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 one teacher of French, school supplies, teacher training, portable laptops (for each teacher) and more. As recently as 2006/2007 we donated 5 new portable science labs to ISCH. Our children can now conduct hands-on experiments mandatory for Accreditation by the French Department of Education.
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?: Our first scheduled event is FIPA’s Gala. This year the Gala will take place on November 17th, 2007 in Coral Gables. 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 celebrate "les Rois Mages"(Feast of the Three Kings) at Sunset where the children can 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 14th, 2007, 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 spring, we’ll have a Crêpes stand at the PTA carnival. When the weather cools off, we’ll have a picnic with a dessert competition. Then, 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!
What is FIPA’s main goal this year? Student Exchange between our CM2 (5th Grade) pupils from Sunset and their counterparts in a French school in France. The Exchange Students will be welcomed into a French Host-family for 2 weeks. During this period they will be allowed to attend classes in the school of their "correspondent" as well as enjoying cultural and sightseeing experiences. This very interesting and valuable practice for our children was cut short following the events of 11 September 2001. We dearly hope to be able to set up these cultural exchanges again this year and hereby invite all parents to let us have some feedback on this matter. As of now, parents of CM2 students interested in having their child participate in an exchange later in the year (after FCAT exams!) can do so either by e-mail: fipa@bellsouth.net or by a phone message at: 786 837 6347.
We look forward eagerly to your remarks and support for this project, which we consider very worthwhile.
This busy schedule requires a lot of minute preparation, organization and planning... As with any volunteer association, we need both your encouragement and your loyal support. 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. For starters, to duly celebrate this new school year, why not come as our FIPA guest to a "Wine ‘n Cheese “ the evening of September 28th, 2007, exact location to be announced soon.
Wishing you all a great 2007/2208 school year.
From all of us at FIPA.
Bertrand Lecocq,
President.
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Monday morning,
October 29th,
Dear Parents,
Please stop by for some coffee
at the entrance to
Sunset Elementary
and you could WIN A TRIP to
Club Med’s Columbus, Isle Bahamas
Cost: just $5 per ticket !
Win a 7-night all inclusive,
land stay vacation for two people *
Raffle drawing:
F.I.P.A. Gala,
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Coral Gables
(You need not be present to win.)
* Some restrictions apply |
