Two Weeks In: Dos Idiomas, Una Voz

233 of us came through the doors on September 1, before the year had officially started. Children, parents and grandparents, all here to meet teachers, walk the classrooms and eat together.

Many of you stopped at the rear entrance on the way in. Our new mural is a gift from artist Kevin Cincotta, painted from our mission and our values, and it has already become the backdrop everyone wants for drop off photos.

New faces, same familia

This year we welcomed Maestra Erika to 2nd grade, Maestra Elizabeth as our English teacher, Jhensy as our Early Learning Coordinator, and Maestra Sofia in PreK, along with Maestra Sarah, who joins our Early Learning Program from the elementary side. We are also delighted to share that Maestra Lorena will serve as our new Middle School & Advisory Coordinator. On the administrative side, Maria Mazcorro has joined us as Development Manager.

Our newest students, and the families who came with them, have settled in with remarkable speed.

What's new in the classroom

Grades 1 through 6 have begun the year with Big Ideas Learning's Math & You, and our science classes are piloting OpenSciEd, a curriculum built around students asking their own questions and investigating together. Our capoeira class with Mestre Silvinho is already back in rhythm.

Serafina's big day

On Friday, September 12, our own Serafina shared Head of School responsibilities with me.

We began in the auditorium, where she helped welcome the whole school and announce the plans, and students headed off to class singing and dancing in their Backward Pajama Day best. Together we visited every class from Kinder through 6th grade, playing games, answering questions, and unveiling the schoolwide scavenger hunt that had everyone buzzing. After lunch with her class, Serafina interviewed me in my office, and she asked excellent questions. We closed the day with the hunt itself. The class that collected the most items celebrated with donuts, and every class enjoyed a treat.

Gracias, Serafina, for your leadership and your joy. Days like this are our pillar of Joy in action, and they remind me that belonging is something children build for each other.

Looking ahead

There is much more to come this fall, and we will share it as it unfolds. If you are a family considering Amistad, we would love to show you around, and tours and open houses are posted on our Admissions page. To everyone who makes this community possible, including the supporters of our Esperanza Rising Fund, gracias.

Two weeks in, and it already feels like a year worth remembering.