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Dear FASTB,
Over the past couple of weeks, FASTB has been on the move! From inspiring career explorations during Career Day to the magical storytelling of Bits ‘N Pieces Puppet Theatre, our students have had incredible opportunities to learn and engage. We also had the honor of welcoming the Consul General of France in Miami, giving our young diplomats a glimpse into the world of international relations.
Our Kindergarteners explored marine life at the Florida Aquarium, and we recently marked the 100th day of school with a fun-filled celebration! Looking ahead, we encourage you to join us for upcoming events, including Café & Conversation and our much-anticipated school performance in April.
We wanted to send a warm reminder that our priority re-enrollment period will come to a close on February 14th. If you haven’t yet finalized your child’s re-enrollment for the upcoming school year, we kindly invite you to do so before this date to secure their spot.
Once again we would like to send out a heartfelt thank you to our dedicated families for your continued support. We are grateful to share these memorable moments with you and look forward to all the exciting adventures ahead!
À bientôt,
Colin LeBihan
Director
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Upcoming dates to keep in mind
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February 11th: Café & Conversation 8:30am to 9:00am
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February 18th: Parents - Teacher Conferences: start at 3:15pm
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February 19th: Early Release 11:45am (no lunch)
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February 19th: Parent Teacher Conferences: start at 12pm
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February 20th-24th: February Break - no school
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March 11th: Café & Conversation 8:30am to 9:00am
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March 14th: Grandparents and special friends day
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March 17th-21st: Spring Break
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April 4th: School Performance at Suncoast Church at 11:00am
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What a wonderful and inspiring day we had for Career Day! We were fortunate to welcome 20 different parents who shared their exciting careers with our students.
A sincere merci beaucoup to all of them for taking the time to speak with our young learners. It was an incredible opportunity for the students to explore a wide range of professions, from software architects to engineers to doctors, and so much more. The parents' enthusiasm and passion for their work truly inspired our students and encouraged them to think about their own futures.
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We were also delighted to have the Lealman Fire Department visit our school. The firefighters provided a fascinating and educational presentation about their vital work. The students had the chance to see their tools up close, tour the firetruck, and even spray water from the fire hose—what a memorable experience! A heartfelt thank you to the Lealman Fire Department for sharing their expertise and showing us what it takes to be a firefighter.
Career Day was an outstanding success, and we look forward to continuing this tradition in the years to come!
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We were thrilled to once again welcome the incredibly talented team from Bits ‘N Pieces Puppet Theatre to our school! This marks their second visit, and our students were captivated by their mesmerizing production of Jack and the Beanstalk, performed by the brilliant Holli Rubin. | |
We are so grateful to Jerry and Holli for sharing their artistry with our students once again. Their passion for puppetry and education creates unforgettable experiences, and we look forward to welcoming them back in the future! | |
Founded in 1976, Bits ‘N Pieces is led by Executive Director Jerry Bickel, a visionary in the world of puppetry whose work has been featured in national and international festivals. He has written and produced 11 original giant puppet musicals and spearheaded 19 international cultural exchange projects, bringing the magic of storytelling to audiences around the world. | |  |
Holli Rubin, the company’s Artistic Director and master puppet builder, whose craftsmanship and dynamic performances bring these enchanting tales to life. Over her career, she has built over 50 giant puppets, led 12 international tours, and developed arts-in-education programs that inspire young audiences through creativity and storytelling. | | |
Young Diplomats in Action:
Meeting the Consul General of France in Miami
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On January 28th, our classrooms were honored by visits from Mr. Raphaël Trapp, the Consul General of France in Miami, and Mr. Nicolas Doyard, the Cultural and Education Attaché. Mr. Trapp, who assumed his role in Miami in September 2022, has an extensive background in international law and human rights. He has served as a legal advisor and head of the Human Rights department at France's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, contributing to initiatives such as the Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights violations in Syria. His diplomatic career also includes postings in Morocco and Austria, focusing on political affairs and international organizations.
Mr. Doyard brings over 25 years of experience in cultural and international cooperation. Beginning in television documentary production, he transitioned to roles such as audiovisual attaché for Southern Africa and leadership positions at the Institut Français. His projects have spanned continents, including coordinating cross-cultural seasons like the Year of France-Korea and leading the Franco-Guinean Cultural Center in Conakry. Since September 2024, he has served as the Cultural and Education Attaché and Director of Villa Albertine in Miami.
During their visit, students engaged with Mr. Trapp and Mr. Doyard, inquiring about the roles of diplomats and their efforts in promoting educational institutions abroad. The discussions provided valuable insights into how diplomatic missions support international educational exchanges and cultural collaborations.
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Consul General of France in Miami, Raphaël Trapp | |
Our Kindergarten students recently embarked on an exciting field trip to the Florida Aquarium, where they explored the wonders of marine life up close! From watching sharks glide through the water to marveling at vibrant schools of fish, our young learners were fully immersed in an unforgettable underwater adventure. | As part of the visit, students also participated in the “In My Backyard” educational program, an engaging hands-on experience designed to teach them about Florida’s diverse ecosystems and the incredible creatures that call them home. Through interactive activities and guided exploration, they gained a deeper appreciation for marine conservation and the importance of protecting our environment. | |
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This field trip was not only a fun-filled day but also a meaningful extension of our curriculum, fostering curiosity and a love for nature among our students. A big thank you to the Florida Aquarium for hosting us—we can’t wait for our next adventure!
A big thank you to Marlène for organizing this fantastic outing, as well as to Nicolas and our parent chaperones for joining us!
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Dear FASTB Families,
We have loved watching your children grow, learn, and play so far this year! As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we want to remind you that our priority re-enrollment period is open until February 14th.
We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to ensure continuity in their bilingual education and a seamless transition into another exciting year at FASTB.
To finalize your re-enrollment, please complete the re-enrollment packet sent by FACTS. If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office at office@fastb.org
Thank you for being a valued part of our school community. We look forward to another wonderful year together!
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Our 100 Days of School celebration was a big hit! Students participated in a variety of fun and educational activities to mark this exciting milestone.
In CE1-CE2 students took on several creative challenges, all centered around the number 100. Such as:
• Running continuously for 100 seconds.
• Working together to form the number 100 using their bodies.
• Scoring a total of 100 basketball shots as a team, taking turns.
• Imagining and writing about what the world might look like in 100 years.
• Calculating the exact year 100 years from now.
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Some students even dressed up as centenarians, adding a creative and fun touch to the celebration! The day ended with a lively dance party, where everyone celebrated the first 100 days of the school year.
It was a memorable day, and we look forward to all the exciting learning ahead in the rest of the school year!
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Cafe Conversation with Marlène and Valérie | |
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Please Join Us!
Tuesday February 11th from 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Under the Tiki Hut! - All are welcome!
Special Guests: Marlène and Valerie
What is it all about anyway?
It's just what it says - Coffee and Conversation!
Best of all, it's a great way to connect and build community relationships in a casual environment. We hope you will mark your calendars and try to attend. There is a theme for each café but no real agenda and last-minute drop-ins are welcome :-)
Coming up next Tuesday, March 11th:
School Performance of April 4th
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Photo Credits: Mindy Robertson | |
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Anhingas are expert swimmers, often seen with only their long necks poking out of the water, resembling a snake. Unlike other water birds, their feathers don’t repel water, allowing them to dive effortlessly to catch fish.
After a swim, they perch on branches like this one above the FASTB playground, spreading their wings to dry off. Keep an eye out—you might spot one silently gliding through the pond!
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The French American School of Tampa Bay
2100 62nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33702
Telephone: (727) 800-2159
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