We encourage students to celebrate their birthdays with their class. Students use photos of themselves to create a timeline to illustrate their lives. They share that with the class during their birthday circle. In addition, everyone in the birthday circle gives a birthday wish or compliment to the celebrant.

Then, holding a globe, the birthday child travels around a sun that ‘s been designed in the center of the room. In the center of the sun is a lit candle. The student travels one revolution around the sun for every year of his or her life.

We look forward to celebrating lots of birthdays with our students.

Our language immersion program teaches children English, Spanish and French. Of course our students know how to say, "Happy birthday! Joyeux anniversaire! and

¡Feliz cumpleaños!"

We encourage our students to celebrate their birthdays with their class. Students use photos of themselves to create a timeline to illustrate their lives. They share that with the class during their birthday circle. Everyone in the birthday circle gives a birthday wish or compliment to the celebrant.

Then, holding a globe, the birthday child travels around a sun that ‘s been designed in the center of the room. In the center of the sun is a lit candle. The student travels one revolution around the sun for every year of his or her life.

Our language immersion program includes English, French and Spanish so of course students know how to say: Happy Birthday, Joyeux anniversaire and Feliz Cumpleanos! 

We look forward to celebrating lots of birthdays with our students.

We are often asked about the success stories of our older students and we have some very recent accomplishments that showcase how our students are continually able to go beyond the expected. The story of  recently-graduated 8th grader, Sydney, illustrates the exceptional level of achievement that our students can attain.

Sydney applied to the freshman class at Bishop O'Dowd high school and was accepted into the Honors program. In addition, she is the recipient of Bishop O'Dowd's Presidential Merit Scholarship. Bishop O'Dowd received over 600 applicants, 147 were accepted and of the 147, Sydney is the one and only recipient of the prestigious merit scholarship.

Sydney is scheduled to take all honors classes and is eligible to test for Honors Algebra II Trigonometry at the Freshman level. This is a class that is usually taken in the Sophmore or Junior year in HS. She is also eligible for special placement in French because of her strong linguistic background. She scored in the very high 90’s in the entrance examination for O’Dowd.

In addition, we have four sixth-year students who are entering 7th grade at the following schools: Bentley; Head Royce; Oakland School for the Arts; and Redwood Day. These were their first choice schools.

Congratulations to these Renaissance International School students for their hard work and acceptances to the schools of their choice. We wish them continued success and are certain that they will continue to go beyond the expected. 

Our 10th Annual Art Show, "A Celebration of Children's Creativity," has just opened at 54 Washington Street in Oakland's Jack London Square area and will run through June 23rd. This is a wonderful opportunity to understand how to talk with children about art and specifically how to talk to them about their art work. It also provides an insight into the art experience of the child:

For very young children, the process of creating art can be more important than the actual piece of art. Looking at children's art work helps you to appreciate their fine motor skills. Talk to them about their choice of colors, and how they handled the media--the types of brush strokes they make, pencil lines, clay shapes, etc.

Children in the primary years strongly identify with their art work and are proud of it. They are able to recall the process and enjoy sharing their thoughts and feelings with parents and friends. This age group uses a variety of art materials and art techniques.

Elementary students at The Renaissance International School receive formal art lessons as part of the curriculum. They also learn about art history including artists and their styles. At this age, they use their art skills as tools for self-expression and often develop their own creative concepts and ideas. They may integrate personal feelings or messages into their art. 

When talking with children of all ages about their artwork, ask them open-ended questions such as why specific colors were chosen and about the lines and shapes they've used.

Remember to show children respect and appreciation for their hard work, imagination and unique personality.

We hope to see you at The Renaissance International School's art show. Details can be found at: http://artshow.therenaissanceschool.org/