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The Perfectly Wicked Halloween Party

The end of October was marked yet again by a magical outdoor celebration in our school community! Taking place in the Secondary Campus courtyard on the 24th of October, Mark Twain International School kept the series of spooky and thrilling events rolling with this year’s “Perfectly Wicked Halloween Party”.

Those of you who have been part of the Mark Twain IS community for some time already know that our Autumn Fest Carnival – Halloween Open House is truly one-of-a-kind. Last year’s “Creepy Crawly Halloween Party” was nothing short of exceptional, and this year, we wanted to take things up a notch! Why? Because we bring the community together with joy, creativity, and celebration, making this festive season unforgettable. There’s nothing quite like dressing up in imaginative costumes and coming together for a fun outdoor event to celebrate both the harvest season and Halloween.

Halloween is our favorite event celebration not only due to its creative purposes and value, but also because our students love it the most from all the theme festivities that we organize throughout the year. So, naturally, we strive to make something really special for them, as well as their families and friends to enjoy.

Having prepared a spectacular array of activities, ranging from magic arts & crafts to face painting, from talent show competitions to pumpkin decorating contests, our school yard turned into a spooky wonderland filled with music, dancing and singing, goofy games and glittery costumes. The Haunted Mansion – designed with love and care by the teachers and older students -, which was a big success in 2023, surpassed last year’s experience and impressions, having been made even scarier than what was already expected. We even had a wonderful display of fireworks exploding in the night sky, wrapping up the end of an incredible night. 

We would like to thank everyone for joining on this joyful occasion, for celebrating autumn and its traditions alongside our beloved community and getting a glimpse, once again, of Mark Twain International School’s holistic experience. We really do hope to see you all again next year!

Advancement Team

Mark Twain International School

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Exciting News: Mark Twain International School Expands with a New Campus in Cosmopolis

We are thrilled to announce that Mark Twain International School is opening a brand-new educational campus in the vibrant neighborhood of Cosmopolis in September 2025. This expansion marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to providing exceptional education and fostering a nurturing environment for our students.

A Vision for the Future

For years, Mark Twain International School has been at the forefront of educational excellence in Romania, and this new campus will further solidify our reputation. The Cosmopolis campus will offer comprehensive educational facilities, including a kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, and high school. 

State-of-the-Art Facilities

The new campus will span over 4,000 square meters of modern educational space, complemented by an additional 4,000 square meters of outdoor areas. These spaces will feature sports fields, relaxation zones, and playgrounds, providing ample opportunities for students to engage in physical activities, unwind, and enjoy nature.

An Interview with Our Founder: Anca Macovei Vlasceanu

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The Romanian Cadet Foil Team is awarded the gold medal in the Coupe de Samaria Final, Slovakia.

Ilinca Vereș is a member of the team and a Mark Twain IS representative.

We are so proud to announce that our IB MYP student Ilinca Vereș, who in January 2024 was awarded the bronze medal at the National Foil Championship for Cadets, has just represented Romania in Samorin, Slovakia, with an outstanding result. 

The Romanian Cadet Foil Team, which Ilinca Vereș was a part of, that competed in Slovakia against other European countries, has been awarded the gold medal in the Coupe de Samaria Final. After many hours of practice and hard work, the efforts that these young men and women put into their passion for the sports and competition paid off with more than just a simple victory. For what they have achieved is a breakthrough of the mind and body, it is a testament of what it means to dare go beyond the known limits of the self and unlock the gates toward your full potential.

Ilinca Vereș, a true marktwainian, is someone who tested those limits and prevailed, who went beyond the familiar boundaries of herself, on a journey far more complex and rewarding than what she used to think was possible. Guided by the values cherished, but, moreover, encouraged by Mark Twain International School, namely dreaming big, working hard and always staying true to your own self, Ilinca managed to pass with distinction the intense sport competitions and win a gold medal, making not only her community, as well as her country proud, but also making herself proud. And for that we couldn’t be happier and appreciative. It is our duty as a school to ensure that each student shines on their journey to discover who they are and what they can do best. Ilinca’s result served as a powerful reminder of why it is important to embrace the challenges and always keep yourself on track; her victory was a symbol of personal accomplishment and growth.

A set of warm congratulations is in order for such an outstanding performance. Well done, Ilinca! And keep up the good work!

Florin Ionescu
Advancement Officer
Mark Twain International School

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The Perfectly Wicked Halloween Party: Autumn Carnival 2024!

Mark Twain International School PRIVATE EVENT 

Join Us for the Perfectly Wicked Halloween Party: Autumn Carnival 2024! 

Dear Students, Parents, Teachers & Staff,
Our favorite time of autumn is upon us once again! The glowing pumpkins and the scent of spiced treats are vivid reminders that October is here. While we continue our studies with focus and dedication, we are eagerly anticipating one of the most thrilling events of the year: Halloween! Those of you who have been part of the Mark Twain IS family for some time already know that our Autumn Fest Carnival – Halloween Open House is truly one-of-a-kind. Last year’s Creepy Crawly Halloween Party was nothing short of exceptional, and this year, we’re ready to take things up a notch! Why? Because we bring the community together with joy, creativity, and celebration, making this festive season unforgettable. There’s nothing quite like dressing up in imaginative costumes and coming together for a fun outdoor event to celebrate both the harvest season and Halloween.

As always, in the weeks leading up to this celebration, students, teachers, and staff will be decorating their classrooms, engaging in friendly competition to create the most innovative displays. We’ll also be learning about harvest traditions from around the world, and we’ll fondly recall last year’s one-of-a-kind Halloween Party, which set the bar high for fun and excitement. All of this will lead up to an extraordinary outdoor community event:

The Perfectly Wicked Halloween Party
Autumn Carnival 2024

What makes this year’s Open House event even more special, you ask? Let us tell you!

🎃 We will have over 15 magical Mark Twain IS Halloween Stands, featuring musical workshops, decoration competitions, spooky interactive games, singing, and dancing.
🎃 More than 10 food and drink stalls will be on hand to satisfy your Halloween cravings with tasty spooky treats and drinks.
🎃 A special spooky DJ will be spinning thrilling Halloween tracks all evening long, setting the perfect mood for a night of fun and frights!
🎃 And the highlight of the night? Our very own Haunted Mansion, where students, parents, teachers, and staff can embark on guided tours and experience spine-tingling thrills!

In short, this is an event not to be missed. Join us and experience the magic for yourselves! If you thought last year’s celebration was amazing, just wait until you see what we have in store for The Perfectly Wicked Halloween Party: Autumn Carnival 2024!

Get your ticket(s) today!

See you there,

Ioana Ionescu (Macovei Vlasceanu)
CAO, Head of Magic
& The Mysterious Mark Twain IS Team

P.S. Kindly remember to park only in the designated parking areas on campus and in the vicinity. Parking in front of the school campus or on the adjacent side streets is prohibited due to local traffic regulations.

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Celebrating World Peace Day 2024

Today marks a very special moment in the Mark Twain International School community. Today, on the 20th of September 2024, students from the PYP, MYP and DP, teachers and staff members all gathered in the Senior Campus courtyard for yet another celebration of the International Day of Peace.

This day was dedicated to the values that unite us all: harmony, compassion, and understanding. At Mark Twain, peace is more than just a word — it’s a way of life. Every day, our students embrace kindness, empathy, and collaboration to build a brighter, more peaceful world. For we believe that small actions — a kind word, a helping hand, or standing up for what’s right — can spark change that spreads far beyond our school.

Throughout history, courageous individuals have dared to dream of peace, and our students proudly carry that legacy forward. Peace begins with understanding — understanding each other, our differences, and the truth that we are all part of one global family.

Our strong and open-minded students dedicated their time and energy to honoring this day, to commemorating its worldwide significance as well as its positive impact it has had on our global society since its inception in 1981. Their intention today was promoting healthy and noble human values, challenging us all to understand that the first step towards achieving world peace starts with inner tranquility. That we should first and foremost understand and appreciate who we are in order to attain a sense of harmony and calm inside of ourselves. Only then could we spread the same energy onto the outside world, within our community and beyond. 

Upon forming a giant human peace sign right in the middle of the football field, and then hearing two inspiring, deep and wonderful speeches written by two of our incredible students, everybody who was part of the event sang “We Are the World” by Michael Jackson, in hopes that all their voices would create a stronger link between each individual, and make us understand that no matter the burden we are carrying, we are all part of the same world and should always stay together.

As we celebrate the International Day of Peace, let’s remember: peace starts with each of us. Together, we can create a ripple of love and understanding that touches the world.

Mark Twain International School – inspiring peace, one student at a time.

Florin Ionescu 

Advancement Officer

Mark Twain International School

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Peace Day Speech (Alexandra Dobre)

Peace. Such a controversial word if you ask me. First of all, I believe we should understand that there are different types of peace. Peace of mind, international peace, structural peace and so many more. A lot right? 

Let’s start with the peace of mind. According to the dictionary, peace is the state where a person is not interrupted or annoyed by worry. Please remember that. 

I do believe that peace has a strong connection with worry. The key to the relief of worry, stress and anxiety, even for a brief moment is gratitude. I invite all of the stressed and worried faculty and students to think of something they feel grateful for and analyze how their mood has changed. The feeling of gratitude is the peace of mind, and the worry that disturbs the tranquility can be settled down with gratitude. 

Then we have International peace. We live at a time where multiple countries are at war, basic human rights are being interdicted yet some people fight. The diplomats are the warriors of our nations. The people who carry formal debate for a living to ensure the best of their countries are the reason why so many of us have the privileges we have today.

Last but certainly not least, the structural peace. It is the peace that talks about equality. Equality between politics, economics and judgment, equality between people. It is the peace that ensures that people have the same opportunities and rights. Unfortunately, this type of peace has never really worked out for all. Working on this type of peace starts with us. It starts with us respecting each other’s rights and integrity. 

I dare believe that every person in this room is an advocate for peace. The simple fact that you are here today could make a possible future difference.

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Peace Day Speech (Maria Costea)

Today, as we gather for Peace Day, we reflect not only on the large-scale idea of peace—peace between nations, the end of wars, and global harmony—but also on peace in our immediate surroundings and within ourselves. It is crucial at an international level, but it begins right here, in our classrooms, our school, and our community. It thrives in how we treat one another, how we handle conflicts, and how we cultivate empathy and understanding. 

Inner peace is also equally as important. Within each of us, cultivating peace means managing stress, negativity, and uncertainty in our lives. It’s about finding that balance and calmness in ourselves, which allows us to make better decisions, contribute more meaningfully to those around us, and set the tone for a peaceful atmosphere wherever we go. 

Achieving peace is an ongoing effort, whether it’s resolving disputes between countries or managing conflicts in our daily lives. As students, we have a responsibility to foster this peace by showing respect, and standing up against injustice wherever we see it. When we work toward peace in our communities, we are contributing to a more harmonious world overall. 

So on this Peace Day, let’s not just think about peace as a global goal, but as something we can practice daily—in how we relate to ourselves and to others. By embracing both inner and outward peace, we are laying the foundation for a better world. Thank you