Author: ron

by Mr. Marlon Vargas

As the summer heat conquers the island of Guam, Santa Barbara Catholic School has started conducting the first 3iS Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) entitled DISTRICT 12: Conquering the Summer Heat, Empowering our Mind, Heart, and Spirit last June 4, 2012.  It is a 12-in-1 Interactive, Integrated, and Intensive course that focuses on the development and formation of students’ knowledge (Study), abilities (Skill), and faith (Spirituality) through multiple-intelligence approaches and strategies. It aims to provide the young students an enriching, rewarding and meaningful summer learning experience through different formative courses that lead the young students in building and strengthening a community of committed Christians, creative thinkers, effective communicators and responsible members of the society. Moreover, this month-long 12-in-1 course for incoming 1st to 8th grade students includes various workshops such as:

1. iEat (Basic Cooking Skills) At a very basic level, students should be equipped with the knowledge on how to prepare simple healthy meals. This course leads the students to acquire basic techniques in food preparation such as following a recipe, planning a weekly menu, preparing and eating several kinds of healthy snacks, etc.

2. iCount (Sharpening Math Skills) Don’t let the summer heat melts hard-earned math skills. Cool down the summer heat by sharpening Math skills. This course provides venue for students to enhance their knowledge on numbers and practice math skills through fun games and activities.

3. iCreate (Science, Arts, and Language Integration) Arise and reinforce students’ critical thinking skills through inter-disciplinary discussions and activities integrating Arts, Science, and Language.

4. iLead (Leadership Training) Discover your potential as a student leader in our school and collaborate with others in achieving one common goal. Get involved in activities that lead you to acquire and possess qualities and characteristics of a leader.

5. iMove (Dancing) Be physically fit this summer by learning basic dancing skills. Groove your body with some hip-hop moves that will enhance your gross motor skills.

6. iPerform (Theater and Performing Arts) Foster and maximize your potential with creativity, self-expression, and teamwork through high quality training in the theatrical arts. Have fun acting, singing, dancing and performing with friends in your very own style!

7. iWrite (Writing Skills) Grab the opportunity to write in different genres and foster a love of writing. Explore the vast world of Creative Writing through poetry, short story, scriptwriting, songwriting, and more. A fun and engaging class that will help you express your thoughts from page to stage!

8. iPlay (Playing while Learning)  Be a street-smart kid that you can be! Learn and experience some basic and practical knowledge and abilities through games and fun activities that will be useful for your daily living.

9. iPray (Prayer) Deepen and strengthen your personal relationship with God. Experience the different ways of conversation with God through reflection, meditation, and contemplation.

10. iWatch (Film Critic and Review) Don’t just watch movie for recreation! Be a movie critic! Hone yourself with some basic movie review skills.

11. iBuild (Robotics) Engage yourself in a fun and exciting world of Robotics! Learn concept of Robotics by building models and programming with others using Lego⁤® Education WeDo™ kits.

12. iTech (Computer, Media Literacy and Ethics) Innovate by learning the latest trends in computer and media technology.   Understand the interconnected world of Internet and be a smart and ethical Netizen!

Students’ Review:

“I joined the summer program because I like school. And, because summer school is fun and my classmates are nice to me.” – Adriana, 5 year old girl and incoming grade 1

“I like really to do art work with Miss Roxas and Miss Badong. And I like building crocodile using Legos with Mr. Pangan. I also like practicing dance with Mr. Vargas. And like to cook with Miss Guevara. Sometime we cook what we like to cook.” –  Ara, 6 years old and incoming 2nd grade

“I decided to join the summer program because I thought it was fun. I like especially the iTech, iBuild, and iCount under Mr. Pangan.” – Tim, 9 years, incoming 4th grade

“I came here because I wanted to improve my confidence in dancing and leadership skills.” – Justin, 11 years old and an incoming 7th grade

Parents’ Review:

“I’ve enrolled my son for him to learn how to socialize with other kids.  So far, I’ve noticed he is learning how to be patient and be more creative.  At home, I’ve seen how Andre’s imagination has been enhanced with the activities done at school.  He especially likes playing with his Lego toys building different things.”  – Mrs. Mandel

“I enrolled Adriana to enhance how to interact with other kids.She enjoys learning a lot from the summer class.  She’s more conscious of what she eats and applies what she learns from her iEat Class.  She shares how important it is to check the calorie content from the labels of the food package.  From her iWatch class, she learned how to identify the characters and understand the story.  I am happy to know that they’re learning and playing games that kids do not play anymore.  She enjoys playing with us at home like pick up sticks and some board games like chinese checkers.  – Mrs. Sabinay

The SEP mentors are Mr. Marlon Vargas (iPray and iMove), Ms. Kristine Roxas (iWrite, iPlay and iPerform), Mrs. Joyce Guevara (iEat and iLead), Ms. Clara Badong (iCreate and iCount), and Mr. Ron Pangan (iBuild, iTech, and iCount).

June 29 marks the student’s graduation for their month-long summer experience and culminating activity showcasing outstanding works and creations. The second batch of the program will be from July 2 to 27, 2012. For inquiries about the schedule, registration and other details, kindly visit SBCS school website www.sbcs.edu.gu, email us at sep@sbcs.edu.gu or call 632-5578. The program is open to non-SBCS students.