826Chi inspires La Paz students to create fictional stories of their own

At La Paz Community School we are constantly seeking opportunities to enrich our curriculum.  While our parents are expected to contribute to the school as part of our cooperative program, many people from around the world have come to be a part of the La Paz experience.  Both local and foreign volunteers have worked for hours, days, weeks, and months to diversify the La Paz curricular experience not just for the students, but for the teachers as well.  Some recent examples of volunteer work over the past year include:

• Swiss graduate student Janick Plancer spent 3 months working as an assistant to the kindergarten and first grade classes.
• Local Drama Teacher Paul Belanger worked several hours per week for 2 months with our 2nd -6th graders as they prepared to perform various school plays including
• Famed Chicago Graffiti Artist and Teacher at the University of Hip Hop (link) Lavie Raven visited La Paz for one week during the theme of gratitude to teach students about the hip hop culture and the positive affects of graffiti art.
• 3 members of 826 CHI (link), a non-profit writing/tutoring center visited La Paz for one week to inspire La Paz students in the area of creative writing.  Each group of students ultimately published a piece of creative fiction for the school community to enjoy.
• Former XM radio producer and engineer, Matt Aurisy, lent his technical and creative support as he developed the La Paz technology program over a period of 4 months as a full-time volunteer.
• Local journalist and community member Babe Hopkins has volunteered once per week over the past year in the La Paz kitchen working tirelessly to prepare and deliver healthy lunches to the students.
• Local retired physician Caterine visited La Paz for 2 hours to work with students on designing and decorating Mardi Gras masks and capes.
• Local Real Estate Agent Terry Wright has assisted with the cultivation of the La Paz garden several hours per month.  He has also guided an climbing adventure for the upper school students.

We are forever indebted to our short term and long term volunteers who have selflessly and tirelessly dedicated their time and energy into creating a diverse, creative, and healthy learning environment for the children of the coastal region of Guanacaste.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at La Paz please send a letter of interest and resume to the La Paz Volunteer Program at volunteer@lapazschool.org.