Highlights from Graduation 2014

GradedLive covered this year's graduation and you can find the highlights video below. Nearly 200 people had the opportunity to watch the ceremony from other parts of the world.

The link to the full version is here. Enjoy!

Applying Historical Learning to Modern Day Slavery

Students in Grade 9 History are now working on a research project on slavery. The end goal is to use a historical perspective on effective measures that helped end slavery in the past to interpret modern day slavery and then raise awareness. Students will be working as historians and using their conclusions to serve the community with more informed action ideas.

The projects will be soon available online and we expect it will generate thinking and discussion in our community!

Graded's Singers Perform in Orlando at the Disney Festival

You can view four of the Graded choir's performances at the Disney Choir Festival. The trip was a wonderful learning experience and the choir was recognized with the following awards.

Best MS/JH Choir

Best Mixed Choir

Outstanding Soloist

Choir with Superior Rating (between 90-100 points)

Shine Your Light

Jambo, Jambo

Berimbau

Summer Samba

Fabian Nacer comes to Graded and talks to students about Drug Abuse

In March and April, Fabian Nacer, a consultant for the Prevention of Drugs and Alcohol Use, came to speak about teenage drug use, to all of the Grade 9 and 10 students in their Health and Physical Education classes.  Fabian grew up in Sao Paulo, in the neighborhood of Moema, and attended a private school.   As a teen, he began experimenting with a wide range of drugs, including alcohol, marijuana and cocaine.   He moved to the USA and when he returned to Brazil, and his addiction to cocaine and crack progressed, he eventually lived on the streets of Sao Paolo for six years, including the area colloquially known as ‘’Cracolândia.’’  After undergoing multiple rehab interventions, he finally overcame his drug addiction and today, he visits schools and institutions throughout Sao Paulo, as a specialist on drug addiction prevention.  His detailed descriptions of his traumas and survival related to drug abuse, were extremely riveting for the Grade 9 and 10 students.  Students openly asked Fabian multitudes of questions throughout his classroom discussions.  Fabian spoke to students about the addiction process and how his behavior and habits with alcohol and marijuana use influenced his experimentation with other drugs.  He also spoke about how drug use can change family and friendships, and the ability to enjoy other activities in life.  Most importantly, he spoke to students about how drug use can affect one emotionally, socially and physically.  By relating his own experiences, he challenged students about their own perspectives related to drug use, including the use of alcohol, marijuana and other illegal drugs. For more information about Fabian’s work, please visit his website.

We plan to continue working with Fabian in the future so that this experience becomes a regular component of our health and wellness program.

IB Economics Students Visit Banco Pactual PTG

The IB Economics students visited Banco Pactual PTG this week where they met with Mr. Roberto Sallouti, the bank's chief operating officer and Mr. Pérsio Arida, former president of the Brazil Central Bank. The two gentlemen spoke with students about the Brazilian economy, the government's macroeconomic policies, and what steps the government should take to increase economic growth. This first hand look at the financial markets from two extremely knowledgeable professionals.