pan-american magazine
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Revista de marzo 2010, con lo mejor de la vida institucional y lectura informativa para las familiasTRANSCRIPT
Board of Directors
Francis Durman E.President
James D. Genis C.Vice-president
Ernesto Castegnaro O.Treasurer
Cecilia Genis M.Secretary
Ileana Contreras I.Member-at-Large
Alegría Lores L.General Director
Eduardo Muñoz S.Editor
Iván Pacheco LeónGraphic Designers
Pan-American SchoolPhones (506) 2298-5700
(506) [email protected]
San Antonio de Belén,300 m South of El Rodeo Restaurant
Heredia, Costa Rica
Pan-American MagazineApril 2010 - Year 3 - N° 8
INDEX INDICEEnsayistas de alto nivel
Valeria Zárate y Mauricio Esquivel obtuvieron reconocimientos en el XI Concurso Nacional de Ensayo Científico P. 12
Accredited by
Approved by
Still Holding up the banner! For 26 years, Hilde Haehner has combined her family life with her career as Pan-American teacher. P. 18
Passionate for MedicineSoon, our alumna, Marissa Durman will complete her studies in Medicine. She shares her memories with Pan-American MagazineP. 25
Estimule el apetito de sus hijos P.24
Summer at PAS P.14
Project Chile: Sending Hope Through Art P.27
Pan-American School4From my Desk
Alegría Lores L.
General Director
This issue highlights our reason for being: “To prepare well-rounded students through a bilingual education with an emphasis on values, research, technology, service learning, and a commitment to the environment.” This mission is most vividly evidenced through our recent graduates, the Class of 2009.Finishing High School involves more than earning passing grades in every subject and the Ministry of Education exams. It also means preparing to for life after High School. This, for Pan-American graduates, means selecting a college and a career.We take this part of our mission very seriously. This year, to strengthen our program and follow each student’s progress throughout the decision-making process, we have organized the Career and College Counseling Group. This is an interdisciplinary team of professionals focussed on making sure that each student receives the guidance and information needed at each step of the process.René Sandoval, through the Human Relations and Psychology classes, aims primarily to help each student identify his/her talents, aptitudes, and preferences that will affect career choices.Marcela Sobrado helps students wishing to start their college education in Costa Rica prepare and follow the appropriate steps to be admitted to the university and career of choice. She also assists students who choose to enter colleges in the United States and elsewhere prepare their admissions packet.Glenn Courtland specializes in helping students interested in study abroad to access the large range of opportunities available to them, by choosing their electives, co-curricular, and extra-curricular activities carefully, and then writing quality essays that are required for the admissions process, as well as research college options that best fit their needs and aspirations.Also involved to ensure a well-rounded and thorough process are Lucienne Azuola, Psychologist; and Yanet Odio and Tony Tipton, High School Vice-Principal and Principal, respectively. Based on my experience as a College and Career Counselor in the United States, I coordinate our monthly meetings and help the group to move forward. Once a Pan-American student, always a Pan-American student. We are family; you can count on us to continue supporting you throughout your college career.Congratulations, Class of 2009, and best wishes in your career pursuits!
Una década fructífera
Este año comenzamos la segunda década del siglo XXI. Al principio, nuestras inquietudes como institución, y como ciudadanos nos hicieron reflexionar sobre nuestro rol en el nuevo milenio. En esta década emprendimos grandes proyectos estructurales que han colocado a nuestro campus como uno de los mejores del país, según el estudio de la Revista EKA, publicado a mediados del año pasado. Esto no es casualidad, sino fruto de nuestro compromiso con las familias panamericanas de realizar inversiones significativas que incidan en la calidad de la educación que reciben sus hijas e hijos.Al concluir esta década habremos avanzado mucho más, pero las metas que nos hemos planteado como padres y directivos nos impulsan a continuar construyendo una institución educativa cuyo prestigio trascienda nuestras fronteras. Es un objetivo ambicioso, ¡pero no imposible!El acelerado siglo XXI nos impone nuevos desafíos cada año. Sabemos que esta es una época cuya riqueza radica en el conocimiento y por eso nuestro propósito es, y lo seguirá siendo, que las innovaciones pedagógicas permitan que nuestros estudiantes se acerquen al mundo con nuevas miradas.Finalmente, aunque suene trillado, y estoy conciente de eso, quiero extenderle a todas nuestras familias en nombre de la Junta Directiva y el personal panamericano nuestro agradecimiento por depositar sus mayores tesoros en nuestras manos. Les agradecemos que nos permitan cada día convertir nuestras aulas en ventanas al mundo, en caminos de oportunidades para sus hijos e hijas quienes son el motor que impulsa nuestras acciones cotidianas.
Francis Durman
Presidente de la Junta Directiva
Message from the Board President
Pan-American School 5
Eduardo Muñoz
With a motivational message to the 2009 graduates, guest speaker Eleonora Badilla Saxe exhorted them to face the 21st Century challenges with a commitment to preserve our planet. Currently Director of the Academic Assessment Center of the University of Costa Rica, Eleonora Badilla has had an outstanding career as university professor and re-searcher in education and technology projects.The ceremony took place last December 12th and mar-ked a milestone in the lives of dozens of our teenagers who have now become college students in different insti-tutions (see list).During the ceremony our 33 graduates also applauded their classmate Luis Alonso Fernández Lara, Valedictorian, who in addition received the Marissa Durman Award for Excellence. Fernández Lara ranked number 38 among thousands of students who took the academic aptitude test administered by Costa Rican public universities.
Both Luis Fernandez as well as Carolina Russi, Salutatorian, delivered speeches which emphasized their commitment to excellence and their gratitude to their families, in the first place, and also to all the people who contributed to their academic and personal development during their years at Pan-American School. “In this school I have learned many academic skills that I know will be very useful in the future, but most important, I have learned that with hard work and perseverance everything is possible. That is why excellence is not a skill, but an attitude. It is not about being perfect or having the best grades; it is about giving the best of yourself until you excel”, said Russi. “It is a new world we are facing now. I know it is scary and at the same time exciting, but despite all that, never lose yourselves. Don’t let the fear of falling hold you down. Tommy Lasorda, a famous pitcher, says: The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person's determination". In closing she noted: "Suc-cess is a journey not a destination. So enjoy the ride”.
A privileged generation2009 Class must work to preserve our planet
A privilege and two challenges
Addressing an emotional Pan-American audience of graduates and their families, Eleonora Badilla Saxe stressed the responsibility of each of us toward society.She said these graduates represent “life’s desire to per-petuate itself and though they have come through us, we do not own them because they own themselves. And while we can shelter them in our homes, we can-not see, even in our dreams, the home of their souls. Because their souls reside in the future”.That future, she said, will be led by the generation called
Digital Natives who have unlimited human capabilities that allow them to do things our previous generations could not even imagine, like the ability for multitasking which can be detected even in early stages of deve-lopment. Badilla told the 2009 Class that “You have been privi-leged with a high-quality education. This puts you in a privileged position of leadership and gives you access to endless opportunities. It is precisely this education and all the knowledge you will continue to acquire that allows you to take advantage of opportunities and become leaders of progress. You must remember,
Graduates pose for one of their last photos together at the Graduation Prom on November 27th at the Marriott Hotel. (Photo by Ciudad Fotográfica)
Primer grupo entra a Middle School El 2 de diciembre del 2009, 43 estudiantes panamericanos recibieron su diploma de con-clusión de estudios primarios. Fue el ultimo grupo que se graduará de sexto grado, por-que a partir del año 2010, Elementary School concluirá en el quinto grado, y pasarán a la nueva Escuela Media o Middle School. Este nivel agrupa a estudiantes de sexto y sétimos años y ofrece un programa de estudios que les facilitará su inserción a High School.
Sixth Grade Class
María Gabriela Alpízar Montealegre Marisol Acosta Lachner
María José Arroyo Jiménez Valeria Aspinall Harvey Roberto Barrantes López Sofía Berrocal Cordero Marianne Birkner Alier
Javier Casla Frigols Luis Felipe Castro Rodriguez
Maricruz Cordero Robert Mariano Duursma Cortés Amanda Fumero Guerra
Sergio Roberto Fumero Mora Alejandro Genis Rojas Jimena González Solís
Tomás Francisco Guzmán González Manrique Guzmán Valverde
Lucas Hernández Lara Thomas Jenkins Galva Alexa Kopper Bonilla Paloma Leitón Gordon Roberta Mata Mendívil
Francisco Javier Mesalles Ramírez Enrique Mora Vargas
Carlos Roberto Ordóñez Lapeira Diego Osante Polini
Federico Alberto Pacheco Gutiérrez Beatriz Padilla Jimenez
Florencia Quirce Carvajal Enrique Ramírez Martínez
Pía Nicole Robert Barahona Nicolás Antonio Rodríguez Florez-Estrada
Fernán Rohrmoser Herrmann Alberto Rojas Peláez
Andrés Ruenes Marroquín Alberto Sibaja Soto Sebastián Guillermo Antonio Solís Monge
Teresa Spini Niccolini Eduardo Uribe Mora Marianne Volio Soto
Javier Zamora Aguayo Tehany Zárate Segnini Stefano Zoffoli Volio
however, that this privilege comes with two challenges. The first is to develop a commitment toward preserving our planet." She urged them to “Preach by example, be it in the classroom, workplace, in assignments or workshops. Support initiatives to create awareness. And if possible, use your education, your talents and your creativity in proposing innovative ideas to protect life on our planet”."The second challenge is to make a commitment to help educate other people who do not have access to the education system or receive poor education. Put your leadership at the service of edu-cation for all. I say this because on the one hand our privilege forces us to think about others, and on the other hand we all benefit from an educated society.”
Pan-American Magazine8
PAS Graduates Enter Prestigious Colleges in Costa Rica and Abroad
All of our graduates go on to higher education, and following is a sample of colleges in Costa Rica and elsewhere that have accepted PAS graduates in recent years:
Universidad de Costa RicaInstituto Tecnológico de Costa RicaUniversidad LatinaUniversidad VeritasUCIMEDMassachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) University of Texas Purdue University Texas A&M University University of Michigan Louisiana State University (LSU) Savannah College of Arts & Design (SCAD) Massachusetts College of Art & Design Duke University University of Southern California (USC) University of Virginia (UVA) New York University (NYU)Pratt InstituteVirginia Polytechnic InstituteBabson CollegeStanford UniversityUniversity of PennsylvaniaWentworth Institute of TechnologyEmory UniversitySouthern Methodist UniversityLewis & Clark CollegeInstituto Tecnológico de Monterrey (México)Universidad de Navarra (España)
Following your dreams
“Each of you will follow your dreams and life projects in a different way, using all your personal resources and skills. This is a group that has been able to combine the pursuit for academic excellence with the development of per-sonal skills and talents in arts and sports. Noted for their solidarity, this group has also demonstrated serious com-mitment towards community service”, said Alegría Lores, General Director, in her opening speech.Andrés Carballo, Student Council President, added, “You are now young adults, and you make our school very proud. I applaud you for having kept your artistic occupations while balancing them with your academic excellence. This aspect really reflected your willingness to show how a responsible student is challenged but ne-ver loses the ambition to enjoy the ride of it.”High School Principal Yanet Odio also conveyed a mes-sage to the graduates. “You have learned to know about yourself, you have identified your strong and weak areas and therefore can prepare a very good map for your future… The future is not a gift, it is something you build. You build it with your illusions, your willpower, your perseverance, your talents and the support and help of your families, your friends and teachers”.
Everyone was in great spirits during the Graduation Prom. Soon
students would receive their diplomas which marked the end of this
stage of their lives and the start of higher education and professional
preparation. (Photo by Ciudad Fotográfica)
Pan-American Magazine 9
Eduardo Muñoz
Luis Alfonso Fernández Lara, class of 2009 never doubted he would make it to a world-renowned university. His dream was to be accepted at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to pursue studies in Electrical Engineering.Nevertheless, Luis Alfonso was extremely excited when he received a call on March 15th from the MIT Admissions Department announ his acceptance. MIT is rate the top rate EE School in the USA. It has earned worldwide recognition for pioneer research in a variety of scientific fields. This is our first a Pan-American student accepted at MIT and he joins the now the long list of Pan-American graduates attending worldwide prestigious colleges.This achievement comes as a result of his excellent performance at Pan-American School, where he earned the 2004 Mister Scholarship granted to students meeting high academic and conduct standards for grades 4 to 6 .Luis enrolled in many activities such as extra-curriculum clubs, United Nations Model and was twice elected Student Council President (for two consecutive years). “I did everything I wanted to do and did it well, always giving the best of myself”, said Luis during a brief interview one day when he returned to our campus to prepare for earning college credits through the Advanced Placement program.Now Luis Alfonso is getting ready to pack his bags and head for Cambridge, Massachusetts in April to check
out his new home. While he waits for the college year to start, Luis will attend one semester at the University of Costa Rica because he feels he needs to “live the transition between High School and College --two completely different worlds”.
A reward for hard work
For Luis Fernández this new stage in his life is a payoff for his direct approach to every challenge he faced at Pan-American School. “The life lesson I learned was to never say no to anything, although I know it’s easier to say no”.Fernández looks back at his school years and recalls a lot of homework, research and long study hours. “I learned you need to keep a balance in your life because even though we may have a lot of work, we have to find time for our friends and
always keep our academic goals in perspective. In the end… it has been very rewarding”.Last year Pan-American School granted Luis Fernández two recognitions. First he was the winner of the Marissa Durman Award for Excellence in exemplifying PAS values. This was only the third time this Award was given; the two other prize winners were former students Marissa Durman and María del Mar Penichet. In addition, Fernández was chosen Valedictorian for the graduation ceremony on December 12th, 2009, delivering a speech to an audience of proud parents, peers, family and school staff, who could not hide their excitement over seeing a new generation complete high school and prepare to explore the challenges of new opportunities. In his speech, Luis thanked all the people who had guided him and his generation and ended by saying “We
thank you all for the opportunity to show who we are and to excel
at what we love.”After college Luis Fernández is not sure what he will do, but he is certain he will return to Costa Rica, “I have a commitment to return to my home country and share and practice my acquired knowledge; this is why I admire Franklin Chang”. Pan-American can only say to Luis Fernández Lara, his generation and every former Pan-Am student: “You will always receive a warm welcome at your first Alma
Mater”, or, in the words of Luis: “We will always have a place
here”.
First Pan-American Graduate at MIT Another dream come true!
Luis Fernández Lara was accepted at the
renowned Massachusetts Institute of
Technology (MIT) to pursue studies in Electrical Engineering. (Photo Eduardo Muñoz)
Caroline Magnus
Last year was full of many wonderful school events. One of the most colorful was our traditional Early Childhood, Preparatory and First Grade End-of-Year Presentation, held during first week of December.For various weeks beforehand, as is customary, students and their teachers rehearsed for this important occa-sion. Once again, each level presented painted a cul-tural picture of the country they had studied throughout the year. Everyone was able to enjoy songs, dances, and cultural vignettes from Ecuador, Holland, USA, Brazil, and Italy.Toddlers from PlayKids danced in Ecuadorian costumes made by their parents. PreKinder children sang Christ-mas carols in Dutch, and Kinder students sang in Eng-lish. Preparatory girls and boys showed us an interesting mosaic of Brazilian life focusing on the beaches, sports and Carnaval, among others. First Graders presented an overview of Italy including art, fashion designing, the automobile industry, food, and soccer. Our final number was an ambitious musical medley with the participation of all these youngsters and prepared by their music teachers. Back in the classrooms, we all had an opportunity to reflect on the event, before going home for a well-deserved vacation!
Finishing the 2009 School Year With Zest!
(Photos Eduardo Muñoz)
Pan-American Magazine 11Buscando las vocalesUn día cogí un libro e intenté leerlo y no lograba entender las palabras, entonces me di cuenta que faltaban las vocales. Entonces me puse a buscarlas.En una tienda me encontré a la “a” y a la “i”. Luego fui a la cafetería y me encontré a la “e” y a la “u”. Al final fui al parque y me encontré a la “o”, los niños estaban subi-dos sobre ella pues pensaban que era un neumático.Las reuní y se pusieron tan felices de estar juntas que saltaron al libro y así pude leer mi libro. ¡Qué suerte que las encontré!
Autora: Romina Bartoli
Las vocalesHabía una vez unas niñas que se llamaban Ana, Ena, Ina, Ona y Una. Vivían en un castillo, eran princesas y eran muy buenas.Pero un día, el papá de ellas que era el rey Aeiou les dijo:-Pueden salir afuera.Entonces fueron Ana, Ena y Ona pero Ina y Una tenían miedo.Al día siguiente fueron otra vez afuera pero otra vez no quisieron. Ana agarró la mano de Ina, entonces fueron afuera e Ina no tuvo ya miedo y Ena agarró la mano de Una y Una no tuvo más miedo.
Autora: Daniela Contreras
Cuentos panamericanos
Las vocales en la casa embrujada
Había una vez unas vocales que se llamaban Ana, Ena,
Ina, Ona y Una. Un día se fueron a una vieja casa que
era embrujada. Cuando entraron, la puerta se les atoró
y no podían salir.
Ana tuvo una idea. ¡Vamos a buscar otra salida! Pero
Ina y Una no querían. Ona dijo: ¡Vamos por favor! Una
e Ina empezaron a pensar y dijeron ¡Ok!
Buscaron y buscaron y buscaron hasta que encontraron
una salida y fueron felices para siempre.
Autor Felipe Gutiérrez
El año pasado, los niños y niñas de segundo grado no solo aprendieron sobre el diptongo, sino que se dieron a la tarea de escribir relatos breves acerca de él. Fueron muchos los relatos, pero presentamos a continuación unos pocos para demostrar que imaginación y aprendizaje van de la mano.
Pan-American Magazine12Ensayistas panamericanos destacan en concurso nacional
Dos estudiantes recibieron reconocimientosEduardo Muñoz
La satisfacción no pudo ser mayor, porque por segundo año consecutivo dos estudiantes panamericanos recibieron el pasado 20 de noviembre del 2009 reconocimientos durante la premiación del XI Concurso Nacional de Ensayo Científico, convocado por Fundación CIENTEC, realizada en el auditorio Clodomiro Picado de la Univerisidad Nacional en Heredia. Esta vez, la panamericana Valeria Zárate Segnini ganó la categoría de ensayo en idioma español. Por su parte, Mauricio Esquivel Fallas recibió una mención honorífica por el trabajo presentado a los jueces que deliberaron entre todos los escritos en idioma Inglés. El tema propuesto por los organizadores fue "Comunidad, innovación y derechos en la red", y en ambos casos
escribieron sobre sus preocupaciones con respecto a las redes sociales y al uso responsable de la Internet como un instrumento para el desarrollo del conocimiento. El año pasado, Adriana Esquivel, hermana de Mauricio, fue galardonada con el primer lugar de ensayo en Inglés, con la temática de la comunicación y la tecnología.Según Alejandra León, directora ejecutiva de la Fundación CIENTEC, “el concurso invita a estudiantes de secundaria a desarrollar su creatividad a través de la expresión de sus perspectivas y opiniones en un ensayo sobre el tema del 2009”. Como parte de la motivación dada a los participantes, CIENTEC les planteó que “la Internet ha transformado la vida de las personas, interconectándolas y dando acceso a información, música, videos y demás. Esta red potencia la creatividad y el trabajo colaborativo en el desarrollo de nuevos productos, pero frecuentemente genera conflictos entre el fácil acceso y los derechos de autor. Algunos grupos, como Creative Commons, han iniciado un movimiento global para facilitar el proceso”. A partir de ahí, los jóvenes escritores, entre los 13 y los 18 años, debían escribir un texto original e inédito de 750 palabras, y todos con el título "Comunidad, innovación y derechos en la red".Este certamen inició en 1999 con el apoyo de entidades
públicas y privadas. En su primera década premió a 53 jóvenes destacados y sus ensayos ganadores
están expuestos en la internet, donde reciben cientos de visitas semanales. Desde el 2008, el concurso se realiza paralelamente en los idiomas español e inglés. El jurado que dictaminó los ganadores en Español fueron Rolando Coto y Maritza Mena, delegados de la Universidad de Costa Rica; Margoth Mena, representante de CIENTEC; Marco Chaves, del Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología (MICIT), (UCR)
y Seidy Alfaro del Consejo Nacional para Investigaciones Científicas y
Tecnológicas (CONICIT). En Inglés, la responsabilidad recayó en Bianchinetta
Benavides, Nandayure Valenzuela y Olga Chávez, todas ellas de la Universidad Nacional.
Valeria Zárate Segnini y Mauricio Esquivel Fallas fueron
galardonados en el XI Concurso Nacional de Ensayo
Científico, en las categorías de ensayo en Español e Inglés, respectivamente. (Foto: Eduardo Muñoz)
Extracto del ensayo de Valería Zárate Segnini
“páginas como Facebook y MySpace han logrado atrapar la
atención del público de una manera impresionante, captando
el interés de los niños, los adultos y los ancianos por igual.
Estas comunidades virtuales no son sólo una forma de pasar
el tiempo, o de conocer gente nueva, son también poderosas
fuentes de información e interacción entre individuos que
comparten los mismos gustos e intereses, creando en el
usuario un sentido de pertenencia.”
“…hay que estar informados acerca de nuestros derechos
básicos en la red para disfrutar con plenitud del maravilloso
mundo del Internet…estos derechos son de suma importancia
pero hay uno en especial que considero primordial, ya que
este se relaciona con la seguridad a la hora de navegar
en la red. La política de privacidad nos permite saber que
los datos personales que se nos pidan en la página Web
para nuestra afiliación van a ser utilizados correctamente y
sobretodo, que no serán difundidos sin nuestro consentimiento
ni expuestos ante público no deseado. Este último derecho es
fundamental porque protege nuestra identidad legalmente”
Excerpt from Mauricio Esquivel's Essay“Because it’s so accessible it has become a very important aspect of people’s daily lives. If think about it, significant aspects of the world depend on this sole invention: with a few clicks people read the news, buy diverse objects and communicate with others.”
“Social networking sites are being developed across the globe and growing by the minute; individuals are meeting new people, keeping in touch and reconnecting with old friends, all through the Internet. The web can be a place of rejoices and friendship; however, this utopian view of it can be shaded by the darker sides of the Internet and proper safety and discretion is needed to maintain this status.” “In our hands lies the power to the responsible usage of the Internet, a place with power of colossal magnitudes that should be handled with care. We must be careful and ingenious of the way we use the web; we have to see that by understanding its power and using it for good the possibilities of prosperity are endless.”
Grupo Sulé le invita a sus cursos 2010:
Programa Diseño y Decoración de Interiores
Consta de 9 cursos. Usted como Diseñador(a) de interiores podrá trabajar en forma independiente o con profesionales del ramo.
Sedes:
- Montes de Oca Martes 5:30 p.m. a 8:30 p.m.
- BelénMiércoles 5:30 p.m. a 8:30 p.m.
Descuento Especial
para PAS Staff
Solicite programas a: [email protected]
Envíenos un correo y le mantendremos informado
sobre nuevos cursos y programasSolicite nuestra lista de cursos em la
empresaDirector: Carlos Coto Céspedes
Teléfono: 25-30-12-20, cel. 88-96-73-33Fax: 25-30-11-84
e-mail: [email protected]
Pan-American School14
Lorena Frias
Language Support Coordinator
School vacation is the time when families usually plan various activities that help them relax and spend more time together. Consequently, most either travel in or out of our country or make plans to enjoy activities at home. It is also a time to renew old friendships or make new ones. Others might say that it is a time to learn or reinforce skills in different areas, academic, artistic or athletic. January at PAS is the month for all that. Splashing water in a wading pool, creating their own computer avatar, and making a spaceship with boxes were part of the tasks our forty-five Summer Language students did in their two-week course in January. The small groups ranging from kindergarten through eighth grade also aided their growth in intra and interpersonal abilities. Enthusiasm, excellence, acceptance, and respect were also some of the elements that educators and students shared to make a successful course and a springboard for this new school year.
Teaching through Love and Support
As a student teacher from George Mason University and future ESL educator, I was privileged to be part of Pan-American School during
the second semester of 2009. PAS is a community where people work together towards academic and personal success. The learning
environment at PAS was always welcoming and inviting. It allowed me to learn new teaching strategies and become part of a positive
learning environment.
Never had I witnessed so much happiness resonate through a building, nor had I ever seen so much love exude from each child. Part of
the school culture placed emphasis on school community involvement. All members participated in value of the month activities, such
as “gratitude walls”, and “attentiveness games”, that molded each child's personal development. I watched as teachers participated
and created school activities that focused on unity among nations, appreciation of differences, and contributions of youth.
What I will remember the most from my experience at PAS is the love that was shared. Love between teacher and student, administra-
tor and teacher; the relationships that I have seen develop between parent and teachers all striving to mold each and every individual
child. I will remember the tutelage of learning specialists, Angie and Leila who taught me ways of tailoring instruction for special needs
students, and librarian Sue Ellen who taught me that story time is not simply reading a book, but showing enthusiasm, asking critical
thinking questions, and creating colorful activities that engage students at the earliest levels. Administrators such as everyone's dear
Mister and director Terrie actively supported me as well as teachers, staff, and students. My cooperating teachers, Lorena Frías and
Kristin Reiche demonstrated learning in a fun, positive, structured and meaningful manner.
I have learned to love each child for what they are, teach them to be attentive and grateful, appreciate their differences, and respect
other nations as well as their own. These are the values that are implemented by PAS administrators and carried out by dedicated tea-
chers and administrators every day. These values are what I will take with me when I return to the United States. These values are those
which I will take with me wherever I go.
Virginia Easley
Summer at PAS:
Social, Emotional, and Academic Fulfillment
Algunas novedades para este curso lectivo son:
Arte Dramático: Es impartida por el profesor Mario Fonseca a estudiantes de todos los ni-veles. A partir de una serie de experiencias prácticas donde los niños y jóvenes descu-brirán sus posibilidades interpretativas tanto dentro como fuera de escena.
Mandarín: Se amplió el convenio con el Ins-tituto Berlitz para la enseñanza del manda-rín desde Kinder hasta el undécimo año.
Club de fotografía: Los participantes apren-den técnicas fotográficas para luego crear publicaciones.
Manualidades con Reciclaje: Niños y niñas desde Preparatoria hasta Quinto grado, transforman desechos en obras de arte, lo que incentiva la creatividad con materiales al alcance de todos.
Taller Experimental de Matemáticas: Se enfoca en las matemáticas desde un punto de vista creativo, resolviendo problemas de la vida cotidiana utilizando conocimientos matemáticos ya adquiridos y aprendiendo otros nuevos, sin el rigor de una clase formal y sin ninguna presión.
Mariela Delgado
Con una matrícula de más de 250 estudiantes los cursos co-cu-rriculares iniciaron el pasado 1° de marzo. Nuestra oferta es de aproximadamente 80 activida-des semanales para estudiantes desde PreKinder hasta Secunda-ria, ofreciéndoles una gran varie-dad de oportunidades para for-talecer su desarrollo integral.Las múltiples opciones fueron presentadas a los estudiantes de Middle School y High School en una feria realizada en febrero, lo que les permitió conocer la oferta co-curricular y de oportunidades para el curso lectivo 2010.Para este año, el Departamen-to de Producción y Actividades tomó el reto de ampliar su ofer-ta. Oportunidades como Surf, Ska-
ting, Etiqueta y Protocolo, y Mandarín causaron mucha ex-pectativa. Asimismo, las co-cu-rriculares del club de fotografía, expresión artística, drama, bellas artes, taller experimental de ma-temática y artesanía motivaron a los estudiantes a participar.El objetivo del programa de Co-curriculares es fomentar en los estudiantes la participación en las diferentes disciplinas depor-tivas, artísticas, culturales e inte-lectuales. Deseamos el mayor de los éxitos a nuestros estudian-tes y esperamos la participación de los padres de familia en las di-ferentes actividades a las cuales serán invitados. En el Departamento de Produc-ción y Actividades podrá obtener mayor información sobre la clases, llamando al teléfono 2298-5733, o escribiendo al correo electrónico: [email protected].
Las co-curriculares motivan la autoestima
Estudiantes aprovechan nuevas opciones
Los cursos co-curriculares desarrollan
distintos talentos y habilidades en los
estudiantes. (Foto Eduardo Muñoz)
¡Nos sentimos orgullosos de ser parte de esta gran comunidad!
¡La suerte sopló fuerte!
El PAS Bingo 2010 llegó cargado de premios
Eduardo Muñoz
En medio de una ventosa noche, una asistencia masiva y numerosos premios el
pasado 19 de marzo celebramos nuestro tradicional PAS Bingo, que llegó cargado
de juegos, sorpresa y alegría.
La respuesta de las familias y amigos de Pan-American School marcó un record,
tanto en recaudación como en los premios dados. Cada familia ganadora se
llevó a su casa un paquete de productos, bienes y servicios de altísimo valor.
Las donaciones obtenidas este año fueron producto del arduo trabajo de un
grupo de madres panamericanas, que fueron un soporte fundamental para el
Gobierno Estudiantil y nuestro personal.
Las ganancias del PAS Bingo 2010, un poco más de ¢3.500.000, serán usadas en el
Programa Amigos del Aprendizaje (ADA), el proyecto de reforestación del Centro
de Conservación de Santa Ana. Otro monto se dará al Gobierno Estudiantil para
sus iniciativas institucionales.
Decenas de familias y empresas amigas fueron las responsables del rotundo éxito
de este año. ¡Gracias a todos, nos vemos en el PAS Bingo 2011!
Pan-American Magazine18
Eduardo Muñoz
One phrase marked the life of Hilde Haehner when she joined Pan-American School for the first time in 1984: “Good teachers are born, not made”. These were the words of Mister, our founding director, as he welcomed her to the Pan-American family.This became the beginning of a fruitful relationship be-tween her family and Pan-American School as she be-came part of the teaching staff in our former Guachi-pelín location which “was more than a school; it was a home to all of us, with Mister as the head."Throughout the years we have also seen Hilde fulfill the role of parent as three of her children have complet-ed their education at our school. The two oldest have successful careers, one in Dentistry and the other as a specialized Biology scientist doing post graduate work in New York. Marcela, the youngest, is currently in the 8th grade. For over twenty years Hilde has had to balance her job and family responsibilities. Today, her four children,
Ricardo, Mariano, Federico and Marcela, are her big-gest pride and her face beams with excitement every time she talks about their achievements. As she can’t see herself outside the hectic routine that comes with being a teacher, mother, daughter and wife retirement is not yet on her agenda. Her motiva-tion each day, in her own words, is to continue teach-ing “for as long as I am able to do so."
Love for our school
Hilde Haehner is three-quarters German and one fourth Costa Rican, she explained. Although she claims her heart knows no nationality, she married Ricardo Kriebel 32 years ago, whom she met during a tennis tourna-ment in Panama. Coincidently he was another Costa Rican of German descent. They got to know each other between tennis matches and eventually a new family was formed around the same years that Pan-American School was growing. Hilde joined Pan-American School after her return from the U.S. where she studied Psychology and later Edu-
Hilde Haehner
Still holding up the banner!After a score of years she remains as committed as ever
cation. Again, by coincidence, while she was en-rolling her young children in Pan-American School, a friend called to offer her the possibility of working at our school as a Teacher Assistant. This friend was Olga Castilla, whom she describes “as energetic as myself," she said jokingly as she looked back at her first days at Pan-American.During her time at Pan-American School she has taken time off only for maternity leave and to at-tend family matters. During her leaves of absence she always maintained her bond with the school.“When I started in Guachipelín I fell in love with the small family environment of the school, but then I understood that with the increase of the student population, the infrastructure had to grow”, add-ed Hilde.“I myself have grown a lot, learning to handle more children, new technology and, later on, to share the campus with the High School students”.
As a teacher
According to Hilde, academics are important in the teaching process but more so is the need to pro-mote the individuality of every child, develop their social skills, and teach them to respect themselves and others. So, while she gives her best efforts to teach Math or improve English skills, she also strives to maintain an open channel of communication with each student to hear their concerns. Many years have gone by and Hilde continues to love teaching and has a great disposition to learn more and more every day. She has a positive at-titude toward change and the challenges that come with progress, because “we as staff mem-bers need to learn to adapt to every situation, and to the school's growth. “I remember that Cecilia Genis and I brought the first computer to our school and designed a pro-gram to develop laterality skills based on Logo writer”. “This has been my life, I enjoy doing my job and if I have to learn something I’ll put my mind to it”, said this enthusiastic Pan-American teacher.After 26 years of being related to Pan-American School, Hilde Haehner is not contemplating retire-ment because “feeling useful at all times is the most important thing for me”.For Hilde Haehner Pan-American School is more than a job. It has become her second home and the place where she saw her children grow in knowledge and wisdom.
Hilde Haehner is passionate about teaching and feels honored that many
students consider her a model professional as well as a friend.
Hilde with Olga Castilla, at the beginning of her career at Pan-Ameri-can School as Teacher Assistant.
Pare
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Tony Tipton
Vice Principal High School
On January 15, 2010, Pan-American School was honored to host Dr. Neill Armstrong, a Professor of Education at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Dr. Armstrong is an expert in the recognition and management of conditions affecting students’ education such as Asperger Syndrome.About 50 people attended the staff development session including 12 visiting student teachers from Texas who were accompanying Dr. Armstrong. Pan-American School staff and other participants were treated to an interactive learning session that gave a general overview of Asperger symptoms, and offered
many classroom strategies to meet the needs of these exceptional learners.Dr. Armstrong describes the child with Asperger Syndrome as one with very unique characteristics such as social deficits, frequent tantrums, inability to handle changes and a need for extreme structure. He recommends that a unified team of educators, parents and support staff work together to meet the needs of these learners.Dr. Armstrong fielded many valid questions from participants about Asperger Syndrome and left everyone with a greater understanding of this growing concern for parents and educators alike. This conference evidences Pan-American School's commitment to high-quality professional development to help serve our students in the most effective way.
Pan-American Teachers Learn about Asperger Syndrome
For many children with
Asperger Syndrome it is
difficult to have friends and fit in socially. Most of them seem
to be “in their own world”.
Pan-American Magazine 21What is Asperger Syndrome?
The Asperger Syndrome (AS) is considerably more common than “classic” Autism (classic autism is estimated to occur in approximately 4 out of every 1,000 children). AS occurrence is becoming increasingly prevalent in the general population; estimates range from 1 out of every 323 births to 1 out of every 150. These numbers are expected to continue to rise.The Asperger Syndrome represents that portion of the Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) continuum which is characterized by higher cognitive abilities (at least normal IQ by definition and sometimes ranging up into the very superior range) and by more normal language function compared to other disorders along the spectrum. In fact, the presence of normal basic language skills is now felt to be one of the criteria for the diagnosis of AS, although there are nearly always more subtle difficulties with pragmatic/social language.
Criteria for a diagnosis of AS
The most obvious hallmark of AS (and the characteristic that makes these children so unique and fascinating) is their peculiar, idiosyncratic areas of “special interest”. In contrast to more typical Autism, where the interests are more likely to be objects or parts of objects, in AS the interests appear most often to be specific intellectual areas.Often, when they enter school, or even before, these children will show an obsessive interest in an area such as math, aspects of science, reading, or some aspect of history or geography, wanting to learn everything possible about that subject. In many children, the
areas of special interest will change over time with one preoccupation replaced by another. The other major characteristic of AS is the socialization deficit, and this too, tends to be somewhat different than that seen in typical Autism. Although children with AS are frequently noted by teachers and parents to be somewhat “in their own world” and preoccupied with their own agenda, they are seldom as aloof as children with Autism. Rather, most children with AS express a desire to fit in socially and have friends. But, they are often deeply frustrated and disappointed by their social difficulties.Although “normal” language skills are a feature distinguishing AS, there are usually some observable differences in how AS children use language. Sometimes the language sounds overly formal or pedantic, idioms and slang are often not used or are misused, and things are often taken too literally. Language comprehension tends toward the concrete with problems arising as language becomes more abstract.
How to help us!
• Routines should be kept as consistent, structured, and predictable as possible.
• Rules should be applied carefully. Many AS children can be quite rigid about following “rules” very literally.
• Parents and teachers should take full advantage of the child’s areas of special interest when teaching.
• Most students with AS respond well to the use of visuals.
• In general, try to keep teaching fairly concrete. Avoid language that may be misunderstood by the child such as sarcasm, confusing figurative speech, and idioms.
According to Neil Amstrong, Professor at Stephen F.
Austin State University
in Texas, United States, “Asperger Syndrome is
becoming increasingly and
continually rising”.
(Photo Eduardo Muñoz)
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New Audio BooksAudio books are spoken recordings (or read by computer programs) of published books or of books created specifically for this medium. They are usually stored digitally (in CDs or DVDs) or they can be downloaded directly from the Internet in formats such as MP3, making them easily accessible to PCs, mobile phones, MP3 players, etc. Some audio books are dramatized versions of printed books, with actors, music and sound effects.
Benefits There are many occasions in which an audio book provides all the benefits of reading without having to physically handle a book. For example, they can provide access to blind persons or those having severe visual limitations. Or they can be used by persons with physical limitations that make it difficult or impossible to hold a book. In addition, persons who have jobs driving a vehicle or having a long commute to work may benefit from listening to their favorite novels or other books while they work or travel.For our school audio books are especially useful in reinforcing language learning, both in English and Spanish. In summary, audio books are a learning and entertainment option that allows us a new way to access our favorite books.
Some of audio book titles in our Library Inkheart The Chronicles of Narnia SeriesMagic Three House SeriesHarry Potter SeriesTwilight SeriesThe Disney Fairies CollectionWhere the Red Fern GrowsThe Island of the Blue Dolphins(and more…)
Gabriel González-Vega*
Éste es un título que resume bien una reflexión densa y compleja, que nos lleva a renunciar a las certezas fáciles con que tendemos a engañarnos.El inquietante filme se basa en la magnífica obra de teatro, ganadora de cuatro premios Tony y del Pulitzer, que escribió el luego guionista y realizador de cine John Patrick Shanley, basado en sus propias experiencias en el Bronx de los años '60. Un Nueva York que, en medio de la Guerra Fría, sufría el trauma del asesinato de John F. Kennedy y comenzaba el difícil proceso de la integración racial.La obra enfrenta a una monja severa y desconfiada (Meryl Streep) que dirige un colegio privado con un sacerdote amable y generoso (Phillip Seymor Hoffman) que ella sospecha que de algún modo abusa sexualmente de un estudiante, por demás peculiar, pues fue el primer afrodescendiente (negro) que fue integrado. Entre ambos media una joven religiosa (Amy Adams) cuya inocencia e ingenua bondad hace un contrapunto idóneo. La rigurosa monja incluso recurre a la mentira para confirmar su verdad, y el religioso se da por ofendido, pero nunca desmiente con claridad las graves acusaciones. Muy bien ambientado, el relato se desliza con lentitud y con esmero, manteniendo en vilo al espectador, al que justamente deja en duda, tanto sobre la realidad de los presuntos hechos como sobre el peso moral de las conductas descritas. Porque lo importante no es resolver la anécdota, sino hacernos comprender lo relativo, lo paradójico y lo incierto que son los conflictos y pasiones humanas. Precisamente, la madre del chico (Viola Davis), una mujer trabajadora muy práctica, que piensa que su hijo es gay y teme al padre homofóbico y agresor, tiene un breve y sustancial enfrentamiento con la superiora, que revela cómo su resuelto amor de madre puede aceptar situaciones muy delicadas que percibe como un mal menor, en tanto vemos que a la monja no le interesa tanto el bienestar de los muchachos como su propio afán castigador y de dominio. Cuatro actores excepcionales, encabezados por Meryl Streep, para mí y para muchos la mejor actriz del mundo –con el record de 16 nominaciones al Óscar-, son el ensamble idóneo para esta notable reflexión moral que pone en tela de juicio temas tan serios como el autoritarismo, el racismo y la pedofilia, con elegancia, respeto y discernimiento.
* Gabriel González-Vega, coproductor de “Password/Una mirada en la oscuridad”, “Caribe” y “Gestación”, es académico de la UNA y escribe para el Semanario Universidad.
“Duda”
22
Ana Carolina Jiménez Rodríguez
Coordinadora de Biblioteca
Convencidos de que los proce-sos educativos ocurren no sólo en las aulas, los colaboradores de la biblioteca nos hemos animado a aportar experiencias significativas que le permitan, sobre todo a los más pequeños, interiorizar leccio-nes de vida impregnadas de re-cuerdos y valores. Las lecciones calan hondo cuan-do vinculan a vivencias. Vale la pena invertir tiempo y paciencia en explicar las razones que mo-tivan una decisión, una regla, o una consecuencia.Con algo de temor y otro tanto de técnicas no tradicionales, he-mos permitido que nuestros pe-queños lectores abran un libro con las manos sucias. Después de mostrar los resultados ante un grupo de asombradas caritas, los estudiantes piden permiso para salir a lavarse las manos antes de aventurarse a través de las pági-nas de un libro.Guardamos como trofeo de gue-rra aquel libro que una criaturita se llevó en préstamo a su casa y
lo devolvió todo rayado porque su hermanita menor creyó que era para colorear, y saboreamos la dulce victoria cada vez que un par de asombrados ojitos pregun-ta qué le sucedió a ese libro que solía ser tan lindo.Les hemos pedido a ellos mismos que nos cuenten qué pasaría si dejáramos boronas de pan y ga-lletas en las mesas de la bibliote-ca. Hemos logrado demostrarles el valor de la responsabilidad y, literalmente, a responder con sus habilidades, por el libro dañado o perdido. Ellos elijen entre varias opciones, tales como pagar con su propio dinero el valor del libro, o bien, donar algunos de los su-yos a la biblioteca para reponer el daño. Tambien, pueden donar una hora de trabajo después de clases; incluso algunos de nuestros “pasantes” han decidido volver a visitarnos para ayudarnos con el trabajo sólo por gusto. Hemos te-nido que retomar la lección en un par de ocasiones, cuando escu-chamos de boca de los niños co-mentarios como: “¡Miss, un día de estos voy a perder otro libro para poder venir a trabajar con uste-des otra vez!”.
Fomentando la responsabilidad en los pequeños lectores
More information and to borrow these book and movie please contact
the Library and Learning Resource Center at 2298-5724 or [email protected]
CAREER PLANNING
Career Services Beyond GraduationGlenn Courtland
College Counselor
When seniors graduate from PAS they're not on their own -- they become part of an extended family that continues receives support and services. One of these areas is career counseling and it involves a team of PAS counselors, teachers, and ad-ministrative staff. Students who graduate can return immediately or years later to receive support in career guidance, trans-ferring to another university, or applying for graduate programs. These services may include help with the application process, applying for Visas, and searching for grants, scholarships, and financial aid. PAS graduates can be found all over the world at top universi-ties, colleges and professional schools.Whether applying to a University loca-ted in Australia or applying to a local university each student is given care and attention in making these impor-tant decisions in their lives.PAS offers a centralized application ser-vice, headed by Ms. Marcela Sobrado, for students applying to colleges outside the country. She helps students collect all required documents and consolidates and reviews the packages before they are sent to prospective higher education institutions. This process ensures grea-ter success in the application process, through a review for completeness, ac-curacy and clarity.Alumni are encouraged to use these and other services. A team of professionals will provide personalized attention to each graduate in pursuing their goals and aspirations, in Costa Rica or inter-nationally.
Nut
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n y
Salu
d
Kathryn von Saalfeld, Nutricionista
Una de las tareas más importantes de las familias es cuidar
que los hijos se alimenten saludablemente. Sin embargo,
muchos no quieren comer o rechazan constantemente
la comida. La pérdida de apetito puede relacionarse
con algunas etapas de desarrollo y crecimiento, además
de enfermedad.
Cuando hay picos de crecimiento acelerado, el apetito
usualmente aumenta debido a un mayor requerimiento
nutricional, ya que la alimentación se comporta de
manera paralela con el crecimiento. Antes de la
pubertad, los niños pueden experimentar una pérdida de
apetito debido a que la tasa de crecimiento disminuye,
en comparación con los años después de la pubertad.
Una deficiencia de vitaminas y minerales también
puede perjudicar el apetito; por eso es importante que
la dieta sea balanceada, incluyendo todos los grupos
de alimentos. Un suplemento multivitamínico adecuado
para niños puede ayudar a corregir estas necesidades,
mientras se trabaja sobre los hábitos de alimentación.
Los niños también pueden pasar por una fase de
rechazo a las comidas cuando experimentan con su
independencia y la ejercen de manera desfavorable
a la hora de las comidas. Esto sucede típicamente con
niños entre los 18 meses y 3 años. Mientras su hijo siga una
línea adecuada dentro de la curva de crecimiento y se
muestre con energía y vigor, puede esperar un tiempo
mientras sale de esta fase.
Además, es normal que el niño prefiera jugar que comer;
por eso es importante establecer horarios regulares de
comidas, así como límites, para que las comidas no
pasen a segundo plano.
Los siguientes consejos le ayudarán a aumentar el apetito en sus niños:
• Hábleles sobre la importancia de una alimentación saludable y las ventajas cada alimento para la salud.
• Participe a su hijo en la compra y preparación de las comidas y de la lonchera.
• Ofrezca variedad en las preparaciones de alimentos, ya que los niños se aburren también de comer siempre lo mismo. Puede cortar los alimentos en distintas formas, y usar colores llamativos para que sean más atractivos.
• No discuta cuando rechazan algún alimento. Busque alimentos similares en nutrientes a los que rechaza y déle alternativas. Por ejemplo, si su hijo rechaza la carne de res, el pollo y los frijoles negros son una alternativa saludable.
• Acostumbre a su hijo(a) a comer en familia. El ver a los demás comiendo ayuda a abrir el apetito, además de que es un tiempo para compartir.
• Evite las batallas durante la comida para que los tiempos de comida sean agradables.
• Evite las distracciones a la hora de comer: apague la televisión.
• Trate de que pasen por lo menos dos horas sin comer ni tomar nada antes de las comidas principales, para que su hijo tenga suficiente hambre. Evite que coma dulces, que pique, o se hidrate con jugos justo antes de comer.
• Aumente la actividad física de sus hijos, como la natación, artes marciales, ballet o tenis, de manera que se muevan más y les dé más hambre.
Estrategias nutricionales para abrirle el apetito a su hijo
24
Charla: Problemas de alimentación en la infancia: cómo manejarlos
Expositora: Rebeca Hernández A., Nutricionista
Fecha y hora:Martes 20 de abril del 2010,6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Costo: c4000 antes del 20 de abril, c5000 el día de la charla
Inscripciones y consultas: Tel. 2256-8067 / [email protected]
Lugar: Auditorio Torre 2, Hospital CimaFavor confirmar la asistencia con anticipación - cupo limitado
Invita:
Eduardo Muñoz
After graduating from Pan-American School Marissa Durman entered Business Administration. Spending a year studying management sciences only to reach the conclusion that her real vocation in life was to save lives and help people as a medical professional.Marissa graduated with honors in 2002, the most outstanding of which was the Excellence award created in her honor that year. She describes this award as “an awesome experience in my life -- one never expects to receive such an honor." In a few months, after her internship, she will have completed her medical studies at UCIMED. (Pan-American Magazine met with her outside the National Children’s Hospital to talk about her life).
Sacrifice and Satisfaction
“Since I was in High School I really liked the Biology classes with Ms. Dorita. I loved to learn about our body’s secrets”, recalls Marissa. Later, when deciding to return to Costa Rica to pursue studies in medical science, this passion was the motor that helped her survive the demands of this challenging career.“It demands sacrifice. These years I’ve had to miss family celebrations, trips, and I now have a boyfriend because we both share the same passion for medicine; someone who doesn’t understand this passion, cannot understand me”, explained Marissa over a cup of coffee where we took a trip down memory lane to her years at Pan-American School.One of the most important decisions, explains Marissa, was to study in Costa Rica. This decision took into account the high academic level but also
the difference between the medical approach in our country and the approach of developed countries which pose a challenge in patient treatment, she said. “In other countries technology facilitates diagnosis… in our country we have to make a larger effort to arrive at a diagnosis through medical examinations. Even the diseases and ailments in Costa Rica are very different from those in the U.S. and Europe and my goal was to end up working in Costa Rica. I therefore reached the conclusion that it would be better to study here and learn about the specific medical situations I would have to face on a daily basis."The long hours of studying will soon come to an end, but first she must complete her internship at the National Children’s Hospital, where she has been assigned full-time in the Medicine 5 Service, caring for children from two months to two years of age. Further into the year, she will be leaving for either Minnesota and Virginia, USA, places into which she has been admitted to take up internships in Internal Medicine and Primary Psychiatric Attention, respectively. She will ultimately return to Costa Rica to work at the Women’s Hospital. Marissa still has to study every day, in-between patient consultations, to keep abreast of medical advances through specialized magazines, and prepare for exams. In addition, every four days she has to work the “graveyard” shift after a normal day shift. But for this doctor-to-be, this is the life she chose to live and her satisfaction cannot be explained in a few words.
Give your best!
Marissa Durman feels her years at Pan-American School helped her succeed throughout her years of professional study.
“English reading helped me learn new vocabulary and improve my language proficiency and reading comprehension skills. Ms. Dorita motivated me to love Science; with Mr. Welsh one had to learn to think, and I also remember the classes with Ms. Ruth. I learned a lot in each class. “I know people say the academic workload at Pan-American School is demanding, but I believe every student should try to do the best, even though we sometimes may fall short. We have to try to make our best effort to meet our immediate challenge and move on to the next challenge”, said Marissa based on her experience. In addition to achieving best academic record among her generation, Marissa always found time to help others. She participated in the first generation of volunteers for the Friends in Learning (ADA) Program. “I personally believe that if you try your best, you can always excel”, were Marissa’s final comments.
Lives her Passion for Medicine
Marissa Durman
Marissa Durman, Valedictorian in 2002, is finishing her internship in the National Children`s Hospital.
Ne
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Fro
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AS
Few people have ever imagined what it would be like if within two minutes they lost everything they cherished including loved ones, sentimental objects, and personal property. No one likes to think about this happening, and far from it, our children. However, on February 27, at 3:34 a.m. many Chileans, children and grownups, experienced this event with an 8.8 degree earthquake.After this tragedy, and during its reconstruction process, Claudia González Navarrete, from Hampton College in Chile, came up with the idea that children from different parts of the world could express with drawings their support for Chilean children who have lived through these devastating circumstances, and express positive and encouraging messages.
Pan-American School wants to help in this worthy cause. For this reason, Kinder, Preparatory, Second and Third grade students dedicated an art class to express their feelings of encouragement through drawings. These pictures will be part of an exchange program in which children from Chile will send their own drawings telling us about the earthquake and about the reconstruction as a nation.It is difficult and some what very abstract for our students to imagine that in just two minutes people can lose so much. Even though it is difficult to imagine this type of suffering and sadness, they are still capable of expressing their empathy and sensitivity through drawings full of love, encouragement and hope.
"Project Chile" Sending Hope Through Art
26
Pan-American students from Kinder to Third Grade expressed their solidarity with Chilean children who experienced an earth-
quake on Febrary 27th. They will exchange drawings with children from Hampton College, in Chile. (Photo Nora Catania)
Pan-American Magazine 27
Lucienne Azuola, High School Psychologist
On March 13th, a group of students and faculty from Providence Day School of Charlotte, North Carolina, arrived in Costa Rica for a one-week visit. They were part of the Global Studies Program that seeks to help students and staff learn about other languages and cultures. This group of 7 students and 4 faculty stayed with Pan-American families from 7th, 8th and 9th grades and with staff members. Students participated in Spanish classes with teacher Rodolfo Sandino. In addition, they visited touristic attractions in the Central Valley, Monteverde and Arenal, among others. As part of this new exchange program, PAS 7th and 8th grade students will be able to visit Providence Day School during the September break. They will stay with students and their families, experience classes at this prestigious private school in the United States, and visit touristic attractions in the Charlotte area. We are extremely pleased with the success of the first year of this new exchange program and encourage students to participate in an unforgettable experience!
Providence Day School Visits PAS
Eduardo Muñoz
El profesor panamericano Marvin Ca-macho, un reconocido compositor nacional, fue invitado a participar el pasado noviembre en el II Congreso Internacional Cervantes y el Quijote en la Música del siglo XX, celebrado en Madrid, España.Nuestro docente ha mantenido una
estrecha cercanía con varias univer-sidades en España y para esta oca-sión, la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid preparó este congreso dedi-cado a los estudios cervantinos. En la actividad, Marvin Camacho pre-sentó una ponencia sobre la música costarricense, en la que hizo un bre-ve recorrido por la vida y creación de compositores contemporáneos, acompañadas de breves interpreta-ciones de algunos fragmentos de sus obras. Pero, lo mas destacado de su partici-pación, fue el estreno mundial de su obra “Tres quijotadas de un Hidalgo”, en una sesión titulada “Siete compo-sitores ilustran al Ingenioso Hidalgo”, a la que invitaron cantantes líricos y pianistas, acompañados del grupo instrumental de la Orquesta de la Uni-versidad Autónoma de Madrid.El compositor también entregó al rector de la universidad española, José María Sanz Martínez, el preludio sinfónico “Un hombre llamado Don Quijote”, creación suya basada en el poema “Cautivo” del poeta cos-tarricense Mario Alberto Marín.
¡Felicidades profesor Camacho!
Un panamericano en Madrid El profesor Marvin Camacho estrenó obra musical en congreso internacional
Gracias al intercambio con universidades
españolas el profesor Marvin Camacho es
uno de los compositores contemporáneos
que ha promovido la música costarricense
en Europa. Actualmente, conjuga su labor creativa con la docencia. (foto Eduardo Muñoz)
