ACES at Isla Bonita

Cherie and Vince Rose of ACES (American Crocodile Education Sanctuary) were back at it on Thursday May 19th, imparting information about the American Crocodiles. This time around, the students of Isla Bonita Elementary School received the opportunity to acquire education, ask questions, and even touch one of the oldest animals in the world, dating back to the Dinosaur Age.
ACES is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of Belize's critical wetland habitats and protected species, specifically Crocodilians, through scientific research and education in order to preserve Belize’s wildlife for future generations.

Further information about ACES may be found at their website http://www.americancrocodilesanctuary.org/, via email at acesnpo@hughes.net or by calling 011-501-631-6366.

Isla Bonita Elementary celebrates 10 years

Isla Bonita students and teachers marched through the principal streets of San Pedro on Thursday, October 7th, 2010 celebrating the tenth anniversary of Isla Bonita Elementary School. It is certainly a proud achievement for the school, which was started in September of 2000. Hurricane Keith damaged the infrastructure shortly after the school had opened its doors, but by October, the school was back up and running, and despite a few stumbles along the way, they now boast around 90+ students, with a roster of eight (8) teachers.
Isla Bonita is the largest private school in San Pedro, and it boasts great achievements such as Brian Schweigler’s high PSE score that topped the all island’s schools results. Students enjoy good education and a wonderful support system at Isla Bonita Elementary. According to Mrs. Addy Trejo, Principal, they have come a long way thanks to the help from businesses and unending support from the families and general public. Congratulations to Isla Bonita Elementary, and here’s to many more years of education!!

Isla Bonita Students receive an introduction to Classical/Rock Music

On Friday May 28th, students from the Isla Bonita Primary school were honored with musical presentations by Dr. Floyd Jackson of San Pedro’s Free Music School and musicians Tull and Brandy, of “Love Paradigm”. Dr. Jackson strives to promote music appreciation to students of all ages. Apart from running San Pedro’s only Free Music School, Dr. Jackson takes time out of his schedule to bring music into the classrooms across the Island.

During this presentation, he was joined by Tull – an accomplished musician, and Brandy – a songstress and accomplished guitar player. The two are contracted exclusively with Fido’s. Dr. Jackson introduced the children to classical music, while the duo fed the children’s imaginations and excitement with music from the Rock genre.

All presenters were received by the children with standing ovations. Dr. Jackson hopes that this exposure will serve to spark an interest in music within the minds of the recipients of the presentations.

Isla Bonita Elementary Student is island's top PSE Scorer

Brian Schweigler, flanked by classmates Sophia Miglio and Jasmine Ritchie

Brian Schweigler of La Isla Bonita Elementary School is the island’s best PSE scorer, with 364 points out of a possible 400. The Primary School Examination (PSE) is a two-part exam given to students to assess their achievement of curriculum content and skills in the areas of English, Mathematics, Social Studies and Science of the National Primary School Curriculum. In a release by the Ministry of Education, it states that “the examination seeks not to rank students in comparison to other students, but to report what each student has achieved for individual skills.”

Below find a list of the top ten scorers on the island. Kudos to the students for their hard work, and also to the teachers, parents and all those who assisted them in their quest for academic excellence.

Brian Schweigler – La Isla Bonita Elementary School – 364
Andreina Acosta – San Pedro RC School – 360
Odalis Duarte - San Pedro RC School – 356
Mahe Pereira – New Horizon SDA – 356
Sophia Miglio – La Isla Bonita Elementary School - 351
Brandon Ramirez – Ambergris Caye Elementary School – 348
Pedro Ayuso – San Pedro RC School – 346
Pablo Barboza – San Pedro RC School – 343
Raquel Reyes – San Pedro RC School – 341
Jasmine Ritchie – La Isla Bonita Elementary School – 338

RC School's top scorers: (L-R) Pablo Barboza, Pedro Ayuso,

Odalis Duarte and Andreina Acosta (missing is Raquel Perez).

The top scorer in the country is Hummingbird Elementary's Siian Rancharan, with a total of 386. The top scorer will be recognized at a national award ceremony later this month (June). The top scorer will receive the Jane and Michael Nembhard award, which includes a computer and financial assistance to the high school of choice.