“our strength is in our values” april 2014 2014 12th edition 4th year “our strength is in our...

April 201412th edition4th year

“Our strength is in our values”

0Nuevos Miembros de la Junta Directiva

HIGHLIGHTS:

Page 22Books are Bridges to LearningReading Week 2014

Page 36Middle School Dance

Page 48Choices for a Better Future

Page 70AASCA Volleyball

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EDITORIALWe are Proud to be Trojans!

We are the Trojans, Mighty, Mighty Trojans… Everywhere we go People want to know….”

This is the traditional cheer that Escuela Americana Trojans have sung for many years, during games, pep rallies and other activities in and out of school. it is a proud song, a song that shows our pride of who we are.

We Trojans are successful in many fields; just take a peek at this edition of the Trojan Survey! It is filled with articles about successful Trojan students, alumni, staff members and parents. We are successful in many activities inside and out around the world. From our Hall of Fame inductees, to successful Seniors, to our achievement stories in Service Learning. Sports, arts, academics, and leadership success comes from hard work and at Escuela we promote and nurture it.

We are proud to be Trojans and we will always be mighty!

Carmen de Núñez

Communications Director

ESCUELA AMERICANAEL SALVADOR

ADDRESS:

Calle y Colonia La MascotaFinal Calle 3, San Salvador,El SalvadorPhone: (503) 2528-8300Fax: (503) 2528-8321www.amschool.edu.sv

Educational Mission

Escuela Americana is a college preparatory international school that seeks to provide a sound basis for life as a responsible member of society. Our educational program is built on high quality standards, and the commitment to help each child develop his or her potential. Escuela Americana offers a bilingual program embracing the cultures of El Salvador and the United States

Mr. Kenneth TempletonGeneral Director

Mrs. Patricia de ZaldívarFinance and Operations

Mr. Jim DiSebastianUpper School Director

Mr. Robert SinnettMiddle School Director

Ms. Cristina LimaLower School Director

Mrs. Carol JohansingTLC Director

Mrs. Carmen de DenysAthletic Director

Mrs. Malisa ValladaresEAX Director

ESCUELA AMERICANA IN BRIEF:

Founded: 1946Enrollment PK -12: 1,612Average Class Size: 14Athletic sports: 6Advanced Placement courses: 22Teaching Faculty: 163

ACCREDITATION AND MEMBERSHIPS:

• Accredited - AdvancED

• Accredited- Ministry of Education of El Salvador (MINED)

• Member- College Board

• Member- NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools)

• Member- AASCA (Association of American Schools in Central America)

• Member - Tri-Association (The Association of American Schools of Central America – Colombia – Caribbean – Mexico)

The Trojan Today News is the Escuela Americana Official Quarterly Newsletter. Its objective is to keep the Escuela Americana Community informed about news, events and happenings of Escuela Americana as well as other articles of interest.

We invite all Community members to contribute articles. Please submit them to the Communications Office.

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INDEX

Page 4 - 13 - Alumni Hall of Fame 2014.- New Board Members.- Salud Preventiva.

Page 64 - 73 - AASCA Soccer.- Salón de la Fama del Departamento Atlético.- AASCA Volleyball.- Primer Torneo Internacional de Atletismo

Page 14 - 33 - Viajando por el Mundo en SSL Airlines.- 3rd Grade Crab Races.- Guiding Light Patrol.- Semana del Folklore.- Books are Bridges to Learning. Reading Week.- Sack Races.- Carrera de la Amistad.

4 - 41 - Middle School Dance.- Mathcounts Competition 2014.- Pasión por la Música.- NJHS Induction Ceremony.

Page 42 - 63 - Upper School Escuela Americana Actors Bring Home the Medals.- EA’s MUN Club at the City of Brotherly Love.- Que Orgullo ser una Senior de la Escuela Americana.- I Respect Week.- Choices for a Better Future.- More than Numbers.- Art Festival. - O-Yarkandal y Catalina del Cid.

Page 74 - 79 - Presenting the Alumni Advisory Council.- College: The Inside Story.

Page 80 - 79 - Festival Bicultural de Artes.- Alianza EAX y Medio Lleno. - Mario y Sofi, mi Nuevo Libro Infantil.

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Alumni Hall of Fame 2014.

New Board Members.

Salud Preventiva

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True Trojans 2014 Alumni Hall of Fame Induction!

By: Communications Office

“This year’s inductees were Analida Sol de Guzman (Class ‘73) and for the first time, as an Honorary Alumni, our dear Seño Ochoa. They were both special because of one reason: their contributions were in benefit of the School itself. “

Being inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame is considered the

highest honor that the School can give to an Escuela Americana alumn. This tradition started in 1994 with the induction of three alumni: Alfredo F. Cristiani (Class ‘64), Federico Bloch (Class ‘72) and Enrique Trabanino (Class ‘90). Throughout the years, different alumn from different classes have been selected and honored in four categories of induction:

1. Leadership & Citizenship2. Cultural and Professional Achievements 3. Sportsmanship4. Research and Academia

Analida was part of the school’s Board of Directors for more than twelve years and served as President for ten of those years. She dedicated many years of her life and tons of energy to her alma

mater to make Escuela Americana the school that it is today. She was able to lead the school through difficult times, consolidated the Board of Directors which then launched initiatives that led to place our school as a “World Class Educational Institution”. Her constant search for continuous improvement resulted in a period of major infrastructure growth. She promoted a seismic vulnerability study and upon its completion in 2000, several unsafe building were demolished and replaced with modern and secure buildings such as the Lower School Early Childhood Building, the 3rd and 4th grade building and the Middle School 6th grade building. Her future vision of the school resulted in the purchase of adjacent properties were buildings such as the Art House are located. Probably her greatest contribution was the creation of the Trojan Learning Center (TLC) in 1999. This successful program functions under international standards and is one of a kind in Latin America.

What made this year’s Hall of Fame Induction different was Seño Ochoa’s induction as an Honorary

Alumni. This year’s ceremony coincided with Seño’s 55th anniversary of service to EA. Throughout all those years and for all her valuable advice, loving embraces, kind gestures and tenderness, Seño became more than just the school nurse, but a friend, a mom, a grandmother, a pillar of support and a shoulder to cry on for all of the members of the EA Community. Not only did she heal our physical wounds, but also those from our hearts.

The Induction Ceremony was filled with laughter, tears of joy and a lot of love towards Analida and Seño Ochoa. The School’s band kicked it up a notch with a repertoire of classic songs such as “Celebration” by Kool & The Gang and the performance of the Alma Mater pop version along with the School’s choir. To continue with the celebration, a formal reception was held at the Early Childhood Center in Lower School to honor Analida and Seño Ochoa’s induction. Staff, alumni, former and current PTA, Booster, Board members and close friends of both Analida and Seño Ochoa attended the reception.

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Congratulations Analida and Seño Ochoa! Thank you for your great contributions to our school and for being TRUE TROJANS!

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Anna Leslie Ojst-LarinSalvadoreñaESENAdministración y EconomíaExalumna – Clase de 1991

Eduardo Antonio Arias RankSalvadoreñoDr. José Matías Delgado / Universidad Autónoma BarcelonaDoctor en Derecho

José Mayorga RivasSalvadoreñoDr. José Matías DelgadoAdministración de Empresas

Mónica Manosalvas de AlmeidaEcuatoriana/ItalianaDr. José Matías DelgadoComunicaciones y Logística

Vanessa Rubio-MéndezSalvadoreñaUniversidad de NavarraComunicaciones – Publicidad y Relaciones Públicas

Nuevos Miembros de la Junta Directiva

Por: Oficina de Comunicaciones

Escuela Americana es una institución sin fines de lucro y se rige por una Junta Directiva compuesta de 16 miembros de Directores.

Los miembros de la Junta son elegidos por los Padres de Familia durante la Asamblea General de Padres celebrada en septiembre / octubre de cada año escolar. Este año tenemos 5 nuevos miembros

sirviendo en la Junta Directiva de la Escuela y creemos que sería adecuado que conozcan un poco más de ellos.

Los demás miembros de la Junta Directiva son:Nicola Angelucci - Presidente de la Junta (9 años en la Junta, Exalumno , padre de 11º, 9 º, 7 º y 1 º grado); Carlos Moreno - Vicepresidente (2 años en la Junta, Exalumno , padre de 3 º y 2 º grado), Ana Cristina Quiñónez - Tesorera (6 años en la Junta, mamá de 6 º y 4 º grado); Mauricio Infante – Pro-Tesorero (14 años en la Junta, Exalumno , padre de alumnos de 12 º y 9 º); María Alicia de Espinoza - Secretaria (12 años en la Junta, mamá de alumna de 12º y de 2 graduados ); Patricia de Bettaglio - Secretario Suplente (20 años en la Junta, mamá de 11º grado y 2 graduados ); Cecilia de Kahn - Síndico (4 años en la Junta, mamá de alumnos de octavo y quinto); Felipe Castro (5 años en la junta, Exalumno , papá de 5º grado y 1 graduado), Ernesto Rivera- Richardson (5 años en la Junta, papá de 12º, octavo, séptimo y 1 graduado ), Rebeca de Cuestas (5 años en la Junta, mamá de séptimo grado), Miguel A. Rivera (miembro designado por el Embajador EE.UU. , papá de 5 º y 3er grado). El Director General,

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Ken Templeton y la Directora de Finanzas y Operaciones, Patricia de Zaldívar (18 años en la junta, Exalumna, mamá de 3 graduados). El Director General y la Directora de Finanzas asisten como miembros ex oficio. La Junta Directiva trabaja arduamente, invirtiendo muchas horas de trabajo para asegurar y proteger el futuro de la Escuela. Todo este trabajo se hace por medio de las reuniones mensuales, pero sobre todo por medio de comités, donde los miembros de Junta Directiva y Padres de Familia que nos colaboran invierten muchas horas, muchas veces con reuniones de trabajo semanales. El trabajo de los miembros de Junta Directiva es arduo, y lo hacemos con amor para nuestros hijos y el futuro de nuestra Escuela.¡Gracias a todos los miembros de La Junta y colaboradores por su dedicación!

Anna Leslie Ojst-Larin

Eduardo Antonio Arias Rank

EA Board 2013 - 2014

José Mayorga Rivas

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Salud Preventiva en Nuestra Comunidad

Por: Gabriela de LaraGerente de Operaciones

El campus de Escuela Americana es como una pequeña ciudad por su extensión e infraestructura. En el campus contamos con diferentes especies de animales que habitan en nuestra comunidad. Como una institución responsable, la Escuela decide iniciar un plan de saneamiento ambiental en el año 2007 con el interés de corregir plagas vectoreas en el campus.

Considerando que nuestra comunidad está conformada por un número significativo de niños, adolescentes, profesores, exalumnos, padres y staff, la institución muestra su interés en la salud preventiva conformando un grupo técnico ambiental de saneamiento anti-vectorial (GTASA). Su fin es prevenir enfermedades que son transmitidas por vectores y

reducir el impacto ambiental para controlar a estos animales.

Desde hace un par de años, se nos ha presentado un nuevo reto. Se han venido observando en nuestras instalaciones una variedad de felinos que comparten espacio con nuestra comunidad. En un inicio era una convivencia equilibrada y de esparcimiento sano para todos,

con las características que estos especímenes traen consigo.

Con el tiempo, por las comodidades encontradas en el área cómo: alimento fácil, espacio, cero competencias, ningún depredador, etc. poco a poco y sin control, fue creciendo la comunidad de gatos no domesticados que nos trajo problemas de pulgas en ciertas áreas, desechos fecales en cielos falsos de aulas, daños a estructuras y material didáctico entre otras cosas; por lo que nace el interés responsable de iniciar un programa de control y manejo adecuado de los felinos con el objeto de prevenir enfermedades como Toxoplasmosis, Histoplasmosis, La Peste, Tifus Murino, Rabia y Parasitosis.

Este programa tiene como misión capturar al individuo por medio de una trampa hecha especialmente para no lastimarlos y liberarlos fuera de nuestra zona. La institución trata de hacer un balance entre salud preventiva y respeto a los animales.

En Escuela Americana cada día se aprende algo nuevo. No hay duda que continúa siendo mi escuela, para la cual me siento muy orgullosa de pertenecer.

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Viajando por el Mundo en SSL Airlines.

3rd Grade Crab Races.

Guiding Light Patrol.

Semana del Folklore.

Sack Races.

Books are Bridges to Learning. Reading Week 2014.

Carrera de la Amistad.

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Going Back in History- 4th grade Living Museum.

Our EA Scientists- 5th grade Science Fair.

3rd graders Contribute to the Environment.

Lower School Intramural Games Inauguration Ceremony.

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Viajando por el Mundo en SSL Airlines

Por: Mercedes de Umaña 2-5 SSL Teacher

Los estudiantes del programa de Español como Segundo Idioma de Quinto grado participaron recientemente en la presentación de sus proyectos en “PowerPoint”, bajo la dirección de su maestra, Mercedes de Umaña. Este proyecto toma el nombre de VIAJANDO POR EL MUNDO EN SSL AIRLINES porque cada estudiante hace su presentación de acuerdo a su país o estado de origen. Luego invitamos a la administración de la escuela, a algunos maestros y a los padres de los estudiantes para que viajen virtualmente a los destinos seleccionados. El aula se convierte en un jet supersónico y cada estudiante es el experto guía que nos da información sobre el lugar y nos lleva a los diferentes lugares turísticos de cada país o estado. Al final del viaje, todos los pasajeros disfrutamos de los platillos típicos de cada lugar visitado. Esta actividad fue una experiencia inolvidable para los estudiantes ya que se pone en práctica muchas de las habilidades aprendidas sobre el idioma, investigación y muchas habilidades tecnológicas.

TOUR GUIDES:Texas: Gabriela RittleyNew York: Mia RiveraNorth Carolina: Ridha MasagaziSouth Korea: Ben LeeIsrael: Ohn BassAustralia: Yasmeen TerrazasBrasil: Kaycie Williams

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Walking like a Crab!

By: Maria José Dominguez3rd Grade Teacher

It is never too early to begin creating awareness about the importance of charity, and about our ability to help others. In the Elementary School we take pride in ensuring that our students have the opportunity to take some time to reflect about the privileges and blessings they have in their own lives and providing them with activities that will allow them to be involved in the process of

giving to others.

Last Friday March 7th, the third graders cheerfully participated in their annual “Crab Race”. This is a fundraising activity in which students “walk like a crab” for as many meters as they can, and earn funds from sponsors who pledge money for each meter walked. The more meters they walk, the more money they raise.

While many students imagined it would be an easy task, attempting to cover up to 200 meters on the field in the hot afternoon was an unexpected challenge for all the students. They experienced the feelings of wanting to give up, and feeling tired, but worked to push themselves to “walk” as much as they could to honor their commitment to their charity project. They cheered each other

on, and encouraged each other to do much more than their bodies could. With the amount they raise, 3rd grade will be able to help CRINA (Centro de Rehabilitación Integral para la Niñez y Adolescencia). CRINA provides families of children with disabilities with services, therapies, and resources. The money raised will specifically go toward the manufacturing of customized wheelchairs to support children with neurological, physical and other disabilities.

This year, our students had the blessing of seeing for themselves two of the children who have benefited from the funds of our previous “Crab Races” who were provided with customized wheelchairs. They were also able to hear from CRINA representatives how important their contributions are and how much their efforts continue to help these families. We are so proud and appreciative of the third graders’ enthusiasm and the amazing support from all the sponsors. We hope to continue future activities together that allow us to further instill the sense of service to others in our students.

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Guiding Light Patrol

By: Juan Andrés GranadinoCommunications Office

Let your light shine. Be a source of strength and courage. Share your wisdom. – Wilfred Peterson

Escuela Americana students have the responsibility of being positive role models to their classmates and other students. In 2009, a group of moms part of FORJA, a non-profit foundation that teaches values, came up with a new way

for students to implement the set of values taught by the FORJA Character Building Program. This is how the “Guiding Light Patrol” program was born. Guiding Light Patrol is carried out between 5th grade and Kinder 5 students. Being the oldest in the Lower School, 5th grader students are seen as the leaders. Their task is to be “guiding light”, positive role models, and examples of

fairness, kindness and caring to their younger peers.

Students assigned to the program are called “guiding lights”. They go to the Kinder 5 recess every day for one week where they are designated an area of the playground to take care of. Once there, they must look for kids, play with them, have fun and solve problems in a positive way. For

the 5th grade students, this is a great opportunity to help other be a positive influence, leave a mark, and put into practice the values learn through the Character Building Program.

During these past five year, the program has been a total success. It has helped both group of students unfold and create friendships, built a greater self-esteem, become better people and solve problems in a better way. Many of the 5th graders who have participated in the program have liked it and want to participate more.

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Semana del Folklore

Por: Lorena SerranoCoordinadora de Español LS

“Cada año, esta semana logra dibujar en las caras de todos y en el corazón de cada uno: ilusiones, sonrisas, satisfacciones, trabajos, cansancio, alegría...pero sobretodo...el orgullo de ser Troyanos.” La Semana de Proyección Folklórica es uno de los más grandes eventos que se realizan

en Primaria y que es esperado por todos los estudiantes, por su derroche de alegría y vistosidad.Esta idea nació con la celebración del 50º Aniversario de la fundación de nuestra escuela. En aquel entonces estuvieron involucradas todas las divisiones educativas y se hizo una auténtica gala en la proyección de nuestra cultura y tradiciones, atesorando con ello el orgullo de nuestra identidad

Bicultural. En la actualidad, esta Semana es una hermosa tradición de la Escuela Primaria, cuyo objetivo primordial es rescatar nuestra cultura popular, por medio del fomento del respeto y la valoración de nuestras costumbres y tradiciones. Los alumnos se sienten privilegiados de explicar la importancia de

preservar y celebrar el folklore salvadoreño, porque saben que representa un importante componente en la historia de su país. Auspiciar el arte como producto de la vivencia del pueblo es volverse a las raíces. Es estar orgullosos del pasado y muy deseosos de mantenerlo siempre actual.

Durante las últimas dos semanas del mes de enero, los estudiantes, acompañados por sus profesores, desarrollan un proyecto curricular cuyo tema es básicamente, “El folklore y sus expresiones populares”. Cada nivel de grado suma esfuerzos y presenta a la comunidad una interesante culminación su trabajo.

Los días de esta semana se asignan a los diferentes grados, para que todos tengan la oportunidad de observar y participar en cada una de las celebraciones, exposiciones o espectáculos.

Se inaugura la semana con “Las danzas de proyección folklórica” de Cuarto Grado. Los estudiantes bailan al compás de música tradicional salvadoreña. Todos los niños se visten con los atuendos que hace muchísimos años usaban nuestros antepasados, incluyendo esto, la época Colonial y Precolombina.

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Los días siguientes, la comunidad de la EA puede visitar las exposiciones del trabajo realizado por los estudiantes de Pre-Kínder y Primer Grado. Los primeros decoran una artesanía representante de alguna región de nuestro país. Esta vez trabajaron los “Trompos de madera de Nahuizalco”. Y, Primer Grado, elabora su tradicional “Alfombra de sal”, usando el mismo proceso de las alfombras que se disfrutan por su arte y originalidad, en la Semana Santa. Este año, para el diseño de sus alfombras, tomaron como inspiración los cuentos, “Pedro y el Lobo” y “El Grúfalo”. Los alumnos disfrutaron de teñir la sal y colocarla sobre los moldes que componen las figuras de las alfombras. Los niños irradiaron una alegría especial cuando contemplaron su obra terminada. Los estudiantes de Kínder presentan una buena muestra de rondas, bombas, cantos y adivinanzas populares. Hacen su exhibición frente a sus compañeros de Pre-Kínder y Primer Grado. Todos los presentes se divierten buscando las respuestas de las adivinanzas, escuchando las dulces canciones y rondas, como también las simpáticas rimas de las bombas.Luego se acercan los días de las grandes celebraciones. Tercer Grado invita a visitar una gran exposición donde se encuentran juegos tradicionales, dramatización de cuentos y leyendas y muestra de dulces y objetos típicos. Los actores representaron este año, el cuento “La flor del Olivar” y la leyenda “Chasca, la virgen del agua”. Seguidamente, Quinto Grado, se luce con “El Festival del Maíz”. En realidad, los alumnos realizan una monografía sobre el maíz. Investigan toda la información relativa a esta planta, considerada sagrada desde la antigüedad: su origen, leyendas, los componentes de la planta, sus clases, el cultivo del maíz, las plagas, los productos que se obtienen de él y finalmente las comidas que se pueden elaborar. Toda esta investigación la presentan en la plataforma original de un teatro de títeres. Teatriles y títeres son fabricados por los mismos estudiantes. Para concluir esta actividad, los estudiantes invitan a una degustación de platillos elaborados con el ingrediente estrella: el maíz. Y para culminar esta colorida semana, se clausura con “La Feria del Pueblo” que es conducida por los estudiantes de Segundo Grado. En esta gran fiesta se corona al rey y la reina del pueblo. La selección de estos personajes tiene como base el reconocimiento público a la labor de estos miembros de la comunidad en favor de nuestros estudiantes. Los alumnos de Cuarto Grado amenizan con su música

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y sus danzas. En esta feria encontramos “El periquito de la suerte”, “La lotería”, “La confección de las palmas de Panchimalco”, “Los frescos”, “El pan dulce”, muestra de artesanos salvadoreños. Este año tuvimos el honor de contar con, “Las miniaturas de Ilobasco”, “El tejido en palma de Tenancingo”, “El telar de cintura de Panchimalco” y los “Instrumentos musicales de viento”. Y el gran esperado de todos los tiempos en la Feria del Pueblo: “El palo ensebado”. Para ganarse el premio y probar que pueden vencer al escurridizo palo ensebado, los estudiantes de todos los niveles, hacen filas interminables para probar suerte. Son muchos los que lo intentan...y pocos los que logran arrebatarle “el sobre” a este alto, liso y buen amigo.

Cada año, esta semana logra dibujar en las caras de todos y en el corazón de cada uno: ilusiones, sonrisas, satisfacciones, trabajos, cansancio, alegría...pero sobretodo...el orgullo de ser Troyanos.

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Books are Bridges to LearningReading Week 2014


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Community Service5th Grade Sack Races


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Servicio SocialCarrera de la Amistad de 4to. Grado


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Going Back in History4th grade Living Museum

By: Communication Office

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Our EA Scientists5th Grade Science Fair

By: Communication Office

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the caretaker and coordinator of our school’s treasured gardens and the famous “Finca”.

It was a busy day at school that day, but all the boys could think about was writing the letter to persuade Mrs. Nora to help them plant a shade tree for their beloved recess ground. That very evening, the boys went home and each drafted a letter to Mrs. Nora. The next morning, they swarmed Ms. Maria Jose with excitement and pride in the fact that they had taken the initiative to draft their first-ever persuasive letter. Ms. Maria Jose was astounded! She hadn’t formally taught them how to write a persuasive letter, yet the boys’ letters presented a very eloquent argument packed with reasons why this tree would be beneficial for students, for campus, and for Earth’s environment. After completing the writing process by revising, editing, and publishing their very best work, the boys were ready to send their letters to Mrs. Nora. The letters filled her heart with pride and inspiration – for she couldn’t believe that three Lower School boys could carry out such an initiative! Here is Mrs. Nora’s response:Dear Diego, Javier and Sergio,

I was so proud when I read your letters, first I want to tell you that you write beautiful, your letters had wonderful illustrations and they were so well written.

Bust most of all, what I really liked was your love for nature, your respect for it and your interest for the environment. How well you

3rd Graders Contribute to the Environment

By: Amy McFarlandLS Reading Coordinator

Due to the perseverance and persuasiveness of three special boys, Earth Day proved to be a very special event for the 3rd grade students of Ms. Maria Jose Dominguez’s class. It all started one morning at recess; the sun was blazing overhead and the tetherball court was scorching. Students were sweltering in the late morning sun when suddenly three boys had a spectacular

idea. “We should plant a tree here!”, one boy excitedly suggested. “What a great idea! Let’s plant a tree!”, the other two agreed. “Who can we ask?”, they inquired.

When the recess bell rang, Daniel Espana, Sergio Catani, and Javier Cristiani couldn’t contain their excitement; a seed in the form of an idea had been firmly planted in

their hearts and minds. They took their idea to their English teacher, Ms. Maria Jose Dominguez, to ask for advice. Ms. Maria Jose embraced the students’ idea and suggested that one powerful way to persuade someone is by writing a well crafted letter. She suggested that the boys address the letter to Mrs. Nora Hirleman, the Lower School librarian who for many, many years has been

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know we need oxygen to keep us healthy and the trees not only bring health to us, but beauty, trees are beautiful, it takes many years to have a tree grown up and it only takes minutes or hours to destroy such a perfect work from nature.

I have the hope that you will keep the same when you grow up, that you will always stand up for nature and the environment, if all of your generation think the way you do, your children will inherit a better world.

Of course you will have your tree, we will all plant it together. Unfortunately it cannot be an apple tree; they don’t grow up in the tropics, some variety of apples names “peruleras” grow up in Guatemala in the mountains where they have cold weather, I am looking for the proper tree to be plant on Earth Day. What a better day to give a gift to Earth?

Love you and again, you made me so proud,

Big hugs,

Miss Nora

And so, on April 22, 2014, under a blazing sun and a few rain-fat clouds, Ms. Maria Jose’s class honored the Earth and recognized the perseverance of three special boys by planting a beautiful, shade tree right next to the tether ball court. There couldn’t have been a better day to give a gift to Earth.

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Lower School Intramural Games Inauguration Ceremony


The Lower School P.E. Department organized the Inauguration Ceremony of the Lower School Intramural Games. Filled with applause and school spirit, students, teachers and parents greeted each of the grade level teams as they paraded into the LS field. After

the official welcoming words from Carmen de Vilanova, our Athletic Director, and the singing of the national anthems, the second grade students performed a series of dances dressed in hand made costumes of some of the most popular teams of the World Cup. The performances and the

costumes were amazing! The entrance of the torch and the lighting of the intramural flame marked the start of this great EA tradition. Congratulations to the Lower School P.E. Department for your creativity and hard work. Go Trojans!

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Middle School Dance.

Mathcounts Competition 2014.

Pasión por la Música.

NJHS Induction Ceremony.

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Middle School Dance

By: Lucia Schönborn 6th Grade Student

“As soon as you entered the gym, where the dance took place, you were transported to… fabulous LAS VEGAS!!”

When you hear “Middle School Dance”, what comes to your mind? A boring dance with teachers all over? Well then, you definitely didn’t go to the 2014 Middle School Dance! As soon as you entered the gym, where

the dance took place, you were transported. It was a night full of fun, games, and food. Where were you transported to? Well, to… fabulous LAS VEGAS!!

On Friday, February 7th at 7 pm, the “Middle School Dance” started. In the entrance of the schools’ gym boys and girls beautifully dressed were making lines to enter. First, you had to go

through a red, white, and black balloon archway which seemed like the entrance to a casino in Las Vegas. Inside you could see balloons of the same colors hanging from the ceiling and you could also smell the cheesy pizza and buttery popcorn. The room was decorated with big dice which related to the theme of Las Vegas, as well. On one side of the room there was a photo booth,

and on the other you had many tables full of food and refreshments that would be in full service an hour later. In the middle of the room there was the dance floor which would become the core of the party, with lights all over.

Middle School students were enjoying this special night with their friends and meeting other middle schoolers. Some students were on the dance floor, dancing to the rhythm of modern music, others just wandering around, and a few of them were already eating. Many middle schoolers had decided to take pictures with their friends. Just before you took your picture you had a table full of props which you could use and wear: funny hats, glasses, scarves… By 8 pm, the dance was in full swing and you could hear the laughter and joy of the students. Time went by fast and before we knew it, it was already 9:30 and parents were starting to pick up their children. The photo booth was out of ink to print more photos, the food was finished, and the only thing left was the kids’ memories of the night and the music still playing in their heads.

On Monday in school, everybody was buzzing about the party and how they couldn’t wait for next year’s dance. Since the fifth graders are coming next year we have to make sure we plan the absolutely best MIDDLE SCHOOL DANCE!!!

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Mathcounts® Competition 2014 (Puebla, México)

By: Ignacio Valdez 6th Grade Student

An experience of a lifetime awaited me. I stood near the window, having our plane in front me. I was going to be an experience that would bring many positive ideas and some negative ones to my head. With excitement, I talked to my friends, although being nervous of what was coming.

On the first day, we relaxed

and made a couple of friends. But the next day came the competition, the math relay. On a tight schedule we headed to the American School of Puebla, The opening ceremony was well organized and then came the math relay which consists in running to a desk, solving a simple and basic math problem, and coming back to the starting line to give the baton to someone

else. This person runs and the process is repeated like in a relay, eight times (there are eight participants). Escuela Americana ended up in third place. It was an amazing day and experience.

The next day the Manthcounts® competition was held. It was forty minutes of complete silence and a packet of thirty problems in front of everyone. Time flew by

and I tried to solve problems that were a level of mathematics I had never seen before. That was the sprint round and later came the target round were problems were handed in pairs. For every pair of questions there was a short period of time. When time ran out, papers were collected and the next set was given. There were a total of four pair of questions. At the end came the team round. Escuela Americana, in the team B category, ended up in third place.

Once the competition was over, the next day we went to Cholula, the pyramids, and visited the center of Puebla. It is a beautiful city, great food, and an excellent climate. We go to know a lot of new people and after all, the entire trip was awesome. Next year it should be done again.

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Pasión por la Música

Por: Carlos VelascoProfesor de Música Escuela Media

Mi nombre es Carlos Velasco, y soy profesor de música de Escuela Media para sexto, séptimo y octavo grado. Mi experiencia como profesor de música de Escuela Media, es maravillosa, en especial ver el desarrollo de los niños, su progreso en los tres años de Escuela Media.

Ejemplo de esto son las diferentes actividades que desarrollamos con los alumnos de la clase de música, dentro y fuera de la escuela. Tales como: presentaciones en festivales de arte y asambleas dentro de la escuela, así como nuestra participación en el Festival Bicultural de artes en el

cual la escuela participa en el formato de banda.

Para mí es una bonita experiencia el ser parte del desarrollo artístico musical de los alumnos de escuela media.

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NJHS Induction Ceremony


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Upper School Escuela Americana Actors Bring Home the Medals!!

EA’s MUN Club at the City of Brotherly Love.

Que Orgullo ser una Senior de la Escuela Americana.

I Respect Week - G40 Leaders in Action.

Choices for a Better Future.

More than Numbers: The Non-guide to College Acceptances.

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Technology in the Classrooms.

NHS Induction Ceremony.

Art Festival.

O-Yarkandal y Catalina del Cid.

Shoeing - A Day Without Shoes.

Seniors - A Year of Service.

Service Learning.

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Upper School Escuela Americana Actors Bring Home The Medals !!

By: Camille de GuirolaDrama Teacher

“The EA Players walked away with SEVERAL MEDALS, including: SILVER MEDAL for our One-Act comedy, Check Please: Take Two, by Jonathan Rand, plus several other silver and bronze medals.”

This year, in 2014, our Escuela Americana Upper School Drama Classes and Club (collectively

called The EA PLAYERS) represented El Salvador at the DRAMA AASCA Festival held at the Lincoln School in Costa Rica, February 5-9. Our school has not participated in this event, which only occurs once every two years, in almost SIX years!

So, this was an exceptional year and we were pleased to participate, to perform and to

grow as actors during this several day event which included: improvisation workshops, performances of short plays, scenes and monologues, and special theatrical and social outings where our students made artistic friends with students from Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama and Honduras. The honored guest speaker and workshop leader, Sherri Sutton, a famous,

award-winning stand-up comedienne and Dramatist, led us all in dynamic workshops, and, after hours, in personal sessions of feedback and insights into what we are doing well on stage, and into what we can do better.

The EA players walked away with amazing experiences, gained invaluable knowledge and had the chance to rehearse and perform on a professional-quality stage, at the Lincoln School’s new auditorium, which has exceptional acoustics, and comfortable bucket seats. Performing on a quality stage was a first for many of our students, since we do not, as of yet, have an acoustically sound theater for performances (an auditorium) here at the Escuela Americana, but, hopefully, we will in the future! The EA Players walked away with SEVERAL MEDALS, including: SILVER MEDAL for our One-Act comedy, Check Please: Take Two, by Jonathan Rand, plus several other silver and bronze medals.

Our EA AASCA TEAM this year included: Diego Gasteazoro, Andrea Barraza , Ximena Segovia, Alexandra Gonzalez, Fernanda Alfaro, Gaby Alfaro , Matias Gonzalez, Camila Gonzalez, Samantha Zorn, Amanda Murillo and Karlos Rivas.

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EA’s MUN Club at the City of Brotherly Love

By: Ivonne SosaMUN Sponsor

“Students prepared for months in order to become experts on their country, and on the issues that they would discuss during the many hours of committee sessions they would attend.”

This year the Escuela Americana Model United Nations Club participated in one of the most prestigious Model United Nations

conferences in the United States, the Ivy League Model United Nations Conference (ILMUNC) sponsored by the University of Pennsylvania. Ten carefully selected members of the MUN Club were transformed into United Nations delegates representing the country of Latvia.

Students prepared for months in order to become experts on

their country, and on the issues that they would discuss during the many hours of committee sessions they would attend. Before departing for the ILMUNC students also prepared a position paper, a paper that outlines the country’s position on the issue at hand.

The ILMUNC took place from January 30, 2014 to February 2,

2014. Committees met starting at 9:00 A.M. and would continue well into the evening hours. Delegates experienced the demands on time and energy that being a United Nations delegate requires. In each committee session our student delegates spoke up to defend their position, offer their ideas and perspectives, and contribute to United Nations resolutions. Not only is the event an excellent opportunity for our students to show off their public speaking skills, but also for them to practice argument and logic, respect for differing perspectives, and the ability to build consensus among a large group.

The primary purpose of this trip is for EA students to represent their school at the ILMUNC; however, they also found time to explore area colleges and the culture and history of Philadelphia, one of the oldest cities in the United States and the birthplace of American independence. Students visited four area universities and received personalized campus tours. They were also exposed to such important historical sites as Independence Hall. As a true “melting pot” community, Philadelphia also offers the cultural diversity that contributes to our students’ development. The delegation visited China Town where they enjoyed Malaysian cuisine, and of course had several opportunities to sample East Coast pizza. Perhaps the most enjoyed culinary experience was that of the cheese steak. A trip to Philadelphia must include a visit to South Philly, where the two rival cheese steak restaurants, Pat’s Steaks and Gino’s Steaks, operate (our students’ verdict: Pat’s).

We look forward to the 2015 ILMUNC which will present yet another opportunity for us to help our students develop into global citizens.

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¡Que orgullo ser una Senior de la Escuela Americana!

Por: Daniela Morán12th Grade Student and G40 Officer

“Estas experiencias nos llenan el corazón, pues nos enseñan que somos privilegiados por nuestra familia, escuela, amigos y por todo lo que tenemos.”

Que orgullo ser Senior! Así me sentí el día viernes 7 de marzo 2014, al tener por segunda vez, la oportunidad de ser parte de

los alumnos que les festejamos una piñata para decenas de niños de las organizaciones: Escuela ONUVA, Fundación Éxodo e hijos de Coopeclean. Fueron más de 115 niños los invitados a pasar un rato de alegría y de cariño.

Cada niño invitado tuvo un amigo Senior que fue su anfitrión, por lo que con mucho esmero mis

compañeros y yo preparamos un almuerzo para cada niño con el que pasaríamos la tarde. Fue muy lindo ver las caritas de ilusión con que cada niño esperaba ser ordenado y conocer a su amigo “ grande”. Tratar con niños pequeños es más fácil que encontrar cosas en común con jóvenes que han sido rescatados de ambientes peligrosos y que

han sufrido mucho en su vida, pero los Seniors sacaron ese ángel que yo siempre les he conocido y sé que jamás nos defraudan!

Todos dieron lo mejor de cada uno, jugaron fútbol, saltaron cuerda, jugaron mica, peregrina, trompo, yoyo, hula hoop y para terminar..... ¡Las famosas piñatas! ¡A los invitados no les cabían en las manos los dulces y sorpresas! Estas experiencias nos llenan el corazón, pues nos enseñan que somos privilegiados por nuestra familia, escuela, amigos y por todo lo que tenemos. Es increíble como los niños al despedirse pedían el micrófono para dar las gracias pues habían pasado una tarde increíble. Los jóvenes de Fundación Éxodo no se cansaban de decir que a ellos por ser grandes ya no los toman en cuenta, y que los bachilleres de la EA si los querían.

Por segunda vez, puedo decir: ¡esta piñata fue un éxito!

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I Respect Week- G40 Leaders in action!

By: Daniela Morán12th Grade Student and G40 Officer

“Be the spark that starts respecting.”

On Monday March third, the Upper School united to celebrate Respect Week . A group of students and former members of the G40 got together in the morning to pass out the “I Respect” bracelets. These were to be worn at all times and by the end of the week the grade

that had the most would win a pizza party. It was a really close race throughout the week. On the second day of Respect week, students watched an eye opening and hopefully life changing video.

On Wednesday, painted hands were placed on a banner that committed kids to be respectful. “Stand up - Start respecting” T-shirts were handed out to all

students and staff members to symbolize that we are all united and support respect. The last day of respect week was filled with enthusiasm and motivation with a closing assembly and the visit of Dr. Luis Mario Rodríguez and his very motivational talk. Dr. Rodriguez talked to the entire Upper School student body about the positive and negative leaders and how we should all work

together to become agents of change in our society and how even though we are young we should stand together and be involved in our world’s events.

We also watched an inspiring video created by the G40 members. It was eye opening and really well done! To close the event, the winner for the pizza party was announced. Congratulations freshmen! After an exciting week, I can say that Respect week as a great opportunity for us to reflect about how we can inspire others to be respectful, not only of our peers and teachers, but also of our worlds and society.Be the Change you want to see in the world! It was a week worth experiencing!

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CHOICES FOR

A BETTER FUTURE“April will be a month of decisions for our students and their families, a time to choose the best option.”

The Class of 2014 has already received “good news” from their chosen universities but we expect even more as the traditional April 1 notification date approaches. April will be a month of decisions for our students and their families, a time to choose the best option. What will help them choose just one from many? There are many factors that guide this choice.

Take care not to choose a college only for its prestige or high ranking, as opposed to one that really appeals to you. Also, ignore whether the colleges you are consid-ering are Reaches, Good Chances or Safeties on your college list. In many cases, students find that a Good Chance or Safety school fits them better academically and/or personally than a Reach one. Also, resist the temptation to go to a col-lege to please someone else -- a parent, grandparent, girl or boyfriend -- even if that person is really impor-tant in your life.

Only YOU can make the final decision. After all, you are the person who will be attending the school.Finally, remember that even if you make a wrong deci-sion, it's not fatal. �If a col-lege doesn't work out, you can transfer to another col-lege, a process that can begin as early as the first semester/quarter of your freshman year.

Pros (what I like) and Cons (what I don't like)

Students often find it useful to set up a grid in which they identify the pros and cons of attending each college. Write down the names of each college and then identify what you like and don't like for each of the colleges. After you have done that, circle the college/s that have the most pros and least cons.

Rating colleges on a scale from 1-10If identifying the pros and cons for each of the colleges doesn't give you a final answer, then list all of the colleges that you are considering and rate them on a scale from 1 (No interest at all) to 10 (Love the school!). Once you have done this, rank order the colleges according to their numbers, highest first, followed by lower-scoring schools. One or two colleges should jump out with highest scores, getting you one step closer to knowing to whom you're going to say yes.

If you still don't have the answer to which college you want to attend, ask yourself these questions:What does my heart tell me? On which campus do I feel at home? Picture yourself at different campuses walking around, living in a dorm, going to a football game or sitting in a classroom. Which colleges bring up positive thoughts and feelings? Which ones make you feel uneasy, anxious or concerned? Keep in mind that no college is going to be perfect, and there are probably any number of colleges that will work very well for you.

Ask for helpIf you're still feeling uncertain, then sit down with someone you trust and who cares about you, and discuss with them what information and conclusions you have come to so far. Ask for help in sorting through the information and feelings you have.After that, it really is up to you.

By: Carol EastonCollege Counseling

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

Information by: Marjorie Hansen Shaevitz

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CHOICES FOR

A BETTER FUTURE“April will be a month of decisions for our students and their families, a time to choose the best option.”

The Class of 2014 has already received “good news” from their chosen universities but we expect even more as the traditional April 1 notification date approaches. April will be a month of decisions for our students and their families, a time to choose the best option. What will help them choose just one from many? There are many factors that guide this choice.

Take care not to choose a college only for its prestige or high ranking, as opposed to one that really appeals to you. Also, ignore whether the colleges you are consid-ering are Reaches, Good Chances or Safeties on your college list. In many cases, students find that a Good Chance or Safety school fits them better academically and/or personally than a Reach one. Also, resist the temptation to go to a col-lege to please someone else -- a parent, grandparent, girl or boyfriend -- even if that person is really impor-tant in your life.

Only YOU can make the final decision. After all, you are the person who will be attending the school.Finally, remember that even if you make a wrong deci-sion, it's not fatal. �If a col-lege doesn't work out, you can transfer to another col-lege, a process that can begin as early as the first semester/quarter of your freshman year.

Pros (what I like) and Cons (what I don't like)

Students often find it useful to set up a grid in which they identify the pros and cons of attending each college. Write down the names of each college and then identify what you like and don't like for each of the colleges. After you have done that, circle the college/s that have the most pros and least cons.

Rating colleges on a scale from 1-10If identifying the pros and cons for each of the colleges doesn't give you a final answer, then list all of the colleges that you are considering and rate them on a scale from 1 (No interest at all) to 10 (Love the school!). Once you have done this, rank order the colleges according to their numbers, highest first, followed by lower-scoring schools. One or two colleges should jump out with highest scores, getting you one step closer to knowing to whom you're going to say yes.

If you still don't have the answer to which college you want to attend, ask yourself these questions:What does my heart tell me? On which campus do I feel at home? Picture yourself at different campuses walking around, living in a dorm, going to a football game or sitting in a classroom. Which colleges bring up positive thoughts and feelings? Which ones make you feel uneasy, anxious or concerned? Keep in mind that no college is going to be perfect, and there are probably any number of colleges that will work very well for you.

Ask for helpIf you're still feeling uncertain, then sit down with someone you trust and who cares about you, and discuss with them what information and conclusions you have come to so far. Ask for help in sorting through the information and feelings you have.After that, it really is up to you.

By: Carol EastonCollege Counseling

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

Information by: Marjorie Hansen Shaevitz

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More than Numbers:The Non-guide to College Acceptances

By: Silvana Saca 12th Grade Student

“Do not be discouraged from your application because of myths regarding the admissions process. Do apply to your dream school, and do focus on what distinguishes you from the other candidates.”

First of all, for the sake of transparency and because we’re

friends, I feel urged to admit that I am not an Olympic athlete nor have I achieved anything worthy of a historical monument. In fact, I must confess that my daily schedule consists of school, cat videos and food, though sometimes, when I’m feeling slightly extravagant, I vary the order of these events. Regarding school, my grades in the

humanities are above average, but my dips in the sciences expose my constant struggle to find the sum of two and two (is it four?). It goes without saying that when I applied to the highly selective liberal arts school, Smith College in Massachusetts, few people thought that I would be accepted. Much to their surprise and my own, when I ripped open

the torturous packaging of my decision letter, I found not only an acceptance, but a full ride into my four-year college career. To avoid muffled sniggers when you pass me by in the hallway, I will skip the part where I shamelessly ran around the streets in my pajamas, and simply tell you that it was the loveliest moment of my life. What I can offer you is not a college handbook or a step-by-step manual to that illusory “You’re in!” from your dream school, but rather, my own experience with college acceptances.

I mentioned many of the things I lack--- titles, Noble prizes, the left side of my brain--- but there is one thing that I do possess, and that is an uninhibited passion for the written word. When I was three years old, I cried because I couldn’t read. At seventeen, I still cry, except now it’s because I’ve acknowledged the impossibility of reading every book in the library. I revel at doing page-by-page analyses of Shakespearean plays and fashioning my own versions of Sparknotes. I first realized this was not an ordinary practice when I eagerly told my friend “It’s fun!” and she responded with a resigned shake of her head. Thus began the eternal question, “Am I crazy or just a born English major?” In senior year, I settled on a combination of the two and started looking for colleges that were the right match for me. I was drawn to Smith upon a certain teacher’s suggestion at a college fair. The feminist side of me was instantly infatuated with the brochure, which read, in bright, bold letters “Women for the World”. Surely enough, the college had produced some of the most talented female authors, philosophers and chefs in American history, including Sylvia Plath, Gloria Steinem and Julia Child. After paging through it a few (hundred) times, and developing a massive crush on the school library, I knew I had found the one.

The application, or as my mother lovingly calls it, the marriage proposal, was a nerve-wracking experience. I won’t sugarcoat it for those of you who still haven’t been in that situation- you will hyperventilate and chew on your nails and turn into a tiny, flame-breathing dragon. You shouldn’t. But you will. There are, however, methods of controlling this anxiety. For one, do not obsessively go online and read about the

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statistics and average GPAs of the accepted students in your dream college. What books and articles cannot emphasize enough is that most colleges have holistic admissions. What this means is that rather than simply see you as a score on a sheet of paper, a college will evaluate you as a person. They take into account your interests, your passions, your goals and certain qualities that are not necessary reflected on your transcript. To break the self-perpetuating myth regarding college admissions among students, I feel pressed to tell you that do not have to be class Valedictorian in order to get into your dream college. Now, I am not suggesting that you slack off in class; quite the contrary, schools are very interested in students who maintain a rigorous academic load. However, there are an increasing number of top colleges who seek candidates with a less-than-flawless academic record, but excel in a specified area. The class valedictorian, who got rejected from their dream school, might have top grades, but they have other great qualities too. If you focus your application on your extracurricular achievements and show dedication on a specific field, you will prove a strong candidate.

Do not be discouraged from your application because of myths regarding the admissions process. Do apply to your dream school, and do focus on what distinguishes you from the other candidates. If you’re a writer, include additional writing supplements (which you can mail directly to the school) and dedicate time to a wonderful essay. This is your chance to prove that there is more to you than a piece of paper. I, personally, opted for a creative approach in my common app essay, by comparing books to physical places, with a landscape of words and pages. After proofreading my essay a thousand times over, I submitted it and was met with waves of positive feedback from colleges. If you’re an illustrator or a designer, you can take a similar approach by sending off the nearest-to-perfect version of your portfolio to your school, showcasing only the best of your work. Top off your application with great recommendations, and you’re set. To further boost your chances, schedule an interview with an alumnus or faculty member (whether in person or on Skype) from your dream college. This shows interest on your part, and cannot hurt your chances of admission in any way. Top schools weed out those candidates which they feel are not committed to them, as these are likelier to reject their offer of acceptance. This is especially true for regular decision candidates, who are not binding themselves to the school in any way. Think about it: when a school offers an acceptance to a student, they are also expecting an “I do!” in the enrollment decision. Otherwise, it is wasted energy on their part.

My last piece of advice is to take advantage of your college counselor to the fullest. Be completely honest with your financial needs and other concerns in order to make the best of your experience, and ease your transition into college. It was Caro, my counselor, who gave me the courage to apply to more selective schools. I was sure I wouldn’t get in with my scores, and was close to retrieving my application more than once. What I didn’t see, which my dream college and other highly selective institutions always do, is that I was more than a number- and so are you. Don’t let your insecurities get the best of you, and apply!

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Shoeing- “A Day Without Shoes”


“The life of a man consists not in seeing visions and in dreaming dreams, but in active charity and in willing service” – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (9th Century American Poet)

When traveling to the U.S., Diego Alvarez (Class’ 15), discovered the American campaign, Shoeing and was determined to bring it

back. Its objective is to collect and donate shoes for underprivileged kids. Diego saw it as an opportunity to fight poverty in the country. He was moved by the number of kids that live without shoes in the country. His purpose is to fulfill his vision of seeing all Salvadoran kids with shoes. Diego gained support from his classmates, Escuela Americana, other bilingual schools and large

companies. As the program grew beyond EA, Shoeing started working alongside World Vision, a humanitarian aid, development and advocacy organization that also donated shoes to kids from poor communities.

In 2013, Escuela Americana through the G40 organized a school wide shoe recollection campaign called “Day Without

Shoes”, where the entire EA community came together to donate 1,300 pairs of shoes for needy Salvadorans. Later on, Shoeing became part of the Service Learning Program, giving the school the chance to collect shoes for the communities helped by the school. This year, Middle School and Upper School students organized for the second time the shoe collection campaign collecting a total of 538 pair of shoes. These shoes were donated to the kids of Canton Cedro. During the campaigns, students wear only socks and walk barefoot all day as a sign of support and to raise awareness of the many Salvadoran kids who have no shoes. Today, EA through Shoeing still works with World Vision in the logistics and organizations of their events. Shoeing is a great way to be active in charity and to boost the will to serve others!

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Seniors – A year of Service!

By: Andrea Papini12th Grade Student

As the blazing sun warms up the handball court, a big kid and small kid rush across it. It might look like they are simply playing soccer, but this is the last service learning group project by the Class of 2014, and the culmination of a year of unique involvement.

Seniors have been exemplary role models in the Trojan community

by devoting themselves to altruistic activities throughout the year. Sons and daughters of the Coopeclean staff, as well as children from two different orphanages, received special presents for Christmas last December. Each senior chose a gift for their kid, and afterwards they munched on pizza together while enjoying Pizza Puch’s antics. It was a wonderful sight: children

and seniors played football, shared warm hugs, threw volley balls, and immersed themselves in laughter.

On March’s first Friday, the seniors and the children enjoyed another afternoon of fun and games. All seniors packed homemade lunches and met their little buddies at the handball court. After a small picnic, the courts

were the hosts of piñatas, candies, hula-hoops, and hand-holding. These activities have not only unified the senior class, but they have also warmed other people’s hearts.

Besides their service to children, seniors have also been fortifying their bonds with their teachers. As symbol of appreciation, they shared a sauce-ridden pan con pavo over smiles and jokes as a celebration of Thanksgiving Day. Along with their teachers and friends, students took a moment to appreciate their blessings.

Twelfth grade teachers also enjoyed a hearty breakfast sponsored by the seniors. Even though some of the students might have felt awkward serving their teachers morning pupusas, everyone soon relaxed and munched together. This breakfast was especially meaningful since there was a change in roles: students provided for the teachers; seniors were able to appreciate the teachers’ efforts and devotion.

After fourteen years in Escuela Americana, the most notable footprint the seniors will leave is their willingness and engagement in service learning. These activities have not only fortified the bonds between each other, but have benefitted people in and outside campus.

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Seniors – A year of Service!

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Service Learning

By: Juan Andrés GranadinoCommunications Office

“If we want to help the community, we must help it as a community” – Estelí de Mejia (Service Learning Coordinator).

Service Learning offers an immediate opportunity to enhance and support the community through meaningful community service; it is a method of teaching, but not merely academic. For a

school like Escuela Americana, SL serves as a teaching ground for students where they are able to apply classroom lessons to support local community services, and also as a venue for applying values, reflecting on life, becoming a positive change, and developing a civic responsibility towards their community.

As a school where our strength

is in our values, Service Learning is a significant element of the school’s mission. For Estelí Mejia, our Service Learning Coordinator, SL serves as an opportunity to bring together the school, join forces and work as a community (involving students, teachers, parents and alumni) for a common purpose.

Throughout this school year

(2013-2014), Service Learning has worked alongside local and international organizations to effect positive change in the country. One of the most evident changes is with FUNTER (Fundación Teletón Pro-Rehabilitación) a non-profit organization that offers rehabilitation services to the disabled population of El Salvador. Here, 60 students, volunteered six times a week for two hours and spent quality time with the children. They also volunteered on five different days for three hours to play with the kids and show them how to dance. These were no ordinary dance lessons, because the kids danced using only the parts of their body they could use—a perfect lesson that impossible is nothing! With the help of the 11th grade class, the school donated 4 large piñatas, 700 sandwiches and 500 toys to Funter San Salvador and Funter San Vicente for their Christmas celebration. Better yet, FUNTER organized a special tour for the students, where they toured their facilities in wheel chairs. This year, the Service Learning Department will organize a Special Olympics edition here at the school.

Another cooperative effort is EA’s assistance with Juguetes Por Sonrisas, a campaign done by Fundación TCS with the purpose of collecting toys for underprivileged children for Christmas. For this, the 11th grade class organized a fashion show, modeling designs done by the students themselves. The money raised was used to buy toys. The school donated a total of 42, 014 toys with the money raised and the toys donated. Once gathered, the students packed the toys and helped distributed them outside Canal 2.As if this weren’t enough, SL has also worked with crews of mission doctors from Helping Hand and the U.S Military Medical Missions. In both, EA students worked as translators for doctors and patients, served food to the doctors, played with kids and managed the patient lists. One of our students even had the opportunity to assist in one of the operations.

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Through Service Learning, the school on this year, has also contributed to the following:• Hogar de Ancianas San Vicente de Paul• Hogar de Ancianos San Jacinto• Hogar Niño Jesús de Praga: 9th graders gave away toys, food and played with the children.• Centro Escolar Santa Luisa: Invited the students with the best grades for “1 Day at EA.”• Instituto Nacional de Coatepeque: 10th graders donated school supplies and three projectors. • Habitat For Humanity• Oportunidades by Gloria Kriete Fundation: English and Math lessons. • ASARE (Asociación de Rehabilitacián Salvadoreña): Collected juices boxes and helped celebrate

Children’s Day with 4,500 kids with disabilities. 11th graders donated $2,000 collected from their Dance Production for ASARE’s 2014 children’s day celebration.

• Glasswing: Students, alumni and teachers cleaned and painted the school Margarita Durán in Santa Tecla. The school also invited 10 students from Escuela Joquin Rodezno in Santa Tecla for a one day photography course here at EA.

• Global Smile Foundation: donated clothes and helped for five days with translations at Hospital Bloom.

• Hogar Columna de Amor: Teachers and staff dressed up in costumes and collected $350 to buy food and necessary supplies.

• Escuela de Educación Especial de Santa Tecla: 11th graders donated snacks for 150 disabled kids for their first trip to the San Salvador volcano.

• Escuela Republica de Nicaragua: Joven Tech: Inspired by one of the students, an entire computer center worth $40,000 will be donated. Students also celebrated Children’s Day with food and entertainment.

• Hogar del Niño Dr. Magaña: Students sang Christmas carols at the US Embassy. Those invited brought toys with them. A total of 75 toys were collected plus Crocs, shampoo, tooth brush, tooth pastes and hair gel were given to the kids.

Service Learning has become a two-way road for change. Not only does it impact the community, but also impacts the students. The self-satisfaction received from the acts of assisting others has contributed to the student’s personal development and change. Through Service Learning we reflect the school’s true spirit and strength: its values.

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Jóvenes del Programa Oportunidades de la Fundación Kriete recibieron un taller de Composición Básica para Fotografía, guiados por los alumnos en servicio social Andrea Zedan,

Adriana Ancalmo y Ricardo Aparicio, bajo la supervición de Gilberto Campos, maestro de fotografía de nuestra escuela.

El Programa Oportunidades busca incrementar las posibilidades de jóvenes estudiantes de escasos recursos de todo el país que demuestren excelencia académica y un alto deseo de

superación. El programa ofrece acompañamiento y nivelación académica a partir del bachillerato, asistencia vocacional, estudios universitarios o técnicos y acompañamiento a la

inserción laboral competitiva.

Social Service

Por: Gilberto CamposMaestro de Fotografía

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Technology in the Classrooms

By: Mario MartínezUS Tech Coordinator

In the Upper School the use of iPads in the classroom is increasing, some teachers come with lesson plans and asking the possibility to incorporate technology in them and from that we work together to find the apps, and programs that will adjust to their planning. Some other teachers are clear in what they want, and during their planning for the following week

they ask for specific apps to be installed on the iPads.

Here are some of the feedbacks from our teachers using iPads:

Using iPads for instruction makes easy for the students to engage them in written activities, and make the resources available for the teachers when it is needed.

Thanks for having this available!It really gives us a chance to try new things in the classroom.My experience was pretty cool. The kids were working on a webquest for a novel they are reading so they had to visit various sites and research answers for the author, the inspiration behind the novel as well as other works of art/music inspired by the novel. (Ms. Motz)

Students used the iPads to access the website they created for a Test. The iPads worked great, they are way faster on the internet than the net books and the students were able to navigate their websites extremely well. (Mr Sytsma)

I have used the iPads for Edmodo online discussions. I give the students a general topic for them to write about, requiring a quote and a simple analysis, and after they post this initial idea, they then must comment on one or two other students’ posts. It has been working extremely well, as I can comment on their posts and documentation errors in conjunction with the Apple TV. Thanks for helping make this technology available to my students! (Mr. Pishkur)

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Induction of new members into the National Honor Society is one of the most important traditions associated with any NHS or NJHS chapter and is an important event for the student and the school. The ceremony, provides an excellent opportunity to dramatize the purposes of the chapter. Because membership in NHS represents high levels of achievement, the induction cere-mony should also re�ect high standards.

The National Honor Society (NHS) and the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) are the nation's premier organizations recognizing outstanding middle level and high school students who demonstrate excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, and character.

About NHS

Induction Ceremony

By: Gilberto Campos

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Induction of new members into the National Honor Society is one of the most important traditions associated with any NHS or NJHS chapter and is an important event for the student and the school. The ceremony, provides an excellent opportunity to dramatize the purposes of the chapter. Because membership in NHS represents high levels of achievement, the induction cere-mony should also re�ect high standards.

The National Honor Society (NHS) and the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) are the nation's premier organizations recognizing outstanding middle level and high school students who demonstrate excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, and character.

About NHS

Induction Ceremony

By: Gilberto Campos

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ARTFESTIVAL

Por: Gilberto Campos

Todos los años el departamento de arte de Escuela Secundaria prepara el Festival de Artes, actividad donde se muestran los trabajos realizados por nuestros alumnos en las clases de Intro to Art, Mixed Media, Advanced Art, 3D Design, Advanced 3D, AP Studio Art, Basic and Advanced Photography, Digital Design y Digital Arts Portafolio; la actividad cierra con un concierto preparado por las clases de música.

El festival muestra los distintos niveles de aprendizaje de nuestros alumnos así como también la creatividad que cada uno pone en elaborar su pieza artística. Un mes antes del festival se puede sentir la presión y ansiedad que nuestros alumnos tienen por terminar las obras que serán presentadas y en las clases de música van ultimando detalles de cada una de las canciones a ejecutar.

Nuestra exposición va estar exhibida en la Casa de Arte hasta el 15 de mayo, les invitamos a que puedan apreciar cada una de las obras expuestas.

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ARTFESTIVAL

Por: Gilberto Campos

Todos los años el departamento de arte de Escuela Secundaria prepara el Festival de Artes, actividad donde se muestran los trabajos realizados por nuestros alumnos en las clases de Intro to Art, Mixed Media, Advanced Art, 3D Design, Advanced 3D, AP Studio Art, Basic and Advanced Photography, Digital Design y Digital Arts Portafolio; la actividad cierra con un concierto preparado por las clases de música.

El festival muestra los distintos niveles de aprendizaje de nuestros alumnos así como también la creatividad que cada uno pone en elaborar su pieza artística. Un mes antes del festival se puede sentir la presión y ansiedad que nuestros alumnos tienen por terminar las obras que serán presentadas y en las clases de música van ultimando detalles de cada una de las canciones a ejecutar.

Nuestra exposición va estar exhibida en la Casa de Arte hasta el 15 de mayo, les invitamos a que puedan apreciar cada una de las obras expuestas.

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O-Yarkandal y Catalina del Cid

Por: Guadalupe CastellanosMaestra de 4to. Grado

Como artista y educadora, admiro grandemente a otra artista y educadora de nuestra escuela, es por eso que para esta edición decidí entrevistar a mi gran amiga Catalina del Cid, espero lo disfruten.

Guadalupe: Resume tu carrera artística desde sus iniciosCatalina: Recién graduada de

bachillerato estudié Bellas Artes en Pontevedra, España, pero muy pronto lo dejé para dedicarme a la docencia. Mi carrera artística me ha tomado muchos años en consolidar. No es hasta que cumplo los 30 años que me vuelvo a platear el profesionalizarme en las artes. Estudio una maestría en Pintura y luego empiezo poco a poco a involucrarme en proyectos artísticos en tiempos

extras, muchas desveladas y fines de semana comprometidos. Finalmente, hace tres años, doy un giro a mis prioridades y necesidades y me dedico a la docencia sólo por las mañanas y el resto del día es para el arte.

Guadalupe: ¿Cómo comenzó el sueño de O-Yarkandal?Catalina: O-Yarkandal es un libro escrito por Salarrué que tiene la

dicha de haber sido el único que también fue ilustrado por él. Me enamoré de los dibujos de Salarrué y fue cuando quise llevar esos dibujos al teatro para que interactuaran con actores y estuvieran presentes en la escenografía, vestuario, utilería y animaciones. Darles vida en otras palabras.

Guadalupe: ¿Por qué Salarrué?Catalina: Admiro la imaginación de Salarrué. Existe una faceta en Salarrué donde yo lo comparo con la genialidad de Tolkien. Salarrué en O-Yarkandal crea un Imperio Dathdálico sumergido en las aguas que nos recuerda a la mítica Atlántida. En este imperio, Salarrué, inventa un nuevo idioma, relata historias de amor de princesas y reyes, animales fantásticos, flores con sentimientos y hasta instrumentos musicales con sonidos extraordinarios. La obra de teatro fue un pequeño tributo al gran autor salvadoreño.

Guadalupe: ¿Qué memorias te dejó tu experiencia en el teatro?Catalina: Lo más grato y más difícil fue el trabajo en equipo. Para hacer una producción escénica profesional se debe involucrar a mucha gente. Para O-Yarkandal tuvimos una banda sonora original, escrita por el compositor Joel Barraza. Se tuvo a un grupo de mis alumnos de dibujo para iniciar un archivo de bocetos. Se trabajó con un elenco de cinco actores, dirigidos por dos directores actorales y con el apoyo de una coreógrafa para las escenas de danza. Contamos con Gilberto Campos, quién también trabaja en EA, para las animaciones. Finalmente para la producción de las piezas de arte se involucró a gente muy variada en la ramas de diseño gráfico, arquitectura, escultura, carpintería, artesanía en papel maché y modistas.

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Guadalupe: ¿Cuáles son los proyectos futuros?Catalina: Para este 2014 estoy trabajando con una colega en seis exhibiciones de arte que se montarán en el lobby del Teatro Poma siempre con el tema de las artes escénicas. Además estoy muy contenta porque un director teatral me ha buscado para que trabaje como escenógrafa en su obra que estrena este octubre.

Guadalupe: ¿Qué mensaje le das a la juventud?Catalina: Hago énfasis en el aprender a trabajar en equipo. Los individualismos no hacen eco más que en la vanidad personal. El trabajo en equipo aplica para cualquier profesión que elijan nuestros queridos alumnos.

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AASCA Soccer.

Salón de la Fama del Departamento Atlético.

AASCA Volleyball.

Primer Torneo Internacional de Atletismo.

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Girls 2nd Place

Boys 5th Place

CONGRATULATIONS TROJANS!

AASCA SOCCER72

Girls 2nd Place

Boys 5th Place

CONGRATULATIONS TROJANS!

AASCA SOCCER73

Salón de la Fama Departamento AtléticoPor: Departamento Atlético

“Les invitamos a visitar el Salón de la fama a conocer a cada uno de los galardonados, que sin duda alguna son miembros de la Comunidad de la Escuela Americana que nos hacen sentir orgullosos de ser troyanos.”

El departamento Atlético de la Escuela Americana reconoce semestralmente a los Atletas

y entrenadores del Semestre, quienes pasan a formar parte del “Salón de la Fama del Departamento Atlético”. Cada semestre se premia a 10 atletas de todos los equipos Varsity y 3 entrenadores entre de todo el staff.

Este reconocimiento busca premiar a los atletas integrales de los equipos varsity, puesto

que los aspectos que se evalúan son: liderazgo, compromiso, responsabilidad, actitud y orgullo de los atletas, así como el mérito deportivo. Además para ser escogido se considera el aspecto académico y disciplinario, por lo que se cuenta con el apoyo de la División de la Escuela Secundaria para el proceso de elección.

Para elegir a los entrenadores se hace un procedimiento similar al de los atletas, en el que se evalúa aspectos como: liderazgo, metodología, responsabilidad, identidad y compromiso con los atletas troyanos.

El pasado 18 de marzo se celebro la Asamblea Deportiva en la que se premió a los atletas y entrenadores galardonados, a quienes se les entregó diplomas y camisetas especiales. Posteriormente cada uno pasó a colgar su foto al “Salón de la Fama del Departamento Atlético” ubicado en el Edificio de Educación Física de Escuela Secundaria. Dichas fotos se mostrarán durante todo el segundo semestre y en ellas se aprecia el esfuerzo de nuestros atletas y entrenadores. Les invitamos a visitar el Salón de la fama a conocer a cada uno de los galardonados, que sin duda alguna son miembros de la Comunidad de la Escuela Americana que nos hacen sentir orgullosos de ser troyanos!!!

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ATLETA DEPORTEMónica Morales** VoleibolJuan Diego Valiente VoleibolPaola Behner FútbolSebastián Avila FútbolSilvana Audía ** Baloncesto Santiago Herrera BaloncestoMaricarmen Ortíz BalonmanoMatías González Balonmano Alejandro Lampell AtletismoAlejandro Pleitez Escalada

ENTRENADOR DEPORTEJosé Orellana BaloncestoMercedes Pérez BalonmanoCristian López** Fútbol

Los atletas y entrenadores premiados fueron:

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AASCA Volleyball

By: Athletics Department

These are the AASCA Volleyball results of our teams:

Boys Team: Second place!!! They went to the finals against the American School of Tegucigalpa, the score was: EA 1 vs AST 2.Boys MVP: Samuel ValdezBoys All Star Team: Alex Ha and Juan Diego Valiente

Girls Team: Seventh place. They did an amazing job!!Girls MVP: Monica MoralesGirls All Star Team: Eleonora Valdez and Paola Sol

We are very proud of both teams!!!

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Primer Torneo Internacional de Atletismo

Por: Carlos ClementeProfesor de Educación Física y Entrenador de Atletismo

“La Escuela Americana se destacó, en rama femenina, en las pruebas de campo; y en la rama masculina en pista y campo donde ganamos ocho de once medallas en disputa.”

En el mes de enero de este año se realizó el Primer Torneo Internacional de Atletismo en donde participaron escuelas nacionales e internacionales

siendo estas: Academia Británica Cuscatleca, Escuela Alemana, Escuela Internacional Sampedrana de Honduras (EIS), Colegio Americano de Guatemala (CAG) y como anfitriona nuestra Escuela Americana.

En total la inscripción fue de 89 atletas de los 5 colegios participantes.

El torneo se realizó en tres jornadas muy competitivas, principalmente con las escuelas de Honduras y Guatemala; debido a la diversidad de pruebas, las medallas se repartieron entre todas las instituciones, aunque la mayor cantidad de medallas de oro las ganaron los Trojans. La Escuela Americana se destacó, en rama femenina, en las pruebas de campo; y en la rama masculina

en pista y campo donde ganamos ocho de once medallas en disputa.

Uno de los mayores logros al realizar este Torneo fue el apoyo total de la Escuela Americana, es decir TODOS, incluidos entrenadores, atletas, profesores, las diferentes oficinas y Directores, el Booster Club, padres de familia y en especial el Departamento Atlético. Como Trojans nos debemos sentir orgullosos de haber realizado un evento de calidad internacional, y así se demostró al recibir comentarios positivos y felicitaciones de todos los asistentes.

Las competencias fueron muy disputadas, en ocasiones las diferencias fueron de centímetros o milésimas de segundo que separaron a los ganadores.

De las grandes satisfacciones de este torneo, fue el respeto entre los atletas, entrenadores y asistentes, demostrando compañerismo y juego limpio a pesar de la competitividad del torneo.

La contratación del equipo de Photofinish le dio realce a la competencia, ya que estas marcas fueron enviadas a la Federación de Atletismo para que nuestros atletas puedan ingresar al ranking nacional. Se agradece el apoyo del Booster Club en este rubro y en muchos otros dentro del torneo.

Quedo demostrado que el atletismo es un deporte que emociona y atrae público, además de que hay una apertura a muchos alumnos que han quedado motivados a practicarlo para las próximas temporadas atléticas.

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Presenting the Alumni Advisory Council.

College: The Inside Story.

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Cultivating a Lifelong Community: The New EA Alumni Council

By: Alumni Communications Office

“The Escuela Americana Advisory Council is made up by 18 very motivated and committed Alumni representing a variety of graduating years.”

Last year, a group of very committed alumni approached us to offer their support, knowledge and enthusiasm in order to start working together with the EA

Alumni Office and getting involved with our school community. These alums are a very diverse group since some are parents of children of different ages; others are still in college, and are connected to the EA community in some way. But they have one thing in common: They love the School.

Taking the enthusiasm of our

Alumni friends we started to work on a new project that is now called the Escuela Americana Alumni Advisory Council. The AAC is divided into two committees: Service to EA and Community Building. Both have worked together to achieve the following goals:• Support Escuela Americana

in a facilitating involvement from our Alumni,

• Provide lifelong support to our alumni community and• Help EA become a better community.

The Escuela Americana Advisory Council is made up by 18 very motivated and committed Alumni representing a variety of graduating years. Led by Alejandro “Cesco” Mondini- Class of 1997, the Council has worked and is still working on many projects and ideas.

Since their start, they’ve been responsible for the following events:• 2013 Junior Internships• Trojan Talks (1st and 2nd Edition) • College: The Inside Story• 2014 Hall of Fame along with the Board of Directors• They are currently working on the 2014 Junior Internships and a Mundialito in coordination with the PTA

and the Booster Club. Their love for EA motivates them to work hard for what’s best for the school. Our council is made up by the following members:

Celina Trujillo ’84Ana Gloria Marroquin ‘89Carlos Moreno ‘90Rodrigo Cruz ‘92Javier Interiano ‘93Mauricio Maza ‘95

Francisco Sosa ‘95Marcela Chávez ‘96Alejandro Mondini ‘97Camila Figueroa ‘98Natalia Salcedo ‘01Juan Andrés Granadino ‘09

Gaby Yarhi ‘09Lucia Nasser ‘09Fiona Alfaro ‘09Erick Walsh `09Julio Saravia ‘12

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College - The Inside StoryBy: Alumni Communications Office

“Studying abroad requires most students to have self-discipline in many aspects of their lives. Many adapt easily, but many are swept up by the complexity of college life.”

Transition to college involves more than just a change in course load and academic demands. As a matter of fact, the demands aren’t so different than

before. What is truly different is the atmosphere change first-year students undergo when they attend colleges at and away from home. College demands a certain level of autonomy and independence that they have never experienced before. Studying abroad requires most students to have self-discipline in many aspects of their lives. Many adapt easily, but many are swept

up by the complexity of college life.

For this, The Alumni Council and the Upper School Counseling Department organized a “college panel” for juniors and seniors made up by ten EA alumni from different classes studying in different universities in El Salvador, Central America, Mexico and The United States.

Our alumni guests shared their experiences during their first year of college; the inside story. The purpose of this panel was to address issues and subjects that generally do not appear on the websites of colleges and universities such as: roommate experience, grocery shopping, money management, emergency issues, the leap to independence, sharing spaces with strangers and for those who stayed in El Salvador: that it is not the end of the world to study here and the change from EA’s environment to a more local and diverse.

The panel advised the students by telling them their own experiences. Probably one of the most interesting was Gabriela Yarhi’s (Class of 2009) “electro shock anecdote”, where she had to sign up for experimental electro shock session for $40 an hour after running out of money. Natalia Molina (Class of 2013) advised our invitees not to get overly excited when shopping in any supermarket in the U.S., due to the huge difference of product variety there is compared to supermarkets here in El Salvador. On the other hand Erick Walsh (Class of 2009) talked about how he had to share a bathroom with ten strangers from different nationalities. Julio Saravia (Class of 2012) shared how it is to study here in El Salvador. He encouraged students that studying in El Salvador is not a disadvantage; on the other hand, being an EA graduate gives you many networking and contact advantages.

We want to thank the following Alumni panel for their enormous contribution and their great advices:

Diana Zamora (Class of 2013)Natalia Molina (Class of 2013)Isabella Alvarez (Class of 2012)Julio Saravia (Class of 2012)Erick Walsh (Class of 2009)

Gabriela Yarhi (Class of 2009)Gabriela del Cid (Class of 2009)Juan Andrés Granadino (Class of 2009)Luciana Arguello (Class of 2009)Lucia Nasser (Class of 2009)

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Festival Bicultural de Artes.

Alianza Extension y MedioLleno.sv

Mario y Sofi, mi nuevo libro infantil.

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Alianza Estratégica entre Escuela Americana Extensión y Mediolleno.sv

By: Lucía NasserExtensión

A finales del 2013, el programa de Extensión de Escuela Americana (EAX) y el medio de comunicación MedioLleno.sv se unieron para formar una alianza estratégica. El proyecto consiste en la traducción al inglés de ciertos artículos de la plataforma de MedioLleno a fin de proveer material de lectura en inglés a todos los lectores actuales, en especial a los alumnos del programa de

Extensión.

Las traducciones son realizadas por alumnos de Escuela Americana (EA), a cambio de horas sociales, y todos los trabajos de traducción son supervisados por los profesores responsables del proyecto.

A través de esta nueva alianza, EAX busca enriquecer a los

estudiantes de la Escuela, proveyendo experiencias positivas para su desarrollo académico y profesional. También será una gran oportunidad para proporcionar una herramienta a los alumnos de EAX y a los lectores en general, un material donde ellos puedan leer sobre temas de interés sobre El Salvador en inglés. Según explica Sergio Rodríguez Ávila, presidente de

MedioLleno.sv, esta iniciativa trata de “ser un referente para que los estudiantes o cualquier otra persona interesada puedan practicar su inglés.”

Vemos en este nuevo proyecto una gran oportunidad para proporcionar una herramienta donde los lectores pueden mejorar su inglés, y con ello, ayudar a promover la competitividad del país. Los artículos traducidos los podrán encontrar en: http://mediolleno.com.sv/ingles

Para obtener más información acerca de la alianza con MedioLleno.sv por favor visite: http://mediolleno.com.sv/noticias/mediolleno-sv-y-escuela-americana-lanzan-alianza-para-practica-de-ingles-gratuita

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Mario y Sofi, mi Nuevo Libro Infantil

Por: Guadalupe CastellanosMaestra de 4to. Grado

Muchas veces me han preguntado de donde salen mis historias, les diré que no es mentira de los artistas cuando dicen que la inspiración surge de cualquier lado y a cualquier hora, pues este cuento surge de una canción.

La canción se llama Coincidir y es de autores mexicanos, sin embargo yo la escuché del intérprete, también mexicano,

Nicho Hinojosa.

Dicha canción habla de lo hermosos que es conocer a otra persona y disfrutar de ella como ser único entre tantas personas que existen en el planeta. Amigos, familiares, compañeros de trabajo, todos coinciden contigo en tiempo y espacio dejándote lecciones de aprendizaje inolvidables.

Pero te preguntarás ¿Cómo traducir esto a los niños pequeños? ¡Fácil!

Mario y Sofí son dos orugas Monarca que nacen en diferentes momentos, el ciclo de la vida de ambos es desigual, sin embargo, en cierta época coinciden y se hacen amigos. La vida les depara algo más en el futuro, algo mágico

que posiblemente no puedan compartir juntos, y aunque la historia suene triste, lo maravilloso de todo es comprender que lo importante son los recuerdos que atesoramos en nuestro corazón.

Ver la vida como un viaje sorprendente donde somos compañeros de otros en el camino es lo más bello que podemos hacer día a día.

Este nuevo cuento infantil fue presentado el 28 de marzo a las 6 pm en el Centro Cultural de la Embajada de España y será una edición limitada, pues este año 2014 no era mi intención publicar, pero en vista de que en junio se gradúa mi hijo Luis Fernando decidí dedicárselo a él, esperando que vuele alto con sus propias alas.

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Fotografía y Composición Digital por: Gilberto CamposMaestro de Fotografía

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The Trojan Today News is the Escuela Americana Official Quarterly Newsletter. Its objective is to keep the Escuela Americana Community informed about news, events and happenings of Escuela Americana as well as other articles of interest.

We invite all Community members to contribute articles. Please submit them to the Communications Office.

ADVISORY COMMITTEEMr. Ken Templeton - General DirectorMrs. Patricia de Zaldívar – Operations and Finance Director

EDITORCarmen de Núñez

DESIGN AND LAYOUTGilberto Campos

PHOTOGRAPHYGilberto CamposSofia de MiguelCarmen de NúñezJuan Andrés GranadinoParents, students and staff contributions

Escuela AmericanaCalle y Colonia La Mascota, Final Calle 3,

San Salvador, El SalvadorPhone: (503) 2528-8300Fax: (503) 2528-8321www.amschool.edu.sv

April 2014 • 12th edition • 4th Year

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“our strength is in our values” april 2014 2014 12th edition 4th year “our strength is in our...

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