New CAS microsite

I know this post should have preceded the other two posts below, and I apologize for any confusion brought about by the delay in announcing (and clarifying) the changes. YES, as you may have figured out by now, there is a new CAS microsite for Brent Subic.

Although this blog has served its purpose quite well in getting information and program procedures out to the public, the new microsite promises to make all this information and its different levels more accessible. The Navigation Panel at the bottom of each page should make it easier to jump from topic to topic, and there should be less digging through page links to get the information you need. Also, helpful information and tips previously shared as posts on this blog tend to get buried under all the more current material as the year progresses. This issue is easily circumvented with the new microsite with its unlimited static pages and the new forum feature. (Should you have a question or concern that is not directly answered in any of the individual pages of the microsite, you can start a topic in the forum, CAS Talk, created specifically to help facilitate discussion about issues, concerns, and ideas about the CAS program.) A contact page with an easy-to-use form is now also available, enabling site visitors an easy and convenient way to send questions, suggestions, or feedback without having to leave the site or open a separate browser window/tab for their mail client.

These and several other features of the new site have made the decision to migrate easy for me. One thing I do miss is not being able to use the "http://brentsubiccas..." url (yet). I believe it helped this blog show up in internet searches more often. The convenience, though, of having all the information I need for my students in one location outweighed this particular feature. Hopefully those of you who did find your way to this blog through your searches won't mind one more click to be re-directed to a more robust incarnation of this information portal. :-)

I am still in the process of migrating the rest of the information from this blog's static pages to their new home. Some of these pages received needed updates, others full re-writes to address the weaknesses of last year's program and processes. I encourage you to have a look at (and bookmark) the new CAS microsite if you have found any of the information on this blog useful. For the time-being, I will continue to re-post CAS-related material here to reach those of you who have subscribed to this blog (or may stumble upon it through a Google search).

(Got feedback, a comment, or suggestion for the new site? Something you'd like to see/featured? Please do let me know. Thanks.)

-mistahTee

International Coastal Cleanup 2011

Check out the new CAS site through this post:

International Coastal Cleanup 2011

New CAS microsite @ http://mrtolentino.weebly.com/cas.html

Check out the available links to help guide you in putting together your program. =)

-mistahTee

International Coastal Cleanup

September 25, 2010 will mark the 25th Annual International Coastal Cleanup activity spearheaded by Ocean Conservancy (click on the link to find out more about this organization).

The Lighthouse Marina Resort has invited our school to take part in this global campaign to clean up our beaches and contribute to the rehabilitation of our beloved planet.

"Together with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and its partners, we can help represent Subic Bay as well as the Philippines in this very special event and show that we can start a sea of change and make a positive impact on the world around us." - Argee Gomez, Resident Manager of Lighthouse Marina Resort

The goal is to get at least 1000 participants to join. This will be held down at the Waterfront, stretching all the way to Moonbay Marina. Event starts at 6:00am on Saturday, September 25.

I am looking for a handful  of seniors (maximum of 5) who would like to take this on as a service activity. What will you need to do?

1. Promote the event and encourage the your peers and community members to participate.
2. Organize the group of volunteers and get them ready for the event on Sept 25.
3. Coordinate with the volunteers and the school for possible transportation needs.
4. Coordinate with Mr. Argee Gomez of The Lighthouse for further instructions and details (promotional materials, maybe invite a guest speaker for Chapel) about the event.
5. Participate in the the actual cleanup day and oversee your volunteers. 

If you are interested in taking the lead on this, please let me know right away by commenting on this post. We'll need to sit down and discuss certain details to get you started with your work. If you'd rather just participate, then read up on the goals of this activity using the links on this post and write up your proposal.

There will be Brent teachers participating as well, but this is certainly a wonderful opportunity for you to address several of the learning outcomes that you have been missing out on. 

For more information on International Coastal Cleanup, click on the image below,

(Click the image to learn more about the International Coastal Cleanup)

or watch this:

(Click this button to add this event to your Google Calendar.)

Giving Back

Has your bubble been burst yet?

Last year during a teachers' conference in Manila, I listened to a student deliver a keynote speech in front of a big theater hall full of teachers, principals, and other professional educators. To be honest, when I first saw the agenda for the day I was actually a bit surprised that a student was invited to speak. I remember saying to myself, "Wow, this kid must be really something..", but I didn't think much of it then. After all, Taylor Mali was speaking right after him. (If you're not familiar with Taylor Mali, google him and watch the videos. He's a very entertaining and inspiring teacher and slam poet. You'll understand what I mean once you've seen the videos of his poetry.)

Sam Ramos-Jones was a senior then at the host school, International School Manila (ISM). He presented his thoughts on what giving back meant to him, and how Service Learning/CAS made an impact in his life. Watch the video (in two parts below) and reflect on what he has to say. (He speaks a bit fast, so feel free to rewind the video at anytime.)

Part 1

Part 2

I can barely remember what Taylor Mali shared that morning. 

Sam's reflections and challenge, however, continue to inspire me to push CAS into our school's consciousness so we can be the change our world needs.

Sam's teacher was right: "When we listen, we can learn a lot from our students. As long as we continue to nurture their creativity, provide opportunities for their growth, and are inspired by them, we can all be the change, together."

I am listening. =)


*Sam was a 2009 EARCOS Global Citizen Award recipient for his work with PREP (Promoting Rural Education in the Philippines). Learn more about PREP here.