The American School Foundation of Guadalajara, A.C. www.asfg.mx Celebrating Janet! May 2013

Nuestra obligación es informarte, la tuya enterarte. Por favor lee tus correos y ayúdanos a salvar árboles. ASFG GREEN

Alumni Associationby Moisés Hernández, ASFG Alumni

Ms. Janet Heinze became Director of ASFG when our alumni association had already been in place for five years. Thanks to the inspiration and support of our previous director, Mr. Charles Prince, our association was a very important part of the survival of our school in those times. Ms. Heinze quickly and gladly embraced our association and gave us all the support we needed. One example is the rescue of the Art Fest. Over the years, interest in the Art Fest had waned, and many had suggested its cancellation. The Alumni Association went to Ms. Heinze asking for leadership for the Art Fest, as well as a means of fundraising for the Alumni Association. Ms. Heinze gladly accepted, and over the next three years, the Alumni Association reestablished the Art Fest to the point where, due to its success, it grew and demanded more logistics and organization. The Alumni Association was able to return the Art Fest, now established in its own right, to the school.

As well, Ms. Heinze granted us the exclusive right of selling beverages at school events. This is one of the most important sources of revenue for the Alumni Association and gives us a permanent presence at school events.

With Ms Heinze’s unconditional support, the Alumni Association contributes to the purchase of laptops for the school’s 1 to 1 laptop program and to date, end-of-year donations have totaled $200,000 pesos.

The Alumni Association will be forever thankful to Ms. Heinze for nurturing, supporting, and guiding us. We still have many projects ahead of us, and we are sure that our new director will support us, as Ms. Heinze did for so many years.

It’s Hard for Anyoneto Leave this Place: Memories of Miss Heinzeby Publio Adrianza, Class of 2011

Despite running one of the top schools in

Mexico with the highest educational and

professionalism standards, Ms. Heinze

has a unique ability to make ASFG feel

comfortable and welcoming. Her open

door policy and willingness to get involved

with students of all levels keeps the ASFG

community united, making it difficult for

anyone, from students to teachers, to

leave this place. It’s not easy to put into

words, but Ms. Heinze maintains a unique

balance between excellence and

spontaneity, and between discipline and

friendliness, which makes ASFG not only

an exceptional school but also most

importantly a home to all of us. Its a

shame to watch her retire for those of us

who grew under her leadership, but at the

same time we can be confident that the

extraordinary work that she's done with

our school leaves in place a structured

educational model that serves as an

example to Mexico and Latin America. She

might not be on campus with us next year,

but the impact of her dedication to our

school will linger forever. For that we will

always be thankful.

Janet HeinzeDirector General 2001-2013by David McGrath, High School Principal

Welcome to the year-end edition of Connexion where we nostalgically and affectionately reflect on the outstanding tenure of our general director since 2001, Ms. Janet Heinze. Some of us, like this year’s seniors who were in first grade when she began, have grown under her guidance for many years. Others have enjoyed shorter but nonetheless meaningful kinships. From many vantage points, from varied contexts and perspectives, we all worked with Ms. Heinze fostering our passion for teaching and learning. Her visionary leadership, humanism and tireless advocacy for students and those who support them have touched us all, helped us learn and grow and contributed so deeply to who we are as ASFG Warriors.

Del Consejo de DirectoresCarlos D. Wolstein, Presidente del Consejo

Cuando uno habla o piensa en nuestra Directora Janet Heinze se nos vienen a la memoria y al corazón toda una serie de sentimientos.

Yo he tenido el privilegio y la fortuna de trabajar a su lado y aprender de ella una infinidad de cosas.

Me ha sensibilizado en la enorme responsabilidad que tenemos en cada decisión que tomamos en el colegio y como impactarán en la educación y la vida de nuestros alumnos. He aprendido lo importante que es un colegio en todo lo que esto implica. La forma en la que ella actúa por el bien de los alumnos, los directivos, los maestros, los padres de familia y todos los empleados en general, es un arte que muy pocas personas saben hacer y ella en eso se

ha caracterizado de una forma maravillosa y es ejemplo a seguir.

La estabilidad, prestigio y posicionamiento que tiene nuestro colegio, tanto en Guadalajara como fuera de nuestra ciudad, lo debemos a que su dirección no solo la ha realizado con su intelecto, capacidad, honorabilidad y enorme respeto; sino que ella en todo lo que hace involucra ese gran corazón que tiene. ¡No hay duda de que la extrañaremos mucho.!

Estoy seguro de que todos tenemos mucho que agradecerle y sobre todo muchos recuerdos de lo que hemos vivido con ella, que siempre nos acompañarán.No tengo duda de que la infraestructura que ella deja es de una gran solidez y esto es su gran legado.

Para el American School of Guadalajara ha sido un honor haber tenido a Janet Heinze como su Directora General y nuestro agradecimiento, admiración y respeto por ella estarán siempre vivos.

Gracias Janet y que disfrutes esta nueva etapa de tu vida con salud y acompañada siempre de tu familia.

Respetuosamente,Carlos D. WolsteinPresidente del Consejo de Directores

Del departamento de Educación Física y Deportespor Alejandro Garza, Director de Deportes

Uno de los proyectos importantes surgido

durante los últimos años en el ASFG por

parte del Departamento de Educación

Física y Deportes, ha sido el organizar el

Congreso Internacional de Educación

Física y Deporte Escolar, donde los

maestros de educación física,

administradores deportivos y entrenadores

físicos, puedan tener este espacio para

capacitarse y actualizarse de manera

sistemática, además de compartir

ideologías de trabajo con maestros de

otras instituciones educativas; éste se

lleva a cabo por medio de una metodología

basada en conferencias y talleres con

ponentes de gran calidad, de diferentes

nacionalidades. Cuando surgió la idea del

congreso, hubo maestros y personal

administrativo que estuvieron apoyando y

colaborando, sin embargo, hubo alguien en

especial que siempre confió en este noble

proyecto. ¡Gracias Miss Janet Heinze! por

su apoyo y por creer firmemente en la

capacitación y en las herramientas de

desarrollo organizacional y personal.

Reconocimiento, a Miss Janet Heinze, por

su confianza y apoyo a este espacio de

conocimientos de áreas y campos de

investigaciones propios de la educación

física, iniciación deportiva y deporte

escolar, durante la inauguración de la

tercera edición del Congreso Internacional

de Educación Física y Deporte Escolar. De

izquierda a derecha: Oscar González

(COMUDE), Fernando Ortega (CODE

JALISCO), Janet Heinze, Gabriela García

(SEP) y Alejandro Garza.

De la Asociación de PadresLaura Guerra, Presidenta de la Asociación de Padres

Querida Ms. Janet:En nombre de la Asociación de Padres de Familia, 2012-14, queremos agradecerte todas tus enseñanzas, tus consejos, tu paciencia, tu confianza, tu cariño y la luz con la que siempre nos contagias.

Deseamos que este exitoso ciclo que cierras, esté lleno de satisfacciones, alegrías, gratitud, paz, amor, dicha, amigos, hermanos y grandes recuerdos; ¡Te lo mereces! Te queremos mucho y... GRACIAS por siempre.

Asociación de Padres de Familia2012-2014

We Miss Heinzeby Fernanda Lopez

It was Sink or Swim 2013 in the middle school. A day of creativity and fun! My team arrived in the auditorium prepared for the next challenge. To our surprise, the challenge was to create a very large mural

in less than an hour that symbolized something. We chose our theme from different topics, and decided to make a mural for a special person that has helped us and been with us over a long period of time, Miss Janet Heinze. We didn’t want to create a boring typical mural, so we decided to draw and paint a bright red heart, which symbolized the deep love we have for the

director of our school. We also decided to paint the background blue because we knew blue is one of Miss Heinze’s favorite colors. Our team created this beautiful mural, so that every time she looks at it, she remembers how much we love her, and how much we’re going to miss her. We love you, Miss Heinze!

by David Markman, Middle School Principal

I am most grateful for having had the

experience of being a part of ASFG’s

leadership team over the last twelve years

with Ms. Janet as Director General. Janet

has provided me with a great mix of

guidance and freedom that has helped me

tremendously as a professional. Her

wisdom, perspective, and integrity have

guided the school through what will always

be regarded as positive years for the

institution. Her trust in my leadership has

encouraged me to listen to and trust the

talented team of teachers and

administrators in Middle School. I have

always felt valued and respected as a

professional and a person by Ms. Janet, and

hope that I have been able to model her

attributes in my work in Middle School. Our

entire school community will miss Ms. Janet

as she retires. Her legacy will remain as

ASFG, thanks to her leadership, continues

moving forward.

by Rafael de la Cruz, Technology Manager Janet has intelligence, compassion, humor, passion for her work, and love for our whole community - all in the right amounts. This blend makes Janet a great human being, a superb woman, a caring boss, and a loyal friend.Being a true life-learner, Janet always makes an extra effort to get familiar with modern technology. She demonstrates a genuine and honest interest in knowing how education could be improved with technology. Our conversations about the impact of technology in all aspects of daily life are neither uncommon nor short. She also never loses the capacity to be amazed by the rapid development of technology. Chatting with her about how people used to live without so much technology is delightful!Janet's humility allows her to use technology for her own work and daily activities. Her sense of humor and her approach to daily problems make working with her a real pleasure. She always approaches computer problems with a smile and a relaxed attitude. Her jokes and her patented hand moves that send good vibes to the computer make me laugh. I always leave her office happier than when I arrived!

by Juliet Evans, Library Media Director

When I set about researching the history of the American School for its centenary celebration in 2008, I came to realize that the years that Janet Heinze has led the school have been something of a golden age. The school has grown in stability, status and excellence to levels rarely seen in its history, due in part to the leadership style of Ms. Janet. Her natural ability to bring everyone together and inspire them to greater heights has created a loyal cohesive team of educators all working for the greater good of the school and its students.Although Ms. Heinze has not had to contend with some of the more turbulent moments in Mexican history as have previous directors, such as the Mexican Revolution or the numerous devaluations of the peso, her tenure began with perhaps the most impacting event of modern times – the September 11th attacks. That morning her office windows and doors were all kept open to welcome in anyone who felt the need for a safe haven. Her office doors have remained open ever since as a demonstration of her open, honest style of leadership.

Reflections of Janet

Fifth grade studentsshowing Ms. Janet their love.

Printed on Recycled Paper Impreso en Papel Reciclado ASFG GREEN

Taking the Time Michael Hogan, High School teacher

It is wonderful to have a director who is competent, accomplished, and efficient. Janet Heinze has been all of these during her tenure. But it is also important (and rare) for a busy administrator to also be accessible and truly joyful about the accomplishments of the students.

When I was faculty advisor to the bi-annual student magazine, Sin Fronteras, I used to bring the first copy of the magazine, signed by all the students, to Ms. Heinze’s office. You might have expected her to say a polite “Thank you,” and then dismiss me to get on with her more important work. If so, you would be wrong. She always stopped whatever she was working on, accepted the magazine, and gave me a hug. Then she leaned back in her chair and read the editor’s dedication and each of the student signatures. She then began paging through the magazine itself, looking at the illustrations and articles. Then she would make a comment about the students whose names she recognized there. “Oh, Maria. I taught her in elementary. And there’s Carlos, I always knew he had a creative streak. What a wonderful photograph by Carla!” We would discuss the students for maybe half an hour or more before Ms.

Heinze would return to the business of running the school. Later, over the weekend, she would actually read the entire magazine, and then write an open letter to the class praising them for their work.

It was this kind of personal touch that gave the students a real sense that their work was valued at the highest level of leadership in the school. It was no condescending pat on the back, but a thoughtful and personal response. Kids know the difference. It made my job as a teacher that much easier – and the student editing was much more careful as they knew that their work would be read by the director general in her lofty office in the Pink Palace. With her approval, it was no challenge at all for the magazine to go on and receive consecutive awards from the National Council of Teachers of English as one of the best international student magazines in the world. Thank you, Ms. Heinze.

Homenaje a Miss Janetpor Tina Carstensen, Directora de Preescolar

El pasado mes de abril preparamos una fiesta para celebrar la jubilación de Miss Janet y así agradecer todo lo que ha hecho por nuestra escuela. La idea de la fiesta fue basada en un pensamiento de los niños de que ella era la reina de la escuela. Padres de preescolar, por favor léanles el siguiente cuento a sus hijos e invítenlos a compartir sus impresiones con ustedes acerca de este homenaje que preescolar hizo a Miss Janet.

Celebramos a Miss Janet para agradecerle su trabajo y por cuidarnos tan bien. Para estar listos para esta ceremonia, aprendimos acerca de quién es Miss Janet y lo que hace. Buscamos su foto y al verla pensamos:“Sus ojos son tiernitos, son muy bonitos porque brillan.”

Le hicimos cartas en cada salón con dibujos y mensajes especiales para entregárselos el gran día. Miss Gaby se vistió de bufón y fue por Miss Janet a su oficina. Todos nos reunimos en el patio, sentados con mucha emoción. Pusimos una alfombra roja que llevaba a su trono y cuatro princesas la

acompañaron entregándole unas lindas flores. En cuanto pisó la alfombra roja, comenzó a sonar la música real. ¡Lo indicado para una reina!

Le dimos la bienvenida y las gracias por venir y le explicamos que algo maravilloso en preescolar es que podemos jugar, usar nuestra imaginación y actuar a ser quienes queramos. Le pedimos entonces que jugara con nosotros, que fuera nuestra reina y todos nosotros seríamos parte de su reino. Le dimos una hermosa corona, una capa y un cetro. ¡Se los puso y parecía una reina de verdad!

Le cantamos canciones. Miss Janet nos dijo que le dimos mucha alegría, que le encantaron nuestras tarjetas, que las conservaría y así al verlas, nos recordaría.

Teníamos una última sorpresa, el esposo de Miss Tina tocó algunas canciones con su saxofón y TODOS BAILAMOS: Miss Janet,

las maestras y todos los estudiantes. ¡Fue muy divertido!

Cuando terminamos de bailar, todos le aplaudimos y le aplaudimos hasta que se fue. Estaba hermosa y creemos que muy contenta porque jugó con nosotros y sabe que la queremos mucho. Después comentamos:“Miss Janet estaba feliz en su show de despedida.”“Si, estaba muy elegante y sentada derechita.”“Nos dijo que nos iba a extrañar, pero que nos iba a visitar. ¿ Yo creo que si nos quiere, no?”“Pues sí, las reinas siempre son buenas y quieren.”“No, hay reinas malas también.”“Bueno pues ésta es buena porque tiene los ojitos de buena y habla como los buenos así... ‘Ah, yeah, I love you y cosas así como del corazón’.”

Alumni Gratitude

Giselle Delgado Marín, Class of 2011“I bet it was hard to work with us just as much as it was hard for us to like authority. What we saw as an annoying rule like carrying ID’s every day to school was your effort to keep us safe. What we saw as your tyranny for taking away junk food at the cafeteria was your effort to keep us healthy. We rolled our eyes at the sacrifices you made in order to improve our school and education, and further our personal growth. We needed a little growing up to understand. But you had faith in us and you were able to put up with our false presumptions. We are forever grateful.”

Marisol Pérez Pelayo, Class of 2005“Miss Janet Heinze was always a person who backed me up artistically and motivationally. She never had doubts about my talents. I look back and say that the support I had is more appreciated and loved than words can say.”

Rocio Guenther Collado, Class of 2012“I am glad you were able to inspire so many students to chase their dreams and were there to share the passion with them.”

Ana Marva Fernández Hall, Class of 2008“I will always remember how, under your leadership, the infrastructure of the school changed to meet the needs of children with special needs. You are a hero to me.”

Nicolas Lukac, Class of 2012“You will forever be the brilliant leader of ASFG. You have been a great role-model and an even better Warrior to stand behind.”

Maria Cristina Fernández Hall, Class of 2009“Every time I saw you, you stopped to say hello. You made your work a friendship.”

Ana Paula Rueda Molina, Class of 2013“Thanks to Miss Heinze, and her encouragement, I found "my thing" through the school's literary magazine, which gave my academic and artistic life a sense of direction. Now, I can head off to new beginnings with a deep feeling of satisfaction and confidence in my chosen path.”

Dejando huellapor Magdalena Contreras, ESF

Dejar huella no es algo que se planea, sino algo que sucede cuando pones el alma en lo que haces; cuando ofreces algo que realmente es útil para los demás.

Dejar huella, es caminar en un solo sentido, iniciando cada día como si fuera el primero, con esa frescura característica y dando testimonio de congruencia y empatía, valores que han sido practicados por Ms. Janet durante su permanencia en el ASFG, poniéndose en los zapatos de cada uno de los padres de familia y alumnos y ofreciendo una alternativa a cada problemática que enfrentan.

Dejar huella es permanecer, dejar una parte de nosotros, y es en la Fundación de Becas

Educativas (ESF) en donde Ms. Janet deja marcada esa huella de servicio, alegría y confianza.

Dejar huella es ejemplo; su positivismo es el alimento que nutre a ESF con esa fuerza para ir adelante, consolidándose y creciendo esta familia de alumnos apoyándolos a continuar sus estudios en el ASFG.

Dejar huella es compromiso; cuidar esa huella que queda en la arena, que las olas, el viento... el tiempo, no puedan borrar.

Dejar huella es ESF: permanecer, honrar y continuar.

A propósito de regalospor Rosa María Colín de Julián, Directora de Desarrollo y Relaciones con la Comunidad

Los mejores regalos de la vida llegan inesperadamente. Envueltos de mil maneras, con moños y lazos de diferentes colores pero siempre con el mismo contenido: son personas. Personas que han llegado para ayudarte a crecer, a descubrir quién eres y cuál es tu misión aquí.

A lo largo de once años he vivido un regalo, el privilegio de convivir muy de cerca con Janet; una de la mujeres más completas que he conocido, sabia, divertida y congruente con su vivir.

No sé cómo me llegó este regalo pero lo agradezco profundamente a la vida. Agradezco los cientos de proyectos que juntas planeamos, las tardes compartidas llenas de trabajo cuando no era posible ir a casa temprano y sobre todo las pláticas largas y cortas llenas de sabiduría para mí.

A partir de entonces aprecié más mi regalo. Supe que sus palabras eran para atesorar. Empecé una colección que puse por nombre: Janet’s Thoughts and Sayings, de la cual ahora comparto un fragmento:

- “These are hard times, do not panic but be careful.”

- “Stop trying to find answers to the WHYs, they

will always be there and they can produce paralysis, try the DO IT!”

- “When depressed… MOVE, DO! Especially do something to help somebody else.”

- “A happy person is one who is proud of whom he is and what he does.”

- “Grandparents are a moral inspiration to children. Parents are too busy creating discipline and structure; grandparents are the ones who transmit the overwhelming sense of love.”

- “Aun en los momentos más difíciles estamos bendecidos con abundancia de cosas positivas.” - Newsletter November 2011

- “Everyone deserves a second chance.”

- “Not everything is black or white… it is necessary to learn to manage the grays.”

- “A challenge for parents and teachers is to motivate a child or youngster to find a passion in life.”

- “Good schools have a sense of continuity.” - ”WHAT MATTERS IN THE END?... How much you have loved!”

Gracias Janet por ser mi jefa, mi mentora y mi amiga. Gracias a la vida por este regalo que me dio.

Notas de agradecimiento del Programa Mexicano

Recibe el más cálido agradecimiento inimaginable y de todo corazón. ¡Gracias por tocar mi alma de manera especial! Yoli Cruz

Gracias porque el amor forma parte de todo lo que haces y marca la diferencia en la vida.Sandy Salazar

Cuando llegaste a la dirección de primaria fue muy reconfortante porque eras totalmente “una de nosotras”. Habíamos convivido contigo y te conocíamos como una persona sincera, simpática y profesional. Esa misma estela de sensibilidad y búsqueda de la excelencia te ha seguido durante tu trayectoria como Directora General. Gracias por todas las veces que me escuchaste. Te extrañaremos.Iliana Fernández

Gracias por haber confiado en mí y darme este trabajo que cambió mi vida y ha traído felicidad y bienestar a mi familia.¡Te quiero mucho!Diana del Río

Le expreso todo el respeto, aprecio y agradecimiento que siento por usted con las siguientes palabras ¡Que Dios la bendiga!Ivonne Mena

Saber que estás en el colegio es sinónimo de tener la seguridad de que, si alguien necesitara algo, estarías ahí. Me siento feliz al tener la oportunidad de trabajar aquí porque somos una gran familia.Te deseo lo mejor en esta nueva etapa de tu vida.Amelia Orozco

Acróstico para nuestra queridaMs. Janet Heinzepor el staff de primaria

Mujer de grandes valores que la hacen única y especial para todosSiempre pensando en lo mejor para los niños

Justa, equitativa y comprensivaAdmirable y amorosa mujerNobleza es lo que abunda en su corazónEntregada y siempre dispuesta a escucharTodo un ejemplo de sabiduría, fortaleza y creatividad para muchos en su proyecto de vida

Humana y sensibleEs la mujer de cálida sonrisa y abrazo sinceroIncomparable líder, compañera y maestraNo olvidaremos el gran legado de amor que nos dejas a todos en el ASFGZapatos que dejan huellas que todos podremos seguirEs tiempo de comenzar y disfrutar una nueva etapa en la vida