Director Message
Posted on January 21 2020
Dear Parents, Last week our fourth-grade learners and teachers visited both an Islamic mosque and a Jewish synagogue here in Quito. This is part of…
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Director Message
January 21 2020
Dear Parents,
Last week our fourth-grade learners and teachers visited both an Islamic mosque and a Jewish synagogue here in Quito. This is part of the unit they have been doing in the PYP focused on understanding belief systems and traditions around the world. The trips were a huge success. Not only did the students gain an insight into these belief traditions, but they were wonderful ambassadors for our school. The rabbi at the synagogue commented that of all the students he's ever presented to, each year Academia Cotopaxi's students are always the most respectful, active listeners and ask deep, meaningful questions. To all the parents of fourth graders, please congratulate and encourage your sons and daughters to continue being inquisitive and open to learning.
To be honest, the Elementary administration, fourth grade teachers and I pondered the rationale of such a trip considering recent developments in Iraq and Iran. We reached out to the security authorities at the US Embassy. The Embassy assured us that there was no reason for undue alarm or caution here in Ecuador. There was also agreement with a philosophical argument for encouraging our students to understand other perspectives. We live in an ever more interconnected world. Many of us grew up in a world where everyone around us were very similar to ourselves, the same culture, the same beliefs. But our children will most likely interact with people who come from very different belief systems and traditions than they. In a world with so many challenges, it is vital that we include others, whoever they are, in finding solutions. We need to build bridges of understanding, not walls and barriers to dialogue. And thus, we realized that our way of combating conflict as a school, is to model and give opportunities for insight, understanding and realization that for the most part we have the same values, love, family, regard for creation and the natural world, the need to feel appreciated for who we are.
Developing and promoting principles of tolerance is important in our globalized world. In order to enhance social relations and prevent conflicts, it is necessary to establish a ground for mutual understanding, negotiation and tolerance on the border of religions, languages and ethnicity. Dialogue cannot be conducted if there is no respect for human rights, rule of law, democratic principles and spiritual values. Not only knowledge and respect regarding secular ideology but also religious ideology is an essential goal of life in our culturally diversified world.
I recall teaching World Religions to high school students in Mexico, a setting very similar to Quito. Initially some students felt uncomfortable with the idea of exploring other faiths. To address this, we examined the example of Pope John Paul II. There was no doubt of the strength of his conviction in his beliefs, nor the openness to dialogue with people of other faiths, inviting religious leaders from around the world to the Vatican and honoring other faiths by visiting their places of worship. He reflected a universal reality and imperative when he said, “By dialogue, we let God be present in our midst, for as we open ourselves to one another, we open ourselves to God.” No matter what our views with respect to religion, when we open ourselves to including, respecting and honoring others, we become better people. That is a fundamental principle behind inclusion at Academia Cotopaxi.
Please also remember that one of our big events of the year, the PTSA Bingo is taking place this Friday, January 24 from 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. in the Athletic Center.
Have a wonderful week.
Elementary School News
Posted on January 21 2020
Dear Parents, Talent Show auditions will take place this week on Thursday, January 23. To register your child or group, please complete the form at…
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Elementary School News
January 21 2020
Dear Parents,
Talent Show auditions will take place this week on Thursday, January 23. To register your child or group, please complete the form at this link by Wednesday, January 22. All proceeds from the Talent Show go towards the class of 2021 service learning project. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at: hshulman@cotopaxi.k12.ec
During the week of January 20-24, students in grades 3-5 will take the second of three MAP® test sessions, given throughout the year. We give students MAP® tests to determine students’ instructional level and to measure academic growth throughout the school year. Please note that students do not need to study for the MAP tests because it is meant to measure accumulated learning to date. MAP test scores are one piece of information regarding your child’s learning.
We continue to monitor the indexes for UV Rays and want to thank you for partnering with us to keep children aware of the importance of protection. Students have been such collaborators and demonstrated flexibility as we have had to make some changes to their play routines. We will continue to hold PE classes under shade or indoors this week. Only if the index allows for it, will we have classes in the outdoor fields.
We have been observing a heightened interest from students to care for our environmental resources. This is a wonderful opportunity to engage with your child and make some personal commitments to reduce or eliminate the use of disposables. We see that many snacks come individually wrapped in disposable plastic, tetra pak or styrofoam containers. We encourage you to replace these with drinks in thermos, fruits in non-disposable containers, carbs and protein in reusable bags.
The PTSA is putting together an awesome afternoon on Friday. BINGO begins at 4:30 p.m.
Warm regards,
Paola de Pereira
Elementary School Principal
Middle School News
Posted on January 21 2020
The photo above shows a few of our MS students using the bench they designed and constructed in Design Tech class this semester. In grades 7-8…
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Middle School News
January 21 2020
The photo above shows a few of our MS students using the bench they designed and constructed in Design Tech class this semester. In grades 7-8 Design Tech class, students propose and plan their own projects, and then construct them from start to finish. This is a continuation from the Grade 6 Design Tech class, where students plan and complete pre-selected projects. Design Tech is one of the classes we will feature in our Celebrations of Learning during FLEX this week. Other highlights include the Socratic Seminar in Social Studies, Investigative Journalism in Language Arts, and Printmaking in Art. Ask your child on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday about their FLEX experiences!
In addition to classroom Celebrations of Learning, we have two assemblies during FLEX this week. On Monday we all had the chance to watch the Robotics classes battle it out in a Battle Bot assembly, and on Friday students will enhance their cross-cultural understanding through a special Chinese New Year assembly.
MAP
During the week of January 27-31, Middle School students will take the second of three MAP® test sessions, given throughout the year. We give students MAP® tests to determine students’ instructional level and to measure academic growth throughout the school year. Students will take the tests on their own computers during a set schedule from 9:25 a.m. - 10:40 a.m. Please note that students do not need to study for the MAP tests because it is meant to measure accumulated learning to date.
At Academia Cotopaxi, students in Grades 3-10 have been taking tests called Measures of Academic Progress® (MAP) since 2014. The data gathered for our school has illustrated our students’ strengths and learning needs, has helped teachers target their instruction and has provided administrators with valuable information to make school wide decisions. This is an important assessment and we want our students to take it seriously.
MAP tests are unique in that they are an adaptive test, which means that the test adjusts to each student’s learning level, providing a unique set of test questions based on responses to previous questions. As the student responds to questions, the test responds to the student, adjusting up or down in difficulty. As a result, each student has the same opportunity to succeed and maintain a positive attitude toward testing.
Following each testing period, you will receive a report showing your child’s growth. You can help your child take this test seriously by valuing the results and discussing them with your child.
Ideas to keep in mind:
- 3 tests will be administered this week (Math, Language Usage, Reading)
- The tests are used in multiple ways to support learning, so please encourage and support your child to take this seriously.
- As always, ensure your child gets a good night sleep and has breakfast.
- Remind your child to bring a book, in case they finish early.
Please note that the MAP window for the Middle School at AC is ONLY January 27-31. All tests must be completed by the end of the day on Friday, January 31. If your child is unable to complete the tests by this time, for any reason, we will not have a score for that test in this testing session.
For more information on resources for parents, visit this page and please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Counselor’s Corner - Aubrey Jordan
This past week in Cougar Time, Middle School students learned about how their brains are going through a major “renovation” during adolescence and how they can be more aware of what those changes mean in regards to social interactions, risk-taking, planning & organizing, etc. If you as a parent are looking to better understand the changes that occur in the brain during adolescence, I recommend you read this post: They’ll Do What? The What and the Why of the Changes that Come With Adolescence.
We look forward to seeing you at PTSA BINGO on Friday!
With kind regards,
Sheryl
Sheryl Gruber
Middle School Principal
sgruber@cotpaxi.k12.ec
(593-2) 382-3270 ext. 2001
"We are responsible for being informed global citizens who understand and affect positive change."
High School News
Posted on January 21 2020
Dear Parents, January is always a busy month in the High School so please take a look at the information below. Have a great week! MAP 9th and 10th…
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High School News
January 21 2020
Dear Parents,
January is always a busy month in the High School so please take a look at the information below. Have a great week!
MAP
9th and 10th graders are taking the MAP tests this week and next. Here is the letter that Dr Hoyle sent in December.
2020-2021 Course Selection Process
On January 20, at 10:55 a.m., all 10th grade students and parents are invited to a presentation on the Grade 11 courses and there will be a time to interact with all teachers to guide the course selection. This will take place in the Auditorium.
On the same day, on January 20, 9th and 11th graders will work on choosing their courses for 2020-2021. This will be with students only and they will bring their option forms back home for parents to review and sign.
On January 27, 8th grade parents and students are invited for a 2020-2021 High School course selection presentation at 2:00 p.m. in the Auditorium
Discover Ecuador
The Discover Ecuador trips are coming up, between February 3-7. There will be a meeting with the trip organisers on Friday, January 31 at 10:55 a.m. for students and parents. Please review the packing lists for each trip that we sent back in December.
Students who are not going DE will be required to come to school and will get involved with different local service-based activities. A form was sent to students to choose a minimum of two activities. Time will also be allocated for students to write their reflections on ManageBac and to do extra work.
- Parque Metropolitano Clean Up: Bus to Metropolitano in the morning and a few hours in the park to help beautify the park.
- IMAGINE: 8:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. Monday-Friday. Working in IMAGINE classrooms with children and teachers. (18 maximum committed every morning)
- AC Art and Design Projects: Working on Art projects around AC. Painting, design, building. 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Monday, Wednesday and Thursday)
- Hogar Para Sus Niños: 8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday: Bus to an orphanage in North Quito to work with children. (5 students committed both days)
- Tree Planting in Ilaloa: Working with the Municipo to plant trees. Thursday morning. There is a small cost. ($14 for materials for this day)
Class Changes
For your information, students have the first 10 class days of the semester to make any course changes. Students in grades 9-10 can see Ms. Keyes for any questions and grades 11-12 should see Mr. Wasser and/or Mr. Voeller (for IB Courses). Blue course change forms must be submitted by Monday, January 20.
IB Corner
Mock Exams for our Seniors will be the week of March 9. Students that are registered for an IB Exam will take a “Mock Final” for that course during this week. This is designed to simulate the exam conditions they will face in May and will serve as the Semester 2 Final exam for those courses. Students that are not registered for IB exams will have normal school that week.
Thank you,
Fred Bordaguibel
High School Principal
