This month, we were very excited to hold our traditional school-wide Thanksgiving lunch again, which allows me the opportunity to emphasize the importance of relationships!
In our digital age, it's crucial to recognize the value of face-to-face interactions in school. While technology is a valuable tool, it should complement and not replace the bonds formed through personal interactions. Social and emotional learning, driven by relationships, is an essential component of a well-rounded education.
School is not just about gaining knowledge; it's also about understanding the world and our place within it. Social interactions between students provide a platform for growth and self-discovery. Friendships formed in school often last a lifetime, becoming a source of emotional support and personal growth. Furthermore, learning empathy, communication, and conflict resolution is crucial. This will be the topic of our December workshop, which we hope many of you will join.
In bilingual science, preschoolers have been blending art and science by exploring color theory, recreating famous artworks and using primary colors to understand color mixing. They are learning about emotions by associating colors with emotions, which aids in emotional expression and understanding.
Elementary
4-Day Field Trip: AEFE Chess Tournament in San Diego
We were proud to send 13 students to San Diego for the first annual AEFE chess tournament. Our group competed with students from French schools, met a chess Grandmaster, and explored San Diego with teacher chaperones Aline Jourdrin and Guillaume Gilbert. Click Here to Read More and See Photos from their Trip >>
Elementary + Middle School
Our Approach to Assessments
At the FAA, we offer a few mindfully curated formal exams to our students at specific intervals throughout the elementary and middle school years. While exam results cannot depict the growth and development of the whole child, they can provide an accurate snapshot of academic progress. This allows teachers and students to make informed choices about learning needs and goals, gives parents insights into their children's education, and provides us with interesting insights into the benefits of bilingual education. You Can Read More About the Exams that we Offer Here >>
Middle School
Anne Hoppenot Presents Konekte's Impact in Haiti
Anne Hoppenot, Konekte co-founder, shared with our 7th and 8th graders her organization's mission to develop and fund educational programs in two schools in Haiti's Ganthier region. Makesnel, a School Director, also joined the session virtually to discuss the school's daily life with our students.
We raised $20,150 for the Konekte and Georgie Badiel Foundation. These funds will help build a 'community oases' in Burkina Faso and help two schools in Haiti. At our Thanksgiving lunch, we showcased a model representing a village in Burkina Faso. This model was a collaborative effort, with each of our grades contributing to its construction during Badiel's visit, and the Highlands HS students assembled it.
In our three campuses, we hosted school-wide Thanksgiving lunches or breakfast, a special moment of reunion and gratitude. This gathering brought together students, teachers, parents, and staff over a meal, highlighting the community spirit of our school. We warmly thank the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) and all parents volunteers for organizing this meaningful and heartwarming event.
School Life
Sustainable Development
Sustainable Development Committee Meeting
We recently held a Sustainable Development Committee meeting, during which our community and eco-delegates collaborated to brainstorm ideas and initiate steps toward a more sustainable future.
Students Donate Food to the Hope House
After our Thanksgiving lunch, our student representatives and eco-delegates from the middle school collected the leftover Thanksgiving food and donated it to the Hope House. The Hope House also took the opportunity to educate our students about their mission and work.
Teacher's Spotlight
Meet Aline Jourdrin, Our French 1st Grade Teacher
Our teacher spotlight this month shines on Aline Jourdrin, who brings years of international experience and a passion for cross-curricular projects to her first grade classroom. She shared her reflections on teaching and learning here on our blog.
Creative Art with a French Artist from NYC (Focusing on 3-D art such as clay, fabric and collage)
New Basketball Class (Class with Florent Tarsiguel - FAA Teacher)
The guide for extracurricular activities will be sent out by the middle of next week.
Admissions
Don't Miss Our Final Open House – Discover Our School Over a French Breakfast
Our Open House offers the best opportunity to learn about our bilingual education and fully experience our school and community. Experience our classrooms where two languages come alive! Register today to see for yourself how our students thrive in a bilingual environment, seamlessly transitioning between French and English.
