Middle School
Content
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Friday Bulletin
Weekly Publication for Middle School Parents
ISSUE # 09
WEEK OF OCTOBER 05 TO 09, 2009
From the Middle School Office
Dear Parents: We greatly appreciate the outpouring of support and contributions that have been made toward the Disaster Relief effort. Seeing the students and community unite to help others in need has been uplifting. Through the students’ actions, it has become apparent that they have developed a sense of caring and empathy and are ready to act for the benefit of the flood victims. We are proud of our students and the commitment they have shown. The MS Student Council has been busily preparing for the upcoming Middle School Parties. The first party on Friday, October 2 will be for the Grade 5 and Grade 6 students. The second party on Friday, October 9 will be for the Grade 7 and Grade 8 students. Both events will run from 5:00 – 8:00 P.M. Permission slips have been distributed to students through Homebase. In order to attend, your child must submit a signed permission slip and purchase a ticket. Please be advised that students are expected to attend the duration of the party. In the event that a student must leave before the end of the party, it is requested that a parent notify the office in writing or by phone in advance. When informing the office of the early pick-up, please tell us who will pick up your child and the time so that the MS Office can inform security. Please understand that we request this information to ensure the safety of the students who leave the event early. We encourage all students to attend their respective party and are looking forward to 100% participation. There will be games, dancing and lots of fun to be had. The parties will be a great opportunity to spend time with friends! Our next MS Parent Coffee is scheduled for Tuesday, October 6 starting at 7:45 A.M. All parents are invited to attend and we look forward to seeing you. Looking ahead…Parent Teacher Conferences (PTCs) are scheduled for Monday, October 19 and Tuesday, October 20. More detailed information will be sent out separately during the week ahead. Sincerely, Danielle Fredericks Middle School Principal Clarissa Sayson Middle School Assistant Principal
Upcoming Events
October 06 09 10 19 to 22 19 to 20 23 26 03 MS Parent Coffee (7:45 A.M., Little Theater) MS Party (Grade 7 & 8) Service Learning: Chosen Children Village MS Photo Shoot Parent Teacher Conferences (1:00 P.M., MS Gym) Filipiniana Beginning of School Holiday Classes Resume
PowerSchool Grade Update
Oct. 09 - MS Progress Reports Oct. 23 - Grade Update
November
F R I D A Y B U LLETIN
PAGE 2
MAP Testing
Dear Parents,
For the last few years it has been customary for us to administer the ISA (International Schools Assessment) standardized tests from ACER (Academic Council of Educational ResearchAustralia) as a school, which provided us with a “snapshot” of how our students are progressing in the areas of English and Math.
After researching different standardized tests, it has been decided that this year we will be trialing the MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) test from the NWEA (Northwest Evaluation Association - USA) instead of the ISA. Students in Grades 6 and 8 will complete a series of on-line tests in English and Math.
The MAP tests will provide us with instantaneous data about the instructional levels of our students and will help to inform our curriculum and instructional strategies.
Please disregard the dates for ISA testing listed on the school calendar. The MAP testing will take place from November 09 -13 and 16 – 20.
Sincerely,
DANIELLE FREDERICKS Middle School Principal
CLARISSA SAYSON Assistant Principal
We’re on the web! www.ismanila.org
CONTACT INFORMATION CHANGES? Please inform the Middle School Office if you recently changed your contact information (i.e. Home Address, Home/Office Telephone Numbers, Mobile Numbers and Email Addresses). You may contact us through 840-8550 or 840-8553
F R I D A Y B U LLETIN
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From the Clinic
There have been many discussions between the clinic staff and the PE staff about parent concerns that swimming in the rain and colder weather and playing in the rain can cause the common cold and flu symptoms. After an exhaustive search of the available evidence, we have no reason to support this theory as the common cold and influenza are both viral infections which come from contact with other people who are carrying the disease and surfaces which are contaminated. Swimming pool water and rain do not, in themselves, carry this type of virus and therefore, it is not possible to contract a cold or influenza from being in the swimming pool or rain. I hope this helps to clear up some of the myths which circulate through the community and will encourage you to support the PE department in their effort to teach your children valuable, lifetime skills. Your children will be healthier and happier if they can participate as much as possible in their PE lessons. Thank you for your continued support From the Clinic Staff
From the Athletics & Activities Office
We still require housing placements for IASAS Soccer Tournament. Please see letter attached in this bulletin for details. Please help by housing a visiting IASAS Soccer player. Saturday Oct 3rd: • ISSA Soccer Festival MS Boys Midgets B @ ISM, 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. -CANCELLED • ISSA Soccer Festival ES Midgets F team, 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. @ Xavier- CANCELLED • ISSA Soccer Festival MS Girls (Coach Chris’s team only), 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. @ ISM- CANCELLED • RIFA Boys Soccer – all matches cancelled this Saturday • ISSA Volleyball- all matches cancelled this Saturday Oct 15-17 IASAS Soccer at ISM Oct 14-18 IASAS Volleyball @ Taipei Oct 15-18 IASAS Cross Country @ Taipei Please check the GAME SCHEDULE on the ISM public website ATAC page or ES/MS/HS GAME SCHEDULE page of the divisional website for all up to date fixtures and game venues. Due to flooding and closure of local schools all this past week many of the games will have to be rescheduled. Please consult the game schedule carefully for the latest updates! *** 2nd SEASON ATAC SPORTS ARE: Basketball, Tennis, Touch (girls only), Rugby, Cheerleading TRYOUT DATES: November 3, 4, 5, & 6 2nd SEASON PRACTICE SCHEDULE WILL BE POSTED LAST WEEK OF SCHOOL BEFORE THE OCTOBER BREAK.
The second season for the new club activities starts on Thursday, November 5th. Activities that will be taking place this second season are: Club Soccer, Team Sports (includes touch, soccer, flag football, Frisbee), Recreational Gymnastics, Aquatics (learn to swim) and Circus Skills. If you didn’t sign up for one of these activities at the beginning of the school year and would like to do one, please go and register at the ES AFAC office based in the ES main office. The year round activities will carry on as normal starting on Wednesday, November 4th. ATAC 2nd season sports will also start with try outs starting on Tuesday, November 3rd, for touch rugby, rugby, tennis and swimming. Thanks . Dave Allen Middle School Activities Coordinator International School Manila University Parkway Fort Bonifacio (632) 840 8485 [email protected]
MS AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
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From the Athletics & Activities Office
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IASAS Soccer Housing
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Basketball Camp
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(Continued from page 6)
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Friday Bulletin
Weekly Publication for Middle School Parents
ISSUE # 09
WEEK OF OCTOBER 05 TO 09, 2009
From the Middle School Office
Dear Parents: We greatly appreciate the outpouring of support and contributions that have been made toward the Disaster Relief effort. Seeing the students and community unite to help others in need has been uplifting. Through the students’ actions, it has become apparent that they have developed a sense of caring and empathy and are ready to act for the benefit of the flood victims. We are proud of our students and the commitment they have shown. The MS Student Council has been busily preparing for the upcoming Middle School Parties. The first party on Friday, October 2 will be for the Grade 5 and Grade 6 students. The second party on Friday, October 9 will be for the Grade 7 and Grade 8 students. Both events will run from 5:00 – 8:00 P.M. Permission slips have been distributed to students through Homebase. In order to attend, your child must submit a signed permission slip and purchase a ticket. Please be advised that students are expected to attend the duration of the party. In the event that a student must leave before the end of the party, it is requested that a parent notify the office in writing or by phone in advance. When informing the office of the early pick-up, please tell us who will pick up your child and the time so that the MS Office can inform security. Please understand that we request this information to ensure the safety of the students who leave the event early. We encourage all students to attend their respective party and are looking forward to 100% participation. There will be games, dancing and lots of fun to be had. The parties will be a great opportunity to spend time with friends! Our next MS Parent Coffee is scheduled for Tuesday, October 6 starting at 7:45 A.M. All parents are invited to attend and we look forward to seeing you. Looking ahead…Parent Teacher Conferences (PTCs) are scheduled for Monday, October 19 and Tuesday, October 20. More detailed information will be sent out separately during the week ahead. Sincerely, Danielle Fredericks Middle School Principal Clarissa Sayson Middle School Assistant Principal
Upcoming Events
October 06 09 10 19 to 22 19 to 20 23 26 03 MS Parent Coffee (7:45 A.M., Little Theater) MS Party (Grade 7 & 8) Service Learning: Chosen Children Village MS Photo Shoot Parent Teacher Conferences (1:00 P.M., MS Gym) Filipiniana Beginning of School Holiday Classes Resume
PowerSchool Grade Update
Oct. 09 - MS Progress Reports Oct. 23 - Grade Update
November
F R I D A Y B U LLETIN
PAGE 2
MAP Testing
Dear Parents,
For the last few years it has been customary for us to administer the ISA (International Schools Assessment) standardized tests from ACER (Academic Council of Educational ResearchAustralia) as a school, which provided us with a “snapshot” of how our students are progressing in the areas of English and Math.
After researching different standardized tests, it has been decided that this year we will be trialing the MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) test from the NWEA (Northwest Evaluation Association - USA) instead of the ISA. Students in Grades 6 and 8 will complete a series of on-line tests in English and Math.
The MAP tests will provide us with instantaneous data about the instructional levels of our students and will help to inform our curriculum and instructional strategies.
Please disregard the dates for ISA testing listed on the school calendar. The MAP testing will take place from November 09 -13 and 16 – 20.
Sincerely,
DANIELLE FREDERICKS Middle School Principal
CLARISSA SAYSON Assistant Principal
We’re on the web! www.ismanila.org
CONTACT INFORMATION CHANGES? Please inform the Middle School Office if you recently changed your contact information (i.e. Home Address, Home/Office Telephone Numbers, Mobile Numbers and Email Addresses). You may contact us through 840-8550 or 840-8553
F R I D A Y B U LLETIN
PAGE 3
From the Clinic
There have been many discussions between the clinic staff and the PE staff about parent concerns that swimming in the rain and colder weather and playing in the rain can cause the common cold and flu symptoms. After an exhaustive search of the available evidence, we have no reason to support this theory as the common cold and influenza are both viral infections which come from contact with other people who are carrying the disease and surfaces which are contaminated. Swimming pool water and rain do not, in themselves, carry this type of virus and therefore, it is not possible to contract a cold or influenza from being in the swimming pool or rain. I hope this helps to clear up some of the myths which circulate through the community and will encourage you to support the PE department in their effort to teach your children valuable, lifetime skills. Your children will be healthier and happier if they can participate as much as possible in their PE lessons. Thank you for your continued support From the Clinic Staff
From the Athletics & Activities Office
We still require housing placements for IASAS Soccer Tournament. Please see letter attached in this bulletin for details. Please help by housing a visiting IASAS Soccer player. Saturday Oct 3rd: • ISSA Soccer Festival MS Boys Midgets B @ ISM, 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. -CANCELLED • ISSA Soccer Festival ES Midgets F team, 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. @ Xavier- CANCELLED • ISSA Soccer Festival MS Girls (Coach Chris’s team only), 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. @ ISM- CANCELLED • RIFA Boys Soccer – all matches cancelled this Saturday • ISSA Volleyball- all matches cancelled this Saturday Oct 15-17 IASAS Soccer at ISM Oct 14-18 IASAS Volleyball @ Taipei Oct 15-18 IASAS Cross Country @ Taipei Please check the GAME SCHEDULE on the ISM public website ATAC page or ES/MS/HS GAME SCHEDULE page of the divisional website for all up to date fixtures and game venues. Due to flooding and closure of local schools all this past week many of the games will have to be rescheduled. Please consult the game schedule carefully for the latest updates! *** 2nd SEASON ATAC SPORTS ARE: Basketball, Tennis, Touch (girls only), Rugby, Cheerleading TRYOUT DATES: November 3, 4, 5, & 6 2nd SEASON PRACTICE SCHEDULE WILL BE POSTED LAST WEEK OF SCHOOL BEFORE THE OCTOBER BREAK.
The second season for the new club activities starts on Thursday, November 5th. Activities that will be taking place this second season are: Club Soccer, Team Sports (includes touch, soccer, flag football, Frisbee), Recreational Gymnastics, Aquatics (learn to swim) and Circus Skills. If you didn’t sign up for one of these activities at the beginning of the school year and would like to do one, please go and register at the ES AFAC office based in the ES main office. The year round activities will carry on as normal starting on Wednesday, November 4th. ATAC 2nd season sports will also start with try outs starting on Tuesday, November 3rd, for touch rugby, rugby, tennis and swimming. Thanks . Dave Allen Middle School Activities Coordinator International School Manila University Parkway Fort Bonifacio (632) 840 8485 [email protected]
MS AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
F R I D A Y B U LLETIN
PAGE 4
From the Athletics & Activities Office
F R I D A Y B U LLETIN
PAGE 5
IASAS Soccer Housing
F R I D A Y B U LLETIN
PAGE 6
Basketball Camp
F R I D A Y B U LLETIN
(Continued from page 6)
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