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