the ESCUELAS we are ADOPTING or ASSISTING
Escuela Rincon de Mora (ERdM) (Blackberry Corner School) - is located in the Rincon de Mora area of San Rafael de San Ramon. Founded in 1964, the school was built as a part of a community project between 1966 and 1970. The two teachers (one of which is the principal) along with the part time religion and English teacher, educate 30 children from grades 1 to 6. Kindergarteners go to the Escuela San Rafael down the road. Classes are held in two sessions per day from this 2 room school. There is a separate building containing a kitchen and multi purpose room. Even though most schools in Costa Rica are painted blue or green on the exterior, Escuela Rincon de Mora was painted inside and out in bright pastels and primary colors in 2007 compliments of a group of missionaries.
Escuela Pata de Gallo (EPdG) is located in a remote region approximately 10 miles southeast of San Ramon. It is the local school for the town of Pata de Gallo (translated as Rooster Foot in English). Similar to escuela Rincon de Mora, it is a two room schoolhouse with an attached cafeteria/kitchen. The school also has a covered play area for the children. There is one full time Teacher/Principal and part time Special Education, Religion and English teachers who visit the school once each week. In 2010 there are 13 students in the entire school, 2nd through 6th grade. Unless things change there will be fewer children next year with no 1st or 2nd grade. The school is in excellent condition, having recently been refurbished through an international cultural exchange program.
The end of the school year ends with graduations in Escuelas and Colegios alike before the start of summer vacations.
We were the 'Guests of Honor' at the graduation at Escuela Rincon de Mora. We asked our friend Tom Ackley to accompany the students on his acoustic guitar while they sang "Feliz Navidad". We bought red tinsel ‘scarfs’ for them to wear for the occasion. Watch YouTube
HERE The students surprised and honored us by giving us a ‘gift’ after they all thanked us on stage in English. Watch YouTube
HEREApproximately 60-70 family and friends were in attendance and it was over in less than 2 hours. We ate at Forty Fay Restaurant after with Xinia and her hushand Juan Carlos.
The law here in Costa Rica requires children to finish the 6th grade. If they choose to go on, the 7th through 11th grades are spent at the Colegio (High School). We have heard from Xinia (the English teacher) that all except one boy is planning on going on to Colegio next year. We are proud of them all and wish them great success.
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