Little Schoolhouse of Charlotte gets ready for Christmas party

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

NOW on its second month, the students of the Filipino Eskuwelahang Munti of 

Charlotte (Little Schoolhouse of Charlotte) are getting ready for their 

Christmas party.

This was learned from Dr. Nini RB Bautista, chairperson of the Filipino 

American Spirit, Inc. The students are practicing how to sing the traditional 

Filipino song Paru-Parong Bukid (Butterfly Field).”

A five-minute practice is held after every Sunday class to familiarize the 

participants. Dr. Nini Bautista teaches the students how to sing and dance to 

the song, a source of delight to every Fil-American student.

The Little Schoolhouse program started last summer and was such a success 

that the Fil-American parents and the community requested to sustain it.

The past weeks showed that the students can speak conversational Filipino as 

evidenced in the question and answer portions and the role playing games. The 

parents take turns in providing snacks for the students.

The Fil-American students are taught Philippine history, geography, arts, 

culture and Philippine cuisine.

The project is being supported by an initial grant from the Catholic Diocese of 

Charlotte Foundation and the fundraising efforts of the Filipino American Spirit (FAS) 

.

Assisting Mrs. Gloria Grifenhagen as school director is Dell Fallar. Luz Taboada 

is the administrator while the members of the pool of teachers are Glo 

Grifenhagen, Dell Fallar, Dr. Chris and Guia Villapando,and volunteers Susan 

Palmes-Dennis, Grace Basilan and Ron Beltran. Ron Beltran also serves as an 

IT consultant along with Boging Mata.