Celebrating Moments That Matter
Celebrating Moments That Matter
This week, we would like to recognize Callum for sharing with us the concept of Alternative of Choice Assessment and helping us better understand the why behind this important approach. These conversations invite us to continue reflecting on how we assess learning in ways that are meaningful and responsive to our students. We also want to acknowledge Callum’s positive and constructive attitude as we navigate the recent 6th grade schedule changes. His willingness to approach challenges with openness and collaboration reflects the kind of mindset that strengthens our team.
We would also like to celebrate one of our 8th grade students, Ignacio S, who has been selected to travel to MIT next school year to represent Colegio Menor. This is an incredible accomplishment, and we are very proud of him. If you have the opportunity, I encourage you to watch his video submission in its entirety. It is truly inspiring to see how much we can learn from young people like Ignacio about empathy, compassion, and initiative. Students like him remind us of the impact education can have and the potential our students carry.
Finally, a heartfelt thank you to Ana María and Caro A. for organizing such a thoughtful Wellbeing Day - Convivencias, a tradition at Colegio Menor that creates meaningful spaces for students and teachers to interact, strengthen relationships, and develop socio-emotional skills. Throughout the day, students participated in reflection spaces and activities designed to support them during this important stage of personal growth, addressing topics such as self-care, healthy relationships, decision-making, and teamwork. It was a truly enriching experience that helped strengthen connections among students and promote a positive and supportive community within our section.
Need-to-Know Information
Monday, April 6th
3:00 - 3:45 pm
GLM * We will focus on students who have Ds or Fs and new students. Please make sure that your grades are updated regularly so we can support students and intervene on time.
Here you can find the link to access the protocol.
6th Grade: Location: Callum's Classroom - Male
7th Grade: Location: Dani's Classroom - Caro
8th Grade: Location: Gwen's Classroom - Rafa
*We understand that some of you work across multiple grade levels and will need to decide where to participate, as it won’t be possible to attend every group.*
Tuesday, April 7th
8:00 am - 2:45 pm
Convivencias 7th Grade
Wednesday, April 8th
8:15 am - 12:30 pm
Studio Art 1 Academic Field Trip
2:50 - 3:45 pm
Metacognition Model Lesson
Location: Santi's Classroom
*AMIS Music Festival Panamá - April 8th - 12th
Students attending: Matias Bateman, Gabriel Falconi, Leonardo Donoso, Isabella Najera
Community Time (CT) Plans
Here is the link to this week’s Community Time (CT) Lesson Plan.
If you have any questions or need support, don’t hesitate to reach out to Valen.
Hello Middle School, we hope you enjoyed working with Name- Describe-Act. The new thinking routine we will be working with is Peel the Fruit. Try it out! And send us pictures or comments if you do.
Student Surveys
The results of the student‑completed teacher surveys are finalized and will be sent to you via email between today and April 9. You will receive two documents:
An Excel spreadsheet containing your survey results
A data reflection document to guide your analysis
Please review your data carefully, using the reflection document to identify areas of strength as well as opportunities for growth in your practice.
Completed reflections should be sent via email to Vale no later than April 24 at 8:00 a.m.
Thank you for your thoughtful engagement in this reflective process and your continued commitment to professional growth.
CEIBO
8th Grade
Destination: Cuenca
Dates:
Group 1: April 20–22, 2026 * Chaperones: Rafa, Santi V, and Male
No Group 2
Performance Management 1:1 Meetings
In order to focus on our conversation, your student survey reflection and SF file has to be completed and forwarded at least one day before our meeting.
Access SF here
Click on Mid Year Review Self Assessment
Go down to your goals. Click on the arrow next to each one.
Answer the question using specific actions/examples that show progress.
Add a comment to the professional development goal.
Rate your overall performance. Look at the rubric first.
Click "forward to manager"
Please use this calendar to note when you will have major assignments, including progress checks, formatives, and summatives, so that we can distribute workload more intentionally and avoid overwhelming students (and ourselves). This will help us maintain a balanced assessment schedule and support students’ learning more effectively.
Thank you for your collaboration and commitment to thoughtful planning.
Coming Up Next
Professional Development Day April 10th
Art Week April 12th - 17th
8th Grade Convivencias May 8th
All Your Resources in One Click
6th Grade Cart Reservations
Here is the link for 6th grade teachers to make cart reservations
Upcoming Months Info