by Angie Briceño | Jul 11, 2020
Over the past few weeks, we have all gotten to know our 12th grade, and 2nd generation International Baccalaureate students, through Tuesday’s social media posts “Portraits of a Graduate”.
2020 is a very different year for the 12th graders, where what was to be a last year of memories together in class has ended up being an isolated experience in each of their homes, working towards a common goal of obtaining the International Baccalaureate degree. What we can conclude from these “portraits’ is that Futuro Verde has been not only a portal of knowledge but also a family, for this group of students. The relationships and friendships they have established at Futuro Verde will be forever carried in their hearts. Futuro Verde has been an extremely important part of their lives and they have been important to the growth and evolution of Futuro Verde. Many of them have been with us since elementary school, others joined us at the beginning of high school. We have seen them grow as students and also as people. We have watched their trajectories and we can agree that today they are citizens of the world and are ready to go out and give the best of themselves and contribute to making our world a better place. We wish them all success!
by Lural Ramirez | Jul 11, 2020
As schools across the world, and within Costa Rica, face the reality of a return to on-campus schooling in some form or another, emotions on the subject can run quite high and opinions, even among researchers and scientific experts, can vary widely.
From our perspective as a school, we continue to research the evolution of the disease as well as follow closely the recommendations from, not only the Costa Rican Health Ministry, but from other researchers and experts around the world.
Today, I would like to share some sample research and thoughts with you in the hope that it helps you have new and varied perspectives on the virus and the concept of school reopening when the virus is still present.
Health and safety
Regarding the concerns of wearing masks and the potential, related health risks of mask wearing, I recommend listening to this journalistic report from National Public Radio on the topic and their analysis of the scientific research behind prolonged risk from wearing masks.
Emotional and Psychological Impact of Quarantine
Does a pandemic cause emotional and psychological stress that is of grave concern in children? The answer is- it depends! Parental emotional regulation and the maintenance of a safe home environment are primary factors that contribute to the level of negative impact on children. The following article provides guidance and additional links related to supporting positive long-term health for your child throughout the distinct stages of the pandemic.
Considerations Regarding Short and Long-Term Response to a Virological Crisis
When there is a circumstance that so strongly impacts our lives and that is, in so many ways, out of our direct control, it is wise to consider the short and long term impacts of the crisis as well as the emotional response it is recommended by experts to take when facing such apparent uncertainty. In this article, renowned Belgian virologist, Peter Piot, reflects on the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our Commitment as a School
One of the most commonly heard reflections from this time of crisis schooling is a re-commitment by families, and by society as a whole, to the importance of the incredibly challenging and essential work that is done each day by our professional educators and by our schools. We are fortunate in Futuro Verde to have an incredible group of highly-qualified and professional educators who have taken on the challenge of distance and online learning with the same enthusiasm and problem-solving nature that you have come to expect from a FV teacher! The ingredient currently missing from our learning program is, thankfully, not a lack of progression in learning, as is the case in too many schools around the country and the world, but instead a joint presence on campus during learning processes. Being together, though physically separate, is important for children’s mental health, academic progress and intellectual and social-emotional development.
For this reason, as soon as the health conditions permit, we plan to open our campus to students. The Futuro Verde campus reopening will be gradual and measured and will include the following of all health measures required or recommended by the Costa Rican Health Ministry.
We commit to the ongoing education of our students:
Online and through a distance format when that is required, through a blended learning model when on campus learning is allowed, and in a full on campus mode when the pandemic conditions permit.
by Lural Ramirez | Aug 30, 2019
Over the course of this year I will be sharing with you reflections on our school’s core values. My article in July explored the third of five core school values, “Futuro Verde: Our cultural oxygen expands your curiosity”. Today, I will be sharing reflections on our fourth core school value.
Futuro Verde: We Take the Best of our Diversity to Live in Harmony
What a gift it is to belong to an international school community like ours! Did you know that not all international school communities are the same? Frequently you will find international schools where English is the only language taught. Other international schools may be located in a country different to their curricular offering that is tied strictly to a British, American or Australian framework for learning and the host country for the school is often not reflected in the school culture. Most other international schools are also geared toward educating only the economically privileged members of the community. As you most likely already know, none of these international school tendencies describe Futuro Verde!
Futuro Verde is an international school unlike most others! Here are some of the fascinating facts about our diverse community:
- Each year our student population is made up of students from around 33 unique countries from around the world.
- Over 60% of our student population is Costa Rican.
- Most years we boast over 10 unique native languages spoken in our students’ homes.
- Our school staff come from 14 different countries, with four English dialects taught and five Spanish dialects represented.
- We are a fully bilingual school, providing instruction equally amounts of time in Spanish and English from ages 3-18.
- A minimum of 30% of our students each year receive some form of financial aid in order to attend school with us.
- We are a secular school that welcomes all forms of belief and spiritual practice and our staff and student population is full of diversity in faith as well.
It is an amazing thing, if you think about it, that so much rich diversity has gathered in this little corner of the world! But, by far, the best part of our diversity is the harmony we keep with one another. In an ever divisive world, a global and diverse microcosm like Futuro Verde offers an opportunity to grow in tolerance, acceptance and open-mindedness and we strive to lead in the commitment to promoting a more peaceful and harmonious world. Thank YOU for forming part of the inspiring community that is Futuro Verde!
by Noelia | Sep 18, 2018
Futuro Verde is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year with great happiness and pride. Throughout the year we have been participating in several fun activities and making commemorative souvenirs with much attention to detail and love, a trademark of Futuro Verde´s education and commitment.
- The celebrations began in February with students painting a new mural made with the aim of beautifying the school. It is installed outside the library, brightening up our sports area with its vibrant colors.
- In the month of April, in celebration of Earth Day, we planted the seeds of our “Founders´ Garden” in the center of the school.
- On Mother’s Day, on August 14th, all students received a Futuro Verde / IB anniversary pencil and a note with the slogan “Making 10 years of history, thank you for leaving your mark!”
- On August 17, to continue with the celebrations of Mother’s Day, “Prom” students organized a movie afternoon with popcorn and babysitters, giving parents the opportunity to enjoy a romantic dinner in local restaurants where the students and the FV administration secured them discounts!
- For the Day of the Child, the FV Student Government outdid themselves with the coordination and creation of a large number of fun activities for the children: Dodgeball tournaments, volleyball, table tennis, soccer , board games, chess, face painting, movies with popcorn, karaoke, wii games, and many more. As a special treat, a cookie with a gluten-free option for celiacs (Futuro Verde is always attentive to everyone’s needs) was given to the children.
- During Civics Week we are showing off a new banner, which is already installed at the entrance of the school.
We still have a whole trimester of classes and many more surprises to go to celebrate the 10 year existence of our Educational Center! Stay tuned, more activities in October, November and December coming your way!
by Noelia | Aug 30, 2018
The month of patriotic celebrations is approaching quickly! Our country is celebrating its 197th anniversary of independence and we have already started preparing for the event.
We begin on Wednesday, September 12th at 6:00 pm, with our civic week participation at the Cóbano bull ring.
Next, on Friday, September 14th, we participate in the torch run, and in the evening we take part in the lantern parade
at 6:00 p.m., walking from the municipality building towards the circle of Cóbano.
The culminating activity is the independence day parade on Saturday, September 15th, at 8 pm, in the center of Cóbano.
by Ariadna Lopez Vargas | Jul 2, 2018
“Music is a universal language and it is always connecting us” by Anonymous
For me, as a student and young person, participating in the Huntsville Alabama Music Camp was a totally enriching experience in every way, not only because of the technical learning that it provided to me, but also because of the opportunity to expand my mind getting to know the culture, the place and the exceptional good reception that these people gave me.
The camp lasted about a week, however, my stay was 13 days and it was as Miss Susan says… “every day I learn something new”. I learned a lot every day I spent there. The camp was held in Huntsville Alabama, in a Methodist church that was spacious enough to house rehearsals, master classes and workshops of more than 8 different orchestras. The organization was always very professional and the directors, composers, instrumentalists and teachers worked in a strictly professional and committed way which allowed us to have very good results at the end of the camp.
The second week was much quieter and we spent it in Nashville, Tennessee, where we were with another family that was just as friendly and hospitable as the family that awarded us a place to stay in Huntsville. In Nashville we visited downtown, museums, and other touristic places which were very fun and enjoyable. In summary, it was a very nice experience.
