Iskwelahang Pilipino is a non-profit organization run by volunteers in the Greater Boston area. It was founded in 1976 by a group of parents to create an environment where their children will have the opportunity to learn about their Filipino heritage. Parent participation in school activities is a pre-requisite in joining Iskwelahang Pilipino.

(picture taken by Parent/volunteer Agnes Fisher) Curious IP children find out what's under the "tutup" (food cover) and on the "talam" (brass tray). Learning about the Lumad Pilipinos gets interesting every lesson.

Goals

• Develop in Filipino-American children a strong positive ethnic identity and instill pride in the students' cultural heritage.
  
  
• Promote better relationships between the children and their Filipino-American parents through understanding and appreciation of Filipino and American value systems.
  
  
• Foster a sense of group ethnic awareness and to promote friendship among the children who would otherwise be isolated from each other.
  
  
• Develop awareness of the choices possible for conducting one's life through evaluation and selection of "the best of both worlds".
  
  
• Develop a sense of community among the Filipino-American residents of the Greater Boston area through understanding and appreciation of their common linguistic and cultural heritage.
  
  
• Heighten the consciousness of New Englanders about the existence in their midst of an important Asian ethnic group.
  
  

Programs

• Music Program - The children learn Filipino folk songs, play indigenous Filipino string and percussion instruments, and perform as a group at all school and outside functions. Students who are currently taking music lessons and can read notes are encouraged to participate in the rondalla.
  
  
• Folk Dance Program - Folk dancing being an expression of a people's ethnicity, this program incorporates the study of culture, music, geography, and regional lifestyles. The children develop body coordination and graceful movement by learning intricate dance steps, and gain a self-confidence by performing on stage.
  
  
• Language and Culture - Language and culture are taught with emphasis on similarities and differences between American and Philippine culture. The objective is to help the children appreciate their parents' upbringing and cultural background, and to use this appreciation in forming their own values as adults in the greater community. This program also includes cooking of ethnic dishes, which help develop the children's appreciation for different tastes and preferences.
  
  
• Arts and Crafts - In addition to learning how to create native handicrafts, the students also build props and make accessories necessary for school performances. Philippine motifs and materials are used whenever appropriate and available. Creativity is emphasized.
  
  
• Rondalla Program - To preserve and perpetuate a native form of Philippine folk music, the Rondalla program introduces children to the basics of playing these string instruments: octavina, banduria, laud. As they progress, students are then encouraged to perform with the Rondalla ensemble.
  
  

Parent Participation

• Ensure that their children attend sessions regularly and on time. Whenever parents and/or their children miss a session, parents should contact the I.P. secretary or director to get updated information on any assignments, schedules, or activities.
  
  
• Ensure that the children make up for missed class work and rehearsals. The children should schedule time with someone to practice with, in order to catch up and be able to participate at the final performance.
  
  
• Reinforce lessons at home. Parents should be aware of the subject being covered in class by observing or looking through school material given to the children in order to help the teachers with the lessons.
  
  
• Assist staff as teacher's aides, and carry out both curricular and extra-curricular activities.
  
  
• Provide snacks for the children and parents at designated times, and help keep the premises clean and orderly.
  
  
• Assist in fundraising.
  
  
• Encourage other parents to join and publicize the school's activities to friends and colleagues.
  
  

Help support the School by purchasing

Pasko sa Amerika!

The Christmas Recording by the IP Rondalla Ensemble



enrollment
for ages 3 through 17



classes
1:30 to 4:30 P.M.
Every other Sunday, September thru May.
(Rondalla classes are held before and after regular class sessions.)
School Year Calendar Schedule


meeting address
Iskwelahang Pilipino
Bedford Center
Mudge Way
Bedford, MA, U.S.A.
Directions to I.P.



administration address
Iskwelahang Pilipino
12 Mudge Way, Suite 124
Bedford, MA 01730, U.S.A.

Patricia Yusah, Director
yusah@ipbahay.org

Board of Directors
Cristina Castro, Chair
criscastro@ipbahay.org
Ravi Bhoge
Gretheline Bolandrina
Nora Dube
Veronica Gominho
James Lyons
Ken O'Brien
Dolores Marmol
Samuel Rippin

IP Village photoblog: http://www.ipschool.multiply.com