26 August

Dear Middle School Parents,

Congratulations to Harish Srinivasan, who joined AISC in 8th Grade and is currently in 9th grade. He was selected as a finalist in the Genius Olympiad Competition, thereby gaining an opportunity to display his project at the finals in New York in July and won the Silver Medal in the Science Category.

Of the 2,500 people who applied for Genius Olympiad, 1,450 people were selected as finalists.  These 1,450 selected applicants travelled from 69 countries. The focal theme of the competition was environmental science. The competition was divided into 9 environmental tracks; they awarded for each category - 4 bronze medals, 3 silver medals and 1 gold medal. Harish won the Silver Medal in the Applied Science Category. Harish is planning to participate in the Google Science fair and Harvard Ig Nobel Prize during this academic year.  

The Hindu News Paper – August 1st carried a small article on the event as well in this link. From this article, Harish received a letter from Prof. Shanmugam (Retd. Prof. Shanmugam – Ministry of HRD) to the school. His father shared the letter with us and it is a truly inspiring letter.

Back to School Night Presentations

Please click on the following links to get to the presentations of the middle school teachers on Back to School Night. Please note that the presentations contain the slides and not the talking points of the teachers. If you have any questions about the presentations, please see email the teachers with your questions.

Grade 6

Grade 7

Grade 8

MS Parent Coffee Presentations

If you would like to have the slides from the parent coffee this week, please click the link above to view them.

Come to our 2016-2017 new language book celebration!

¡Libros! புத்தகங்கள்! Bücher ! 서적! Livres! 図書! Libri! 圖書! Buku! पुस्तकें! Kitaplar!

Did you know that almost 8% of our CIC collection is in a language other than English? It’s true! Out of our 59,500 library books on campus, over 4,500 of them are in other languages!

In fact, we just received hundreds of new books in other languages this fall and would love you to come see what we have for you and your children! We will be displaying these books all day and hope you can come celebrate international-mindedness in the CIC!

When: August 31 from 8:30-3:30

Where: ES/MS and HS CICs (Libraries)

Who: AISC Parents

Robotics 3-day Event

Middle and High school students: As early in the year it is, an exciting opportunity has become available for any and all who have an interest in robotics and a bit of free time. On September 16, 17, and 18, Lema labs will be providing an instructor and the necessary supplies, and the school will be paying for their services (click on the link to find more information about the Kaizen Robotics Program). All you have to do is sign up!

Hosted by, yours truly, The Engineering Club

Week Without Walls Parent Meetings

Grade 6	The Grade 6 teachers would like to invite you to the 6th grade Week Without Walls Parent Information Meeting that will be held on Monday, September 26 from 2:45 to 3.30 pm in the CIC. We will provide you with all the necessary information for our upcoming trip and we will be happy to answer your questions. Thank you!
Grade 7	Parents of 7th grade students are asked to attend the 7th grade Week Without Wall Parent Information Meeting to be held on Wednesday, September 21 from 1:15 - 2:00 pm in the CIC. We will share details about the trip and answer questions you may have! We look forward to seeing you there!
Grade 8	The Grade 8 Teaching Team would like to invite parents of grade 8 students to an informational meeting about our Week Without Walls(WWoW) trip on Wednesday, September 28 from 2:45-3:30 in the Black Box Theater (BBT). We will share details of the WWoW Trip and answer any questions.

Have a good weekend.

Sincerely,

Alan Phan & Andrew Ranson

Middle School Administration

19 August

Dear Middle School Parents,

It was great to see so many parents at Back to School Night. Thank you for coming and taking an interest in your child’s education. It is a shared responsibility and ultimately, we want what is best for our students, your children. We appreciate the partnership in this journey together. Here is the Sir Ken Robinson video about the “Changing Education Paradigms” I referred to during the welcome.

PCA - Middle School Parent Team

Parents are a wonderful support to the school. Our parent team helps in a number of ways in the middle school from arranging for food and decorations at middle school events, supporting the teachers as requested by the grade-level team leaders, and helping organize the middle school contribution in school events such as UN Day, dances, among other things. I would like to introduce them to you now.

Grade 6: JoAnn Restuccia

Grade 7: Mercedes Cendan

Grade 8: Varna Ramaswamy

It is important to note that the parent team do not hold formal meetings with parents, but may arrange social times to get to know each other better. It is a great partnership and we are fortunate to have the support of our committed parent team.

They do not address parent concerns and will always direct parents to the classroom teacher first or with the counselor, associate principal or principal, as appropriate. If and when issues or concerns arise about school, it is always most effectively done when they are brought to the immediate attention of the appropriate faculty member or administrator. At AISC, we ask students and parents to use the following communication guidelines:

1. Discuss the matter first with the classroom teacher if it relates to grades, curriculum, homework, class behavior, etc.
2. If the matter cannot be resolved with the teacher, then discuss it with the Counselor, Associate Principal or Principal, as appropriate.
3. If the matter cannot be resolved with the Counselor, Associate Principal or Principal, then discuss it with Head of School.

Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) Testing: 22-26 August

Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) is a computerized adaptive test. Students will take tests in Reading, Math, Language and Science. MAP tests students with engaging and age-appropriate content. As a student responds to questions, the test responds to the student, adjusting up or down in difficulty. Our team uses the data to inform instructional decision-making for increased student growth and achievement.

MAP testing starts Monday morning. Please remind your children to charge the laptops each night, especially during testing week. There is no preparation required for MAP testing. We do, however,  recommend that students get adequate sleep and a good breakfast before they come to school for the MAP test.

Middle School Parent Coffee

AISC's Mission Statement begins with "Together we inspire a love of learning, empowering all students." Please join us for MS Coffee Morning on Tuesday, 23 August at 8:45 in the Hall of Light, as we explore how the Co-Teaching Model is used to provide Inclusive Education for all students. Throught a framework of collaboration, all students are supported in acquiring grade level standards.    

Auditions for “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”

Any students from Grade 8, 7 or 6 can audition for this year’s Middle school play “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”.  We are looking for enthusiastic and committed actors who wish to be part of this exciting production. You do not need to be studying Theatre to audition, everyone is welcome.

Students who wish to audition must come to the workshop on Monday, August 22nd from 3.40 to 4.40pm. This will take place in the FAC theatre. At the workshop, you will learn about the characters in the play, and be given the audition scenes to take home and practice.

Then students should choose from Thursday 25th or Friday 26th of August, from 3.40pm to 4.40pm.  You will only need to audition on one of these days. Rehearsals will take place on Monday and Thursday after school.

This is a straight drama, there will be no singing or dancing involved.

Students wishing to work backstage or as tech crew (lights and sound) do not have to come to these auditions, they are for the actors only.  We will send out an invitation for you join us later. If you have any questions about the auditions send me a mail hgareth@aischennai.org.

Good luck at the auditions! Mr. Gareth

Common Sense Media Digital Citizenship Certification

With the start of the year already on its way, you should stay on top of social media with your children. Here are some ways to talk to them about being a good digital citizen. AISC has supported Common Sense Media for many years and it is by far the best source for advice, tools, and curriculum related to your questions or concerns about raising a child in the digital age.  We will continue our systematic integration of their digital citizenship curriculum throughout the school.

A popular resource that we frequently distribute is Common Sense's Family Media Agreement which is designed to help families have conversations around the different issues they may face with media and technology.

Additional resources you will find helpful include, Parent Concerns FAQs, Family Guides, and Family Tip Sheets. The last resource is very straightforward and comprehensive.  There is also a useful app for phones and tablets.

Have a good weekend.

Sincerely,

Alan Phan & Andrew Ranson

Middle School Administration

12 August

Dear AISC Middle School Families,

Thank you to all the parents who attended the grade level coffees. If you were unable to attend it, please click on this link to see the presentation.

Back to School Night

Please save the date and join us for Back to School Night on Thursday, 18 August at 5:00pm. The purpose of this night is for parents to meet the teachers and find out information about the course content, expectations of the teacher, and set the foundation for school to home communication and discussing ways that teachers and parents can work together to support learning. You will experience an abridged version of a “day in the life” of your student(s).

Because the time is short, this will not be the time for discussions about individual students. Student-Parent-Teacher Conferences will take place on 29 and 30 September and parents can discuss and check in with student progress then. Before these dates, parents may schedule appointments with teachers at any time during the school year to discuss their child’s academic progress.

Below is the general schedule for the middle school. When you arrive, please pick up your child’s schedule in FAC Cafeteria. I look forward to seeing you at this important evening.

Back to School Night General Schedule

Time	Grade 6	Grade 7	Grade 8
5:00 - 5:10	Greeting by MS Principal in FAC Cafeteria
5:10-5:20	Transition to the FAC Rooms and Gym
5:20 - 5:30 (10)	PE in Gym	Spanish in 2702 French in 2715 EAP in 2720	Theatre in 2709 LSS in 2708 DT in 2714
5:35 - 5:45 (10)	Band/Strings in 2705	PE in Gym	Art in 2717
5:50 - 6:00 (10)	Spanish in 2702 French in 2715 EAP in 2720	Art in 2717	Choir in 2723
6:05 - 6:15 (10)	Theatre in 2709 LSS in 2708 DT in 2714	Choir in 2723	PE in Gym
6:20 - 6:30 (10)	Art in 2717	Band/Strings in 2705	Spanish in 2702 French in 2715 EAP in 2720
6:35 - 6:45 (10)	Choir in 2723	Theatre in 2709 LSS in 2708 DT in 2714	Band/Strings  in 2705
6:55 - 7:05 (10)	Advisory in 2702	Advisory in 2709	Advisory in Cafeteria
7:05 - 7:15	Transition to Core Classes
7:15 - 7:25	B	B	A
7:30 - 7:40	D	C	B
7:45 - 7:55	F	E	E
8:00 - 8:10	H	H	H
8:15	All teachers meet in the MS Office.

Middle School Parent Coffee

AISC's Mission Statement begins with "Together we inspire a love of learning, empowering all students." Please join us for MS Coffee Morning on Tuesday, 23 August at 8:45 in the Hall of Light, as we explore how the Co-Teaching Model is used to provide Inclusive Education for all students. Through a framework of collaboration, all students are supported in acquiring grade level standards.    

Middle School Sports and Activities

We have many activities for students to participate in throughout the school year. Below are the ones starting in the next few weeks.

Activity	Sponsors	Meeting Day and Room
Student Activities Planning activities for the middle school	Ms. Lakshmi and Ms. Lucy Room 3110	Start Date:  18 August When: Thursdays Time: 12:35-12:55
Student Ambassador Welcoming new students to AISC	Mr. Gregg, Ms. Rebekah, and Ms. Gold	As needed basis Retreat:  9 September
Model United Nations (MUN) Solving global issues as future world leaders	Ms. Mac, Mr. Ross and Ms. Lucy Room 3113	Start Date:  16 August When: Mondays (Beginners) When: Tuesdays (Advanced) Time: 3:45-4:45
Rock Band See more information below.	Mr. Kennedy Room 2705	Start Date: 16 August When: Tuesdays Time: 3:45-4:45
Assembly Committee Planning and presenting  MS monthly assemblies	Mr. Ross Room 2124	Start Date: 1 September When: As needed Time: Lunch time
MathCounts Math competition	Ms. Kala Room: 3309	Start Date: 30 August When: Tuesdays Grade 5/6/7: 3.45 - 4.45 pm Start Date : 26 August When : Fridays Grade 8: 3:45- 4:45pm
Homework Club Working on homework with support from teachers	Ms. Lucy, Mr. Widi and Ms. Kanthi Room 3116	Start Date:  16 August When: Mon, Tues and Thurs Time: 3:30-4:30
Art Club Open art time to explore your art interests	Mr. Aneesh Room 2717	Start Date:  19 August When: Fridays Time: 3:30-4:30
Student Voices Forum Students’ forum  to give feedback regarding school issues. Application is available  via the link or in the MS Office.	Mr. Phan and Ms. Jen Room TBD	Start Date: September When: First Mondays of Month Time: Lunch

DO YOU WANT TO ROCK???

Have you always wanted to be in a band to perform the songs YOU want to play? Do you catch yourself listening to music and imagining that you were on that stage? Then ROCK BAND is for YOU and your friends. Come join Mr. Kennedy in room 2705 FAC EVERY TUESDAY after school. Email kjason@aischennai for more details.

             ALL INSTRUMENTS WELCOME

               no experience necessary.

       Rock band begins Tuesday, 16 August from 3:45-4:45

Teaching & Learning Update, Calendar Notes for 2016-2017

In order to support continuous professional learning and development for AISC faculty members, there are fourteen Early Dismissal Wednesdays this year. The dates of these days are noted on the 2016-2017 Community Calendar.  These Professional Learning Days have proven to be valuable for our faculty as they allow for continued professional learning and important collaboration for our entire teaching community on an on-going basis. This learning has a positive impact on the quality of instruction and development of our programs at AISC.

By way of preview for family activity planning purposes, the following Wednesdays are Early Release Days starting at2:00 p.m.

2016 August 24 September 7, 21 October 19 November 2, 23 December 7

2017 January 11, 25 February 8, 22 March 8 April 12, 26

On August 24, we will have our first Early Release Wednesday. Students are expected to depart campus in a timely and organized fashion. We appreciate your patience with traffic on these days. In preparation, please plan on allowing longer time for entry and exit to the school at release time. For Elementary School students, the lunch routine will not change. For our Middle and High School students, a hot lunch will be available this month, which is a change from last year. We will try the hot lunch option this month and review it for the rest of the year.

Also, for those who plan way ahead, there will not be half-days at semester-end (December 16) and year-end (June 1). Those days will be regular school days, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Student Health Forms Final Reminder

Welcome to the 2016/2017 school year. I hope all of you had a fantastic summer break and are ready for the new school year. As a quick reminder, all AISC returning students are required to complete the "Student Health Form" and "Physical Exam Form" by the beginning of this school year. This form was sent to each of you in the final version of Principal's Notes last June.

Any student wishing to participate in ASIAC Table Tennis or Badminton and SAISA Swimming must have this form returned to the school by no later than Tuesday, August 16, 2016. Students that have not returned these forms by this deadline, will not be permitted to practice or participate.

The links to the Health Form and Physical Exam Form are as provided for your convenience. We appreciate your cooperation with this matter.

Have a nice weekend.

Sincerely,

Alan Phan & Andrew Ranson

Middle School Administration