Happy New Year Eagles!

For as the material of the carpenter is wood, and that of statuary bronze, so the subject-matter of the art of living is each person's own life.

— Epictetus, Discourses 1.15.2, Robin Hard revised translation.

Epictetus, a Greek Stoic philosopher, was born into slavery and crippled at an early age, possibly by his master. Granted the opportunity to study and raise his station, Epictetus was able to free himself at the end of the reign of Emperor Nero in AD 68. Like many other Stoics, this tough early beginning provided Epictetus with a perspective on the guarantees of life...."There are no guarantees." Instead, the only guarantee we can offer ourselves is our acts, our choices, and what we do with what we have.

Epictetus is quoted as saying:

"That alone is in our power, which is our own work; and in this class are our opinions, impulses, desires, and aversions. On the contrary, what is not in our power, are our bodies, possessions, glory, and power. Any delusion on this point leads to the greatest errors, misfortunes, and troubles, and to the slavery of the soul."

"We have no power over external things, and the good that ought to be the object of our earnest pursuit, is to be found only within ourselves."

Many different traditions abound at the New Year. My family's practice is to eat twelve grapes, symbolizing the months of the year, and apply a wish for prosperity to each. This year, in reflection on reading The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius, I asked myself to change my behavior, choices, and opinions. Unlike before, when I would wait for good fortune to befall me, I feel reminded of my responsibility to bring the change I want to see. I am not so bold as to suggest that there is no struggle to get myself to change, but I feel more control over my prosperity. The battle continues, of course!

As we reflect on what the new year will bring for our students, I hope we do our part to instill a sense of control over their behavior, choices, and opinions. The burden of youth is a constant feeling of helplessness, marginalization, and a lack of the ability to give their consent. Let us teach them their power comes from their control of self.

Luis De La Garza

Principal Woodlawn Academy.

Balanced

We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives- intellectual, physical and emotional- to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognize our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live.

Equilibrado

Entendemos la importancia del equilibrio físico, mental y emocional para lograr el bienestar propio y el de los demás. Reconocemos nuestra interdependencia con respecto a otras personas y al mundo en que vivimos.

As the new school semester begins, students are already getting their science on! Our 4th graders conducted an experiment to test which soil retains the most water.

5th graders are currently exploring the question "why do our shadows move?" They dove into understanding how the earth rotates in 24 hours and revolves around the sun in 1 year.

This week our students spent time practicing their research and communication skills. They spent time on PebbleGo research database to learn more about the contributions of Martin Luther King Jr.

To evidence their learning, they created a fun digital, talking meme on the app ChatterPix. They snapped a picture on the iPads and added dialogue to the character.

At IB schools, students not only learn content but get creativity opportunities to express their learning and showcase their skills with knowledge learned.

Did you know that an important component of our IB programmes is reflection. We ask our students to reflect on their learning, their growth, relationships, and the world we are collectively creating. Below is a practical way that the 5th grade team engages their students in reflecting on the learning they engaged in during that day.

A great practice upon returning this semester was a reevaluation of our classroom Essential Agreements. The MYP teachers engaged their students in the practice of reflecting on how students should treat each other, how students and teachers should treat each other, and how everyone should treat our learning environment.

While our students enjoyed an extra day of break early January, our teachers and staff reconnected and spent time reviewing components of our IB Programme. We reviewed our mission statement, IB campus policies, IB programme development plans, and collaborated between specialists and generalists on IB unit planners. It was a busy day for our teachers who brought in good vibes and determination in preparing for all our students.

PYP generalists collaborate with specialists to ensure our students receive a transdisciplinary perspective to their content.

Join us in extending a warm welcome to Mr. Gonzalez, the newest addition to our 2nd grade eagle team. Mr. Gonzalez is a proud Incarnate University grad with former IB schooling himself! He is excited and ready to finish the year strong with our 2nd grade students.

Our students in 3-8th grade will be taking the STAAR simulation this week and next. It is very important that they get the opportunity to experience the new format of the STAAR test before the real assessment.

Please ensure your child is here on time and well rested! The following are the STAAR interim dates.

Jan 10- Reading (3-8th)

Jan 12- Math (3-8th)

Jan 17- Science (5th & 8th only)

Jan 18- U.S. History (8th)

Website: https://schools.saisd.net/page/175.homepage/
Location: 1717 West Magnolia Avenue, San Antonio, TX, USA
Phone: (210) 438-6560
Facebook: facebook.com/SAISDWoodlawnAcademy
Twitter: @IB_Woodlawn