An Independent PK-8 Bilingual School in Princeton, NJ

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Tori Kramer

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Visits French American School of Princeton

Scientist from the NOAA stands on stage in front of middle school students

On November 14th, Princeton’s location of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) visited the French American School of Princeton (FASP) for a presentation to middle school students on climate change, the ocean and marine life.

The presentation, held in the FASP cafeteria, gathered NOAA scientists Dr. Mitch Bushuk and Dr. Vince Saba, as well as middle school students and faculty for an in-depth presentation on “Understanding, Observing and Acting on Climate Change.” During the presentation, students also had the special opportunity to speak with the scientists, ask questions and engage in an open dialogue.

Middle school students listen to the presentation by NOAA

Over the past several years, FASP actively participated in an increased initiative of environmental consciousness. During the 2018-19 school year, former middle school students visited Bermuda to study plastic pollution and the impacts on marine life. This school year, the initiative continued with the effort of eliminating single-use plastics throughout the school during events, classroom activities and projects. Middle school students created posters to remind visitors of the school’s increased effort in caring for the environment.

“We are delighted to have the NOAA visit our school today,” said Head of School Corinne Güngör. “The value of this presentation aligns with FASP’s work in protecting the environment, while keeping our students conscious of the world in which we live.”

During the presentation, 7th grade student Giselle asked a question about the impact that humans have on climate change. “ Dr. Bushuk answered, “Yes, humans are responsible for the impact, as well as natural factors such as active volcanoes.”

  • Students stand together with NOAA scientists

Maternelle Students Host Semaine du Goût

Students Host Semaine du Goût in preschool, pre-k and kindergarten!

Two students in presechool learn and taste different foods

Earlier this month, students and faculty in Maternelle presented “Semaine du Goût” and Forum held in the FASP cafeteria! The morning event gathered preschool, pre-k and kindergarten students, as well as their parents, for a presentation of song, artwork and food prepared by the students.

French American School of Princeton Recognizes Student for Figure Skating Win in Egypt

A student ice skating in a rink

The French American School of Princeton (FASP) recognizes eighth grade student Sophia Farajallah for winning a figure skating award in Egypt during a competition held over the summer.

Farajallah, 13, received the award during the Egyptian National Figure Skating Championship. The event, sponsored and organized by Ice Skate Egypt, embraces and raises awareness of winter sports throughout the country. Her mother, Heba Guirgis who also works within the organization, had the distinct honor of awarding Farajallah the first-place medal for girls competing in the 13-15 age group.

“It was quite the experience,” said Farajallah. “It was really special for my mom to present me the award.”

At the age of three, Farajallah started figure skating after she told her mother she wanted to begin the sport. As both an athlete and a scholar, she prepares herself for figure skating through on-ice and off-ice training including ballet, pilates, meditation and even watching competitions on television.

A headshot of a student.

“I like to see what trends are popular among professional ice skaters,” said Farajallah.

Outside of figure skating and school, the 13-year-old student-athlete enjoys painting and spending time with her dog, Joy. At the conclusion of each academic school year at FASP, she also visits family in Egypt yearly and proudly embraces her heritage of the country. “I’m very proud to be Egyptian,” said Farajallah. “It’s a big part of history, and I enjoy going to see my cousins and grandparents each year.”

Projects Funded by Parents’ Association

 

The French American School of Princeton (FASP) would like to thank the Parents’ Association, volunteers, donors and the FASP community for contributing $8000, benefiting student projects and activities.

We thank all who made this possible. With your contributions and continued support, we were able to purchase new items for maternelle, elementary and middle school student projects and activities.

Take a look below and see our new items and projects! For the 2019-20 school year, we’ve created skeletons using plastic string and construction paper, and we also used a leaf press to preserve our findings from nature found on our campus!

Students holds two leaves
A student holds a skeleton hand made in class
A leaf press sits on a cabinet within a classroom

Back to School Review

Students stand in line before they explore the on-campus garden.

The French American School of Princeton (FASP) opened its doors to students, faculty and staff for the 2019-20 school year! On September 3rd, the school year kicked off with a week full of young, eager and energetic minds who are ready for a year of bilingual learning.

In preparation for the faculty and student return, the FASP administration conducted upgrades and additions to the school over the summer. These upgrades included new windows, a new parking lot located within the FASP campus and the resurfacing of the gym floors. The gym also received new basketball equipment and safety padding which lines the walls.

Before the first day, faculty arrived early to set up their classrooms in preparation for the students. The faculty then met with Corinne Güngör, FASP Head of School, and school administrators for a coffee welcome. The coffee welcome gave faculty and staff the opportunity to catch up on stories from the summer break, and discuss their plans for the new academic year. 

Students stand with excitement for the new academic year.

Also prior to the first official day, the FASP Community welcomed new families to the school. During the official welcome, three former FASP students spoke about how attending FASP has shaped them into the successful high school students that they are today. The new students and families then met their teachers while touring the classrooms. 

The community at FASP anticipates a successful 2019-20 school year!