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Showing posts from October, 2024

JFK Celebrates 20 Years of Environmental Commitment / El JFK celebra 20 años de compromiso ambiental

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For the third consecutive year, JFK has been awarded the Eco-School certification, and this year marks our first recognition as a LEAF-certified institution. These certifications reflect our enduring commitment to fostering environmental awareness and action among our students. On October 29, we proudly celebrated the symbolic raising of the Eco-Schools and LEAF flags, commemorating JFK’s 20-year commitment to the environment. Over the years, our school has been dedicated to equipping students with the tools to become future leaders in environmental sustainability. Generations of students have been an essential part of the Ecoclub, supporting our environmental programs and contributing to obtaining national certifications. In 2021, JFK achieved its first international recognition as a Green School. The ceremony was attended by Eco-Club students, along with José Antonio Coll Guzmán, Sustainability Director at Airbus Defense and Space and a JFK alumnus; Ricardo Javier Torres Hernández, D...

How We Organize Ourselves: 4th Grade Discovers Economics with High School Support / Cómo nos organizamos: 4° grado descubre la economía con el apoyo de High School

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This week, 4th-grade students participated in a talk on economic activities led by 12th-grade students as part of the “How We Organize Ourselves” unit. The central idea of this unit is that a country’s development depends on various social, political, and environmental factors, as well as the use of its resources. 4th-grade students are currently exploring resources and economic activities, and their guest presenters from High School, as experts in the field of Economics, helped bring the content to life with dynamic presentations on economic sectors and what these mean for Mexico. During the class, the presenters explained the concepts of Economics and economic sectors, then led a practical activity with a lemonade sale. This exercise provided an opportunity to reflect on the concepts of Land, Labor, Capital, and Entrepreneurship and how inequality in these resources affects people in the real world. According to Elizabeth Jasso, PYP Coordinator, this activity is part of the inq...

Tips for an Eco-Friendly Halloween and Día de Muertos

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Celebrate Halloween and Día de Muertos while caring for our planet! Here are some simple tips to make your festivities greener: 1. Get Creative with Costumes Swap and share : Exchange costumes with friends or family for a fresh look! DIY fun : use items you already have at home. Check online for ideas on how to create your own accessories or body paint. Rent when possible : consider renting costumes to save money and reduce waste. 2. Decorate Sustainably Reuse and revive : use decorations you already own and get crafty with new ideas! Look online for DIY projects. Shop smart : if you need new items, opt for second-hand finds or support eco-friendly brands. 3. Make the most of your pumpkin Choose local : Pick pumpkins from local farms. Use it all : bake with the pumpkin filling and roast the seeds for a tasty snack. Skip the paint to ensure it can be composted afterward. 4. Choose ethical treats Think sustainable...

Seniors in the Spotlight: First University Acceptances of the Year, Congratulations, Mariana and Ricardo

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Each school year, our High School celebrates an exciting tradition: the Principal rings a bell in front of all students to announce each new university acceptance. Last week, we had the joy of ringing the bell for our first two students of the year, Mariana Papacostas and Ricardo Calzada, who have been accepted into the universities of their choice! Where are they headed? Mariana Papacostas has been accepted to Florida International University to study Business Administration. Ricardo Calzada received his acceptance to the University of Glasgow for Software Engineering. This tradition marks the beginning of a memorable journey for our students, and we’re so proud to celebrate Mariana and Ricardo’s hard work and dedication. Congratulations to both—you’re inspiring our entire JFK community!  Watch our IG Stories here  -- Cada año escolar, High School celebra una emocionante tradición: el Director toca una campana...

"Dress a Child & Give a Toy" Campaign 2024

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As part of our commitment to the community for over 20 years, our school proudly supports the "Dress a Child and Give a Toy" campaign. This noble initiative, organized by the Institutional Development area with the valuable support of volunteer mothers, aims to collect clothing and toys for communities in need. The collection will take place from November 4 to 12, with donation containers available at the Sabinos and Auditorium entrances. We encourage our community to reflect on the importance of sharing and helping those who need it most. By participating, we not only contribute to bringing smiles but also strengthen our bonds of solidarity and empathy. At the end of November, the donations will be delivered to two communities in Tolimán and Amealco. “Our collection allows us to bring smiles to more children every year,” says Marlene Cruz, Coordinator of the Environmental Program and EcoClub, inviting everyone to join and make a difference. Click here to watch our video...

Thinking Outside the Box: JFK Students Embrace Creativity and Teamwork through Destination Imagination

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For the first time, our 4th and 5th graders are participating in Destination Imagination, a global educational program that fosters creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in children. In their weekly class, students collaborate to brainstorm ideas, design solutions, and present their final projects. Destination Imagination helps them develop critical thinking, overcome obstacles, and find creative solutions. Ana Juárez, the teacher responsible for the class, explains the class dynamics: “Students take on instant challenges lasting from 4 to 8 minutes, which fall into two types: task-based or performance-based. Afterward, they reflect on three questions: What did your team accomplish? What was the most challenging part? What can you improve for the next challenge?” According to Ana, the most important lessons include not only the use of materials and critical thinking skills but also the development of social and self-management skills, such as effective communication, r...

AI with Integrity: Middle Schoolers Embrace Responsible Technology Use

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Last week, Middle School students engaged in an important session on Academic Honesty and Artificial Intelligence, learning not only about the academic implications of AI but also about its responsible use in a digital world. "Teaching students about AI and academic honesty is essential as AI tools become more accessible each day. Knowing when and how to use these tools responsibly helps students value their own work and avoid relying on AI for assignments in dishonest ways," explained Steven Eggers, Middle School Vice-Principal at JFK. In this presentation, students learned that AI should not be used for schoolwork unless specifically permitted by their teacher. They also explored the ethics and responsibilities tied to using such powerful technology. “By discussing AI’s role in schoolwork, students can develop good study habits, understand the importance of independent learning, and make honest choices that support their growth,” added Steven. The session goes hand in...

Multicultural Roar: Diwali

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Diwali, also known as Deepavali in Sanskrit, is India’s cherished “Festival of Lights” celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Newar Buddhists, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. This ancient celebration coincides with the new moon in late October or early November when the sky is at its darkest, this year it falls on October 31 st . Diwali marks the end of the harvest season and the start of the Hindu New Year. The five-day festival unfolds with distinct rituals for each day: Dhanteras – Day of Fortune: This day brings luck and prosperity, with families often buying items of value like jewelry, cars, or anything metal, symbolizing wealth and good fortune. Naraka Chaturdashi – Removing Negativity: Early on day two, people cleanse and refresh by wearing new clothes and celebrating with family and friends. It marks the mythical slaying of the demon Narakasura, symbolizing the removal of evil. Diwali – Main Celebration: Diwali...

Parent Talks Congress 2024: "Connected with Responsibility"

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The Parent Talks Congress 2024, themed "Connected with Responsibility," brought together over 320 parents at JFK School to gain practical insights into raising children in the digital age. With expert-led talks covering digital safety, responsible gaming, and the role of parents in a tech-driven world, the event provided valuable tools for navigating modern parenting challenges. October 23rd, the Parent Talks Congress 2024 took place at the JFK auditorium under the theme "Connected with Responsibility". This event was dedicated to providing parents with essential tools for raising and educating children and teenagers in the digital age. It was a day filled with valuable insights, bringing together over 320 parents to learn and reflect. The event began with an opening speech by Adrian Leece, General Director of JFK, who warmly welcomed all attendees and emphasized the importance of creating spaces like this to strengthen communication between the school and familie...

Gimme Five! A Week of Fun-Filled Activities in Elementary Recess

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ES students had the opportunity to learn about the importance teamwork while having fun. Mónica Herrera , Physical Education Administrative Assistant From October 21 to 25, the “Gimme Five” project took place in the Elementary School playground, organized by the Physical Education Department. During the recess periods for Lower and Upper Elementary, a different activity was held each day from Monday to Friday, focused on promoting play and physical activity. A total of five different activities, such as Angry Birds and Pickleball, were held, providing students in the Elementary section with opportunities for integration through recreational, cooperative, and teamwork-based activities. According to Raymundo Hernández, Physical Education teacher, “the level of participation in Elementary School exceeded our expectations this time, with interest growing throughout the week, fostering interaction among students from different grades.” This is the second year that Gimme Five has bee...

Spaghetti Bridges Challenge: 8th Graders Test Their Engineering Skills / Desafío de puentes de espagueti: Alumnos de 8º grado ponen a prueba sus habilidades en ingeniería

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As part of their physics class, 8th-grade students at JFK participated in the Spaghetti Bridges challenge, an exciting activity designed to test both creativity and engineering skills. Using only spaghetti and glue, students were tasked with building bridges that could support the maximum amount of weight, while their teacher evaluated the structures based on design and stability. This hands-on challenge encouraged students to apply key physics concepts. It also fostered problem-solving and collaboration, as teams worked together to create sturdy designs that could withstand stress tests. By combining classroom learning with real-world applications, the Spaghetti Bridges challenge allowed students to deepen their understanding of physics in an interactive and engaging way. It was a unique experience that brought out their creativity while reinforcing important academic concepts.  ------------------------ Como parte de su clase de física, los alumnos de 8º grado en JFK par...

Ticket Control for Traffic Violations / Control de Tickets de Multas

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We would like to remind everyone that we are implementing a ticket control system to encourage respect for traffic rules and contribute to the well-being of our community. Your cooperation is essential in creating a safer environment for all. Please stay tuned to our incident traffic light, which will help us monitor our community's adherence to these guidelines. We would also like to remind you of our traffic rules: - Do not park in prohibited areas. - Respect bike lanes. - No double parking on the sidewalk. - Always yield to pedestrians.   Thank you for your support in making our community a better place for everyone.  -------------- Les recordamos que estamos implementando un control de tickets de multas para fomentar el respeto a las normas de vialidad y contribuir al bienestar de nuestra comunidad. Su colaboración es esencial para crear un entorno más seguro para todos. Estén atentos a nuestro semáforo de incidentes, que nos ayudará a monitorear el respeto de ...