November 2022: Palapa Society News | |
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Great Day of the Dead Celebration
at The Palapa School!
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The Day of the Dead in Mexico is a celebration and ritual of remembrance. This year, Palapa students set up altars dedicated to emblematic characters from different states and participated in an internal contest that rewarded creativity, originality, and precision of the elements that make up a traditional altar.
We congratulate the students for their effort and dedication to this Mexican tradition, which strengthens their cultural identity and sense of belonging. We thank the jurors Julio Villalobos, Fabiola RamÃrez, Erick Ochoa, and Marcela Deschamps for their valuable participation in the evaluation of the altars. Also, thank you to the students for their extraordinary artistic demonstrations and teachers: Xavier and Carmen for the great work of organizing this artistic and cultural event.
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2nd Annual Scholarship Drive | |
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Thank you to the generous donors who gave during the 2nd Annual Scholarship Drive.
This campaign ensures coverage of scholarship needs for Palapa students and those attending local public schools and universities. This vital funding leaves no child behind due to financial need. While simultaneously holding our stateside event, we also set an ambitious goal for the scholarship fund.
Thanks to help from our donors who offered a matching fund of $25,000 USD. That match was fully met, and we raised $68,000 USD.
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The Palapa School
Extracurricular Activities in Sight
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By Palapa School Co-Directors Citlalli, Armando, and Diego
New trends in education highlight the importance of extracurricular activities in the comprehensive development of students. The most developed program includes clubs which take place during school hours and are designed from the principles dictated by the Ministry of Public Education (SEP).
Leaders of The Palapa School embrace this aspect and offer an array of activities including art, music, crafts, leadership, chess, electrical, first aid, and photography. In addition to learning through academic growth and personal development, these activities bring joy, motivation, and enthusiasm to students.
But not everything stops there. As a newly inaugurated tradition, the year begins with the "School Start Bonfire" where students and teachers gather on the beach to enjoy an afternoon full of fun and sand. This year the event was in Las Playitas where laughter, challenging activities, teamwork, and chocolates were not lacking.
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Puente al Inglés (Niños) | |
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by Jacki Gillespie, Director
October has been full of activity for the Puente al Inglés para Niños (Children’s English) program. Registration was held the first week of October with classes starting October 10, 2022. Currently, there are 91 students enrolled.
This year we are taking a new approach to teaching the children by incorporating more speaking activities as well as group activities such as games and reading. We want to make this a very fun and stress-free learning environment.
We are looking for more teachers and volunteers to accommodate more students who are on the waiting list. If you or anyone you know would like to volunteer, please contact us at puentealingles@palapasociety.org.
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Puente al Inglés (Adultos) | |
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By Kate Lewis, Director
We are just over halfway through fall quarter, and students continue to work hard at improving their English skills. Unlike most recent courses, the majority of students are continuing on from previous classes.
As the weather cools and more volunteers return, more course time will be added to accommodate the work and family obligations of students. The next term begins in January after the holidays.
If you would like to volunteer or know people interested in taking classes, please contact
adultenglish@palapasociety.org
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Biblioteca Elena Poniatowska | |
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By Paty Baum, Director
Part of my mission as director of The Biblioteca Elena Poniatowska is to reach out to the entire community and publicize the library as a place to seek and share knowledge and learning opportunities. With this goal in mind, we are inviting authors of all genres and disciplines to our Authors in the Library literary series.
The Biblioteca Elena Poniatowska is looking for authors, poets, and songwriters to participate in a monthly literary series, starting in December. The series Authors in the Library, will give local and visiting authors a chance to present their work to the diverse group of library patrons and community members. This no-cost event will be hosted by Director Patricia Baum and will last approximately 1½ hours. Authors are invited to submit a synopsis of their presentation. Please include the work it is based on.
bep@palapasociety.org
BEP hours M,W, F, 10:00am -1:00pm
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The Palapa School: Grants
Fundación Educa México
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On October 11, the Palapa Society received a visit from grantor Fundación Educa México A.C. (EDUCA), who since 1995 has been dedicated to supporting non-profit schools. These schools serve children and young people with limited resources and create a network of schools located throughout the country. For over two decades, EDUCA has managed to consolidate a unique Collaboration Model that provides educational services of initial, basic, and upper secondary education to vulnerable populations.
With this visit we solidified the collaboration alliance. Benefits of this collaboration include teacher professionalization certifications, opportunities to participate in multidisciplinary conferences, talks for parents, and the Save and Undertake program being implementing. Save and Undertake seeks to develop financial and entrepreneurial skills in our students as they work on creativity, leadership and becoming agents of change.
Thanks to implementing teacher Héctor Vallejo and Co-Director Armando Vázquéz who were able to attend the Educa 2022 Congress in Mexico City on October 21 and 22 to share and learn teaching update topics.
As a member of EDUCA, the Palapa School has access to programs and activities that strengthen the institution in integral ways and offers us professional support for the implementation of innovative programs. This in turn positions us as an up-to-date educational institution and committed to continuous learning.
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Palapa Wish List - Books and School Supplies Needed | |
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Are you driving down to Todos Santos from the United States or Canada and want to have an immediate impact on local students?
The Palapa Learning Center has nearly 300 students plus hundreds of library cardholders who could use notebooks, pens, pencils, art supplies, and books in Spanish for children and young adults.
No donation is too small, and every bit helps.
Email us at Secretary@PalapaSociety.org. if you need suggestions for supplies or book titles.
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The Palapa Society's Community Event Calendar | |
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Gastrovino 2022
November 11, 12, a 13, 2022
Todos Santos, BCS
Todos Santos Open Studio Tour
February 3 -5, 2023
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Thank you to Vicki and Robert Lawrence and The Palapa School Co-Directors Armando Vazquez, Citlali Balbuena, and Diego Casa for re-installing the shade structures at The Palapa Learning Center after Hurricane Kay, saving The Palapa hundreds of dollars in installation costs. | |
Second Annual Scholarship Drive | |
Our Family of Monthly Donors | |
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Eleanor Andrews
Anonymous
Suzanne & Rick Arnold
Gail & Scott Bosch
Marjolein Brugman
Pam & Paul Bumann
Vickie Butler
Ryan Casey
Kathy Cate
Karin & Judd Cuenin
Julie & Michael Dandurand
Elizabeth Farner
Ken Ford
John & Sharon Foster
Kristen & Rick Friedman
Jane Gehring
Virginia Gollery
Lisa Goodman
Karen & Charley Haley
Jane Hall
Margot & Dick Hampleman
Cindy & David Higgins
Marimar Higgins
Lee & Anthony Irons
Marilyn Jacques
Bonnie & AJ Johnston
Janna Kinkade
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Wendie Kruthers
Lynn & Brian Kuske
Marshall Laird
Teresa Laird
Karen McDaniels
Connie & Andy Mical
Cheryl V. Myers
Nancy & Dennis Naigle
Cathy & Dr. William Nation
Sofia & Stephen Nicholas
Jay Masaschi
Diana Pandell & Chris Miller
Jill Mollenhauer & Robert Bland
Sharon Morris
Patricia O'Connell
Maria Olaisen & Mike Block
Deborah Parrish
Janet & Bryan Raydon
Kristin Rust
Tori Sepulveda & Oscar Rosales
Sydney & Greg Schweitzer
Nancy Simpson
Angelica Velez Mendez
Lisa Welsch & Doug Colton
Kathy Warnert
Robert Bruce Westbrook
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Monthly Gifts Help Make a Big Impact! |
Becoming a monthly donor helps stabilize our annual revenue needs.
How Far Can Your Gift Go?
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$50 USD per month = 1/4-year scholarship*
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$100 USD per month = 1/2-year scholarship*
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$200 USD per month = 1-year scholarship*
Please consider becoming a part of our family of monthly donors today.
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MISSION
The Palapa Society of Todos Santos, A.C. exists to make a positive difference in people’s lives through inspirational quality education and timely support through community service and programs.
VISION
It is the vision of The Palapa Society of Todos Santos, A.C. to be a sustainable, accessible community focused organization in which quality educational programs empower choice filled lives and create positive transformational change.
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