by Dr. Gabriel Maldonado | Dec 13, 2022
One of the key objectives of the Junta in the 2021 – 22 school year was the creation and distribution of a strategic planning survey to gain important insight from all stakeholders in our school community. Based on 111 survey respondents, facilities & maintenance was identified as one of the top three most urgent priorities for Futuro Verde only behind teacher retention & training.
As a result, the board of directors set focus on making significant progress on our facilities over the break, including improvements to the physical education facilities, water infrastructure and beautification projects to enhance the aesthetic appeal of campus. With the help of our support staff and the team at Torogoz, we were able to kick off the 2022-23 school year.
Soccer Field
With a design concept and project scope provided by Ricardo at Torogoz, we utilized the last 3 weeks of break to complete the grading, water infrastructure, and installation of sod to complete our new multi-use sports field. Although the rainy season limited the use of the field in our first few months, our physical education department started using the field, which is a big improvement from last year. We are excited to continue expanding our physical education facilities to offer more recreational activities on-site for students.
Rain Water Infrastructure
Do you remember how bad the entrance to the school parking lot was? What about how bad mosquitoes were during the rainy season? You have difficulty recalling since many of our infrastructure projects are effectively working behind the scenes to address these issues. Although these projects do not have the same “curb appeal” as a new sports field, they are hard at work moving water through the campus, addressing erosion, and eliminating stagnant water and mosquito larvae. Next time you are on campus take a look at some of these features and see how they contribute to the long-term health of our school ecosystem!
Campus Beautification
In addition to the projects listed above, Futuro Verde hosted its first beautification day in September to focus on the entrance of the school. Since this event, we have planted an additional 2,000 new drought tolerant plants on campus that have enhanced the visual aesthetics of the school. These plants also serve practical functions such as erosion control, framing walkways and trails, and most importantly, carbon sequestration.
Although we have more work ahead, the progress we have made in just a few short months keeps us inspired to continue maintaining and enhancing our facilities. Thanks to everyone who has contributed their time, talent, or treasure to make Futuro Verde what it is today!
by Jennifer Middleton | Dec 13, 2022
This school year has been off to an exciting start. There have been many changes related to administration, staff, school wide systems, facilities and more. One of the biggest changes pertains to my role as the Interim Director. After the previous director unexpectedly resigned at the end of the 2021-2022 school year, the Board of Directors offered me the position, taking into consideration my experience as an educator, my skills and qualifications, and my passion and love for Futuro Verde.
I have been involved with the school for many years in many different roles. My first role was as a teacher from 2013 to 2015. After teaching in California for several years, I moved back to the area in 2019, where I slowly started getting involved in the school again. I started volunteering as a parent and then when an opportunity arose to join the Board of Directors in 2020, I decided to run. I wanted to be in a position where I could help give guidance and be an agent of change. With my skill set, I knew that I could add value to the Board of Directors and work with the administration to develop plans for the future.
When I came into the position of Interim Director, I knew there would be many challenges and that it would be a learning experience. During the first three months, I have been focused on learning, observing, and working with the administration and staff to understand our current practices. I have been able to analyze our strengths and also recognize areas for improvement. Also, I have been focused on connecting with our community. Cultivating relationships is key to developing a strong school community. Whether it’s connecting with parents in the morning during drop-off, chatting with students in the lunch line or meeting with staff members to offer support, these are things I do on a daily basis to connect. This foundation is necessary for us to move forward as a school and make progress.
I am very optimistic about the future of our school and I look forward to working with the Board, staff and families to achieve our goals. Below you will find the primary objectives that we are working towards as a school:
- Strengthen various systems and procedures within the school such as communication, admissions, behavior, and assessment.
- Work with the Board of Directors to develop a strong strategic plan for the next school year and beyond.
- Continue to focus on teacher retention strategies and develop a strong sense of community and positive school culture.
- Strengthen our dual immersion language program and offer more opportunities for support for language learners.
- Work to create more vertical and horizontal cohesiveness with our curriculum, mainly in the areas of English language arts, Spanish Language arts and math.
Thank you for your confidence and trust as I lead our school during this transition period. I greatly appreciate the dedication and support of our families, students and staff.
Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Middleton
by Juan Ignacio Diano | Jun 1, 2022
We are pleased to announce that our “Fun Run” activity is back. Sports, running, health, and fun will be what will shape this beautiful family event.
The Fun Run consists of a day in which children, teachers and parents will be able to participate in races as the main event. But there will also be other sports activities, raffles and food sales. The activity will take place on July 13 from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm and all families of our institution are cordially invited to participate in both races and other activities or collaborate with protocols or donations.
Currently, our Sports Committee is working on the organization and coordination of this great event, so in the coming months detailed information will be provided through social media and emails.
It is important to participate in these types of events to unite as a community, as an institution and also to remember the importance of having a healthy, integral life that motivates us to take care of both of our physical and mental health.
by Juan Ignacio Diano | Jun 1, 2022
Nos complace anunciar que nuestra actividad “Fun Run” está de regreso. Deporte, carreras, salud y diversión será lo que dará forma a esta linda actividad familiar.
El “Fun Run” consiste en un día en el cual tanto niños como maestros y padres de familia, podrán participar de carreras como evento principal. Pero también se llevarán a cabo otras actividades deportivas, rifas y ventas de comidas. La actividad se llevará a cabo el 13 de julio de 8:00 am a 12:30 pm y todas las familias de nuestra institución están cordialmente invitadas a participar, tanto en las carreras como en las otras actividades o bien, colaborar con los protocolos o donaciones.
Actualmente, nuestro Comité de Deportes trabaja en la organización y coordinación de este gran evento, por lo que en los próximos meses se brindará información detallada a través de redes sociales y correos electrónicos.
Es importante volver a participar de este tipo de eventos para unirnos como comunidad, como institución y así mismo, para recordar la relevancia de tener una vida sana, integral y que nos motive a cuidar tanto la salud física como mental.
by Jennifer Middleton | May 25, 2022
Hello Parents!
This article is to provide you with an overview of the extraordinary assembly meeting that took place this past April 20th 2022 at 4:00 pm via Zoom.
The full presentation is attached if you would like to review:
- Overview of the Extraordinary Assembly
- Strategic Planning & Teacher Retention
- Financial Report
- Vote for tuition increase
- Results: 75% in favor of a 15% increase in tuition rates, compared to 25% in favor of a 20% increase in tuition rates.
- According to the vote, there will be a 15% increase to tuition rates for the 2022-2023 school year.
Questions & Answers from the meeting:
- What does it mean to be bilingual? What English and Spanish is offered, native versus non-native?
Our immersion program involves teaching content in both languages and students being exposed to both English and Spanish languages throughout the day. We offer English language arts and Spanish language arts. We do not offer English or Spanish as second language courses due to the fact that we are a dual immersion school and the idea is that students acquire the language through content.
- If people (teachers and students) come and go, how do you guarantee academic rigor? Who oversees this ?
The director and the administration team are responsible for ensuring rigor and fluidity through curriculum. Each course has a study plan and we are currently in the process of updating and strengthening the scope and sequence of each course. We are also in the process of reinforcing internal systems so that these transitions are not so disruptive.
- What type of teachers do you want to attract? What is the focus ?
We want to recruit all types of teachers which include: Nationals, Residents, and International career teachers. The focus is on all, however, as mentioned in the presentation, it is difficult to hire international teachers due to many factors such as low pay, lack of affordable housing, etc. We will work to create packages to attract international teachers. Simultaneously, we will focus on hiring qualified teachers who already live in Costa Rica, whether they are national or foreign hires. It is likely that if they already live in Costa Rica or in the region, they will be more established and accustomed to what it is like to live in Costa Rica.
- Would creating part time positions be an option?
Our experience has been that teachers who are only here part time are only partly committed to the school and have been disconnected to the day to day operations, mission and vision of the school. Part time support positions could be an option, but part time teaching positions are not likely.
- Could the school facilitate after hours tutoring where teachers can charge an hourly rate?
Some of our teachers provide tutoring outside the school, but this is a service that is not provided by the school but by the teacher. Currently, the school only offers FARO centers.
- Is there concern that once the world opens up again, those numbers come down?
School expansion and contraction is a natural phenomenon all schools face over time. Instead of being concerned, we are exercising caution and strategic planning to ensure our finances are sustainable through these natural cycles.
- Is the focus on investing in more buildings, that in a few years will probably be moved the best priority? Or should we focus on inward growth instead?
The Board is currently focused on both facilities and infrastructure. However, the reality we face in the coming academic year is that we are limited on instructional space to operate all of our programs. New construction projects are now being evaluated for their impact on our natural space, ability to relocate, and cost.
- Instead of more class rooms, should we invest first in housing for teachers to support the current school?
The costs to build a residential village for teachers is not a viable financial option. Rough financial projections of the two projects are not even comparable. Unless we are able to secure a major donation or corporate sponsorship, we simply do not have the capital to take on a project that scale.
- If growth this big is a guessing game, why focus on expansion?
The focus of the current Board is not expansion. Our priority remains to provide the best academic program possible with the resources at our disposal. If the student population decreases in the coming years, the investment in our facilities will continue to provide value to the school community. We will NOT have empty classrooms.
- Have you thought about offering a third option with a lower increase to loyal students that have been with the school for many years and a higher increase to new students?
We HAVE NOT considered a third tuition option for “loyal” students, but will take the suggestion into consideration as we develop our strategic plan for the coming 5 years.
- Have you considered (projected) the increased tuition may result in some families exiting the program, potentially altering your projected growth figures for upcoming years?
Yes, we have factored in the attrition of our student population as a result of the tuition increase. For this reason, it is imperative we have a tuition base that can cover our operating expenses and establish a fiscal reserve in the event of a significant decrease in enrollment
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact junta@futuro-verde.org.
Sincerely,
Futuro Verde Board of Directors
LINK
by Noelia | May 1, 2022
Durante este curso lectivo con la apertura de más actividades y baja de restricciones se pudieron incluir algunas giras en algunos grados como iniciativa de los profesores. Los estudiantes participaron de giras a la granja, a Tambor a aguas abiertas, evento deportivo en Hermosa Valley, hiking en Cabo Blanco y un día en Isla Tortuga.
Próximamente los estudiantes de 11° bajo su programa de CAS (Creatividad, Actividad y Servicio) del Bachillerato Internacional estarán visitando la Organización Mangrove en San Isidro con un grupo de estudiantes de el colegio Summit de Carolina del Norte en donde estarán participando ý aprendiendo acerca de la construcción de domos y estarán visitando un jardín de plantas comestibles y aprendiendo acerca de los procesos.
El viernes 27 de mayo los y las estudiantes de preparatoria estarán visitando la estación de bomberos de Paquera para culminar con la unidad de servidores de la comunidad . Luego de que anteriormente bajo el tema transdisciplinario cómo nos expresamos pudieran estudiar los distintos trabajos de la comunidad, cómo se comunican entre ellos y en qué nos benefician.
Adicionalmente y para culminar el año con las giras, los estudiantes de 11° como parte de su programa de CAS y los estudiantes de 10° como parte de su programa de Estudios Sociales estarán visitando el Teatro Nacional el próximo 08 de junio para asistir a la obra de Ana Frank como parte del program para colegios ¨Érase una vez¨.
Las excursiones enriquecen y amplían el plan de estudios, refuerzan la capacidad de observación al sumergir a los/las estudiantes en actividades sensoriales, aumentan los conocimientos de los/las estudiantes en una materia concreta y amplían la conciencia de los/las estudiantes sobre su propia comunidad y alrededores. Es importante ver estas excursiones como estudios de casos o áreas específicas en las que el profesor o profesora puede aprovechar al máximo los temas o contenidos vistos en el aula y realizar conexiones reales que les permitan a los/las estudiantes ser partícipes de un aprendizaje más significativo.
Para el curso lectivo 2022-2023 esperamos que todos los grupos vuelvan a tener giras y les estaremos informando más al respecto durante la tarde de Casa Abierta del curso lectivo 2022-2023.
