ALISON HOEMAN - 5TH GRADE TEACHER
2000-2002

I came to Day-Star School in the fall of 2000, as my first job after college. I stayed for a second year because, quite honestly, I couldn't bring myself to leave. Mr. and Mrs. Skallman and their staff have been a great support system these past two years. Someone is always available to deal with whatever random problem or request I might have, whether it has to do with the school or not. The school is small enough so that I have gotten to know most of the kids by name, but it is big enough that there are always enough people around to do fun things, like dance contests, bake sales, soccer games, and a Christmas Carnival. I have also been serving as the high school girls' soccer coach, which has been a great way to get to know so many great kids in a non-academic setting. The town is small in a way that your student's parents own the grocery store, the pharmacy and the bookstore, and they all give you a smile and a hello whenever they see you, and sometimes they even invite you over for dinner. The town is also big enough so that it has all the entertainment - restaurants, movie theater, gym, and a dance club. Day-Star School has been a most rewarding experience both personally and professionally.

AMANDA JACOBSON
TEACHER 1999—2000

Upon first glance, the monthly salary may appear insufficient to cover basic needs, but after 5 months here I can assure you that the Day-Star School monthly salary and bonuses assure healthy living.

The monthly salary is 4700 Lempiras, which translates to roughly $325. This is more than enough money to cover day-to-day living expenses such as groceries, cleaning supplies, postage, having clothes made, and occasional weekend excursions to Tegucigalpa. There are also two bonuses doled out to teachers—one in December and the other in June.

The school covers the a monthly housing allowance of 1000 Lempiras, which is sufficient for a nice, safe apartment or house within walking distance to the school. Personally, I am able to save about $100 a month. There are few high costs of living in rural Honduras! Definitely don’t come to Juticalpa hoping to save a lot of money, but rest assured that the salary is more than sufficient to meet your basic living necessities.

LISA MOORE - HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER
1994-1996

My name is Lisa Moore and I am very happy to say that I was able to experience two years of international teaching at Day Star School in Juticalpa, Honduras. When I think about the two years I spent there I am filled with many warm and happy memories, some strange ones too but they make a great story and add to the flavor of teaching and living in a whole new world.

Day Star School is a small school located on the top of a hill with a beautiful view of the countryside. Being small is one of the advantages of Day Star School because not only is it very easy to become a member of the working team, but the staff and owners are very personable and are willing to do anything they can to help the teachers feel welcome and become accustomed to their surroundings. The students at Day Star School also played a big part of making my two years there very special. They are what teaching is all about and their appreciation and thoughtfulness never let me forget that. I still occasionally get letters to let me know how they are doing. I would go back every year to visit if I could.

During my two years I was able to travel around the country extensively as well as travel to surrounding countries and see so much more than I ever thought possible. Honduras is a poverty stricken country and I am glad I was able to help in some small way. In return, I learned some valuable lessons and came away with memories that are more precious to me than I ever could explain. In the future, I wouldn’t hesitate to do it again and return to Day Star School. If there are any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. You can obtain my number through the school.

I wanted to live in a Spanish-speaking country for two reasons: 1) to develop my Spanish, and 2) to have in-depth contact with a foreign culture. I was thrilled when I found a position at Day -Star. Those were two of the best years of my life. Beyond my original goal of language and cultural learning, it also proved to be an excellent opportunity to develop professionally as a teacher. Today, I still maintain contact with the many friends I have in Juticalpa, including Mark and Betty Skallman as well as some of my former students and parents from Day – Star. The experience has greatly enriched my career opportunities in the years since returning to the U.S., both in public school teaching and working in Corporate America. For me, it was the perfect adventure after graduating college, and I’ve never regretted it.

KATE HOLLENBACH - 3rd GRADE TEACHER
1999—2000

Hello, my name is Kate Hollenbach. I am currently the third grade teacher at Day-Star School. Teaching at Day-Star has been a positive, challenging experience for me. The biggest challenge has been teaching English to students whose first language is Spanish. However, it is exciting to witness the growth of my students in English during the school year.

The class size is generally large, and they decrease in size in the upper grades. The elementary grades tend to have 28-31 students. At the elementary level you are responsible for teaching art, P.E. and music. This is in addition to the regular classes. You still have breaks in the day, however, because a different teacher comes to your room to teach Spanish and Social Studies. The staff is supportive and friendly. The directors are flexible, eager to help and welcome different teaching styles. The availability of supplies and materials is sufficient and exceeds my original expectations. The school is well respected in the community and the student body comes from families that value education.

ANA BANOWSKY - KINDERGARTEN TEACHER
1997-1999

We were asked a few times during the last two years if living in Juticalpa could affect the academic development of my children. Well, it has been good for them. It’s clear to me that Day-Star academic standards are at equal or even higher than the Richardson Schools in Texas. The kids not only did not have any problems changing schools, they are getting excellent grades. Will and Jay have all A’s so far and David has been in the AB honor roll each six week period.

Elisa is not only on the A honor roll but just won a 2nd grade narrative writing award in her school (82 students in her grade). We are very proud of her and will always be thankful to Day-Star School and her first grade teachers for giving her the best beginning anyone can have.

As for their social development I think that they have a better appreciation for everything. They seem more aware of others and their needs. My husband and I are sure the two years we spent in Juticalpa were worth it.

As for me, I really miss Day-Star School. I miss my Kinder, the teachers and everything in school. I think about the kids often, I worry about the kids now in first grade. I wish I could have a way of knowing how each and every one of them is doing. I pray often for everyone in the school. You will always be in my heart.

I would like to tell anyone considering teaching in a bilingual school that Day-Star is a great place. I am thankful for the chance to have worked there for two years. I am thankful for the chance to have enjoyed a different culture, the chance for my family to learn to adjust to different situations and for the incredible opportunity to make a difference in the life of others. Keep an open mind. Think not about the lack of luxury but the future benefits and you will be happy you decided to give it a try, (I am). The fellowship between all the teachers was really helpful if you got homesick. We became like a family quickly. Please tell everyone we think about them a lot. Thank you for everything you and your school did for us the two years. God Bless You.

CHRISTINE WHELTON - 3rd GRADE TEACHER
1992 – 1994

I spent my first two years after graduating teaching third grade at Day-Star School. What a valuable experience! Juticalpa is not a glamorous, cosmopolitan town, but it is an excellent way to be immersed in Honduran culture. If you are willing to make the effort to learn the language and get to know people, you will be rewarded by experiencing the uniqueness of Hondurans and their culture.

My two years were full of challenges, but were rarely boring. Learning Spanish was probably the biggest challenge for me, but it was also the best benefit as I still keep up my Spanish now.

If I have to give advice to someone considering a teaching position abroad I would say: ask a lot of questions; try to learn as much as possible about what you’re getting into, and make the most of your opportunity. Not only did I gain two valuable years of teaching experience, but also I learned Spanish, experienced Central American culture, and had the opportunity to travel throughout Honduras and Central America on school breaks. I made some good friends while in Juticalpa, from other Day – Star teachers to local families, to volunteers living in and around Juticalpa.

When I reflect on my time spent in Honduras I feel very fortunate that I seized the opportunity to have such a unique teaching experience.