Cupeyville School - www.cupeyvilleschool.org.
Transcription
Cupeyville School - www.cupeyvilleschool.org.
MAY 2015 WHAT’S INSIDE LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR page 1 SENIORS 2015 page 2-3 6TH GRADE CLASS page 4 ACHIEVEMENTS page 5 SEMESTER IN REVIEW page 5 to 7 ATHLETICS page 7 ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS page 8 Cupeyville School WISE YOUR SEMESTER GUIDE TO SCHOOL NEWS, INFORMATION AND EVENTS. Letter from the Director: As we reach the end of this school year, we look back at a year full of challenges, accomplishments and memories. This semester brought many achievements in the academic, athletics and extracurricular activities which are featured in this edition of the Cupeyville School Wise Newsletter. All areas, academic, athletics, community service and extracurricular activities, were focal points. In the academic area our students excelled at all grade levels. They came in champions of the “Liga Intercolegial de Historia y Geografia,” second place in the “Math Olympics,” third place in the “Puerto Rico Regional Spelling Bee,” fourth place in both “Oratoria” and “Forensics,” and our High School Robotics team received “Puerto Rico Robotics Championship” Judge’s Award, and here we are only naming a few. These are remarkable achievements considering the high number of schools which participate in all these competitions. In the extracurricular activity area, our Annual Golf Tournament was a huge success enjoyed by close to 90 players. Equally successful was the spectacular “Show Us Your Talent” Talent Show in which 312 students participated. Pandora, Cupeyville’s own literary magazine hosted a very classy activity at the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico. Also presented was Cupeyville School’s Cookbook, which includes recipes from faculty, students and friends. Our own students were the showcased authors and they were very proud. In those same lines, our Elementary School students were very versed and poised in the “Declamación de Poemas” activity. Yet, these are so varied and many that I will let you read these in the pages that follow. The senior students have said their goodbyes as they are ready to graduate, and the Class of 2015 has definitely left quite an imprint on all of us as they have excelled as well rounded citizens in Academics, Athletics and Community Service. As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child and I personally thank all those faculty members, parents and even school staff, who helped raise this wise group of seniors. I am looking forward to another year of energetic Artistically speaking, the Art Exhibition was groups of students and their inquisitive and creative beautifully displayed with work from art students minds. across the grades. Mosaics, paintings, transparent sculptures and even “Art Through Math” exhibited Have a great summer! work for the parents and families to admire. Sincerely, When it comes to staying in shape, our students Ana Pagán excelled in Athletics as well. LINDAMOOD-BELL SEASONAL LEARNING CLINIC IS NOW OPEN! Located in front of Cupeyville School We teach reading, spelling, comprehension, and math. THE RIGHT LEARNING EVALUATION Identification of strengths and weaknesses Comprehensive consultation to explain findings Contact us to learn more: Lindamood-Bell Puerto Rico 787.397.3957 puertoricoinfo@lindamoodbell.com LindamoodBell.com THE RIGHT INSTRUCTION Research-validated programs One-to-one teacher-student ratio Make the difference of a lifetime in just a few weeks. -2- LEGACY OF THE CLASS OF 2015 Success in mathematics competitions, dedication to sports, involvement in multiple clubs and organizations, academic achievement, a pursuit of multiple interests outside of school, a love for music and dancing, passion, energy, a willingness to help whenever needed, a desire to do things differently…that is the Class of 2015. Their Senior Declaration was different; their senior year was unforgettable, even their Senior Farewell had that distinct mark that has made them the class they are today. Their history or legacy is one full of accolades for a job well done. Eight out of the top one hundred College Board scores belong to the members of this class. Academically, they have excelled and have used their knowledge by succeeding in various competitions around the island. They have distinguished themselves in English Forensics and Spanish Oratoria, United Nations as well as History and Geography competitions, where they won top prizes. In fact, they were the first Cupeyville team ever to win first place in the History and Geography event. They offered to help teachers, often stayed after school hours to decorate hallways or put things together for multiple activities, and thought of everyone when planning class activities. And they have a big heart. Many of them gave wholeheartedly to help others. From putting together gifts for Operation Christmas Child to volunteering for the Salvation Army, joining beach cleaning crews, fixing toys for “Taller de Reyes” and offering tutoring to students in need of help; this, and so much more, was done selflessly and with enthusiasm. They have won field days and cheered enthusiastically every single event, giving their participating classmates the same amount of support, be it in a relay race or jump roping. They also won many Talent Shows where they showed their love of dancing and art in general. They strived for unity between classes, like when they gave the sophomores a banner – declaring them juniors - at the end of their Senior Declaration. But perhaps what distinguished them most was their dedication to the children and teens with cancer at Centro Médico. What began as community service for the NJHS, soon turned into a group mission. The lives they impacted, the games, the crafts, the food, the camaraderie, a true blending of kids and adults – illnesses were forgotten for whole Saturday afternoons. If it had been up to them, we would have visited the hospital every Saturday, not just once a month. It was an experience beyond words. And when they participated in the “Relevo por la Vida” events, they did so in the name of all the kids they had met. They enjoyed reading extra books like The Hunger Games and fully enjoyed their teachers’ emulation of the books’ events at the end of their freshman and junior years. No human being is perfect; hence, no class is perfect either. However, the Class of 2015 won the hearts of many – students, teachers, and people they met along the way to becoming a senior. During good times and rough times, the Class of 2015 has always supported each other, giving each other a hand, and being available for advice or to simply lending a hand whenever necessary. At their Senior Declaration, the Class of 2015 made a promise which we believe they have fulfilled; a promise to set an example for all to emulate. Overall, that is what they did…make a difference, raise the bar, leave footprints in the sands of time, and leave a trail to be followed, go down the road not taken. They will be remembered for all the good things they accomplished. In between beach parties, and after parties, school activities and competitions, the Class of 2015 has done it all, balancing school work with social gatherings…all while helping each and every one of its members to reach his or her full potential. Their creativity also shined in every Spirit Week, which they won almost yearly. Their dedication to sports is incomparable. Out of 120 seniors, fifty-eight were active, dedicated athletes on our school teams. Certain activities like the Senior Auction were dedicated to a good cause. All the money raised was donated to eradicating slavery. On their last day of school, a day when they presented yet another set of dance numbers with which to say good-bye to their school, many seniors chose to stay a bit longer, decided not to leave right away, went to many teachers and said their good byes. The whole school community wishes them all the best in their college years and beyond. May Cupeyville School always be in their hearts and may they share all the good things about them wherever they go. -3- Cupeyville School Seniors Class Total Class Enrollment: PROFILE 120 students STANDARDIZED TEST RESULTS: Mean Score (800 total) COLLEGE BOARD Verbal Math English Reasoning Reasoning 589 657 662 Spanish Math 561 657 SAT Mean Score (800 total) Critical Reading 520 Writing Math 530 520 SENIOR SURVEY SENIOR PROJECT 2014-2015 The Senior Project is a high school graduation requirement designed to ensure that students are able to apply, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information. It is the culmination of years of critical reading, writing, oral presentations, and extracurricular experiences that have prepared our students to meet the challenges of college life. It requires commitment, responsibility, and excellence, all character traits fostered at Cupeyville School. Overall, faculty and administrators were impressed by the seniors’ knowledge, poise, and their ability to go above and beyond what was included in their presentations. It was definitely a learning experience for all. For the first time this year, the outgoing senior students were asked their opinions and feedback pertaining to their educational experience at Cupeyville School. The topics which they were asked to give feedback on were: Strengths of the educational program and student activities, as well as how to improve these. They were also asked what they were thinking of studying and what college they are to attend. Student responses will be kept as data and suggestions will be taken into account for the future in order to make the Cupeyville School learning experience better everyday. Our students opinions MATTER! COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES 100% OF OUR CLASS OF 2015 WERE ADMITTED TO ACCREDITED 4 YEAR HIGHER LEARNING INSTITUTIONS. Albany College of Pharmacy American University Assumption College Berklee College of Music Boston College College of New Rochelle Colorado State University De Paul University Drexel University Duquesne University Florida Institute of Technology Florida Institute University Fordham University Georgetown University George Mason University Georgia State University Haverford College Iowa State University Johnson and Wales University La Salle University Louisiana State University Loyola University - Chicago Loyola University - New Orleans Lynn University Manhattanville College Marquette University Michigan State University Nova Southeastern University Ohio State University Ohio University Pace University Penn State University Polytechnic University Purdue University Regis College Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Ringling College of Art and Design Savannah College of Art and Design Sienna College Simmons College St. Mary's University Stevenson University Swarthmore College Syracuse University US Military Academy - West Point Universidad de Puerto Rico, Bayamón Universidad de Puerto Rico, Carolina Universidad de Puerto Rico, Cayey Universidad de Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Universidad de Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Universidad del Sagrado Corazón Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico Universidad Metropolitana University of Central Florida University of Dayton University of Delaware University of Michigan University of New Heaven University of Pittsburg University of Rochester University of South Florida University of Tampa University of the Arts University of Wisconsin University of Connecticut University of Miami Villanova University Worcester Polytechnic Institute -4- SAVE THE DATE | GRADUATIONS 6th Grade When: Where: Sunday, May 17th at 1:00 p.m. Puerto Rico Convention Center 12th Grade When: Where: Sunday, May 17th at 4:30 p.m. Puerto Rico Convention Center Kindergarten When: K–1 K–3 K–4 K–2 Where: Wednesday, May 20th 9:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Puerto Rico Convention Center CURRENT ACHIEVEMENTS - ACADEMICS CHAMPIONS LIGA INTERCOLEGIAL DE HISTORIA Y GEOGRAFÍA On Friday, March 6th, Cupeyville School participated in the Liga Intercolegial de Historia y Geografía de Puerto Rico competitions where high school students from schools across the island compete by exercising their historical and geographical aptitude in different categories. The Cupeyville School team won 1st Place All Around by a landslide. Congratulations to our champions! MATH OLYMPICS At Cupeyville School we prepare students for Math competitions beginning in the Elementary School. Students from grades 1st through 6th compete within their grades in categories such as “Mental Math and Problem Solving,” which paves the way for The Math Olympics which took place at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de PR on April 17th. Our students captured the 2nd place, competing with an exclusive group of schools from the San Juan Metro area and Southern Puerto Rico area. Our champions were Luis García (12), Mariangel Rivera (11), Melanie Tacher (12) and Dariana Ramos (12). We are extremely proud of all our winning team! FORENSICS Our team made the speeches in categories of Oratory, Drama, Humorous and Original come alive. The English Forensics Competition was held Saturday April 25 at American Military Academy. Our students displayed not only their magnificent talents, but also showed great team spirit and camaraderie, supporting their fellow team mates. Camila Sosa from 12th grade, won 4th place in the Oratory category. Alexis Lucena from 12th grade won 5th place in the Humorous category. Roberto Gorbea from 12th grade won 5th place, followed by Shirley González from 12th grade who placed 10th in the Original category. Cupeyville School won 4th place All Around and maintained its Category B standing. ROBOTICS Cupeyville School’s robots and our students went far this semester with the High School Robotics team 2243B. They received the 2nd place position for Programming Skills at the East Coast Puerto Rico VEX Competition and won the Judges Award in the Latin American VEX Competitions. The team members are Alejandro Rigau (captain), Juan Deynes, Carlos Aponte, Elio Quiñones, Armando Cabrera, Carlos Rivera and Mr. Elkner (coach). Outstanding work! WINNERS LIGA DE ORATORIA The students in this league were victorious at the Liga de Oratoria en Español de Puerto Rico Division Championship. The awards received were: 1st place: Valeria Bravo, (Oratory) and Sigfred Rodríguez (Improvisation), 3rd place tie: Ysatis Santiago and Alexis Lucena (Drama), 3rd place: Camila Sosa (Original) and 4th place: Paola Berdiel (Original). This very talented team received 4th place overall among nine schools. Yet the accolades continue, since SIGFRED RODRÍGUEZ and VALERIA BRAVO received the prestigious Don Quijote Award, given to those students who achieved the highest scores within the three rounds of competition. Congratulations to all, and hats off to those two students! 3RD PLACE PUERTO RICO REGIONAL SPELLING BEE WINNER Cupeyville School’s Spelling Bee Winner Nicholas Gorbea from 6th grade, successfully represented our school during the Puerto Rico Regional Spelling Bee held on February 5th at CommonwealthParkville School. He went on to achieve a 3rd place out of many schools that competed from all over the island. Keep up the good work! -5- SEMESTER IN REVIEW ADMINISTRACIÓN DE TRIBUNALES - SUPREME COURT OF PUERTO RICO On Tuesday, March 10, Dr. Álida Rodríguez represented Cupeyville School in a focal group of educators and administrators sponsored by the Oficina de Educación y Relaciones de la Comunidad under the Administración de Tribunales of the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico. The focal group’s main objective is to develop the framework, strategies and tools to effectively teach students about the Puerto Rico Judicial Branch and its Constitution. Thank you to Dr. Álida Rodríguez for her support on this significant enterprise! LIVE AT THE AV Live at the AV took place on February 6th, in the AV Room. The Comedy Club presented their yearly show to students from 10th to 12th grade. For the first time, they had a night show open to the general public which was a great success! ST. VALENTINE’S DAY During the week of February 9-13th love was in the air! We celebrated St. Valentine’s Day with a Red, Pink and White Casual Day and Balloons were sold and delivered by the Student Council. High School students had a blast playing the Silent Hearts Game where on given days the students could not speak to the opposite sex for fear of losing their symbolic hearts. Love sentiments were expressed by special “Serenatas” performed by our very own High School band “La Radio”. The students also enjoyed a special performance by one of our talented singers, Andrea Mongil from 4th grade. Give, Sing, Love! FRIENDSHIP LUNCH Our 6th grade class of 2021 proudly wore their special class t-shirts on February 11th to take their most anticipated class picture. Students had a blast taking their picture at Old San Juan and they later enjoyed a special lunch at Faccio Pizza. JUMP ROPE FOR THE HEART Elementary School students supported the American Heart Association by participating in their Jump Rope for the Heart event held at our indoor courts on February 27th. Students helped raise funds to benefit the cause, as they jumped rope and exercised. 21ST ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC This year’s Golf Tournament was a sure shot, with 90 players and many sponsors. The raffle prizes were plentiful, and the players enjoyed of a beautiful day of golf, as well as of the food and drinks. The profit is to go to the Cupeyville Scholarship Fund, a very worthy cause. This event could not have happened without the dedicated Golf Committee and Cupeyville School staff, which worked with much commitment. Get your golf clubs ready for next year on April 23, 2016, at Río Mar Beach Resort. WORLD LANGUAGES WEEK Developed by our Foreign Languages Department, we celebrated the World Languages Week during March 16 to 20. Students from 9th to 11th grade participated in a series of activities to celebrate and reinforce their language skills in Italian or French. Decorations were placed as well as the students’ creative projects. Also, a variety of competitions and games were held and a special casual day where the students created and wore an original t-shirt in either French or Italian was enjoyed. Students and teachers had a blast. We look forward to repeat it next year! GIRL SCOUT WEEK Our Cupeyville School Girl Scout Troop 194 celebrated Girl Scout Week from March 8-13th. They participated in a variety of Girl Scout related activities during this week in commemoration of the first Girl Scout troop. Our troop prepared and delivered ribbons to other girls who might wish to join the Girl Scout movement. They assisted teachers as helpers, as well as participated in their traditional flag ceremony, culminating the week with a celebration. If you would like to join our Girl Scout Troop, please contact Marimarta Céspedes. MATH FOR MONEY Sponsored by the High School Math Club, Math for Money challenges teams of two high school students to compete solving mathematical problems against teams of their same grade level. Held on during March 10 to 13, each team pays a registration fee of $5.00 and a minimum of 10 teams compete to win all the cash collected! Congratulations to all our winners! 7th Grade: Adriana Ramírez and Camile Rodríguez; 8th Grade: Andrés Jiménez and Francisco Vivas; 9th Grade: Lorenzo Plá and Adriana López; 10th Grade: Eduardo Valle and Ricardo Rodríguez; 11th Grade: Michelle Varela and Eduardo Sécola; 12th Grade: Sigfred Rodríguez and Paola Campillo HOME CONTEST On Thursday, March 26th, our Kindergarten students received a special visit from OH, the friendly extraterrestrial from the movie Home. Our students participated and won the Twentieth Century Fox Puerto Rico contest, where they were asked to prepare a mural and post pictures on Facebook. The top three schools receiving the most likes for their photograph would get a visit from OH. Our students obtained the most likes to win. Congratulations! -6- PANDORA, the Cupeyville School literary magazine, is celebrating its 27th edition with a bang! On Saturday, May 9th, a special edition of PANDORA was exhibited at the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico in San Juan, along side a special Cookbook Edition. The magazine is fully developed by Cupeyville School students with the purpose of promoting and showcasing the writing artistry of our students and our school community. Poems, stories, and essays can be submitted to the magazine by students, as well as by alumni and teachers. The front cover of our 27th PANDORA edition was designed by Isabel López from 9th grade. It is a beautifully crafted representation of the Greek myth, Pandora’s Box, at the exact moment where the box is opened. It also makes allusion to the popular artwork being portrayed at the Santurce es Ley mural event. The theme for this edition is Emotions, thereby, the poems, stories and reflections evoke some kind of human emotion. Submit your written texts to pandoracupeyvilleschool@gmail.com. For more information contact Mrs. Mercedes García. English Enrichment Program by Mrs. Pagán Cupeyville School’s own English Enrichment Program had been a tradition for many years taught by none other than Mrs. Ana Pagán, and it was back this year with full literary and acting force. The students involved were 10th and 11th grade. The 11th graders read acted out and experienced all the social issues which the great author Tennessee Williams had in his life and which he represented in his plays. The 10th grade was assigned reading, analyzing and acting out the play, “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry. The students encounter the plight of the African American people and their progress in the Music, Arts, Politics and Sports. The feedback that we received from students is that, even though it is a lot of work, it is an experience that they’ll treasure forever. SEMESTER IN REVIEW EASTER CELEBRATION Our Pre-School students celebrated Easter with their Annual Easter Egg Hunt. A special delivery from the Easter Bunny himself was also lots of fun. Candy eggs were sold and delivered to students with the help of the 11th grade, who developed the event to raise funds for their class. Happy Easter! DECLAMACIÓN DE POEMAS March was the Month of the Performing Arts and it was the Elementary School students turn to shine! All students recited the poems of their choice by grade level, and the best went on to compete in the poetry declamation. The winners were as follows: TALENT SHOW Students from 7th grade to 11th grade definitely showed us their talent in the “Show us Your Talent” talent show in which 312 students participated in three thematic categories: Original, Imitation and Historical. Another unique aspect of this spectacular event was that it was hosted by the Senior students and the Masters of Ceremony were two faculty members and Alumni, Ms. Kathy Ruiz and Ms. Denise Santiago. We thank them for their efforts and commitment. We also thank the class advisors, who so patiently worked with their group’s choreographies, and the judges who helped pick the winners. Overall winners were 7th and 9th grade. In first place for Original were 8th and 9th, Historical 7th and 10th and in Imitation 7th and 9th. We are excited for next year’s show and what talent it will bring. Don’t miss it on the second semester of 20152016. BOY SCOUTS During the weekend of April 25th, our Cupeyville School Boy Scouts Troop and “Manada” 1963 participated in a Service Project helping the “Regimiento Fijo de PR” on the historical recreation of the Puerto Rican defense against the British attack of 1797. The 218 year old battle was recreated at the “Escambrón” and the “Castillo San Felipe del Morro” in Old San Juan with the help of our Boy Scouts. Keep up the good work! VALEDICTION For the first time, the Cupeyville School National Honor Society and the Student Council jointly commemorated National Student Leadership Week on April 22nd with their Valediction activity and luncheon held in the AV Room. During the activity, Edicer Ramírez, National Honor Society president, and Gustavo Lugo, Student Council president, had the honor of presenting their organization’s outstanding leader through their respective speeches. Congratulations to Gabriela A. Frontanés Pagán of the National Honor Society and to Claudia González Niño of the Student Council for their extraordinary efforts to make a difference. Thank you to all our NHS and Student Council members for their unwavering commitment and leadership! EARTH DAY On April 22, students from the Elementary School celebrated Earth Day by creating an item of their choice with used materials. It was a joy to see the students’ creative inventions. A Venus flytrap made with used tennis balls, a cellular phone holder made of cardboard, even a handbag made of old CD’s and diskettes! They also prepared banners with Earth protection messages to create awareness. Let’s continue protecting our environment! ART EXHIBITION This semester’s art exhibition was again beautifully displayed and included work from all grade levels. The teachers involved were Ms. Nydia Reyes, Ms. Noemí Oduardo and Ms. Shirley Lugo. Additionally, this exhibition also included Art Through Math in which Ms. María Negrón and her 11th and 12th grade Calculus and Pre-calculus students came up with art creations using math equations. When these equations were graphed, they created a work of art. Bravo to all these teachers and students for creating and promoting the arts! -7- SEMESTER IN REVIEW STUDENT COUNCIL The Student Council campaigns and elections for the academic year 20152016 were held during the week of May 25th. Campaign posters were displayed and giveaways were handed out to High School students asking them to vote for their preferred candidates. Concluding the campaign week, candidates eloquently delivered their speeches to the student body. The final voting call was rendered and presented, resulting in the selection of our next academic year’s Student Council. Congratulations to Camila Acosta, President; Arianna De la Cruz, Vice-President; Zulinnette Pinzón, Treasurer; Andrea Ortiz, Secretary! SENIOR DECLARATION Our Senior Class of 2016 performed their celebratory Declaration ceremony with the cheerful styles of a carnival. Mardi Gras decorations were set up throughout the school and students from all grades enjoyed the Senior Class’ performance at the school’s indoor courts, as they danced away to upbeat carnival music. They honored their journey at Cupeyville School showcasing students from PPK to 12th grade, bringing tears to the audience. As was initiated by their predecessors, they also declared the new High School Juniors by presenting them with a banner. After their spectacular rendition, they left for their traditional Fuga. Laissez les bons temps rouler! ATHLETICS During this semester the Cupeyville School Falcons shined, excelling in different athletic events as well as winning LAMEPI and PRHSAA championships. At the Cupeyville School’s Athletic Ceremony two students were recognized for their outstanding performance in three sports. Congratulations to Sebastián Palomo and Valerie Ivanovich, our Athlete of the Year recipients! BASKETBALL | Mini Boys 1st Place undefeated, LAMEPI championship. TRACK & FIELD Mini Girls 2nd Place, LAMEPI Championship. Mini Girls 1st Place and 1,000 meter events, LAMEPI Championship. He set the new record for the Varsity Girls, Junior Varsity Boys and Mini Boys 2nd Place each at 600 and 1,000 meters and was given the Most Outstanding Athlete Award Cupeyville School Tournament. Varsity Boys, Junior Varsity Boys and for achieving the highest number of points during the competition. Juvenile Boys 2nd Place each at Wesleyan Academy Tournament. Mini LAMEPI championship, both the Cupeyville School Girls and Boys teams Boys 1st Place and Varsity Girls and Mini Girls 2nd Place each at Academia del Perpetuo Socorro Tournament. Mini Girls 2nd Place at Colegio Mater Salvatoris Tournament. Mini Girls and Mini Boys 1st Place each at | Fabián Castillo won 1st Place on the 200, 600 and Also at won 3rd Place each. Marialejandra Juliá won two gold medals and a 4th Place, PRHSAA championship. Wesleyan Tournament. GOLF | Mini Girls and Boys Mixed Team 2nd Place, LAMEPI championship. SWIMMING | Mini Girls Team 1st Place both Regular Season and LAMEPI Championship. Varsity Girls 1st Place Regular Season and 2nd Place PRHSAA Championship. TENNIS | Boys Varsity and Girls Varsity each 2nd Place on both Regular Season and LAMEPI championship. FIELD DAYS | All, both participants and spectators, had fun at the Cupeyville School field days. The Pre-School, 1st and 2nd Grade field days were held at the Cupeyville School indoor courts. Students dressed up as cartoon and video game characters as they enjoyed a friendly competition. Third to sixth grade and High School field days were held at Parque Central. Third to sixth grade SOFTBALL | Girls Varsity 2nd Place Regular Season PRSHAA. competed by grade, and the all around winners were 3-4, 4-3, 5-3 and 6-4. High School competed all together and the all around winner was 8th Grade. -8- EARTH MONTH | APRIL | 2015 During the month of April 2015, students at Cupeyville School proudly celebrated Earth Month by participating in a variety of activities to create awareness and take action on environmental issues. Supported by our Environmental Department, students prepared campaign banners and recycled resources, as well as took a workshop and visited the El Yunque National Rain Forest. For more information on how to join or help Cupeyville School’s Environmental Program contact Mrs. Nadja Zapata at 787.306.4596. ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS SAVE THE EARTH At Cupeyville School we are committed to create awareness and develop programs that help protect our Earth and its resources. We encourage our students, to develop environmentally friendly lifestyles. Our Environmental Department continuously works to develop programs and events that can make a difference towards the protection of the environment. Our Plastic Bottle Recycling Program was re-launched 4 years ago with the purchase and strategic placement of new recycle bins and continues to go strong. Used oil generated by our Cafeteria is periodically picked up by an oil recycling company to be recycled and reused. Smart phones are recycled throughout the year. Once a year used books and notebooks are recycled and every year the volume grows. Last year we filled 10 large recycling containers. This year the notebook and book recycling campaign begins on Friday, May 8th. Bring your used notebooks and books to school to be recycled! OIL RECYCLING ZERO WASTE On April 16th and 17th, the Cupeyville School students and parents were asked to bring used cooking oil from home for our Oil Recycling event. Senior students and Environmental Club members enthusiastically collected plastic bins with used cooking oil in front of the cafeteria and in front of school. The oil was then collected by the oil recycling company that visits Cupeyville School periodically. The goal of the event was to create awareness of the effects of cooking oil on our water resources and to continue to promote oil recycling programs in our school and Puerto Rico. A total of 36 liters of oil were collected. Elementary students were encouraged to bring their own reusable plates from home on April 23rd to create awareness of waste production in PR and things that we can do to reduce waste. Lunch was served in the students’ own plates. Environmental class Seniors helped with the process of cleaning the plates afterwards. Cafeteria waste was reduced to minimum with only one bag of trash due to the absence of plastic plates. Thank you to all the students and parents who supported this initiative! MEATLESS WEDNESDAY As part of Earth Day celebration, meat was not served in our cafeteria on April 22nd. This activity was developed by the Environmental Club to develop awareness of the impact the meat industry, specifically factory farming, has on our environment. On this specific day the cafeteria menu did not include meat. A special salad sale was held and was a complete success. We would like to thank all the cafeteria personnel that helped to make this event possible, specially Mr. Padilla. Once more Cupeyville School rocks, supporting green initiatives like this one! TEXTILE RECYCLING The National Junior Honor Society joined forces with the Environmental Club from April 27th to May 7th to recycle textiles. Clothes, shoes, purses, towels, curtains and sheets were collected in the Trophy Area during mornings and afternoons. These items are to be distributed among different charity organizations in Puerto Rico, as well as in other countries. Those that cannot be donated will be recycled by the Puerto Rico Textile Recycling Co. AGRICULTURE WORKSHOP Elementary Environmental Club visited the Centro de Conservación de Manatíes. During various days within the months of March and April, students from University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez campus (RUM) visited our school to teach Senior and First grade students the importance of agriculture and sustainability. As part of the Spanish class, 5th grade students visited El Yunque on the International Forest Day.