December 2023 IB Connection

• December 5th, 6pm-7:30pm: Social Media Parent Presentation, Adults ONLY (English - Spanish)
• December 7th, 5pm-6pm: Science Fair
• December 19th, 4pm-7pm: Winter Wonderland
• December 21st: End of Quarter 2
• December 22nd: No School: School Improvement Day
• December 25th: January 5th - No School: Winter Break

As we dive into the excitement of a new year, it's not just about resolutions and fresh starts – it's an incredible opportunity to support young people on their educational adventure. One way to do this? Embracing the power of reflection.

Reflection isn't just a concept for the classroom; it's a valuable tool for personal growth. When our kids take a moment to look back on their experiences, both big wins and small hiccups, they're not just recalling events – they're actively engaging with their own journey of learning and development.

Creating a Reflective Environment

Start the conversation at home about the importance of self-awareness and learning from both successes and setbacks. This sets the stage for a culture of continuous improvement. Remember, it's not about being perfect; it's about progress.

Goal Setting with Heart

Encourage your young person to set personal, achievable goals for the upcoming months. These goals should be tied to their interests and aligned with their academic growth. It's not a checklist of perfection but a roadmap for their own unique journey.

Learning from Mistakes

Remind your child that mistakes are part of life's journey. What's important is what comes next. Create a supportive environment where making mistakes is seen as a stepping stone towards improvement. This mindset fosters resilience and a positive approach to challenges.

Family Conferences

Take reflection to a deeper level by engaging in family conferences. This approach allows your child to showcase their progress, share their challenges, and express their goals. It's a fantastic way to be actively involved in your child's learning journey and lets them take ownership of their education.

As we start 2024, let's empower our children to take ownership of their learning. By encouraging reflection, we're not just preparing them for school; we're preparing them for life's adventures. Here's to a year of growth, self-discovery, and celebrating the unique journey of each child. Cheers to the incredible voyage ahead!

Armed with creativity and a dash of holiday spirit, our Pre-K took charge and hatched a plan to save turkeys from becoming our Thanksgiving meal – they disguised the turkeys! Imaginations ran wild as feathers turned into capes, googly eyes transformed into secret agent goggles, and construction paper became the ultimate camouflage. Join us in celebrating a Thanksgiving where turkeys become the true stars of the show!

In Mrs. Garcia's class, students logged in for a virtual field trip to the Adler Planetarium, excited for a cosmic adventure. From different locations, they explored outer space on screens, guided by Adler educators. In their avatar form, they engaged in discussions and activities. Despite the distance, the trip became a shared cosmic journey, blending education with enthusiasm.

In Ms. Ramirez's class (231), students used a famous fairy tale to talk about big concepts like form and function. After reading and analyzing the story of The Three Little Pigs, students were challenged to build a house that the big, bad wolf cannot blow down. Students made connections to the concepts as it related to what a home may need based on our inquiry of homes around the world.

Ms. Melendez and Ms. Solano spent 8 weeks learning and applying new art skills. They were excited for art and did a great job!

In Mrs. Selim's class, students designed and created different forms of artistic expression by utilizing geometric shapes, different polygons, and properties to represent their own culture. Students thought of their own unique art piece to demonstrate what they learned about the properties and uses of polygons in Geometry. They created a quilt square that represented elements of their identity. They approached situations with confidence and challenged themselves to create a quilt, reflecting on the connection between the quilt design and themselves.

It was surprising for students to see the final pieces of their peers. Especially after all the pieces were put together and hanged as a large big quilt of all their final work of the 7th graders. The project represented one large community of all the students' identity and background.

Prek-K students celebrated Thanksgiving Day by expressing what they are thankful for this year.

Students embarked on an expressive journey inspired by Janell Cannon's enchanting tale, STELLALUNA. Students analyzed the power of adjectives at the start, middle, and end of the story to describe the main character's feelings. This engaging activity not only fostered language skills but also seamlessly wove in essential PYP concepts, connecting the dots between literature and emotional intelligence.

As the holiday season approaches, families and caretakers are encouraged to consider incorporating elements of international mindedness into their celebrations. This goes beyond merely exploring different customs; it involves fostering a genuine understanding, appreciation, and respect for the diverse perspectives that shape our global community.

Here's a guide on how families can infuse a inclusive, global perspective into their holiday traditions at home:

1. Global Culinary Exploration: Families can explore dishes from different cultures during their holiday meals, providing an enriching experience as they discover new flavors and traditions.
2. Cultural Symbols: Decorating homes with ornaments and symbols from various cultures visually celebrates the diversity that makes our community unique.
3. Exploration through Storytelling: Families can explore holiday stories from around the world with their children. Reading together or finding online resources can provide insights into different cultural traditions.
4. Global Acts of Kindness: Engaging in charitable activities with an international focus allows families to discuss how small acts of kindness can contribute to making a positive impact globally, fostering empathy and shared responsibility.
5. International Movie Night: Choose holiday-themed movies from different cultures and make it a family movie night. Discuss the cultural aspects portrayed in the films and how they compare to your own traditions.
6. Global Music Playlist: Create a playlist featuring holiday music from different cultures. This auditory exploration can be a joyful way to appreciate the diversity of musical traditions.
7. Family Heritage Discussions: Take the time to discuss your own family's cultural heritage. Share stories, traditions, and practices that have been passed down through generations.

While December holds many well-known holidays, it's important to foster a mindset in young people that holidays are not confined to this month alone. Embracing a broader perspective on holidays encourages a sense of inclusivity and appreciation for the rich tapestry of cultural traditions throughout the year. Consider this list when engaging with young people about holidays:

1. Year-Round Cultural Exploration: Introduce children to celebrations from different cultures that occur throughout the year. This could include Lunar New Year, Diwali, Hanukkah, Ramadan, or other festivals depending on the cultural makeup of our community.
2. Global Holiday Calendar: Create a visual calendar that highlights holidays from various cultures and religions occurring each month. Displaying this in classrooms or at home can serve as a constant reminder of the diversity of celebrations beyond December.
3. Diverse Family Traditions: Share and celebrate your own family traditions that may not align with the typical December holidays. This provides a platform for children to appreciate the uniqueness within their own family.

We hope you all have a safe, peaceful, and joyful holiday season!