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Gratitude
“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” William Arthur Ward. The end of another school semester brings with it so many exciting events, including sports tournaments, musical and theatrical performances, Model United Nations (MUN), community service projects, art displays, and parent workshops, to name…
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Serendipitous Connections
We all experience those days when our schedules seem to demand more of our time than hours are available in the day. It is often these same days when we feel most focused, effective, and efficient, especially in terms of completing our “to do” lists. It is also common during these times to engage in…
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Teachers’ Day
“One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child.” ~ Carl Jung In Brasilia, Teachers’ Day is commemorated each with…
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Kindness (Revisited)
GENTILEZA GERA GENTILEZA Last week’s ‘Kindness’ post generated a substantial number of responses, which has led to this follow up post focusing on two subjects: José Datrino and a colleague’s letter. Part I: José Datrino (Caveat: I am not an expert regarding José Datrino’s story and apologize in advance if there are any errors in…
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Kindness
During my morning arrival to campus earlier this week, I noticed the presence of a woman standing in front of the school carefully scrutinizing everyone entering EAB. Since I did not recognize the woman and with an obvious concern for security, I approached her and inquired about her presence at the school’s entrance. The woman’s…
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High Noon
How do you inspire a generation of students to make a difference? Simple – publish a book that details the problems of the near future students will face, while underscoring the importance of immediate action. This is just what Jean-Francois Rischard, a Luxembourgian economist, did through the 2002 publication of his seminal book, High Noon:…
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Enduring Any How
Two significant events framed this week that left me with feelings of gratitude and hope. The first event took place last Monday, during the early evening, when I decided to visit some of Brasilia’s famous landmarks to capture photographs of the unique lighting and evening colors. With a camera in hand and my faithful dog,…
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Hope Collides
The professional faculty days at the start of this school year included a reflection on key words that would serve to guide us both as an institution and as individuals. Drawing from EAB’s mission statement, words such as innovate, excellence, service, and leadership were identified as guiding ideals. Others added inspiration, community, and relationships as…
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The Learning Process
Last week, I was invited by a group of EAB students to participate in a formal debate over whether or not cell phones should be allowed in classrooms. While listening to the students’ arguments for and against the proposition, I reflected, as I often do, on the process of learning and what constitutes effective instruction.…