Recognizing each student’s potential at the elementary school level is a challenging journey. Children are still discovering themselves, building character values, and learning to explore the world around them. At The Dewey Schools Ocean Park, the multicultural learning environment, along with the deep care from the teachers, opens opportunities for every student to discover and develop their potential. Haga Karen, a student of 2Osaka, is a remarkable example of how Dewey teachers accompany students on their journey of self-discovery and growth.
Having previously studied in Japan, Karen gradually adjusted to new friends and a new environment upon returning to Vietnam and enrolling at Dewey Ocean Park. Although she can communicate in both Vietnamese and Japanese, adapting to a different learning environment was still a considerable challenge. To help Karen confidently integrate, her homeroom teacher, Ms. Pham Khanh Chi, designed a variety of class activities to encourage Karen to express her personality and showcase her strengths. “At Dewey, homeroom sessions are always a great opportunity for the homeroom teacher to build stronger connections with students. Karen is a special student because she knows Japanese, so I create opportunities for her to share her language skills with the class. Though she is reserved, she is always willing to help and answer her classmates’ questions. Additionally, with a foundation of respecting each student’s individuality, I often arrange for Karen to participate in activities like painting, crafts, or games that allow her to reveal her artistic talents without feeling anxious about her shyness in communication. Noticing that she excels in math, I implemented the “Peer Companion” model, where stronger students help guide those who need more support, and I’m delighted to see Karen excelling in this role.”
The respect for cultural diversity at Dewey has helped Karen integrate naturally, while the school’s differentiated teaching approach allows teachers to closely monitor and encourage each student to maximize their potential. Karen’s close friend, TDSer Diep Anh, excitedly shared: “To me, Karen clearly demonstrates Dewey’s value of Generosity because she is always willing to help me during math lessons. The other classmates also adore Karen because, even though she used to live in Japan, she excels in both Vietnamese and English.”
Thanks to the support of her teachers and the love from her friends, Karen has achieved impressive results. In particular, this October, she was honored with the TDS Core Values Progress award – a well-deserved recognition for her exceptional progress in embodying Dewey’s core values: Generosity, Passion, Integrity, and Lifelong Learning. Karen shared: “I am very happy and honored. I feel proud of this award and will continue striving to earn more in the coming months.”
Karen’s love for school every day not only stems from her studies but also from her passion for music through Dewey’s Music Club. Her love for music has been nurtured by her teacher, allowing her to freely express her talent for dancing. Ms. Vu Thi Hien, the club’s teacher, proudly shared: “Karen is a very well-behaved and diligent student. She always pays close attention during lessons and completes all tasks with seriousness. Though she is quite reserved, she is highly observant and attentive, demonstrating her keen understanding. When it’s time for music, she seems to be re-energized. Karen is particularly gifted in dance and always practices with enthusiasm, fully immersing herself in the music.”
Behind her calm demeanor and passion for music, Karen surprises everyone with a big dream – to become a policewoman and protect others. When asked about her plan for achieving this dream, she innocently replied, “I will work hard to exercise and finish all my meals in the cafeteria to grow stronger!” Karen is also thinking about “transforming” into a little police officer during the upcoming Spirit Week – Halloween at Dewey.
TDSer Haga Karen’s journey of self-discovery still holds many new and exciting experiences ahead. From what she has shown so far, the school believes that Karen will continue to spread her confidence, generosity, and passion for learning throughout the Dewey Ocean Park community. We wish Haga Karen all the best as she confidently moves forward on her path of self-development and discovery!
