March 2018
Dear Robinson Community,
The month of February proved to be a gratifying month at Robinson. Highlighting our achievements is the Diploma Authorization obtained from the International Baccalaureate Organization. By obtaining this distinction, Robinson is now a full IB World Continuum school; an accomplishment that leads us to the forefront of education and beyond, as well as sets Robinson apart in terms of academic opportunities for upper-school students. This leading educational practice shifts away from the traditional classroom setting to one that emphasizes high-level student engagement through in-depth discussions, empowers students as directors of their own learning and develops the research skills proven to help them in higher education and in their future endeavors. It sets high standards for them and emphasizes creative and critical thinking. Once our students graduate, they will not only have the skill sets needed to be successful, but also the ability to understand and speak more than one language (English, Spanish, and French). To commemorate this accomplishment we held a special assembly where the entire student body and staff came together to celebrate.
During this assembly, we also took the opportunity to introduce our newly revised Robinson School mission. Thomas Novak, Maritere Larrieu, Enid Camacho, Luis Fortes and I played the role of Robinson students in a fun video – what it is to be a Robinson student and what it is not. “Don’t be a Luis” as our students called it and live the Robinson mission. Finally, yet importantly, on this same day we celebrated the 100 Days of School.
Another hallmark of this past month was the nomination received by our technology teacher, Ms. Viviane Fournier, to participate and showcase best teaching practices at a technology event held this year in Singapore. Viviane along with our IT Director, Emmanuel Bonilla, will be participating in this event bringing back more innovation and best teaching practices to Robinson School. It will serve as an opportunity to explore emerging technologies that support modern pedagogies and a safe school environment as well as share Robinson’s innovative practices on the world stage. We are very proud and honored that one of ours has been selected for this prestigious event by Microsoft. As I am mentioning technology, I want to add that part of being a Microsoft Showcase school allows us to train and prepare our students and staff as 21st century educators. Know that we are committed to designing and developing innovative and creative curriculums using Microsoft Solutions in our classrooms. Our students and teachers continue to integrate the Office 365 tools and have virtually traveled around the world using Skype for Business. Recently, some of our students traveled to India and had a virtual tour of a Dinosaur Park to learn about evolution and fossils, and skyped with the scientist, Dr. Stephen Jett, from the National Cancer Institute in Maryland. This is just a quick glimpse at what we are doing with technology.
More highlights of this past month include:
- Grandparents Day in preschool – 1st grade. Our little ones had the opportunity to share and show what they do in school.
- Our Elementary math team finished second in the competition held at Academia San Ignacio. Our Middle School Math Club obtained the Silver Level status in The MATHCOUNTS National Math Club, one of only two schools in Puerto Rico to do so. Congratulations to all of our math teams on their recent accomplishments!
- Our Model UN team competed this week in Washington DC. So far, the stories they have shared from their experiences have been rewarding and full of exciting learning adventures.
- Our 8th grade student, Hayden Conrad, qualified to compete in the state level competition of the National Geographic Bee April 6 with the hopes of advancing to the national competition in Washington D.C. this spring. Congrats Hayden and his teacher Darlene Cosme for a job well done!
- 11th grader Víctor Aguilar was selected as a National Youth Delegate and will represent Puerto Rico at the prestigious 2018 Washington Youth Summit on the Environment at George Mason University June 24. Congratulations Víctor! We are proud of your accomplishments!
- In sports this month, we are excited to share that our Girls Mini Basketball Team won our invitational tournament and our girls 7th – 8th finished in second place. Our Boys JV Basketball Team came in second in the season and made it to the final four of the league. Our Varsity Boys Basketball Team played an amazing game coming in second in the PRHSAA. The Elementary Bowling Team also did a great job and finished 3rd. A special recognition to Alejandro Montalvo and Aubrey Anderson who received the All Alliance Certificate. We are immensely proud of all our athletic teams! Go Hawks!
- This past weekend Robinson hosted 20 teams from across Puerto Rico in the Vex Robotics Skills Tournament. Congratulations to our team for its performance!
- Our Vermont EPSCoR Team continues to research water quality in Puerto Rico. They will be presenting their findings at a symposium once again this summer. Keep up the great work Mr. Marcel and student team!
- Preparations for both our Elementary School musical, Beauty and the Beast, and Young Thespians Troup (YTT) musical, In the Heights, are in full gear. Hats off to the hard work that all our performers, artists, staff and support personnel have completed so far. We are very much looking forward to the performances and we hope you’ll join us at Universidad Sagrado Corazón April 13 for In the Heights and May 18 for Beauty and the Beast.
- I want to take this opportunity to congratulate our newest National Honor Society members and our first Elementary Chapter! RS proudly inducted 38 new student members February 19 at a special NHS induction Ceremony. Congratulations inductees!
February has certainly been a busy month and we look forward to all our March events.
We are close to the end of our academic year and there is still much more to come. Encouraging your children to work hard and do their best at this time is essential for them to feel supported and guided both at school and at home. We are extremely proud of the growth they have obtained throughout this year and we thank you for your trust and partnering with us.
Wishing you all a nice, restful and fun Spring Recess with your family and friends!
Warmest regards,
Cindy Ogg
PS: Please visit our website to see our updated school calendar and Facebook page from time to time for news and announcements.