Each week, a group of students is selected for their unique potential as leaders to come together as the 5 student Cacique Council, “Cacique” meaning leader in ancient Lucayan. During that week, the group will plan special activities for their peers, run morning and evening circles, facilitate communication between students and faculty, and fulfill other important roles as needed. Members of the council are welcomed into the new role during Community Meeting, in which a public acknowledgement of each individual’s leadership qualities is read aloud. Enjoy these “Cacique Pass-Offs” written by last week’s Cacique Council. Join us in welcoming the next group of young leaders: Madeleine, Tiger, George, Matt, and Sally.

Throughout the past two weeks, Madeleine has taken each adventure with a positive outlook inspiring others to do the same. She is a model for her fellow classmates during all activities and a bright smile lights up her face regardless of what she may be doing. On scuba week she was not permitted to participate in the scuba diving, and instead went snorkeling. However, Madeline was not upset about her situation. She instead jumped into the water with a big smile, leading others as she went.  Whether it’s doing dishes in the kitchen or completing our crazy physcos at 7am, she brings joy to every experience.  This unselfish leader inspires others to find the good in every situation and her unconditional love radiates continually. I am honored and pleased to welcome Madeleine into the next Caciques Council!

This Island School student expresses the true definition of being a member here. His hard work and dedication makes him a great role model for others. Continue reading →

Over the past two days, students have really started to understand and get used to the academic routine here. Helping with the more rigorous transition into full-on academics were the 3-hour blocks in both Marine Ecology and Human Ecology that we had over the past two days. The long blocks allowed me to get to know each individual and teacher with our small class much better. During Human Ecology, we went inside the inner loop, which is where on old and now overgrown golf course is. There, we learned about several different plant species. We touched and even ate some of what we were learning about, and without even realizing I had learned the names of ten or more plant and tree species, such as the Indian Almond, Mahogany  and Tamarind tree. At the end of class, we knocked coconuts down from a tree and Rob, our teacher, taught us how to crack them open with a Machete. I am a huge fan of Survivor, so this was an especially significant moment for me because it is something I have watched on the show for years, and finally got to attempt! With a few big swings the coconut was open and we all got to try the sweet coconut milk. Many students were dreading a 3-hour block of class, but being immersed in the very outdoors that we are learning about made us learn more than if we were watching a chalkboard, and the time flew by as well.

In Marine Ecology, our long block let us go scuba diving. Continue reading →