August 8, 2021
August 2021: Palapa Society News
Graduation Ceremony
The importance of celebrating educational milestones cannot be overstated. In years past, 9th grade was the terminus of schooling for most students in Mexico. Therefore, when the pandemic threatened a key milestone of 9th grade graduation, technology became the solution to recognize The Palapa School students. On July 5th, each graduate’s family huddled around their screen to celebrate a Zoom graduation. Families festooned backgrounds with streamers and signage to enhance the graduate’s experience and demonstrate their pride.
The Palapa Learning Center founders, David and Cindy Higgins, delivered these striking messages. “My message to you is a simple one,” said David. “You and your fellow students are the reason The Palapa School exists. It is for you and the reason it was built.” 

Cindy continued, “We hope you understand how much effort, thought, and love have gone into the creation and support of this school by The Palapa Society to offer you the best education possible. The Palapa Society is extremely proud of your achievement especially during this challenging year of COVID.”

Congratulations to all our graduates. Onward to high school!
Welcome New Palapa School
Director Anna Castillo
Bienvenida! 

We are delighted to welcome Anna Castillo to her new position as the Director of The Palapa School. 

Over the past 3 years Anna has worked as our lead social science and Spanish teacher. She’s demonstrated an impressive commitment and creativity to her work. Among her accomplishments, Anna initiated and led two integrated learning projects at the high school level where all subject areas were coordinated under an umbrella project.  

Anna also established an annual camping trip to Isla Espiritu Santo. For many students, it was their first time seeing the island. Anna attended The Tigers Woods Foundation STEM workshop in Los Angeles last year and attended it virtually this summer. Anna established many internal procedures and formats that all teachers use. She played an integral role in planning the expansion of the Palapa School's second floor.
Anna commented, “As a Director, I will miss not being in the classroom, but I will ensure The Palapa School inspires students with opportunities to discover and explore new and challenging experiences.”

Anna has consistently tackled and accomplished multiple and innovative tasks at the highest, most professional level. “For me the direction of the Escuela de la Palapa means an opportunity to serve: to serve the community and serve the students.” As a result, her leadership and commitment have been a well-earned promotion to Directora. Congratulations, Anna. 
Announcing 
The 1st Annual Scholarship Drive:
“Opening Doors to Education”
Every year families anxiously await news of whether or not their child will receive a Palapa Society scholarship.This news can make an enormous impact on their child’s life. It means a step closer to realizing hopes and dreams of an education and a future of choices. 

We invite you to donate to the 1st Annual Scholarship Drive. We have set a goal of $100,000 USD. The drive will run from August 12 through September 12. While this is a challenging goal, we are counting on you to help students and their families who have been especially hard hit by the pandemic. 

Where do the donations go? Scholarships are awarded based on merit and financial need to University students for tuition and books, local high school students for uniforms and books, and the Palapa School which is fully supported by donors like you.

With a simple act, you can make a permanent difference in a child’s life. 
If you are inspired to give today, click the link below.
Update of Programs
The Palapa School - August 30, 2021
Biblioteca Elena Poniatowska - Closed until further notice
Children's Library - Closed until further notice
Puente Program - Tentative start date - October 2021
Adult English - To continue via Zoom only
After-school Children's Art Program - Closed until further notice
Events Calendar
To protect our community, a final decision to proceed with each event will be determined based on the status of COVID-19 at the time.
 
Tianguis - November 2021
Carrera de Todos Santos (5K) - December 2021
Todos Santos Open Studio Tour - February 2022
Historic Home Tour - March 2022
Baja Under the Stars  (Denver, CO) - September 17, 2022
Palapa Society
June & July 2021 Donors
Ann and Rafe Sykes
Anna & Jerry Paulino
Anna E. Masaschi
Anne McEnany
Anonymous Donor
DUM
Layla Masaschi
Linda Sue & Terryl Scott & Tagg
Nicole Scarborough
Paul & Pam Bumann
Peter Nack
Rick & Suzanne Arnold
Ryan Casey
Sarah & Evan McNeil
Susan & Roy Beaton
Donations In Memory of
Tod Diamond
Christina Wong
Dodge and Cox (matching gift via Bayley Diamond)
Kathy Warnert
Marlene & Randal Hoeft
Robert & Karen Zigler
Susan Schaffrath
Tim & Susan Doyle
Our Monthly Donors
Make a Year Round Impact!
Thank YOU!
AJ & Bonnie Johnston
Ann Hazard
Angelica Velez
Bill & Christine Durboraw
Brian & Lynn Kuske
Cheri Myers
Connie & Andy Mical
Deborah Parrish
Dr. Bill & Cathy Nation
Dennis & Nancy Naigle
Eleanor Andrews
Gail & Scott Bosch
Grace & Tim Tuttle
Hal & Vickie Butler
Heather & Jerry Bauer
James Masaschi
Jane Gehring
Jane Hicks
Janna Kinkade
Jessica Spencer
Judd & Karin Cuenin
Julie & Michael Dandurand
Karen & Charley Haley
Kathy Warnert
Kristin Rust
Lee Purser
Liane Collins
Lisa Goodman
Margot & Dick Hampleman
Marilyn Jacques
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
Tom & Chris Hamer
Tori Sepulveda & Oscar Rosales
Virginia Gollery
Monthly Gifts Help Make a Big Impact!
Becoming a monthly donor helps to stabilize our annual revenue needs.

How Far Can Your Gift Go?

  • $50 USD per month = 1/4-year scholarship*
  • $100 USD per month = 1/2-year scholarship*
  • $200 USD per month = 1-year scholarship*

Please consider becoming a part of our family of monthly donors today.
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.