The Wolf's Howl - Welcome to Our Readers

Welcome to "The Wolf's Howl," the Franciscan School quarterly newspaper, written and published by the senior class.

We are excited and pleased to finally have prepared our first installment of news articles covering the 2014-2015 academic year.  This year, we've decided to publish our newspaper via blog in order to improve our availability to students and parents, as well as cut costs and complications of print publication.

As part of senior level grammar class, students are required to investigate current events related to school and cultural activities in order to create formal newspaper articles.  These articles will be published as each quarter comes to a close.  Our first articles cover the first quarter, but soon we shall update with second and third quarter news.

"The Wolf's Howl" aims to be a source of information for students, parents, and the community about important events and activities which take place at the Franciscan School, in addition to spreading the message of peace which we hold dear to our hearts.

We welcome you to join us in this journey.

Paz y Bien,

Amy Fiallos
Supervisor - "The Wolf's Howl"

For a Better Honduras

September was the most patriotic month of the year. Mrs. Maritza was the one in charge of most of the civic acts for this month. The most important one was the act for September 3, Flag Day.

“I didn’t feel like it was a job assigned by a boss, I felt like it was an obligation to Honduras and its people,” Mrs. Maritza exclaimed. This is the most exciting month of the       year for all us. Our country, our beautiful country is celebrating its independence every September, which is the opportunity all of us have to demonstrate to the world how we love this small, but big country.

“it made me really happy to experience all these different things in Honduras, because I have never lived this before,” Gianni Chilonide (11^th grade AFS exchange student) told us. As we did this year, every September is when we show that we really love this huge country, and we are working to make it bigger every day.

Initial Blessing

Franciscan School had the joy of celebrating their School year’s first Mass. The Mass took place in the Franciscan Institute auditorium, on a sunny morning. A wise choice saving the date September 10 for this special Mass as it was also Children’s Day. Father Henry offered the First Mass with Ms. Lourdes as monitor, celebrating with the entire school.

It was more than a Mass. After the father gave the communion, the seniors of the Franciscan school made a special appearance carrying lighted candles, following the Host to the chapel. While in there, the seniors prayed a set of ten Hail Mary’s to make the official placement of the Blessed Sacrament.

This event was so important to the school, it was meant to surrender the new school year to God. In addition, we were also praying for children all over the world.

The Mass was full of surprises, including songs and dynamics. Teachers, parents and students participated in this important celebration. A couple, who are parents at Franciscan School, presented their baby and the school rejoiced in this event. Then for the senior’s appearance, the room was filled with spirituality and complete silence. It was the time to conduct the Blessed Sacrament to the Chapel. Finally to enhance the mood even more, Mr. Marvin lit up the room with some dynamics. Teachers made an appearance too; they prepared a dance for the students and motivated everyone else to join them.

At the end, a whole crowd from different grades started to dance along with them; it was a very joyous time. Miss Lourdes described this mass as, “An important event that inaugurates this new school year.” Students, parents and teachers enjoyed the first Mass as well as the seniors with their important participation. “It was a pretty experience as a senior to be guided by the Blessed Sacrament to the Chapel.” said 2015 senior Angie Vallecillo. It was the first official event of the school year the First Mass, and a day full of activities and emotions that brought us even closer to God. 

Really? Another Change?

The minister was heard. A new education system was applied in the year 2014. After decades of living and applying the Honduran education, it has changed in many ways. Are these changes affecting you?

 One of the many things that have changed with this education system is the grading techniques. This affects all schools and teachers in Honduras. Now the teachers cannot distribute the points like it was established. The government forces them to use the new system which consists of grading 40% in classwork, 30% in homework and 30% in tests. They are able to choose how to distribute these points and can sort them in activities they create or activities the government establishes, but they cannot break or split these points into the wrong categories (classwork, homework, tests).

            This also affects students in both positive and negative ways. Before this new system was applied, students graduated in sixth grade, but now they don’t. The cause of this is the new system.  This new system establishes that elementary school ends in ninth grade, where as previously it ended in sixth grade.

            “This new method is definitely demanding more time. Students should give a hundred percent from the beginning,” said Luis Diego from 10^th grade.

            This also means that ninth graders must do social work, since they will graduate. If they do not do social work, they won’t graduate. This is an example of how the new system affects “so called” elementary. Students tangled in this new system must do another grade (12^th grade), this has awakened the rage of many people.  Some people consider it a negative or troublesome change, yet some others as Greyci, our 10^th grade student, think “It’s a good idea.  It really prepares us for college and somehow makes us give more effort in our classes from the beginning of the year. It requires more responsibility, yet it is helpful for us to have a little taste of university.”

            The new system has certainly changed many things. Students are not the only ones suffering these changes; teachers are also trapped by the new system. As our students and educators feel the weight of this new system we will find out if this is the light that Honduras needs or the demise of education as we know it.

Getting to Know Gianni Chilonide, Italian Exchange Student

Gianni Chilonide is 17 and he chose this little country to come and study. The Wolf’s Howl spent an afternoon chatting with him asking about his experience in Honduras so far. Here’s how it went.

The Wolf’s Howl: “What was your first impression of the country?”

Gianni: “I thought that the people were very friendly! For example, here the people say “Hello” when they meet someone. In Italy people don’t greet someone if they don’t know them. I like this country especially its nature. There’s more of it here than in Italy.”

T.W.H.: “How has your Honduran family been?”

Gianni: “They’ve been great! They made me feel comfortable since day one. They’ve been taking me to tourist places, like Puerto Cortes, which was great! They said they were taking me to Roatan and to places like that, so I’m excited. They are nice.”

 T.W.H.: “So what food have you tried and liked?”

Gianni: “I like orange juice and the beef here is great!”

T.W.H.: “Tell us some fun facts about you.”

Gianni: “Well my favorite singer is Laura Pausini and my favorite author is Geronimo Stilton.”

T.W.H.: “Talking about favorites, what’s your favorite Spanish word and favorite number?”

Gianni: “Pucha! And 24.” (he laughed)

T.W.H.: “So, why Honduras when you had all those other countries to choose from?”

Gianni: “I just really liked it, I liked that it was small and I thought it was interesting.”

Our chat with Gianni concluded there; he has liked our country so far and we think that the Franciscan Institute will give him memories to last a lifetime!

The Best Fighter is Never Angry

“Wow! How did he do that?” the kids were shouting. A presentation was going on at Franciscan School, from the Martial Arts Academy. At the second period of class, all the school gathered to watch a presentation of different types of martial arts.

There were two teachers: Alex Bonilla and Carlos G. Valladares, both recognized in San Pedro Sula. They started explaining who they were and the different classes they give, which are: grappling, jiu jitsu, striking, kickboxing, kempo and karate.

All the kids, even the teenagers were impressed by the abilities of the martial art students and the teachers. They showed different ways of defending yourself and always stated that it is not used to fight but to defend you from any harming situation.

“You are never too old enough to be amazed by fighting techniques” was the phrase Luis Diego, a 10^th grade student, told us. He also said that he liked jiu jitsu best and that he admired them because of their discipline to do such thing.

Girls enjoyed this too, and Marilyn was one of them. She really liked how they could concentrate and have the ability to do these techniques without really harming themselves.

The presentation lasted about 3 hours, because children were all running around wanting to fight the way they did. It was impacting how everyone loved it, even the teachers. They even have to start giving classes of martial arts in the school because many kids were interested in learning self-defense.

“Where the good ones become the best, and the best become champions.” That’s the logo they use, and our closing thoughts. So if you are searching a way to defend yourself, now you are able to at school. Remember that “the best fighter is never angry,” so don’t fight to hurt, but to defend yourself when needed. 

Increase in the Cafeteria

This academic year brought some new changes; one of them was the price on the cafeteria food. It has increased a little but to some it is a bit overpriced. Teachers and students have different opinions in the matter, varying between it is too expensive to it is fair. 

            Even though there is new food in the cafeteria, the students argue that it cost too much. Some students that bought in the years prior now are bringing food from their own homes. And not only are the students that complain but also some teachers. “The beverages are high on price.” said, not one, but two teachers who would like to remain anonymous.  One of the changes in prices people are noticing is that the baleadas and sandwiches increased 3Lps, and the lunches you can preorder have increased by 5 Lps.

We asked the cafeteria lady why these sudden changes have happened and she told us that the prices have increased with the basic food basket. When asked his opinion about the prices, teacher Sergio Pineda said it, “Is the reflection of the times we are living

            Some students and teachers say that because of the increasing prices the least they could do is bring more variety of food. One of the options that a teacher gave us is to sell ice cream. Students have a lot of ideas as to what they can sell in the cafeteria, but when approached they seem to forget all of the ideas they once had. But with the students that used to buy in the cafeteria that now don’t, come the new ones that always buy; so the cafeteria income might be suffering just a small decrease.

            Our economic times are changing in the country; therefore, they are affecting the cafeteria. And the kids will complain, and maybe even the cafeteria lady, but it is just something that is the reality of our times.

Senior's Begin Literacy Program

And the seniors are unto their next great challenge! One of the greatest challenges they will have this year, teaching people older than them how to read and write. But they are not only meant to teach them to read and write, but other important subjects too.

The opening of the literacy program was October 4,  2014. They started by singing our anthem and praying to our God. Ms. Lourdes and Mrs. Maritza gave some words to the people. Ms. Lourdes talked about how amazing it was that the seniors started on St. Francis Day, and how the only thing that mattered was their enthusiasm to learn. Mrs. Maritza gave some words too and presented the seniors responsible for each class and subject.

There was also a guitar and singing presentation, and the seniors dance ended this opening. “It was good but the seniors didn’t practice the dance,” said a ninth grade student, Alejandra Lainez.

With the opening finished, everyone proceeded to eat. They were going to eat pupusas and cake in the cafeteria. The seniors and the seniors’ parents helped in serving the cake and drinks, also moving chairs so everyone could be seated. They also interacted with some of students of the literacy program.

Then they went all into the classrooms. They gave a brief presentation of themselves and which classes each would be teaching. From first to third grade, there will only be two classes, Spanish and math. From fourth to sixth grade, there will be four classes, Spanish, math, science, and social studies. The classes started and the students that were not teaching the class, were helping either with the students or the students’ kids.

            The classes ended and everyone seemed happy with the work they’d done, even if they were only meant to give a test to see the level of each student. There are some students that have problems learning some classes, but every problem has a solution. Mrs. Maritza said, “The seniors did pretty well.  The interest they have is noticeable, and their enthusiasm made the first day a success.”

Torch of Peace

            On the morning of September 27th Franciscan School and Institute received the Torch of Peace , Freedom and Independence. It was a  very special moment because The Torch represents the unity of all bilingual schools.

            We made a solemn act by singing the tune of our national anthem and pledging allegiance to the flag.

            The very special moment began when the School Santa Maria del Valle released the torch saying, “ It is an honor to be here this day , and in the name of Santa Maria del Valle, we hand over the torch for you to take care of and respect all time.”

            Then the president of the school council, Paola Escobar, said, “I receive in name of Franciscan School and Institute, The Torch of Peace, Freedom and Independence, promising

to accomplish the spiritual and moral values it represents for the good of Honduras.”  

            With much happiness, the students committed to taking care of the torch , and said good bye to our guest with a big round of applause.

They Made History

                 The Senior Class of 2015 marked their last first day of school with a triumphant entrance. The whole school took part in the Senior Entrance that took place the past August 28. The senior students first gathered together at Subway and had breakfast. Then they made their way to the school in three different cars and paraded throughout many different parts of the city. The seniors described it as “amazing” and “unforgettable”.

                While the seniors made their way to the school, the students and teachers anxiously waited at school for the Class of 2015 to arrive. Once they got there, the seniors made a triumphant entrance and everyone in the school danced and enjoyed it with them.

                ‘’What made it so special was the fact that the whole school was having fun with them and everybody was enjoying themselves’’ said Mrs. Patty Cuellar. The Seniors entertained the school with dances and songs, and even the teachers and parents had a surprise dance!

                Overall, the entrance was an amazing experience for the whole school and the seniors, and will be remembered as one of the greatest entrances in the school.

How to Confess Well?

                The trip to be in peace with God. The wokshop that Padre Pedro Jose Maria Chiesa gave the highschool students at the Franciscan School was named How to Confess Well? August 29, beside the Porciuncula and right next to a huge tree was the perfect time for tenth and eleventh grades to have that great experience. When Ms. Lourdes met the priest, immediately she knew he could help us a lot to be in peace with God.

            “I saw that the students had fun at the workshop, and they captured the message. They were paying attention to his words and they were very participative,” Ms. Lourdes expressed. The workshop in general was about the process to have a good confession, the steps you have to take until you repent of your sins. “We had a great experience, learned new things, and saw some magic he said was miracle,” Paola exclaimed.

             God is our creator, the one above and beneath us, and in that way we have to respect Him, but also speak with Him and be in peace with Him. Confession is the best way to do this, to say to God you are not going to sin again and to express to Him that you are not happy with what you are doing.

           It was a pleasure to have that workshop with Father Pedro Chiesa. Each time he wants to come, he will be welcomed.