24 February

Dear Middle School Parents,

Our Director of Teaching and Learning, Dan Love, shared a great article “Want to raise empowered women? Start in middle school” with our faculty last week. The article provides insight and tips in raising girls. The key takeaways are: don’t try to be perfect, identify mentors, own your success, manage your money, strive for self-care, stick up for yourself and don’t let anyone define your goals. Click on the article to read in details of the tips.

ASIAC Volleyball, Tennis and Drama

Congratulations to all the boys and girls who will be playing in the volleyball and tennis next week in on campus and to the boys and girls heading off to the American Embassy School in Delhi. Here are the teams:

Girls Volleyball	Boys Volleyball	Tennis	Drama t0 AES
Weronika Strzelczyk, Celia Malone E-Shane Chew Thea Kristensen Amy Jacob Shandaneh Penker Yeon-Woo (Hera) Kwak Kennedy Porter Miu Kubota Rin Miura Miyu Ii Ye Won Lee Yu-Jin Jeung Sophia Kitsopanidis Nahyeon Ju Noa Daryn	Max Jacobson Hikaru Kuroki Riku Oki SungHo Kim Vihaan Saharia Yuki Iizumi Declan Li-Carney Sam Tinnerholm Gregor Stallkamp Lucian Phillips Kazu Toyonaga Vinay Rao Masataka Hayashi Owen Gold Prannoy Thakore Oscar Harrison	Tejas Sridhar Snehan Rathinavel Keshav Kumar Aryan Nandagopal Ava Tikekar Akshaya Meenakshi Natalie Restuccia Lekhana Gogineni Alternates: Artiom Turcan and Rin Kato	Christian Horchler Leo Ghainder Palani Rajan Riley Welbes Amelie Dowling Moeno Miyachi Diya Reddy Amara Sao-Laikha

Athletics Office Update – Ron Thomson, Activities and Athletics Director

In just two weeks from now, we will be hosting our second ASIAC sports tournament of the year. The 2017 ASIAC Volleyball and Tennis Tournament which runs from March 3-4, 2017.

ASB and AES are committed to attending this dual Volleyball and Tennis tournament this year. We need to host 40 boys and 40 girls in our homes from Thursday, March 2nd through Sunday, March 5th.

If you can help us out and take 2, 3, 4 or more athletes in your home, please let us know. For your convenience we have included this hosting form link. You can also inform Ms. Sally Victor (vsally@aischennai.org) who is coordinating all the housing for our guests. Sally is located in the Activities/Athletic Director’s Office (Room 1304) and can be reached at extension 1303.

Hello Class of 2021! Grade 8 students!

It is that time of year where we start looking ahead to the 2017-2018 school year and need to gather registration information. Please note the following information sessions and timeline. We are excited to start getting to know your students as they move into the high school!

On Thursday, March 2nd, we will have information sessions for parents about 9th grade registration. The meeting will take place twice in hopes of accommodating all families. There will be an 8:30 AM session and a 5:30 PM session, both in the Hall of Light. Please attend one of these sessions as you are able.

In the same day on Thursday, we will be meeting with all 8th grade students during their Advisory period to go over registration information. We will distribute registration forms and students will then select courses and gather teacher and parent signatures, returning them to a basket in the Middle School office no later than Tuesday,  March 7th.

If questions about registration arise, please feel free to reach out to one of the high school counselors for clarification and support.

Correne Larsen lcorrene@aischennai.org

Susannah McGlamery msusannah@aischennai.org

We look forward to welcoming your student into the high school in the fall!

Regards,

Ms. McGlamery & Ms. Larsen

March 2	Student Meeting during Advisory for G8 Students
March 7	Registration forms to be returned to MS Counseling Office
March 22	Registration verification forms given to students
May (TBD)	Raptor Agents (students) to meet with G8 students

Lifestyle Survey

We have many programs in place in our counseling department, from Advisory topics to Health classes in PE. As we continue to develop and enhance our counseling program, we need more data to help us build it. Therefore, Middle School students will be taking a survey for us to gather data to make informed decisions of how to build a program that will meet their needs. The survey will contain questions such as, but not limited to tobacco and alcohol, eating and sleeping habits, body image, screen time, homework and stress. Grade 6 and 7 students will be taking this survey next week and grade 8 students will be taking it on Monday of the following week.

Yearbook Photo Orders

Your child's individual and class yearbook pictures from the August 2016 & January 2017 photo sessions may be purchased using this Form. Instructions are on the order form .

To order photos -  On the All School Moodle page,(guest password: raptors17) you will find a folder- Yearbook photos 2016-17. If your child joined school after September 4th, or missed the first session, the photo can be found in the folder labelled "SESSION 2 ".

Please complete the form, make payment at the cash counter and submit the form at the respective section office.

Last day for orders is 7 March. Prints will be ready for pick up after 21 March.  If you have any questions about the ordering process, please contact the MS office

Have a good weekend.

Sincerely,

Alan Phan & Andrew Ranson

Middle School Administration

17 February

Dear Middle School Parents,

Last year, I shared a great article about mathematics education and STEAM. I enjoyed re-reading it again this year. My favorite quote comes towards the end of the article, where one person said about learning math: “Forget the rules! Just think!” At AISC, we ask our students to think, explain and process mathematics and science as it is no longer about finding the answer, but about thinking how to solve a problem, whether they have seen it before or not.

We had another successful STEAM Fest this year where students did just that, how to solve a problem. It was great to see many of you here on campus. We appreciate your interest and support of our students in their learning. We would like to congratulate the middle school science teachers: Ms. Rebekah, Ms. Lindsay, Mr. Bill, and Mr. Carlson, for all of their hard work in planning these projects and helping students succeed. If you missed it, check it out here: STEAM Fest 2017.

Don’t miss Cabaret!! Come and join us tonight at 6:30!!

MS Parent Coffee

Each year AISC brings an author to work with students and share his or her passion for reading and writing. This year, we have the honor of welcoming author and illustrator, Mr. Matthew Holm. Matthew Holm (http://www.matthewholm.net) will be visiting AISC from February 20-24. In addition to many other books, he is the co-author and illustrator of two popular series, Baby Mouse and Squish!  During his stay he will be sharing some of his books with students and even do some special sessions for teachers. There will be an opportunity to meet Matthew Holm for parents on Tuesday, February 21 during the Parent Coffee from 8:45-9:45 in the Hall of Light.. Please email Mr. Jet in the ES/MS CIC if you have any questions (wjeremy@aischennai.org).

Lifestyle Survey

We have many programs in place in our counseling department, from Advisory topics to Health classes in PE. As we continue to develop and enhance our counseling program, we need more data to help us build it. Therefore, Middle School students will be taking a survey for us to gather data to make informed decisions of how to build a program that will meet their needs. The survey will contain questions such as, but not limited to tobacco and alcohol, eating and sleeping habits, body image, screen time, homework and stress. Students will be taking this survey during the week of 27th of February.

Athletics Office Update – Ron Thomson, Activities and Athletics Director

In just three weeks from now, we will be hosting our second ASIAC sports tournament of the year. The 2017 ASIAC Volleyball and Tennis Tournament which runs from March 3-4, 2017.

ASB and AES are committed to attending this dual Volleyball and Tennis tournament this year. We need to host 40 boys and 40 girls in our homes from Thursday, March 2nd through Sunday, March 5th.

If you can help us out and take 2, 3, 4 or more athletes in your home, please let us know. For your convenience we have included this hosting form link. You can also inform Ms. Sally Victor (vsally@aischennai.org) who is coordinating all the housing for our guests. Sally is located in the Activities/Athletic Director’s Office (Room 1304) and can be reached at extension 1303.

Have a good weekend.

Sincerely,

Alan Phan & Andrew Ranson

Middle School Administration

10 February

Dear Middle School Parents,

The excitement and buzz continues on this weekend with some students going to the SEVAI (Service) Project at Blue Cross on Saturday morning. In the afternoon, the high school will host its annual Feb Fling fun fair for elementary and middle school students on Saturday, February 11th from 12:00 to 4:00. The ticket price is 400 rps (500 rps if purchased at the door) and both students and parents will be able to participate in the various booths and eat lunch included in their ticket price. Activities will include a water bottle flip, splash and slide, obstacle course, MS pool party and lots more! Delicious food and great raffle prizes will also be available. The tickets will be sold either at the main entrance or the ES entrance in the morning and after school so don't forget to buy them. Middle school students who would like to swim or do fun activities in the pool will need to bring their own swimsuit and towel. See you there.

SAISA Track and Field Reminder

When: Monday, February 13th

Days: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursday and Friday

Times: 6:15 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.

Where: Soccer Field

Attire: Workout Clothes + Sneakers

Who: 5th Grade - 12th Grade

The first two weeks of the season will be a preliminary try-out for anyone interested in competing in the T&F season. It is ENCOURAGED that you attend the first two weeks of the season, all 8 practices, so we are able to figure out your events and if Track and Field is the most appropriate sport for you!

STEAM Fest by the MS Science Department

Our Middle School STEAM festival will take place on Friday, February 17!  All are welcome to attend to come and see our creative design solutions. Our focus this year is on the design process itself, highlighting the importance of thoughtful planning and refining ideas. Students in each grade level are working on projects that solve problems related to our three fields of study in middle school science: Earth Science, Life Science, and Physical Science.  The Fest is a celebration of student inquiry, creativity, and problem solving.

Attendees can come to observe the events, watch presentations, and ask questions to learn more about the projects of our Middle School Engineers.

Date: February 17

Time: 1:00- 3:00

Locations: Soccer Field, covered gym, FAC Atrium

Guests will be provided with a map, a list of participants, a schedule of events, and a set of feedback prompts for presenters.

Hope to see you all there!

Celebration of the Grade 8 Artist Books on Display in the CIC   

The 8th grade Art students chose an artist to study and created accordion books intended to capture the essence of the life and work of the chosen artist.  Please check out the creative and informative work of our 8th grade artists displayed in the CIC.

International Schools Writer’s Conference

AISC is hosting the International Schools Writers Conference, which is specifically designed to allow middle school students a chance to work with a Graphic Illustrator, a Novelist or a Storyteller. This conference will be held during the weekend of February 18-19, right here on the AISC Campus. We will have four other international schools joining us from the Philippines, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia and Hyderabad.

MS Parent Coffee

Each year AISC brings an author to work with students and share his or her passion for reading and writing. This year, we have the honor of welcoming author and illustrator, Mr. Matthew Holm. Matthew Holm (http://www.matthewholm.net) will be visiting AISC from February 20-24. In addition to many other books, he is the co-author and illustrator of two popular series, Baby Mouse and Squish!  During his stay he will be sharing some of his books with students and even do some special sessions for teachers. There will be an opportunity to meet Matthew Holm for parents on Tuesday, February 21 during the Parent Coffee from 8:45-9:45 in the Hall of Light.. Please email Mr. Jet in the ES/MS CIC if you have any questions (wjeremy@aischennai.org).

Athletics Office Update – Ron Thomson, Activities and Athletics Director

In just three weeks from now, we will be hosting our second ASIAC sports tournament of the year. The 2017 ASIAC Volleyball and Tennis Tournament which runs from March 3-4, 2017.

ASB and AES are committed to attending this dual Volleyball and Tennis tournament this year. We need to host 40 boys and 40 girls in our homes from Thursday, March 2nd through Sunday, March 5th.

If you can help us out and take 2, 3, 4 or more athletes in your home, please let us know. For your convenience we have included this hosting form link. You can also inform Ms. Sally Victor (vsally@aischennai.org) who is coordinating all the housing for our guests. Sally is located in the Activities/Athletic Director’s Office (Room 1304) and can be reached at extension 1303.

MATHCOUNTS REGIONALS

MathCounts Foundation is a body set up in the United States by a group of sponsors such as the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, National Society of Professional Engineers, CNA Foundation, Raytheon and some other private companies. The mission of MATHCOUNTS is to increase enthusiasm for and enhance achievement in middle school mathematics throughout the schools in the United States and the Overseas American International Schools. The coaching and the contests strive to excite the students about math by providing a fun and challenging experience that rewards their effort and achievement, while teaching young adults to be problem solvers and develop their competitive spirit and teamwork skills.

The following four middle school students participated in the MathCounts Regionals held at Lincoln School, Kathmandu, Nepal held on February 3rd and 4th , 2017.

Eunbo Shim – Grade 8

Minki Kim – Grade 8

YoungIn Song – Grade 7

Yewon Nam – Grade 7

There were 60 students from 8 schools as far as Cairo to Colombo. It was a treat to watch the enthusiasm and preparedness of the competitors. All four members of our team performed exceedingly well. Eunbo Shim secured the seventh place among 60 students. Minki Kim secured the 12th place. Our team was placed 7th out of a total of 15 teams.

Congratulations MathCounts team for all the weeks of hard work and your success!!

Have a great weekend.

Sincerely,

Alan Phan & Andrew Ranson

Middle School Administration

3 February

Dear Middle School Parents,

We had have a busy start with February already. Tonight is the last show for the Middle School Production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Last night, the students did an amazing job. All the actors captured the audience’s attention with their outstanding performances. You will notice that many of talented students played in a few different roles in the play, adding humor and wit to the serious emotional storyline. If you are coming tonight, you are guaranteed to enjoy a spectacular show.

While we have our students performing in the slow, working backstage and managing the lights and sound system, we also have a group of students representing AISC in Math Counts in Kathmandu, Nepal. The students continue to impress me with their limitless talents.

In the next couple of weeks we will have…

STEAM Fest by the MS Science Department

Our Middle School STEAM festival will take place on Friday, February 17!  All are welcome to attend to come and see our creative design solutions. Our focus this year is on the design process itself, highlighting the importance of thoughtful planning and refining ideas. Students in each grade level are working on projects that solve problems related to our three fields of study in middle school science: Earth Science, Life Science, and Physical Science.  The Fest is a celebration of student inquiry, creativity, and problem solving.

Attendees can come to observe the events, watch presentations, and ask questions to learn more about the projects of our Middle School Engineers.

Date: February 17

Time: 1:00- 3:00

Locations: Soccer Field, covered gym, FAC Atrium

Guests will be provided with a map, a list of participants, a schedule of events, and a set of feedback prompts for presenters.

Hope to see you all there!

International Schools Writer’s Conference

AISC is hosting the International Schools Writers Conference, which is specifically designed to allow middle school students a chance to work with a Graphic Illustrator, a Novelist or a Storyteller. This conference will be held during the weekend of February 18-19, right here on the AISC Campus. We will have four other international schools joining us from the Philippines, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia and Hyderabad.

MS Parent Coffee

Each year AISC brings an author to work with students and share his or her passion for reading and writing. This year, we have the honor of welcoming author and illustrator, Mr. Matthew Holm. Matthew Holm (http://www.matthewholm.net) will be visiting AISC from February 20-24. In addition to many other books, he is the co-author and illustrator of two popular series, Baby Mouse and Squish!  During his stay he will be sharing some of his books with students and even do some special sessions for teachers. There will be an opportunity to meet Matthew Holm for parents on Tuesday, February 21 during the Parent Coffee from 8:45-9:45 in the Hall of Light. Please email Mr. Jet in the ES/MS CIC if you have any questions (wjeremy@aischennai.org).

Robotics Competition Results

The event was successful in keeping the students completely engaged and involved in assembling, instructing, preparing their bots to beat the others.  The winners were the ones with the highest points in all three rounds: First round was navigating the robot through the maze evading the police and passing through various obstacles. In the second round, the robots were made write the letters on the paper.  The third one was a sumo fight.  The team with the highest points in all three rounds the competition won. Congratulations to our winners!!

Here are the winners:

1st Place Yeswanth Kumar (Velammal School) Axel Moreira Martins (Grade 6)
2nd Place Merek Mabry (Grade 7) Brandon R Brendel (Grade 11) Aleksander Mabry (Grade 10)
3rd Place Arjan Chakravarthy (Grade 7), Deepak G (Velammal School) Rohan Roberson (Grade 7)

Photo Gallery

As always, you can take a look at the photos from our previous events. The password is raptors16.

MS Winter Party

ASIAC Soccer day 1

ASIAC Soccer day 2

Robotics Competition (raptors17)

Have a great weekend.

Sincerely,

Alan Phan & Andrew Ranson

Middle School Administration