Community – Page 3 – Barry Dequanne

Our Obligation

It was one of those emails that catch your attention. Mauricio, then a fifteen-year-old student in a Brazilian school, sent an elegantly worded statement about how he taught himself English so that he could realize his dream of attending a university in the United States. Mauricio had been studying our website and, as he believed our school’s values were aligned with his, was determined to join our learning community. What I did not know at the time was that Mauricio was going to forever change our community’s perspectives on learning and our understanding of the world around us.

Mauricio’s application for admission to our high school was the first we had received from a blind student. While Mauricio did not seem to be concerned that his blindness would limit his learning, a reflection of his indomitable spirit that I quickly learned to admire and appreciate, our faculty did raise several valid questions and concerns.

The consideration of Mauricio’s application was framed and guided by a mission and set of beliefs that highlighted diversity and different learning styles as essential values. Through dialogue, learning, and understanding, the high school faculty committed to admitting Mauricio and providing him with the best educational program within our capabilities. Mauricio also supported us through this learning process and was always quick to remind us not to think of him as a blind person, but rather a person who happened to be blind.

During one of our admissions meetings, I welcomed Mauricio to my office with the greeting, “It is great to see you…” but cut myself off as I realized the insensitivity of my words. Mauricio smiled warmly and replied in a manner that conveyed wisdom beyond his years, “It is also great to see you.” While it was a seemingly minor moment of learning, it was also emblematic of our own collective growth. I humbly shared with Mauricio how it was likely that we were going to learn far more from him than he would learn from us. And, this was in fact the case. Four years later, Mauricio graduated from Graded, the school where I previously worked, and he realized his dream of attending and graduating from a top university in the United States. It was also during this time that we grew the most as professionals and as a community.

While Mauricio was a student at Graded, we had the honor of hosting two very special people, Bill and Ochan Powell, who conveyed a similar spirit of promise and a unique ability to instill an intrinsic commitment in others to be the best professionals and people they can be. Bill and Ochan scheduled time after their professional learning facilitation to interview Mauricio as part of their work associated with inclusive schools. I remember clearly how our faculty and I beamed with pride and a sense of purpose when Bill and Ochan highlighted and congratulated the team for their work with Mauricio and their efforts to ensure Graded was offering a highly functioning inclusive learning program.

The following two videos present clips from Bill and Ochan’s work with Mauricio.

Interview with Bill and Ochan:

Learning in a Science Classroom:

The videos highlight Bill’s talents and concern for others and, correspondingly, one of the many reasons why there has been such an extraordinary outpouring of sorrow, love, and admiration from around the world to the tragic news of Bill Powell’s sudden passing. Bill was a remarkable individual whose impressive professional capabilities were complemented with a warm heart and deeply caring nature.

A recent exchange of emails with Mauricio highlighted the difference Bill’s vision and unwavering commitment to student learning and inclusion can make in a student’s life. The following is an extract from Mauricio’s note to me this week:

Needless to say, if it were not for my inclusion at Graded and before, I would not be where I am today. I have worked at internationally recognized corporations, attended top educational institutions abroad, learned the importance of adaptation and persistence, and demonstrated to others that blindness does not define ones capabilities.

It all began with education – an education that was inclusive, grounded, and rigorous. It all began with teachers and administrators who believed in my potential, and who required of me the same as was required of any other student. If one has education one still faces challenges, the difference being that without it we have no solution. Blind people must be able to make any choice they wish for their future, with blindness being only a circumstance and physical characteristic. As the Olympics are held in Brazil, so will the Paralympics. We apply the inspiration and values from all athletes into our lives as much as possible so that we may continue fighting for opportunity for all people.

The message of six years ago still stands: people must ask questions, so that their doubts may be resolved. On the other hand, those with disabilities must believe in themselves, strive for their best, and not for what seems comfortable, and never be let down by expectations by others. Others may not know our full potential, but I find that most people will be allies if we help them help us. And, schools cannot do it alone – families must understand that disabilities shall never define where one wishes to go.

~ Mauricio

I am deeply grateful to Mauricio and Bill and Ochan Powell for the real difference they have made in our lives. Looking ahead, we hope to honor Bill’s significant contributions to the field of education and his dedication to the lives of others by ensuring a collective commitment to furthering his vision of inclusive schools where diversity, difference, and all learning styles are valued within the context of a plurality of thought and perspectives. Next Frontier Inclusion’s mission must also be our own: “to promote and protect the interests of children who learn in different ways or at different rates.” This is our moral obligation to Mauricio and all of the students, families, and communities we have the privilege of working with at our schools.

Uma Obrigação Moral

Foi um daqueles e-mails que chamam a sua atenção. Mauricio, estudante de uma escola brasileira, quinze anos de idade, enviou um comunicado elegante sobre como ele aprendeu inglês sozinho para que pudesse realizar seu sonho de ir para uma universidade nos Estados Unidos. Maurício estudou nosso website e como ele acreditava que os nossos valores se alinhavam aos dele, ele estava determinado a se juntar à nossa comunidade. O que eu não sabia na época é que Maurício iria mudar para sempre as perspectivas de aprendizado da nossa comunidade e o entendimento do mundo ao nosso redor.

A solicitação de matrícula do Maurício para o ensino médio foi a primeira que recebemos de um aluno cego. Apesar do Maurício não parecer preocupado com o fato de ser cego, uma característica do seu espírito indomável que eu aprendi a admirar e apreciar, nosso corpo docente levantou muitas questões e preocupações válidas.

A possibilidade da matrícula do Maurício foi moldada e guiada pela missão e uma série de valores que destacaram a diversidade e os diferentes estilos de aprendizagem, como valores essenciais. Através do diálogo, aprendizagem e compreensão, o corpo docente do ensino médio se comprometeu em aceitar o Maurício e dar a ele o melhor programa educacional, dentro das nossas capacidades. Maurício também nos apoiou neste processo de aprendizagem, sempre rápido em nos lembrar de que não deveríamos pensar nele como uma pessoa cega, mas sim como uma pessoa que ficou cega.

Durante uma das nossas reuniões de admissão, eu o convidei à minha sala e disse: “É ótimo ver você…”, e parei ao perceber a insensibilidade das minhas palavras. Maurício sorriu calorosamente e respondeu de uma forma que mostrou a sua maturidade, apesar da idade: “Também é muito bom vê-lo”. Embora, aparentemente, fosse uma pequena lição, também foi um momento emblemático no nosso crescimento de forma coletiva. Eu, de forma humilde, disse ao Maurício que a probabilidade de aprendermos muito mais com ele era bem maior do que a dele de aprender conosco. E isso aconteceu de fato. Quatro anos depois, Maurício se formou na Graded, escola onde eu trabalhei antes, e realizou o seu sonho de estudar e se formar em uma universidade dos Estados Unidos. Foi nessa época que tivemos a oportunidade de crescer como profissionais e como comunidade.

Durante a época que o Maurício foi aluno da Graded, nós tivemos a honra de receber duas pessoas muito especiais, Bill e Ochan Powell, que transmitiram um espírito de promessa e uma capacidade única de incutir um compromisso intrínseco de sermos as melhores pessoas e profissionais possíveis. Após suas reuniões eles agendaram um horário para entrevistar o Maurício, como parte do trabalho associado com escolas inclusivas. Lembro-me claramente como o nosso corpo docente e eu estávamos cheios de orgulho e propósito quando Bill e Ochan destacaram e parabenizaram o nosso time pelo o trabalho feito com o Maurício e o seu esforço para garantir que a Graded estivesse oferecendo um programa de aprendizagem inclusiva altamente funcional.

Os dois vídeos abaixo mostram o trabalho de Bill e Ochan com o Maurício.

Entrevista com Bill e Ochan

Aprendendo na sala de Ciências

Os vídeos destacam os talentos e a preocupação de Bill com os outros e, consequentemente, foi uma das maiores razões pela onda de sentimentos de tristeza, amor e admiração do mundo todo sobre a trágica notícia da passagem repentina de Bill Powell. Bill era um indivíduo notável e sua impressionante capacidade profissional foi complementada com um grande e caloroso coração, além de uma natureza protetora.

Uma recente troca de emails com Maurício destacou a diferença que a visão e o compromisso inabalável de Bill com a aprendizagem e inclusão pode fazer na vida de um aluno.

Abaixo, segue uma parte da conversa do Maurício comigo essa semana:

Nem preciso dizer que se não fosse pela minha inclusão na Graded e antes disso, eu não estaria onde eu estou hoje. Eu tenho trabalhado em empresas reconhecidas internacionalmente, frequentei grandes instituições de ensino estrangeiras, aprendi a importância da adaptação e persistência e, mostrei aos outros que a cegueira não define a capacidade dos outros.

Tudo começou com a educação – uma educação que foi inclusiva, apoiada e rigorosa. Tudo começou com os professores e administradores que acreditaram no meu potencial e exigiram de mim o mesmo que era exigido de qualquer outro aluno. Se você recebe educação, você ainda enfrenta desafios, com a diferença de que sem ela não temos solução para os nossos desafios. Pessoas cegas devem ser capazes de fazer qualquer escolha que desejam para o seu futuro, com a cegueira sendo apenas uma circunstância e uma característica física. Assim como os jogos olímpicos estão acontecendo no Brasil, as paraolimpíadas também irão. Nós aplicamos o máximo possível a inspiração e os valores de todos os atletas em nossas vidas, para que possamos continuar a lutar por oportunidades para todos.

A mensagem de seis anos atrás, ainda é: as pessoas devem fazer perguntas, de modo que suas dúvidas possam ser respondidas. Por outro lado, as pessoas com deficiência devem acreditar em si, esforçar-se para dar o seu melhor e não para o que parece confortável, e nunca se colocar para baixo por expectativas dos outros. Os outros podem não saber o nosso potencial, mas eu acredito que a maioria das pessoas serão nossas aliadas, se nós as ajudarmos a nos ajudarem. E as escolas não podem fazer isso sozinhas – as famílias devem compreender que a deficiência não deve definir onde se quer ir.

~ Maurício

Eu estou profundamente agradecido ao Maurício, ao Bill e Ochan Powell pela diferença real que eles têm feito nas nossas vidas. Olhando para o futuro, esperamos honrar as contribuições significativas do Bill na área da educação e sua dedicação para com a vida de terceiros, assegurando um compromisso coletivo com a promoção da sua visão sobre escolas inclusivas, onde a diversidade, a diferença e todos os estilos de aprendizagem são avaliados dentro do contexto de uma pluralidade de pensamento e perspectivas. A missão do Next Frontier Inclusion, também deve ser a nossa: “promover e proteger o interesse de crianças que aprendem de formas diferentes ou em ritmos diferentes.” Essa é a nossa obrigação moral com o Maurício e com todos os alunos, famílias e comunidades que temos o privilégio de trabalhar em nossas escolas.

Featured image: cc licensed (CC BY-NC 2.0) flickr photo by lee: like a record… https://www.flickr.com/photos/leecullivan/240389468/

Struggle & Triumph

“The most important thing is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.” ~ Olympic Creed

During this recent school break, I had the good fortune to spend time in Barcelona and made a point to visit the city’s track and field stadium, the site that hosted one of the most remarkable moments in Olympic history. During the 1992 summer Olympics, British athlete Derek Redmond was heavily favored to win the 400-meter event. While Redmond did not win a medal, it was his determination and courage that made his performance such an inspiration.

It was halfway through the 400 semifinal race when Redmond’s hamstring snapped and he fell to his knees in excruciating pain. After the other runners completed the race, the TV camera and the crowd return their attention to Redmond who somehow finds the strength to return to his feet and begin hopping down the track, determined to finish the race. It was at this moment that his father runs onto the track and tells Redmond that he does not need to finish the race. Redmond replies to his father, “Yes, I do.” His father replies stating that if Derrick was going to finish the race, then they were going to finish it together. The 65,000 spectators were on their feet cheering Derek and his father on with a deafening roar of support as they walked and hobbled forward and finally crossed the finish line.

Derek’s story embodies the spirit of the Olympic Creed and how the struggle in life is more important than the triumph. In this context, Yogi Berra’s words are apropos: Losing is a learning experience. It teaches you humility. It teaches to you to work harder. It’s also a powerful motivator.” Michael Jordan has also famously spoken about how his failures have led to his success: “I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” It is through adversity, failure, and challenge that we grow the most and realize a deeper sense of the human spirit. While Derek Redmond did not win the 400-meter gold medal, his performance in Barcelona is considered to be one of the greatest moments in Olympic history.

The lesson is that there is as much triumph in defeat as in victory, particularly when triumph is in the effort and effort is everything. Redmond also reminds us that no takes an odyssey alone. Whether it is a family member, coach, mentor, friend, or teacher, we have all had someone who has supported us in terms of our growth, development, and achievements. It is through these lenses that we can view the start of another school year and our work as a community of learners.

All of us at EAB, in our roles ranging from that of a teacher, student, and family member, are on an odyssey of growth and development. EAB’s mission statement – Learners inspiring learners to be inquisitive in life, principled in character, and bold in vision – highlights this belief. And, like Derek Redmond, no one is on this journey alone. It is our focus on relationships, the deep care for each other’s wellbeing, and a belief community, that contribute to making EAB such as special school and learning environment for our students.

The opening of the 27th modern summer Olympic games will be officially celebrated in Rio de Janeiro tonight and will represent an exciting focus during the coming weeks. The performance of the athletes will no doubt provide us with inspiration as we reflect on the relevance of the Olympic Creed in relation to our own context: “The most important thing is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.”

Esforço e Triunfo

“A coisa mais importante não é vencer, mas participar, assim como a coisa mais importante na vida não é o triunfo, mas o esforço. O essencial não é ter conquistado, mas ter lutado bem”. ~ Olympic Creed

Durante as últimas férias, eu tive a sorte de passar algum tempo em Barcelona e fiz questão de visitar o campo e a pista de atletismo no estádio da cidade, local que foi palco de um dos momentos mais marcantes da história olímpica. Durante os Jogos Olímpicos de Verão de 1992, o atleta britânico Derek Redmond era o favorito para ganhar a prova de 400m. Apesar de Redmond não ter ganhado a medalha, foi a sua determinação e coragem que tornaram seu desempenho uma inspiração.

Foi no meio da semifinal de 400m que o tendão de Redmond rompeu e ele caiu de joelhos com uma dor excruciante. Depois que os demais atletas completaram a prova, as câmeras de televisão e o público voltaram sua atenção para Redmond, que de algulma forma encontrou forças para ficar em pé e começou a pular, determinado a terminar corrida. Foi nesse momento que seu pai entrou na pista e disse que ele não precisaria terminar a prova. Redmond respondeu: “Sim, eu preciso.” O seu pai respondeu que já que Derrick iria terminar a prova, eles iriam terminar juntos. Os 65.000 expectadores ficaram de pé torcendo por ele e seu pai com um rugido ensurdecedor, enquanto eles caminhavam e ele mancava até eles cruzarem a linha de chegada.

A história de Derek incorpora o espírito do credo olímpico e mostra como lutar torna-se mais importante do que o triufo. Neste contexto, as palavras de Yogi Berra são oportunas: “Perder é uma experiência de aprendizagem. Ela ensina a humildade. Ensina a dar duro. E é também uma motivação muito poderosa”. Michael Jordan também ficou famoso em falar sobre como os seus fracassos levaram ao seu sucesso: “Eu perdi mais de 9000 lances em minha carreira. Eu perdi quase 300 jogos. Por 26 vezes contaram comigo para o lance final e eu perdi. Eu falhei várias vezes na minha vida. E é por isso que eu consegui.” É através da adversidade, fracasso e dos desafios que nós crescemos mais e percebemos o sentido do espírito humano. Apesar de Derek Redmond não ter ganhado a medalha de ouro nos 400 metros, o seu desempenho em Barcelona foi considerado um dos melhores momentos na história das Olimpíadas.

A lição aqui é que há triunfo tanto na derrota quanto na vitória, particularmente quando o triunfo está no esforço e o esforço é tudo. Redmond também nos lembra que ninguém atravessa uma jornada sozinho. Quer seja um membro da família, um treinador, mentor, amigo ou professor, nós sempre tivemos alguém nos apoiando em nosso crescimento, desenvolvimento e realizações. É através dessas lentes que podemos ver o início de mais um ano escolar e nosso trabalho como uma comunidade de aprendizes.

Todos nós da EAB, em nossos papéis, que vão desde professor, aluno e membro da família, passamos por uma jornada de crescimento e desenvolvimento. A missão da EAB – Aprendizes inspirando aprendizes a serem questionadores na vida, firmes em seu caráter e com uma visão audaciosa – destaca essa crença. Como Derek Redmond, ninguém está sozinho nessa jornada. É o nosso foco em relacionamentos, o cuidado profundo com o bem-estar do outro e uma comunidade com um ideal, que contribuem para tornar a EAB uma escola e ambiente de aprendizagem especial para os nossos alunos.

A abertura do 27º Jogos Olímpicos será comemorada oficialmente, hoje, no Rio de Janeiro e vai representar algo emocionante durante as próximas semanas. O desempenho dos atletas, sem dúvida, nos inspira em como refletir sobre a relevância da crença olímpica em relação ao nosso próprio contexto: “A coisa mais importante não é vencer, mas participar, assim como a coisa mais importante na vida não é o triunfo, mas a luta. O essencial não é ter vencido, mas lutado bem”.

Barry Dequanne

Diretor Geral

Blog do Diretor Geral

Featured image: cc licensed (CC BY-NC 2.0) flickr photo by Geraint Rowland: Cristo Redentor https://www.flickr.com/photos/geezaweezer/23322487852/

Fun Run

Go fast enough to get there, but slow enough to see. ~ Jimmy Buffett.

There is something special about the early morning in Brasilia. Birds welcome the dawning light with joyous melodies, the vast and magnificent blue sky instills a spirit of optimism and possibility, and fresh air invigorates the mind and body. It was one of these typical Brasilia mornings that set the stage for our school’s annual Fun Run.

EAB’s Fun Run is one of many educational opportunities that constitute the Sábado Legal, or Cool Saturday, program. The “Learners Inspiring Learners” element of our school’s mission statement is embodied through these special events when students, parents, and teachers embrace the opportunity to learn and grow together.

This year’s Fun Run attracted approximately 450 people of all ages who were anxiously awaiting the start of races designed to meet the needs of all ages and interests. From the three-year-old student sprints to the 10-kilometer run, it was a remarkable day of community building, personal connections, learning, positive energy, and healthy activities.

The day can best be described through the pictures included in this post, with color photos to highlight the vibrancy and energy of the day and black and white photos to emphasize emotion and the special relationships in our community. It is events such as the Fun Run that underscore the role schools play in ensuring meaningful, relevant, and experiential learning opportunities that further personal growth, relationship development, and community building.

Relying on the adage that a picture is worth a thousand words, it is hoped that these photos can at least partially capture the full spirit of the day and the special nature of our community.

Versão em português depois das fotos

Fun Run

Vá rápido o suficiente para chegar lá, mas devagar o suficiente para enxergar. ~ Jimmy Buffett

Há algo de especial sobre o início da manhã em Brasília. Os pássaros dão às boas vindas à luz da aurora com melodias alegres, o vasto e magnífico céu azul infunde um espírito de otimismo e possibilidades e o ar fresco revigora o corpo e a mente. Foi uma destas típicas manhãs de Brasília que preparou o palco para a corrida anual da nossa escola, a Fun Run.

A Fun Run da EAB é uma das muitas oportunidades educacionais que constituem o programa Sábado Legal. O elemento da nossa missão “aprendizes inspirando aprendizes” está incorporado através destes eventos especiais, em que os alunos, pais e professores abraçam a oportunidade de aprenderem e crescerem juntos.

Este ano, a Fun Run atraiu cerca de 450 pessoas de todas as idades, esperando ansiosamente o início das corridas programadas para satisfazer as necessidades de todas as idades e interesses. Desde a corrida (sprints) dos alunos de três anos de idade, até nas provas de 10 km, foi possível notar a construção de uma comunidade, as relações pessoais, a aprendizagem, a energia positiva e as atividades saudáveis.

A melhor forma de descrever esse dia é através das imagens incluídas neste artigo, com fotografias coloridas para destacar a vibração e energia do dia e com fotos em preto e branco para enfatizar a emoção e as relações especiais da nossa comunidade. São eventos como aFun Run que ressaltam o papel que as escolas desempenham em garantir experiências de aprendizagem experimentais, significativas e relevantes, que futuramente levarão ao crescimento pessoal, ao desenvolvimento dos relacionamentos e na construção da comunidade. Com base no ditado, uma imagem vale por mil palavras, espero que essas fotos possam, pelo menos parcialmente, capturar o espírito completo do dia e da natureza especial da nossa comunidade.

Featured image: cc licensed (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) flickr photo by Fe IIya: Run; https://www.flickr.com/photos/renneville/3031455100/

All Other images by Rayssa Sereno Dequanne

Gratitude

“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” William Arthur Ward.

The end of another school semester brings with it so many exciting events, including sports tournaments, musical and theatrical performances, Model United Nations (MUN), community service projects, art displays, and parent workshops, to name a few. In this seemingly frenzied mix of events is, of course, Thanksgiving. EAB celebrated this event with a traditional Thanksgiving lunch that was highlighted by the large number of parents who joined their children to share a special moment together. Families were also invited to bring desserts to support the event. Given the strong sense of community at EAB, no one should have been surprised at how many tables were filled with desserts provided by our families. Thank you, once again, for making the event such a success.

While engagement with so many enriching experiences at the end of a semester is indeed a cause for celebration, the frenetic feeling associated with this experience also poses a challenge. If we spend all of your time literally running from one event to another, when do we find the time to reflect and appreciate all that is wonderful in our lives? When do we stop to think about our relationships, our opportunities, our work, our personal growth, our unique experiences, and our lives in a meaningful context? Fortunately, the Thanksgiving long weekend represents an opportunity to not only recharge our batteries, travel, and eat delicious food, but it also a time to reflect, learn, dream, and marvel. While the extraordinary can easily become commonplace, it is hoped that we do not lose our capability to be awestruck, humbled, and grateful.

There may be no single word more important to our wellbeing, happiness, and future than gratitude. Melody Beattie highlights this sentiment when stating that, “gratitude turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity…it makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

In the spirit of this Thanksgiving holiday, this post is highlighting seven videos that are intended to emphasize the importance of gratitude as a fundamental element associated with our happiness, wellbeing, and humanity.

Nature. Beauty. Gratitude.: Louie Schwartzberg

Want to be Happy? Be Grateful – David Steindl-Rast

The Epidemic of Smiles and the Science of Gratitude – Jennifer Moss

Gratitude, Gifting and Grandpa – John Styn

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOn6MruboY8

The Power of Saying Thank You – Laura Trice

365 Days of Thank You – Brian Doyle

365 Grateful Project – Hailey Bartholomew

Wishing everyone an enjoyable, restful, reflective, and thankful holiday weekend.

Gratidão

“Gratidão pode transformar dias comuns em dias de ação de graças, transformar trabalhos de rotina em alegria e transformar oportunidades comuns em bênçãos.” William Arthur Ward.

O final de mais um semestre letivo traz consigo muitos eventos emocionantes, que vão desde torneios esportivos, apresentações musicais e teatrais, o MUN, projetos de serviço comunitário, exposições de arte, até seminários para os pais, entre tantos outros. E, no meio dessa mistura frenética de eventos, encontramos o Thanksgiving. A EAB celebrou o evento com um almoço tradicional de Ação de Graças, que se destacou pelo grande número de pais que se juntaram a seus filhos para compartilhar um momento especial juntos. As famílias também foram convidadas a trazer sobremesas para apoiar o evento. Devido ao fortesenso de comunidade da EAB, não deveria ter sido surpresa o número de mesas com sobremesas fornecidas por nossas famílias. Obrigado, mais uma vez, por tornarem o evento um sucesso.

Embora o envolvimento com tantas experiências enriquecedoras no final de um semestre seja de fato um motivo de comemoração, o sentimento frenético associado a esta experiência também é um desafio. Se nós passamos todo o tempo, literalmente, correndo de um evento para outro, quando é que vamos encontrar tempo para refletirmos e apreciarmos tudo que é maravilhoso em nossas vidas? Quando é que vamos parar para pensar sobre nossos relacionamentos, nossas oportunidades, nosso trabalho, nosso crescimento pessoal, nossas experiências únicas e nossas vidas, em um contexto significativo? Felizmente, o fim de semana prolongado de Ação de Graças representa uma oportunidade não só para recarregar as baterias, viajar e comer comidas deliciosas, como também representa o tempo de refletir, aprender, sonhar e se maravilhar. Ao mesmo tempo em que o extraordinário pode tornar-se facilmente banal, esperamos que nós não percamos a nossa capacidade de admirar, de sermos humildes e gratos.

Acredito que não exista uma única palavra mais importante para nosso bem-estar, felicidade e futuro do que gratidão. Melody Beattie destaca este sentimento ao afirmar que, “gratidão transforma o suficiente em muito mais. Transforma a negação em aceitação, o caos em ordem, a confusão em clareza … dá sentido ao nosso passado, traz a paz para o presente e cria uma visão para o amanhã “.

No espírito deste feriado de Ação de Graças, este artigo destaca sete vídeos que se destinam a destacar a importância da gratidão como um elemento fundamental da nossa felicidade e bem-estar da humanidade.

Nature. Beauty. Gratitude.: Louie Schwartzberg

Want to be Happy? Be Grateful – David Steindl-Rast

The Epidemic of Smiles and the Science of Gratitude – Jennifer Moss

Gratitude, Gifting and Grandpa – John Styn

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOn6MruboY8

The Power of Saying Thank You – Laura Trice

365 Days of Thank You – Brian Doyle

365 Grateful Project – Hailey Bartholomew

Desejando a todos um agradável e repousante, reflexivo e grato fim de semana de feriado.

Um abraço,

Barry

Photo: Villarrica Volcano, Pucón, Chile, January 2015

A Better Tomorrow

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

International news reports in recent weeks and months have been filled with disturbing reports of terror attacks, refugee migration, acts of aggression, and indescribable loss and suffering. Our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected by these horrific acts and circumstances.

As we are reminded daily of the conflict, hate, and desperation that can exist in the world, we are compelled to reflect on the role international schools play, especially with a focus on the education of future generations.

There are clearly no simple answers to what seem to be infinitely complex global challenges. While it is not the explicit mission of schools to solve these problems, it is the responsibility of schools to work in partnership with families to prepare students with the necessary skills and dispositions to make a positive difference in our communities and the lives of others. Taking this belief a step further, there is a moral imperative for international schools to lead by example and provide students with opportunities to learn how to lead and solve complex problems. We know there is no quick fix to our problems and that solutions of a profound nature will require a long-term strategy guided by a strong moral compass. It is hoped that schools can contribute in meaningful ways to this strategy through relevant and profound learning opportunities.

EAB Mission Statement: Learners inspiring learners to be inquisitive in life, principled in character, and bold in vision.

The Model United Nations (MUN) program is one example of how schools support students towards realizing these ideals. Last weekend, EAB hosted the first ever Brasilia MUN conference with 150 students in attendance. In modeling similar issues faced by the United Nations, students are responsible for proposing and negotiating solutions to some of the world’s most challenging problems. The performance of the students was impressive, not only based on their knowledge of world affairs, but also based on their ability to effectively negotiate effective, creative, and innovative solutions. The following video and photo links highlight some of the extraordinary work of our students: Video, Photos, Website.

EAB Vision Statement: To positively impact the world through excellence in academics, activities, arts, leadership, and service.

EAB’s mission and vision statements provide our community with an important framework in terms of the ongoing development of our educational program. To be “inquisitive in life” emphasizes the focus on learning about the world around us, which includes developing high degrees of empathy and understanding about what is both familiar and different. To be “principled in character” challenges us to by guided by a moral direction. To be “bold in vision” is to commit to making a positive difference in our community and the lives of others.

In a letter reflecting on the Paris attacks, Kevin Ruth, the Executive Director of ECIS, underscored one of the key roles of international schools, which also corresponds to the essence of EAB’s “bold in vision” ideal:

“An absolute cornerstone of any school that calls itself an international school should be the social impact that that school can effect, beginning in its immediate surroundings, yet going beyond, to create positive impact in our world. At times like these, we must go beyond our curricula, beyond our politicking, beyond our first world complaints, and seek to create positive impact in our world as deeply and intentionally as we can.”

Through an educational program that includes experiential learning opportunities such as MUN, it is one of EAB’s fundamental goals to “seek to create positive impact in our world” based on a whole child, community-based educational approach. It is with this vision and commitment that we look to the future with optimism and a belief in a better tomorrow for all.

A escuridão não pode expulsar a escuridão; apenas a luz pode fazer isso. O ódio não pode expulsar ódio; só o amor pode fazer isso. ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

As notícias internacionais nas últimas semanas e meses foram preenchidas com relatos perturbadores de ataques terroristas, a migração de refugiados, atos de agressão, perdas e sofrimentos indescritíveis. Nossos corações estão com todos aqueles que foram afetados por esses atos e circunstâncias.

Ao sermos lembrados diariamente dos conflitos, ódio e desespero que podem existir no mundo, somos obrigados a refletir sobre o papel que as escolas internacionais desempenham, especialmente sobre a educação das gerações futuras.

Evidentemente, não há respostas simples para o que parecem ser os mais complexos desafios globais. Mesmo a solução desses problemas não sendo a missão explicita das escolas, é nossa responsabilidade trabalhar em parceria com as famílias, para prepararmos os alunos com as habilidades e disposições necessárias para fazerem uma diferença positiva na nossa comunidade e na vida dos demais. Ao levarmos esse pensamento à diante, existe uma exigência moral das escolas internacionais para darem o exemplo e proporcionarem aos alunos, oportunidades para aprender a liderar e resolver problemas complexos. Sabemos que não existe uma solução rápida para os nossos problemas e que as soluções de uma natureza profunda requer uma estratégia em longo prazo, guiada por um forte compasso moral. Esperamos que as escolas possam contribuir de uma forma significativa para essa estratégia, através de oportunidades de ensino profundas e relevantes.

Missão da EAB: Aprendizes inspirando aprendizes a serem questionadores na vida, firmes em seu caráter e com uma visão audaciosa.

O programa do Model United Nations (MUN) é um exemplo de como as escolas podem apoiar os alunos para realizarem esses ideais. No último final de semana, a EAB sediou o primeiro evento do MUN em Brasília, com a participação de 150 alunos. Usando como modelo os problemas enfrentados pelas Nações Unidas, os alunos são responsáveis por propor e negociar soluções para alguns dos problemas mais desafiadores do mundo. O desempenho dos alunos foi impressionante, não apenas com base no seu conhecimento sobre os assuntos mundiais, mas também em sua capacidade de negociar soluções de forma eficaz, criativa e inovadora. O vídeo a seguir e o link das fotos destaca alguns dos trabalhos extraordinários dos nossos alunos: Video, Photos, Website.

Visão da EAB: Impactar o mundo de forma positiva, através da excelência acadêmica, atividades, artes, liderança e serviço.

A Missão e a Visão da EAB fornecem a nossa comunidade uma importante estrutura em termos de desenvolvimento contínuo do nosso programa educacional. Ser “questionador na vida” enfatiza o foco na aprendizagem sobre o mundo que nos rodeia, o que inclui o desenvolvimento de um alto grau de empatia e compreensão sobre o que é familiar e diferente. Ser “firme no caráter” desafia a nos orientar em uma direção moral. Ter “uma visão audaciosa” significa se comprometer a fazer a diferença positiva na nossa comunidade e na vida dos outros.

Em uma carta que reflete sobre os atentados de Paris, Kevin Ruth, o diretor executivo da ECIS, destacou um dos papéis principais de escolas internacionais, o que também corresponde à essência do ideal da EAB “visão audaciosa”:

“O alicerce de qualquer escola que se diz internacional deveria ser o impacto social que essa escola influencia, começando pelo seu ambiente, mas indo além, criando um impacto positivo no nosso mundo. Em tempos como esse, nós temos que ir além do nosso currículo, além da nossa politicagem, além das nossas primeiras queixas sobre o mundo e procurar criarmos um impacto positivo da forma mais profunda e internacional que pudermos.”

Através de um programa educacional que inclui oportunidades de aprendizagem como o MUN, um dos objetivos fundamentais da EAB é “buscar a criação de um impacto positivo em nosso mundo”, com base na abordagem educacional da criança/comunidade por um todo. É com essa visão e comprometimento que nós olhamos para o futuro com otimismo e crença num amanhã melhor para todos nós.

Moving Pictures

Culture is the widening of the mind and of the spirit. ~ Jawaharlal Nehru

The process of capturing and effectively communicating the essence of an organization’s culture can, at times, be a challenge. However, social media and video provide us with the means to share organizational and cultural highlights with a great community. To that end, the following series of videos are designed to communicate a little about what makes the American School of Brasilia (EAB) so special.

EAB Institutional Video

https://youtu.be/9dolZv8hvMs

Sábado Legal: EAB’s Sábado Legal (“Cool” Saturday) offers families the opportunity to engage in further learning opportunities on Saturdays.

https://youtu.be/vfvfQLOU18M

Celebrating Learning and Innovation: Highlights of the changes made to EAB’s facilities to better support innovative, creative, and collaborative learning practices.

Teacher Flashmob: A surprise teacher flashmob during an evening band performance.

Tour of EAB’s Campus: Click on the following link to take a 360 tour of the American School of Brasilia

360 Tour

“Culture is the underground stream of norms, values, beliefs, traditions, and rituals that builds up over time as people work together, solve problems, and confront challenges .This set of informal expectations and values shapes how people think, feel, and act in schools.” ~ Peterson and Deal

Bold in Vision

“Use your unique gifts and talents to make a difference in the world.” Lailah Gifty Akita.

After a yearlong review process, involving regular feedback and contributions from parents, students, and teachers through surveys, retreats, and focus group meetings, the American School of Brasilia’s new mission statement was officially introduced at the start of this school year:

Learners inspiring learners to be inquisitive in life, principled in character, and bold in vision.

As part of an ongoing analysis of EAB’s new mission statement, this week’s post looks at the fourth and final element of the mission: Bold in Vision.

Bold in Vision highlights the aspiration that our students and community members will make a positive difference in our community and the greater world around them. In one sense, Bold in Vision is the outcome that brings the other elements of the mission together towards a higher aim. While it is imperative to support and empower a community of learners to inspire each other and foster a lifelong love for learning (Inquisitive in Life), knowledge and learning can be further enhanced in the context of values systems (Principled in Character). Taking this progression a step further, it seems to be a loss if all of this learning and character development are not applied in some manner to improve, not only ourselves, but our communities and the lives of others.

To further the goal of making a positive difference, the Bold in Vision aspect of the mission also focuses on the strategic approaches to implementing effective change. These strategic changes and the ability to effectively address many of our current challenges will require creative and innovative approaches. To that end, our schools must assume the fundamental responsibility towards ensuring learning environments that support creativity, innovation, empowerment, and engaged learning.

In his book, From Master Teacher to Master Learner, Will Richardson highlights this responsibility of schools, with a particular focus on the role of teachers:

“Our job as educators is to understand deeply what it means to be a modern learner more so than a modern teacher. Our goal should not be to learn new technologies in order to become better teachers in the traditional sense. Our goal is to develop expertise in powerful new technologies to become better learners for ourselves and for our students, who may lack other learning models.”

It is hoped that EAB’s new mission statement embodies the ideals associated with Richardson’s words.

As with any focus on a Bold in Vision statement, technology will play a key role in the future of education. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) published a report in 2015 entitled, Students, Computers, and Learning: Making the Connection, which frames the role that technology will play in education. Specifically, the report stresses that, “information and communication technology (ICT) has revolutionized virtually every aspect of our life and work. Students unable to navigate through a complex digital landscape will no longer be able to participate fully in the economic, social, and cultural life around them.”

The work of teachers is key to leveraging the opportunities associated with ICT. However, the report cautions that, “technology can amplify great teaching but great technology cannot replace poor teaching.” This is an important quote in that it clarifies that technology is not driving our work nor replacing poor teaching but rather providing teachers with an additional, important, and ubiquitous resource to support the learning process.

Finally, when considering our commitment to the Bold in Vision aspect of our mission statement, the OECD report emphasis the role of schools and educators on the future of learning:

“We need to get this right in order to provide educators with learning environments that support 21st century pedagogies and provide children with the 21st-century skills they need to succeed in tomorrow’s world. Technology is the only way to dramatically expand access to knowledge. Why should students be limited to a textbook that was printed two years ago, and maybe designed ten years ago, when they could have access to the world’s best and most up-to-date textbook? Equally important, technology allows teachers and students to access specialized materials well beyond textbooks, in multiple formats, with little time and space constraints.”

Returning to EAB’s new mission statement, the last element of the mission – Bold in Vision – was purposely designed to be less prescriptive and focused as compared to the other elements of the mission. The reason for this design is to frame the American School of Brasilia’s future work in the context of dynamic and changing environments. Bold in Vision is an open-ended premise that challenges us to use our collective learning and development to make a positive difference in the world through personalized, innovative, and creative approaches.

Learners inspiring learners to be inquisitive in life, principled in character, and bold in vision.

Previous Posts about Mission Statement:

Featured image: cc licensed (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) flickr photo by Chase Elliott Clark (Binoculars V) https://www.flickr.com/photos/chasblackman/8502151556/

Principled In Character

“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

After a yearlong review process, involving regular feedback and contributions from parents, students, and teachers through surveys, retreats, and focus group meetings, the school’s new mission statement was officially introduced at the start of this school year.

Learners inspiring learners to be inquisitive in life, principled in character, and bold in vision.

As part of an ongoing analysis of EAB’s new mission statement, this week’s post looks at the third element of the mission: “Principled in Character”.

The American School of Brasilia builds its educational program around the ideal of a whole child education that includes a focus on five pillars: academics, activities, arts, leadership, and service. Within this context, character education plays a critical role towards whole child development.

By way of example, EAB’s Character Counts! program has become a deeply integrated part of the Lower School, which also includes a monthly assembly led by students and regularly attended by over one hundred parents. The program is framed by six ethical values – Trustworthiness; Respect; Responsibility; Fairness; Caring; and Citizenship – which are used to further develop a positive school culture where students feel safe in their learning environment. The program also works to develop a culture of kindness in addition to addressing issues associated with bullying.

The Upper School recently engaged in a collective process, led by students, to establish a student honor code, which was approved and is now a essential part of the school’s culture. EAB’s student honor code reads as follows:

We, as students of the American School of Brasilia, give our pledge to live by the guiding principles of responsibility and respect in all that we say and do, understand that these values carry far beyond the classroom environment, affecting not only our peers and the activities we participate in, but who we are and who we will become, we commit to treat all people with compassion, be engaged and collaborative in all aspects of our education, and in all cases act with honor and integrity. We will uphold these values as the core of our identity, hence becoming principled individuals and contributing citizens to society.

EAB’s efforts in the area of “Principled in Character” are guided by our school’s Student Learner Profile (see below), which highlights how learners are Engaged, Collaborative, Contributing, and Principled. The Learner Profile further emphasizes the “principled” focus with the following statement: “As an EAB Learner, I am responsible for my learning, my actions, and their consequences.” This statement is then articulated with additional and more specific assertions:

I am responsible and do my best when assigned a task.
I persevere even when something is difficult.
I meet deadlines.
I come ready to learn with the materials and mindset needed for school each day.
I approach problems respectfully and ethically and work hard to solve them.
I know the difference between right and wrong and accept consequences for my actions.
I look for opportunities to learn and grow beyond what is expected of me by my teacher.

Perhaps the best way to summarize EAB’s work with respect to the “principled in character” aspect of the school’s mission statement is to refer to a comment made during a professional development session. Dr. Michael Thompson, a renowned child psychologist, was asked to define a “moral school”. He responded by quoting another author (whose name I cannot recall), who stated, “A moral school is a school that is always talking about what it means to be a moral school.” This is a profound statement in how it highlights the importance of process and focus, rather than one definition that would inevitability lead to an oversimplification of a deeply complex issue.

It would be an act of hubris for EAB to claim, as a school, that it always has all of the right answers for all situations in relation to character and education. It certainly does not and nor does any school. However, what is important is to be always engaging in a collective conversation about character, in the context of programs such as Character Counts!, and working with guiding principles, as found in the Student Honor Code and Learner Profile.

Related Blog Posts:

Featured image: cc licensed (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) flickr photo by Beccatevi questo! (Stròlic Furlàn – Davide Gabino) https://www.flickr.com/photos/56743832@N04/8662153499/

Learners Inspiring Learners

The first three words of the American School of Brasilia’s (EAB) new mission statement – Learners inspiring learners to be inquisitive in life, principled in character, and bold in vision – were on full display this week. In the Lower School, approximately 300 parents participated in workshops focusing on several different aspects of the learning process. Through the act of working in the classrooms with teachers, parents were modeling the learning process for students and inspiring our students to make the most of their own learning. To further highlight this ideal, students, parents, and teachers were also meeting and working together during the Welcome Back BBQ and the Middle School trips planning meetings.

Looking ahead to the coming weeks, parents and teachers are invited to attend the Family Education Workshop with Dr. Gini Rojas, the Upper School Open House , and the Environmental Stewards Sábado Legal at Brasilia’s Botanical Gardens.

Teachers have also been modeling the ideal associated with “learners inspiring learners” in several different ways. In addition to engaging in professional development opportunities during the school break and Professional Wednesdays, EAB’s teachers have been working together during professional days to collaboratively improve their practices. Teachers will also be spending several days next week, including Saturday and Sunday, working with Dr. Gini Rojas, who is a specialist in differentiation. Looking ahead to the following week, several faculty and staff members will be taking CPR and First Aid classes as part of EAB’s ongoing effort to ensure the highest levels of safety and wellbeing at the school. Other teachers will be working with another external consultant, Erma Anderson, with a focus on assessment using Common Core math. Teachers will also be attending a retreat with IB students to collectively continue to learn about the International Baccalaureate diploma program and plan for the year ahead.

These are a few of the examples from the month of August in which teachers are bringing to life the idea of “learners inspiring learners”. EAB is committed to working as partners towards to education of our students, which includes an expectation that all members of our community are active and continuous learners. Given the rate of change in today’s society, in conjunction with technological advancements, we all havean obligation to be active and continuous learners, inspiring and inspired by other learners.

EAB’s new Technology Director, Mr. Rod Narayan, shared a quote from a former student that provides for a thoughtful summary of these ideas and the expectations for adults in support of student learning:

“Educate me for my future, not your past.”

Featured image: cc licensed (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) flickr photo by Mark Brannan https://www.flickr.com/photos/heycoach/1197947341

Success in School & Life

How would you answer the following question: What are the factors that most influence how children achieve success in school and life?

Several EAB teachers are currently attending the annual AASSA teachers’ conference with a focus, in part, on answering this essential question. To that end, our teachers are spending three days engaging with professional colleagues and internationally renowned educational specialists. Two of the specialists, Dr. Michael Thompson and Dr. Catherine Steiner-Adair, both highly recommended authors, have offered insights towards answering this question.

The psychologist, Michael Thompson, challenges adults to remember what school is actually like to better understand the psychological journey that students experience during their K3-12 school years. Thompson argues that children are constantly searching for three things: connection, recognition, and a sense of power and highlights that children are able to find these three needs in a variety of ways within the life of a school.

Thompson further describes the different student needs by elaborating on the “three types of children in school:
I. those whose journeys are characterized mostly by success,
II. those whose journeys are characterized by a chronic but manageable struggle,
III. those whose journeys are characterized by fury and despair.
Each journey has its own different pressures. Every child is constantly developing strategies for coping with the pressures that he or she feels.”

Thompson uses the metaphor of a person preparing for a long hike and the importance of finding just the right shoe “fit” to facilitate the hike and avoid painful blisters. While there is an important element of resilience and persistence associated with the learning process, the shoe metaphor challenges schools to find the right educational program to “fit” student needs so that the three types of children in schools are not subject to unnecessary “blisters” and are able to achieve personal success.

Returning to the need of children for connection, recognition, and a sense of power, Catherine Steiner-Adair’s book, The Big Disconnect: Protecting Childhood and Family Relationships in the Digital Age, addresses the impact technology has on the relationships between children and adults. While Steiner-Adair advocates for the use of technology and the benefits to be gained, she also shares research findings that highlight how the ubiquitous presence of technology in our lives can result in serious negative implications for our relationships. Steiner-Adair offers insights and advice that can help parents and educators to determine how best to integrate technology in our daily lives without diminishing our personal connections. She asks us to question how we interact with technology when engaging with children (e.g. Do we give children our undivided attention when they are speaking with us or are we continuously looking at our cell phones?) and how our need to access technological devices frames our days and lives.

If we are to respond to each child’s need for connection, recognition, and a sense of power, then we must not only question how well our educational program is addressing these needs, but also review the degree to which technology may be adversely affecting our relationships with students and adults alike. The further integration of technology into our lives is a reality that will not go away. Therefore, it is our responsibility to control how technology affects our lives to ensure that we are taking advantage of the tremendous benefits and available opportunities that technology provides, while also addressing the inherent challenges to our relationships and overall wellbeing.

Featured image: cc licensed (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) flickr photo by Matt https://www.flickr.com/photos/d35ign/9580068088