"Abintra allowed me to proceed at my own pace and pursue my own academic interests...areas where I felt comfortable, confident, and connected to an otherwise confusing world." - Roger Diehl, Biochemist   Roger during a trip to Yorkshire. Roger Diehl graduated from Abintra in 2005, and then attended Hillsboro High School. He got his Bachelors of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin, and is still there today working towards his PhD in Biochemistry. Learn more about Roger as he shares his story! Abintra: Tell us a little bit about yourself. Roger: I am currently a graduate student in Biochemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, studying under Professor Laura Kiessling. I study interactions between carbohydrates and proteins, which are important for myriad biological processes, particularly development and the immune system. I really enjoy my work, though it involves a lot of uncertainty since many of my experiments have never been done be...

We had many lessons about money in the Early Childhood classrooms during the month of March because of the Sylvie Stewart Coin Drive! The students were curious about the coins, so we presented the concept of money and discussed what we use money for. The children were invited to study each side of the coins, and also to notice the differences between pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters.  They learned the value that each coin represents, and also observed the art on each coin. The students repeatedly practiced sorting the coins and counting them by 1s, 5s, 10s, and 25s.  Many different lessons were given.  The children really enjoyed understanding the purpose of money and the Sylvie Stewart Coin Drive!

How do you feel when someone takes notice of your hard work and acknowledges you for it? How does positive feedback affect your motivation? Compliments and acknowledgments are important to the Lower Elementary community, and we practice sharing and accepting these on a weekly basis. In our classroom, students learn how to observe and articulate the positive in others and in themselves through role-playing, discussions, and writing activities. Every community meeting starts with compliments or acknowledgments and sometimes the class gives an individual student an acknowledgment circle. These acknowledgments enhance students' sense of belonging by teaching them to notice and cultivate the positive aspects in each other, fostering close connections. These statements also help the students understand how their actions have a positive impact on their classmates and allow them to see the value of their contributions.

"Most schools prepare you for the next level of school. Abintra prepares you for life." --Adrian Bourgeois, Musician Adrian during a recent interview for SubMerge magazine Meet Adrian, a graduate of the Abintra class of 2002. He attended high school in Sacramento at the Natomas Charter School Performing and Fine Arts Academy, and then spent his college years at UC Santa Cruz. Today, Adrian is devoted to his music. "Music is and always has been the key focus of my life," he said. "I've always seen the creative process as a craftsmanship, and I am most keenly interested in music's ability to unite people, challenge people, and ultimately change people and the culture they make up." While his music career has allowed him to go on tour across the country during the past few years, he now lives in Los Angeles, where he plays in a band called See How They Run . Adrian also just released his second album Pop/Art , a double album he record...

Some of the most profound work that the children do happens during recess. Fort building has always been a social learning opportunity for Abintra's students.  For Middle Elementary, it recently took on added dimensions. Our cultural studies included the rise and fall of the Roman Empire.  We examined the many legacies that Rome has left to the modern world: word roots, mythology, the names of the planets, roads, aqueducts, indoor plumbing, public baths, and tile mosaics, to name just a few.  The Romans also left us with the idea of a representative democracy, emperors, senators, and consuls.  Additionally, public responsibility, slavery and the treatment of slaves, and the rights of women made an impact on our modern culture. Middle Elementary children took their history into the woods.  They began building a system of forts based on their understanding of Roman culture.  The forts included a store and headquarters where goods were ...

Cultural activities are fundamental when learning another language. Andrea from the Global Education Center taught Lower Elementary and some Early Childhood students Folkloric Dancing from Mexico. Her instructions were in Spanish. Lower Elementary students are learning about parts of the plant and parts of the flower.   They had a chance to decorate their pot and then plant some seeds in it.  Students will take their plant home as soon that they are ready. First year students are using sequence cards to make a Spanish story or sentences.  I’m amazed by how many Spanish words they use in their stories! Lower Elementary is working on a play about community members in the Community. We included some gardening vocabulary in our play. Lower Elementary students enjoy listening to stories and reading to other friends. Elizabeth, Claudia Santibaňez's sister, visited us from Chile and gave Middle Elementary students ...

"Abintra influenced every part of who I am today."   --Marcelle Fischer, Dance Instructor Marcelle today Marcelle graduated from Abintra in 2004 and spent her high school years at Currey Ingram Academy. She then attended Maryville College, where she studied Child Development and Learning, as well as American Sign Language. She returned to Currey Ingram to work as a teacher's assistant after graduating, and now works as the school's dance instructor. When she's not teaching dance, you can find Marcelle enjoying one of her many hobbies including running, biking, hiking, photography, video editing, and painting. She recently spent time working on a Habitat for Humanity house build, and has also been busy planning her upcoming wedding this fall. Abintra: How do you think your time at Abintra influenced you future experiences? Marcelle at Abintra Marcelle: Abintra influenced every part of who I am today. I am extremely aware of what kind of rol...