Caye Caulker Ocean Academy
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News Archive: 2011
December 2011
Amazing Field Trip to Mexico: Five of Ocean Academy's top Jr. Science students went on an educational trip offered by the Mexican Embassy to visit a Planetarium and Mayan Museum in Chetumal, Mexico. Donor Valerie Baggett generously sponsored the students' costs from the island to the Embassy, and Science teacher Sarah Requena chaperoned.
See more photos of the Christmas Xtravaganza on our school Facebook Page. Community sponsors and volunteers helped make this event possible and we will be updating the thank-you page soon.
Friends Anna, Ava and Principal Linda visited Ocean Academy, volunteered with Xtravaganza facepainting, and donated prizes, school supplies scholarship funds. Ava's classmates made friendship bracelets for all the students at Ocean Academy. Danny Michel made introductions and senior student Artie gave them an animated tour of the school.
November 2011
Garifuna Day on Caye Caulker: November 19th is Garifuna Day in Belize and drummers entertained on Front Street. At Ocean Academy students celebrated all cultures of Belize with a Social Studies assembly presentation on the Garifuna, Mestizo, Creole, Maya, Mestizo and Chinese cultures that comprise our society.
Danny Michel arrives at Ocean Academy! The entire student body was so excited to meet Canadian singer Danny Michel. Students organized an assembly (led by Form II class) and presented poems and thank-you cards to Danny to express their deep appreciation to all his fans who have contributed to Ocean Academy. Also in attendance were the Hon. Minister Manuel Heredia Jr., Caye Caulker Village Chairman Alberto Villanueva and two council members and Board member Ellen Armstrong. Then....Danny presented the school with a giant cheque for $20, 170.3 USD!!!! Danny's goal is to raise $30,000 by Christmas and you can read more on his website. More photos and stories from the exciting day are also posted on Ocean Academy's Facebook.
Gymnastics classes: Thank you v
olunteer coach Susanna Gust.
Farewell Party for Ms. Natalie: In September Natalie Arceo joined Ocean Academy's staff as the English and Choir teacher. Students instantly bonded with this dynamic and dedicated teacher and all were looking forward to a great year together. Sadly Ms. Natalie had to resign this month due to health issues. Students and colleagues wish her improved health. Please come back and visit us soon :)
October 2011
Halloween Costumes: Cutest (Cheyenne as Red Devil), Funniest (Dylan as a Grandma). There was also Scariest (Estrella as a mauled woman), Prettiest (Kyra as black witch) and Most Original (Elizabeth as teacher from last year).
Crazy Hat Day: Student Council`s First activity to promote school pride and fun was a great success!
Student Leadership Council: Ocean Academy students elected their leadership council to represent student views, promote positive school spirit, and plan fun school events. Teacher sponsors are Ms. Natalie Arceo and Principal Hilda Marin.
Rainy season: The entrance to Ocean Academy becomes a muddy lake!
Professional development: Ocean Academy´s Science teacher, Sarah Requena, is also the community librarian. She attended a workshop in Belize City to learn about a new library database that will help students conduct research and find resources online.
September 2011
Assembly: September´s school assembly was organized by the Form IV class. Senior student, Ramir, read aloud a eulogy for the Hon. George Price and led a minute of respectful silence. Form II student, Idalia, also read a poem and the school choir sang Sweet Child of Mine. Teachers then honoured the senior class with certificates listing the qualities we most appreciate in our Form IV students. The next assembly will be led by our Form III class.
Happy Birthday Principal Marin! The September School Assembly closed with Form IV students presenting a birthday cake to Principal Hilda Marin, and then sharing cupcakes they baked for the entire student body.
Mercedes to represent Caye Caulker at Youth Conference: Youth Leaders from across Belize will meet September 30th-October 1st for the consultation "Strengthening National Youth Governance Networks and Leadership in Belize". The consultation is facilitated by Youth for the Future, and trainers from Barbados and Guyana associated with the Commonwealth Youth Centre Caribbean Programme. Ocean Academy is proud that Mercedes was invited, and confident she will do a great job speaking on behalf of Caye Caulker youth.
Danny Michel's Auction & Fundraiser: Danny is an acclaimed Canadian musician who is fundraising on behalf of the students of Ocean Academy. Danny has travelled to Caye Caulker many times to relax, and compose his albums. His song "Feather, Fur and Fin" was recorded in Belize and features several island children on the video. The environmentally-themed song was selected for the David Sukuki Playlist for the Planet. He will travel to Caye Caulker in November to volunteer teach a songwriting class for students and perform with them at the December 10th Christmas Xtravaganza. Check out his website created for Ocean Academy, www.dannymichel.com/newsite/thebelizeproject.html , where you can see his daily fundraising totals, and also listen to his music and see his tour schedule.
Compost and Gardening Group Wins National Awards: Ocean Academy's Compost and Gardening Group won three prestigious national awards, presented at Belize City's Bliss Centre on September 13th by the Ministry of Education and Youth For the Future. The Awards theme was "Young Patriots" and Ocean Academy won in three categories: 1st in Youth Environmentalism, 2nd in School Club and 2nd in Youth in Agriculture. The after-school club is now so popular that an elective in landscaping/gardening has been added to the school schedule. Congratulations to founding club members Mercedes, Kyle, Yuma, Estrella, Lilly and Elizabeth. Thank you to the Caye Caulker Village Council for seed money, club mentors, business clients, and Caye Caulker Water Taxi Association for transportation to the ceremony. Read more about the event.
Congratulations Osmin! Osmin is the proud recipient of a full tuition and books scholarship from the Hol Chan Marine Reserve Scholarship Fund. Read all about it.
August 2011
Teacher Professional Development and Training Month: August was a busy month as teachers prepared for the new school year by going back to class themselves. Co-founder and Projects Director Joni Valencia worked with the Belize Literacy Project as a facilitator for two workshops training Belizean Primary-School Principals, and then training new teachers. English teacher Natalie Arceo, Math teacher Jose Montero, I.T. teacher Bernie Mathus and Science teacher Sarah Requena all attended CXC/CSEC trainings in their subject areas. Marilyn Alarcon attended training in lifeskills and counselling. As well, teachers Otto Puc, Natalie Arceo, Yeseni Bolanos, Jose Montero and Marilyn Alarcon attended sessions for positive classroom management, youth engagement, teaching strategies and incorporating technology in the classroom.
Island Collegiality and Professional Development: Ocean Academy co-founders Heidi Curry and Joni Valencia, at the initiative of CCRCS Principal Chan, facilitated a full-day workshop around the theme of positive behaviour management strategies with primary-school teachers working at the Caye Caulker Roman Catholic Primary School (CCRCS).
July 2011
Financial Literacy Camps: Co-Founder and Projects Director Joni Valencia joined the Peacework Team to facilitate financial literacy camps at several Belize City primary schools. More than 250 interns and professionals from PwC (Price Waterhouse Coopers) travelled to Belize to lead this innovative programme. In addition to financial literacy camps for children, PwC led a professional development course for Belizean teachers, and Ocean Academy's Marilyn Alarcon attended the teacher component.
June 2011
June 11, 2011 First Graduation Ceremony. Amira Marin, Danny Marin, Lexee Marin and Morgan Carrasco are the pride of Caye Caulker as the very first graduates of Ocean Academy. This group of young people have great plans for their futures! Danny has been accepted into the University of Belize, and Amira will study at Muffles. Morgan will continue to work with local conservation groups. Lexee has been hired by Belize Diving Services after successfully completing her Advance Diving course through Ocean Academy's aquatic tourism P.E. You can read the full press release, and see more photos of the celebration.
Official Crest Unveiled at Graduation and Awards Ceremonies: The open book tops our shield illustrating that learning is paramount to what we do at Ocean Academy. Three gold coins represent the three founders who sacrificed time, effort and funds to establish our school. The dolphin is a symbol of the freedom that education brings. Rolling waves are a metaphor for our perpetual desire to push forward and break barriers. Mangroves signify strength and stability rooted in education. The foliage around the shield indicates Ocean Academy's committment to environmental education and conservation.
School Trip to Goff's Caye: Despite the drizzly weather, students and staff had a great June 17th on Goff's Caye. We played beach football, built sandcastles, snorkeled the reef and even saw a manatee. See more photos.
Friends of Swallow Caye (FOSC) and Ocean Academy teamed up for a community service project to paint and decorate the new FOSC Front Street office. The exterior reef scene decorations, including the manatees, were made from recycled materials. Learn more about FOSC's manatee protection programs.
Awards Ceremony 2011: Many businesses and individuals generously donate tuition scholarships to deserving students. These scholarships currently range from $25-$500usd and are credited directly to the student's tuition account at Ocean Academy. Some donors have also created Memorial Awards to honour loved ones. Tuition assistance makes the world of difference to the academic futures of many students. Contact us if you are interested in sponsoring a tuition scholarship.
Congratulations Gardening & Composting Group!
Chocolate's Gift Shop Award for Environmental Conservation
Hilda Marczak Memorial Trophy for Community Involvement
Amanda & Scrumpy Award for Community Involvement
Congratulations Mercedes!
Iguana Reef Visionary Award
Raggamuffin "Spirit of Ocean Academy"
Sea Dreams Hotel for Top Achievement in Form III
Greg Bailey English Award: Excellence
Renewal of International Friends of Belize scholarship
Honour Roll
Congratulations Lilly!
Lazy Iguana Attendance Award
Seaside Cabanas Citizenship Award
Raggamuffin "Spirit of Caye Caulker"
Sea Dreams Hotel for 2nd Top Achievement in Form III
Jeanne Link Effort in English
Greg Bailey English Award: Excellence
Patty Holden Memorial for Effort in Math
Renewal of International Friends of Belize scholarship
Honour Roll
Congratulations Elmir!
The Split Complex Award for Sacrifices, Perserverance & Determination
Sharon Uscheller and Ilna Auxillou Scholarship
Caye Caulker Village Council "Spirit of Caye Caulker"
Congratulations Evelio!
Raggamuffin "Spirit of Ocean Academy"
Tropical Paradise Award for a Professional Student in Form I
Tsunami Adventures Award for Honesty & Integrity
Sea Dreams Hotel for 2nd Top Achievement in Form I
Wilber Carballo Effort in Math
Greg Bailey English Award: Promising Writer
Cayeboard Connection Internet Award for Effort in Social Studies
Honour Roll
Congratulations Kyle!
Frenchie's Diving Award for Aquatic Excellence
Congratulations Ramon!
Caye Dreams Real Estate for Great Improvement Over the School Year
Habanero's Caana Award for Great Improvement
Congratulations David!
Caye Caulker Condos Award for Entrepreneurial Spirit
Habanero's Caana Award for Great Improvement
Congratulations Estrella!
Molly & Neil Bradley Tourism Skills Award
Congratulations Michael!
Belize Diving Services Award for Presentation Skills
Sea Dreams Hotel for 2nd Top Academic Achievement in Form II
Cayeboard Connection Internet Award for Effort in Information Technology
Sharon Uscheller Scholarship
Honour Roll
Congratulations Ramir!
Belize Diving Services Award for Communication Skills
Congratulations Cheyenne!
Tropical Paradise Award for a Professional Student in Form I
Greg Bailey English Award: Promising Writer
Congratulations Clifton!
Molly & Neil Bradley Award for Tourism Skills
Congratulations Yuma!
Walter Marczak Memorial Trophy and Book Prize for Science in Form I
Congratulations Denzel!
Molly & Neil Bradley Award for Tourism Skills
Congratulations Artie!
Caye Caulker Condos Award for Entrepreneurial Spirit
Cayeboard Connection Internet Award for Effort in Business
Congratulations Ashley, Xena, Idalia!
Caye Caulker Condos Award for Courtesy
Congratulations Sophia!
Sea Dreams Hotel Award for Top Achievement in Form I
Honour Roll
Congratulations Angel!
Sea Dreams Hotel Award for Top Achievement in Form II
Honour Roll
Congratulations Yvon!
Cayeboard Connection Internet Award for Effort in Spanish
Greg Bailey English Award: Promising Writer
Sharon Uscheller Scholarship
Congratulations Osmin!
Cayeboard Connection Internet Award for Effort in Science
Hol Chan Marine Reserve Scholarship
Congratulations Stephanie!
Caye Caulker Plaza Hotel Scholarship
Congratulations Anifa!
Syd´s Restaurant Award
May 2011
Crocodiles in our Backyard: Ocean Academy students Kyle and Yuma helped catch, tag and release a neighbourhood croc.
Science Fair A Great Succes: Students welcomed classes from the primary school and members of the public to view their interactive exhibits and experiments. Water purification is shown in this photo. To see photos of other displays, click here (lemon juice rocket, solar power, circuits, cohesion, waste management solutions, animal habitats and more).
National Scholarship Winners: Congratulations Lilly, Jaison and Mercedes for a renewal of tuition scholarships for next school year by International Friends of Belize. The donors are an organization of former Peace Corps volunteers, and they selected this year's winners from over 50 applicants nation-wide.
April 2011
Night School Adult Graduates. Students in the Spanish (left) and English Second Language (right) gathered together on their last night of classes for an interactive graduation ceremony. Teacher Yeseni asked students to dress in a job uniform and then paired both classes of language learners in role plays: Spanish and then English. Congratulations to all graduates of level I languages, and thank you to volunteer instructors Diana and Leah.
Holland College Sports Camp a Success! Over 100 children aged 7-13 participated in an exciting Sports and Art Camp on April 2nd, which was organized by students from Holland College's Sports and Leisure Management Program (P.E.I., Canada). This marks Holland College's 2nd year coming down to Caye Caulker to work with the island youth. All children received a certificate of participation at the end of the camp. Leading up to Saturday's event, the Holland College students led P.E. classes at Caye Caulker Roman Catholic Primary School, tutored and also painted at Ocean Academy, and volunteered at the Forest Reserve cleaning up beach trash. Thank you as well to Ocean Academy Interact Club Jr. Leaders Morgan, Sophia, Ashley, Iriani, Dylan and Clifton and teacher Marilyn for assisting with Saturday's event, and Cesar and Dane for assisting with painting.See you next year Holland College!
Omega Phi 
Alpha Dance Fundraiser: Caitlin Lacey is the social chair of Omega Phi Alpha at Oklahoma State University, and every year the sorority organizes a formal Spring Dance to benefit a worthy cause. Caitlin has travelled several times to Caye Caulker and inspired her group to fundraise for Ocean Academy at this year's dance, by donating either $5 at the door or the equivalent in school supplies. Thank you!
Art Elective. Thank you volunteer instructor, Michael.
Baking
Elective. This photo: chocolate creamcheese brownie about to go into the oven.
Volunteer Muralist coming to Caye Caulker: Melissa Milakovic has led mural and creative projects with children in Nicaragua as well as Canada. Melissa is planning to volunteer on Caye Caulker for the months of June and July by teaching art and facilitating murals at both Ocean Academy and with the Youth Environmental Club. She plans to document the experience and publish a photobook afterwards to distribute as a fundraiser for childrens' art education on the island. Melissa has set up a project page at Indiegogo so please consider making a donation towards her muralist work in Caye Caulker this summer by clicking here. You can also see some examples of fabulous murals Melissa worked on with Nicaraguan children on her personal website.
Standard VI students write mock PSE Exam: Every Saturday morning this school year, dedicated Standard VI students have been coming to Ocean Academy to study for their PSE (Primary School Exam). Sarah Requena (Ocean Academy's Science teacher, and also the community librarian), assisted by Joni Valencia (Ocean Academy co-founder), have been working with students to sharpen their test-taking skills, and tutor in Math and English/Social Studies. Saturday April 2nd the Standard VI class wrote a "mock exam" in preparation for the April 11th nation-wide testing. Good luck Standard VI students at Caye Caulker Roman Catholic School!
March 2011
Idalia creates winning slogan: For the Hol Chan Marine Park 2011 slogan competition, Idalia came up with the winning slogan: The Reef. Our Present. Our Future. Let's protect it. Idalia's slogan will be printed on t-shirts and park publicity materials. Her entire Form II class join her on her prize of a guided snorkel trip to the Hol Chan Marine Park.
PADI Advanced Divers: Congratulations to 11 Aquatic Tourism P.E. students who are now advanced scuba divers: Byron, Clifton, David, Denzel, Elizabeth, Estrella, Kyle, Lexee, Morgan, Mercedes, Yuma. Students even got to try out underwater photography. The scuba diving P.E. class was made possible because of the generous leadership and training provided by Belize Diving Services (thank you volunteer instructors Cal, Pablo, Chip and Danielle) and sponsor Patrick Savage.
Marine Debris Art Project: Ocean Academy students teamed up with the Youth Environmental Club and ECOMAR to create an artistic turtle made out of marine debris. Students combed Caye Caulker's shore and collected plastic water "shilling bags", plastic bags bottle caps, rope and hard plastics. These were converted into an artistic turtle display. The goal was for ECOMAR to send the turtle to Hawaii for the 5th International Conference on Marine Debris.
Welcome Otto Puc who is our new teacher of Business and Accounting, and co-ordinator of school entrepreneurship projects. Otto comes to Caye Caulker from Succotz Village. He studied Business Administration (Eastern New Mexico University) and has a Bachelor's in Computer Science (Drexel University, PA). Previous to joining Ocean Academy's teaching staff, Otto worked five years with Belize's Cubola Publications and Stonetree Records, and several years as an accountant for various businesses.
Inside our classes: Form III and IV students are creating some very interesting hands-on assignments. Science class students are examining negative human impacts on the environment with these before and after diaramas depicting deforestation, oil spills and river contamination.
World History students are researching a variety of topics such as the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, WWII Battle of Pearl Harbour, and 9-11 terrorism in the USA.
February 2011
Compost and Gardening Project update: Student gardeners are expanding their culinary herb small business to include Cinnamon Basil and Mint in addition to the popular Cilantro. The Basil seeds donated by NASA come in two vareties: Earth-based and Space! Thank you to volunteers Tom Egan, David and Kathy Holscott who are helping the students with this project. Read a progress report and see more photos.
NASA Guest Speaker: Peter Smith guest lectured about the history, technology and future of Space Exploration programs. The Science teacher and students especially appreciated the donation of posters, resources and space shuttle model kits. Perhaps an Ocean Academy student was inspired this month to become an astronaut one day!
Interact 
Club of Ocean Academy shows community love on Valentine's Day: Students designed Valentine's cards for 10 island families, and went to their homes to offer food gift bags. The cards wished families a Happy Valentine's Day, and expressed the students' feeling that everyone is a loved and important member of the community. Club members were met with smiles, hugs and even cupcakes :) Thank you Grace Kennedy Foods and Caye Caulker Bakery for donations.
Science Research Projects: In Science class students are studying some negative effects of pollution and the human footprint on the Earth. Here is one example of a research poster about Reduce/Reuse/Recycle.
Geochallenge Results: The good news is that our project entry was viewed over 2400 times! A lot of people around the world learned about Ocean Academy's environmental education and aquatic tourism programs. Unfortunately, we did not earn enough online votes to win the $5000 prize. Thank you to everyone who took time to vote, and thank you for your continued support!
Visit from Area Representative Hon. Minister Manuel Heredia Jr.: Minister Heredia toured Ocean Academy accompanied by the Village Chairman Alberto Villanueva Jr. He donated boxes of backpacks and notebooks for the students, and presented Princiapl Hilda Marin with a cheque for $2500USD.
Welcome Miss Yeseni Bolanos: Yeseni joined Ocean Academy's teaching staff in January. Previously she taught in Mainland Belize and also Costa Rica. At Ocean Academy Yeseni is teaching Spanish, Psychology elective, Swimming P.E., and English (reading). She will also teach adult night classes of English as a Second Language, and Spanish for Beginners.
January 2011
VOTE FOR OCEAN ACADEMY TODAY: www.changemakers.com/coasts
Ocean Academy was selected for the 12 finalists out of 250 entries from 54 countries.
The three finalists who get the most online votes before Feb.2nd will each be awarded $5000.
You can help: Log on to www.changemakers.com/coasts, click our project "Caye Caulker Ocean Academy", then click "vote" in the upper-right Take Action Box.
The purpose of the competition is to support innovative tourism solutions that protect the environment and strengthen the heritage and livelihoods of local residents. When you log on to vote, you can read our full entry about Ocean Academy's environmental education and sustainable tourism programs.
Cilantro Sale a Success! One of our school's small business project -composting and herbs - has sprouted it's first batch of cilantro. Students marketed around the village and quickly sold out. Orders are already in for more cilantro, and expansion to other culinary herbs.
Wedding: Congratulations to school co-founder Joni Miller, and Pablo Valencia, on their January 8th wedding. Ocean Academy students threw a school party for (Mrs.!) Joni and read aloud love poems.
