Dear Parents and Students,
We have settled into our new daily routines with our online program. Students are engaging in their connection times, developing identities with their advisory groups and engaging with our co-curricular ASA program. While the start of this year looks different from past years, we are building community and creating opportunities for personal growth. Our teachers continue to monitor student engagement and clarify questions for students as they navigate their learning and schedule.
Independent Work Days
Throughout our two week (5 class days) module cycle, students will spend one block in each class working independently. On these days, there is no large group connection time. Teachers will schedule appointments with individual students or small groups to provide individualized support, feedback, or checks on progress. Students have been assigned clear learning outcomes on these days. If students have questions about what they should be doing on independent work days, they can contact their teacher or review their class module for directions.
Office Hours
Teachers are available during daily runway time to answer questions or provide clarifications for students. The schedule for office hours is:
A Day: Math, Sci, WL, PE, EAP, DT, Yearbook + ELD Teachers in Math, Sci
B Day: LA,SS, Art, Music, Theatre + ELD Teachers in LA, SS
Links to teacher office hours are posted in the student daily bulletin.
Student Voices Forum Application
Student Voices Forum is the middle school platform for students to be able to provide input on programs, procedures and school-wide initiatives. Students complete an application process to participate. The application is available to download on the student daily bulletin. Applications are due by Monday September 7 to Ms. Pechhold (msprincipal@aischennai.org).
Last year, SVF created plans and provided input to:
· Add more clocks to public spaces around the school
· Use locker room space and time more efficiently
· Design a MS movie night
· Support RISE speaker assemblies
· Refine our online program
Last year, students worked with school-wide personnel in our facilities, communications and athletics and activities, and library departments to collaborate and take action in these areas. Students will also share out on projects with their peers at our MS assemblies.
If your child is interested in participating and has questions, s/he can reach out to Ms. Pechhold. The first SVF meeting is Thursday, September 17 from 3:45-4:15pm.
New Digital Newspapers
We have two new digital newspapers available for the AISC community - The Economic Times and The Times of India. To access these resources, please go to the ES/MS LibGuide and click on 'digital newspapers.' Parents and families are welcome to use these new resources!
Virtual Book Fair
Scholastic and the AISC Libraries are bringing a virtual book fair directly to you! Please click on the link here to browse through a wide variety of books available for purchase for students, families, and teachers in EY-8. Once books are chosen, please use the following login information to proceed with the purchase:
Login ID: bbarbara@aischennai.org
Password: aisc234
The books will be delivered to your address in Chennai, but if you aren't there, they could also be sent to a family member or friend here in India.
The virtual book fair will be held from August 31st-September 11th. Please contact Babs on bbarbara@aischennai.org if you have questions and happy shopping!
Student Location Information
If you and your family are returning to Chennai, please notify the MS office of your travel dates so that we are aware of your attendance and your new location.
Have a great weekend,
Jessica Pechhold
Middle School Principal