The Survival Plan! - First Grade Our first graders are creators of their own knowledge! They recently developed a “Survival Plan” with everything they would need to follow in order to adapt and survive in the Stone Age and the Dinosaur Era.
How did they do it? First, they studied renewable and non-renewable resources in class, guided by their teachers. Then, they took a ride on a time machine that transported them back in time! With upside down desks and a NASA countdown, 1-A was taken to the cavemen and 1-B visited the dinosaurs. They worked collaboratively in small groups to research about resources they thought would have been available in the environments and then creatively built shelters for their protection with reusable materials. They also compared the resources found in the era to the ones we currently have; they discovered how non-renewable resources have decreased through time and the importance of conserving them.
This hands-on project was very enjoyable for the students. It also inspired them to create knowledge based on the theoretical framework they had acquired before with their teacher as a facilitator in class. At the end of the unit, they presented their “Survival Plan” to their parents and friends. They were very excited to share everything they had learned!
Excellence - Middle School This month 16 of our Middle School students participated in the Math Relay and MathCounts Competition. This activity took place in the Escuela Americana de El Salvador. Our students displayed the PAS Value of Excellence by engaging in this challenging activity and applying the Math skills that they have been developing in the classroom. Students displayed a positive attitude, giving their best at all times, and implementing teamwork skills when needed. These students exemplify creators of their learning! Congratulations to them and to their facilitator, Ms. Lisa Novak!
Solidarity - Middle School and High School This month students from Middle School and High School participated in the AASCA Music Festival held at Lincoln School. Our students displayed the PAS Value of Solidarity by learning the skills and discipline needed to become part of a band of 110 members and a symphonic orchestra of 130 members. Additionally, they all had the chance to present as part of a percussion ensemble with students from different schools from Central America. This great festival promotes the musical talent of each school and also allowed our students to become familiarized with the work of other great musicians, along with the discipline it takes to master an instrument and a musical piece.