Dear Parents,
Our second semester is in full swing. This week concludes our formal programming for Freedom from Chemical Dependency. Seventh and eighth graders participated in sessions with our visiting consultant to learn more about how to make healthy choices for themselves. FCD helps us to embed a culture of that supports wellbeing around choices. Across all of our grade levels, students are digging deeper into their STEAM projects! Our themes for STEAM this year revolve around resource management, water conservation & management, and livable & sustainable cities. All students are gearing up for our next SEVAI day on February 12 through preparation for their service with our community partners. STEAM and SEVAI are two important platforms through which we promote inquiry based learning, design thinking and the development of the Vision for a Learner in our program.
First Semester Reports
First semester report cards are available on PowerSchool if you would like to access an electronic copy of your child’s report. This brief two minute video explains how you can access the report in PowerSchool.
From EAL Department
Each year, AISC assesses student's English language proficiency with the online WIDA MODEL (Measure of Developing English Language) test. This year, testing will take place from 6-12 February. The EAL Department works tirelessly with all faculty and staff to minimize disruption during instructional time, (the complete test takes roughly 2.5 hours). If you have any questions regarding WIDA, please reach out to Sarah Sahr, ssarah@aischennai.org
Challenge Success Survey
Last week at our parent coffee, we announced that we will be administering the Challenge success survey to MS students on Friday, February 14. From the Challenge Success website: “The Challenge Success Student Survey¹ is a 30-40 minute online survey for middle and high school students that measures perceptions of their academic engagement, connection to the school community, physical health and well-being, technology use, family norms, and how they use their time outside of school.” You can learn more about the survey here.
Here is a sampling of questions from the survey:
· How often does the amount of schoolwork you have keep you from getting enough sleep?
· During a typical week, from Monday through
Friday, how many hours do you spend participating in extracurricular activities?
· Where do you typically keep your phone
when you go to sleep at night?
· How often do you find your schoolwork
valuable?
· How many of your teachers value and listen
to students’ ideas?
· I feel like I belong at this school.
· How important is it to your
parents/guardians that your schoolwork challenges you to think?
Students will receive information in the daily bulletin in the week leading up to the survey administration. You can expect to receive a passive consent form will be coming to you via email February 7. Passive consent means that you give permission for your child to take the survey if you do not return the form. If you return the form, we will ensure your child does not participate in the survey. Participation is voluntary for all students. Please contact Ms. Gold (gjennifer@aischennai.org) or Ms. Pechhold (pjessica@aischennai.org) if you have questions.
AISC Libraries Book Swap
The AISC Libraries want to celebrate Earth Week with the community by organizing a way to reuse your previously loved books! If you have any gently used books at home (in any language and/or genre) that you'd like to donate, please bring them to the ES/MS or HS Library. We will accept books for babies, toddlers, children, teens, or adults, as long as they are in good condition. For every two books that are donated, you will receive a ticket for one free book at the Book Swap! Please contact Barbara Bowman at bbarbara@aischennai.org if you have any questions.
Have a great weekend,
Jessica Pechhold
Middle School Principal