Navigating the Transition: A Guide for New Families at the MET

Starting at a new school, or even in a new country, can be both exciting and a bit overwhelming. At the MET, we are here to make this transition as smooth as possible. We offer various resources and support to help your family settle in and become a cherished part of our vibrant community.

What to Expect During the First Few Weeks
To help you get comfortable from the start, we kick off the school year with orientation sessions and open houses. These gatherings are a fantastic way for new families to get to know our community, explore our facilities, and learn about our daily routines. They’re also a great chance to meet our friendly staff and other new families. We encourage early meetings with your child’s teacher to discuss any specific needs or interests, laying the foundation for a successful school experience. Throughout the year, we’ll host a variety of events and activities that will offer more opportunities to connect and engage with the MET community.

The MET House System: Building Community and Spirit
One of the things that make the MET special is our House System. It’s designed to create a strong sense of community and school spirit. Every student is assigned to one of our four houses—Nata, Chiru, Kantule, or Urraca—each honoring significant historical and cultural figures from Panama. This system fosters friendly competition through sports days, academic challenges, and other fun events, helping our students build leadership skills, make friends across different grades, and feel a true sense of belonging.

Embodying Strength and Spirit: Our Jaguar Mascot
Our jaguar mascot embodies the strength, agility, and spirit we strive to instill in our students. We encourage our students to be resilient, confident, and fearless in their pursuit of knowledge and excellence. The jaguar spirit is infused into all aspects of school life, promoting a sense of pride and unity among students, staff, and parents alike.

Extracurricular Activities and Athletics: More Than Just Fun
At the MET, learning doesn’t stop when the school day ends. We offer a wide range of Extracurricular Activities (ECAs) and a dynamic Athletics Program to keep our students engaged and active. Whether it’s through arts, crafts, robotics, or performing arts, our ECAs help students explore their passions and develop essential life skills like teamwork, leadership, and time management. Our athletics program is equally diverse, promoting health and wellness through sports like soccer, basketball, and swimming, while teaching valuable lessons in perseverance, discipline, and sportsmanship.

Our Commitment to Health: MET’s Nutrition Program
We know how crucial good nutrition is for a child’s development and academic success. That’s why our Nutrition Program offers balanced, healthy meals to support your child’s growth and learning. Our cafeteria provides a variety of nutritious options to cater to different dietary needs, and we’re committed to accommodating students with food allergies or specific dietary requirements.

Resources for New Families
To help you feel at home, we’ve gathered a range of resources for new families. Whether you’re looking for contact information, details about our uniform policy, a quick glance at the academic calendar, or more information about our policies, we’ve got you covered. You can also find more resources on our Digital Resources webpage, making it easy to access everything you need.

Tips for Getting Involved and Integrating into the MET Community
Being an active part of our community is one of the best ways to help your family adjust and feel connected. Consider joining the MET Parent Council, attending our school events, or volunteering your time. These activities are wonderful ways to meet other parents, show your child that you’re invested in their school experience, and contribute to the vibrant life of our school.

Stay Connected with the MET
We want to keep you informed and involved, so don’t forget to follow us on social media (Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn) and regularly check our website for the latest news and events. We are dedicated to supporting you every step of the way and look forward to welcoming you into the MET family!