Friday, June 1, 2018

Dear Parents,

The 2017-18 year has finished, and what a wonderfully busy and buzzing year it has been in the Elementary School.

We farewell 70 students on their last day at AISC today, and wish them and their families well as they move on to new schools all around the world.  Keep in touch and let us know how you are getting on!

As we break today for summer vacation, we wish each and every student and their family a safe and relaxing holiday break. We look forward to welcoming you all back again next academic year on Thursday 9 August.

We farewell the following teachers as they head off to new teaching assignments at the end of this year.

Thank you for all you have done for AISC.

Ms Lori Newman & Mr Carl Knudsen

Mr Ron Wilson

Ms Rachael Moser

Ms Lily Clarke

MS Jana Rogers

Ms Cheyenne Frohlich

Ms Samantha Paiva

Ms Anu Apparao

Mr Ken Rostant

Mr Widi Sumaryono

Elementary Report Cards

Today our final trimester report cards have been posted in Powerschool, and Grade 2-5 MAP test results have been emailed home. Please take time to read these together with your children, and reflect on the wonderful successes they have had this year and the growth each and every one of them have made.

Upcoming events in the Elementary to look forward to in 2018-19

• Next year our 5th graders will continue with their own Classroom without walls (CWW) experience, with a three night overnight stay in Pondicherry. This valuable bonding experience for our 5th graders will also have service learning as well as other curricular components.  More information about this exciting opportunity to follow in August.
• 4th Grade students will continue their school sleepover.
• Missoula Children’s Theater (MCT) will be back with a week of musical theater fun during November. We will know the show title soon!
• Finally, family Math Mornings will continue and Family Literacy Mornings have been added as another chance to get parents into the classrooms to see the hands-on conceptual ways math education has evolved since we were all in Elementary school.

Student Health Forms
Student health records are important sources of information but we are making changes to our past practices. Please note the following requirements for next year.

·  Annual medical updates, signed by a parent, are required every year.

·  On initial enrollment or at the beginning of grade 3, 6, or 9, a physician-completed form must be provided.  

Students with significant allergies or on daily medication should also submit the annual form completed by a physician

Continuing learning over the summer!

While summer is most definitely a time to play and reconnect with family and friends, it is also a great chance to dive into a book or five. Parents, encourage your children to continue this great reading habit by setting aside 15 minutes a day to continue reading. The options are endless, read by the pool, at the beach, at a cafe or in bed before falling asleep after a great summer vacation day.

AISC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL READING LIST - SUMMER 2018

Summer Reading Recommendations Grades 1 - 2

Adele and Simon by Barbara McClintock

When Simon's older sister, Adele, picks him up from school, she makes Simon promise to try not to lose an anything. But as they make their way home, distractions cause Simon to leave something behind at every stop. What will they tell their mother?

Lola Levine is Not Mean! by Monica Brown

Sports-loving Lola accidentally injures a classmate during a recess soccer game and resolves to win back her spot on the field – and her friends – by demonstrating what good sportsmanship is all about.

Ape and Armadillo Take Over the World by James Sturm

Ape and Armadillo learn that achieving world domination is a lot less fun without your best friend at your side.

Juana and Lucas by Juana Medina

A little girl growing up on Bogota is determined to learn English before her trip to the U.S. and her visit to Spaceland.

Themes/Genres: Multiculturalism

Summer Reading Recommendations Grades 3- 5

Amina’s Voice by Hena Khan

Among prejudice and change, how do you stay true to yourself and blend into a new community simultaneously?

Bronze and Sunflower by Cao Wenxuan

While navigating the challenges of poverty in rural China in the 1970s, a mute boy named Bronze and an orphan named Sunflower develop a powerful friendship.

Clayton Byrd Goes Underground by Rita Williams-Garcia

When his beloved grandfather, the blues man Cool Papa Byrd, dies suddenly, Clayton's anger and misplaced alliances get him into trouble. This story of family grief, reconciliation, and the power of music is set in New York City.

Flying Lessons & Other Stories by Ellen Oh

Ten authors celebrate diversity through tales of Bigfoot, basketball, girl pirates and more in a highly readable, relatable short story collection.

Grand Canyon by Jason Chin

As a father and daughter hike up and out of the canyon, Chin introduces readers to this National Park's unique geology, plants and animals.

Hamster Princess: Harriet the Invincible (Hamster Princess #1) by Ursula Vernon

Princess Harriet is not your typical princess. She is into ogre slaying, cliff-diving, and battle quail-riding. But she knows that the curse that is destined to befall her on her 12th birthday must also keep her alive until then - making her invincible!

The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste

Eleven-year-old Corinne must call on her courage and an ancient magic to stop an evil spirit and save her island home.

Just Dance by Patricia MacLachlan

Years ago, Sylvie's mother was a famous opera singer, but she gave it all up to marry Sylvie's father and move to small town Wyoming. Sylvie can't help but wonder - does her mother ever miss her glamorous former life? And is she ever tempted to go back to it?

Lemons by Melissa Savage

When Lemonade Liberty Witt moves in with her grandfather, the last thing she expects is to join the Bigfoot Detective Inc. Are they on track to discover sasquatch or something more?

Me & Marvin Gardens by Amy Sarig King

While picking up trash from Devlin Creek, Obe discovers a most extraordinary animal that may be the answer to the pollution.

Orphan Island by Laurel Snyder

Jinny lives on an idyllic, secluded island with eight other children. The fundamental mystery of the

island’s rules is exposed amid distress and anxiety.

Real Friends by Shannon Hale

Shannon is learning how to navigate the turbulent waters of childhood. Handling bullies, dealing with cliques, and finding out who your true friends really are.

Secret Coders by Gene Luen Yang

New girl Hopper discovers some very strange goings-on at Stately Academy. Do she and her new friend Eni have what it takes to outwit the school's founder and solve the mysteries? Readers are invited to code along!

Sidetracked by Diana Harmon Asher

Despite learning disabilities, Joseph joins his school’s track team and discovers the value of achieving

a personal best, both on and off the cross-country course.

The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Like many other city children during World War II, Ada and Jamie are being evacuated to live with

strangers in the countryside, away from the bombings. They are leaving their mother and all they have ever known.

Summer is also a great time to continue writing habits. Writers who write every day helps overall literacy development in all areas.

• Rediscover the postcard - send one to Ms Keryn & Mr Dave at the schools’ address!  We will post any cards received in the main reception
• Create a holiday journal
• Write captions for photos
• Make lists
• Write a review of your favorite restaurant, a book you read, or a place you visited
• Create a holiday blog
• Email a friend

See more tips for summer writing here

 

What can we do for Math practice this Summer?

Parents often wonder if Math practice is needed for their children over the summer. While we all agree that summer is a welcome break from studies, studies have shown that most students do experience summer learning loss, and mathematics is often the hardest hit.

Luckily, doing just three or four problems per day over the summer can prevent learning loss in mathematics. They can look at it as a daily challenge that they must complete, or a daily "to-do" to proudly check off their calendar.   

We have a wealth of resources available for students at this page, which lists good Home Learning resources that align to our Bridges Program.  

Parents might also consider downloading a summer math calendar like this one, which will set a daily goal for kids and parents! Or make this Summer STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) Jar for bored days.  

Remember, most importantly, summer math should be fun. Find one of these activities that works for your child, or mix it up with options. We encourage you to talk to your child about the importance of summer learning to prevent the summer slide.  

It is going to be another great year - and for now, we wish you a safe and relaxing summer. See you all in August!

Warmly,
Keryn Dowling & Lori Newman