Our Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Report is NOW ready, click here to read more!

The Palapa School

Presidential Campaign

A fundamental part of the work we do at The Palapa School is the development of leadership within our educational community. The school focuses on giving prominence to the Society of Family Leaders and the Society of Students. As part of the latter, three teams decided to launch campaigns discussing student leadership and make their proposals. On the final day of the campaign, the ballots closed with a debate between the presidential candidates, and on November 13, the elections were held with Violeta U. securing 70% of the votes.

She is now in charge of representing her classmates and carrying out activities and proposals that seek school improvement. Currently, the new Student Society is already defining its work plan and will work to make our school a community in constant improvement, driven by everyone.

Global Gateway Program

By Kaia, English as a Second Language Teacher with Global Gateway Program

In 2020, Palapa supporters and Indiana University Alumni, Milt and Judi Stewart, introduced The Palapa School to the Indiana University Global Gateway Program. With their support and the hard work of the Palapa staff, The Palapa School qualified to be a Global Gateway International Campus. 

I was selected to become the school’s first English as a Second Language teacher under this program. The Global Gateway program provides an opportunity for university students with an immersion experience while enhancing their teaching skills abroad. As soon as I arrived in Todos Santos, I was welcomed by both The Palapa staff and students alike while adjusting to life in a foreign country. 

The Palapa School has impressed me beyond belief with the rigorous curriculum, innovative teaching methods, and commitment to empowering students. I have learned so much through the eager students and the dedicated teachers who have allowed me to be a part of their classroom and contribute to the school. Thank you to all who have made this journey the experience of my lifetime.

Season of Giving Continues

Join us in spreading joy this holiday season by supporting The Palapa Society's Season of Giving Campaign! Your donations are crucial in sustaining impactful programs with a $1 million budget this year.

Empower Todos Santos through English language education, fostering a bilingual community library, and elevating middle and high school standards. Your contribution ensures brighter futures and creates future leaders within our community.

Let's make a difference together. Donate now for a season of giving that truly transforms lives.

The Palapa School:

Training Program

By Citlali,

Sub-director of Academics

Last October, I attended a series of training sessions offered by the National Commission for Continuous Improvement in Education (MEJOREDU). The goal is to become a Coordinator of Educational Interventions and provide ongoing teacher training programs at The Palapa School. The initiative recognizes the benefits of reflecting on teaching practices through sessions we call "Teacher Coaching with Design Thinking." We aim to support, inspire, and challenge our teachers, focusing on their practice and collaborative work culture.

The opportunity to share the experiences we promote at The Palapa School with other national colleagues was of great value. It earned us collective recognition from the participants for the work accomplished.

May the sharing of good practices never end!

Student Blog:

Punta Prieta Power Plant Visit

I am Daniel, a student at The Palapa School, currently in the 2nd year of high school. During these almost two years as a student, I’ve had many academic experiences and for now, I wish to share just one of them.

Our physics teacher organized a field trip to the Punta Prieta Power Plant. We learned about the functioning of electrical generators which tied into one of the class topics.



Upon arrival, we were given protective helmets and received a warm welcome. We were then taken to a small conference room where they explained how their facilities operated and how electrical energy is generated and distributed to supply our homes. The specialist engineers explained the entire process step-by-step.

Seawater is used to generate steam and produce electricity. The most striking thing was that the water was crystal clear. We also observed the plant's chimneys where we took plenty of photos.

We saw the machines from the outside, and then it was time to visit the control room. There were hundreds of buttons, each serving a different purpose. They explained how the machines worked. It was truly impressive to see.

Puente al Inglés para Niños

By Jacki Gillespie,

Our new tradition celebrates all monthly birthdays on the last Thursday with treats and excitement. The kids adore the special recognition. As we dive into the holidays, we reflect on a fantastic year with new teachers and thrilling experiences, made possible by generous donors. Join the fun – we're on the lookout for enthusiastic volunteers!

Contact Director Jacki Gillespie to be part of the excitement. Happy holidays from Puente al Ingles para Niños

We are finishing our last term of 2023 this week. After a 2-week break for the holidays, we are back in the classroom January 2, 2024. We are pleased with both our new and returning teachers and look forward to enrolling lots of new students over the break. 

If you know anyone who would benefit from enrolling in our Adult English program, please consider sponsoring their $500 MXN class fee.

¡Felices Fiestas a todos!

Biblioteca Elena Poniatowska

By Paty Baum, Director

The 36th edition of the Feria Internacional de Libros (FIL), the world's second-largest book fair, took place in November 2023 in Guadalajara, Jalisco, with the European Union as the honored guest. The event, initially geared toward professionals, brought together authors from various regions, including Mexico, Central, South America, and 7 European countries.

As a librarian, I engaged in workshops, such as a session on letterpress by Carlos Armenta, and attended discussions on Chilean authors exploring the 1973 coup's impact. The FIL emphasized the vital role of children's literature, especially during the Pinochet dictatorship. This diverse cultural experience fueled my desire to return with a group representing Todos Santos and Baja California Sur next year.

To read more about Paty's trip click here.

On a separate note, as Director, my recent visits to libraries across Chile revealed a notable trend in enticing displays of graphic novels for teens and young adults. These serve as effective "hooks" to attract students, initially seeking homework resources, by encouraging them to explore and take home graphic novels. Incorporating this approach in our community may stimulate more young readers' interest.

Special Thank You

The Biblioteca Elena Poniatowska would like to thank Jennifer Rosen for her recent, generous donation of over 50 quality books.

Biblioteca Elena Poniatowska Hours

Monday, Wednesday & Friday 10 am - 1 pm

Children's Library Hours

By Anaid Olvera Martinez, Director 

The Elena Poniatowska Children's Library (BIEP) reopened its doors to the public on September 21st. All families with children ages 0-17 can get free membership, take home up to five books per child. While the library includes both Spanish and English books, we are looking for additional books in Spanish.

Our regular service hours are:

Tuesday and Thursday: 5-6 pm

Saturday: 10-noon.

Please note: The children’s library will only be open on Saturdays from 11-1 from December 16 to January 6. 

December 23, we will once again begin Saturday reading time. We invite parents and book enthusiasts to participate with the children in read alouds for our audience. Volunteers are needed to organize, customer service, and support events.

For more information about donating specific book titles, volunteering, or our services, please email Anaid. Remember, the Elena Poniatowska Children's Library is open to our community.

Community Calendar

Biblioteca Elena Poniatowska Hours

Community Library: M, W & F 10 am - 1 pm

Children’s Library: M, T & Th 5 - 6 pm Sat: 10 am - 2 pm

Biblioteca Elena Poniatowska Book Group

January 19, 2024 and runs every third Friday until June 2024

Cost: Priceless

Time: 12 - 1 pm

Location: The Palapa Learning Center

Join us for stimulating discussions on books and climate change!

Escuela de la Palapa 

February 1, 2024 Inscriptions for Secundaria and Preparatoria

For more information: Visit Website

Palapa Society Events Calendar

November Donors

Christa Assad

Jenelle Aubade-Caracas

Karen & Scott Barker

Robert Bland & Jill Mollenhauer

Dennis Canty

Gina Cerda

Linda Corbet

Laurie Dawe

Tracy & Jason Durland

Emanuela Gardner

Anne Hebebrand

Marimar Higgins

Maxine Jacobson

Bryan & Sergio Jauergui

Linda Lenz

The McCarrick Family

Peter & Pam McIlroy

Lee Mothes

Annebet Muceus

Ricardo Amigo Realty

Paula Schoonmacher

Wendy Seskind

Jan Sessler

Jenny Teeter

Jill & Marcel Valliere

Jill Wyatt-Logan

Ardis Young

Anonymous

Anonymous

Eleanor Andrews

Suzanne & Rick Arnold

Heather Bauer and Jerry Back

Gail & Scott Bosch

Sally & David Brower

Pam & Paul Bumann

Vickie Butler

Stephen Carver & Stephanie Vetter

Timothy Case

Ryan Casey

Dennis Chapman

Karen & Judd Cuenin

Patricia & Greg Deuster

Julie & Michael Dandurand

Ken Ford

Kristen & Rick Friedman

Jane Gehring

Virginia Gollery

Charley & Karen Haley

Jane Hall

Margot & Dick Hampleman

Marc Hankin

Charles & Ruth Herren

Cindy & David Higgins

Courtney Higgins

Marimar Higgins

Anthony & Lee Irons

Rhoda Jacobs

Coach & Marilyn Jacques

Bonnie & AJ Johnston

Janna Kinkade

Lynn & Brian Kuske

Marshall Laird

Teresa Laird

Margaret Lawson

Becky Lopresti & Mike Carney

Jay Masaschi

Connie & Andy Mical

Jill Mollenhauer & Robert Bland

Chris Miller & Diana Pandell

Sharon Morris

Dennis & Nancy Naigle

Cathy & William Nation

Sophia & Stephen Nicholas

Patricia O'Connell

Maria Olaisen & Mike Block

Deborah Parrish

Kristin Rust

Jessica Spencer

Sydney & Greg Schweitzer

Oscar Rosales

Nancy Simpson

Cate Thomassen & Jack Schaub

Suzanne Taylor & Michael McFadden

Angelica Velez Mendez

Kathy Warnert

Lisa Welsch

Robert Bruce Westbrook

Unlock the power of education and transform lives by becoming a monthly donor to The Palapa Society.

Your recurring contribution ensures that children in Todos Santos to have access to quality education, empowering them with the knowledge and skills they need for a brighter future.

Join our community of dedicated supporters, and together, we can make a profound and sustainable impact on the educational opportunities of those in need.