by Lural Ramirez | Dec 1, 2017
If you are a FV classical languages student then “Panta Rhei” may be a Greek saying from the philosopher Heraclitus that you understand. But even if your Greek is a little rusty, the phrase’s meaning – everything, or all, flows – is something we have all lived and know to be true. Often times we refer to this as “the only constant is change”. In Futuro Verde, we are committed to a consistently high-quality and loving learning environment that nurtures and supports children through all ages and stages of life. Our true essence and founding principles will never change, but the details of how we run our programs will change in big and small ways each year. I share with you here a brief summary of some of the exciting changes in the works for the 2018 school year:
- Futuro Verde is an IB World School, offering the diploma program in years 11 and 12 and high-quality, IB aligned learning at all grades!
- We will have a later start, with a school schedule from Monday – Friday, 8:00-3:00!
- We will have fully finished and stunning learning spaces: science lab, computer lab, two libraries, a music lab, a language lab and an art studio!
- Plans are in the works for rejuvenated garden and recreational spaces!
- Electives will be offered from 7th grade on! Student choice = more love of learning
These changes are positives shifts to the already amazing school you know and love! Thank you for your continued support, commitment and investment in a Futuro Verde education for your child!
by Katie Chiaverini | Nov 30, 2017
The big day is almost here…the first annual Sustainable Solutions Fair hosted by Futuro Verde students on Saturday, December 2nd from 9am to 2pm! All of our students, grades pre-K through 11th, have been working very hard on developing innovative projects and they are ready to educate their families, friends, and community members on sustainable solutions to local issues.
Our school community will gather together on this day to share ideas about how we can protect our environment and lead a healthy life; making sustainability a part of our everyday lives with each action we take.
Over the last few months, the students have been asking questions, researching, interviewing, planning, discussing, designing, creating, building, improving, and developing their chosen topics based around one shared theme: sustainability. The level of engagement and direct involvement the students have had with teachers, volunteers, parents, peers, specialists, and nature itself is impressive. The Sustainable Solutions Fair is definitely a joint project from start to finish. From little hands squishing recycled paper into water to large hands shoveling clay-ridden earth to mix with compost, it is evident that searching for sustainable solutions not only requires critical thinking, but hard work and a lot of grit!
The beauty of sustainability is that it can be applied to anything. It is all encompassing. From a small, local problem to a large, global issue shared amongst many, sustainable solutions are always a possibility. While many students have focused locally, their ideas can be applied globally. From methods of organic pest control to plastic pollution, from over fishing to domestic animal overbreeding, from excess waste to red tide…our student projects truly embody the term “think globally, act locally.”
On this day, our children will be our teachers. Get ready to be inspired!
by Stuart Millar, IB coordinator | Nov 13, 2017
Over the last few years there has been concentrated focus and investment in technology at Futuro Verde. The multi-media center offers our students of all ages the opportunity to use one of our 20 desktop computers. Investment in EBSCO means that all students now have the necessary tools to conduct research from varied and high-quality sources. Use of Google Classroom in all high school classes gives teachers and students a two-way portal to communicate effectively about classwork, homework, and projects.
As we prepare for the launch of the IB Diploma Program at Futuro Verde we continue, as always, to ask ourselves, “How can we prepare our students to be as successful as they can be?” The diploma program will require a new level of research both in school and at home, greater use of Google Classroom, and an increased level of academic writing as they undertake the Extended Essay and other research projects. For this reason, all students in 11th and 12th grades will be required to have a personal computer and bring it to school every day. While all high school students would benefit from having a personal computer, it is particularly recommended for students in 9th and 10th grades as they prepare to embark on the IB diploma in 11th grade.
We understand that purchasing a personal computer for your student is a sizeable investment and would encourage you to start planning as soon as possible. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions that you may have.
