by Angie Briceño | Jun 7, 2022
At the end of the 2017 school year, Futuro Verde received its certification as an International Baccalaureate World School. The International Baccalaureate Organization evaluates schools that acquire this certification every five years. It has been five years since our certification and for some months now we have been working on preparing for the evaluation by the International Baccalaureate Organization.
But, what does the IB Diploma Program evaluation process for schools around the world consist of?
According to the International Baccalaureate Organization, the primary objective of IB program evaluation is to help schools continually develop their capacity to implement IB programs in order to have a greater effect on student outcomes through the development of teaching and leadership practices (2).
The evaluation of the Diploma Program in the school engages the school in a process of reflection that allows us to understand which aspects of the program are being developed effectively and which need further development. This reflection is done in conjunction with students, families, the board of directors, teachers and staff members who are directly involved in the implementation of the program.
The evaluation consists of three distinct parts:
- The preliminary review, where the school reviews and updates the information that was provided at the beginning of the certification process. This section includes a survey of parents with children who are attending, have attended or will attend the Diploma Program the following school year.
- A process of self-evaluation, collaboration and reflection in which different stakeholders participate and where families and students are invited to participate in the process.
- Finally, a visit to the school, which in our case will take place on April 19, 20 and 21, 2023.
Once this evaluation process is completed, the IB Organization provides the school’s leadership team with the findings of the process and recommendations for the school.
For those families and students directly involved in the evaluation process, a form will be sent to them so that they can collaborate with the reflection process.
by Juan Ignacio Diano | Jun 1, 2022
We are pleased to announce that our “Fun Run” activity is back. Sports, running, health, and fun will be what will shape this beautiful family event.
The Fun Run consists of a day in which children, teachers and parents will be able to participate in races as the main event. But there will also be other sports activities, raffles and food sales. The activity will take place on July 13 from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm and all families of our institution are cordially invited to participate in both races and other activities or collaborate with protocols or donations.
Currently, our Sports Committee is working on the organization and coordination of this great event, so in the coming months detailed information will be provided through social media and emails.
It is important to participate in these types of events to unite as a community, as an institution and also to remember the importance of having a healthy, integral life that motivates us to take care of both of our physical and mental health.
by Juan Ignacio Diano | Jun 1, 2022
Nos complace anunciar que nuestra actividad “Fun Run” está de regreso. Deporte, carreras, salud y diversión será lo que dará forma a esta linda actividad familiar.
El “Fun Run” consiste en un día en el cual tanto niños como maestros y padres de familia, podrán participar de carreras como evento principal. Pero también se llevarán a cabo otras actividades deportivas, rifas y ventas de comidas. La actividad se llevará a cabo el 13 de julio de 8:00 am a 12:30 pm y todas las familias de nuestra institución están cordialmente invitadas a participar, tanto en las carreras como en las otras actividades o bien, colaborar con los protocolos o donaciones.
Actualmente, nuestro Comité de Deportes trabaja en la organización y coordinación de este gran evento, por lo que en los próximos meses se brindará información detallada a través de redes sociales y correos electrónicos.
Es importante volver a participar de este tipo de eventos para unirnos como comunidad, como institución y así mismo, para recordar la relevancia de tener una vida sana, integral y que nos motive a cuidar tanto la salud física como mental.
by PTO Futuro Verde | Jun 1, 2022
This past April and May we had our first meetings with the director of the school, Angie Briceño. The idea behind “Coffee with Angie” is to give the parents of Futuro Verde the opportunity to ask questions concerning the school and to create an atmosphere of open and transparent communication. It is also an opportunity to bring together parents and staff to get to know each other while bringing positive ideas to solving challenges at the school.
At these first few meetings we addressed several topics that have been recurring themes on the PTO WhatsApp chat (click here to join). We discussed FV lice protocol, uniform expectations, and drop off and pick up safety concerns. We also created a phone tree (a system of communication with families using cell phones) in case of a school emergency. Lastly, we worked on supporting staff in planning the Fun Run school event for Wednesday, July 14th.
It is our hope to continue these monthly meetings into the next school year so that the Parent/ Teacher Organization can bring families together and coordinate more activities that support our students and staff at Futuro Verde to build a stronger sense of community.
by Futuro Verde | Jun 1, 2022
El pasado mes de abril y mayo tuvimos nuestras primeras reuniones con la directora de la escuela, Angie Briceño. La idea detrás de “Café con Angie” es dar a los padres de Futuro Verde la oportunidad de hacer preguntas sobre la escuela y crear una atmósfera de comunicación abierta y transparente. También es una oportunidad para reunir a los padres y al personal para que se conozcan y aporten ideas positivas para resolver los desafíos de la escuela.
En estas primeras reuniones abordamos varios temas que han sido temas recurrentes en el chat de WhatsApp de PTO (haga clic aquí para registrarse). Discutimos el protocolo de piojos de FV, las expectativas de los uniformes y las preocupaciones de seguridad al dejar y recoger a los niños. También creamos un árbol telefónico (un sistema de comunicación con las familias que usan teléfonos celulares) en caso de una emergencia escolar. Por último, trabajamos apoyando al personal en la planificación del evento escolar “Fun Run” para el miércoles 14 de julio.
Esperamos continuar con estas reuniones mensuales durante el próximo año escolar para que la Organización de Padres y Maestros pueda reunir a las familias y coordinar más actividades que apoyen a nuestros estudiantes y personal en Futuro Verde para construir un sentido de comunidad más fuerte.
by Jennifer Middleton | May 25, 2022
Hello Parents!
This article is to provide you with an overview of the extraordinary assembly meeting that took place this past April 20th 2022 at 4:00 pm via Zoom.
The full presentation is attached if you would like to review:
- Overview of the Extraordinary Assembly
- Strategic Planning & Teacher Retention
- Financial Report
- Vote for tuition increase
- Results: 75% in favor of a 15% increase in tuition rates, compared to 25% in favor of a 20% increase in tuition rates.
- According to the vote, there will be a 15% increase to tuition rates for the 2022-2023 school year.
Questions & Answers from the meeting:
- What does it mean to be bilingual? What English and Spanish is offered, native versus non-native?
Our immersion program involves teaching content in both languages and students being exposed to both English and Spanish languages throughout the day. We offer English language arts and Spanish language arts. We do not offer English or Spanish as second language courses due to the fact that we are a dual immersion school and the idea is that students acquire the language through content.
- If people (teachers and students) come and go, how do you guarantee academic rigor? Who oversees this ?
The director and the administration team are responsible for ensuring rigor and fluidity through curriculum. Each course has a study plan and we are currently in the process of updating and strengthening the scope and sequence of each course. We are also in the process of reinforcing internal systems so that these transitions are not so disruptive.
- What type of teachers do you want to attract? What is the focus ?
We want to recruit all types of teachers which include: Nationals, Residents, and International career teachers. The focus is on all, however, as mentioned in the presentation, it is difficult to hire international teachers due to many factors such as low pay, lack of affordable housing, etc. We will work to create packages to attract international teachers. Simultaneously, we will focus on hiring qualified teachers who already live in Costa Rica, whether they are national or foreign hires. It is likely that if they already live in Costa Rica or in the region, they will be more established and accustomed to what it is like to live in Costa Rica.
- Would creating part time positions be an option?
Our experience has been that teachers who are only here part time are only partly committed to the school and have been disconnected to the day to day operations, mission and vision of the school. Part time support positions could be an option, but part time teaching positions are not likely.
- Could the school facilitate after hours tutoring where teachers can charge an hourly rate?
Some of our teachers provide tutoring outside the school, but this is a service that is not provided by the school but by the teacher. Currently, the school only offers FARO centers.
- Is there concern that once the world opens up again, those numbers come down?
School expansion and contraction is a natural phenomenon all schools face over time. Instead of being concerned, we are exercising caution and strategic planning to ensure our finances are sustainable through these natural cycles.
- Is the focus on investing in more buildings, that in a few years will probably be moved the best priority? Or should we focus on inward growth instead?
The Board is currently focused on both facilities and infrastructure. However, the reality we face in the coming academic year is that we are limited on instructional space to operate all of our programs. New construction projects are now being evaluated for their impact on our natural space, ability to relocate, and cost.
- Instead of more class rooms, should we invest first in housing for teachers to support the current school?
The costs to build a residential village for teachers is not a viable financial option. Rough financial projections of the two projects are not even comparable. Unless we are able to secure a major donation or corporate sponsorship, we simply do not have the capital to take on a project that scale.
- If growth this big is a guessing game, why focus on expansion?
The focus of the current Board is not expansion. Our priority remains to provide the best academic program possible with the resources at our disposal. If the student population decreases in the coming years, the investment in our facilities will continue to provide value to the school community. We will NOT have empty classrooms.
- Have you thought about offering a third option with a lower increase to loyal students that have been with the school for many years and a higher increase to new students?
We HAVE NOT considered a third tuition option for “loyal” students, but will take the suggestion into consideration as we develop our strategic plan for the coming 5 years.
- Have you considered (projected) the increased tuition may result in some families exiting the program, potentially altering your projected growth figures for upcoming years?
Yes, we have factored in the attrition of our student population as a result of the tuition increase. For this reason, it is imperative we have a tuition base that can cover our operating expenses and establish a fiscal reserve in the event of a significant decrease in enrollment
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact junta@futuro-verde.org.
Sincerely,
Futuro Verde Board of Directors
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