The Owl 8/23/2023
New Faculty Introductions!
Below are just some of our new staff who will be joining us this year! We will introduce more before Tuesday! NOTE: You will be hearing from your child’s homeroom teacher by the end of this week!
Maru Bolanos
Spanish 1st Grade
- From Mexico
- BA in Liberal Studies, Minor in Spanish from Portland State University
- BS in Geography from Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) in Mexico City
- Spanish as a Second Language Teacher Certificate from Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City
- Teacher’s Diploma from Instituto Angloamericano in Mexico City
- Former School Principal at Colegio Hamilton in Mexico City, a bilingual school of 1,100 students and a team of 180+ staff members
- Almost two decades of teaching experience
Hello! My name is Maru and I am from Mexico City. Working with children is a privilege for me. With them, I have fun, I learn, and above all they give meaning to my life. I am very excited to develop and create activities that will excite my students on this fabulous path that is life. I plan to contribute with their parents to form self-confident human beings that crave knowledge. Above all, my goal is for the children to enjoy their childhood years and transmit values of respect, collaboration, and diversity. The diverse environment of ISP, fills me with hope for a world that has love and respect and where each and every one is valued for their unique characteristics. Outside of school, I enjoy cooking, traveling, painting, and spending time with my beautiful family. May we have a wonderful school year!
Bienvenidos, Maru!
Maria Hosseinian Gudin
Spanish Third Grade
- From Spain
- Master’s in Neuropsychology and Education from Universidad Internacional de La Rioja in Logroño, Spain
- BA in Primary Teaching from Universidad Internacional de La Rioja
- BA in Pedagogy from Universidad Complutense de Madrid
- Teaching since 2018; working with children since a teenager!
I am enthusiastic about becoming a part of the ISP family, and join the philosophy and values that we share. It is noticeable that the sense of community in this school goes beyond the classroom walls. As a third grade teacher, I will try to do my fair share in continuing to build the feeling of belonging within my group.
As a child, I would be the eternal player; so, as a grown up, I just kept playing in every way I could. You can find me doing any sport that comes up, rolling out my yoga mat, learning a new language, playing board games, having endless conversations with friends or getting lost in nature on a good hike.
My way of seeing the world has been shaped by my love for literature and travellng, so I always try to spread both passions with the people around me, especially in my teaching practice. I look forward to starting this new adventure and meeting the kids and families of ISP!
Bienvenidos, Maria!
Romina Guanuco-Crandall
Spanish Kindergarten
- From Argentina
- Master’s in Spanish from Portland State University
- BA in English and Teaching Certificate from Instituto de Educación Superior N°4 in Jujuy, Argentina
- 9 years teaching experience
It is my honor and privilege to be a part of the International School of Portland, dedicated to fostering holistic growth and nurturing young minds. As an educator, I aim to create an environment that encourages creativity, curiosity, and collaboration. It’s not just about disseminating information; it’s about fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas, where every student’s voice is valued and celebrated. I strongly believe that each of my students is unique, with their own strengths and areas of growth, and my mission is to empower them to embrace their potential and develop a lifelong thirst for knowledge. I am excited about the adventures that await us and look forward to building a meaningful and impactful educational journey together.
My hobbies include reading books, exercising, doing make up and taking pictures in nature.
Bienvenidos, Romina!
Global Kids Extended-Day Enrollment – New Classes Added!
Enrollment for Global Kids is OPEN! Global Kids offers extended-day options for PreK through 5th grade students and Alternative Days (no school days). Global Kids will begin the first day of school, August 29th, and will be open on regular school days from dismissal to 5:30pm, Monday through Friday, and offers a 2:30 start time on Wednesdays for our Early Release Days.
UPDATE:
- ISP Extended-Programs is happy to announce the introduction of After-School Enrichment Clubs!
- Lego Robotics is now open to Kinder and 1st graders!
- Check out other awesome Clubs like Theater Club, and Outdoor Games Galore! For more information on clubs, see the Global Kids page.
- Global Kids will now feature two field-trip Alternative Days for K-5th students!
- Find out more on our website! intlschool.org/globalkids/.
For more information about the Global Kids Extended-day Program, including Fees, Program Schedule, Enrollment Information, and FAQ, visit intlschool.org/globalkids/. For any questions about Global Kids, contact us at globalkids@intlschool.org.
Classroom Visits and Fall Fun Fair! PLUS Bike to School Practice!
NEW!!! BIKE BUS TO SCHOOL!!
Are you curious about biking to school? Join us on Monday morning for a trial run! Parent volunteers will guide you from two meeting spots to ISP:
South Waterfront: Meeting Location: 45.499259° N, -122.671989° W
This is the plaza at base of U.S. Congresswoman Darlene Hooley Pedestrian Bridge at Gibbs Street / across Moody Ave from the Aerial Tram station.
Depart at 8:45am; we’ll arrive at ISP at around 9am.
Tilikum Bridge, East Side. Meeting Location: 45.50725° N, 122.66350° W
This is the plaza between OMSI South parking lot and OMSI/ SE Water Street light rail Station. For those driving and parking, you can park at OMSI, but please remember to pay the parking fee 🙂 Depart at 8:45am; we’ll arrive at ISP at around 9am.
CLASSROOM VISITS / FALL FUN FAIR
The morning of Monday, August 28th will be action-packed and full of fun! Below is a schedule:
Classroom Visits
Come meet your teacher and see your classroom before the big day! Please plan to stay not more than 30 minutes to give everyone a chance at some calm time in the classroom. Adults must stay with their children. Come any time between 9-10:30am.
Fall Fun Fair
Grown ups and kids alike are invited to join the Parent Network for a back-to-school celebration. Parents can visit the Parent Information Fair and learn all about volunteer opportunities, lunch options, and more! While you browse, kids can enjoy the playground and a fun game of Douse the Principal – a water balloon game that is sure to be a hit as always! Special guests Dingo and Olive will be entertaining us at 10:30! Kona Ice will also have their truck here to sell their yummy ices; a portion of the proceeds benefit ISP.
Lower Playground. 10:00am – 12:00pm