Sexto día: viernes, 18 de julio

"Teacher Kristen" and "Teacher Robyn" spent time with the Brader School English classes today.  "Teacher Kristen" shared a slide show about Virginia Beach and Cape Henry with the students and now they ALL want to visit our school!  "Teacher Robyn" shared some life experiences with an 8th grade class that is reading Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry  in addition to assisting in an upper school class discussion on Red Badge of Courage. 

              A few eager students.....

Cuarto día: miércoles, 16 de julio

Below are photosof students that participated in a mock trial.  We were so impressed with the students' preparation and their delivery which was given entirely in English! 

                 "Teacher Terry" and "the judge"

                         "The prosecution"

                      

After another fun day of observation and planning, we strolled through Casco Viejo (Old Panama City) where we marveled at the beautiful architecture, bartered in the market place, and enjoyed traditional Panamanian cuisine!

Tercer día: martes, 15 de julio

This morning, Ms. Judge and I hit the ground running with the goal of observing as many classes as time would allow while meeting with middle and high school teachers to discuss our plans for lessons with their students and future plans for both CHC & Brader students to experience together! The students are very curious about our school community and are super excited about visiting in the future! 

 

Segundo Día: lunes, 14 de julio

Today was the first day that Ms. Judge and I visited our sister school, Colegio Brader.  Our mission of the day was to become acclimated to our new surroundings, meet the faculty with whom we will eventually collaborate, introduce ourselves to the students and speak as much Spanish as possible.  Everyone was warm and welcoming!

SALUDOS DE PANAMA

Primer día: Domingo, 13 de julio 

Ms. Judge and I arrived in Panama and enjoyed a tour of the city with the most hospitable guide, Director of the Brader Middle School, Ms. Ileana Cotes. We were amazed by the sleek and modern cityscape and its beautiful juxtaposition to the sea and Old Panama City.

St Croix 14 Day 10

After such a great trip it's hard to believe our adventure is coming to an end.  We all had such a great time challenging ourselves to try new things and taking the time to get to know each other.  We have all grown and learned so much about St Croix and about ourselves.  We hope this trip can be a catalyst for continued growth and maturity in the future. This group has become like a family and it will be awesome to see their bonds strengthen in the Upper School. We cannot think of a better group of kids, and we feel lucky to have shared this adventure with each of you. Talia, Caroline (Carolib) Henry, Jacob, Wilbur, Gabby (Gunnit), Kendall, Rex, Ian, Kenzi, Grace, and Clay. We hope you have a great summer, do a lot of J-chilling, practice your nae-naes and front flips, watch out for Kasha, wear your V-necks the proper way, don't lose your rings, watch out for mango sap, get your cookies in your mouth on the 1st try, enjoy your Cokes and fast food, learn about some random plant, have awkward shower conversations, wear your sunscreen, watch out for "Cinderblock", listen to scary music in the middle of the night, throw "in the morning" in songs randomly, keep a look out for nurse sharks, talk to new people and go out of your comfort zones, work on honing your "inter compass" and  think of the amazing adventure you had to kick off your Upper School journey.

Love, Zim and Archie

st Croix 14 Day 9

After a relaxed morning we departed for Christensted and arrived at the boardwalk where we boarded a boat for Buck Island.  After an enjoyable 30 minute ride students arrived at a unique and beautiful national park that is Buck Island.  1st students snorkeled through a grotto in the reef where we saw many varieties of parrot fish, lots of barracuda, and blue tang.  Since our group was comprised of profficient snorkelers we were able to explore more of the reef towards the crystal clear blue water of a 45 foot ridge that many students tried to free dive with Elliot.  After snorkeling, the kids hung out on the beach and played games like Shake n bake (which is when they see who can get the sandiest in 20 seconds). 

A small group decided to hike to the top of Buck Island, and the view at the top made the hike worth it! They also talked to some local kids on the beach who immediately knew they were tourists.  The lunch on the boat was amazing. We were all missing US food like crazy!

Back at DG we hung out, sang on the top of the sugar mill.  Everyone is reluctant for this trip to end, but our positive students are saying "don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."  We all had an amazing time with many hugs, laughs, and good memories that will last a lifetime.