature, Mr. Kris Torres is leading the Research & Writing Lab and giving workshops. Ms. Wendy Nieto is our beloved librarian, welcoming readers of all ages to enjoy the books housed at the CITL. Among her projects, Ms. Susan Fiallo heads the Exploration Days and Leadership Academy, and she regularly helps out at the CITL.
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RESEARCH & WRITING BITES
INSPIRING INNOVATION
COLLEGE WRITING Since joining the TASIS Community, Mr. Kris has been helping students non-stop at the Research & Writing Lab. Together with the College Counseling Team and Ms. Silvia Burt, he has guided the Class of ‘24 through their personal statements and supplemental essays. As of now, several Seniors have been accepted in top US universities. We’re proud of you Bears!
HONORS WORKSHOPS
Ms. Kimberly's Honors Class
Ms. Saadi's Honors Class
When creating the CITL, the administration believed students and faculty would benefit from having a Research & Writing Lab. When Mr. Kris was invited by Ms. Kimberly and Ms. Saadi to support their 10th Grade English Honors Classes, he created an interactive workshop on logic and line of reasoning to strengthen students' critical writing skills. The Research & Writing Lab hopes to continue finding similar opportunities to help students with their research and writing needs.
Honors Workshop
College Writing
"[Mr. Kris] has helped me a lot during this [college writing] process, helping me create more fluent sentences and new ideas to add." - David Valle, 12th Grade
EDUCATION BITES ALEX TIRADO A new addition to the TASIS Community, Mr. Alex teaches introductory computer science courses to our Middle and High School students in the E-Learning Room. He has expressed that this space is "adapted with the latest technology" and "promotes collaborative and consultative work since students can have better communication with each other." His students have recently been working on web page development and simulation-based learning.
ALBERTO CHIECCHIO Dr. Chiecchio is a familiar face at TASIS. In addition to leading organizations like the Computer Sciences Honor Society, he teaches a range of subjects, from AP Computer Science to AP Macroeconomics, in the CITL's Flex Room. Of the many things he enjoys about his classroom, he has found the interactive board particularly useful: "I can project code [on the board] and write comments over it." Currently, his students have learned about abstraction, advanced problemsolving, and more.
OMAR GONZÁLEZ Like Mr. Alex and Dr. Chiecchio, Mr. Omar is a resident faculty member of the CITL. The Media Lab where he teaches is equipped with iMac desktops, Macbook Pro laptops, a Vibe Smart board, and much more. Lately he has been teaching problem-solving techniques in his AP and College Prep. Calculus courses. Mr. Omar has also been discussing storytelling through the medium of photography in Introduction to Digital Photography.
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LIBRARY BITES
INSPIRING INNOVATION
SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR This December the CITL's Elementary Library hosted the annual Scholastic Book Fair. With much excitement, students purchased several popular children's and young adult's books as well as graphic novels and educational toys. By reading a little every day, students can lead healthier and more contemplative lives.
VISITING AUTHOR The CITL gave a warm TASIS Bear welcome to Susana Illera Martínez, an awardwinning children's author, poet, and collaborator with Disney Publishing Worldwide. In addition to writing the fun bilingual children’s book Lala The Lizard / Lala la Lagartija and creating original storylines for several children’s books related to Disney’s Encanto, Ms. Susana travels to various locations to talk about her journey as a writer, read her stories, and share her passion of books with readers of all ages. When she arrived at the CITL’s Elementary Library, she was greeted by many of our Elementary students to whom she eagerly read her stories and with whom she interacted through fun activities. All in all, it was a special moment for these young readers, and we hope it inspired avid reading and a deeper love of learning.
Scholastic Book Fair
Ms. Wendy Teaching Her 5th Grade Class
Visiting Author: Ms. Susana Illera Martínez
SHAPING FUTURE LEADERS LEMONADE STAND The 4th Grade Entrepreneurship PBL Lemonade Stand stirs up a delightful recipe of experiential learning with a dash of commerce. Classrooms became bustling marketplaces, and each lemonade stand blended culinary creativity and business acumen. Young minds squeezed the essence of entrepreneurship, mixing the sweet skills of marketing with the tangy tactics of customer service. We hope this event has whet students’ appetite for learning, leadership, business, and success.
NEW FACULTY & STAFF ACADEMY This academic year TASIS Dorado proudly welcomed a vibrant batch of 9 new faculty and staff members. The New Faculty and Staff Academy Class of 2024 (NFSA) possesses a fresh talent, comprehensive perspective, and undeniable dedication. Alongside these nine, two existing staff have transitioned to new divisions. Our mentors and NFSA coordinators are excited about the unique contributions these individuals will bring. The presence of these professionals is a testament to TASIS Dorado's commitment to continuous growth and excellence.
LEADERSHIP ACADEMY The Leadership Academy Program at TD is like a thrilling adventure book where each page turned is a new discovery in leadership and teamwork. This isn't your typical program; it's a magical training ground where every lesson is a step towards becoming a master of decision-making and collaboration. The Academy transforms ordinary learning into an extraordinary journey of growth, confidence, and fun. It's a place where every student has the chance to become a leader, a team player, and a visionary of their own destiny.
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Voices of the Island
TASIS to the World Ms. Ashley & Ms. Izamaris
Cezanne Cardona
VOICES OF THE ISLAND
INSPIRING INNOVATORS "Inspiring Innovators: Young Professionals on Creative Career Paths" is a video series that offers a window into the journeys of individuals who have defied conventional career expectations. Scot Pilié, a Weather Channel Meteorologist, and Dr. Yiselly Vázquez, the Associate Dean of Student Affairs at UPR-RCM School of Public Health, exemplify the innovative spirit of this series. Their stories have inspired our school community to explore unconventional paths, dream big, and embrace the limitless possibilities within the world of education and careers.
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These intimate conversations have inspired us to explore our own creative contributions to Puerto Rican literature and beyond. We know that events like "Voices of the Island" are a beacon of literary and cultural enrichment that will continue to resonate within our community.
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"Voices of the Island," one of the CITL's many engaging initiatives, has provided our school community with two incredible opportunities to connect with influential Puerto Rican authors. In our first event, authors Ashley Pérez and Izamaris Hernández shared their journeys as writers, publishers, and contributors to Puerto Rican culture. In the second installment, Cezanne Cardona, a celebrated writer and columnist at El Nuevo Día, discussed many topics, including politics, culture, and the rich historical tapestry of Puerto Rico.
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GLOBAL CONNECTIONS ART & GLOBAL LEARNING The CITL was fortunate enough to host Ms. Evy and Ms. Bea's 4th grade class in the Idea Labs as they created and exchanged art pieces that reflect their own culture with a class from The Dove School in Kampala, Uganda. This collaborative event was part of ArtLink, an innovative program–offered by Creative Connections–that merges art and global learning for students from 3rd to 12th grade. Ms. Evy and Ms. Bea's students enthusiastically completed the Artifacts Intro IVC course through which they explored and appreciated the artistic expressions of their international peers. As a result, our students were able to develop their skills in visual art and crosscultural communication while also gaining global competency.
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THE WHIMSICAL WORLD OF SHAKESPEARE As part of his 12th Grade British Literature class, Mr. Kris invited a virtual guest lecturer, Mr. Harrison Miller, to speak to students about William Shakespeare and the English theater during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Mr. Miller holds an M. A. in Theater and teaches an upper-level course on Shakespeare at Sattler College, Boston, MA.
In ly no el s i vat o r s: D r. Y
CONSTITUTION DAY To commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787, the AP US Government and Politics Seniors observed Constitution Day on September 18th. They virtually joined a discussion with civil rights icon and free speech activist Mary Beth Tinker, who at 13 years old protested the Vietnam War by wearing a black armband to school. She spoke to the Seniors about her U.S. Supreme Court Case and the battles she has faced for the constitutional right to free speech.
The World to TASIS
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INSTRUCTIONAL MENTORING & COACHING MENU Our new Instructional Coaching Menu is a game-changer for our faculty, staff, and the entire learning community. With Co-Teaching and a range of other coaching options, we're empowering educators to enhance their teaching, collaborate effectively, and provide a richer educational experience for our students. It's an exciting opportunity for professional growth and innovation, and it ensures that our classrooms continue to be dynamic and engaging spaces of learning. We are excited to see where this journey to elevate education and create a brighter future for our students will take our teachers.
DELIVERING THE MISSION These bite-sized insights to the left are a part of an inspiring initiative that brings the TASIS Community together, highlighting the core principles and values that make our school unique. They offer a deeper connection to the mission of TASIS and its individual campuses, fostering meaningful conversations and a stronger commitment to our shared educational ideals.
GROWTH COACHES PROGRAM Early this year our school embarked on an exciting journey with the launch of its Instructional Growth Coaching Program. Not only does this initiative mark a significant milestone in the school's commitment to educational excellence, but it also represents a new paradigm for both faculty and students as it fosters an environment of continuous learning and improvement. Tailored goal-setting sessions have empowered our educators, and as a result, students are reaping the benefits. The program underscores TASIS Dorado's commitment to academic distinction and further cultivates our community's collaborative spirit.
FOSTERING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
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CITL RULES 1. The CITL is a No Phone Zone. 2. The CITL is a No Food, Gum, or Liquids Zone. 3. The CITL is a Quiet Zone. 4. The CITL is a No Horseplay Zone. 5. The CITL Spaces Can Be Used Only Under Authorization and Are Available Only by Reservation.
RECORDING STUDIO
Audio, Video, and Lights Club
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Centered on the principle of collaboration and shared expertise, the CITL has formed the CITL Professional Consultants Team, composed of faculty members with a wealth of knowledge in their respective fields. From the natural world, music, and visual arts to educational technology, student engagement, and AI in the classroom, the consultants have hit the ground running to support members of the TASIS Community with their innovative projects. They have already begun to offer their insights to fellow faculty and staff about the integration, evaluation, and assessment of different areas related to the classroom. We're beyond grateful not only for their enthusiasm but also for their investment in the TASIS Community. We benefit tremendously from their efforts and expertise.
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Along with the Idea Labs and Virtual Pods, the Recording Studio has had its fair share of reservations. Mr. Henry and the Audio, Video, and Lights Club have worked with the Studio's advanced equipment, and students of different grades have already begun to use the space to create engaging videos for various events at TASIS or as part of their class assignments.
AI UNDERSTANDING & ADVANCEMENT The emergence of AI marks a new era in educational methodology. In the annual CAIS conference, staff participated in a talk on the integration of AI into curricula. Additionally, our English language educators, Innovation Sciences teachers, and members of our Administrative Team enhanced their expertise in AI through Webinars that specialized in the utilization of AI tools with other creative resources available online. These initiatives are further supported by the AI in Education Infographic series and reflect TASIS’s commitment to have well-informed educators that are proficient and up to date with technological advancements. As such, faculty can support students in the exploration and proper use of AI and upcoming technologies. The introduction of AI into our school is a significant leap towards a modernized and engaging educational experience.
FOLLOW US
AI Webinar
CAIS AI Seminar
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Email us : citl@tasisdorado.com
Major Contributors to Issue: Kristopher Torres Nilda Rivera Additional Contributors: Dr. Alberto Chiecchio Omar González Alex Tirado Susan Fiallo Wendy Nieto Editors of Issue: Kristopher Torres Nilda Rivera Sarah Rampolla Cover by Michelle Yegros Designed by Kristopher Torres