by Javier Sánchez Cáceres | Oct 7, 2021
On August 3, our twelfth grade students, accompanied by the principal Angie, teacher Javier and teacher Adriana, participated in an unforgettable experience full of adventure, challenges, laughter and above all, meaningful learning.
Crossing obstacles by holding on to ropes while maintaining balance, climbing a wall with concentration and canopy jumping at full speed were the main activities that the students were part of. One of the values that we can rescue the most during this experience was to see how support and teamwork stood out, achieving not only to bond the group, but also to enjoy extreme activities in a healthy way.
The group also had time to relax in the swimming pool, enjoy the beautiful scenery of the place, walk in a maze full of natural beauties, have delicious breakfast and lunch, and to finish, a cup of coffee accompanied by homemade sweet bread.
Thanks to this experience, our students were able to relax and enjoy in order to recharge their energy and determination for their last months of study in our institution.
“Look deeply into nature and then you will understand everything better.”
Albert Einstein
by Hileyn | Oct 1, 2021
In the Peninsula sector, especially in the area of Paquera, Tambor, Cóbano, Montezuma, Santa Teresa and surrounding areas where there are more than seven thousand people, access to information is scarce due to the lack of libraries in the area, both public and private, Attempts have been made by the municipality to create a library in the area, but with results that ended up closing its doors in the short time it was open and the nearest public library is more than 100 kilometers away.
This literacy problem is accompanied by the problem of poverty, according to INEC in 2020 ”the Central Pacific region is the one with the highest level of poverty and extreme poverty with 34.7% and 11.3% respectively”. This raises social alarms to extreme levels, and the need to do something to help the community to overcome this socio economic crisis.
With the renovation project of the library space, a computer lab, conference rooms, 8,000,000 physical books and a database, and trained personnel, the first community library is planned to meet the needs of the nearby population.
In November, the pilot plan for the community library will begin, working hand in hand with different governmental and private organizations, including the National Women’s Institute (INA), COPROBRI, and the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Policy (MIDEPLAN).
We will be working with approximately 25 families, who are already in different social programs in the area, offering workshops for children in literature, arts and languages, financial, computer, cooking and language training for women heads of household.
All activities go hand in hand with the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which propose ”global goals to eradicate poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all as part of a new sustainable development agenda” (UN).
Scholarships of up to 100% will be given to low-income people and they will have the priority of attention in each of the opportunities, in addition to a volunteer opportunity.
We need all the help possible for this social action project to achieve the expected success for the whole community, that is why if you want to be part of this initiative, please do not hesitate to contact directly the person in charge biblioteca@futuro-verde.org
by Karol Madrigal | Sep 20, 2021
The month of September is a month of celebration throughout Central America and, for this reason, in Costa Rica, for example, we call it “the month of the homeland”. This is because on these dates each country celebrates the important process that began the night before September 15, 1821, when the representatives of the towns that previously made up the Captaincy General of Guatemala, decided to draft a document to demand to declare themselves independent from Spain. Those people who fought together for their sovereignty in those years, are the current nations of Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Costa Rica.
In this way, events such as the journey undertaken by students from all over Central America with torch in hand, which begins on September 1 leaving Guatemala and ends, when it has passed from country to country, arriving in Cartago, Costa Rica on the night of September 14. This commemorates the journey that was made to bring the news of independence to each nation of the Captaincy, which was made with a torch that illuminated the way and today is a symbol of freedom.
At the end of the torch’s journey in Cartago, when it is received by the president of our country, it is customary to start the parade of lanterns, which reminds us of the moment when the neighbors of Guatemala went out at night, with lamp in hand, around the place where the act of independence was being drafted, to demonstrate their enthusiasm and support for such a decision.
However, the celebration does not end like that, since the news of independence generated so much joy among the people, that we can remember how every September 15 the streets were filled with the beating of drums and colorful parades that reflect the joy with which the Central Americans started on that road to freedom.
It has been 200 years of journey, in which they have struggled to build a solidary, peaceful and hard-working nation. The journey has not been easy and we are far from being a perfect nation, but we can feel grateful to have a soil that gives us shelter and provides us with tranquility and stability.
Whether it is because we were born in this little piece of land, or because at a certain moment we decided to make it our home, let us feel privileged to be celebrating another year of freedom.
by Noelia | Aug 11, 2021
The library has been moving forward little by little, we are in a period of change and hard work so we can continue improving. By raising funds through Global Giving, we have been able to take the first steps to transform the library.
Regarding the online catalogue platform, the first phase has already been completed. Also the official web page and the entry of users such as teachers, students and parents who have applied to become permanent users of the library is now available.
Thanks to the acquisition of this platform, the school’s population will be able to view the library’s entire collection in an organized, classified and online way. Also they will be able to reserve, make their wish list and keep their reading records.
By following this link, you will be able to take a look at our first steps.
Regarding the purchase of books in Spanish, our pre-school children (from 3 to 5 years old) already have the appropriate books to begin their reading journey. We purchased specialized books for these ages, materials that can support all the excitement of our students. Wonderful stories, illustrations and great didactic support in class, thanks to this purchase.
We still have a long way to go, but we have not stopped working in order for us to always improve! Our first steps are solid and we will continue to grow for the well-being of our school community.
by Noelia | Aug 11, 2021
This summer I had the pleasure of volunteering at Futuro Verde, supporting a handful of amazing classrooms and building out special, individualized supports for diverse learners. I worked alongside a fantastic and dedicated group of educators. I spent specific, focused hours with the school psychologist to unpack existing academic and SEL gaps and ways we could support struggling learners. You often found me with the first or second grade crew, researching best practices in Jimena’s office to later share across lunch tables or tutoring a couple
Colegio students on civics or life science in Spanish. That was a lesson for us both! I also got to work with the PTO to plan and execute a school wide field day, raffle and soda to raise funds for school. With the support, flexibility and teamwork of the school we create a special last day for students before break.
In all that we did, Futuro Verde reminded me of my “why” for teaching. I believe that all students want to and can learn. This often means we adjust to what our students need- both in backwards planning for academic rigor and in the immediate moment of a student in crisis. We also need to look at social and self-regulation skills, and their specific instruction, as “academic enablers” such that they pave the way for so many critical parts of learning and our education system. The Futuro Verde community refreshed my belief and practice in this. In a global season of uncertainty, disconnection, and fear FV felt like an enriching refuge to me, and to many others. They were open to evidence-based suggestions, we tried new ways to engage struggling readers and offered resources to families to carry over the learning at home.
The 5th grade class exemplified how we can use project based learning to uphold high academic expectations and let the creativity of students flourish simultaneously. Ask to see pictures of their biosphere projects! The first graders led with kindness, curiosity and purpose as modeled by their dream team of teachers. The positive correlation between their academic gains and the strength of their classroom culture is evidence enough of the importance of supportive relationships in learning. The responsive teaching in prepa and pre-K showed how to intentionally teach and practice inclusivity at all ages- whether that’s the use of sign language in everyday instructions or lessons during peace practices. It reminded me of how many spaces we live in are diverse, yet we must be intentional about being inclusive and equitable. Kids model what they see so we have to leave with humility, empathy and excellence.
I want to give a huge shout out to all the teachers, administrators, counselors, support staff and everyone else that keeps the school running full steam ahead during troubling times. This includes our students! Just wow! I woke up excited to go to work everyday just to hear the thought-provoking questions students would ask in reading, their growth mindset when working through hard math problems, and their budding self-advocacy in moments of struggle or strife.
Thank you FV for the receptiveness of teachers to feedback on teaching practices and the whole team’s investment in finding social, emotional and academic solutions to our diverse learners.
Hasta pronto.
by Noelia | Aug 11, 2021
Hello families!
I would like to take this opportunity to share an update with you all about Futuro Verde´s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO).
At the start of this school year, myself and another mother, Alejandra Cano, created this organization with the following goals in mind:
1) Support the educational experience at Futuro Verde.
2) Develop a closer connection between home and school with more parental involvement.
3) Enhance the environment at Futuro Verde through volunteer and financial support.
I am pleased to say that we have been able to meet these goals and are continuing to do so!
To date, we have raised funds to provide breakfast for staff during their monthly meetings. We have purchased many board games for students to use during recess, lunch or designated class time. We have also successfully carried out events and activities such as sodas, Day of the book activities, and our most recent Color Clash Spirit Day. The spirit day was a huge success and you could see the excitement amongst students and staff alike. As we move toward the end of the year, we hope to carry out more fun, meaningful events and purchase more items that will benefit our students and staff.
I also want to thank you all for your continued support, whether you are a part of PTO or not. Without our families, this organization would not be possible and therefore, neither would any of the other things we do. With that being said, we encourage more parents to get involved and help in any way they are able to. If you are interested in learning more about PTO or want to join, please contact Jennifer Middleton at jenni@futuro-verde.org.
Warm regards,
Jennifer Middleton
FV PTO President
