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C O N T E N T S 2 | Headmaster’s Message 5 | Accreditation Matters! 7 | We Invite You Help Celebrate Our 60th Anniversary 9 | CPS Alumni 10-11 | Highlights 14 | CPS Parkville Robotics 17 | Get to Know Us

CPS

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EDITORF. Richard Marracino

Headmaster

ASSISTANT EDITORCarrie Newall

English Department

COPY EDITORMarta C. Alvarez

Secretary to the Headmaster

EDITORIAL BOARDElsie Calimano

Director Lower Elementary

Judith RiveraDirector Upper Elementary

Frances RiveraDirector Middle & High School

Sonia ColónDirector Horizons Program

Published quarterlyPO Box 70177

San Juan, PR 00936-8177Phone: (787) 765-4411

FAX: (787) 764-3809

Let’s fast forward to the year 2022, thehigh school graduation date for currentsecond graders. What will the world belike? What skills will students need tohave in order to be successful with uni-versity applications as well as getting ajob later? What needs to be done forthese future adults to be informed andcontributing citizens in 2022 and beyond?

For the past several years, the faculty andstaff of Commonwealth-Parkville School(CPS) have been studying and imple-menting 21st Century Skills and weredeeply impressed by their intended pur-pose, that is: to prepare students for

universities and real life needs and experi-ences upon graduation from 12th grade.While we know that content in subjectmatter along with excellent SAT scores areimportant constructs to success, we alsoknow that they in themselves are narrowinterpretations. What students need equal-ly is “adaptability”.

But what are these 21st CenturySkills?Educational journals, literature, and cur-rent research and practice point to severalareas to best prepare students for 21stCentury life. Among them are:

• Critical thinking and problem solving

• Collaboration and leadership

• Agility and adaptability

• Initiative and entrepreneurship

• Effective oral and writtencommunication• Accessing and analyzing information

• Curiosity and imagination

Many educators talk about the 21stCentury Skills for they are sellable andwise educational objectives. But we haveto do more than “talk the talk.” We haveto “walk the walk”. Therefore, CPS facul-ty members are superimposing upon theircontent objectives (i.e. subject areas) theseimportant 21st Century Skills includingmethodologies that faculty members at alllevels---PPK through to grade 12--- areusing and implementing to achieve theintended outcomes.

Ken RobinsonKen Robinson, Out of our Minds.Learning to be Creative. (UK: CapstonePublishing Limited, 2001), ProfessorEmeritus at University of Warwick,England, states unequivocally that:

“The essential problem is that many gov-ernments and organizations seem to think

Commonwealth-Parkville School PreparesStudents for 21st Century Success

by F. Richard Marracino

that the best way to prepare for thefuture is to do better what we did in thepast--- just to do more of it and to ahigher standard. The fact is we have todo something else.”--- p.22

Project Based LearningParalleling 21st Century Skills is ProjectBased Learning where students areencouraged to accomplish these objec-tives collectively in small work groups.Company and business representativesinform us that unless employees workeffectively in groups, it really does littlegood to master materials and be brilliantin conceptual knowledge without effec-tively sharing and working with others.

Success Beyond AcademicsWe at CPS fully comprehend that wemust challenge students academically,that students must achieve high SAT andother standardized test scores, get goodgrades in mastering the content materialin all subject areas. Yet in addition tocore academics, students must be embed-ded in a caring environment.

This thought is based on the philosophythat students can and will learn contentin any educational environment but thatthey will be fully engaged in their learn-ing process if they believe that we care,if they feel valued, where they are per-mitted to showcase their talents, andwhere they become a vital part of thewhole experience in their educationaljourney.

At the end of January 2013, re-enroll-ment letters will be posted on ourwebsite (www.cpspr.org). We encourageyou to continue your family’s education-al journey at Commonwealth-ParkvilleSchool. For more information about ourschool and its programs, contact ouradmissions office at 787-765-4411, ext.233.

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Commonwealth’s Model United Nations commemo-rated the UN Day on Friday, October 26, 2012 in theCHS Auditorium. The guest speaker was senior stu-dent René Díaz, who discussed the newly-createdblock of Latin American countries called CELAC, itshistory, goals, and future plans.

Other aspects of the event included the welcomeremarks by our Headmaster Mr. Marracino and abrief reflection by Model UN President CarlosVergne about the role of the United Nations in theworld. Mr. Vergne also explained the structure andgoals of the school’s Model UN club as a way ofrecruiting potential new members. Seniors AlfredoMelero and Alexandra Méndez thanked Mr.Marracino.

After a session of questions and answers Mr.Cerqueira, Mr. Erik Rivera, and Mr. Cruzexpressed themselves enthusiastically about this suc-cessful event.

UNITED NATIONS DAYby José I. Plúguez, Advisor

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Gabriel CasalRené Díaz Carlos Vergne

On October 30th, the Social Studies Department hosted apolitical debate in which candidates from four of PuertoRico’s political parties answered questions related to PuertoRico’s economy, security, and education, which were pre-pared by members of our student body. Gabriela Casal, asenior at CHS, was the moderator of this activity.

The candidates who participated in this activity were: RafaelBernabe, the candidate for the governorship of the PPT“Partido del Pueblo Trabajador”; Eddie Charbonier from thethe PNP “Partido Nuevo Progresista” who is also the assistantto the president of the Senate (Thomas Rivera Schatz; ÁngelAlicea, representative for the PIP Partido IndependentistaPuertorriqueño;, and José Tato Rivera Santana, theRepresentative for MUS, “Movimiento Unión Soberanista”.This activity was transmitted through Live Stream, and thepost for this activity reached an audience of nearly 18,000people.

POLITICAL DEBATE AT CHSby Christy Rodríguez, CHS Social Studies Teacher

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P A G E F O U R

“WE MUST BE THE CHANGE WEWANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD”

-Mahatma Gandhi

Project 21This quote reflects what we expect toaccomplish at CPS through the Project21st proposal. In our objective to con-tinue creating a more effectiveeducational environment, we need togive more emphasis to a vision thatanticipates the road ahead, spendingless time looking in the rear view mir-ror. We aim to spend more timereflecting on how it can be, rather thanon how it used to be.

Project 21st in Commonwealth–Parkville School has been developingand growing for three years now. Ourschool project finds its roots in theFramework for 21st Century Learningpublished by the Partnership for 21stCentury Skills, in which a vision forstudents’ success in the new globaleconomy is presented.

21st Century EducationAt CPS we are aware of the changesthat must be made so the students canachieve the real learning they will needfor the world awaiting them. The firstone is to understand and acknowledgethe new digital landscape. The secondone is to provide guidance and accessto information and learning. There is aneed to accept that students not onlythink differently but they learn in dif-ferent ways. Therefore, we must teachthe whole learner. Last but not least,there is a need to stress connectionsbetween instruction and the world out-side. As these fundamental changesbecome clearer in our frames of mind,they place us in the path to the newparadigm for the 21st centuryeducation.

Since it was presented to the CPS facul-ty back in 2009, numerous initiativeshave been developed in order to create alearning environment based on this newparadigm of education. These initiativesinclude professional developmentopportunities for faculty, adoption oflesson plans formats that reflect 21stcentury learning, and implementation ofclassroom practices where the core sub-jects are integrated with the 21st centuryskills and themes.

Project Based LearningDuring the September 21st ProfessionalDay, the PKS librarian Ms. Dina DePablos and I presented a workshop onProject Based Learning (PBL) to thePKS faculty. After the talk, the teachershad time to work in groups, brainstorm-ing ideas to develop PBL activities bygrade level. We proposed the teachers tothink of PBL projects to be accom-plished by their students throughout theschool year. Our role in this process willbe providing them guidance and supportthrough periodic meetings.

The PBL experiences they will create intheir classrooms will enhance the stu-dents’ motivation since they will beworking in meaningful learning envi-ronments. These environments willaddress community and global issues.This will allow them to perceive the rel-evancy of learning, understandingcontent and context as it applies to thereal world. Throughout the process ofinvestigation, the students’ will developwork and life-long skills. An effectiveuse of technology, according to theirlevel, will also play an outstanding rolein these projects.

However, the most important skillsdevelopment expected is critical think-

From the Academic Dean’s Officeby Noemí Ramírez, Academic Dean

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ing, which goes hand in hand with long

term memory. Through an emphasis onthese PBL experiences, we expect ourstudents to be able to use, transfer andcreate with their knowledge, now andin their future life.

Concurrent with the need of establish-ing a Project Based Learningenvironment in our school, the tradi-tional study of countries as part of theUNICEF campaign activities developedin the school, will be tied to the PBLprojects. As every year, the UNICEFlearning experience regarding othercountries will be accomplished. At thesame time, the countries will providethe main topics for the projectsresearch. The students will be lookinginto environmental issues related to thecountries.

By using the PBL instructional practicethe teachers will become facilitators.They will provide their students oppor-tunities for self learning, questioning,inquiring, and solving problems. Byteachers becoming facilitators in thePBL method of instruction, they willallow students to take responsibilityand ownership of their process of learn-ing. The ultimate goal of PBL is toensure that our students no longer needus by the time they graduate from highschool. By that time they will havegained complete autonomy for learn-ing, since they will have “learned tolearn”.

Like a healthy plant, Project 21st iswell grounded at CPS and it is begin-ning to grow and bloom. We are on theway to experience the change we wantto see in other schools in Puerto Ricoand in the world!

P A G E F I V E

Accreditation Matters!by Mari Tere del Valle, Accreditation Coordinator

Re - Accreditation Visit During the week of October 30 throughNovember 1st, Commonwealth-Parkville School hosted the MiddleStates Association (MSA) Re-Accreditation visit. On Monday, October29, the Colloquium event took place inthe PKS Cafetorium where members ofthe educational community, as well asCPS faculty, staff, administrators, par-ents, students and board members wereinvited.

Sharing PhaseThe colloquium is one of the requiredevents of the Project Evaluation proto-col. At this distinctive occasion, theschool’s understanding and implementa-tion of our Project was demonstratedand shared so that its value be acknowl-edged and may grow beyond theconfines of a single school community.During the even, we demonstratedthrough various presentations, theschool’s history and organizationalstructure, the process of adopting theaccreditation protocol, through discus-sion and research, in order to establishour project: Develop Critical ThinkingSkills across the Curriculum, as wellas a showcase on how we have beenimplementing our Project in the class-room. To conclude the evening, Dr.Angel Arzán, CPS Board of Directors,offered a speech on How “CriticalThinking” Impacts Student Successes atUniversities.

Visiting Team MembersThe Visiting Team was composed offour members:

•Chair: Kenneth A. Rigby

MSCESS Associate Director•Sara Acevedo

Elementary School AssistantDirectorSouthwestern Education Society

(SESO)

•Legna Concepción

English TeacherAcademia San Ignacio de Loyola•Camille Arroyo

Executive DirectorColegio Bautista de Carolina

Peer ReviewThe visiting team appointed by MiddleStates Association visited both campusesto determine both the school’s understand-ing of and commitment to the Projectproposal, as well as adherence to the stan-dards. Several meetings took placethroughout the two and a half days of theirvisit.

Commonwealth-Parkville School is com-mitted to continuous improvement throughstrategic planning, is devoted to its mis-sion, accepts objective evaluation andseeks validation by a recognized authority,and is self-correcting and continuouslyplans for the future. Additionally, CPShas shown a continuing capacity toincrease quality, student learning, andinstructional effectiveness, and moreimportantly, CPS is student oriented.

On November 1st, the team, representedby its chair person Mr. Ken Rigby, offeredan oral report to the CPS community atthe Gloria Shuman Theater inCommonwealth High School. Afterannouncing that CPS met each of thetwelve Middle States Standards, com-ments, commendations, andrecommendations were presented.Subsequently, Mr. Rigby shared with theCPS community present at the report thatthe team recommended reaccreditation forCommonwealth-Parkville School. A comprehensivereport listing majorstrengths and opportunities for improvement and/orrecommendations willfollow.

Behind every success, there are alwaysexceptional and committed individualsthat contribute in many resourceful, yetcreative ways. I would like to recognizethe active involvement and collaborationof Marta Alvarez, Aida Portela, MaytéBenítez, Magali Sánchez, VerónicaUrbina, Miriam Soto, and Aleida Mora.Thanks a million!

Additionally, thanks to the divisionaldirectors, administration and staff, facul-ty, students, and board members that, inone way or another, joined forces tomake possible this event.

Congratulations CPS!

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Mr. Marracino, CPS Headmaster, Mr. Rigby, Chair, MSAVisiting Team, and Michelle White, Chair CPS Board

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CPS Holidays Cardby Jorge Santos

CHS - 12th grade

UNICEF Campaignby Dina de Pablos, PKS Librarian

On Monday, October 1st the Parkville campus assembled in our center court to form our traditional “Love Chain”and officially begin our annual UNICEF campaign. Sixth graders presented the children’s rights and danced to thesong Put Your Hearts Up. Even though the UNICEF Parade will from now be celebrated on alternating years, westill select countries and learn about their people through activities in the classrooms. This year is about environmen-tal issues from North and Central America and how they relate to Puerto Rico. Our students will have theopportunity to learn through a Project Based Learning initiative that will take place throughout the year.

On the October Casual Day we collected around $500.00 making it the most successful so far. Stories from othercountries were enjoyed by all as were the songs and legends. We give thanks to a special team of storytellers;Mr. Marracino, Mrs. Judy, Ms. Elsie, Ms. Noemí, Mrs. Jo Ann, Mrs. Flore (Gianella’s mom) and me, Ms. Dina.We are looking forward to next year’s UNICEF Parade as our traditional closing of the Trick-or-Treat UNICEFcampaign.

UNICEF KICK-OFF

Guatemala - 1st grade

2nd grade - Honduras 3rd grade - Belize PPK - United States

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Commonwealth-Parkville School wasfounded in 1952, and was incorporated inPuerto Rico as a private, college prepara-tory day school. It was established as anon-sectarian, non-profit, co-educationalinstitution governed by a Board ofDirectors. That was 60 years ago!

Over the intervening years, CPS has wit-nessed tremendous changes and growth.New programs and positions were insti-tuted, and virtually every facet of theschool community was reviewed andevaluated, with changes made based onstrategic plans and available funds. AScholarship Endowment Fund was estab-lished in 2002 providing future funds fortalented students. In 2004, the AnnualGiving Program commenced with dona-tions earmarked for facilityimprovements.

CPS was granted a non-profit 501(C)3status stateside providing opportunity toreceive grants. In 2008, The Edward E.Ford Foundation granted CPS a $50,000matching grant for professional develop-ment training on digital educationalprograms that enhance student-facultyconnections in grades 9-12. In 2011, CPSwas the only school in Puerto Rico toreceive a $25,000 grant from TheBenedict Foundation for 21st CenturySkill development leading to re-accredita-

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tion with the Middle States Association ofCollege and Schools (MSA) with project:“Incorporating Critical Thinking Skillsacross the Curriculum.” Mr. KennethRigby of MSA on November 1, 2012 stat-ed: “The technology available to you [atCPS] would be the envy of many schools.”

For continued stellar success in the 21stCentury, CPS is prepared with a renewed,strong academic reputation and hasachieved significant recognition and suc-cess in creative programming, collegeacceptances, sports, forensics, oratoria,community service programs, ModelUnited Nations, and “an engaging andchallenging academic, yet caringenvironment.” [CPS mission]

Students from CPS graduate with highlevels of ability and confidence. The CHSgraduating class of 2012 boasted the onlymale student in Puerto Rico, Cemil Reván,who received the coveted PresidentialScholar Award and is now a freshman atPrinceton University.

In 2012, the CPS Board of Directorsannounced the Master Plan for theParkville Campus with a modern newentrance, expanded early childhood areas,an enhanced library, and new computerlabs.

We Invite You to Help Celebrate Our60th Anniversary

By F. Richard Marracino, Headmaster

We invite you to help cele-brate our 60th Anniversary

throughout this year with manyevents:

Wednesday, November 28: 8:30 amInauguration of the Renovated

Parkville Campus

Wednesday, December 19: 7:00 pmLower Elementary

Holiday Spectacular at Parkville

Friday, December 21: 7:00 pmAlumni Annual Holiday Party

at Commonwealth Campus

Monday, January 28:7:00 pmParent Academy with

Dr. Michael Thompson (CHS)

Saturday, February 2: 10:00-4 pmHeart for Haiti Annual Fundraiser

at Commonwealth Campus

Friday, March 15: 11:00 amScholarship Golf Tournament

at Bahia Golf Resort

Saturday, March 16: 8:00 pm60th Anniversary Gala

Conrad Condado Plaza Hotel

New PKS Façade

CPS: Celebrating 60

years ofEmbracing

Lifelong LearningBeyond

Academics

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PRIZES PER CLASSROOMS

FIRST PLACE:4-B CARMEN DE JESÚS

Students win a “Hamburger Day” andteacher receives a cash prize of $150

SECOND PLACE: 5-R AIDA PORTELA

Students win a “Pizza Day”and teacherreceives a cash prize of $125

THIRD PLACE:1-R GINNY OWENS

Students win an “Ice Cream Day” andteacher receives a cash prize of $100

FOURTH PLACE:3-R NEUSA RODRIGUEZ

Students win an “Ice Cream Day” andteacher receives a cash prize of $75

FIFTH PLACE:5-B ELISHA RODRIGUEZ

Students win an “Ice Cream Day” andteacher receives a cash prize of $50

Classrooms that have 100% student participa-tion win a “Field Trip”

PPK Anneliese Cruz1-R Ginny Owens1-B Vivian Rios

3-R Neusa Rodriguez5-R Aida Portela

5-B Elisha Rodriguez6-B Beatrice Parga

All students will receive a prize fromInnisbrook. Browse the catalog forprizes.

Students who sold the highest dollaramount per classroom get to dress casualon the day the prizes are given. Theyare: PPK - Lorena A. Pérez, PKR - EvaRijos, PKB - Isabella Caratini, KR -Valeria Pérez, KG - Ana C. Lamoutte,KB - Arianna Matos, 1B -

Lara V. Irizarry, 1R - Catalina Quintana, 2B - Evan Mullet, 2R - Verónica Texidor, 3B - Kalia Polo, 3R - FranciscoAlvarez, 4B - Nadya Enid Rexach, 4R - Gabriella Mullet, 5B - Andrea González, 5R - Joseph Engleman, 6B - Sofía I.Alvarez, 6G - Erik Marquez, and 6R - Roberto Oliveras.

Many, Many...thanksElsie Calimano’s idea of keeping a daily running tab, via progress chart banners, was instrumental in keeping the interest and

by Aleida Mora, Director of Marketing and Development

impetus of the Innisbrook Campaign. We attribute the increase in participants (31) and dollar amount $7,000 to this strategy.We thank her, the faculty and staff for their help in this successful fundraiser generating $24,800, monies earmarked to coverCPS yearbook costs.

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ALUMNI NEWSby Jo-Ann Aranguren

Director of Admissions, Alumni, and Financial Aid

ROGER W. HOWELL, CPS Class of 1977

It is a pleasure to highlight our alum-nus, Roger W. Howell, Class of 1977.He attended both PKS and CHSCampuses and currently lives withwife Donna and their three children inNew Jersey. Dr. Howell holds a B.S.and a Ph.D. in Physics from theUniversity of Massachusetts atAmherst.

He works as Professor Chief of theDivision of Radiation Research atNew Jersey Medical School, where heand his work team research exposureto ionizing radiation as part of ourdaily lives and its effects in the organ-ism. As he clearly expresses, “theresearch in my laboratory focuses onthe biological effects of radioactivematerials as they relate to both radia-tion protection and radiationtherapy.”

He has published various studies andarticles related to the effects ofradioactivity and radiation therapy aspart of his research, and recently visit-ed Puerto Rico with his research teamfor a series of lectures at the Río MarBeach Resort. I have been in contactwith Dr. Howell to explore the possi-bility of having him come toCommonwealth to speak to our stu-dents and faculty.

It will truly be an honor to have himback at his alma mater. Kudos for allyour prestigious achievements!

You are a true COMET, lighting upthe sky...!

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HIGHLIGHTS * HIGHLIGHTS * HIGHLIGHTS * HIGHLLower Elementary

PPK students have been learning all thecolors of the rainbow, reading stories inthe library and enjoying many activitiesduring these months. In the unit aboutcolors, students had the opportunity tomix colors and form new ones. They hadlots of fun with these hands- on learningexperiences. Their faces were amazing,as they mixed red and yellow paint todiscover orange; blue and red to see pur-ple. It was great to see how much theyenjoyed sharing an enriching educationalexperience!

By: Anneliese Cruz

Our Pre Kinder students have beenlearning about their community and theroles of various community helpers. Thechildren became police officers, fire-fighters, and doctors! The integration ofexciting art activities was developedthrough the creation of their ownDoctors’ kits. They had a blast interpret-ing their roles in the community whilegaining knowledge about the contribu-tions of these important people!

By: Etty del Valle

In Kindergarten, students are enjoy-ing their weekly Special Me activities.Every week one student is chosen tobecome the Special Me student andenjoy fun-filled activities. As part of theweekly activities, the child receives thevisit of the parents on Fridays. On this

day, parents share a special talent they havewith the group of students. This allows thestudents to develop special bonds with eachparent while in turn the parent gets to knoweach child and share special time with theteachers. Students have fun building andcreating cities with Legos, listening to sto-ries, making crafts, baking and cooking. Weenjoy every idea our parents bring into theclassroom! Thank you for your creativity!

By: Gladys Guzmán

First grade was extremely fortunate tohave the visit from Giovanna Mier yTeran recently. Giovanna is the yogateacher at the after-school program in ourParkville campus. She is a wonderful sourceto enhance our character development cur-riculum as she helps to teach positiveself-confidence and self-worth. All firstgraders gathered on the newly constructedterrace where they took a forty-minute-longclass! The children learned all of the newyoga positions and stretches. The exercisesalso help them to develop relaxation skills aswell as mechanisms for frustration.Giovanna will be meeting with the firstgraders on a monthly basis. Visiting par-ents of prospective students also observed

the children in action and were veryimpressed with both the students and theteacher! Namaste!

by Ginny Owens

Second Grade enjoyed learning aboutthe wonderful world of animals. We studiedthe characteristics of different kinds of ani-

mals by reading about them and watchingdifferent videos. We compared and

contrasted: mammals,amphibians, reptiles, fish, birds, and insects, reinforcingthe interconnectionand synthesis skills.Group projects onanimal life cycles were developed and

displayed, beautifying our classroom wallsand hallways. by Vivian Torres

PKS celebrated an exciting Safety Weekfull of hands-on-activities and conferences.Interactive interdisciplinary units weredeveloped across the curriculum where ourchildren had the opportunity to make props,wear different outfits, work on communitygroup projects and enjoy the visit of variousagencies. The week culminated with aTrike-A-Thon where PPK, PK, andKinder children participated cyclingaround the park, wearing their safety gearwhile being guided by upper grade students.This activity is definite proof that CPS is“Embracing life-long learning beyond aca-demics!”

This year the Fine Arts department ispleased to have a new dance teacher, OlayaMuentes. The Fine Arts department isputting their efforts into the preparation for“Semana Puertorriqueña”.We are integrat-ing dance and music by learning toappreciate and dance the bomba, plena, “seischorreao” and salsa. In art class the studentsare learning about different Puerto Ricanartists and producing artwork that reflectstopics from Puerto Rico.

byJulie Piñero

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Upper Elementary

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HIGHLIGHTS * HIGHLIGHTS * HIGHLIGHTS * HIGHLCommonwealth Campus

by Frances Rivera

The afterschool program at theParkville Campus in collaboration withthe “Club Atlético San Juan” is beingenriched with soccer clinics. In theseclinics the children learn basic soccerskills such as stretching, running andkicking with precision. Much emphasis isgiven to develop important social skillsand team work. Children benefit fromdeveloping a flexible and cooperativeattitude towards shared common goals asthey maintain physical health and culti-vate hearty relationships.

by Wanda Rivera

Making ZEPS - During the summer,fifth graders had to read “ManiacMagee”. For most of them it was notpleasant reading, and boy did they let meknow about their feelings as soon asschool started!

It was a tough audience but, as we beganto discuss the story and analyze the char-acters the students began to see it in adifferent way, and even identified them-selves with the characters. They weremaking connections! They used priorknowledge about slavery, segregation,and Martin Luther King, Jr. to under-stand the story and voiced their opinions.I was very proud of them!

As part of the hands on activities theymade “Zeps”. A Zep is one of the foodsmentioned in the story. It is like a “sub-marine” sandwich. For this activity, theyworked in small groups. To be able to

complete the task, each group had to agreeon a list of ingredients, decide who wouldbring which ingredients and organize anassembly line (a concept from last year) toput together the sandwiches. They foundout it was not an easy task!

After they made and ate the sandwiches thestudents wrote about the experience. Someof the questions they answered included:Did your assembly line work? What changesdid you need to make? How did your sand-wiches taste? Would you make any changesin the ingredients? Why? Through such asimple activity the students were engagedusing 21st century skills. They were askedto be creative, solve problems, answer criti-cal thinking questions, communicateeffectively and collaborate with one another.

They had fun, were proud of their creations,and learned important skills! By the end ofthe discussions and the activities, the stu-dents had a different view of the story andwere able to appreciate what the author wassaying.

by Aida Portela

The 6th grade students studied theHebrew Kingdoms in their Social Studiesclass. To better understand this period inhistory, the students were divided into smallgroups where they had to work on a diora-ma about a specific event during that time.The students were very excited about theproject and they worked really hard to makeit look as realistic as possible.They reallydid awonderfuljob! Thedioramaswere placedin the library for anexhibition.

During the past months Commonwealth stu-dents continue to demonstrate their manytalents in communication, leadership as wellas community service. Members of theInteract Club along with CarrieNewdall have developed and ESL pro-gram for the 6th grade students from theEleanor Roosevelt Elementary School.Every week the students are received andgiven not only tutorials but participation inmany activities that help to improve theirconversational English skills.

October promised to be a very busy month,beginning with the celebration to theHealth and PE week. Congratulationsto Ms. Alicea and Ms. Berdecía andother members of their respective depart-ments for organizing a wide range ofactivities including Zumba and Karatelessons.

On October 18th CPS participated in thePuerto Rico Shakeout earthquake drill.Students reviewed emergency protocol.Parents if you have not sent your studentsearthquake emergency kit. Please contact thehigh school office for more details.

During the last two weeks of OctoberCommonwealth held an important activityas our seniors had the opportunity to visitdifferent companies and government agen-cies in order to explore career opportunitiesthrough the Senior InternshipProgram. Tere Durán our CollegePlacement Counselor was able to place stu-dents with the El Nuevo Día, McDonaldsCorporation, Banco Popular, Departamentode Justicia and medical offices among oth-ers. Students not only helped in completeddaily activities in their office settings butalso participated in court appearances, andsurgical procedures.

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PR Discovery Dy at PKSby Judith Rivera

Director of Upper Elementary School

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Puerto Rico Atraves del Tiempo

Puerto Rico Discovery Day at the PKS campus was filled with wonderful activities involving students from PPK-6thgrade. The center patio was transformed into vignettes depicting the people of this beautiful Caribbean island. Taínos,Spaniards, Africans and the Jíbaro all played an important role in the history and development of Puerto Rico today.

The exhibits were: Taínos-the “bohio” their daily life and their vocabulary.Spaniards- a Spanish balcony and an exhibit of contributions they made.Africans- a fishing village with music playing and students dancing the “bomba”.Jíbaro- a typical house in the country as well as a country store.

The Lower Elementary students performed dances on stage during the morning and the Upper Elementary, in theafternoon. Artisans exhibited and sold their goods in the school yard. The smell and taste of delicious foods filled theair. Pinchos, alcapurrias, bacalaítos and piraguas were delightful treats available for all to enjoy.

A special thanks to the Spanish and Fine Arts Departments for their enthusiasm and hard work.

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NOCHE PUERTORRIQUEÑA at CHSby Alex Cerqueira

The Puerto Rican diaspora was celebrat-ed in this year’s Noche Puertorriqueña.CHS students from various grade levelsperformed at the Gloria SchumanTheatre in honor of the four millionPuerto Ricans living abroad.¡Bienvenidos a La Diáspora Boricua!

This year’s event was hosted by EdnaRamírez and René Díaz, who initiat-ed the event by presenting Voces de laDiáspora, a video presentation by theJunior Class under the guidance Mr.Erik Rivera. Soon after, the livelyBoricua entertainer, Angel Aguayo,

a.k.a. Don Gume, amused the audi-ence with his good-humoredperformance. After an artistic CHSDance Team composition, a beautiful“bohemia” musical act by JorgeSantos, Daniel Rodríguez,Eugenio González, and AlejandroGonzález preceded the hilariousscenes from La Guagua Aérea, per-formed by Mrs. Christy’s 8thgraders.

Performances ensued throughout thenight and culminated with a preview ofLin-Manuel Miranda’s, In the Heightsdirected by Mr. Pedro de Jesús.

Parents, students, teachers and friendsended the night to the sounds of theBomba group, Los Hijos deAgüeybaná, who performed at thecenter patio to a cheerful crowd.

Guests were also able to taste the deli-cious Puerto Rican dishes provided byThe National Honor Society and CasaDiego. After such an enjoyable night,it stands clear that Puerto Rican cul-ture will always retain its beauty andvivacity, whether in the island orbeyond.

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The Robotics Program at the Parkville Campus was created by a parent initiative. All four members of our“ELEKTROVILLE” team attended a summer workshop at Universidad Politécnica de Puerto Rico that taught them howto use skills in research, scientific method, robot and computer programming, social interaction, collaboration and teambuilding.

Students used all their newly acquired skills as they embarked on a four month preparation period that would have themchasing a “Senior Solution”. This is a project that would ask them to interview seniors and experts in medical fields, cre-ate infomercials using technology, spending every Saturday morning in training at the University, completing roboticmissions and commands, and also sharpen speaking and oral skills as they presented the Robo-bringer.

Enthusiastic parents and students worked diligently during afterschool hours, on weekends and even holidays, as they pre-pared to bring their presentation to a completion for the Technology Challenge Lego 2012 that began in October andculminated on November 10th, 2012.

Congratulations to our Parkville Team: Manuel Marina (6th grade), Diego Colón (5th grade) and Carlo Mazza (5thgrade), and Jean Ortiz (4th grade).

Thanks to all the parents: Olinda Pacheco, Vilma Morales, Nancy Santiago, and José Marina for going theextra mile for our students and giving them an experience they will never forget. Way to go Comets...

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Special thanks to Beatrice Parga who worked with the students in promoting the development of

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) through the Robotics program.Judith Arroyo

Director of Upper Elementary School

CPS ROBOTICS By Beatrice Parga

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Turkey Race at PKSby Judy Rivera, Director Upper Elementary School

On Friday, November 9th, the students,faculty, staff and parents gathered in thefield behind the school to have our 2012Turkey Races. The races ran from earlymorning until noon with the PPK-Kinder group going first, followed bythe 1st – 3rd graders and finally, the 4th– 6th grade students. There was also arace in which the parents and facultyparticipated.

The morning began with a warm wel-come from Judith Arroyo, UpperElementary Director, which was extend-ed to each group when it was their timeto begin their races.

One girl and one boy per grade won aturkey, as well as two parents and twoteachers.

PPK Adriana VazquezMiguel Bermúdez

PK Lorena RodríguezCarlos Lavergne

Kinder Esteban PérezAlejandra Meléndez

1st grade Larysha TrinidadRodrigo Ferrer

2nd grade Patricia RedondoEvan Mullet

3rd grade Andrea OrtízIan Marrero

4th grade Adriana DonatoDiego Collazo

5th grade Sofia VillamilSergio A. Blanco

6th grade María C. QuintanaAdrián Faccio

Parents Tito TrinidadRoseline García

Teachers Jose DuránSabrina González

TURKEY RACE WINNERS

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P A G E S I X T E E N D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 2

JORGE RODRIGUEZCHS Math Teacher

Jorge has a Bachelor degree in Biology Science with a major in Marine Biology; fromUniversidad de la Habana, Cuba. He also has a Master of Arts in Education and Majorin teaching mathematics from Interamerican University, Puerto Rico. He has 10 yearsexperience as part-time teacher of Calculus, Ecology and fishery Biology at a collegelevel in Cuba; three years as part-time teacher of Calculus at the InteramericanUniversity of Puerto Rico, Bayamón Campus, and five years experience as a full timemath teacher at Commonwealth. His extracurricular activities include the SAT MathClub and AP Calculus extra practice classes. Recreational PADI dive master is amonghis hobbies.

CRISTINA MEDINACHS Physics Teacher

Cristina has a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from University of Puerto Rico, MayagüezCampus and took courses on Education at the Interamericana University, MetropolitanCampus. This is her fifth year teaching physics at Commonwealth-Parkville School,Commonwealth Campus. Cristina is computer proficient and has many years of experi-ence at Johnson & Johnson, where she worked as a safety specialist. She has been 7thgrade Class Advisor, National Honor Society Advisor and this year she is the CHSScience Bowl Club Advisor. Cristina loves exercising and paddle boarding.

JOSE I. PLUGUEZCHS Spanish Teacher

José has a BA in Hispanic Studies from the University of Puerto Rico, Río PiedrasCampus and credits toward Ph.D. in Spanish Literature from UPR. He has 21 years ofexperience, five at Academia Perpetuo Socorro and 16 years at Commonwealth HighSchool. Just a few of José’s extra-curricular activities are: Model United Nations,Literary Magazine, Arsempi, and Filmmaking Club Advisor. José is fluent in Spanish,English, French, Portuguese and Latin. He enjoys reading and gardening.

ROLANDO ALVAREZCHS Security Guard

Rolando has been CHS security guard for over 15 years. He has a BS degree inElementary Education from American International College in Springfield, MA andtaught math and English in New York City at PS-4 for two years before moving toPuerto Rico. He also taught PE at Colegio Espíritu Santo from 1975-1978. Besidesbeing a basketball coach for over 20 years at CPS for the Junior Varsity and Juvenileteams, he also has coordinated and supervised security for major concert promotionsfrom 1982-2004. He is married to Margarita Gracia and they have two beautiful daugh-ters, Margarita Yadira and María Magdalena.

GET TO KNOW US at CPS

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 2P A G E S E V E N T E E N

GET TO KNOW US at CPSSONIA COLON

Director of HorizonsSonia is director of our Horizons Program. She has a BA in Psychology fromUniversidad del Sagrado Corazón and a Master degree in Special Education forEmotionally challenged and Early Childhood Handicapped from Kansas StateUniversity. She worked at the Kansas State University Early Childhood LaboratorySchool and in a private pre-school also in Kansas. Sonia has worked at CPS fortwenty-two years. She began substituting two Horizons teachers at CHS and thentaught ninth through twelfth grade science and math to Horizons students. Shebecame the Director of Horizons in January 1997. She loves listening to music,watching her sons playing soccer and watching sports with them. She also lovesspending time with her daughter and grandson who live in Pensacola, FL.

DIANA MORALESAccounts Receivable Manager

Diana has worked with CPS since 1996, first as registrar at Commonwealth Campusfrom 1996-1999, and from ’99 to the present as our accounts receivable manager.Diana has a BA in Communication and Advertising from Universidad del SagradoCorazón and a MBA in Business Administration from Metropolitan University. Shelikes to read, bake sweets, be at the beach, and travel with her family. Diana has twodaughters: Dariana M. Maldonado Morales, Class of 2010 and Ivana MiaVillahermosa – 1st grader at PKS.

NEUSA RODRIGUEZPKS 3rd grade teacher

Neusa is a graduate of Carroll College in Waukesha, Wisconsin with a BA in lan-guages and a MA in education TESOL from Framingham University. She has mainlytaught elementary school children for the past 22 years, twelve of which are atParkville School. Currently she is a third grade teacher. She is a member of theGolden Key Club and her hobbies include reading and crafts.

BEATRICE PARGAPKS Science Teacher

Beatrice is a graduate in Business from Seton Hall University and William PatersonUniversity with a BA in Psychology with concentration in Education (K-8) and aminor in middle school math. She taught in public schools in Paterson, NJ for 10years and taught math to 7th & 8th grade for three years in Singapore. Beatrice hasbeen Junior Student Council co-advisor, Science Coordinator for four years and cur-rently she is the Robotics club advisor. Her special talents include painting, makinggreat pizzas, she speaks four languages and enjoys traveling with her family.

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 2P A G E E I G H T E E N

CALENDAR

December 2012

13 - End of 2nd marking period14, 17, 18 - Mid-Term Exams, grades 5th - 12th

19 - Pre-school Holiday Program - 7:00 p.m. - NO CLASSES20-21 - Parent-Teacher Conferences, PPK - 2nd grade

Administrative Days - NO CLASSES 21 - CPS Alumni Party at CHS27 - Office Open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

24-Jan 4 - Holiday Recess - NO CLASSES

January 2013

3 - Office Open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.7 - De Hostos’ Day/ML King’s Day Observed - NO CLASSES8 - CLASSES RESUME

15 - Admissions Testing 1st grade and up begins18 - 5th Grade Visits CHS

21-25 - Open House Week - both Campuses28 - Professional Day - NO CLASSES

February

2 - PA Family Day and Heart for Haiti4-8 - PKS Social Studies Week

8 - GEO Bee at PKS8-9 - CHS Basketball Tournament

11-15 - CHS Semana de la Lengua15 Regional Spelling Bee Competition18 - Presidents’Day/Luis Muñoz Marín Day - NO CLASSES22 - Final Spelling Bee26 - Horizons Parents Meeting at PKS28 - Last Day for Re-enrollment Discount

25-1 - CHS Technology Week

2nd

1 9 5 2

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P A G E T W E N T Y D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 2

Commonwealth-Parkville School Gratefully Acknowledges Our Corporate Sponsors:

Commonwealth-Parkville School is an equal opportunity employer. CPS admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs,and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administra-tion of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and financial aid programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

NON PROFIT ORGUS POSTAGE PAID

SAN JUAN PRPERMIT NO. 747

COMMONWEALTH-PARKVILLE SCHOOOLOperated by Caribbean Consolidated Schools, Inc.PO BOX 70177SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO 00936-8177

Happy Holidays!CLASSES RESUME ONTUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2013

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED