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Farewell Varela

To my students and their families, as many of you know I will be departing Varela after this week. I have truly enjoyed my time here, but I've been offered an opportunity to move into an administrative position, which is a career goal of mine. I just wanted to thank you all for allowing me the pleasure to share my humble knowledge with you throughout these last months. I too have learned tremendously from engaging in challenging conversations and topics. It has been a privilege to meet so many young minds with such grand potential. I look forward to hearing about all of your many achievements and anticipate the exciting paths that await you. The final advice that I will impart is this:

For my International Relations students, remember, "It is better to try and fail, than fail to try." Push yourselves out of your comfort zones, try new things, and follow your convictions. Keep an open mind and remember you're a global citizen.

For my World Religions/Philosophy students, throughout the course of the year I've challenged you to consider everything you thought you believed in. Always quest for knowledge and truth, and dig deep before settling for what others have to say. Don't be the "prisoner in the cave" search for the light (faith or knowledge) and always employ the Socratic method (question everything)!

For my Advanced Placement U.S. History students, you are far better citizens for being informed on our country's past. Furthermore, congratulations on already having started your road to college. Remember that history is herstory, theirstory, and yourstory too. Now that you possess vast knowledge about the foundations of our country you ought to ask yourself the question that the beloved John F. Kennedy posed, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." What kind of legacy will you leave in America?

Finally, as you all continue your educational careers, feel free to keep me informed or reach out for letters of recommendation. You can email me at my teacher email ms.karinarodriguez@gmail.com or find my professional profile on Facebook under the username miss-karina rodriguez.

It's been a spectacular few months and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors!

Congress is in Session in International Relations!

 The countries of Varelix (Per. 2), Krypton (Per. 4), and Mellowmania (Per. 6), have diligently been working to write bills that can be passed into concrete laws to govern their class accordingly. Each country is working toward the goal of going to Epcot; in order to attain that prize, they must be the top earners of "mula dollars." After considering the needs of their class they've creatively written bills to increase revenue of mula dollars, levy taxes on individual participation logs, and have written plans on how to spend their money. Each class can spend their money on a range of items to build up their country's power. These items range from electricity and schools, to military personnel and nuclear weapons. After each student drafted their own bill, the countries broke off into committees to review the bills. Then the bills that were approved in the committees were submitted to the floor for discussion and subjected to a majority vote. The president of each country then decides whether or not to sign the bill into law. So far the countries have passed excellent laws that will only strengthen their morale and strategy to get to Epcot. May the best country win! 

Yenisenia is proposing her bill. while Eric (Kryton's president) stands by to provide his signature.

Varelix's congressional session as they work to review bills in committees.

The taxation committee is considering the laws that should make it to the floor. 

Mellowmania's discussion is intense as they debate five similar bill proposals.

                                                         

Character Awards

As the World Religions portion of our course comes to a close. I'd like to take the time to recognize students who have shown exemplary character throughout our units of study. Aside from academic progress, these students have demonstrated admirable character and will each be recognized for their unique qualities.

The Confucius Award-Ronald Ferrer

This young man embodies the wisdom of Confucius. He is the oldest member of his class, and thusly commands respect from his peers, which is keeping to Confucius' regard for those who are older. Ronald consistently questions what's being presented before him and often makes exterior links to outside knowledge.








The Lakshmi Award-Maria Diaz

Lakshmi, one of the most prominent goddesses of Hinduism is often portrayed as having several limbs, indicating that she is capable of doing many things at once. This is true of Maria Diaz who is involved in an endless array of extra curricular activities. She's a powerful young lady who is always willing to take on additional responsibility, in fact, she serves as our classes representative in the Student Government Association.







The Yin-Yang Award-Bethany Claro


Like the Yin-Yang symbol which is harmoniously balanced, Bethany is an embodiment of dualisms. She is a listener yet not afraid to voice her opinion, a do-er and an observer, kind but witty. She has a very balanced personality which keeps her level-headed.







The Dalai Lama Award-Javier Rios


Like the Dalai Lama, Javier is extremely open-minded. She is always willing to consider new information in an unbiased way. Furthermore, the Dalai Lama is noted for his contagious laughter and gentle sense of humor, this is also true of Javier. Lastly, he is kind and conscientious of others.







The Daoist Award-Karen Morales

Daoism is focused on "the way" or proper path, likewise Karen isn't afraid to explore her own path. She has a rare passion for Korean culture, despite it being different from the common culture. She was the only student who did a short film for the book project, which indicates she is willing to do things her own way.







The Mother Theresa Award-Kaitlyn Reyes

Mother Theresa is noted for her kind works and having her actions speak louder than words. Kaitlyn may be timid, but can always be counted on to do the right thing. She strives to do her best in school, all the while being kind and gentle towards others.








The Siddhartha Award-Arelys Rodriguez


Arelys is a young woman who is not afraid to be herself. Like Siddhartha Guatama, she is not afraid to move beyond the confines of mainstream society. She has her own style and interests and is very mature for her age. She resembles enlightenment in that she is in-tune to herself.








Saint Paul Award-Crystal Arencibia

Paul was passionate about what he did, whether it was spear-heading the early church or writing letters. This passion can be seen in Crystal. She is always willing to share her opinion, furthermore, for the project on Hinduism she went all-out and dressed up in full costume. Furthermore, like Paul who was kind to the Gentiles (those who were outsiders to monotheism) she has a very welcoming nature.

The Global Studies Shirts are in! Meet the artist...

You may recall that earlier in the year a shirt design competition was underway. After a variety of submissions and a democratic election process, one graphic emerged as the winner. Radek Novo, and 11th grader taking World Religions, is the designer behind the this year's Global Studies shirts. Radek has been had a passion for art for as long as he can remember. He comes from a family of artists, and credited his gifts to his mother and grandmother. While he is not enrolled in any art classes in the moment, it continues to be a hobby of his. Thanks Radek for your creativity! Check out the new design and the student behind it...