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Newsletter // March 2021

Dear ESIS Community,

 

As we take a brief pause this holiday before we head to the last few months of our academic year, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our brilliant teachers. 

Not only have they continued to provide amazing learning opportunities for our students, they have sought to make learning inspirational, creative and fun. I am in awe of how they never stop wanting the best for each and every student.

As well as helping students to develop a growth mindset and a real love of learning, our teachers have been there to support and nurture our young people as we all continue to live through the pandemic with all its highs and lows. 

I hope our students appreciate their commitment, dedication and flexibility as much as I do! 

Wishing you all a restful spring break. 

 

Mel 
Head of School

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Upcoming Events

MAR 27 - APR 05 
Spring Break 
NO SCHOOL

APR 06 
Classes Resume
All grade levels

APR 09
Parent Teacher Conferences
For Middle School
Online

Middle School Excursion
8:30 - 15:30 

APR 13
Parent Teacher Conferences
For 12th grade parents
Online

APR 14
Parent Teacher Conferences
For 11th grade parents
Online

APR 15
Parent Teacher Conferences
For 10th grade parents
Online

APR 16
Parent Teacher Conferences
For 9th grade parents
Online

How the World Works
This month, our elementary students have been delving deep into learning about how the world around them works. They have been asking questions and letting their inquiries guide them to the topics they will explore next. In this way, lessons are always centered around what curiosities the students have, giving them agency and voice in their own learning process. 
In Ms. Hopkins' 2nd and 3rd grade class students have been focusing on animals. They inquired about different habitats, examined the food chains that are essential for the survival of the animals, and how creatures adapt to changes in their environments. The students also lead their own classes about temperate rainforests to show the knowledge they had gained throughout the unit.
In Mr. Garibay's 4th and 5th grade class students were interested in learning about inventions, discoveries, scientists, and inventors. They were very interested in exploring more about the life of Steve Jobs which led to questioning about how electricity works. Because of this, they applied the Scientific Method to building their own circuits. By following their own wonderings, they discovered the structure of electric currents on their own!
The culmination of this Unit of Inquiry was the Elementary Science Fair. Students from 2nd and 3rd grade presented their research about animals and adaptations. Fourth and fifth graders designed and tested experiments made with household ingredients. They were very pleased to share their knowledge and show how fun science can be!
Click to see more photos from the Elementary Science Fair
Enriching Middle School

Our mission is to help students develop a passion for learning which requires focusing holistically on each child. It is important to provide a wide range of experiences in order for each one to discover their own true calling. In the middle school Enrichment classes, students are given a variety of engaging and exciting skills to try.  

This month, Mr. Lopez taught students how to fence by using historical swords and protective equipment. Dr. Boerkamps gave a crocheting workshop where students practiced their fine motor skills. Students in Mr. Gaudin's class proudly hung the guitars they are learning to play on the walls of the classroom. 

University Placement
Students browse through university brochures with Ms. Ferrara. (pre-COVID)

The mission of ES International School is to provide an engaging curriculum that prepares our students for life and higher education. In addition to that, our Guidance Counselor, Ms. Jennifer Ferrara, provides a service to students and families by walking them through the university placement process with a helping hand. She has been working at our school since 2015 and brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles in international education. She assists both student athletes and non-athletes throughout the entire process.
 
"Beginning in 8th grade, we emphasize the idea that study skills and diligence in school are crucial aspects to opening university doors," Ms. Ferrara explains. "When 9th grade begins, student's GPA and results in classes already count for university." Students also begin practicing for the standardized test that many universities require for entrance, the SAT. In 9th and 10th grades, students take the PSAT exams. "We want students to become familiar with how the test works in order to minimize their anxieties about taking it," Ms. Ferrara continues. By 11th grade, students are offered SAT preparation classes that can boost their confidence even more. The goal is that they have taken the official SAT exam by the spring semester of 11th grade.

The beginning of 11th grade is a busy time for

students, as they also are asked to start thinking about what kind of university they want to attend. This depends on many factors including their family's budget, size of school they want to attend, what subject they want to study, and what type of location they prefer. With this information, Ms. Ferrara is able to provide students with a tailored list of universities for each student. 

For student-athletes, the process is a little different. University coaches play a big role in the process and are searching for players that will fit in well with their team. They are not only looking for sports results but character in the athlete as well. "Coaches want student-athletes that can be a positive force on the team," Ms. Ferrara states. She guides them on how to build relationships with coaches over the course of the university placement process. This process can last anywhere from 1 to 20 months, and during that time the student's university list will evolve. In the summer before 12th grade, we take our student-athletes to the US for a university showcase. This allows students to meet coaches and see their potential campus.

The parent role throughout the university placement process is fundamental. It can be a stressful moment for families but witnessing students' growth during this whole process is one of the most exciting aspects.
Ms. Ferrara leads a meeting between our tennis agent and coaches to discuss university placement.
Read more about our University Placement Process
Learning Moments at a Glance



In Mr. Green's AP Computer Science class, students work in teams to program using Snap. Currently, they are learning the basics, but will be applying this knowledge to create their own programs for the AP project.



In Ms. Morrison's 11th grade American History class, students participated in a Socratic Seminar. They discussed the New Deal, particularly focusing on what the government's role in a crisis should be. They also looked at also at how governments around the world have handled the COVID-19 crisis. 




7th graders in Dr. Boerkamp's science class designed and conducted an experiment on motion and acceleration.





Students in Ms. Rodriguez's Spanish class analyzed poetry. The identified the rhyme schemes, rhythm, and figurative language.




Students in Mr. Lopez's 8th grade American History class wrote and acted in a dramatic play about the expedition of Lewis and Clark. 






Students in Mr. Santamaria's high school math class took their midterm exam before Spring Break began. 





Students dressed up in green to earn Spirit Points for St. Patrick's Day on March 17th. 
We do so much more than can fit in a newsletter!

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-OUR MISSION-
The mission of ES International School is to be an exemplary learning and athletic community. We challenge ourselves to be better through an emphasis on critical thinking, and intellectual and social awareness. Students develop a passion for learning through individualized support in a nurturing environment. Our success is founded on effective communication and an engaging academic curriculum. 
Copyright © 2021 | ES International School | All rights reserved

 






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ES American School · Autovia Castelldefels C-31 km 191 · El Prat de Llobregat, Barcelona 08820 · Spain

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