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Like every Monday, Reinosa hosts a public open-air market visited by most of the inhabitants of the valley. At the market, people can buy fresh veggies and fruits, cured meat, clothes, jewelry, shoes, and so much more. It is a place full of colors, and noise – really vibrant. We could not miss an opportunity to visit such a place. Therefore, Monday was Lunes de Mercado (Monday´s Market)!

First of all, we drove to Reinosa from the school to visit the local radio station. Ana and Món, the local radio broadcasters, wanted to interview DMIS students and teachers to let the valley know about our amazing experience. We all gathered around the interviewing table, which was covered with mics and cables, while Ana interviewed us. We talked about what we liked most, the differences we found comparing the U.S. to Spain, the food, our new friends – it was quite an experience! We were also able to visit the recording room, full of computers and sound tables.

After the station, we walked down to the market. We divided the group in two and walked through the sea of people. It was a great moment to find gifts for our families and friends, although we mostly found cool stuff for ourselves! It was really shocking to see how vendors were yelling to sell their products: ¨A cinco euros guapaaaaaa / Niñaaaaa, que me lo quitan de las manos, vamooooos.¨ Such a cultural experience.

Once we walked through most of the market, we had a tapas meal with calamari and sandwiches, yummy! Then we went to a park in Reinosa to enjoy a little bit of free time. When we got back to school, we joined the last period of class, and it was the end of another great day.

At this point, we are all beginning to realize this is coming to an end. Students and host families keep telling us the trip is so short.  Some students say they want to come back soon, others experience a mix of feelings where they want to go back to their families and but they also want to stay here. But in general, we are all living the moment in which our hearts start aching just a little bit because goodbye, or hopefully see you soon, is coming closer.

–Natalia Lopez and Luis Diaz

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After a great extra family day due to the strike, we came back to school on Friday. Some of the students came dressed in the traditional suit, and our biggest surprise was to see Madison dress in it as well! She looked like a princess, her host mom had lent Madison the dress that she usually wears in festivals, and Madison was a ¨campurriana¨ more. We also had some of the DMIS students try on the traditional wooden shoes (clogs,) and Houston even tried to run with them.

Later, we rode the bus from there to the close village of Argüeso, where we visited the castle. Builders of this castle started to work on it around the 1200´s, although the necropolis next to it (graveyard) dates from the 800´s, so the whole site is a reallyl historic place that we really enjoyed. We were accompanied by a journalist from the valley that recorded the visit and took some pictures.

Maria José, the guide of the castle and former host mother of DMIS students, explained to us how the castle was built and the history of the family who lived there, the Dukes of Santillana. We visited several interesting parts of the castle, such as the top of the middle body, the dungeons (where we could see several bones too!), an exhibition about rock buildings in Cantabria Everything was really interesting, but we really enjoyed when we were allowed to get together in one of the main rooms and were visited by some folk music singers/players.

We listened to a ¨rabel¨ – something close to the actual violin – and then many of the students from Paracuelles played the tambourine for us. We even had Lourdes, the principal, sing one of the traditional songs, she is just amazing! But something they were not expecting was seeing us, DMIS students and teachers, perform another traditional song with hand percussion, the one that 5th grade prepared for the Spanish Winter Festival. They were really surprised to see how we also learn about their traditions in Denver and now they want us to teach them, what an interesting cultural interchange!

Once we were done, we went back to school to have lunch. In the afternoon, we had regular classes and both groups of 4th and 5th grade got together during the last period to celebrate Abran´s birthday. We had some cake and Abrán got a couple of new comics that he is really enjoying.

–Natalia Lopez and Luis Diaz

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We arrived at school and had morning classes until 11:15. During that time Natalia taught math to 3rd and 4th graders, and Luis taught English to K1, K2, and K3 – it was fun to have several grades in the same class. 5th graders had class with Teresa, the lead teacher.

At 11:15 we drove to the Town Hall building to be greeted by the mayor of Hermandad de Campóo de Suso, the valley that is hosting us. The mayor explained to us the history of the town, having Luis and Natalia be the ¨dukes¨of the valley. The mayor is actually a history teacher and the principal of a school, so it was quite interesting. We learned how the 150 year old clock from the town hall tower works and discovered most of the valley´s important buildings are more than 300 years old.

Later, we walked around the Town Hall to discover how it works nowadays, how the different counselors meet, how they make decisions.  We also ¨studied¨ the flag of the valley and visited a counselor’s meeting in session.

Right after we said thank you to the mayor, we drove back to school and had lunch. Milan and Avery were actually the servers for the day! They were a little nervous but did a great job!

In the afternoon they had P.E. and also a full session of skype. As we told you a couple of days ago, today there is a strike on education in Spain, and most of the families have decided not to come to school and instead enjoy the day outside. We are preparing Abran´s birthday celebration for tomorrow and are very, very excited about the castle visit in the morning (with several folk singers!)

–Natalia Lopez and Luis Diaz

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We arrived at school like any other day, but with our backpacks full of snacks, water, and sandwiches (most of them of chorizo and Spanish tortilla) for the long day ahead. We were going on a field trip!
The  bus ride was lots of fun, although students made sure the teachers would be crazy by the time we got to El Soplao… singing the whole way! The students have already made very good friends, and they sat with them.

When we got to El Soplao cave it was very warm, but we still had to take our coats since we were exploring a cave. To get into the cave, we first had to ride a little mining train that was lots of fun. Once in the cave, which was a little scary, we learned about mining and geology – although many of the DMIS students already knew a lot about it! El Soplao cave is really unique for its geologic formations and the way miners took care of it when they were getting the minerals out. At El Soplao, paleontologists have also found great amber examples with prehistoric insects inside.

Descent into the cave

Some of the most amazing things we enjoyed were the upper levels of the cave reflected on the water and the gallery of the ghosts (were stalagmites resemble a group of ghosts, pretty scary!) The visit to the cave´s store right after was a big demand, so we did spend some time there. Most of you (Denver families) were remembered at the store!

We also had lunch at the cave. We love how much DMIS students enjoy Spanish food, especially bread! Right after lunch, we got back to the bus to go to Comillas, a sea village with amazing architecture where the University of Comillas has its facilities.

We first stopped at the beach to see the sea and the ice-cream truck was, as you can imagine, the main attraction. The line was very long and the ice-cream man was, of course, very happy – we were too! Right after, we headed to the old village where we visited a house designed by Gaudí (El Capricho de Gaudí) and the Palace of the Marqués of Sobrellano, both really amazing buildings. From there, we could also see the buildings of the university that are also very old. A few DMIS teachers will be doing some training over the summer right there!

The end of our day was spent at a local park with a great playground. Jetlag is officially over, we can tell you that after living such a long and exciting day and seeing how much energy was still left for the park!

When we got back from our trip, families were already waiting in school. It was great to hear students already saying they were glad to go home with their families after a looooong trip. Although, we do have to say that lots of students lost their voices along the way, sorry! DMIS students are using the same volume as Spanish students… getting used to the culture! Our heads are not that happy about it… Naaaah, we really love to see them so enthusiastic about everything!

–Natalia Lopez and Luis Diaz

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A visit from the police dog

Monday was a regular day at school. Oops! There is no such thing as ¨regular¨ when Denver students visit a Spanish school, so we actually had a very special visit. A special dog police patrol prepared a show with trained dogs. They showed the children how they find explosives and other dangerous substances. The dogs were so healthy and strong! We also got to pet them and give them treats for their nice work.

The dogs came surrounded by police cars, motorbikes and police equipment. Milan talked to the policemen and told them, of course, about her dad. The policemen really liked Milan, and she got to go on all the vehicles!

Our visitors have been really great, really friendly to the students, and have told them how they usually get the ¨bad guys.¨ We even talked about rescuing people with dogs (the dogs that visited us have worked in Haiti´s earthquake,) and it was a really interesting morning.

But we do work at school as well! DMIS students are adapting really well to the school, and they are following the classes perfectly. Denver children have been the English teachers today, and they taught the students from Paracuelles how to speak the foreign language full-time during the class. Paracuelles students’ English is really good, as well!

We also have homework, of course, but also after school clubs. Riley went to English today with Clemente and Pedro, and they walked around town learning about Reinosa´s main buildings with their teacher. Madison and Abi left a little earlier today for a special evening out with their host moms and sisters. Luke, Avery, and Will had soccer practice. We are keeping really busy! Everybody is having such an amazing time, and tomorrow we have a field trip to El Soplao Caves, an amazing geological site. Sorry but no skype tomorrow! (we´ll be out spelunking!)

–Natalia Lopez and Luis Diaz

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On Saturdays we offer optional activities for families who don´t have specific plans for the weekend. The weatherman was telling us that it was going to be an amazing day, and it really was!We proposed the families to meet at 11 a.m. and Houston, Bin, Soni, and Abrán joined us for a fun day. The rest of the kids have other plans with their host families. Along with Houston, host siblings and some of the families came along as well. Bin´s family was very nice and let him sleep until 11 am!!! So we were a little late, but it is also part of the culture, so it was another learning moment itself…

Hiking on activity day

We started our day with a little hike around the springs of the Ebro River (one of the most important in Spain) and came back to the village to get some energy by eating fried calamari and marinated olives. Right after, we met Abrán´s host family and headed to Santander to have lunch at La Magdalena´s Park and visit the beach. We had a great picnic (and as soon as I was not looking, the 5th grade trio bought an ice-cream before having their sandwiches) and spent some time in a huge playground with so many other Spanish children. They had a blast!

The beach was pretty popular, being May, and it became tremendously hard for them to not play in the water and become totally wet. Therefore, we decided to share the few swim suits (that well organized host moms had brought) and/or just get our regular clothes wet. The day was very warm and nice, but the water was freezing cold! However, how could we have told them not to??!! It was so much fun, and they were playing with their new friends. They built some castles, splashed around, found different shells, covered each other with sand (Houston was a great example!) and then we shared towels to dry up as much as we could.

Before coming back to Campóo, we had a snack (merienda) and visited the small animal park, where we saw penguins, sea lions and seals. And right next to it, there are the replicas of the three boats that Colón brought to America. It was a pretty historical moment!

Finally we arrived to Campóo and took everybody home, not without having scratched Luis´ mom´s van… oops! Yes, Luis did not see the sharp edge of a rock at Soni´s house and he did it! Well, his mom is at least not angry because she misses him and is just happy to see him, lol!
Talk to you on Monday travel diary!

–Natalia Lopez and Luis Diaz

The 4th and 5th grade students are currently on their trip to Cantabria, in the north of Spain – you can read the details of their travels here!

May 1 – 3 (in the morning)

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It´s great to write the first entry of this travel diary: the diary of the Spanish 4th and 5th graders at DMIS who are fulfilling all their dreams as Spanish speakers with a true cultural experience. Both Natalia and Luis, their teachers, are happy to be part of the adventure.

We left Denver 1 1/2 hours later than expected because of the snow. Our second plane in Frankfurt had a flat tire and we had to change planes once we had already boarded, which meant another 1 1/2 hours later in Spain… BUT, the childen were just amazing, we feel so proud when adults came to us to congratulate our students for their behavior on the planes. Luis´ family picked us up at the airport, and we had jamón and chorizo waiting for the trip (1 hour, 45 minutes more) with a little bit of chocolate just to make it sweeter.

We arrived to Reinosa at 9:45 (just 45 minutes later than expected) and all the families were so excited to greet us. They were also feeling nervous, as were the kids, so we all had dinner together to warm up the situation. The Spanish school treated us for dinner! They are so welcoming and warm. The best part was to see families and children looking for each other, and DMIS student faces trying to adapt to the Spanish people ways (hugs, kisses, loud voices: you already know DMIS teachers…)

At 10:45 (pm, yes!) we all went to our different homes and slept. Some of us did not sleep that well because of the time change, but most of us even overslept! Soni was so lucky, her family let her sleep in and came late to school! Being the first day, we´ll let her enjoy…

School today has started very well. The weather is a little gray, but it is supposed to be much better this weekend: around 50-60 F and sunny! All of the children came to school with their host families except for Luke, Will and Avery, who were picked up by Luis and Natalia (they are neighbors.) We then had an assembly where all of DMIS students introduced themselves, along with their host siblings. It was funny to see how Jara and Abi have already decided to wear matching shirts! Luis and Abran were feeling really sleepy and Abran had a little nap in the morning in a very comfy school bed, but we are catching up on sleep now, and he´s been playing a lot during recess! Luis has taught math and Spanish in 5th grade, and 4th graders were with Natalia in ethic studies and English. We have had spaghetti, empanadas, and calamari for lunch.

And, of course, because of the excitement, Riley has already scratched his elbow and Milan her leg, minor injuries that will probably be just the first ones of a group who is having an amazing time at a school surrounded by nature and unending opportunities to discover and grow.

Write to you soon!

–Natalia Lopez and Luis Diaz

Blog Update from Yun Doyle, Mandarin Chinese Program Coordinator

Days 4-6:

We are in Chongqing now. Since there is no WiFi in our room, we have not had a chance to update our blog for two days.

Kids are doing well.  It seems that the cold weather has followed us all the way from Denver.  It  was colder than winter when we were in Beijing , but everybody told us it was very warm just two days ago.  

(Day 5) – The kids enjoyed one day at our sister school.  They took classes, participated in the students’ dance and choir practices, and made some friends. I was so proud of them!  They had no problem understanding and communicating with teachers and students.  They were also so well-behaved and good mannered.  

(Day 6) – Our 10 students will be spread to different families tomorrow from 9:00AM to 4:30PM.  Because there  are so many families who want to host them, I will send one DMIS student to each family, instead of two or three which was my original plan.  The students were a little nervous, but they are totally fine and happy, and they are so ready to go!  Sydney told me that she could not wait to go meet her host family, and wanted to stay longer.

The sister school provided us with a nice dinner today.  We will have a hotpot special local treat tomorrow and will also celebrate Sachi’s birthday.  The Chongqing people, especially the principal, teachers, and students, are so friendly and warm-hearted!

The kids miss their parents, but are very much enjoying China!

Despite a very slow internet connection at their Beijing hotel, Yun Doyle, Mandarin Chinese Program Coordinator, managed to send us the below update:

“We arrived in Beijing on time, had a very good meal, just checked into hotel 1 hour ago. Everybody is doing well and very excited.  It was a long flight, but nobody feels tired now, still visiting each other and chatting.  Time to put them to bed, we need get up at 7:30AM. Weather is very windy and cold.”

Check back here often for more updates and pictures from the Mandarin Chinese students’ great adventures!

“This is a natural transition for the school in light of Adam and François’ respective backgrounds,” said Sybil Kisken, DMIS board president.  “After seven years of serving as executive director, Adam came to the board and asked to have the opportunity to pursue a new challenge as director of development, a new position for the school.  In order to ensure continued strong leadership, the board decided to implement a more traditional school organizational structure, with François at the helm as head of school.”

At DMIS, Sexton and Penalver have brought the school from a community of 163 students to more than 535 students.  They led the school during its move from Park Hill to the Lowry campus and spearheaded the resulting merger of DIS and Montclair Academy into DMIS.  They also oversaw the opening of the DMIS Middle School in the fall of 2011, which is a candidate school for the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Middle Years Programme.

“The board of directors is so thankful to Adam for his tremendous work and leadership during his 7 years as executive director.  We look forward to working with him in his new role,” said Kisken.

“It was the obvious choice for the board to appoint François as the head of school.  He has hired talented, multi-lingual teachers from France, Spain, China, and the United States, among other places, and he has implemented strong academic programming, together which have resulted in many accolades for the school and have firmly established DMIS as one of the finest and most comprehensive international schools in the country,” continued Kisken.

Penalver recently received the most prestigious honor awarded by the French Ministry of Education, when he was named Chevalier of the Ordre des Palmes Académiques (Knight of the Order of Academic Palms).

“I know of no international school in North America doing what we are doing at DMIS.  Heads of other schools are flying to Denver to see our programs in action and speak with us about our unique and successful school,” said Penalver.  “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to move this wonderful school forward into the future.”