School Wide Photo Competition - Barcelona in the snow
Written by Jane Narich
The PTA is holding a school wide competition to find the best photos of “Barcelona in the snow”!
There will be five categories:
High School
Middle School
Elementary School
Staff
Parents
Winners will receive 2 free tickets to the IFF 2010 (Internatonal Food Fair)
And everlasting glory as their photos will be enlarged and framed and put up for auction at the BFIS Global Gala.
Please send entries one at a time (if you wish to submit more than one) in their original format to
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Remember to include your name and the category you are in.
Photos must be received before the deadline April 1st 2010
Host Families Urgently Needed for MS Math Competition - March 23-25
Written by Jane Narich
We have 132 students to host from April 23 – 25. We currently have 20 beds that have been offered. Please host a student(s) and let us show the world how hospitable BFIS is.
BFIS is hosting an international math competition April 23 - 25. Middle school students from all over Europe, North Africa and the Middle East will be coming to our school for this competition. We need families to host students for the two nights of the competition - Friday and Saturday night. This is a great opportunity for our students to meet people from other schools and to show off both Barcelona and BFIS. For more information, please contact Genevieve Hiltebrand,
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.
Mind, Brain, and Language Acquisition Expert visits BFIS
Written by Kili Lay
From March 18 - 20, there will be various opportunities for staff and the public to hear from Dr. Tracey Tokuhama-Espinosa, a mind, brain, and language acquisition expert.
During the day on Thursday, March 18, Dr. Tokumaha-Espinosa will present two main topics of her wor to staff members - teaching multilingual children using evidence-based methodologies and the myths of multilingualism. She will also address the 9th grade on "Everything a teenager must know about his/her brain."
Friday, there will be a public presentation held at the Clinica Planas. Information below:
PUBLIC PRESENTATION
Location: CLÍNICA PLANAS
Refreshments: 6:00 – 6:30
Presentation: 6:30 – 8:30
Lecture: "The Art and Science of Teaching: Myths and Truths about Brain and Learning”
Dr. Tracey Tokuhama-Espinosa holds a Master’s from Harvard University in International Education and Development, a Doctorate (PhD) from Capella University – a cross-disciplinary approach: comparing findings in neuroscience, psychology, pedagogy, cultural anthropology and linguistics-.
Dr. Tokuhama-Espinosa is an international educational consultant and conducts workshops for parents, teachers and educational professionals on themes of language acquisition, multilingualism, braindevelopment, learning styles, critical thinking and teaching methodologies.
“Twenty-six experts in the new field of Mind, Brain, and Education Science joined forces in 2008 to sort the facts from the myths about the brain and learning. They found only five well-established facts and dozens of neuromyths.”
The Art and Science of Teaching: Myths and Truths about Brain and Learning, Dr. Tokuhama-Espinosa (2009)
Finally, on Saturday, March 20, she will run 3-hour workshops for staff, one session in English and one session in Spanish, on "Best Practice in Planning, Evaluation, and Methodology in International Schools."
Clases de Tecnología para familias BFIS -- BFIS Family Technology Workshops
Written by Roberto Baldizon
Estimados Padres;
Nuevamente regresan las clases de tecnología para familias de BFIS. Todas las clases se impartirán en castellano. Hacer clic aquí para mas informacíon.
As you know there is a small group of BFIS students visiting China this week to participate in the MUN. Mr. Hershberger has been sending updates about their trip. Below are his notes.
Wednesday, March 10
We had an adventure 2 days ago after our great wall trip was canceled and braved the snow- a walk down to Tienanmen Square- which is closed to the public right now because of the People's Party Congress- security and military everywhere. The whole morning Chinese people stopped us to take their picture with us and talk to us. The we went to the Forbidden City as the snow swirled and hushed everything to a quiet whisper- it was gorgeous (and freezing cold). After warming up we went to the Pearl Market and the students went shopping crazy. After dinner went went to sing karaoke. We got up again at 5:30 yesterday to blue Beijing skies and then went on a hike of the Great Wall. We had an almost 3 hour drive from Beijing then hiked for 4 hours through 30 towers- it was amazing- breathtaking- inspiring- then from the last tower we all descended by zip line 100 meters over a lake. We have been going non stop since we arrived. The students are having an incredible time and everything is going smoothly. I have been greatly impressed by the poise and maturity.
Monday, March 8
"We woke up this morning at 5:30 to hike the great wall and were greated with 3 inches of snow- they cancelled the trip because of the weather- we are off to see tianamen square and the forbidden city under a quiet blanket of white."
Last Updated on Wednesday, 10 March 2010 08:33
Update from BFIS students in NY...
Written by Paula Guardans
So far being at Bard is quite a change coming from BFIS.
The most noticeable thing that first comes to mind is the size and the amount of students, which is about six hundred for four grades. That was the first change to we had to get used to. Regardless, people here are very nice so it’s been easy to adjust. The next thing I noticed was the lack of bells. Yes, NO bells from class to class, which gives the school a chill environment and gets the students used to being punctual (or not) to class. Also what’s quite different is that they’re not as techy as BFIS. Classes don’t have projectors, and some even use chalk boards. The thing that has been wonderful, and all of us would really enjoy in BFIS is the free periods we get every day (the amount depends on the day) and in which we are allowed to leave the school without having to sign out. We are expected to return in time for our next class and that is based on our own sense of responsibility. There is no designated time for lunch and the free periods are used to grab lunch at the cafeteria (or outside) and also to start doing homework or ask for help and tutoring. Since there is no designated lunch and the periods vary depending on the day of the week and for every individual, the students of different grades interact more. What is also great about here is that you can have lunch in class. People handle it well and are very careful not to leave food around. I think that if we wanted to do this in BFIS it should be for the whole high school. Another thing that was interesting was the fact that teacher’s switch per semester so that for each semester you have a deferent teacher for a certain subject. Overall I don’t know if to say the work is harder here. After all we have only had a couple of weeks of school before we had a week break, and then there were two snow days. Finally we’re getting into the habit of routine and study and the truth is BFIS prepares us more than we think it does.
Regards,
Paula
Listen to EPISODE 2 of The Last Pretzel
Written by BFIS Webmaster
Welcome to The Last Pretzel, an up and coming podcast from BFIS high schoolers. This podcast covers a broad range of topics that concern teens today, from the importance of siblings to people in our community. Future episodes are in the process of being produced, so stay tuned for more!
Jackson Mohsenin, Ananya Ghemawat, Sam Ordóñez and Cade Leebron.
Instructors: Ana Bravo Mejia and Kristin Wiederholt
Episode 2(March 2, 2010)
Episode 1(February 15, 2010)
Last Updated on Thursday, 04 March 2010 08:41
New After School Spanish Class for MS Students
Written by Jane Narich
Beginning this week, there will be a New Spanish after school class for those students wishing to speed up their Spanish learning!
This is a great oppoortunity for students new to Barcelona to compliment the Spanish classes they are doing during the day.
Spanish learning through games and activities will have your child(ren) speaking like a Spaniard in no time!
Sign up in the reception to join this class.
BFIS Students respond to the Haiti Earthquake
Written by Jane Narich
Throughout the school many of our students are responding to the disaster in Haiti.
With many different ideas and initiatives the student councils are looking at ways to raise money to help the earthquake vicitms.
ES Student Council:
The student council started a fundraiser today to raise money for Haiti!
When: January 20 (today) - January 29 (next Friday)
How: Donate coins! Keep coins in a container in your classroom.
The class that collects the most money by January 29 will win a popcorn party!
The Student Council Leaders
MS/HS Student Council:
Next Friday, January 29th MS/HS students and staff are invited to wear a crazy hat all day!
They will pay 5€ for the privilege and the money collected will be donated to the Red Cross Society which is working to provide water, food, clothing and shelter to the thousands of victims in Haiti.
Violinist Jack Glatzer visits Elementary school
Written by Jane Narich
We are extremely fortunate to welcome Jack Glatzer to our Elementary school on Monday January 25.
Mr Glatzer will be giving two violin concerts to our elementary students, playing pieces by Paganini. He will then discuss the music and the instrument with the students.
Many thanks to our Music Teacher, Diana Costin
Last Updated on Friday, 22 January 2010 14:10
New Honor Wall Recipients
Written by Jane Narich
We are proud to announce the recipients of our Honor Wall Tribute. These two very special people have contributed in an exceptional fashion to the BFIS Community, embodying what it is that sets us apart. Congratulations Kili Lay, Director of Instruction and Staff Development and Cade Leebron, 12th grade student!
Kili Lay
When it was decided to make highly successful schools for people who burn with commitment and efficiency, they had Kili Lay in mind. For 7 years she has been a presence at BFIS becoming one of those teachers whose students eagerly look forward to having and one of those teachers who other teachers go to for advice and inspiration.
Her work ethic is nothing less than tireless and exemplary. Her devotion to students and teachers pushing themselves to the best of their capacity is one of her gifts. The other is her sense of generosity: She is one of those educators willing to lend a hand in just about everything from social service projects to getting the school’s website up and running.
In her temporary absence as a new mother, we honor her for the many roles she has fulfilled with her trademark smile, patience and sense of innovation. She occupies a very special place on the honor wall.
Cade Leebron
Cade Leebron has been selected for the Honor Wall because she has helped define the meaning of initiative and intellectual vitality at our school.
In founding and developing The Fizz, BFIS’s first literary magazine, she has brought students together to pursue and celebrate expressive and creative achievements in our community. The editorial staff of The Fizz are dedicated to encouraging other students and community members to share their writing and artwork. They have instituted a writing contest to foster maximum participation from all grade levels in the middle and high schools and raised funds to share this literary output in an attractive format that will bring pleasure to the wider community.
Cade, along with her colleagues on the staff of The Fizz, is the kind of maker and doer who embodies the value our school places on cooperation, imaginative thinking, expression, and community. Exemplifying true leadership, she has created a new tradition, a legacy that will endure beyond her own years at BFIS.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 25 November 2009 09:32
Watch Little Cameron's Public Service Announcement Video
Written by Roberto Baldizon
BFIS Recycling volunteers made the following video to show teachers how to green the school. They were frustrated with those teachers that were not recycling properly, reducing waste, or cleaning their coffee mugs. Hopefully humor will help teach teachers to be greener!
Last Updated on Monday, 16 November 2009 10:37
Watch the BFIS Little Song Video Release
Written by Roberto Baldizon
This is the theme song for Elementary School this year. It was written by Ms. Olivia and performed here by herself and Mr. Andres.
Last Updated on Monday, 16 November 2009 10:34
New afternoon English Class for parents
Written by Jane Narich
Do you want to improve your English? Are you available in the afternoon?
If the answer is yes, this message is for you!
The Intermediate English classes that were taking place on Tuesdays and Thursdays are switching from the original morning time to a slot in the afternoons
from 2.30 – 4.00pm.
If this is more convenient for you and you are interested in joining this class, please let me know as soon as possible.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 11 November 2009 14:47
School Directories
Written by Jane Narich
New this year - School Directory online!
The school directory will be sent out to all the families in the next few days. We obviously try to make all the information contained therein as accurate as possible and we apologize in advance for any errors. Please do let us know if there are any changes in your details. This year we will be putting the directory up on the website; this will enable us to update it frequently and to ensure that the most recent information is available month by month.
Bookmark Competition
Written by Jane Narich
Once again this year we will be holding a bookmark design competition. This competition is open to all elementary and middle school students, and this year we will also have a category for the teachers! Please encourage your child to take part in this exciting competition. The winners in each category get to see their design in print.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 11 November 2009 14:49
Parent Teacher Conferences - November 6th - No school
Written by Jane Narich
Parent Teacher Conferences will be held on November 6th for all sections of the school.
There will be no school on that day.
Please contact the MS/HS secretary, Martha Correa
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or the ES secretary Nuria McElwee
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to arrange your conferences.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 11 November 2009 15:01
Swine Flu - Advice and Prevention
Written by Jane Narich
In order to address the issue of the Swine Flu or A(H1N1) Virus please read the following article.
We are seeking advice from the Spanish Government (Generalidad de Catalunya) and will keep you updated on any new reccomendations.
Though cyberbullying has not been identified as a problem amongst BFIS students, studies from the US and the UK show that it is most prevalent amongst Middle School aged students. Time is taken to speak to our students about this matter as a preventive measure.
Cyberbullying takes many forms, but in the end it is about kids hurting each other via electronic means. Be it by using cell phone text messaging, email, online forums/blogs, or chats, hurting someone else is easier today as these tools provide a certain level of anonymity to the offender.
Following are some resources for parents to learn more about this form of bullying and to find useful information about identifying it and preventing.
A relatively fast and simple way to find out about your child's online activities is to perform a search on Google , Yahoo! or MSN using your child's name.
Last Updated on Tuesday, 05 May 2009 15:16
Required Summer Reading- 11th & 12th grade
Written by Mr. Joe Santos
11TH GRADE- SUMMER READING LIST (pre-AP English Literature)
Ultimately, in order to do well in the AP English Literature course and exam, you should be well read, and you need to be familiar with several “works of recognized literary merit”. Over the summer, you need to read one or more of the following works of literature (the more “accessible” texts are nearer to the top of the list):
The short stories of Chekhov, Hemingway and Somerset Maugham. The Catcher in the Rye– J.D.Salinger No Country for Old Men – Cormac McCarthy The Reluctant Fundamentalist – Mohsin Hamid Animal Farm – George Orwell Deliverance - James Dickey Lord of the Flies – William Golding A Handful of Dust – Evelyn Waugh The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald The Mill on the Floss, Middlemarch – George Eliot David Copperfield, Great Expectations – Charles Dickens Emma, Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen Tess of the D’Urbervilles, The Mayor of Casterbridge – Thomas Hardy Wuthering Heights – Emily Bronte Jane Eyre – Charlotte Bronte Heart of Darkness – Joseph Conrad The Woman in White – Wilkie Collins Vanity Fair – W.M.Thackeray Anna Karenina - Tolstoy Crime and Punishment - Dostoevsky The Portrait of a Lady – Henry James Bartleby the Scrivener – Herman Melville
12th GRADE SUMMER READING
Over the summer, you need to read one or more of the following works of literature. It will certainly be beneficial if you read Heart of Darkness and Wuthering Heights:
Heart of Darkness – Joseph Conrad Wuthering Heights – Emily Bronte Hamlet, Macbeth, King Lear, Othello – William Shakespeare Great Expectations, David Copperfield – Charles Dickens The Mill on the Floss, Middlemarch - George Eliot The Mayor of Casterbridge, Tess of the D’Urbervilles – Thomas Hardy A Handful of Dust – Evelyn Waugh Jane Eyre – Charlotte Bronte Animal Farm – George Orwell Pride and Prejudice, Emma – Jane Austen The Woman in White – Wilkie Collins Lord of the Flies – William Golding The short stories of W. Somerset Maugham
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