NEWSLETTER #2 2023-2024

thanksgiving food drive

This year again, EFAM partnered up with Munch of Fun, a non profit organization that helps provide the less fortunate with food and other basic necessities. Thank you for your generosity. Here is a message from Kristen Griffiths, the head of the organization.

“Good Afternoon!  I delivered your gifts to the Missionaries this morning and they were extremely happy to receive them! You and your families have helped SO many people in need again this year.   I can’t thank you enough and wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving break!

Warm regards,

Kristen“

We look forward to working again with the organization before the Summer break for another food and school supply drive.

thanksgiving raffle

Thanks to your participation, the Thanksgiving Raffle was a success again this year! An average of 70% of EFAM families participated in this year’s raffle and we were able to raise close to $ 9,000. The North campus CM2/5th grade and the South campus CE2/3rd grade sold the highest average of tickets per student, with one student selling over 100 tickets. Next Monday and Tuesday, both winning classes will be treated to a scrumptious ice cream sundae for dessert at lunch and a no uniform day. We thank all of you for your support and participation, we are one step closer to reaching our annual fund goal of $60,000.

efam green initiatives - compost

Our first No Uniform Day proceeds will benefit our new compost program with the organization Compost for Life. The representative, Ms.Paola Barraneo, came to present to the compost protocol to the students on both campuses. After all of the school staff receives the training this Wednesday, we will start using our special pink bins next week. The bins will be picked up each week and at the end of the school year, we will get our fresh compost, in time for the next planting season.

Our first No Uniform Day raised $3 994 on October 13th. Thank you all for supporting our compost and vegetable garden initiatives. You can still donate here if you’d like to help us reach the $5 000 needed for this initiative.


class tote bags

This year, as part of our sustainability project, EFAM students have participated in the creation of a tote bag per class.  Each class bag has a different design and a different color. The designs are nature-themed, with drawings inspired by animals, fruits and vegetables.  In the coming weeks, the students are preparing a campaign to encourage the use of reusable bags and to limit the use of single-use plastics and paper bags.  

You can purchase each bag for $25 on our website here: https://www.frenchschoolmiami.org/store

All proceeds will go towards our compost project and our annual fund.  As the holiday season approaches, these tote bags with the students’ artwork will make great sustainable gifts for friends and family.

The sale will start today and will close on December 1st, 2023.  All bags will be handed out to the children on the week of December 18th.

efam holiday shows

EFAM students have been busy practicing for the Holiday show. The North Campus show will be held on Monday, December 18th and the South Campus shows will be held on Tuesday, December 19th.

Students will come dressed for the show with the following attire:

        - White outfit with no patterns: white pants, skirt, dress, button-down shirt or polo shirt. No shorts allowed.

        - Light blue accessory to choose from the following list: scarf, brooch or jewelry, headband, hairclip, tie / bow tie (Attention: no hat, wig or accessory that hides the face)

FOR PRE-K AND K STUDENTS

Students in show attire will be dropped off by their parents at the school building gate between 8:15 am and 8:30 am. The show will take place between 8:45 am and 9:30 am.

Regular hours will apply to classes, after school care and clubs.

FOR ELEMENTARY STUDENTS

Students in show attire will be dropped off by their parents at the school building gate between 8:15 am and 8:30am.  The show will take place:

  • North Campus Elementary show - 2:45pm to 3:30pm

  • South Campus Elementary show - 2:15pm to 3:00pm

Regular hours will apply to classes, after school care and clubs.

efam parent committees - volunteers needed!

This year, EFAM would like to invite parents to volunteer in different committees.  The committees are a chance for parents to help enrich the EFAM experience for the students, either by participating in an educational event at school, in helping organize school fundraising events or by facilitating contact with EFAM alumni.  

We believe our parents' diverse backgrounds, rich experiences and networks can enhance our various projects.

Some committees will be set up for both campuses together, while others will be organized per campus.  Parents can also reach out to their child's class room parents, this will enable us to form committees with parents from different classes.

The EFAM administrative team will meet with each committee to go over the implementation of each project.

We look forward to collaborating with you and continue making EFAM a great place to learn!

Our first event will be held on December 15th (to be confirmed if we have enough volunteers): Holidays around the World…Parents will present special holiday traditions from their culture to the students; the format will be that of a fair where there will be a table set up for each culture/country represented; posters, objects, music, games and even food can be presented to the students; students from each class will go from table to table to learn about a special holiday.

Number of volunteers - 2 to 3 parents per table/holiday; 6 tables total per campus

Parent volunteers can sign up via this Google Form.

UPCOMING events

  • Café des parents - Nov.27th (North Campus) & Nov.29th (South Campus)

  • Tote bag sale - Nov.21st - Dec.1st

  • French Book Fair with My Bulle Toys - Dec.4-8

  • Pictures with Santa - Dec.13 (North Campus) & Dec.14 (South Campus)

  • Holiday Shows - Dec.18th (North Campus) & Dec.19 (South Campus)

  • School pictures - Jan.22-30 (to be confirmed)

  • EFAM Annual Gala - April 27th

a word from the efam parents’ club

The EFAM Parents Club is thankful for everyone's support at the 2023 Wine & Cheese Night held on November 4. It was great to see so many of you come together around some fantastic artwork and sponsored auction items on a beautiful evening in downtown Miami. We are pleased to report having raised $25,000 from the event, with every dollar going to support continued excellence for our kids at EFAM. A special thank you again to the many families and businesses who sponsored the evening. Please see the Parents Club Wine & Cheese featured in Le Courier des Ameriques at
https://courrierdesameriques.com/2023/11/05/nos-photos-du-wine-cheese-de-lefam-ecoles-franco-americaines-de-miami/

Best,
Mo

Pierre-JeanComment