Friday, March 28, 2014

Dear Parents,
Whether you are traveling abroad, within India or staying in Chennai, have a safe and relaxing Spring Break! School resumes on Monday, April 7th. It is hard to believe that there are only 38 more days of school remaining before we break for the summer. This can be an emotional time of year as we all have friends who leaving Chennai.  As we approach the end of the school year, our counselors will be talking to all children about transitions because leaving is an important stage to navigate well.

Measures of Academic Progress Tests

The spring round of the Measures of Academic Progress® (MAP®) tests will run from April 8th to 17th. We give students in grades 2-5 MAP tests to determine each child’s instructional level and to measure academic growth throughout the school year, and from year to year in the areas of math, reading, language usage and science (science is written in grades 3 to 5 only). When administered at regular intervals over time, it is possible to find out whether an individual, or an entire grade level, is making satisfactory progress in these basic skill areas. This year, we are introducing the MAP science test. Your child will take the tests on a computer. All students will write the MAP tests with the exception of beginner English Language Learners who enrolled in our school during the month of March. 

MAP tests are unique in that they adapt to be appropriate for your child’s level of learning. As a result, each student has the same opportunity to succeed and maintain a positive attitude toward testing. The tests are not time-based but take on average 45 minutes to complete.

New parents often ask how their children can study for these tests. Really, the best ways to prepare for these tests are to make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep the night before a test and has breakfast the morning of the test. These are healthy practices in general. Students cannot study for a MAP test.

MAP test scores are not reported on the elementary school report card. Rather, the school will send you a MAP Student Progress Report in May.

For more information on resources for parents, download the Parent Toolkit at www.nwea.org >> Partner Support.

Coffee with the ES Administration

The April parent coffee has been rescheduled and will now take place on Monday, April 28. The topic of our April coffee is standards-based grading and reporting. As many of you know, the elementary school will launch a new report card next fall. In this session, we will talk about the philosophy behind standards-based grading and reporting and why standards-based grading/reporting is best practice for student learning.

ASA News


There will be no ASAs Saturday. The ASA program resumes on Monday, April 7th.

Summer Funshine Camp

Our annual “Funshine” Summer Camp for elementary school students will run from June 2 – 13, 2014 on the school campus. Registration forms will be sent via Friday folder on April 7, 2014.  There will be a range of fun activities on offer including, Western dance and Zumba, Chocolate making & Baking, Swimming Pool Games, a Personality Development Workshop, Creative Crafts and Outdoor/Indoor Games.

Registration Details:

• Grade Levels: K-5 (Includes current year Pre-K 3+, 4+ and Gr.5 students)      
• Registration dates: April 8 – 30, 2014
• Registration Venue: ASA office (MC-1B)
• Fees: Rs.15000 (Only cash payment and there will be no refunds).

• Further inquiries: please reach us in MC 1 B or call +91 22549000 (EXTN-1)

Have a wonderful Spring Break. See you in April!

Kevin Hall
Elementary School Principal

Friday, March 21, 2014

Dear Parents,

I would like to thank Student Council Advisors Ms. Pam and Ms. Dee, and our Student Council representatives for organizing Spirit Week. Thank you to all of the students, teachers and teacher assistants who participated, and to the parents for your support. Below are some pictures taken during the week.

	Thank you for participating!

Lunch Orders for the Month of April

Lunch order Link

Lunch menu

Please place online orders before April 4th, and pay on or before April 11th. 

ASA NEWS

Weekend Elementary School Soccer Tournament Postponed (Grades 3-5)

The soccer tournament for grades 3-5 has been postponed due to exams at Indian Schools and unavailability of Coaches. We will have the tournament after the Spring Break.

Summer Funshine Camp

Our annual “Funshine” Summer Camp for elementary school students will run from June 2 – 13, 2014 on the school campus. Registration forms will be sent via Friday folder on April 7, 2014.  There will be a range of fun activities on offer including, Western dance and Zumba, Chocolate making & Baking, Swimming Pool Games, a Personality Development Workshop, Creative Crafts and Outdoor/Indoor Games.

Registration Details:

• Grade Levels: K-5 (Includes current year Pre-K 3+, 4+ and Gr.5 students)      

• Registration dates: April 8 – 30, 2014

• Registration Venue: ASA office (MC-1B)

• Fees: Rs.15000 (Only cash payment and there will be no refunds).

• Further inquiries: please reach us in MC 1 B or call +91 22549000 (EXTN-1)

NESA Virtual Science Fair (Grade 5)

On Monday and Tuesday of next week, grade 5 students who chose to participate in the NESA Virtual Science Fair (NVSF) will enter the preliminary round of judging.

Similar to traditional science fairs, grade 5 students have the opportunity to apply and explore scientific concepts through staging experiments, recording observations, comparing results with hypotheses and drawing conclusions. At the same time, students will exercise their creativity, take risks, think critically and discover multiple pathways to possible solutions. Further, what makes this experience unique is that students are paired with experts outside Chennai via Moodle, who act as “e-mentors” by providing feedback to our scientists throughout the process. These exchanges allow our children to extend their scientific support network beyond the AISC community, allowing them to use web-based platforms to collaborate. 

This year, we are proud to present:

Global Warming: Kunal, Yuki, and Vinay

Water Pollution: Prannoy, Aditya, and Varun

Making Soap out of Waste Oil: Dong Yoon, Dae Hyeon, and Do Hun

Oil Spills: Aaron, Vikram, and Mekhi

Hair Dyes: Aoi, Raphael, and Alesandre

Levers and Pulleys: Yu Jin, Shriya, and Khushi

Conducting Electricity through Mixtures and Solutions: Sai and Rohan

Symbiotic Relationships: Abhirami, Jeremy, and Jasmine

Would you like to see the work of our young scientists? Please feel free to visit them in the Hall of Light on Monday, anytime between 2:00 and 4:30.

PE News

Swimming is back! Lower Elementary will be in the pool from April 7th to May 2nd, while Upper Elementary is on the field. Next, Upper Elementary will be in the pool from May 5th to May 23rd, while Lower Elementary is on the field. Please make sure all students have sun screen, goggles, a swimming cap, towel and their swim suit to every class! Thank you so much! Please note that the pool will be closed from Saturday March 29 through Friday, April 4.  It will reopen on Saturday, April 5.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Kevin Hall
Elementary School Principal

Friday, March 14

Dear Parents,

It has been another exciting week as AISC hosted the 2014 SAISA (South Asia Inter-School Association) Track and Field Meet. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our many parents who hosted students and/or helped at school during the meet. I would also like to recognize the following grade 5 students who participated in events: Futa, Mekhi, Fleur, Ahmad and Leonardo. 

I had the opportunity to watch a few events this week, as well as present awards and ribbons to students. It is such an incredible feeling to see students from across the world participating in sports and forming new friendships. Mr. Hoover captured the spirit of SAISA in his welcome letter to SAISA coaches, athletes and guests when he said, “SAISA is a celebration of what we value in international education- global mindedness, cross-cultural awareness and understanding, and the development of the courage, confidence, and creativity to compete fairly with others.”

Coffee with the ES Administration

Close to 30 parents joined us on Tuesday for our March parent coffee session which was led by Ms. Megan, Literacy Coach, and Ms. Chithra, Speech and Language Pathologist. Their topic was on promoting oral language and early literacy skills at home. Below is a link to their presentation and to the handout that was given to parents at the end of the session.

Emergent Literacy Presentation:

https://docs.google.com/a/aisch.org/file/d/0B3VpMQpVlYBidFo1dnhyc0thWlk/edit

Promoting Oral Language and Early Literacy Skills at Home

https://docs.google.com/a/aisch.org/file/d/0B3VpMQpVlYBiWXBCWTltLXhvWU0/edit

Playground Use

We know that many parents enjoy staying at school with non-school aged children in the morning after school begins. These are special and important times that we cherish as parents. While you are welcome to use the playground when students are in classes, I do ask that as soon as students come out for recess,  non-school aged children take a break from playing on the playground. This will allow students full access to the playground. Thank you for your cooperation.

Into the Woods: High School Play

“The cow as white as milk,  
The cape as red as blood,
The hair as yellow as corn,
The slipper as pure as gold.”

Will the baker and his wife find the four special objects to reverse the horrible witch’s curse?  Will Jack sell the cow and buy food for his poor family?  Will Cinderella’s handsome prince find her? And Little Red Riding Hood!  Will she safely make it to her granny’s cottage in the woods... or will she fall prey to the devious, yet charming, wolf?

Come to the high school production of Stephen Sondheim’s musical, Into the Woods, to find out what happens to some of your favorite fairy tale characters who cross paths in this spirited musical!

Shows are Friday, March 21st, at 5:00 PM, and Saturday, March 22nd, at 7:00 PM.  Tickets are on sale before and after school near the front entrance and during the day with Ms. Sonia in the main reception.  Tickets are available in three sections: Director’s Circle (Rs. 500), Orchestra (Rs. 300), and Mezzanine (Rs. 100).  Support our creative and courageous student actors by joining us “in the woods.”

ASA News

Please click here for ASA news and updates.

The Importance of Drinking Water

Did you know that by the time you feel thirsty your body is already becoming dehydrated?  Children must not use thirst as the sign for need for fluids.  Please send a bottle of water with your child to school every day and remind him/her that it is okay to refill it several times throughout the day.

Dehydration is a condition resulting from excessive loss of body fluid. It occurs when output of fluid exceeds fluid intake. Body fluids are lost through perspiration, respiration, urination and defecation.  The rate of loss will vary with activity levels, air temperature, humidity and altitude. Certain medications can also affect fluid loss. 

We assume that our thirst mechanism will protect us from dehydration; that is, we think that if we become dehydrated, thirst will occur and will stop when we have had enough to drink. This is not always the case. Our thirst mechanism is not very sensitive and waits until we are already 2-5% dehydrated before triggering and shuts off when only two-thirds of the fluid loss has been replaced.

To replace normal daily fluid loss, adolescents and adults should drink 2-3 liters of non-caffeinated (caffeine is a mild diuretic) daily.  As temperatures and activity levels rise, an appropriate increase of fluids must be consumed to prevent dehydration.  The amount needed also depends on the size of the person.  A formula for normal daily need is: 40 ml per kg body weight plus 500 ml. Therefore, a 70 lb/30 kg child needs 1,700 ml of fluid per day. Electrolytes (primarily sodium and chloride) are also lost and need replacement.    

  

Signs and symptoms of mild to moderate dehydration include: headaches, fatigue, dizziness, muscle and stomach cramps, reduced frequency of urination, dark urine, exhaustion, irritability and a variety of similar symptoms. The more severe forms of dehydration are heat exhaustion and heat stroke.                                                                                        

Beverages which contain sugar and salt are absorbed up to 30% faster than water and they will replenish your electrolyte loss. These include oral rehydration solutions, diluted Gatorade or other sports drinks, and non-caffeinated soft drinks and fruit juices. Alternatively, you can make your own solution using 1 teaspoon  of salt, combined with 1-2 tablespoons sugar in a liter of water. Salt tablets are too concentrated, and are therefore not recommended.

Early prevention is the key to avoiding all heat-related illnesses.  During physical activity, drink adequately regardless of being indoors, outdoors or in the swimming pool. Drink a 1/2 liter one hour before the activity, 200 ml (about 1 cup) every 20 minutes during the activity, and 400-600 ml following the activity. Carry a bottle of water with you so that you can monitor the amount you are drinking.  Be aware of the early signs of dehydration and drink frequently. You will know you are drinking enough if your urine is pale yellow in color. You should also wear hats and loose light cotton clothing, and seek shade or cool environments.

Hot Temperature Policy

After reading the above article, this is a good time to remind you of the elementary school Hot Temperature Policy. No doubt you have noticed that the days are getting warmer. Soon, we will be heading into the hottest time of the year. Our policy, with respect to children being outside, can be found on pages 38 and 39 of the Elementary School Handbook. Generally, the hot temperature policy goes into effect in mid-April.

Have a great weekend,

Kevin Hall

Elementary School Principal

                   

Friday, March 7, 2014

Dear Parents,

If you have not had a chance to do so, would you mind sharing your thoughts about the student-led conferences by completing this survey? Thank you. The survey will close on Tuesday.

Several of our students and parents wrote comments (in the classroom) about the student-led conferences. Below is a selection of unedited comments written by parents and students (from upper and lower elementary). Thank you, students and parents, for your positive feedback.

Student Comments

1. In my opinion I liked the student led conference because I can show my parents all the best work that I have done.

2. I like the student conference because I got to show my hard work to my parents - and I got a chance to talk with them.

3. I really liked the student led conference because I am proud of my hard work. It was fun.

4. I like student led conferences because we tell our parents about our learning.

5. I feel happy when I see my mom, I am happy because I like to show my mom some things.

6. I like student led conferences because I can show my parents about school.

7. Student Led Conferences are a great way to show your parents, your teacher AND yourself what you are learning and doing in school. It shows what learning means to you. As you are learning, you are also teaching; yourself, your parents and your teacher. While you answer questions in school and SLC, you teach the adults. A lot of times, your parents and teachers have AHA Moments.

8. I think that Student-Led-Conferences are a great idea because we have a chance to share with our parents our depth of understanding. We can show our parents what we are learning instead of the teacher talking to the parents all the time. I like it when the students are in charge. I was just used to parent and teacher conferences. I liked having some of my work in front of me so that I could explain the topic better to them. The blog posts were very helpful because we can make great connections. We took a look at our goals and decided which we met and which we still had to work on. Overall SLC was a great way for me to show my learning and thinking.

9. I think that the SLC was good for me since my goal is to be more fluent with my ideas. My mom also thinks it is a great idea. And for all I know, it sure is better than the way they do it in other schools. They show one person’s bad work and then they show another person’s good work. In this way, students are more comfortable with sharing their work with their parents. If they show their work where they had a little trouble it is better than a teacher using it as an example for bad work. Now SLC makes it more comfortable for children to lead a conference about their work.

Parent Comments

1. Great platform for students to show off their work of which they are clearly proud.

2. I liked the student led conference because if showed the confidence and pride my daughter had in all the work she has done. I liked the fact that it was very informative.

3. This is good because I get to know all the wonderful things my child learns in school. It is amazing to see his progress - feedback is always great.

4. I am pleased to see this kind of conference. I saw my daughter's skill and best work. I thank the teachers for always getting the best out of our students. 

5. Fantastic teacher!  My child has gained so much confidence in being allowed to share what she has done. 

6. We loved seeing all the fantastic things you’ve done!

7. Thank you for the student led conferences. We can know about our children in school.

8. The best part of SLC was my child’s portfolio because it was very creative and very well prepared!

Pictures from our Student-Led Conferences

News from Student Council: ES Spirit Week March 17-21, 2014

Student Council has been busy preparing for our annual Elementary School Spirit Week, which will run from March 17th through March 21st. All elementary students PK-5 are invited to participate in showing their spirit by dressing in different ways each day during that week. This is not a requirement but simply for fun and community building.

Monday: Favorite Sport Day: Wear clothes that show your favorite sport! (No equipment- no bats, no balls, no toy guns, etc...)

Tuesday: Crazy Hair Day

Wednesday: Career Day: Dress up as the career you want to have!

Thursday: Opposite Day: Wear opposite or mismatched clothes!

Friday: Pyjama Day

Thanks for all your support! Ms. Pam, Ms. Dee, and Student Council Members

ASA Advanced Soccer Club Tournament

We end our regular soccer sessions with our students hosting a tournament. We will have a total of eight teams taking part in the tournament, including two from AISC, and one from each of the following schools: Lady Andal Matriculation School, Abacus Montessori School, Gateway International School, Christ Church Anglo Indian School, St. Patrick’s Higher Secondary School and St Michael’s Academy. The tournament will be held tomorrow, beginning at 7.30 am. The finals are scheduled for 12 noon. It is going to be a fun day for all kids taking part. Many, many thanks to Coach Sebastian and his team. Of course, we cannot forget the parents for their time, dedication and love of the sport, too!

We invite all the Parents to come and cheer the teams and encourage our students.

Summer Camp 2014: Funshine Camp

Our annual “Funshine” Summer Camp for elementary school students will run from June 2 – 13, 2014 on the school campus. Registration forms will be sent via Friday folder on April 7, 2014.  There will be a range of fun activities on offer including, singing, western dance and zumba, swimming pool games, a personality development workshop, creative crafts and outdoor/indoor Games.

Registration Details:

• Grade Levels: K-5 (Includes current year Pre-K 3+, 4+ and Gr.5 students)      
• Registration dates: April 8 – 30, 2014
• Registration Venue: ASA office (MC-1B)
• Fees: Rs.15000 (Only cash payment and there will be no refunds).
• Further inquiries: please reach us in MC 1 B or call +91 22549000 (EXTN- 1)

SAISA Track and Field Meet

The SAISA Track and Field Meet will be held at AISC from March 12 to 14th. The soccer field will be in use before, during and after school on these days. Therefore, the Jogging Club will not meet on March 12. Further, elementary school children will not be able to play on the soccer field before or after school. Thank you for your cooperation.

National Honor Society Support for The Little Sisters of the Poor

The High School National Honor Society is conducting a food and sanitary items drive for The Little Sisters of the Poor, an organisation dedicated to help the elderly. This old-age home requires basic necessities that are not available to them and the following items are recommended for donation:

Food: wheat flour, rice, dal

Sanitary Items: band-aids, garbage bags, soap/sanitizers

Boxes will be present at the Elementary School Reception as well as the main entrance entrance from March 10th to 21st. Please help us assist the elderly!

Parent Coffee with the ES Administration: Topics for the Remainder of the School Year

Our next parent coffee will be held on Tuesday, March 11th from 8:45 to 9:45 in the FAC Cafeteria. Our Literacy Coach, Ms. Megan McCrindle, and our speech and language pathologist, Ms. Chithra, will co-lead a presentation on early childhood literacy. This session will be of interest to parents who have children in our PS 3+, PS 4+ and Kindergarten classes. 

The April parent coffee has been rescheduled and will now take place on Monday, April 28. The topic of our April coffee is standards-based grading and reporting. As many of you know, the elementary school will launch a new report card next fall. In this session, we will talk about the philosophy behind standards-based grading and reporting and why standards-based grading/reporting is best practice for student learning.

Our final parent coffee of the school year will be held on Tuesday, May 13th. This is a recently added parent coffee; it is not printed in the community calendar. During this session, members from the Service Learning Task Force will present an overview of their work to date, and our plans for the future. 

All sessions are held in the FAC Cafeteria from 8:45 to 9:45.

Have a great weekend,

Kevin Hall
Elementary School Principal