Dear parents,
On behalf of the FIPA (French International Program Association) board I would like to welcome all of you to Miami Dade County Public School’s International Studies Program. With newcomers in mind, we include a quick presentation of the program’s purpose and history in this package. Over the years FIPA has been instrumental in the development and implementation of the program. FIPA has helped secure visas for teachers arriving from France to teach in the program. FIPA also supports and contributes to the French program at Sunset, Carver, Coconut Grove Elementary School and ISCH in the form of donations: payment of salary for many teachers of French, school supplies, teachers training, portable laptops (for each teacher) and more.
We also aim to serve as a link between the children enrolled in the French program, you the parents, the schools and the French Government through the French Consulate in Miami. Sharing with you our experience and knowledge of the FIPA program is of the utmost importance and a role we take very much to heart. FIPA is about activities for our children and social gatherings for parents…For example, in the more "fun category" FIPA organizes various events and happenings throughout the year; some of which, of course, are designed to raise necessary funds…"no funds…no fun" … and besides, it is thanks to these fundraisers year after year that we can offer our children the academic support they need. Let’s not lose sight of FIPA’s primary goal, namely, help our children to grow and blossom in their bilingual educational environment equipped with all the tools to succeed. !

What‘s on the FIPA Menu this year?: This year the Gala will take place on March 5th, 2011 at the residence of the Consul General of France. It is by far the most significant fundraiser of the year. Indeed, we’d like once again to thank all those parents, sponsors and friends alike, who contributed so generously last year. This Gala is both a great social evening and also an ideal occasion to meet and mingle with teachers and other personalities around the dinner table or on the dance floor! So, out with your calendar, note the date and, remember the more the merrier!
In January, FIPA will celebrated "les Rois Mages"(Feast of the Three Kings) at Sunset where the children could enjoy the traditional "Galette des Rois”, compliments of FIPA. He or she who finds the "Fêve" in the slice of Galette will be crowned and can then choose his Queen…or her King!
February 11th, 2011, for Valentine’s Day, each pupil at Sunset will have the pleasure of presenting a flower and a personal message to that special someone of his or her choice, a family member, a teacher or a friend…In January we also had a picnic with a dessert competition. Also, parents of Carver hold a monthly Bake Sale (cookies and pastries) at the end of the school day.   We count on you to be present at these events in record numbers!

As president, I urge you to become Members and fill out your Enrolment form ASAP! Volunteer now! … And join in the many enticing FIPA events throughout the school year.

From all of us at FIPA.

Bertrand Lecocq,
President.