Today teachers spent the day planning for our students.  PYP teachers have completed their first 6-week unit on WHO WE ARE and will be beginning their second 6-week unit this week with the theme, HOW WE EXPRESS OURSELVES.  Though all the units approach the theme of HOW WE EXPRESS OURSELVES differently, they will all address the concept of tolerance.  According to Dr. Montague (1st grade teacher),  "This is actually an IB identified attitude that covers 3 social skills: Respect/Resolving Conflict/Adopting a Variety of Group Roles."  Yay, PYP teachers, they are doing an amazing  job with our students.

MYP teachers are also involved in some exciting activities to challenge our students and create inquiry in their classrooms.   Here are some examples:

In science, Mr. Rick Johnson has been collaborating with the UNM Chemistry Department and has received several laboratory supplies & materials.  He will begin videotaping students conducting lab experiments this next six weeks, so please don't forget to send in the Media Release form for your student.

Mr. Peter Lukes (Social Studies teacher) has brought the Peace Pal program http://www.peacepal.org  to our school.  According to their website: "Project PeacePal connects youth globally through correspondence and service to promote a more peaceful world. We seek to ignite a generation of young people to create peace globally through the development of person to person connections across borders and over time."   Take some time to visit the PeacePal website to learn more about this exciting project.   Each MYP grade level and fifth grade will be writing to students from the following countries:

5th grade: Kenya

6th grade: Pakistan

 7th grade: Kathmandu, Nepal

 8th grade: Accra, Ghana

 9th and 10th grade: Kante, Togo

Ms. Carrillo has been working on an interesting project with our 9th and 10th graders who are researching the literature perspective of different cultures on how humans came to be.   I am looking forward to reading their comparative writings on their research.  

Ms. Carrillo is the sponsor of our Student Council (5th -10th grade).  She is looking for volunteers to help with the October 21st dance.  If you are able to help please email her at sonia@corralesinternationalschool.org  .  

I also want to recognize the wonderful job Coach Debbie Webster is doing with our students in physical education.  You will soon be reading of her work with our students in the Albuquerque Journal (Fitness Magazine).   We had a writer spend some time with her and our students a week ago and the writer was truly impressed with the fitness standards our students are meeting.  Ms. Webster would like to remind everyone that students should not wear the "toed shoes" when playing soccer.

You can learn more about what is happening in your child's classroom by reading their teacher's weekly emails.

I hope you have a great week.

Respectfully,

Dr. Elsy Diaz