Recently, the meeting hosted a potluck for all the school staff. It was an excellent opportunity to laugh together, get to know each other better and eat delicious food while connecting over a topic near and dear to our hearts: the Monteverde Friends School.
Mark Lambrides, Division Chief for Energy and Climate Change in the Department of Sustainable Development at the Organization of American States, gave a talk to the 11th and 12th graders. He shared his experience working on renewable energy and climate issues, presented facts on energy generation and use within Latin America and the Caribbean, and invited the students to explore options in promoting renewable and sustainable energy. More pictures of this activity can be found on facebook.
This year’s parade took place on a sunny Saturday morning. Our participation was many fold. Two groups of elementary students performed traditional dances. High school students and parents helped to decorate a float where our youngest students rode in their traditional costumes. Students carried our school banner. A local farmer Ramon Brenes accompanied us with his oxen and cart. Ignacio represented our school at the front of the parade with students from other local high schools. It was great to participate with many of the other schools and organizations in our community. Click here to see pictures of the event.
Each September the torch ( representing the message of independence for most of Central America) travels on foot from Guatemala to Costa Rica. Students volunteer to receive the torch and bring it to their school. This year more than ten of our high school students participated with other local high schoolers to receive the torch on the Pan-American Highway at about midnight. Afterwards, they ran with that light the 35 kilometers up the mountain to Santa Elena. Upon arrival at about 8:00am, our entire student body waited at different points along the road up to school. In this way everyone is able to carry the torch and share in bringing this light to our school community. Please see the pictures on facebook.
Singing, original skits, snacks and games filled our Children’s Day celebration. This was an opportunity to promote inter-generational relationship among our students and faculty. Our Children’s Day was full of joy, companionship, and creativity. We enjoyed a community potluck and closed the day with a cup of local ice cream. More photos can be found on our facebook page.