Commonwealth-Parkville School (Puerto Rico)

Commonwealth-Parkville School
Location
Puerto Rico, US,
Information
School type	Private co-ed, non sectorian, non profit, private, college preparatory day school
Motto	"Where learning stretches imagination!"
Religious affiliation(s)	Non-sectarian
Founded	1952
Status	Open
Head of school	F. Richard Marracino
Faculty	87
Grades	PPK - 12
Gender	co-ed
Age range	3-18
Student to teacher ratio	8:1
Medium of language	English
Hours in school day	7:50 a.m – 2:30 p.m.
Campus	Parkville Campus Commonwealth Campus
Mascot	Comet (Dusky)
Team name	Comets
Accreditation(s)	Middle States Association of Schools & Colleges
Website	http://www.cpspr.org

Parkville Campus
Parkville Campus Computer Lab
Address
URB. PARKVILLE CALLE HARDING ESQ. ALABAMA [1] Guaynabo, PR Puerto Rico
Information
Established	1964
Status	Open
Director	Lower Elementary: Elsie Calimano Upper Elementary: Judith Rivera
Head of school	F. Richard Marracino
Faculty	56
Grades	PPK - 6
Age range	3 - 11
Average class size	25 students
Hours in school day	7:50 a.m – 2:30 p.m. Afterschool Program: 3:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Commonwealth High School
Commonwealth Campus Entrance
Address
100 CEASAR CASTILLO [2] SAN JUAN, PR 00918 Puerto Rico
Information
Established	1952
Status	Open
Director	Ms. Evelyn Collazo
Head of school	F. Richard Marracino
Faculty	31
Grades	7 - 12
Age range	11 - 18
Average class size	15 students
Hours in school day	7:50 a.m – 2:30 p.m.

Commonwealth–Parkville School (CPS), founded in 1952, and incorporated in Puerto Rico, is a private, college preparatory day school. It is a non-sectarian, non-profit, co-educational institution governed by a Board of Directors. CPS provides an integrated and ambitious PPK-12 curriculum in English with a strong program in Spanish. It is located on two campuses: Parkville Campus in Guaynabo, PR (grades PPK-6), and Commonwealth Campus in Hato Rey, San Juan, PR (grades 7-12). The membership of the corporation consists of parents and guardians of children attending Commonwealth-Parkville School.

Mission statement

Commonwealth–Parkville School is an English-speaking college preparatory PPK-12 school committed to provide for the changing educational needs of 21st Century students by promoting creativity, values, leadership, sportsmanship, and life skills, within an engaging and challenging academic, yet caring environment.

History

Commonwealth-Parkville School (formerly known as Caribbean Preparatory School) is a private, college preparatory day school founded in 1952 and incorporated in Puerto Rico. It is a non-sectarian, non-profit, co-educational institution governed by a Board of Directors. CPS provides an integrated and ambitious PPK-12 curriculum in English with a strong program in Spanish. CPS’ history dates back to 1951 when several families relocated to Puerto Rico to work with the Economic Development Administration (Fomento). The main obstacle these parents faced was the lack of English language schools for their children. They began looking for physical facilities and studying the requirements to create an English school that would fulfill their need for excellence in education.

They rented a community center located in the Roosevelt neighborhood in Hato Rey, where Commonwealth Middle and High School are located today. The school began with 92 students, eight teachers, and eight classrooms. Every year a new grade was added until 1961, when Commonwealth School graduated it’s first twelfth grade class of 10 students. Parallel to Commonwealth High School’s founding is the history of the San Juan School by the Sea. These two schools instituted a new educational system in the history of education in Puerto Rico. Seven parents started the San Juan by the Sea Elementary School. It consisted of a kindergarten through sixth grade and was located in a rented apartment in Condado. Later, the school moved to a property in Punta Las Marías.

In 1964, Commonwealth was full to capacity and grades kindergarten through twelfth needed more classrooms to accommodate all students. Parkville School in Guaynabo was then built to serve as the elementary campus. The three schools: Commonwealth, San Juan by the Sea, and Parkville, constituted the Caribbean Consolidated Schools system, which was incorporated in 1964. In 1979, the Board of Directors voted to sell San Juan by the Sea and improve facilities at Parkville and Commonwealth Campuses. Since, both campuses have witnessed tremendous growth including increased enrollment, improved and major renovation of facilities (including setup for the Horizons Program), addition of administrative positions and the creation of an endowment fund to allow a limited number of talented students who otherwise could not afford to attend CPS to be admitted. As a non-profit 501(C) 3, CPS was recently granted a $50,000 matching grant for professional development training in digital educational programs that enhance student-faculty connections in grades 9-12. This is meant to attract and retain excellent teachers, a reputation CPS is known for.

In the 21st century, CPS is strong in academics, creative programs, college acceptances, sports, forensics, and Model United Nations and is ready to apply an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to attract, retain, and prepare students for college, life, and to be effective citizens of the world.

Academics

Commonwealth-Parkville School (CPS) is in the process of enhancing its curriculum by evaluating and adopting educational initiatives established for 21st century learning. Our goal in adopting 21st century learning, also known as Project 21, is to provide our students with the knowledge, expertise and necessary tools to master the skills that are indispensable to succeed in work and life environments. This is achieved through the integration of our core subjects and the CPS Project 21st Curricular Guidelines.

As reflected in our Mission Statement, Commonwealth–Parkville School is a college preparatory institution committed to provide for the changing educational needs of 21st Century students by promoting creativity, values, leadership, sportsmanship, and life skills, within an engaging and challenging academic, yet caring environment.

Students take required academic courses, as well as enrichment ones that include among others art, dance, music, and computer. In addition, they prepare well for the Stanford Achievement Tests, the Scholastic Assessments Tests given in English, and the College Board exams given in Spanish. Advanced Placement (AP) courses are an important component of our educational offerings.

Horizons Program

CPS innovative and highly recognized program offers to our students with mild learning differences special assistance to develop compensating strategies to become successful with grade level material for each subject taken in the Horizons setting. To that end, we provide the necessary adaptations and accommodations for each of our students. Our teachers are conscious of the learning style of their students and the needs they have through the psycho educational evaluation and professionals’ recommendations.

While we do not offer remediation or therapies in Horizons, children do learn compensatory strategies as they are taught course content. When teachers oversee filling out the agendas, they are teaching organizational skills that eventually become habit. Comments are made daily by all the teachers about the things a child must do to succeed. Over time, students become aware of their own learning style and how to use the knowledge in class and at home. They begin to better structure their materials and study time. Horizons teachers are very accessible and are the key to providing not only the encouragement, but also the reminders and hints the child needs so that independent work becomes a possibility.

Teachers are justifiably proud when a child is mainstreamed, but also are careful to assure that the move is a successful one and does not lead to frustration and/or failure. The receiving and sending teachers meet to discuss the child’s needs before mainstreaming occurs and both must agree that the child is ready. Although we hope that all children coming to Horizons will be mainstreamed one day, the reality is that that is not what is best for some of our students. There are a few who will continue to need support of Horizons for years, at least in the classes that are most affected by their learning differences.

Parkville Curriculum

Lower & Upper Elementary, Horizons Program

• English
• Math
• Science
• Dance
• Visual Arts
• Physical Education
• Character Education Program
• Spanish
• Social Studies
• Fine Arts
• Music
• Drama Educational
• Technology Program
• Early Childhood Program

Commonwealth Curriculum

Middle & High School, Horizons Program

• English
• Math
• Science
• Dance
• Ethics
• Visual Arts
• Fine Arts
• Physical Education
• Community Service Program
• Spanish
• History
• Fine Arts
• Music
• Jr. Ethics
• Drama
• Music
• Health
• Computer Application
• Enrichment Courses

Elective Courses

Courses listed are subject to change from year to year.

Humanities: Journalism, Songs as Poetry, Mythology, Fairy Tales, Creative Writing, Sociology, Psychology, African-American Studies, Cine, Latin American Short Stories,

Science & Math: Robotics, Environmental Science, Forensic Science, Anatomy & Physiology, Advanced Placement (A.P.) Biology, Marine Biology, College Prep. Math, Advanced Algebra & Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Business Math, Math in Science,

Fine & Performing Arts: Art History, Art Appreciation, Art Workshop, Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Jewelry, Printmaking, Mosaic, Stained Glass, Ceramic, Music, Music History, Advanced Music Theory, Monologues, Band, Drama, Play Production, Stagecraft, History of the American Musical, Dramatic Performance,

Student Life

Over forty (40) student organizations and activities capture the imagination, cultivate the talents, and sharpen the skills of CPS students. From publications to special-interest clubs; from student government to honorary societies; and from the arts to debate, there are opportunities for everyone to be involved at CPS. We instill in students a concern for national and global issues that affect our quality of life.

In organizations such as the Interact Club, students learn the joy of sharing and the responsibility we all have to help. CPS believes it is in extra-curricular activities that students and teachers find common grounds, develop friendships, and gain respect for each other.

Commonwealth Campus Clubs

• American Civics Program
• Art Club
• Band & Choir
• Drama Club
• EF Tours Spring Break Trip
• Forensics
• Interact Club [[(San Juan Rotary Club)]]
• Junior Science Club
• Liga Oratoria
• Photography
• Math Bowl
• Math Bowl, Jr.
• National Honor Society
• National Junior Honor Society
• Network Program
• Recycling Club
• Student Council
• Model United Nations
• Varsity Club

Parkville Campus Clubs

• Glee Club
• Jr. Student Council
• 5th and 6th grade Spring Break Trip

Athletics

CPS' Athletic Program reflects the school’s philosophy and mission. It encourages students to develop physically and socially within a diverse environment. We strive to build personal qualities that contribute to character as well as to develop values such as self-control, cooperation, integrity, patience, and honesty. These are every bit as important as skills, conditioning, and talent.

As Vince Lombardi said, “Winning isn’t everything; it’s the only thing!” We believe that some students can embrace this competitive spirit by participating on teams. Others will develop their physical qualities and skill-building to the best of their abilities through clinics and intramural participation. This program allows students to develop their athletic talents and interests without infringing on their full and successful participation in the school’s academic program. It also gives students the opportunity to discover their individual talents as well as develop their self-esteem and sense of school pride.

Our students are given opportunities to participate in a wide variety of sports, such as:

Upper Elementary (4th–6th)

• Basketball (Boys & Girls)
• Cross Country (Boys & Girls)
• Soccer (Boys & Girls)
• Track and Field (Boys & Girls)
• Volleyball (Boys & Girls)
• Baseball (Boys Only)

Middle School (7th-8th)

• Basketball (Boys & Girls)
• Cross Country (Boys & Girls)
• Soccer (Boys & Girls)
• Track & Field (Boys & Girls)
• Volleyball (Boys & Girls)

High School (9th–12th)

• Volleyball (Boys & Girls)
• Soccer (Boys & Girls)
• Basketball (Boys & Girls)
• Indoor Soccer (Boys & Girls)
• Track & Field (Boys & Girls)
• Baseball (Boys Only)
• Football (Boys Only)
• Softball (Girls Only)

Fine Arts

CPS has an active arts program. Art, music and drama are offered throughout the year and are considered an important part of the students' education. Musical and theatrical performances are scheduled during the school year, and we make it a point to display the children's artwork around the school. Emphasis in the Lower School is on creativity and developing technique in a variety of mediums, as well as being introduced to well-known artists and works of art.

Music and art play a big part of Middle and Upper School students' daily program. In addition to academic studies, students are exposed to various forms of art from drawing to playing a musical instrument or participating in a theatrical productions

Philosophy

The Curriculum Guide will respond to the Commonwealth-Parkville School system, specially the Parkville Campus Early Childhood Program, following the school’s mission of providing a “high quality curriculum in English, with a strong program in Spanish that will allow students to develop intellectually, academically, socially, emotionally, and physically, within a diverse cultural context…"

Lower Elementary School (PPK - 2nd)

The Early Childhood Program’s philosophy establishes that young children in the PPK – Kinder level are active learners in constant interaction with the physical and social environment. Their inquisitive and curious nature drives them to explore and experiment with the objects and people around them. Young children are social beings, learning to work cooperatively, beginning to show concern for others’ feelings, and discovering their place and role in their community. The program integrates the use of formal instruction, immergence of literacy, phonemic awareness, and play activities. These allow children to gain mastery of basic concepts in all subject areas. Thematic units are used at the PPK and Pre-Kinder levels. The Language Arts program in Kindergarten integrates the different subject areas through specific themes.

Play becomes an important vehicle of learning in this area. Its voluntary nature offers freedom of action, promoting the development of their imagination. It also provides elements of adventure and a base for language learning, with unique opportunities for the mastery of the physical self. Furthermore, it allows for the expression of their feelings toward themselves and others, as they explore the world within a safe environment.

As children grow and enter our Lower School Program they have been exposed to a variety of concrete experiences with their environment and have internalized this process in a way that enables them to start working at a more abstract level, while at the same time, experimenting and interacting with their physical and social environment. At this level, they have defined Language Arts, math, science, social studies, Spanish, and elective courses.

Lower Elementary School children are engaged in cooperative learning, class and individual projects, oral presentations, problem-solving experiences, as well as a language program enables them to learn and master skills through a literature based program.

Upper Elementary School (3rd - 6th)

The Upper Elementary school is composed of students in grades 3rd- 6th and ranging in ages from 8 –12 years old. Our philosophy is to educate the “whole” child by offering a rigorous academic curriculum in addition to a wide variety of non- academic courses. The non - academic courses offered are art, music, physical education.

The ESL Program has been designed for those students who lack proficiency in the English language due to different factors. The main goals of this special group are to develop the student’s communicative and linguistic competencies in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Special attention will be focused on developing vocabulary through form and pronunciation, to promote a basic understanding of the English language. The teacher will use a variety of methods, techniques, and materials to achieve the objectives.

Middle School (7th - 8th)

With the integration of seventh and eighth grades to Commonwealth Campus in academic year 2002-2003, the middle school curriculum along with the learning experiences has proven to be an asset towards the academic, social, and emotional development of these students.

The continuous offerings of professional development workshops related to attending the particular needs of the middle school students provides the faculty with the necessary tools and updated information which will help them better assess these students’ learning needs along with their social and emotional development.

Students are encouraged to indulge in leadership positions and they participate in parallel activities similar to those of the students attending high school.

High School (9th - 12h)

Commonwealth Campus is an educational institution with an enriched curriculum that is highly innovative and under constant review and analysis. As an English-speaking language school, it provides students with a challenging learning environment established on the philosophical grounds of forming a well-rounded student. In addition, it offers a solid education in the Spanish language, which gives the students the competitive advantage of mastering both languages at once, which eventually places alumni in the higher edge of the professional markets. The school has a strong college placement program that places alumni in the most prestigious universities in Puerto Rico, United States, and abroad.

In addition, CHS counts with a competitive sports program which is constantly developing and reinforcing athletes in terms of foundations and physical conditioning. The school is a member of the Puerto Rico High School Athletic Association (P.R.H.S.A.A.) and participates in volleyball, soccer, indoor soccer, basketball, baseball, track and field, and cross-country.

Our students lay for the Comets football team, which for many years has had a reputation of being among the top teams in the Puerto Rico High School Football League.

•Students are encouraged to develop leadership skills either through participation in clubs, student organizations or extra-curricular activities. The school has taken the initiative of adding community service project hours as a graduation requirement in order to reinforce the students’sense of citizenship and enhance their human values. •Commonwealth High School is a well-rounded school, which offers quality education with a very special teacher-student relationship.

External links

School Link

• http://www.cpspr.org

Accreditation/Membership Links

• http://www.cge.gobierno.pr/
• http://www.middlestates.org/
• http://www.ascd.org/
• http://www.caribschools.com/
• http://ccassoc.org/
• http://www.collegeboard.com/
• http://www.nacacnet.org/Pages/default.aspx
• http://www.nais.org/
• http://www.principals.org/
• http://www.nhs.us/
• http://www.nhs.us/NJHS.aspx
• http://www.netcompsch.org/
• http://www.prhsaa.org/