New Community Service Initiative

Village Primary Students Read to Seniors

 

On Tuesday, January 17^th, primary students visited Tarrytowne Senior Residential Living Facility to share books and some cheer with the residents to kick off a new community service initiative.  Tarrytowne is located across the street from The Village School.

The senior citizen residents have been very excited to have young visitors.  Each Tuesday afternoon, the young students visit Tarrytowne equipped with two books. Each child reads one of their reading books to their senior friend.  The other book is for the senior friend to read to them.

When asked about this new initiative, Director of Primary School Brian Berneking explained, “An integral part of the educational program at The Village School is community service.  Too many times, we underestimate what our youngest learners are able to do, so we ask them to donate an item or bring in money for a worthy cause.  My hope is that our primary students will brighten up the day of the senior residents at Tarrytowne…and through these interactions be proud that they are doing just that.  This is true community service – making someone’s life better.”

Prior to going to Tarrytowne, classroom teachers read selected books about grandparents and senior citizens that are geared for primary students in order to positively prepare the children for their interactions with their new senior friends.

Village Students Receive Letter of Commendation from President Obama

Recently presenters visited our high school campus for a follow up presentation to last year’s screening of the film, Invisible Children, a documentary of Joseph Kony’s child army in Africa. This story of children who are being kidnapped and turned into child soldiers for the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) sparked a grassroots movement across the United States where teenagers are raising money to stop the child abductions and promote a peaceful resolution for Uganda. Our students were led to assist in the cause by IB English teacher, Tina Schwettmann in a letter campaign to President Obama. Over 300 letters from Village High School students were written on National Day of Writing and sent to the White House on October 25^th thanking Obama for his “Strategy to Support the Disarmament of the Lord’s Resistance Army” which he presented to Congress in an effort to stop the violence of the LRA and rebuild the war-torn communities of Uganda. On December 7^th, The Village School received a letter of commendation from President Obama for the students’ efforts and support of Invisible Children.

We interviewed Tina Schwettmann to learn more about Invisible Children and how our Village students are making a difference.

Why are you so passionate about this cause?

“I lived in Nigeria for 2 years during a dangerous time and understand first-hand how frightening it is to live under a military regime.  Last year during the first Invisible Children presentation, I had to leave the room because it touched me on such a personal level. But this year, when they returned with the second presentation, I was even more touched and inspired.  To see students dedicate themselves with this grassroots kind of movement is profound in both the intent and the results. So often we think, ‘I’m just one person. I can’t make a difference.  What will my voice do to facilitate change?’ But the Invisible Children organization has proved that we individually can make a difference.”

So you were called to action during this year’s assembly?

“Yes, it came to me during the presentation! We were a few days away from National Day of Writing , a day created by NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English) in which schools are encouraged to lead students with a dedicated time of writing. It was clear to me that this was the perfect vehicle for our students to share their thoughts on this cause and give them a purpose to writing outside of the academic realm.”

How did you decide what the students would write?

“ Immediately following the presentation I approached Christian, one of the dedicated young leaders who presented this year. I asked him how we could help. Who could we write on behalf of Invisible Children in order to make a difference? He suggested that we write President Obama to thank him for his commitment to ending the brutality in Uganda and for signing the Lord’s Resistance Army Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act.”

So what happened next?

“I grabbed the microphone and explained to the students that we were turning National Day of Writing into an international day of writing to make a real difference.”

And how did the students react?

“With cheers and a standing ovation! I was overwhelmed with their enthusiasm.”

After reading the letters, what were your thoughts?

“It is our responsibility as educators to help students understand that their voice can make a difference and an impact. It is important that we provide our students with this opportunity.”

What was the reaction to the letter from President Obama?

“When I read it, the students all cheered! It really made an impact that one of the most powerful men in the world validated their efforts.”

How are the students continuing to help in this cause?

“Many students have formed groups to raise money for Invisible Children. There are sports teams working together to fundraise. Village musicians have already raised money with the Musical Bus Tour this past fall, and there are clubs working together also.  I did mention to the students that if they combined their groups they would have a better chance at winning the contest for most money raised by a school in which winning students can travel to Africa. But their response was touching…they said, ‘Ms. Schwettmann, it isn’t about the contest. That’s not why we are doing this.’ I think that says it all.”

Read excerpts of the Village students’ letters to Obama: Letter Excerpts

If you’d like to help our Village students support Invisible Children, visit http://www.stayclassy.org/search/ic-fundraisers and search for The Village School. Or if you’d like to simply learn more, visit www.invisiblechildren.com .

Primary Parent Workshop

Building Relationships within Boundaries: Parenting Strategies that Create Confident Capable Children

On the evening of November 29^th, 40 parents took part in this parent workshop facilitated by Amy Pipe, Counselor, and Brian Berneking, Primary School Director.  The goal of the workshop was to help parents understand the important role discipline plays in child development and to present parents with techniques for creating discipline and boundaries in the family while strengthening parent-child relationships.

Parents left with a better understanding of the meaning and benefits of discipline, current research illustrating the role discipline plays in helping children find success throughout life and a variety of discipline techniques that can be immediately implemented at home.

The response was so positive that a follow-up workshop will be scheduled for January.  Parents of children at all division levels are welcome even if you were not able to attend the November workshop.

Below you’ll find some helpful links as well as a flyer Discipline Quick Tips from the workshop that relate to the topic.  If you have any questions or would like more information please contact Mrs. Pipe or Mr. Berneking.

http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2011/07/how-to-land-your-kid-in-therapy/8555/

http://www.theatlantic.com/life/archive/2011/10/all-work-and-no-play-why-your-kids-are-more-anxious-depressed/246422/

Welcome to The Village School Blog

Welcome to our blog. We’re excited to launch our first official blog for The VIllage School. Here we will share news and information about our school. On the sidebar you will find updates from our head of school as well … Continue reading →

To IB or not to IB, Good Question

We caught up with Gillian Richardson, IB Coordinator, and Stephane Ruz, High School Director to learn more about the International Baccalaureate Programme.

Q. What type of student can do the IB programme?

A. A well motivated student who is hungry for learning and wants a well-rounded and rigorous education in an international setting.  The key to success in the IB Programme is hard work and organization.  If a student has these qualities to begin, then they will likely be successful.

Q. What is unique about the programme?

A. The programme offers breadth and depth in curriculae. It is also tied together by the “core” aspects that are the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course and the Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) elements.  All of the subjects and the “core” help students to develop critical thinking skills and knowledge, but even more than that it enables students to be reflective, compassionate and open-minded.  Students who complete the programme are generally excellent communicators with strong principles and are truly prepared for college and beyond.  We aim to develop our students into being life-long lovers of learning.

Q. How does the IB programme compare to AP?

A. The IB programme develops students across a wide range of disciplines and considers critical thinking skills as a vital part of teaching and learning.  This is not necessarily true of AP.  IB subject grades come from testing a range of skills including final examinations, internal assessments and essays and oral work completed by the student during the course, which are externally graded and/or moderated by other IB teachers across the world.  The AP has a greater emphasis on the final exam, which can be limiting to some students. Of course, the IB is truly an international programme.

Q. Do IB students have the opportunity to do extracurricular activities i.e. music, athletics, community service?

A. All IB Diploma candidates must successfully complete a Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) programme which can involve all three of those activities.  Students are encouraged to take on activities and projects that are out of their comfort zone.  Students choose what activities they want to get involved in, so the CAS programme is truly student-designed.  A worthwhile CAS programme will develop student confidence, caring, and encourage risk-taking. Students will complete a minimum of 150 hours over the 2-year programme, however most students get so involved in their projects that they continue well beyond the minimum hours requirement.

Q. Is the Diploma Programme curriculum the same all over the world?

A. The curriculae offered to schools is the same across the world, however individual schools may choose to teach different subjects depending on the needs of the students and resources available.  All curriculae are developed by committees of people from all corners of the earth and published to IB schools to follow.  All courses are reviewed for relevance and to account for changes in technology, knowledge and research constantly and changes are made to reflect this every 5-7 years.

Q. How much homework is involved in the IB?

A. Probably more than most programmes, but it is up to the individual teacher/school to decide. Because the programme is so packed with subjects and the “core,” homework is an essential part of keeping up with the demands.

Q. How do students decide which courses to take?

A. Students will decide on 6 subjects chosen from each of the 6 groups of the IB “Hexagon Model”. Their subject courses should be chosen with the following in mind:

(a) Individual student needs and ability levels.

(b) Looking ahead to a career path. Are certain subjects a requirement for university?

(c) Recommendations by teachers.

(d) Discussion between parent, student, and teacher/college/guidance counselor.

Q. What major projects are assigned in the programme?

A. All subjects will have some kind of “Internal Assessment” which is worth approximately 20-30% of their final grade.  Depending on which subject a student takes will determine the nature of the Internal Assessment.  For example, the Internal Assessment for English Literature involves oral commentary, oral presentation and the submission of a World Literature assignment; whereas the Internal Assessment for the Sciences involves students formally writing up labwork which they have designed and carried out themselves.

Q. Do universities award scholarships for IB students?

A. Many will.  Many also give credits for courses.  The best way to find out about scholarships is to contact a university directly.  A good starting point to find out about credit/recognition is by visiting the IB website.

Q. My child is interested in the IB programme.  How can we learn more about the requirements?

A. By contacting the school and speaking with the admissions department.  They will pass your details on to either the IB coordinator, Gillian Richardson, or the Director of the High School, Stephane Ruz.

Q. I’d like to know more about all of the options offered in Village High School.

A. Please view the presentation Village High School Diploma Options for more details.

Campus Update

Click on the campus update to see all the news and happenings from the last few weeks at The Village School.

November Campus Update

Monica Garza, Interim Head of School

Meet Clarissa

Clarissa, 2012

Years Attended Village: 13

Favorite Subject: IB History and IB Art

Extra-curricular activities: volleyball, soccer, theatre, Blue Key, social committee

Awards/Honors: Student Artist Award, Pioneer Award, MVP Track and Field, MVP Cheerleading, Meritas Art Award

What do you like the most about Village? I love that when you walk into a classroom, you hear 10 different languages because it is so international.

What made you choose Village? My parents chose Village because of its academic rigor and reputation. I chose to stay at Village because it was the best fit for me and I was so excited to be a part of the first graduating class.

Favorite tradition: Spirit Week. First semester student council plans a week to celebrate where we dress up on theme days such as favorite cartoon character, favorite teacher and twin day.

Something I thought I’d never enjoy until I tried it at Village: Lacrosse. I would have never tried Lacrosse but I decided to give it a chance and I really enjoyed it.

Where to you see yourself after Village? I see myself studying cinematography/creative producing at a film school and pursuing a career in directing.

It was October of my 8^th grade year and the whole grade was given a yellow sheet of paper. On that yellow sheet of paper there were directions that said, “Write down what three high schools you plan on applying to.” My hand grabbed the pen and wrote Village High School. It was as simple as that, no other schools, just Village. Ever since I learned that The Village School was going to have a high school I didn’t even think twice. I couldn’t wait to tell my parents that I wanted to stay at Village. As the year progressed, I was able to meet many of the new teachers and even interview our new principle, Mr. Ruz. It was definitely a different process. It felt like we were starting a whole new program and we the students were a part of its creation.

Finally 8^th grade came to an end and I remember being at the end of year ceremony and looking down at the program where it said, “ Clarissa Navarro… The Village School.” I couldn’t wait to go into high school and start something new. Four years have passed and now I see a completely different school. It is incredible to see how far we have come and how many obstacles we have overcome. I am definitely saddened by the fact that I will be graduating but I have learned so much from all the people here and I would NEVER change this experience. -Clarissa