Outside the Box – Juliann Talkington

Science was part of the preschool Spanish class last week. The kids mixed vinegar and water and then added baking soda very slowly. It bubbled. When the bubbles settled they added a little more baking soda. Finally they added some fruit, vegetables and bits of spaghetti. These items sank to the bottom, then rose to the top, then sank to the bottom again. It was an acid-base reaction that produced carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide attached to the objects and pushed them to the surface, releasing the carbon dioxide to the air, which allow the objects to sink again. What fun!

Outside the Box – Juliann Talkington

On Monday, the Spanish classes helped the Panama City Renaissance School ring in spring with singing, dancing and an art show. The younger children had a great time looking at (and touching) the art pieces the older children had created. The masks and wreaths were some of the students’ favorites. And everyone loved the Spanish song about the mouse in the house and the special presentation the preschool children made. In addition to all the fun, it was a great opportunity for the students to practice making public presentations in Spanish.

Outside the Box – Juliann Talkington

Preschool • Elementary School • Middle School

Math • Visual Arts • Science • English • Physical Education • Mandarin Chinese • History • Spanish • Community Service • Geography • Performing Arts

Don’t miss the Panama City Renaissance School Open House on Tuesday, February 2 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm and the Explore the School Day on Thursday, February 4 from 9:00 am to noon. Come learn about the nationally recognized program; fun, nurturing learning environment; top curricula; outstanding teachers; daily Mandarin Chinese and Spanish instruction; small classes and physical education, arts and community service activities. Don’t miss this opportunity to participate in classes, tour the campus, ask questions and visit with parents, teachers and administrative staff. For more information call 215-8712.

Outside the Box – Juliann Talkington

Preschool • Elementary School • Middle School
The Panama City Renaissance School is hosting an Open House on Tuesday, February 2 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm and an Explore the School Day on Thursday, February 4 from 9:00 am to noon. Come learn about the nationally recognized program; fun, nurturing learning environment; top curricula; outstanding teachers; daily foreign language instruction and physical education, arts and community service activities. Don’t miss this opportunity to tour the campus, participate in classes, ask questions and visit with parents, teachers and administrative staff. For more information call 215-8712.

Outside the Box – Juliann Talkington

The Panama City Renaissance School is hosting an Open House on Tuesday, February 2 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm and an Explore the School Day on Thursday, February 4 from 9:00 am to noon. Come learn about the nationally recognized preschool, elementary school and middle school programs. Don’t miss these opportunities to tour the campus, participate in classes, ask questions and visit with parents, teachers and administrative staff. For more information call 215-8712.

Outside the Box – Juliann Talkington

At the Panama City Renaissance School, students learn languages through many different mediums – reading, games, drawing, music, dance, writing, painting, math, acting, science….  This broad teaching approach not only helps the students improve their proficiency in foreign languages, but also makes learning FUN.  In addition, it exposes the students to other cultures and builds motors skills. Here are some photos of the preschool Spanish class learning through painting.

Outside the Box – Juliann Talkington

About a week ago, the Level 50 Spanish students performed a puppet show for children in some of the other classes.  The entire presentation was in Spanish.  Even though some of the audience members had limited exposure to the language, they all seemed to enjoy the lively dialog and colorful puppets.  For their next project the Level 50 students will be interviewing native Spanish speakers (in Spanish) about their lives.

Outside the Box – Juliann Talkington

Tomorrow the Panama City Renaissance School students will be performing Chinese, Latin American and US songs at the Festival of Nations.  The kids love the stage and enjoy conversing in all three languages.  The preschool children will be performing at 12 noon and the elementary school students will be performing at 2:00 pm.  All the performances will be on the main stage at the intersection of Harrison Avenue and 4th Street in downtown Panama City. Hope to see you there.

Outside the Box – Juliann Talkington

PE, like everything at the Panama City Renaissance School, is a cultural experience.  The students have a great time getting fit.  The activities from day to day and week to week. So far this year the students have learned to fence (with special foils), get moving with Chinese aerobics, play tag, master kick ball, stretch-out with yoga, get their heart rate up with kickboxing aerobics, play a Chinese version of hacky sack…. Not only do the kids get a good workout, but they learn how young people in other parts of the world exercise and have fun.

My first grader is in her 3rd year at the school, and my 4 year old is starting her second. Hearing my girls discussing the proper way to say their Mandarin Chinese, my 4 year old helping her older sister with her Spanish vocabulary, telling me they don’t want to leave when I come to pick them up, all of this is a testament to the amazing education they are getting in a wonderful, nurturing environment. It is definitely easier to put your kid on a bus in the morning and be done, but the 30 minute drive to get them to the school is worth every moment, and all the parents work well together to establish carpools and such to make the commitment as easy as possible. This school is worth every dime if you are willing to make the commitment!
Najla Magness