“Educational excellence for a future without borders”
www.isp.edu.pa
Dolphin Dispatch
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF PANAMA
April 17, 2015
ISSUE 30
Dear ISP Community,
Last week we shared a special message from our Board of Directors with important information
about the upcoming General Assembly and ISP Board Elections that will take place in May.
If you would like to know more about the board and how you can help shape the future of ISP,
please join us for the Board Familiarization Session on Saturday, April 25th, from 9:00 am to
10:00 am in the ISP Cafetorium.
We have also prepared a short video to help explain the board composition, general assembly and
election process. Please click the link below to view
this video.
In This Issue

Announcements

Near space program ready
for launch

ISP students participate in
VII Summit of the
Americas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63hnmmlhuPg
ISP WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Elementary School

Middle School

High School

Falling in Art

Athletics

What’s cooking @ ISP

April Calendar
Issue 30
FEATURE STORY
April 17, 2015
ISSUE 30
ALL SYSTEMS GO FOR NEAR SPACE PROGRAM LAUNCH
For the 5th consecutive year ISP students will launch a capsule they have designed into the atmosphere to gather
environmental data and make comparisons in order to detect possible variations in the atmosphere.
Yesterday, the Near Space Program team received a visit from Delia Munoz, a news reporter for Telemetro
Reporta who specializes in environmental news.
The interview will be aired today, Friday April 17th on channel 13 Telemetro
Reporta News from 6-8pm.
You can also watch the broadcast online by clicking this link.
http://www.telemetro.com/en_directo/Telemetro_Reporta_7_690900904.html
ISP WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
Issue 30
Feature story
April 17, 2015
ISSUE 30
ISP students put global citizenship to practice at VII Summit of the Americas
Last week, two ISP students had the opportunity to participate in the VII
Summit of the Americas, celebrated in Panama.
Samantha Hoffman a senior at ISP was selected given her volunteer
projects related to the environment and disabled war veterans. “Both
projects were started as a result of what Hoffman was able to learn
through the International Baccalaureate Global Politics course and the
IB’s Creativity Action and Service program, as well as her knowledge
and understanding of world issues” said James Mattiace, who teaches IB
Global Politics at ISP. Sebastian Otway, a Jamaican Citizen, was also
given the opportunity to join the Jamaican delegation as a youth
representative.
Many students at ISP enrolled in the IB Global Politics course were naturally interested in world affairs and politics
so when several opportunities to be part of the Summit arose, students jumped at the chance. While doing some
research Mattiace found an opportunity for his 18 year old students to participate in the parallel forum for Youth.
“Through the IB Global Politics course, students are taught to examine current world affairs through the critical lens
of different theories. They are taught to see how the individual, state, and system come together to make change”
explained Mattiace.
Samantha, was one of six youth delegates representing the United States and was the youngest participant at the
Youth Forum. During her participation, Samantha was able to provide valuable contributions on topics ranging
from education to security and environmental issues. “It was clear to us that we were not there to represent
ourselves, but to represent those who were not afforded the opportunity to attend and wanted their opinions
heard” stated Samantha. The experience was historic in that for the first time ever an English version of the Youth
Resolution was submitted to the heads of state present at the Summit and published on the official website.
Sebastian who was invited to join the Jamaican delegation had the opportunity to receive the Jamaican Prime
Minister, Portia Simpson-Miller upon her arrival to Panama. As part of this delegation Sebastian was able to hear
the speeches made by the different heads of state, as well as witness bilateral meetings between the Prime
Minister of Jamaica and the Prime Minister of the Netherlands. “It was incredible, as everybody in that particular
area seemed to be politically informed. Overall it was most likely the best experience I have had in my entire life,
as I am extremely interested in politics and foreign affairs” said Sebastian.
Following their successful participation in the Summit, Samantha and Sebastian, will share their experience with
fellow students in the IB Global Politics course. “We are extremely proud that ISP students had the opportunity to
participate in such a historic event. Their valuable experience is undeniable evidence that we are educating global
citizens for a future without borders” said Rajiv Bhat, ISP Director.
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Elementary School
Becky Jobes, PhD—Elementary Assistant Principal—[email protected]
4th Grade Book Drive
4th Grade successfully raised $780 at the annual book sale, which took place last week. Thank you to
all who donated books and supported the students in raising this money for our sister school, La Mesa.
The 4th Graders will be heading to El Valle next week to deliver school supplies and teach English to
the elementary students. Thank you again for all your support!
Parent Teacher Conference Survey
Thank you for attending our second round of parent teacher conferences for the 2014-2015 school
year. Our teachers and students did a tremendous job of showcasing the learning that is occurring in
our school. We would appreciate feedback on the conferences and have created a short online survey
for parents.
If you attended a conference in PK or Kindergarten, please click here to fill out the PK-Kindergarten
Survey.
If you attended a conference for a 1st-5th grader, please click here to fill out the 1st-5th Grade Survey.
If you have multiple students at ISP, please complete surveys for any conference for which you would
like to provide feedback.
Thank you.
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Elementary School
Becky Jobes, PhD—Elementary Assistant Principal—[email protected]
Conscious Discipline
Our next Conscious Discipline parent session will be next Thursday, April 23 at 11AM during our Parent
Coffee. Please join us in the Elementary School Conference Room to learn more about this behavior
support program that we use in our PK and have introduced in our lower grades.
Annual Elementary Musical
ISP WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
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Elementary School
Becky Jobes, PhD—Elementary Assistant Principal—[email protected]
Earth Day Poster Contest
This month our POD assembly theme is Earth Day and the 3rd grade team sponsored a poster drive to
get us all thinking about “Going Green.” The winners of the poster contest will be announced in next
week’s Dolphin Dispatch. Thank you to the many students who participated in this competition for creating beautiful art for us to display in our halls.
ISP WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
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Elementary School
Becky Jobes, PhD—Elementary Assistant Principal—[email protected]
Student Information Sheet
It is almost time to begin placing students into classes for next year. We put a lot of time and effort into this process in order to ensure the best possible balance of students in a class and the best possible fit between the student and the teacher. Your child’s current year teacher will work with his/her grade level team to create the class
lists for the coming year. If you would like to provide additional input for the teacher, you may fill out the following student information sheet. Please note that filling out this form is optional. If you choose to share this information, the form must be returned to your child’s teacher no later than May 4th.
Also, please remember that we do not accept requests for specific teachers. As you can imagine, this would
make it impossible for us to create fair and balanced classes. Rest assured that your child’s teacher knows him/
her very well and will make a good decision regarding next year’s class.
Student’s Name____________________________________
Current Grade___________________________
What are your child’s academic strengths?
What are your child’s academic challenges?
What are your child’s social/emotional strengths?
What are your child’s social/emotional challenges?
What type of learning environment best supports your child’s needs?
Are there any special circumstances that could impact your child’s success at school?
What is your child’s current attitude toward school?
Is there anything else we should know regarding your child’s placement for next year?
ISP WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
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Middle School
Diane Guevara, Middle School Principal—[email protected]
Globetrotting Middle School students are at it again!
Once again, Spring Break found Middle School students out and about in Washington, DC and the nearby
region. Students visited the Museum of Natural History, the Air and Space Museum, Luray Caverns, Shenandoah
National Park, and the National Zoo. Students also visited some well-known monuments, an entertaining play,
Sheer Madness, at the Kennedy Center, and a Washington Capitals hockey game! And if all that wasn’t
enough…students tested their courage, daring and teamwork, at the Terrapin Adventures!
“The trip was a great experience where you can get out of your comfort zone and meet new people.”- Corina
“I enjoyed Union Station and the Terrapin Adventure was a great experience.”- Carlos
“It was fun. I met new people and I learned more about things like butterflies and the monuments. I also
conquered by fear of heights.”- Manuela
“I enjoyed the trip because we got to learn in a fun way.”- Santiago
“It was awesome! The best was the Terrapin Adventure.”- Tobias
“It was surreal.” It was fun to be with friends in a different country.”- Maria Victoria
“The Air and Space Museum was the best.”- Juan
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Middle School (continued)
Diane Guevara, Middle School Principal—[email protected]
They came, they saw, they learned: ISP students travel to Greece & Rome.
Twelve ISP students from grades 8 through 12 recently participated in the ISP Rome and Greece Educational Tour
of 2015. The group experienced the best of two ancient worlds by traveling from Panama to Amsterdam to Rome,
and returning from Athens to Paris to Panama. They were accompanied by two very adventurous teachers, Mrs.
Moreno, 8th grade Algebra 1 teacher, and Mrs. Coffre, High School Spanish teacher, along with Mrs. RondonAcosta, parent chaperon. The organizers hope this will become an annual tradition at ISP.
“The trip was a great experience to get to know firsthand
what is it taught at school. The students acquired a unique
perspective of history and ancient cultures that will be with
them forever and will help them to understand the western
civilization. “ - Jorge Acosta, ISP Parent.
“For us, as parents, it is a great satisfaction to see that
our children have had the opportunity to visit Italy and
Greece, where the fundamental tenets of our civilization
were created. It was very reassuring to know that this
experience was conducted under the guidance of their
teachers Mrs .Moreno and and Mrs. Coffre.”
-Mario Fabrega, ISP Parent
“By taking this field trip, I walked where the Mycenean
King, Menelaus, walked. I understood why the palace was built; how it was built, and why it was was turned into a
fortress with running water. I even learned that the Ancient Greeks built the first robot, hydraulic gates, and the first
alarm clock. They pretty much began what we call civilization, today.” - Tatiana Moreno
"La gira educativa a Roma y Grecia superó las expectativas propuestas en conocimientos, vivenvias y en el desarrollo de
habilidades intelectuales y sociales en nuestros estudiantes. Los objetivos académicos y personales no son mensurables, ya
que, al ver los rostros de sorpresa, curiosidad e interés de nuestros chicos ante la cascada de información que recibían en
cada lugar que visitamos me deja claro que serán perdurables estos conocimientos en sus vidas."- Carmen Coffré,
Maestra de Español
ISP WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
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Middle School (continued)
Diane Guevara, Middle School Principal—[email protected]
The growing mindsets of our young artist
Congratulations to the winners of the Growth Mindset poster contest! The contest was sponsored by Mrs. Ella
Faulkner, ISP Art teacher. The winners also received VIP movie passes as a prize, generously donated by our
ISP PTA. The Growth Mindset has been an important topic in middle school advisory and these wonderful
posters will be reminders about the key lessons we should keep in mind.
This is a reminder to all middle school students and
parents that student are required to bring a device to
school. We are experiencing lax behavior in regards
to this policy. Devices must be charged and ready to
use, equipped with Microsoft Office and an anti-virus,
and registered with the IT Department for connection
to the wireless network.
ISP WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
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High School
John Shea, High School Principal—[email protected]
ISN COLLEGE TOUR VISIT TO ISP
The ISN College Tour (18 universities) is coming to ISP on Friday, April 24 from 12:15-1:15pm in the
Elementary School Gym. All High School parents and students are welcome to attend this event. College
representatives from the following universities will be present to answer your questions about their school and
college life in general: California State University-East Bay, College for Creative Studies, Concordia
University, Drexel University, Drury University, East Texas Baptist University, Hult International Business School,
Jackson College, Marymount Manhattan College, Marymount University, SP Jain School of Global
Management, Stephen F. Austin, University of Nevada, University of West Florida, University of WisconsinWhitewater, Xavier University School of Medicine.
ISP WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
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Falling in art: Performing Arts coming attractions
Adam Herzig Visual and Performing Arts Director—[email protected]
An Evening of Wilder and Durang April
23, 24, 25
Come see the MS and HS actors perform in a
collection of one acts from two of America’s
greatest playwrights Thorton Wilder and
Christopher Durang at the Ancon theatre Guild.
April 23, 24, 25
7:00 PM
Tickets available through student actors or at the
box office.
Performing Arts Center Gala May 6
We hope everyone received their invitations to the
Gala event on May 6, please don’t forget to pick
up your ticket in the front office. We have a
limited number of tickets so it is first come first
serve.
Performing Arts Center Inaugural Artsfest May 9 from 10am -2pm
This semester’s Artsfest will be centered at the new Performing Arts Center and will include free
workshops that you can register for beforehand. You will have the opportunity to take an acrobatics
workshop with Tribu Circus Arts, Dance with Yael Bern from Dancing with the Stars Panama, Aerial
dancing with Gramodanse, Photography with Mateo, or Improv and drama workshop with D. Miles.
In addition to this we will have art, food, and lots of performance!
ISP WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
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Athletics GO DOLPHINS!
Peter Smyth, Athletic Director—[email protected]
Ultra Dolphin Javier Gonzalez
Javier Gonzalez, to our students a popular member of the swim department. To teacher colleagues - he is a fun and
helpful teacher always willing to help out. He also happens to be one of the most famous triathletes and ultra-runners
in Panama. You may remember his 24 hour runs or some of the crazy endurance stunts Javier has undertaken over
the years – all done to raise money for charity.
On February 7 Javier participated in a 115km ultramarathon running around Lake Arenal in Costa Rica. Participants
had a maximum of 28 hours’ time to finish. Javier crossed the finish line in an impressive 21 hours beating his
planned time of 24.
Not many people are able to cover 115km in 28 hours across rough country and so the race attracts a limited number of athletes that are able to realistically compete. From the this elite group of runners in the region of Central and
South America, 24 runners started the race. Only 11 managed to finish.
When asked: “ why run?” his response was: "Nothing is impossible, everything can be achieved with dedication, humility and above all discipline. Being an ultra-runner is to bring your body and mind to the limit where one has no
idea of what we can be achieved – and achieve it.”
Javier currently works with our Triathletes in the ASA program and if you have questions regarding running or triathlon he can be reached through the Athletic Department. DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE AN
ULTRA DOLPHIN?
WHEN A DOLPHIN WINS ALL THE DOLPHINS WIN !
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Athletics GO DOLPHINS!
Athletics:
Peter Smyth, Athletic Director—[email protected]
Copa Talento
The Sub 9 boys played their first round of games last weekend at the
Amador Sports center. Coach Conzelman was extremely happy with
the boys performance. They won their first game 3-1 and came back
from 2-0 down in the final minutes to tie 2-2 in their second game.
They are in action again this weekend at ASC. Their first game is at
13:30 on Saturday.
ADECOP
ADECOP has started and despite a very disorganized start now seems to be underway. Our boys and girls
JV soccer teams both had wins in their first games of the season and our U12 basketball boys also had their
first win of the season.
UPCOMING GAMES
Saturday 18th April
Monday 20th April
Rugby – Panama Rigby Federation @ ISP @9am
onwards
Girls Flag Football @ ISP @10am
Sub 10 Girls soccer v Real @ ISP @ 3pm
Sub 10 Boys soccer v Real @ ISP @ 4:15pm
Varsity Girls Soccer v CCA @ISP @ 3pm
Tuesday
21st
April
Varsity Boys Soccer v CCA @ISP @ 4:30pm
Sub 12 Boys Basketball v Javier @ ISP @ 3pm
JV Basketball v Alberto Einstein @ ISP @ 4pm
Thursday 23rd April
ES Swim meet
Sub 14 Boys Basketball v AIP @ ISP @3pm
Friday 24th April
Sub 14 Girls Basketball v AIP @ISP @ 4pm
JV Girls Soccer v AIP @ AIP @ 3pm
Saturday 25th April
JV Boys Soccer v AIP @ AIP @ 4:15pm
Girls Flag Football @ ISP @ 9am
Sunday 26th April
Liga 10 v Sun Yat Sen @ Maracana @ 11am
Please come and Support your teams !!!!
GO DOLPHINS.
WHEN A DOLPHIN WINS ALL THE DOLPHINS WIN !
ISP WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
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What’s Cooking: An update from the ISP Cafeteria
Joel
Rodriguez, Cafeteria/ Food & Beverage Manager [email protected]
On April 22nd we celebrate Earth Day, Cafeteria will be accepting edible plants (basil, mint, oregano, etc) for our IS
We now have our very own ORGANIC AROMATIC HERB GARDEN that will help us continue improving our health
and nutritional habits. This would not have been possible without the help from our ES, MS, and HS after school
cooking clubs, Cafeteria staff, Emily Zhukov, Richard Novey, Cody Orhan, and Rocio Roldan who is participating in
our first student internship here at the Cafeteria. Thank you for making us DOLPHIN PROUD!
In a next edition of the Dolphin Dispatch we will feature an interview with Rocio and the Garden students to learn a
little more about what they are doing.
The garden has 14 different herbs and we encourage you to come in and try them anytime. Free tea is available
to the ISP community, so that you can taste our herbs. Please remember to be part of the green team and bring
your own thermos or cup.
Growing organically
The ISP Organic Garden initiative was the start to the hopefully progressive aim of greening ISP. The project was
undertaken by the students Kevin Novey, Sara Otalora, Hugo Irisarri, and Alejandro Fasquelle. With both great
dedication and strong efforts, these students managed to repair the abandoned greenhouse by the English
classrooms, and create a stable side-garden of tomatoes and peppers. All the crops that come from this initiative go
directly to the school cafeteria for it's personal use. These crops are grown pesticide and insecticide-free to avoid
polluting the environment or the food. The hardest step is starting, and in this case, it's up to the upcoming students to
follow-through with the project. Any future donations to expand the project are welcomed, as well as any volunteers
and ideas.
ISP WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
Issue 30
What’s Cooking: An update from the ISP Cafeteria
Joel Rodriguez, Cafeteria/ Food & Beverage Manager [email protected]
April 22 EARTH DAY SPECIAL:
As part of our Earth Day Celebrations at ISP the Cafeteria will be
accepting edible plants (basil, mint, oregano etc.) donations for our
Aromatic Green Garden. In exchange you will receive a beautiful
decorative clay pot provided by our talented Art Department.
We will also have these special items on the menu.

Whole Grain Pita Chips with roasted eggplant, comfit tomatoes,
capers and a yogurt cucumber & mint sauce

Green Harissa Chicken skewers (Spicy)

Potato gnocchi
Green Pea Puree

Lentil and Spinach soup

Flat-bread–belly (with pulled pork, mushrooms, sauté onions, Swiss
cheese and fresh oregano)
with
almond
butter
and
broccoli
Pesto
And much more……….
INTERNATIONAL FOOD !
As part of our interest in sharing healthy eating habits, as well as
diversity of flavors a culinary traditions to our school community, we
have started to have international food days. This week we started with
Panamanian cuisine featuring food from different provinces such as:
ISP WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Coconut White Rice and Beans (Veraguas)

Calamari Escabeche ( Bocas del Toro)

Shrimp and noddle soup (Los Santos)

Chicken Sancocho (Panama City)

Molasses & Orange Sweet Plantains (Chirirquí)

Beets and potato salad (Veraguas)

Creole Rice & Chicken (Herrera)

Organic coconut water (San Blas)

Bon bread (Colon)
Issue 30
APRIL 2015
SUN
MON
TUE
WED
1
THU
2
FRI
3
SCHOOL CLOSED SCHOOL CLOSED
SCHOOL CLOSED
S AT
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
PARENT
PARENT
CONFERENCES
PARENT
24
25
CONFERENCES
ES MS HS
19
26
20
21
ES MS HS
ES
22
23
EARTH DAY
PRINCIPAL COFFEES
27
28
29
PLAY
PLAY
PLAY
Annie Jr.
Annie Jr.
Annie Jr.
ISP WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
CONFERENCES
PLAY PRACTICE
Annie Jr.
30
Issue 30