Archives - July 2024
New Language Programs at Fremont Christian School: Mandarin and Spanish
July 31, 2024
Fremont Christian School believes in nurturing the curiosity and expanding the minds of our youngest learners. In line with this mission, we are pleased to announce the addition of Mandarin and Spanish to our afternoon preschool curriculum. This initiative will be seamlessly integrated into our afterschool program, ensuring your child receives a holistic and enriching educational experience.
Program Details
Our new language program is designed to immerse children in a bilingual learning environment, fostering their natural curiosity and love for learning. Each week, children will engage in two hours of language instruction led by four of our native-language teachers. These dedicated educators bring a wealth of cultural and linguistic knowledge to the classroom, creating an authentic and engaging learning experience.
The program includes:
- Chinese/Spanish storytime. Stories come alive as children listen to captivating tales in Mandarin and Spanish, enhancing their listening and comprehension skills.
- Music and movement. Children sing songs and participate in movement activities, helping them to naturally acquire the rhythm and intonation of the new languages.
- Writing. Early writing activities introduce children to the basics of Chinese characters and Spanish letters, laying the foundation for literacy.
- STEAM activities. Integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) concepts, these activities provide a hands-on, interactive way to learn and apply language skills.
Offered at no additional cost to our families, the language program follows the school calendar year, with a one-month break during the summer.
FCS is committed to providing high-quality, accessible education that prepares our students for a globalized world. We also understand the importance of early language acquisition and the cognitive benefits it brings. Our goal is to create a vibrant, bilingual learning environment where your child can thrive. By immersing students in Mandarin and Spanish, we aim to broaden their cultural horizons, enhance their cognitive abilities, and foster a lifelong love for languages.
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News & Announcements
Achieving Scouting’s Highest Honor
July 25, 2024
The journey to becoming an Eagle Scout is marked by perseverance, leadership, and a commitment to serving the community. FCS is proud to announce it has two Eagle Scouts among its students, Neil Makur and Shanmukh Prabhala.
Shanmukh’s Project
Recent graduate Shanmukh embarked on his scouting journey six years ago. His path to Eagle Scout was marked by gradual progress, with the rank of Life Scout attained over two years prior to his Eagle Scout project.
His Eagle Scout project involved a landscaping initiative for Olivera Elementary, where he had spent his elementary years. The project aimed to revitalize a plot of land on the school grounds, transforming it into a functional and aesthetically pleasing area for children to play.
The undertaking was no small feat. Shanmukh and his team spent five days leveling the ground, removing approximately three tons of clay soil. The challenging terrain required innovative solutions, including the use of specialized equipment such as a jackhammer and a tiller to break through the clay. Despite the physical demands, Shanmukh remained undeterred, showcasing resilience and determination throughout the project.
As the leader of the project, Shanmukh oversaw every aspect, from securing materials to coordinating workdays and managing timelines. His leadership skills were put to the test as he navigated challenges and motivated his team to stay focused on the end goal.
Reflecting on his journey, Shanmukh highlighted the personal growth he experienced, particularly in decision-making and responsibility. He emphasized the importance of being adaptable and thinking on one's feet, qualities that proved invaluable in leading a successful Eagle Scout project.
When asked about advice for aspiring Eagle Scouts, Shanmukh shared a nuanced perspective. While acknowledging the significance of the rank, he emphasized the importance of enjoying the scouting journey itself, rather than viewing it as a checklist. For Shanmukh, the joy was in the experiences gained along the way, with the Eagle Scout rank serving as a culmination rather than the sole objective.
Neil’s Project
Neil’s journey to Eagle Scout was a testament to his commitment to community service and leadership. Having been involved in scouting since fifth grade, Neil’s recent achievement of the Eagle Scout rank marked a significant milestone in his scouting career.
For his Eagle Scout project, Neil undertook the task of constructing a mobile cabinet for Angel Aid, a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting children affected by abuse and neglect. The project aimed to provide additional storage space for food donations, facilitating the organization's efforts in serving the community more effectively.
One of the most significant challenges Neil faced was balancing leadership with maintaining team morale. Despite encountering resistance from some team members more interested in socializing than working, Neil remained steadfast in his commitment to the project's success.
Reflecting on his journey, Neil highlighted the invaluable lessons in project management and problem-solving he gained throughout the process. The experience honed his organizational skills and reinforced the importance of thorough planning and preparation in executing complex tasks.
Looking ahead, Neil expressed a desire to continue his involvement in scouting, albeit acknowledging the logistical challenges posed by his impending college education. Nevertheless, his passion for community service and leadership remains unwavering, indicating a bright future ahead in both scouting and beyond.
Shanmukh and Neil’s journeys offer valuable insights into the transformative power of scouting and the pursuit of the Eagle Scout rank. We are so proud of you both!
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FCS Student Spotlight
Howard Kam to Represent Team USA in World Junior Wushu Championship
July 22, 2024
Since our previous post about FCS’s wushu stars, Howard Kam has received the remarkable honor of placing second in the qualifying competition, earning him a coveted spot on the USA Junior Wushu team. This achievement not only fulfilled a personal dream but also represented a significant milestone for Howard.
Wushu Wonder
While Howard has previously competed for the USA as part of the B team in Pan American events, the elusive A team selection had remained just out of reach. So qualifying this year, he says, is the result of years of hard work. He expresses the immense satisfaction of seeing his efforts pay off.
With his selection to the USA Junior Wushu team, Howard now sets his sights on the World Junior Wushu Championship, set to take place in Asia this September. As he prepares to represent his country on the global stage, Howard's focus and determination remain unwavering. His rigorous training regimen and unwavering commitment underscore his readiness to compete at the highest level.
Howard attributes much of his success to his wushu coach, Hannah Gao (mother to Elena Chow, another wushu star at FCS), whose unwavering support and positivity have been a constant source of inspiration. “She always has more energy than all of us,” Howard says, admiring her dedication and ability to motivate her athletes with love and encouragement rather than pressure.
13-Plus-Year Student
Thirteen years is a long time to be part of any community, and for Howard, Fremont Christian School has been much more than just an educational institution. From his first day in preschool, Howard described FCS as a place filled with love and support. “FCS is a family,” he said, emphasizing the strong sense of community and faith that permeates the school. The environment at FCS has been a constant source of encouragement for Howard and his peers.
Reflecting on his 13+ years at FCS, Howard shared some of his favorite memories. He fondly remembers his first-grade teacher, Mr. Lam, who introduced him to the arts through the elementary musical. Another standout memory was his time with Miss Wong, who made him feel special and valued despite his hyperactive nature. “She made me feel like the coolest kid ever,” Howard recalled, highlighting the profound impact of her kindness and attention.
As Howard progressed through middle school and high school, he continued to encounter teachers who inspired him academically and personally. The transition to online learning during COVID-19 was a challenging time, but thanks to the efforts of Mr. Fu, the school’s activities director, students were able to maintain a sense of normalcy and community through virtual events and competitions.
As Howard embarks on this next chapter of his wushu journey, he carries with him the pride and support of his community. Representing Team USA at the World Junior Wushu Championship is not only a personal triumph but also a testament to his years of hard work and determination. We will all be watching in the fall to cheer him on!
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FCS Student Spotlight