Johnny is an official kindergarten graduate. We had the last second-to-last acto last night.
A couple of weeks ago I received a note that said:
“The administrators of Niños Argentinos have the honor to communicate with you that your son, David Frohling, has been elected to be the escolta of the Cooperative Flag that represents our school. We congratulate you and we share your emotion and pride for this accomplishment.”
Well, there is no fitting translation of escolta into our USA English language, at least in how it applies to the flag. The Argentines are a very proud and patriotic people. Every school day, upon arrival and upon dismissal, the flag is raised or lowered and the national anthem is sung. It is a very, very big deal. There are abanderados who actually hold the flag; the escoltas help the abanderados, I guess you could say. (The literal translation is "escort".) They are all elected by both their peers and their teachers based on their grades and behavior.
“The administrators of Niños Argentinos have the honor to communicate with you that your son, David Frohling, has been elected to be the escolta of the Cooperative Flag that represents our school. We congratulate you and we share your emotion and pride for this accomplishment.”
Well, there is no fitting translation of escolta into our USA English language, at least in how it applies to the flag. The Argentines are a very proud and patriotic people. Every school day, upon arrival and upon dismissal, the flag is raised or lowered and the national anthem is sung. It is a very, very big deal. There are abanderados who actually hold the flag; the escoltas help the abanderados, I guess you could say. (The literal translation is "escort".) They are all elected by both their peers and their teachers based on their grades and behavior.
During the sixth-grade graduation, there was a “changing of the guards” so to speak. The graduating sixth-grade flag bearers gave over the responsibility to the incoming sixth-graders. It was definitely a new experience for us. Everyone kept congratulating Chris and me. I asked David, “Why do they congratulate us? We didn’t do anything.” And he replied, rather embarrassed, “Well, I think it’s because you raised me.” I had to bite my tongue.
And finally, today, we had the final acto of the year and got the libretas (report cards) for each boy. I am having a hard time wrapping my brain around the fact that this school year is over. I feel quite proud of the kiddos for learning a whole new language, making friends, and having good attitudes. They are examples to me!
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| David's classmates all said their lines in English. Suddenly, Seño Gimena said, "We have our very own translator!" And she called David up and had him translate all the English into Spanish. His face was as red as his hat. This would be one of my personal pesadillas (nightmares)! |
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| Chau, Salita de 5 ¡¡¡Bienvenidos 2012!!! |
Have a great, school-free weekend!
4 comments:
Congratulations David, Andrew and Johnny on finishing your school year. This is no small thing to finish a whole school year in another language and to do it well. Congrats. You look so happy!
What an honor to be elected the escolta by your friends and teachers David! Well done Krista and Chris too. :)
I loved seeing all these pictures.
This so wonderful! What an honor for each.
So glad you have some wonderful vacation to look forward to!
Hi! My name is Kristin Hempy, not sure if you remember me from SB Community Church or not. My mom Cheryl recently gave me your blog address and it looks like your family is doing some amazing work in Argentina.
I'm interested in studying Spanish after I graduate from Westmont in May, and I'm considering Argentina as a location. I'd love any input or suggestions you may have for places to look at or people to contact. My email is khempy@westmont.edu. Any advice would be so appreciated! Thanks so much and Merry Christmas!
Congratulations, Frohling Family! No wonder last week was full...it was full of awards!
You and your boys should definitely celebrate :)
So proud of all of you!
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