Caye Caulker Ocean Academy
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News Archive: 2010
December 2010
Ocean Acade
my Video: We have been blessed with a talented volunteer videographer. Thiago Silva filmed and edited a wonderful Youtube video that showcases interviews with students, teachers and co-founder Heidi Curry. If you can't come to see Ocean Academy in person, this video will introduce you to co-founder Heidi Curry and many of the students. Click here to see the 8-minute documentary.
Vo
te for Ocean Academy in Ford Focus Global Drive competition: We entered a 2-minute video to nominate Ocean Academy as one of 40 charities who could win $10,000, and a trip to Spain to test drive the Ford Focus. The students talk on the video about "their focus" which is an education. To see our video clips (we have 3 different videos entered) you should (a) log on Facebook, add Ford Focus as a friend, (b) click on Global Drive tab upper right, click on "see all videos", (c) click Ocean Academy (#33 - image of a boat) and also two videos created by volunteers: "Focus on Realizing Dreams" (#68 - image of an old car) and #131 (image of school).
Global Giving Fundraising Challenge: Ocean Academy secured a permanent spot with Global Giving in their December Global Open Challenge. For our American donors, the advantage of making a donation through Global Giving is receiving IRS tax-exemption receipts. For British Donors, there is a program in place that will match 28% of your donations. A big thank you to the 95 donors who raised $9300 in just 3 weeks. Go to www.globalgiving.org and keyword "Belize" or "Ocean Academy" to go directly to our project. THANK YOU!
Christmas Banquet and Dance (Dec.17): Students celebrated the start of the holidays with a fancy turkey dinner and dance. The decorating committee did an outstanding job of making the school look festive, and students looked very glamourous.
Christmas Extravaganza (Dec.11): Students put on a fabulous event for the community to celebrate the holiday season. During the day Ocean Academy organized childrens' games, and in the evening was a talent show and photos with Santa. A big thank you to our parent and community volunteers, and local business sponsors!
Join our Caye Caulker Ocean Academy Facebook page. The school stories and updates you see on this website page will also be posted on Facebook, along with many more photos to see using their photo album feature.
November 2010
Reef Summit Aerial Photo: 45 Ocean Academy students, family and community members joined citizens interested in sending a creative reef conservation message to the world. Belize City sent 2 boatloads, and together with the Caye Caulker group they travelled to tiny Sergeant's Caye to stage the Aerial Art Event. The photo is part of a larger project called the Aerial Art Mosaic in support of the 350.org Climate Change World Events. Click here to learn more about the Reef Summit's Aerial Event, click here to read Belize news coverage, and click here to see the photos.
Night Dive to view Elk Horn Coral Spawning: This was actually last school year, but I just managed now to get fast enough internet to upload the video. 3 students accompanied marine biologists to the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve, and although no spawning was observed, listen to the students describe what they did see. Click here for the marine biologist explaining the night snorkel goals. Click here for the students' reactions after the night snorkel.
Beach Cleanup: This was recently posted on Youtube by a former Peacegrames volunteer at Ocean Academy. Click here to see students cleaning up beach trash.
October 2010
Geotourism Challenge 2010 Places on the Edge: Saving Coastal and Freshwater Destinations Competition: Ocean Academy was selected as a best early-bird entry and won $500. The $5000 grand prize judging for the top 3 entries is December 1st. This competition aims to find innovative solutions for coastal, waterway, and island destinations that protect the environment and strengthen the heritage and livelihoods of local residents. Geotourism is defined as “tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place—its environment, heritage, aesthetics, culture and the well-being of its residents." Entries are judged on innnovation, social impact and sustainability. You can read Ocean Academy's entry here.
Hallowe'en Island Syle: Ocean Academy students decorated the Community Centre and hosted a dance and costume contest. The Environmental Club organized a childrens' "Trick or Trash" beach cleanup in exchange for candy.
Staff 2010-2011: Back left to right: Mario Sandoval (Spanish/Business); Marilyn Alarcon (Life Skills/Spirituality); Sarah Requena (Science); Jose Colli (Computers); Jeanne Link (English); Joni Miller (Admin).
Front left to right: Wilber Carballo (Math); Hilda Marin (Principal); Heidi Curry (Admin).
Missing are dedicated volunteer guitar teacher Scotty Poock; Kayak, Scuba, Basketball instructors; and Tour Guide Elective teacher Ellen McRae.
Compost Project Sprouting Cilantro: Ocean Academy's fledging compost business has it's first cilantro sprouts! Volunteers David and Kathy Holscott, and students Mercedes, Elizabeth, Kyle and D'Arcy have been cultivating their green thumbs with this eco-entrepreneurship venture. With more succsesful sprouts the studetns plan to sell the herbs, and the compost, to raise money for school trips.
Turtle Classes: Laurie Streble came to Caye Caulker to get married, but spent a lot of her time volunteering instead! Laurie guest lectured at Ocean Academy in marine biology science, and then led a turtle arts-and-crafts session for the Childrens' Environmental Club in the afternoon. Thanks and congratulations!
NEMO Guest Speaker: NEMO is the National Emergency Management Organization of Belize. Ocean Academy students learned about hurricane facts and precautions on Wednesday 20th, and 4 students signed up as volunteers with NEMO. Principal Hilda Marin is also on the Caye Caulker NEMO committee.
Peace Games: Interact Club students went to the Primary School afterschool Thursday 14th to organize interactive games promoting communication and teamwork skills. Students were led by Ocean Academy's Peacework intern Dana Blech.
10/10/10 350.org Climate Change Event: Ocean Academy students joined FAMRACC for a mangrove restoration planting day. "350.org is an international grassroots campaign that aims to mobilize a global climate movement united by a common call to action. By spreading an understanding of the science and a shared vision for a fair policy, we will ensure that the world creates bold and equitable solutions to the climate crisis. 350 is the number that leading scientists say is the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. Scientists measure carbon dioxide in "parts per million" (ppm), so 350ppm is the number humanity needs to get below as soon as possible to avoid runaway climate change. To get there, we need a different kind of PPM-a "people powered movement" that is made of people like you in every corner of the planet".
Youth Peace March: The entire student body of Ocean Academy joined children from the primary and preschools, and community members, in a Peace March on October 8th. At the pre-march rally, Ocean Academy students sang the national anthem and recited a peace poem. Children from the primary school performed inspirational songs, and community leaders from the Police, Neighbourhood Watch, Justice of the Peace and Village Council spoke about peace in Belize, not violence. Caye Caulker's Peace March was one of many events across the country of Belize.
Climate Change Film Crew - Dr. Owen Day from Barbardos came to Caye Caulker to film and interview FAMRACC and their mangrove restoration project work. As part of his film, Dr. Day interviewed Ocean Academy students about their volunteer work with mangrove planting, as well as their thoughts about the issue of climate change. The film will be distributed throughout the Caribbean BBC.
September 2010
September Celebrations: Ocean Academy students joined the primary and preschools in the Childrens' Parade on September 17th. Each class proudly carried banners displaying their grade. This year's national theme is "Moving Foward, United, I am Belize" and the community parade on September 21st featured colorful floats and dancers.
Interview with Co-Founder Heidi Curry published. Read it in the Fall 2010 edition of Life & Letters, a publication of the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Texas at Austin. The article is entitled "Being Somebody: Humanities Alumna Builds a School in Belize".
Kareoke Contest Judge: Ms. Jeanne was asked to judge a kareoke contest in Central Park on Thursday 9th. In addition to being our English teacher, Ms. Jeanne is a very accomplished choir and drama director and performer.
First Basketball Game of the Year: The Boys Basketball team played to an enthusiastic crowd in Central Park on Friday 3rd. Unfortunately the San Pedro team couldn't get boat transport but we are looking forward to the next match-up.
August 23, 2010 - First Day of Classes
Belize Natural Energy Trust Grant: We are very pleased to partner with B.N.E Trust to build much-needed additional classrooms. Our student body is now close to 60 registered students! The B.N.E Grant is for $27,500 USD of matching funds. Thank you BNE for supporting island youth.
5 Students awarded full entrance scholarships: The Caye Caulker Village Council and San Pedro Water Taxi offered 5 full scholarships to deserving students entering Form I at Ocean Academy. The students are Xena, Sophia, D'Arcy, Osmin and Lidy. Congratulations and welcome!
3 new teachers join staff: A warm welcome to Mr. Jose Colli (I.T., Graphic Design and Football), Ms. Jeanne Link (English and Creative Expression), and Mr. Wilber Carballo (Math and Volleyball).
Interact club hosts guests from Alberta, Canada: Guests from the Salisbury Interact club in Edmonton West, Alberta, Canada visited with the Interact Club of Ocean Academy on August 26. Teens from both clubs and Rotarians from Belize enjoyed a chicken lunch and beach volleyball game, hosted at Anchorage Resort.
Global Greengrants online voting contest: Thank you to all who voted for our entry, Shop Green Belize, in a bid to win $1000USD for student projects to combat climate change. We came in 4th place with almost 1000 votes. We didn't win, but we really appreciate all the social network support and positive comments.
Composting Project: An enthusiastic volunteer from Baylor College, Nathan Robbins, got Ocean Academy's composting project off to a good start this summer. Thank you also to Village Council for their grant to buy materials and hire student workers. Backyard Farms Austin published a short article.
July 2010
National Winner and Youth Role Model! Congratulations to Jaison Hernandez who won 5th place in the national selection of youth role models, by the community policing Du Di Rite Ting Awards. Jaison, along with Ocean Academy's 5 regional winners, was recognized at a cermony at Old Belize on July 14th. Jaison won $400 and, when he graduates from Ocean Academy, he has won his tuition for a 2-year Associate's Degree (Jr. College) at St. John's College in Belize City. We couldn't be more proud!
Interact Club of Ocean Academy Helps Sue's Preschool: One of the first activities of the new volunteer club was to help decorate the community centre for the Sue's Preschool graduation ceremony. Interacters came out on their first week of summer holidays to help create a special day for the preschoolers and their families.
Kids Helping Kids: Mackenzie Yaryura, Sarah Stevens, Meg Rivera from Southeast High School and Julia Nordhausen from Nolan Middle School in Bradenton, Florida, are fundraising for Ocean Academy, forging cross-cultural e-friendships, and raising awareness about education needs in Belize. The grade 9 girls are in the International Baccalaureate, and presented their fundraising activities at the Future Problem-Solving Conference and won the state fair. June 10-13, 2010 they travelled to Wisconsin to represent Florida in the international conference and won 4th prize. Both Mackenzie and Meg have already travelled to Caye Caulker to visit Ocean Academy and donate school supplies. Read a front page newspaper article about these amazing youth volunteers in Florida. Read their project report and fundraising ideas that they submitted for the competition.
June 2010
International Friends of Belize Scholarships: Congratulations to Mercedes Requena, Jaison Hernandez and Lilly Aldana who each won a $1000Bz scholarship from International Friends of Belize. More than 50 students applied nationwide, so it is great honour to be selected.
With Community Support, Students Shine at Awards Ceremony: Students, staff and community members gathered Friday June 18th to celebrate Ocean Academy’s end-of-the-year awards ceremony. Students, led by Form III's Ramir Villanueva, arrived early to transform the Caye Caulker Community Centre into a beautiful reception area decked out with lights, balloons and glittery decorations in the school colors of blue and orange.
“Good Conduct Awards” for receiving fewer than four demerits during the school year.
“Good Conduct with Distinction” was awarded to Lilly Aldana for no demerits during the entire school year.
2010 honor roll for maintaining an academic average of 86% or higher.
Corporal Geban presented regional winners of the community policing “Do Di Rait Ting” award to Lilly Aldana, Danny Marin and Michael Blease (Mercedes Requena and Jaison Hernandez were awarded earlier in the year). These awards recognize youth role models.
Community business owners rewarded deserving students with 22 tuition scholarships ranging from $50-$400, redeemable at Ocean Academy. Students and staff would like to express a big thank you to the Caye Caulker community for their ongoing support of educational opportunities for the island youth, and recognition of excellence.
Congratulations Danny Marin
Bahia Convenience for Attendance and Punctuality
Neil and Molly Bradley Award for Tourism Skills
Seadreams Hotel for Highest Academic Achievement in Form III
Congratulations Mercedes Requena
Chocolate's Conservation Award
Iguana Reef Visionary Award
Juan Karim Math Excellence
Hilda Marczak Memorial for Community Activism
Seadreams Hotel for Highest Academic Achievement in Form II
Congratulations Lilly Aldana
Lazy Iguana for Attendance and Punctuality
Oceanside for Effort in Math
Raggamuffin Tours "Spirit of Ocean Academy"
Seadreams Hotel for 2nd Highest Academic Achievement in Form II
Village Council "Spirit of Caye Caulker"
Congratulations Clifton Burgess
Frenchie's Award for Aquatic Excellence
Congratulations Estrella Jimenez
Belize Diving Services for Communication & Presentation Skills
Congratulations Arturo Allen
Joe Habanero's Caana Award (Great Improvement)
Congratulations Jaison Hernandez
Amanda & Scrumpy Award for Community Involvement
Cayeboard Connection Internet Award
Congratulations Angel Fuller
Caye Caulker Condos "Aim High"
Iguana Reef for Attendance and Punctuality
Seadreams Hotel for Highest Academic Achievement in Form I
Walter Marczak Memorial for Form I Science
Congratulations Michael Blease
Seadreams Hotel for 2nd Highest Academic Achievement in Form I
Tropical Paradise Hotel for Professsional Student Conduct in Form I
Congratulations Carl Burgess
Seaside Cabanas for Citizenship
Congratulations Carring Chen
Cayeboard Connection Internet Award
Tropical Paradise Hotel for Professional Student Conduct in Form I
Congratulations D'Arcy Lopez
Caye Real Estate for Academic Determination
Congratulations Elmir Arana
Juan Clemente Marin Memorial for Work Ethic
Tropical Paradise Hotel for Professional Student Conduct in Form I
Congratuations Dylan Ceballos
Caye Caulker Properties for Sale & RE/MAX for Entrepreneurial Skills
Interact Club of Ocean Academy Charter Ceremony: Representatives from our sponsor club, Belize City Rotary, travelled to the island to officiate the ceremony. Interact (International+Action) is the youth branch of the Rotary Club association. 9 founding Interacters from Ocean Academy pledged to abide by the Rotary motto of "service above self" and accepted Interact pins, charter documents, banner, and bell. The youthful club members have many plans for community service, such as visiting the elderly, tutoring primary-school kids and reading to preschoolers, assisting the Humane Society care for stray dogs and cats, and continuing beach cleanups and mangrove restoration projects. For more photos and information click here.
May 2010
Building Expansion: Tremendous progress is being made in expanding classroom space, thanks to our generous donors We now have a small counselling suite downstairs that doubles as a cooking/snack prep room, a Principal's Office, and a small downstairs classroom space. Fundraising continues towards our goal of $55,000USD for upstairs expansion of 3 new classrooms and a small lab in preparation of September enrollments and the start of our adult education night-school program.
April 2010
Shop Green: Co-Founder Joni Miller has been working with students at Belize's Galen University the past 4 months through a course she co-taught: "Applications of Sustainable Development". One of the projects is called Shop Green, and involves marketing reusable shopping bags. The Galen student group created a market survey, educational display and located a local bag producer. A local couple in San Ignacio makes the bags.
Profits from bag sales go towards environmental activities of the Interact clubs of Ocean Academy (Caye Caulker) and Sacred Heart (San Ignacio). The Interact Club students of both clubs will continue to sell the bags, educate their communities about the benefits of plastic bag reduction, and keep the project going. Joni has entered the Shop Green Project in a competition - Leveraging Business for Social Change - and you can read more project details on their site. Coming soon.... a link on this website to purchase the bags using PayPal and have them delivered to your home.
Earth Day April 22: The entire student body, staff and volunteers joined marine biologists and volunteered with the FAMRACC Mangrove Restoration Project on the north island (Forest and Marine Reserves Association of Caye Caulker). Despite the hot sun, all worked hard to collect beach trash, clear interpretative trails, and water mangrove seedlings.
Caye Caulker Village Council Elections: We are proud to congratulate our Lifeskills and Sprituality teacher-aide, Ms. Marilyn Alarcon, on her election win of a councillor's seat with the Village Council. Mr. Alberto Villanueva Jr., former chair of Ocean Academy's Board of Governors, won the Chairman seat.
March 2010
Apprenticeships: Masonry, Electrical Work and Carpentry: Cornelio, Christian, Rudy and Artie spent their first weekend of Easter Break...working and learning! The students assisted Dane Dingerson and his crew in the construction of a downstairs Principal's Office, Counselling Office, and student cafeteria area. In addition to a working wage, the boys gained valuable worksite appentriceship skills.
Ross Sheppard Highschool Volunteers: Interact Club students from Edmonton, Alberta spent the week, March 24-28, volunteering on Caye Caulker. They joined our high-school sports day competition, assisted with a weekend sports camp for primary school children, painted downstairs classrooms and offices at Ocean Academy, and did a beach cleanup with the mangrove restoration project. The Ross Sheppard Interact club was the inspiration for Ocean Academy to form it's own Interact Club, and we were thrilled to welcome these students our school. After volunteering on Caye Caulker, the group volunteered with Eden Primary school in Cayo on the mainland.
Holland College Volunteers Organize Island-Wide Sports Camp for Children: 2nd-year Sports and Leisure Management students from Prince Edward Island, Canada, spent the week March 23-28 volunteering on Caye Caulker. They organized a weekend sports camp for over 50 primary-school children and helped paint downstairs classrooms and offices at Ocean Academy.
Rotary Club of Spruce Grove, Alberta, supports Classroom Expansion Project: Rotary members generously donated $500 funds. Sharmayne Seal, of Rotary Belize Literacy Project, travelled to Caye Caulker to present the donation, and added her own matching contribution.
"Do The Right Thing" Award: We are very proud of Form II student Lilly, for winning the February regional award for the "Do The Right Thing" community policing award. Each month highschools are invited to nominate one deserving student who is a role model for youth doing positive things in their community. Lilly will be eligible for scholarship prizes in June when all nominations are judged nationally.
International Reading Association's Grant for Literacy Projects in Countries with Developing Economies. $2500USD was awarded to print, publish and distribute an anthology of Ocean Academy student poems, memoirs, essays and stories. We will let you know when the book is ready for purchase. We are very thankful to the International Reading Association for their support of Ocean Academy students.
Volunteer instructor, Ashley Williamson, Attended a workshop for Adult Literacy Facilitators (March 22-23). The training session was held in Belize City and participants received a certificate to recognize their training in effective teaching skills and strategies for adult learners. Ashley will instruct English-as-a-second-language and computer night classes for adults at Ocean Academy.
University of Vermont (UVM) Volunteers (March 19-21). Students painted and laid blocks for our downstairs office construction project, and also did a beach cleanup on the north island mangrove reserve. This is UVM's second volunteer trip to Caye Caulker, and we look forward to welcoming them back next year.
Ocean Academy co-founder and Principal, Heidi Curry, gave birth to Persephone May Curry, born at 4:45 AM on Thursday, March 18, 2010, at 7lbs 8oz, in Waco, Texas. Persephone means "Greek Goddess of Spring". Ocean Academy students, staff and supporters send their very best wishes to proud parents Heidi and Haywood and big sister Alma, and a loving welcome to Persephone.
Congratulations to 5 newly certified Scuba Divers (March 6): Congratulations to students who earned their PADI Open-Water certification in Ocean Academy's P.E. Aquatic Tourism class: Mercedes, Clifton, David, Bryon, Estrella. The owners of Belize Diving Services, Chip and Danielle Petersen, generously volunteered their staff time and equipment. Experienced diver Patrick Savage and Belize Diving Services staff member Pablo volunteered their time to instruct the group. Ocean Academy just opened up another classroom: the underwater world of Caye Caulker.
Dr. Bondar's Science Blog Interviews Co-Founder (March 6): Dr. Carin Bondar is a biologist and conservationist who is excited by the environmental and experiential education offered at Ocean Academy. Dr. Bondar interviewed co-founder Joni Miller and posted the article on www.drbondar.com. The blog features cool science jobs, interesting scientific facts and anecdotes, videos and even "Nerd Corner" (where you will find Joni's interview!).
Students Honored at Awards Ceremony (March 2): Staff, students, parents, volunteers and community members gathered to celebrate and honor student achievement. Sgt. Lesllie Wade of the community policing unit awarded Mercedes Requena and Jaison Hernandez "Do The Right Thing" regional award certificates and t-shirts. Mercedes was also applauded for winning the National Youth Award for Environmentalism. Members of Ocean Academy's new Interact Club were named and recognized for their community volunteering efforts. The lovely afternoon concluded with treats prepared by the Staff Social Committee. You can read more in an article published by The San Pedro Sun.
Honor Roll students: 86% + average in semester 1
Generous Donation for Upstairs Expansion Project: Ocean Academy was designed for upstairs clasrooms, and a recent transfer of 13 new students at Christmas, and a large Std. VI entry class next year, has made this expansion a priority project. We are very grateful and excited to receive our first donation towards the expansion project. A humble donor pledged $10,000USD and requested anonymity. The donation is a great first step towards our fundraising goal of $55,000USD to build the 3 upstairs classrooms.
Generous Donation for New Computers: Kriss Keel encouraged students to study hard, and learn new technologies, when she made a donation to Ocean Academy on behalf of the Church of the Incarnation, Great Falls, Montana, USA. Church members fundraised $3485USD for the purchase of new computers.
February 2010
Donation of School Supplies (Feb. 17): In a surprise visit to Ocean Academy, Minister Manuel Heredia and Minister “Boots” Martinez presented 42 bags of educational materials. Accompanying the Ministers were the Vice Chairman of the Caye Caulker Village Council (Mr Robert Blease) and the Chief Engineer in the Ministry of Works (Mr. Novelo).
Artists and Students Beautify Campus: Ocean Academy's computer lab wall has a great new look: Mayan glyphs that have student names hidden within the symbols. Visiting artists from Baltimore and Washington D.C. - Matthew Gifford and Sonia Keiner - invited students to design and paint their own mural glyphs. In the centre, based on a famous quote by Gandhi, it reads "Be The Change You Wish To See". The result is an outdoor art gallery right on campus. Click here for photos of all the individual glyphs.
"Plants of Caye Caulker" book launch (Feb. 7): Ocean Academy is honored to receive a copy of this newly launched book. Ocean Academy student volunteers helped paint signs identifying native plants in the mini-reserve. Our book copy will be of great interest to science students. Authors Dorothy Bevridge and Jacob Rietsema inscribed our school copy with these words: "For Ocean Academy - fostering environmental and cultural learning. Thank you for your volunteer work with CCBTIA".
"Do The Right Thing" Award: We are very proud of Form II student Jaison, for winning the January regional award for the "Do The Right Thing" community policing award. Each month highschools are invited to nominate one deserving student who is a role model for youth doing positive things in their community. Jaison will be eligible for scholarship prizes in June when all nominations are judged nationally.
January 2010: A NEW YEAR
New Acting Principal: We are pleased to welcome Ms. Hilda Marin as our Acting Principal (and best wishes to Heidi Curry on her maternity leave). Ms. Marin is from Caye Caulker, taught previously at Palotti and Muffles High, was a Nun, and extensive experience as a bank manager. Ocean Academy is in good hands!
New Full-Time Volunteers: Ms. Charlotte is a retired teacher from Alberta, Canada and a teacher-trainer with the Rotary Belize Literacy Project. She will be leading English classes. Mr. Garry is also a retired professor from Alberta, Canada (NAIT) and will be leading computer classes. Ms. Jackie from NYC volunteered all of semester one, and likes teaching so much, that she is returning for the rest of the school year. She will lead a world history class and coordinate afterschool tutoring programs. Erin is from Australia and is an afterschool tutor.
New students: The start of the new semester saw an enrollment of 12 transfer students in Form I. We are excited to welcome our new students to Ocean Academy and have split our Form I into two groups in order to continue to offer small class size and individualized attention.
New building plans: This increase in our student body, plus projected enrollment for next year, means that we need to build new classroom space for next school year. We will be posting a budget soon on this website and soliciting donations to our building fund. We're growing!
