Go to Newsletter 7 in your web browser


BECA News Briefs : Boletin 7 : Winter 2010

  • Community Meetings held with Expansion Schools
  • New Science Classroom Supplements Increased Resources
  • Second-year Teacher Spearheads School for Parents Programming
  • Athena Matilsky Initiates '11-'12 Teacher Recruitment
  • SJBS Drama Club Makes its Debut
  • Indianapolis Euchre Tourney Supports BECA.
  • Second San Francisco Event Raises over $5,000
  • Boston Holiday Party on Dec. 12
  • How YOU Can Help Support BECA!


    • Community Meetings held with Expansion Schools

    By Mike Buttram, Director of Program Development

    In early October I arrived in Honduras for what was to be an eventful and productive trip. It was wonderful to see SJBS functioning so smoothly, led by a team of energetic and capable volunteers and our Honduran co-workers. It reminded me again of how much BECA has accomplished during the seven years of partnership with SJBS and its community. Now by using this same model, BECA plans to grow with two schools in the nearby area whose social mission and desire to provide educational opportunity match that of our own. I met with community members from both during my trip.

    The meeting with our first partner school, Epifania Bilingual, was very well attended. The school has been in operation some years now and the parents of students Pre-K through 6th grade, filled the little church where we met to capacity. Together with the school's administration and members of our own SJBS community, I explained our model and discussed how BECA would offer these same benefits to their own sons and daughters.Once the parents had grasped our goal their only disappointment was that all the students would not have the opportunity to have a BECA teacher. (To ensure organizational sustainability, it has been decided that we provide only three teachers for the 2011/2012 yr. and will increase our presence one teacher per year).



    Meeting with the parents of our other partner school, Santa Monica Bilingual, had quite a different feel. Santa Monica is in its earliest stages of growth which places us in the exciting position of growing along with them. As I sat down with parents there, I could sense a sincere and almost desperate desire for an opportunity just like this one for their children. While all of Honduras is in need, the community where Santa Monica is located has even less, and for these parents, BECA's involvement will mean a huge improvement in their children's education and lives. I can see now that this community will be ready to welcome our volunteers in true Honduran fashion, with food, open arms, and helping hands.

    It's an exciting time for BECA and with our outreach growing we will need the support of our generous friends more than ever. If you're interested in learning more about our new schools or if you'd like to contribute to these efforts please feel free to contact us at any time.

    Back to Top


    New Science Classroom Supplements Increased Resources

    Written by Nathan Greene (MS Science Teacher)

    This has been an exciting first half of the year for the science program. The 7th graders in Life Science, the 8th graders in Physical Science, and the 9th graders in Earth Science have all grown in their knowledge and skills in science and, most importantly, are really engaged in the work that they are doing.

    Although we still lack a good class set of textbooks for each subject, classes have become more interactive, visual, and technologically advanced with the help of a digital projector that was donated by a group of SJBS supporters. This technology has opened up these kids' educational experience to Powerpoint, YouTube science clips, and interactive Jeopardy review games have been brought in the classroom. In physical science, while studying gravity, we watched videos of astronauts in space and discussed weightlessness. In Earth Science, we were exposed to the power of the earth through video clips of earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanoes and in Life Science, we studied the diversity of life through the fantastic BBC series, "Life."



    In addition to watching movies, the kids have done a number of their own projects. While studying about bacteria the 7th grade made their own yogurt, and the 8th grade made their own ice cream while studying the states of matter and phase changes. The 9th grade held a forum discussing the details of continental drift, created playdough models of the earth's interiors, competed in a earthquake-safe building practices with toothpicks and marshmallows upon a "lithosphere" of Jello, competing to build the strongest and tallest structures using concepts they learned in class.

    Every year we are building upon those before us. We have come a long way and now have a beautiful new second story classroom that has an astounding view of the mountains of Cusuco. There is still so much we need, to give these kids the experience with science that they deserve. I will be bringing back a microscope and slides over Christmas break, but we really need a complete class set of microscopes. We also lack glassware (primarily beakers) and sets of microscope slides. Any help that you can give would really enrich these kids experience with science. Stay tuned to the BECA blog and in the words of our kids, "Science, SCIENCE, SCIENCE!!!!"

    Back to Top


    Second-year Teacher Spearheads School for Parents Programming

    Written by Brian Schmitt (MS Math Teacher)

    The advantages of being a second year BECA volunteer are immeasurable. There are simply too many to count and are sometimes so subtle that they are difficult to identify. The one that hit me hardest when I returned to Cofradia in August was how comfortable and at home I felt here in comparison with last year. When I walked to school for the first time this year, I was immediately waving to families of my students and friends. I couldn't help but feel excited and overwhelmingly glad that I had made the decision to stay another year.

    Another huge benefit of the second year is that I am able to do so many things I wanted to do last year but was oftentimes too exhausted or overwhelmed to follow through with them. During the interview process over a year and half ago I remember being excited at the prospect of not just being a teacher in a community but being involved with the community outside of school. One way I have been able to do that this year is by leading the Escuela de Padres (School for Parents). Escuela de Padres is a program hosted by BECA that provides basic continuing education for SJBS parents and other student caretakers. Every other Wednesday 20-35 parents of our students (mostly scholarship parents because they receive points for attending meetings) come to listen and participate in discussions and lessons on certain topics. So far this year, our meetings have been focused largely on economics.

    The day of my first Escuela de Padres meeting I was approximately as nervous as I was before I got my first cavity filled or the first time I started a game pitching in baseball. All of the information I had from last year's Escuela de Padres coordinators reassured me, "Don't worry, speaking in Spanish to a large group is no big deal." After three months of experience doing this I completely agree but in the moments before my first meeting it felt like a huge deal. I envisioned myself incoherently rambling for an hour and people struggling to understand me and whining, like their children do sometimes in math class, or just getting up and leaving 10 minutes into the lesson. My Spanish felt rusty and I was not optimistic. When I showed up at the Church of God to a group of patiently waiting, mostly familiar faced parents, things couldn't have gone more smoothly. People understood the points I was making and people were asking questions. I was amazed at how engaged this group was. Some of them were practically jumping out of their seats when they agreed or knew an answer to a question. When I couldn't come up with a word in Spanish parents loved putting that word into my mouth. It became part of the fun. We talked about keeping a simple balance sheet with all of the families' expenses and analyzing it to find areas where one could potentially save. I could not believe what a great idea so many of them thought this to be. It was obvious from their reactions that they not only understood but they were impressed and wanted to learn more.

    Getting the butterflies out at that first meeting and then having nearly twice as many parents show up to the following meeting made me feel like I was on a roll. Since that first meeting we have had one of the managers, Arsenio Miguel Cruz, of the Banco Occidental talk to our group about a range of topics. Before the meeting he stressed to me that he only wanted to talk for ten minutes at most. I spoke for five minutes at the beginning of the meeting and once I turned it over to Arsenio the meeting evolved into an hour of jokes, heartfelt stories, and concrete information people could use to save money, spend it wisely and get the most out of a bank account. Following up on this community leader's advice, we have discussed the usefulness of having a savings account and distinguishing between needs and wants to cut down on household expenses. We have discussed buying things in bulk to save and where to buy certain items for the best deals. Our meeting this Wednesday will include talks from one of our local tortilla makers and the woman who runs the cafeteria at SJBS on their experiences growing their small businesses. After our financial unit is complete we will discuss new topics such as nutrition, public health and basic English phrases so that parents can understand more of their children's homework.

    Lately parents having been hunting me down to share new ideas for upcoming meetings at lunch and after school. I feel like Escuela de Padres is gaining momentum and constantly collaborating to learn and grow. All this seems to fit nicely into BECA's model of community involvement. This year I am getting to be a part of this involvement constantly and directly. That interconnectedness with parents and families is another one of those second year advantages that makes it all worthwhile.

    Back to Top


    Athena Matilsky Initiates '11-'12 Recruitment

    The BECA Recruitment Cycle has started up once again, this time under the leadership of '08-'09 alumna Athena Matilsky. Athena is replacing Sallie (Graves) Schwartz, who had served as Recruitment Chair for the previous four years. Athena is looking forward to running a smooth recruitment calendar that will result in the best possible teaching team to fill BECA's 19 open teaching positions for the '11'-'12 school year. With recruitment for two new schools, Athena will have her hands full, however, she has over 10 BECA alumni interviewers who will ensure BECA's high level of rigor when it comes to screening candidates. If you know of any recent college graduates who might be looking for a long-term international volunteer opportunity, please direct them to our website where they can apply. Likewise, if any particular career services offices might benefit from BECA informational brochures, please email and notifyus.

    Back to Top


    SJBS Drama Club Makes its Debut

    Written by Nathan Greene (SJBS "Artistic Director")

    San Jeronimo is pleased to announce the addition of another club to our list of after-school activities: Drama club! Drama clubbers are 4th-6th graders (along with a few select superstar 2nd graders). We work with our body and voice as forms of expression, exploring clowning, mimicking, active listening, sharing, passing energy, teamwork, artistry, truth-telling, storytelling, and play.... Lots and lots of play.

    Our end goal for the year is a full-length children's musical production of Disney's "The Jungle Book." This is a lofty goal, but I think we can do it. It will largely be an actor-driven telling of the story. We will be working with limited set and costumes, and within limitations of... well, Honduras. That being said, any monetary contributions provided to our even would greatly enhance the children's experience of what it is like to be in a "real" theatrical production. Stay tuned with the happenings of the SJBS Drama Club!

    Back to Top


    Indianapolis Euchre Tourney Supports BECA.

    On October 22nd, friends of BECA gathered in Indianapolis for our first annual BECA Euchre Tournament. In addition to playing in the round-robin card game, guests enjoyed food, drinks, and great raffle prizes including tickets to an Indianapolis Colts game. Indy residents and BECA alumni Lindsay (Sage) Brake (04-05), Jasmine Roberts (05-07), and Jon Barber (06-07) all joined in the fun and shared their BECA stories with other guests. The evening was a great success and raised $2,000 to support BECA!

    Back to Top


    Second San Francisco Event Raises over $5,000

    On November 16, over 60 people gathered in San Francisco's Mission District to raise money for BECA's operations in Honduras. The event was held at the Bollyhood Cafe and featured a photography silent auction and a raffle of donated items. All in all, the group raised over $2500, which is generously being matched. We would like to thank everyone who came to this second San Francisco event, particularly our hosts: Andrew Schapiro, Eddie Douglas, Maureen Gesley, Lacy Caruthers, Jeremiah Boyle, Jaime McNab, Peter Jonas, Daphne Neilson, and Laurence Birdsey. We look forward to hosting a similar event in November 2012!



    Back to Top


    Boston Holiday Party on Dec. 12

    This Sunday, December 12, BECA alumae Sallie (Graves) Schwartz and Emily Morgan are hosting a Boston holiday party to support BECA. This festive get-together at Sallie's house will be filled with warm drinks, cookies, sweet breads, other treats, and a nice fire in the fireplace. The hosts will make a short BECA presentation and people can donate what they please. The more the merrier, so please invite your Boston friends to have a good time for a good cause! For further information, send us an email.

    Back to Top


    How YOU Can Help BECA!

  • Start a Classroom Sponsors Giving Circle among your friends, family, or colleagues (instructions found when you click "Start a Giving Circle" buttons");

  • Refer a service-minded volunteer to apply as a '10-'11 teacher, or a responsible college/high school student to lead an alternative spring break to our school;

  • Sell Equal Exchange Products (coffee, tea, chocolate) on behalf of BECA;

  • Mentor a BECA volunteer teacher on lesson planning and pedagogy;

  • Help us identify new partners, supporters, or grantmakers, particularly ones with an express interest in Central American and/or educational philanthropy;

  • Run or bike a race where money raised goes towards BECA;

  • Donate pro bono services, such as accounting work, legal work, musical talent, or access to a nice venue/space for an upcoming BECA event;

  • Arrange a short-term "social tourism" visit with BECA for yourself and a group;

  • Suggest places where BECA might present to groups on the work it is doing;

  • Lead a school materials drive to provide more resources for our bilingual school.

  • Donate


    • Back to Top