January 5, 2021
January 2021
Palapa Society News
Please note, all photos in this newsletter are pre-pandemic.
Our Season of Giving is wrapping up.
You can still help us achieve our goal!
Thank you to everyone who has donated to help us with our Season of Giving Annual Fundraiser. Each of you is making a difference in so many young lives by donating to their education. We are just $24,130 USD from meeting our goal of $150,000 USD!

Please consider donating today to help us meet our goal. Our students and their families depend on donors just like you to ensure that they receive the best education possible!
Your generosity continues to warm our hearts.

Thank you!
A Fun and Exciting Way
to Help Us Meet Our Goal
Three-Night Stay
Buena Vista Oceanfront Hotel

You can still participate in this special offer. Even if you have donated already to our Season of Giving Fundraiser, you can simply donate the remaining amount to receive a certificate. Several of our donors have already participated by creating group donations in order to have a mini vacations with family and friends.
We will be gifting these certificates to donors who give a donation of $1,000 USD or more. Certificates will include a three-night stay at the resort on Baja’s romantic and semi-secluded East Cape. You’ll stay in a premium garden front room only steps from the Sea of Cortez. You won’t want to miss out on some spectacular waterfront dining at Restaurante El Navigante or sipping a piña colada while bathing in the natural hot springs water jacuzzi. Certificates will be valid two years from issue date. Terms and conditions apply. To view the terms and conditions, please view them below.
All COVID-19 protocols are meticulously followed and you will be safely and warmly welcomed as one of the family. 

This is a one-time deal. Only 21 of these packages are remaining, limit one package per donor. Donations over $2,000 USD can receive a second package upon request.
Terms and Conditions - Guests

To view our terms and conditions, please click here for the original announcement email.
Student Spotlight:
Sarah N.L.
This month our student spotlight is on Sarah N.L. Sarah is in her first year of high school. She told us that she wanted to come to The Palapa School because it is the best school in town. What she likes most about secondary school is that she feels listened to by the teachers. Her favorite subjects are chemistry and mathematics. She is excited to return to face-to-face school and see her classmates. What she has learned the most from distance learning is the use of new technologies. Sarah is planning to go to university but has not yet defined what she wants to study.
Teacher Spotlight:
Melissa Chen
Melissa Chen grew up in Alabama, and moved to Northern California to attend Stanford University, where she studied Mechanical Engineering, while interning and working at the nursery on campus. Her first role after graduation was with Northrup Grumman, applying her major as a Mechanical Engineer for two years.
Next, she partnered with her Stanford colleagues and founded a non-profit, STEM-focused organization for underserved youth in Los Angeles, called 9DOTS, ensuring that all K-6 students have access to inspiring and effective computer science education.

She visited a friend in La Paz and was instantly attracted to the area. She then left 9DOTS after 7 successful years to pursue her next career goal. Her teaching career began with a position at The Sierra School in Todos Santos. Now, Melissa is applying all of her experience by teaching the subjects of Mathematics and Science to our High School students.

The Palapa School is fortunate to have her on its teaching staff.
Re-opening of the Biblioteca
Elena Poniatowska
We are excited to share with you that the Biblioteca Elena Poniatowska will be re-opening its doors to the public on Monday, January 11, 2021 10 am - 1 pm.

Please note that our librarians are observing strict COVID-19 guidelines, face masks are mandatory.
A Moment of Gratitude
Our Season of Giving Donors
Dec. 1 - Jan. 15, 2021
Alejandro & Gaby Flores
Ann & Tom Rader
Anonymous
Anonymous
Barbara B. Frank
Bond Ward
Carol Mcquirk
Charles Herren
Chloe Johnson
Christopher & Elizabeth Day
Daria Knowles
David Brower
Dr. Mary Wagner & Rich Carlblom
Elizabeth Goodman
George & Kathryn Barcos
Greg Broughton
Jann Reed
Jene Buckner
John Staley
Kim & Pierre Pellisier
Kim Boyd
Kristen & Rick Friedman
Lynette & Jaime Sutton
Marcia Beachy
Myra & Don Kelley
Patricia & Eric Adams
Paul Santucci
Paula Schoonmaker
Peter & Shirley Hill
Peter Lepine
Rick & Tara Kessler
Sally Horn
Sarah Hansel
Thatcher Alexander
Tim & Susan Doyle
Todd & Lisa Glanzer
Monthly Donors
AJ & Bonnie Johnston
Ann Hazard
Bill & Christine Durboraw
Cheri Myers
Connie & Andy Mical
Dr. Bill & Cathy Nation
Dennis & Nancy Naigle
Eleanor Andrews
Gail & Scott Bosch
Grace Tuttle
Hal & Vickie Butler
Heather & Jerry Bauer
Jane Gehring
Janna Kinkade
Jessica Spencer
Judd & Karin Cuenin
Karen & Charley Haley
Kathy Warnert & Tod Diamond
Kristin Rust
Lee Purser
Liane Collins
Lisa Goodman
Margot & Dick Hampleman
Maria Olaisen & Mike Block
Marjolean Brugman
Marshall Laird
Nancy & Dennis Naigle
Nancy Simpson
Pam & Paul Bumann
Paty Rains
Ryan Casey
Sharon Morris
Stephen Nicholas
Susan & Jim Smith
Suzanne & Rick Arnold
Sydney & Greg Schweitzer
Tori Sepulveda & Oscar Rosales
Virginia Gollery
MISSION
The Palapa Society of Todos Santos, A.C. exists to make a positive difference in people’s lives through inspirational quality education and timely support through community service and programs.

VISION
It is the vision of The Palapa Society of Todos Santos, A.C. to be a sustainable, accessible community focused organization in which quality educational programs empower choice filled lives and create positive transformational change.