Dear
Parents,
Thank you to the parents that came out and participated in the Middle School Parent Coffee on September 12th. I enjoyed spending this time with you and hearing the topics that are on your minds. The top 5 possible topic areas for future middle school parent coffees were in descending order: Discussion on solutions to heavy backpacks (21), how to build and support adolescent leadership (18), session on community service for all students (16), internet safety/boundaries-learning from other parents (14), health talks for parents regarding adolescent changes and nutrition (14). I will be meeting with our grade level PTA parent representatives on September 19th to plan out our next steps. The full list of prioritized topics discussed during the meeting is given below.
Discussion on solutions to heavy backpacks (21), how to build and support adolescent leadership (18), session on community service for all students (16), internet safety/boundaries-learning from other parents (14), health talks for parents regarding adolescent changes and nutrition (14) discuss lunch tables/microwaves/queues (11), grade level reading recommendations (11), time management and nutrition suggestions for parents (10), math curriculum/testing/comparison information meeting (10), global citizens and awareness of world religions/cultures/histories suggestions (7), career guest speakers/information/process (7), advisory content awareness/how parents can support the program at home (5), helping children recognize strengths and setting goals (4), information session for parents on MAP and EAL students (4), course content summary and how parents can support at home (4), child abuse awareness/sexual abuse awareness (4), EAL progression session (3), peer pressure (2), anger management (2).
As part of our health
education program and ongoing commitment to prevention and wellness, we have
invited prevention specialists from FCD Educational Services to join our
community from September 18-21. FCD provides substance abuse prevention education for schools. The FCD
prevention specialist will present a parent workshop on September 19th from
8:45-10:00 am to offer support and guidance in helping your children enjoy a
drug-free adolescence. For our students, the
focus for FCD will be mainly with our grade 7 and 8 students. For more FCD
information see the counselor blog.
There will be a special parent curriculum coffee on September 18th. Dr. Richard Villa will be joining us to discuss how parents can help support and create an inclusive school setting at AISC focusing on English as an Alternate Language context. Dr. Villa has worked with thousands of teachers and administrators throughout North America and the world, to develop and implement organizational and instructional support systems for educating all students within general education settings. Rich has been a middle and high school classroom teacher, special educator, special education coordinator, pupil personnel services director, and director of instructional services. Rich works with schools, governmental and non-governmental agencies, and advocacy organizations. He has presented at numerous national and international conferences, and is known for his enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and humorous style of presenting. We hope you can join us in the Hall of Lights on Tuesday, September 18th from 8:45 - 9:45 or from 2:15 to 3:15.
Our grade 7 students will have the pleasure of having a presentation and discussion with a local paleontologist. The talk will be focused on early history of earth and the study of fossils and identifying them specifically. The talk will cover working as a paleontologist and what it takes to be a paleontologist. There will be a slide-show and will be an interactive lecture format.
Calling all AISC French speakers, for lunch on Thursday
September 20! There will be a very informal gathering in the new MS-HS
cafeteria at 1:00 pm, to speak as much French as we can. Look for signs to the
left that say "Ici on parle
francais." All levels of French speakers are welcome, beginners as
well as native speakers. This includes all staff, parents, and students of any
ages. Merci, Madame Tucky and Madame Naomi
Our Big Bad Blue swim meet last weekend was a wonderful opportunity for
our raptors. Thank you to Ms. Elizabeth, Mr. Scott, Ms. Ashley, and Mr. Tommy
for all of their time and efforts to provide this swim meet for our raptors.
Thank you to all of the parents that came out and supported the event.
Congratulations to our athletes on their strong performance. For more
information see the Athletics page of this blog.
Have a joyous weekend.
Ms. Michele