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:
- Discuss the matter first with the classroom teacher if it relates to grades, curriculum, homework, class behavior, etc.
- If the matter cannot be resolved with the teacher, then discuss it with the Counselor, Associate Principal or Principal, as appropriate.
- 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