Professional Documents
Culture Documents
2 0 t h A N N I V E R S A RY
ENCUENTRO
special edition
20
20
thousand smiles
20
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reasons to believe
20
generations
20
20
symbols of friendship
times stronger
times better
stories
20
20
times better
reasons to believe
times prouder
20
stories
20
satisfactions
symbols of friendship
stronger
20
times better
20
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million memories
20
thousand smiles
20
years of legacy
20
generations
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satisfactions
20
unforgettable moments
great accomplishments
Teddy Bear in the unique student uniform, from Eton College in England, brought by Liz during a trip. Eton College has educated young boys for nearly six centuries, according to the vision of Henry VI, by providing a distinctive education, to a long and diverse list of British individuals since the 15th century. The name ETON derives from the Old English Ea-tun, which means, river town. This is a reference to, a town on the River Thames.
We used to sit in meetings and ask the same question! Actually we changed the name, on paper, several times, and we even named the School, New Eton School. We purchased the school already with its name, and for multiple reasons, it could not be changed. In these last 20 years, we have become comfortable with our Schools name; but more important as to what it represents within our own community and throughout our country and abroad. Over the years, our students have become known and welcomed, in prestigious universities receiving scholarships for their academic excellence, personal values, and skills, enhancing the name of Eton. Eton has also developed strong ties with several international associationsIBO, Harvard University, AdvancED---with whom we exchange our ideas and their support for constantly improving our vision and mission. Among corporations and foreign embassies, who know us through personal recommendations, Eton is an important school to consider for the time they will spend in Mexico. Our School and our name, are now synonymous. CONSTANCE BALAWENDER
Something inside me is missing more and more every day. I am beginning to understand that the driving force in my life is education. I need to return to it and give the very best of myself. I want to feel alive again, with the ideas, the plans, the opportunity to put into practice everything that I can give, and everything that education asks from me. Those were the words my mother, Margarita Arzac, founder of (New) Eton School, spoke when she invited me to become her partner in a school she was being offered on sale (1990). When we visited the school facilities, I became very disappointed because they were in terrible conditions. I thought: it would be easier to start from zero than with this, do we really need such a complicated beginning? But then I glimpsed at a very special spark coming from her eyes, I realized she had found the way back to her once lost dream. Lets do it, lets get to work, lets begin transforming Eton into the best school in Mexico. From that moment on, and until her last day (2006), Eton became the great passion that guided every thought and every step in her life. Her passion was highly contagious; teachers, principals, parents, students, administrators, and friends, started to believe in and share her dream. She was a solid, strong, and convincing leader, but above all, she was inspiring to all of us.
ENESIS
Her first job was to foresee the right place for Eton to grow, because at that time, Alpes and Everest were not close to becoming even moderately appropriate facilities. Somehow she ended up choosing a piece of land literally in the dumps of Santa Fe. The road that led to our land was called Camino al Cielo. It wasnt anything like heaven... yet. In the meantime, we made Everest and Alpes as cozy as possible. We actually became experts in remodeling run down houses into wonderful learning environments. Believe it or not, one of my first offices was a laundry room. Our first school year (1990-1991) had a total enrollment of 80 students from Preschool to High School, and thanks to many families that instinctively believed in us over the years, we now have 1,300 extraordinary students. We moved forward with a strong and active faith. Eton grew, and so did we as educators. To succeed one must have tremendous perseverance and will, and that is what the Eton community demonstrated in some of its hardest times. As a result of our growth, we acquired the Alpes 1140 campus and turned it into our
Toddler Center. This building became a very special place for us, for several reasons. It houses our youngest and most tender students, natural wonderers and future graduates, this was also the very same house where Margaritas previous school, Hamilton, had been established back in the sixties. Life is a cycle, no doubt. The year 1997-1998 was the first school term in our Santa Fe campus, and today we have a new dream: to bring our Preschool next door soon.
Buildings grow, school demographics too, but our commitment to excellence in education is what has ultimately driven all our actions. Today we have a strong leadership team, a strong Vision and Mission We know what high quality education looks like, and we want to keep it looking that way.
LIZ PANCHUK
When I compared the philosophy of the International Baccalaureate Organization and the one Margarita wrote in the Teachers Manual, I could see they completely matched, and I remember thinking: What a woman, she is at the forefront, her ideas are far beyond.
ARGARITA
A great attribute of hers was that she always called back when one looked for her, either for something good or not, but she would always be willing to take responsibility. She was a born teacher.
She respected and recognized every individuals efforts to become better, and therefore encouraged them to keep growing and excel.
T H R O U G H YO U R W O R D S
CECI MORENO,
Administrative Director
She used to visit every class, take notes, call the teachers, and give them suggestions, with positive criticism and thoughtful support. I was very surprised by this, and above all by her preparation.
Reflective, love (for her family, friends, and education), strength (a firm hand in a silken glove), judgment, vision, discerning, wisdom, elegance, as music perhaps, energy, teacher one and same: she was, she is, she will always beMargarita Arzac.
I remember her studying at all times, reading, willing to be a step ahead. This preparation was the key to her success and that of the School.
MARGARITA CUELI,
Eton Founder Partner
JAIME LABASTIDA,
Eton Parent
Her love and motivation toward her work; the respect and sensitivity she always kept when addressing students, teachers, parents, and workers; her preparation and experience; her friendly way, even when correcting something; her humility to recognize her errors.
LOURDES VLEZ,
Mexican Program Director Grades 1 through 6
She was a wonderful woman; having children around made her happy. Her thoughts about other people were always full of empathy.
SYLVIA KARAM,
Early Elementary Principal
those of us who followed her example, worked for Etons vision, because she used to model it and guide us to accomplish it. She never left us alone.
TAYDE LICAGA,
Former Elementary Principal
she was devoted to a tireless journey to find something better, something more advanced; her teaching philosophy was always a step beyond.
TAMARA ZAIDENWEBER,
Eton Mother
ducation must begin as a search for the resources to solve that which is still to be known. eachers must awaken in their students different and creative ways of he relationship between teacher and student is equal to, or even more important, than the most advanced teaching m e t h o d o l o g y. thinking, and encourage skepticism and questioning.
A R G A R I TA I S S T I L L I N E TO N TO DAY
L L C H I L D R E N A R E W E L C O M E AT E T O N
e feel fortunate to have families from different nationalities, religions, and diverse backgrounds, who enrich our learning community. Etons cultural diversity is a vivid example of the true meaning of peace. Here, children share their games, their thoughts, and maybe even a bite of their sandwich. They solve problems together, they sit next to each other, and they hold hands to make a circle. We feel proud to contribute in teaching our students about the importance of respect, tolerance, and appreciation towards all human beings.
n April of this year, Eton received accreditation as an international quality school from the AdvancED educational network. AdvancED, is considered to be the worlds largest education community, representing 27,000 public and private schools across the United States, and in 65 countries worldwide, educating approximately 15 million students. Their overall aim is to help schools to be the best they can be on behalf of the students they serve.
H E E TO N C O M M U N I T Y
Our Students
knowledgeable
Understands and repects his own culture and is respectful of individual differences and beliefs.
collaborators thinkers
Maintains a balance between intellectual, academic, physical, emotional, and aesthetic development.
H E E TO N C O M M U N I T Y
O u r Te a c h e r s
Teachers identify with and support the Schools Vision and Mission. Teachers understand that establishing connections between themselves and their students is as important as teaching and learning. These connections address students needs for affection, acceptance, self-esteem, self-confidence, success, and self-fulfillment. Teachers plan their lessons according to physical, intellectual and emotional differences, and celebrate cultural diversity among their students. Teachers provide their students with the tools they require to pursue their interests and satisfy their need for knowledge and skills. They focus on fostering the development of higher-order thinking skills, and work habits, within a nurturing learning environment, where children feel encouraged to ask, think, grow, explore, speak freely, and find creative solutions to their problems. Teachers are life-long learners willing to improve and perfect their teaching skills on a continuous and permanent basis. In their practice, teachers emphasize research, experimentation, and the shaping of reflexive and critical attitudes, by providing meaningful learning experiences. Teachers realize that learners construct their knowledge out of their own experiences. Teachers assume that education is a continuous process and understand that the attainment of goals takes time. Children flourish in an emotionally safe environment. To ensure this, teachers model self-discipline and provide strategies for students to acquire life-long skills. Teachers take advantage of conflict and use it as a teachable moment. Teachers understand that parents play an important role in their childs development and in the learning community as a whole.
H E E TO N C O M M U N I T Y
Our Parents
nce our parents become involved in our Schools everyday life, they form the structure of a stronger, more sensitive Eton. Our School, then becomes a better place, a place of knowing and understanding, for both our students and their parents. Our PTA plays an important role in the development of Eton School. Years of working together have helped us all to understand our Vision and Mission, and reflect upon those ideas in the projects that the PTA Committees select as their goals. Eton has come to represent for our community, a different vision of a school. By working and thinking together, our minds and hearts transcend a place in time, and our School becomes a unique experience and an integral part of our lives.
UR IDENTITY
Eton School is a progressive and nurturing learning community that embraces diversity, enhances collaboration and provides opportunities for individuals to develop their unique potential
MISSION
Eton School provides a strong academic program with an engaging learning environment. We offer meaningful educational experiences which support
VISION
understanding, creativity, problem-solving, ownership of learning, and self-discipline. Eton students will then be capable of pursuing their life choices with commitment and joy, contributing to their community, their country and the world.
I N S P I R AT I O N
ENVIRONMENTS
P R OVO CAT I O N
ndoubtedly, an aspect that is notable in our school and that characterizes our institution, is the manner in which we prepare our environments to make them worthy of our students. Our spaces are a source of provocation and inspiration. From the simple arrangement of class material to the construction of a room, an educational purpose is envisioned. The aesthetic layout of the different areas communicates respect for our students, and their learning ambiance. Our spaces allow for students to gather information and data through all of their senses, as that is how the process of inquiring begins. Our settings offer open-ended objectives, for alternative ways of thinking must be developed early in life. We incorporate nature into our atmosphere so that our students appreciate it, become sensitive to its elements, and are motivated to become responsible for their planet. Other areas were designed for our students to be inspired to read and write, to be able to express themselves through the arts, to gain composure, to stay connected with their families, to promote meeting, communicating and building relationships, and to be able to explore the power within their bodies. Such an arrangement of our learning environment can only reflect our conception of children as capable and competent beings, who benefit from relying on surroundings where their human potential can be enriched. This manner of showing appreciation for being entrusted to care for our students, is rooted in the loving concern that our founder, Mrs. Margarita Arzac, felt for her student body. It has been passed down to all of us, who are now in charge of continuing her legacy. Carmen A. Castillo
EANINGFUL EXPERIENCES
As students participate in meaningful experiences, their minds and hearts are fully engaged and they become the guiding forces of their own learning process.
PEPA PIN
Creativity seems to emerge from multiple experiences, coupled with a well-supported development of personal resources, including a sense of freedom to venture beyond the known.
L O R I S M A L AG U Z Z I
R E AT I V I T Y
usic makes life exhilarating! Singing or playing music together with others creates a brilliant and profound bond... Why is music so important to Eton? Because we want to breathe that magic together. We want to connect, we want to shine, and we want to become alive. Thanks to Margarita Arzacs passion for the piano, music has always been a part of Eton School, and we continue to live with her hopes and dreams of creating a strong music program. Shinichi Suzuki, the creator of the Suzuki method, believed we could ALL become great and good people through the study of music, especially if we start as children. With Margaritas and Shinichis visions, and with the help of our five Suzuki certified teachers, we have succeeded in bringing music a bit closer to all of our lives. Paula Arzac
R O B L E M S O LV I N G
The Project Approach builds on natural curiosity, enabling children to interact, question, and understand how things work in the real world. A project is an extended and in-depth study of a topic which provides opportunities for children to pursue their interests, show their strengths, represent their understanding in diverse ways and work collaboratively with othersThe purposeful application of skills and dispositions in project work opens up many possibilities for children. They learn to be selective in pursuing their own intentions in an environment where learning opportunities abound.
You learn at your best when you have something you care about and can get pleasure in being engaged in. HOWARD GARDNER
ELF-DISCIPLINE
An active mind cannot exist in an inactive body GEORGE PATTON
Self-discipline means doing the right thing even when no one's watching SYLVIA KARAM
At Eton, we truly know our students. We know their names, we know their families, we know their joys, their needs and their hopes. As we engage their minds, we nurture their souls. P E PA P I N
URTURING
V I R G I N I A S TA I R
Feelings of worth can flourish only in an atmosphere where individual differences are appreciated, mistakes are tolerated, communication is open, and rules are flexible-the kind of atmosphere that is found in a nurturing family.
Ten years ago, Eton founders had the vision of providing educational services as a social service project in benefit of Santa Fes neigboring communities. Their dream came true in January 1999, by proffering its facilities in the afternoons to, the Jose Vasconcelos High School.
OMMITMENT
The Vasconcelos School is an opportunity for those of us who cannot afford the morning classes. We have the facilities and many of the morning teachers, but at affordable fees.
Nowadays, people are only concerned about their rights. Reminding them that they also have duties and responsibilities is an act of courage that does not correspond exclusively to politicians. Gandhi
ith joy, generosity, and a growing sense of commitment, Eton Community members have been involved in community service efforts that have become a part of their daily lives and more diversified with each passing school year. Our School family often donates money or goodssuch as blankets, food baskets or furniture, to several charities, but also uplifts the spirit of the Mexican Alzheimer Foundation patients, the little ones in the Unidos por la Montaa program, and the AMANC children with cancer, in many personal ways. In their social service workshops our students design and produce warm scarves and ponchos; work with Habitat for Humanity building new homes; and each classroom plans and implements their ways and means to raise funds for their adopted cause. Students share their talents with music from our choir and theater activities, bringing smiles to the children and adults they support, and to themselves. Eton students learn the value of solidarity and express it with sensitivity. I learned the meaning of helping others and knowing that a smile or a simple reindeer dance can make someones day. Andrea Velzquez, 10th grade
OY
he pleasure of learning and knowing, and of understanding, is one of the most important
and basic feelings that every child expects from the experiences he confronts alone, with other children or with adults. It is a crucial feeling which must be reinforced so that the pleasure survives even when reality may prove that learning, knowing and understanding involve difficulty and effort. LORIS MALAGUZZI
O
To instruct someoneis not a matter of getting him to commit results to mind. Rather, it is to teach him to participate in the process that makes possible the establishment of knowledge. We teach a subject not to produce little living libraries on that subject, but rather to get a student to think mathematically for himself, to consider matters as a historian does, to take part in the process of knowledge-getting. Knowing is a process not a product. (1966:72) JEROME BURNER, THE PROCESS OF EDUCATION
WNERSHIP
Students understanding of content, and even their memory of content, increases when they think through - and with - the concepts and information they are studying. Thinking through issues is not a solo endeavor, however. Students often work with partners or share their ideas in small groups, eventually adding their thoughts to a larger pool of class ideas. Team members often share and build on one anothers knowldege.
the journey of a thousand miles; becoming wiser, growing and developing, enriching our lives...
YEARS
175200 minutes
7300 days
240 months
20 years
2 decades
1 h e a r t
0 regrets
m o r e t h a n a m i l l i o n r e a s o n s t o k e e p o n w o r k i n g
ow do you measure the passage of twenty years? Extending my hand, I ask myself, what
would I pull from this pocket of memories?. I take them out one by one, and observe them as they pass before my eyes, and pause to think, how can I place value on any or all of them? Each and every moment, a specific day or time of the year, the feelings, the events, the place in which they happened, all inspire the intensity placed on each of these memories. Yet, without a doubt, the many different people who have been part of us, have helped to generate the identity of Eton, giving it form and its many tonalities, making it something special to so many. So many lives have been woven together under the same roof and touched by the same drop of time, during these last twenty years. It is because of this, that I have no doubt, that Eton has become a plural rather than singular noun, a collective effort of a team of many who have sought the same objective. Each of these individuals, each one who has formed a part of our community, whatever their task, have helped in their own ways, to achieve our goals, and make the result greater through our joined efforts. Still, there is one person whose absence I particularly feel, and I specially acknowledge for many more reasons than I can count, my mother, our founder, Margarita Arzac. She defined the guideline of my destiny and made it possible for my profession, my work, and the feelings of achievement and satisfaction, to become synonymous. Four thousand work days have gone by in these twenty years, each one similar or different from the other, with a future set in motion by the past, and the past, guided by the hopes of the future. Growing has been marvelous, sometimes difficult and painful, yet many people have accompanied us, resisting the difficulties and sharing the many accomplishments of today. In these few words, I want to express my profound and sincere appreciation to everyone who has walked with us, hand in hand, during this extraordinary journey of becoming Eton.
Liz panchuK
wenty years ago, I walked through the doors of a rugged looking house. The cracks on the patios floor were so wide that childrens shoes got stuck in them. Clothes hung from a rope in the middle of the playground and children seemed to be running everywhere without direction. I had come to look for a job . . . but panicked with what I saw, and on impulse, thought of running back to my car and leaving. I did not follow my thoughts and decided to follow my instincts, and so, I entered the building. Twenty years ago on that very day, in that chaotic looking place, I met a person who would forever change my life, Mrs. Margarita Arzac greeted me with open arms and a warm smile. Her friendly attitude helped me calm down. Her words communicated passion and compassion, and everything I heard resonated with what I had dreamt of doing and becoming. From that moment on, I knew that I had found a new home. Twenty years ago, I set out on one of the most exciting and rewarding journeys of my life; a journey filled with stories of challenges and wonderful moments that made Eton what it is today. There has not been a day at Eton when I have not learned valuable lessons from the children. In this job, I receive hugs and kisses every day. Every time I come here, one of them makes me laugh. They always have a kind word for me and many write messages of friendship and love, which they leave on my desk. I have always considered that I have the best job in the world and I feel blessed and very fortunate. Eton School has surely changed and grown throughout the years, but the dreams I share with my colleagues are by no means over yet. We plan to continue looking toward the future in order to become even better than we are today. We want our students to enjoy, value and remember the experiences they live here, and we hope that some day we will see their children walking through our doors.
yvonne kogan
began working with Margarita at Hamilton School in 1972; Liz was my student in Primary 5, and my own son studied in Eton Junior and Senior High School. Obviously, my life has been this community---and part of my recurring daily happiness are the many students who come to my office and tell me their parents
CONSTANCE BALAWENDER
were my students. Although I have held many positions at Eton, I have always taught and worked closely with students and, emotionally sent them off at several graduations during these past years. While on a day-to-day basis, we do so many things, it is easy to forget who and what we really are. Then I get into class rooms, walk through the halls, celebrate different activities with the students and their parents, and feel that sense of the ties that bind us all together as a community. That strength of belonging is one of the most important and meaningful results of the years during which Eton has been growing and becoming an institution. It is wonderful thing, to move around in a city as large and diverse as ours, and always find someone who is, or has been, a part of that smaller, yet so important entity that forms our School. We have worked hard and thought a great deal about what we are doing. We have graduated well-prepared individuals, who excel in further studies and in their lives. We have a special environment immediately felt when walking through the front doors; yet, most important, is that whenever you are a part of Eton, for however much time you spend here, you never forget your own special experience and that kind word, the constant support, the belief in the goodness of humanity, and the welcoming smile, that says, this is your home away from home---you are important to us.
hy
I like Eton because I have many friends, and I like the telaraa. If Eton were candy, it would be a lollipop because I like them.
Romina Cummings Argelles, Kinder I
For me Eton has been my path to success. It is the place where every step I take is supported, and where I know that if I fall, someone will encourage me to go on.
Mara Paula lvarez Balmori High School, 8
I had the pleasure to meet wonderful people who at first were unknown, strange people I had never seen before, and now more than my friends, they have become my family.
Richie Maldonado Riveroll, High School, 12
Being part of Eton means belonging to a caring and strong community. We grew together.
Tania Grinberg Panchuk, Alumni
I like Eton because I like to be with my friends; Eton is nice because we sing songs.
Luciana Vale Gonzlez, Kinder III
I love Eton because it means getting in touch with kids, Eton means unity.
Eduardo Escobedo
I love Eton because the people I work with have become my school family. I have the opportunity to teach and to learn from my students every day.
Tony Gonzlez.
M a k i n g t h e d e c i s i o n t o h av e a c h i l d i s m o m e n t o u s . I t i s t o d e c i d e f o r e v e r t o h av e y o u r h e a r t g o w a l k i n g a r o u n d o u t s i d e y o u r b o dy. E L I Z A B E T H S TO N
H Y PA R E N T S L OV E E TO N
Eton School is an extension of both home and family for all of us. Its where my kids have grown, learned, made wonderful friends, and found extraordinary teachers who have made a difference in their lives.
Karla Muzuri
Eton is like my second home. It is a place where my family feels safe and where my children have grown and become great human beings.
Paola Klip
Eton is happiness.
Marisol lvarez
for caring
H A N K YO U
for this great place
As time has passed, we became stronger, and with your help, we defined who we are today. the time during your lives that you shared with Eton. Thank you! We recognize and appreciate
REMARKABLE PEOPLE
TH NK
Eton School began with 80 students in a single campus, and now, we have 1,320 students in three campuses. We have facilities that have become more and more suitable to learning and that align with our Mission. Due to our pedagogic methods, techniques, and our constant professional training, Eton is, at the forefront of education in Mexico. Our sta is dedicated to learning and improving their teaching skills, and continue their
YEARS OF GROWTH
studies at both national and international venues, including Harvard University and schools of the Reggio Emilia, Italy.
HE GENERATIONS WALK
here is a place in your heart and among your memories where the word ETON reminds you of your past, present, and future.
There is a special place in our School where your history is always present, in the trees that line our thoroughfare. Each tree marks a generation, and reminds us of our past, present ,and future.
lives, and expecting them to become architects of history; only education can give them the freedom to pursue their life choices, and contribute to the world.
GABRIELA SAGSTEGUI
ODDLER CENTER
165 little hearts start the journey at Eton and 37 staff members work to guide t h e m e v e r y d a y.
A R LY C H I L D H O O D
200 children bring happiness to our School and 47 staff members help them to achieve success.
L E M E N TA R Y
625 smiles fill up our Schools atmosphere and 199 staff members smile with them.
We
all who have shared in this action of remembering with affection our Schools
journey, through the last twenty years. We appreciate your pictures, your thoughtful words, your memories, and your dreams past and present, and share with you, our hopes for and commitment to Eton.
EDITORIAL STAFF Carlos Ramrez, Graphic Designer Gabriel Castro Mara Elena Pelly Mara Elena Ruschke PRINTING Organizacin de Recursos Tecnolgicos Ecmene, S.C. ETON LOMAS Early Childhood Alpes 605 & Alpes 1140 Lomas de Chapultepec, C.P. 11000, Mxico, D.F. Tels. 5520-0410/4225/1142 Fax: 5520/3491 earlychildhood@eton.edu.mx toddlercenter@eton.edu.mx SEP Acdo. # 09050637, 23-VIII-05 ETON SANTA FE Elementary - Jr. & Sr. High School Santa Luca 220, D. Garca Ramos s/n Prados de la Montaa, C.P. 05619, Mxico, D.F. Tel. 5261-5800. Fax: 5292-1950 etonschool@eton.edu.mx Primaria SEP Acdo. # 988595, 19-1-98 Secundaria SEP Acdo. # 988804, 17-IV-98 IBO-MYP-5397 Preparatoria CCH Acdo. #65, 12-VIII-80 IBO-DIP 0855 www.eton.edu.mx
1991 - 2011