Eagle+Eyes+Newsletter

           ** ACCESS INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY NINGBO **   ** Eagle Eyes ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 18pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 14pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16pt;">1. Eagle Eyes 20100917--01 <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16pt;">2. Eagle Eyes 20100929--06 <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16pt;">3. Eagle Eyes 20101015--13 <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16pt;">4. Eagle Eyes 20101029--16 <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16pt;">5. Eagle Eyes 20101112--18 <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16pt;">6. Eagle Eyes 20101119--20 <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16pt;">7. Eagle Eyes 20101210--22 <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16pt;">8. Eagle Eyes 20110122--26 <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16pt;">9. Eagle Eyes 20110211--30 <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16pt;"> 10. Eagle Eyes 20110218--33 <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16pt;">11. Eagle Eyes 20110225--37 <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">

** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">9-17-2010 ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Dear Community, <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">May we take this opportunity to thank the community for you support and understanding as we opened for SY2010/11 and got off to a very positive start! <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The students have settled in to their class routines and the teachers are finding their feet. Student attendance has been good and there have been few students absent or late for school. We mention these points because they are good indicators that the students are enjoying school. The After School Activities program has opened. We have added Swimming on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s and Soccer on Monday’s, Wednesday’s and Friday’s. The busing system was revised this week and now functions better. At this time there are 125 students in school and we expect more in September and October. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">It is a pleasure to issue the first Newsflash for this school year. Over the year the intention of this publication will be to  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l13 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">1) Provide students, parents and teachers with an overview of the work and activities going on in school generally. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l13 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">2) Give information and reminders of particular grade level/s or school wide events. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l13 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">3) To celebrate student endeavor and success whenever possible.  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">   <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">We hope to see most of the faculty and administration staff contributing to the Newsflash over the course of the year. Comments from the community are welcome regarding the contents of the publication so that we can improve the quality of the information. So please do let us know if you have suggestions. Thank you.   <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">   ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Other items for your attention are  **  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">NEW MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Every international school has new students, parents and teachers joining their community at this time of year. May I ask the returning community to remember when they first arrived at AIAN? Please take those memories and use them to ensure that the new members of our community feel welcomed and supported over the next six months so they can settle in comfortably. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">STUDENT COUNCIL SY 2010-11 ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">We are pleased to announce that the Student council elections have been concluded and the following officers were elected. ** Please congratulate them for volunteering to serve the student body! **  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">President – Mads Szklany <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Vice President – Felix Crothers <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Secretary/Treasurer – Anastasiya Dobrovolska <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Importantly, we need to thank the other students who stood for election but did not make it on to the Council. Emily Ahmadi Nishaboori and Joseph Chou are to be congratulated for their significant contribution to the democratic process. Without all the students standing for the positions there would not be an election. The students had to compete to be elected and in doing so learn how to sell themselves with an agenda that had merit in the minds of the students (their peers). This takes time and effort. It also takes courage to stand, be accountable and risk loosing. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The following class representatives were also selected by their grade level peers to sit on the Council and they are also to be thanked and congratulated. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Grade 6 Representative – Paula Baigorri <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Grade 7 Representative – Sung Taek Im  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Grade 8 Representative – Sebastian Chen <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Grades 9/10 Representative – Jenny Chen <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Grade 11 Representative – Emily Ahmadi <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Grade 12 Representative – Joseph Chou <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">One of the Student Council’s first actions will be the opening of the snack bar. Very soon students will be able to purchase snacks and drinks during the recess and lunch periods. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Please thank Mr. Doty for his help with the elections and for his guidance of the Council in the coming months. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">PARERENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">This handbook went home on Monday 30th August, one copy per family. We hope that everyone has taken the time to go though the handbook with your child/ren and everyone is aware of the school operational policies and procedures. Should you have any questions regarding the content you may contact Dr. Hudson or Dr. Allen for MS/HS and ES concerns respectively. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">COMMUNICATION HOME ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The school is starting to use the translator function on Google for some critical documents so that all parents can be informed of major issues in school. We realize that this translator function is not perfect. We wish to seek your understanding in this regard and please excuse us if there are any particular translation problems. On the 29th September the teachers will be sending home their Quarterly Overviews and these will have been translated by the Google translator. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">FROM THE ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR AND ATHLETICS DIRECTOR  ** ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">(Dr. Allen) ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Welcome back to AIAN! After an extremely busy summer, school is again in session and we are on our way to making 2010-2011 an exciting year for everyone. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">I would like to take a moment to describe to you several things that you may look forward to this year. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">First, we are developing an extensive group of faculty learning communities where our teachers are to meet and collaborate on a regular basis. These groups range from short-term planning of our annual International Day festivities to long-range planning including WASC Accreditation and Student Activities. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Significantly, the school is making a concerted effort to use technology in the classroom and as an administrative tool. Teachers are now using web based wiki pages to collaborate. Importantly, the school has created wikis through which school-home communication will be facilitated. The wiki http://accessinternationalacademyningbo.wikispaces.com  includes the Parent-Student Handbook as well as links to all of our teacher’s wiki pages where you will be able to access information regarding the Quarterly Planners. For those of you new to the school Quarterly Planners provide information regarding what will be taught each quarter to your child. The teachers are also placing communications for parents and students on classroom-specific wikis. We need you as parents to adopt the habit of checking the wiki pages to ensure you are fully informed about your child’s education. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">In addition to the school wiki page, the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) has created a wiki page as well. By visiting http://aianpta.wikispaces.com/  parents can stay up-to-date on important dates, be aware of upcoming events, and read the minutes of past PTA meetings. Please contact any of the PTA Board members for more information. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Both of these wikis include links to the AIAN School-wide and Activities Calendars. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">A primary area of focus this year is expanding and improving the activities program for students. This includes interscholastic activities through our membership in ACAMIS as well as after school and Saturday activities. We value your input as we plan these activities and we will seek your feedback as well. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">As always, our doors are open to you and we look forward to listening and collaborating with you as the year progresses. Please don’t hesitate to contact us. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">PARENT EMAIL ADDRESSES ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The school PTA needs to use the email addresses of the parents to help with their communication systems and organization. All emails sent out are done so in such away that only email address of the recipient can be seen when it arrives the in box. Other addresses cannot be seen or used. Let Mr. Bretherton know if you have any objections to the PTA using your email address. The PTA will use the email address list starting Wednesday of next week. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">PARENT CONTACT INFORMATION ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Please ensure that your contact information on record with the school is accurate and up to date. A number of emails have bounced back to the school recently and some cell phone numbers appear not to work. We would appreciate being informed of any changes of contact information. Ms. Susan Chen in the school office will make any changes and she can be contacted on 86869999. <span style="color: red; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">OPEN HOUSE ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Last Friday’s open house was successful with 69 parents in attendance. We wish to thank those parents who were able to come. The feedback from Parents was positive. The Faculty was able to depict clearly the work our students will be undertaking this year and the expectations that the teachers have of the students. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">MID QUARTER PROGRESS REPORTS ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">As indicated on P37 of the handbook students with a grade of 75% or less are considered at risk of failing or having a poor first quarter grade. By Friday 25th September the teachers will have sent home mid quarter progress reports for those students who the school is concerned about. For the parents who receive these reports we ask that you discuss them with your child and make an appointment to see the teacher/s concerned as soon as possible. This may be done by 86869999. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">WORLD PEACE DAY ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">AIAN celebrates this important world event on Tuesday 21st September during the morning. Much work has been going on over this week across the school by way of preparation for this. Please see the attached Peace Day information sheet. All the students and teachers have been busy with this work and parents are invited to the morning ceremony if they wish. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">In particular I would like to thank Ms. Dana Carney and Mrs. Wendi Allen who have been spearheading the organization and execution of the event. They have done a great job and we are certain the students are benefiting from the planning. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">STUDENT AND PARENT MEETINGS **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Mr. Bretherton has met with the students of grade six to twelve and discussed the comparative weaknesses, strengths and future direction of AIAN. He will also meet with parents and you are invited to come to school on the following dates. Each meeting will start at 9 a.m. and will be held in the Assembly Hall. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Grade 1/2 parents Thursday 23rd September <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Grade 3/4 parents Friday 24th September <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Grade 5/6 parents Monday 27th September <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Grade 7/8 parents Tuesday 28th September <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Grade 9/10 parents Wednesday 29th September <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Grade11/12 parents Thursday 30th September <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">We hope to see as many parents as possible and request that you attend these meetings. The data gathered will be used by AIAN to help with the strategic planning process and to make improvements generally across the school. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">ENDICOTT SURVEY ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The school will run a survey called Endicott Accreditation survey for students, parents, teachers and Board Members from Friday 24th September to October Friday 8th October. This is a satisfaction survey for all our community to complete on line. The methodology is simple. The school will put the Grade 6 to 12 students, the academic faculty, support staff and the administration through the survey in school time. Parents have the option of going on line from home or here at school. For parents we send home the necessary link to the survey and the parent access code. You then complete the questions by clicking on the response you wish to give. It takes approximately 30 minutes of your time. We are able to provide hard copy translations in Chinese and Korean to help all our parents to complete the survey. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Dr. Allen will be sending a more detailed letter home next week on Thursday 23rd September for parents regarding the links, access code and translations in Chinese and Korean. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">We hope to have everyone from our community complete the survey. The results are collated by Endicott and a summary is then presented to the school. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">We will use the data collected from the G6 to 12 students and the parents with the results of the Endicott survey to formulate action plans for improvement. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">SCHOOL CALENDAR  ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The school calendar has had the following changes/modifications made to it. Please be guided accordingly, <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">1) ISA Testing Dates are now February 9-11  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">2) Final Exam Dates for High School have been moved to May 30-June 3 <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">3) The Kindergarten Graduation, 8th Grade Moving On (Graduation) and 12th Grade Graduation will be on June 9.  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">   <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The changes are reflected in the attached calendar and this version is now on all the other vehicles of communication the school uses.    <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">   ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">DISMISSAL ARRANGEMENTS AT THE END OF THE SCHOOL DAY  **  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">   <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">To help ensure that the busing system works efficiently and safely please be reminded that students who ride the bus may not change their travel arrangements home at the end of the day. For students who walk home or ride a car parents may write to school with 24 hours notice to change arrangements at the end of the day. Only students who regularly ride the bus may use the bus system and they must maintain their normal routines. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">WHEN STUDENTS ARE ABSENT ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Please call the 86869999 number to inform Ms. Susan Chen when a student is going to be absent from school. This is the best way to keep the school and all the teachers informed regarding when a student is not in school. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">NO CLASSES, SCHOOL CLOSED, HOLIDAYS ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Wednesday 22nd September is Mid-Autumn Festival Holiday and there is no school. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Please be reminded that on Thursday, 30th September the students will have a half day of school. The faculty is having a Professional Development Day focused on writing across the curriculum. This is one of the four major action plans identified by the WASC accreditation process. The faculty will be looking at two programs in particular that we use. These are the 6 + I Writing Traits and the Write Source. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The October Break is the 1st to 10th October during which time the school is completely closed with no classes and faculty and office staff are unavailable. School opens again on Monday 11th October. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">SUMMARY OF UPCOMING EVENTS AND HOLIDAYS ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Thank you. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Regards, <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Mark Bretherton <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Head of School ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">09-29-2010 ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Dear Community, <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The last six weeks have flown by and the October Break starts today. Classes resume on Monday 11th October. Please be advised that the school campus will be closed over the holiday and it will not be possible to use the campus for recreational purposes. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this regard. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Other items for your attention are: <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">GRADE LEVEL PARENT CONFERENCES AND THE ENDICOTT SURVEY. ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">I wish to thank all the parents who were able to attend the grade level meetings I requested. The information gathered was very useful and insightful. Clearly the parent body has a perspective on what AIAN is doing well and where we need to focus on improvement. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">When the school has synthesized all the information gathered from the interviews it will be combined with the data from the Endicott Survey. All the students from Grades 5 to 12, the academic faculty, support staff and administration have completed the survey already. Hopefully all our parents will complete the survey before 11th October, when it closes. Please see the General Administration section later in the Newsflash from Dr. Allen that explains how parents may complete the online survey. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">During the grade level discussions questions were raised regarding how we teach, what is differentiated or individualized instruction, and what are good instructional strategies. Comparisons with other curriculum programs were also touched upon. The school will be starting to look in to these issues in the next few months. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">I was asked directly what good instructional strategies are in my opinion and what the students and parents might expect to see in the classroom. The following categories of instructional strategies affect student achievement. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">1-Identifying similarities and differences <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">2-Summarizing and note taking <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">3-Reinforcing effort and providing recognition <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">4-Homework and practice <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">5-Nonlinguistic representations <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">6-Cooperative learning <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">7-Setting objectives and providing feedback <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">8-Generating and testing hypotheses <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">9-Questions, cues, and advanced organizers <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">These were delineated in a book titled __Classroom Instruction That Works - Research Based Strategies for Increasing Student Achievement__, by Marzano, Pickering and Pollock. These conclusions were drawn from a meta-analysis of many studies. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Combining the use of rubrics with these strategies enhances the learning process. Rubrics can be described as a set of instructions or rules and assessment guidelines that the student and/or parents can continually refer as a child engages in a piece of work. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">BUS ORGANIZATION **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">We have added extra buses at 5 p.m. to assist with students getting home after the volleyball, soccer and swimming activities. As with the normal ASA busing we hope that parents can appreciate it is very difficult to arrange personalized drop offs in Ningbo and that the scheduled stops are a compromise situation for all the students. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Bus monitors ride each bus before and after school and act as the responsible adult on the bus. The bus monitor enforces the bus rules and the students must comply with any instructions given by the bus monitors. Importantly, the bus monitor ensures students use the safety belts. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Please be guided by the following. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">We ask that parents emphasize these points with your children. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">PEACE DAY (Ms. Carney and Mrs. Allen) **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="height: 135pt; margin-left: -9pt; margin-top: 1.4pt; position: absolute; width: 102.7pt; z-index: 2;"> <span style="height: 135pt; margin-left: 108pt; margin-top: 1.4pt; position: absolute; width: 310.1pt; z-index: 4;"> <span style="height: 135pt; margin-left: 6in; margin-top: 1.4pt; position: absolute; width: 51.05pt; z-index: 3;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Tuesday 21st September is International Peace Day.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Wednesday 22nd September is Mid-Autumn Festival Holiday and there is no school.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Friday 25th September Progress Report cards are issued
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Wednesday 29th September is the first full PTA meeting of the year. This will be held in the Assembly Hall at 10 a.m. All parents are welcome
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Thursday, 30th September is a half day for students. The teachers will have Professional Development workshops in the afternoon.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Friday October 1st to 10th is the October Break and school is closed.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">If your child is not usually a school bus rider, temporary use of the school bus is not allowed.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">If your child will not travel home on a bus on a given day we need you to provide written permission at least 24 hours in advance. The letter must explain how the child is leaving school and with whom.

<span style="background: black; border-bottom: black 1pt; border-left: black 1pt; border-right: black 1pt; border-top: black 1pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; layout-grid-mode: line; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"> <span style="background: black; border-bottom: black 1pt; border-left: black 1pt; border-right: black 1pt; border-top: black 1pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; layout-grid-mode: line; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"> <span style="background: black; border-bottom: black 1pt; border-left: black 1pt; border-right: black 1pt; border-top: black 1pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; layout-grid-mode: line; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"> <span style="background: black; border-bottom: black 1pt; border-left: black 1pt; border-right: black 1pt; border-top: black 1pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; layout-grid-mode: line; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"> <span style="background: black; border-bottom: black 1pt; border-left: black 1pt; border-right: black 1pt; border-top: black 1pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; layout-grid-mode: line; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"> <span style="background: black; border-bottom: black 1pt; border-left: black 1pt; border-right: black 1pt; border-top: black 1pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; layout-grid-mode: line; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"> <span style="background: black; border-bottom: black 1pt; border-left: black 1pt; border-right: black 1pt; border-top: black 1pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; layout-grid-mode: line; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"> <span style="background: black; border-bottom: black 1pt; border-left: black 1pt; border-right: black 1pt; border-top: black 1pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; layout-grid-mode: line; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"> <span style="background: black; border-bottom: black 1pt; border-left: black 1pt; border-right: black 1pt; border-top: black 1pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; layout-grid-mode: line; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Thank you to the students, staff and parents who were a part of our International Peace Day Celebrations this year! The teachers did an amazing job discussing issues of peace with their classes during the week prior to Peace Day. Classes completed a variety of activities demonstrating learning occurred. It was great to see students coming together to create peace chains, study poetry related to peace, sing peace songs and so much more. All of these activities led up to a meaningful Peace Day on September 21. Students joined in through song and in spirit as they each laid a painted Peace Rock to create a gold circle. This symbolized the connection and unity we share with one another every day, not just on Peace Day. A Peace Pole, created by middle and high school students, was placed in the center of the Peace Rocks to remind us of peaceful thoughts and actions we can share with others throughout the year. This art installation will be on display in the center courtyard for the remainder of the year. Please take the time to stop by and see what students have created. Thanks again to everyone for a positive and respectful Peace Day celebration! <span style="height: 103.85pt; margin-left: -9pt; margin-top: 8.15pt; position: absolute; width: 182.2pt; z-index: 5;"> <span style="height: 101.9pt; margin-left: 351pt; margin-top: 8.15pt; position: absolute; width: 140.75pt; z-index: 7;"> <span style="height: 102.9pt; margin-left: 189pt; margin-top: 8.15pt; position: absolute; width: 141.7pt; z-index: 6;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">

** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">INTERNATIONAL DAY (Ms. Carney and Mrs. Allen) **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="height: 93.6pt; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; position: absolute; width: 90pt; z-index: -9;"><span style="height: 1342177.27px; left: 1342177.27px; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 2.88pt; mso-wrap-distance-left: 2.88pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 2.88pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 2.88pt; position: absolute; top: 1342177.27px; width: 1342177.27px;">   <span style="height: 1342177.27px; left: 1342177.27px; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 2.88pt; mso-wrap-distance-left: 2.88pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 2.88pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 2.88pt; position: absolute; top: 1342177.27px; width: 1342177.27px;">    <span style="height: 1028700px; left: 1342177.27px; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 2.88pt; mso-wrap-distance-left: 2.88pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 2.88pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 2.88pt; position: absolute; top: 1342177.27px; width: 342900px;">      <span style="height: 971550px; left: 1342177.27px; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 2.88pt; mso-wrap-distance-left: 2.88pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 2.88pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 2.88pt; position: absolute; top: 1342177.27px; width: 285750px;">       <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">AIAN is proud to announce that this year we will be celebrating International Day which will take place in school on Friday, October 22, 2010. This is a valuable opportunity to feature the different countries and nationalities that are represented in our school. Students come dressed in the traditional clothing of their home country and participate in a parade of nations. Anthems from each country are played as each group, carrying their home flag, parades by the crowds. Afterwards there is an assembly featuring students performing various songs regarding unity and a video presentation about how our countries can get along. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">There are school wide activities that follow to allow students to work together across the grades learning about special cultural features of various countries. Each class chooses a country to study and then presents an activity that best represents the country such as music, games, art or dances. Every student has a chance to participate and teach the other students about the country concerned. The day wouldn’t be complete without authentic international cuisine! The PTA and parents will host an international food fair. Dishes from countries represented by our families will be available for everyone to try. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Please come along and enjoy the day with your children! <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">CURRICULUM CORNER (Dr. Hudson) ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Curriculum News: <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The school continues to make improvements to the overall curriculum. Once the Endicott Survey data has been compiled and charted it will guide the curricular development across the school. We are awaiting the data and what it tells us concerning the school’s direction into the future. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Last year Writing Across the Curriculum was identified in the WASC accreditation process as an area for focus for AIAN. A writing team has been commissioned and they are preparing to teach the professional staff to use the materials of the 6 + 1 Writing Traits program as well as Write Source program across the grade levels <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Samples of each student’s writing are currently being collected and placed in a writing portfolio to provide physical evidence of improvement over time. Similar to last year the on-line ERB standardized tests will be used to assess student writing. The data collected will allow all teachers to work with individual students more precisely according to their needs. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Course Changes: <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">There have been two major course changes in the area of mathematics. The first change occurred in late August immediately after the start of the school year. Mr. Breneman and Mrs. Raley initiated a course in the high school that served to prepare the students for college calculus as well as the SAT mathematics testing requirements. This course, Advanced Topics in Mathematics, took the place of Business Mathematics. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Mrs. Raley started teaching seventh grade Algebra and as a campus we are no longer teaching “Pre-Algebra”. This improvement is designed to provide a more coherent program of Math across the Middle and High School and strengthen the High School Diploma that students graduate with. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Professional Development News: <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">In a recent Professional Development Survey, 68% of the professional staff stated their interest in receiving training in the areas of Differentiated Instruction and Differentiated Assessment Techniques. This type of data collection serves to direct our professional development program. The Leadership Team is already contacting experts in the field of Differentiation to give training workshops to the teachers. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Lesson Planning: <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Teachers are writing in-depth lesson plans for their classes. With plans that are well thought out and documented the level of instruction offered across the campus goes up, thus student expectations increase and as a result learning increases overall. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Assessment of Student Learning: <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Assessment instruments are currently being evaluated across the campus. This is to ensure the tools test what is taught and provide suitable vehicles for the students to demonstrate what they know. Further, this evaluation process confirms relevancy and consistency in meeting the objectives as defined in rubric(s). Instruments are also being evaluated as to the incorporation of differentiation into the assessment process. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">GENERAL ADMISTRATION (Dr. Allen) ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">We have enjoyed success using wikis on the internet to increasing our level of communication throughout the school and community. On these Wikis you can find links to school calendars, upcoming events, teacher curricular plans, as well as Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) information. Wiki links are: __ http://accessinternationalacademyningbo.wikispaces.com/  __ and <span style="color: #365f91; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> __<span style="color: #365f91; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> http://aianpta.wikispaces.com/ __ <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The Endicott Survey has begun as well. Our teachers and students have already taken the survey, and we are asking that parents complete the survey by Monday, 11th October, 2010. The survey results will help guide AIAN as we plan our mission and vision statements and move forward with school improvements. To complete this survey, please follow these instructions: <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">1) Go to this website: __ [|www.endicottresearchcenter.net] /__  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">2) In the box where it asks you to “Enter Your Survey Code,” please enter CP3292306 and click “GO!” <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">3) Follow the online instructions. Every question on the survey must be answered in order for your answers to be recorded. Skipped questions will be presented again until they are answered.  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">4) When you reach the last three questions, please respond to the following: <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> · <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The resources available at AIAN are sufficient to provide a quality program of study · <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Health, safety, and maintenance matters are dealt with effectively. · <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The quality of the school food and canteen services is good. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">5) When you reach the last question, click on “SUBMIT”  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">   ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">SCHOOL SPORT (Dr. Allen) **  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">   <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The ACAMIS Volleyball tournament is coming in mid November and our boys and girls will be traveling to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to play against other Blue Division teams. This is the furthest any of our AIAN Eagles teams have traveled. We are excited to have this opportunity to see new sites, make new friends, and have some friendly competition while making lifelong memories.   <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">   ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">PRIDE ASSEMBLIES (Mr. Chaney) **  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">   <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The first Pride Assembly of the year took place today and the students’ acknowledged are listed below. The PTA kindly acknowledged the students with birthdays over the month as well. As always the assembly was a success and soon we will be sending home the calendar for the Pride Assemblies for the rest of the year. Parents are always invited to attend.   <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">   <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Please find below the students who received awards today.   <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Name    <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Please enjoy the holiday, come back rested and ready for more work and play as the year continues to unfold. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Thank you. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Regards, <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Mark Bretherton <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Head of School <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">10-15-2010 ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Dear Community, <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">We hope that everyone had a great October Break and enjoyed themselves. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Following the break the rainy season seems to have started in earnest. This does present the school with some logistical concerns at recess and lunch time and with the After School Activities programs. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">For your information during the recess and lunchtimes the Elementary School students use the Library, Multipurpose and Computer rooms. The Middle and High School divisions use the Canteen and Library. The students really are cooperating well with the teachers in this regard and we thank everyone for your patience and understanding in managing the rainy day logistics. The PTA bake sale on Wednesday was a particularly welcome and successful event and helped to cheer up a rainy recess and lunchtime. We thank the ladies of the PTA for organizing the bake sale. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">After school sports and other outside activities continue despite the rain and we manage as best as we can. Please remind the students to bring dry clothing to change in to when the activities have finished. This is important for those students riding the bus home because of the time they are traveling in the cooler temperatures. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The ACAMIS volleyball teams continue to practice in preparation for their visit to Mongolia during the 10th -14th November. We are hoping to take an U14 soccer team to play in Shanghai on the 23rd October. Please check the communications home from Dr. Allen in regards to these matters. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Please remember that the ASA program for the first quarter concludes on 28th October. The second quarter ASA’s start on 9th November. Mr. Carroll and Mr. Carpinisan will be sending home the ASA choice information soon. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Other items for your attention are <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">COLLEGE **** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> UNIVERSITY  **** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> AND CAREERS COUNCELING  ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Now is a critical time for the grade 12 students in terms of college and university applications. The school is providing intensive support and advice in this regard and we are looking forward to the grade 12 students obtaining offers from quality tertiary institutions. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The school is starting a program to advise the High School students grade 9 to 12 about college and university applications. This has been decided as a result of parent commentary provided in the grade level parent meetings held recently and from our own review of the situation. We are working to establish a clearer structure in regard to the college and university applications process and careers advice for the High School Students, grade 9 to 12. The first meeting for this will be on Tuesday 19th October at 5.30pm in the Assembly Hall and is specifically for grade 11 students and parents. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">In January the school will start to work with the grade 9 and 10 students and this will open with a parent meeting. Please keep your eye out for this in January. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">WASC ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The school is now running a series of WASC committee meetings to continue with the implementation of the WASC action plans established last year. We need members of the community to be involved. Anyone interested should contact Dr. Hudson at steven.hudson@aian.org.cn <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">For the information of the new students and parents the WASC Action Plan areas identified are: <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Assessment **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">: Develop an assessment program with external and internal instruments to determine and promote academic achievement. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Curriculum **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">: Implement curriculum mapping in order to illustrate not only how the curriculum operates but also how students are assessed. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Writing: **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> Develop a writing program in order to improve the communication skills of students. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Professional Development: **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> Increase the extent and variety of professional development and link professional development more closely with the school mission and ESLR’s <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="height: 93.6pt; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 22.85pt; position: absolute; width: 90pt; z-index: -2;"><span style="height: 1342177.27px; left: 1342177.27px; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 2.88pt; mso-wrap-distance-left: 2.88pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 2.88pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 2.88pt; position: absolute; top: 1342177.27px; width: 1342177.27px;">   <span style="height: 1342177.27px; left: 1342177.27px; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 2.88pt; mso-wrap-distance-left: 2.88pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 2.88pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 2.88pt; position: absolute; top: 1342177.27px; width: 1342177.27px;">    <span style="height: 1028700px; left: 1342177.27px; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 2.88pt; mso-wrap-distance-left: 2.88pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 2.88pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 2.88pt; position: absolute; top: 1342177.27px; width: 342900px;">      <span style="height: 971550px; left: 1342177.27px; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 2.88pt; mso-wrap-distance-left: 2.88pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 2.88pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 2.88pt; position: absolute; top: 1342177.27px; width: 285750px;">       **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">INTERNATIONAL DAY (Ms. Carney and Mrs. Allen) ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">AIAN is proud to announce that this year we will be celebrating International Day which will take place in school on Friday, October 22, 2010. This is a valuable opportunity to feature the different countries and nationalities that are represented in our school. Students come dressed in the traditional clothing of their home country and participate in a parade of nations. Anthems from each country are played as each group, carrying their home flag, parades by the crowds. Afterwards there is an assembly featuring students performing various songs regarding unity and a video presentation about how our countries can get along.    <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">   <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">There are school wide activities that follow to allow students to work together across the grades learning about special cultural features of various countries. Each class chooses a country to study and then presents an activity that best represents the country such as music, games, art or dances. Every student has a chance to participate and teach the other students about the country concerned. The day wouldn’t be complete without authentic international cuisine! The PTA and parents will host an international food fair. Dishes from countries represented by our families will be available for everyone to try. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Please come along and enjoy the day with your children! <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">ENDICOTT SURVEY ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">This has now closed. Endicott informed us that the results will be received within the next two to three weeks. When we have them the school will provide a combined report that considers the commentary from the student and parent meetings. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Thank you to all the parents who were able to complete the online survey. Only when we receive the results will we know how many parents participated. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">WIKI PAGES ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">We have enjoyed success using wikis on the internet to increasing our level of communication throughout the school and community. On these Wikis you can find links to school calendars, upcoming events, teacher curricular plans, as well as Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) information. Wiki links are: __ http://accessinternationalacademyningbo.wikispaces.com/ __ and __<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> http://aianpta.wikispaces.com/ __ <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">REPORT CARDS ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">We are approaching the end of the first quarter which is 27th October and report cards will be issued on 4th November. It is especially important to keep the students on track academically over the next three weeks to make sure they can get the best grades possible as the reports are issued. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Importantly, Parent – Teacher Conferences will be held on 10th November for everyone from 1p.m. onwards. (Please note that this date is a change from the original 11th November indicated in the school calendar). Parents are highly encouraged to seek appointments with all of your children’s teachers on the 10th November to ask questions and seek greater explanation regarding successful work completed and about areas for improvement. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The teachers are preparing the usual format for the reports. They are also trying to place greater emphasis on the narrative part of the card to help students and parents better understand what needs to be done to improve grades. There will be commentary covering some of the aspects below that the teachers feel it is important for you to know: <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 27pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -27pt;"> · **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Successes ** <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 27pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -27pt;"> · **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Academic work ** <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 27pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -27pt;"> · **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Identified areas of concern **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">, what specifically are the areas of concern. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">For example <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 45pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -0.25in;"> 1. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Not completing homework <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 45pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -0.25in;"> 2. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Not doing well on examinations <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 45pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -0.25in;"> 3. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Not doing well on quizzes <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 45pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -0.25in;"> 4. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Not participating in class <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 45pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -0.25in;"> 5. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">ELL/ESL difficulties <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 45pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -0.25in;"> 6. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Misbehavior in class <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 45pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -0.25in;"> 7. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Aggressiveness toward peers <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 45pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -0.25in;"> 8. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Not eating at school <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 27pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -27pt;"> · **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">What is the plan to assist students with difficulties, overcome their problems and be successful overall? **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 27pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -27pt;"> · **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">What the teacher is doing in class that helps your child and what you might do at home to help your child. **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Thank you. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Regards, <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Mark Bretherton <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Head of school <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">ESLR  ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Teacher   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Date   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Description   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Grade/Course   ||
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Alexandre Mousty ** ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">ESLR #2: Effective Communication   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Elaine Jenkins   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">September 2010   || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">This student is sharing his spectacular singing talent with us in music classes. He is listening attentively and putting forth effort each day. We are looking forward to hearing more from you. Congratulations.  ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Music   ||
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Andy Kim ** ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">ESLRs #1 and 4   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">John <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;"> Tucker   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">September 2010   || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">This student is someone his classmates know they can trust to be fair to everyone. He is always ready to help his classmates. This student takes his responsibilities at school seriously.  ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">4   ||
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Emma Hsieh ** ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">ESLRs #1 and 2   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Will Schraven   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">September 2010   || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">This student has been exceptionally helpful to our new incoming students and has shown a healthy attitude towards required work this year. Her work has improved and her attitude and personality are as positive as ever. Her inclusiveness and generosity of spirit has been vital for our harmonious community and she always makes grade eight a fun class to teach. Keep up the good work, Emma.  ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">8   ||
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Francisco Pantoja ** ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">ESLR #2: Effective Communication   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Susanne Davis   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">September 2010   || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">He is an insightful, quiet thinker who readily expresses clear ways he and his classmates can ensure a more peaceful world. He understands different cultures, appreciates the diversity around him and works diligently to make our classroom, school and community a better place. Francisco repeatedly demonstrates effective communication with clarity, purpose and understanding.  ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">2   ||
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Grade 6 ** ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">ESLRs #2 and 3   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Amy <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;"> Raley   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">September 2010   || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">We know that this is an usual event, but we think it is important to recognize an unusually special class. As new middle school students, this year’s grade six students exemplify cooperative work and support in a learning community. They have welcomed new students, supported them and maintained high work standards blended with positive spirits. We look forward to the next couple of years with this great bunch of students. Good job grade six.  ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">6   ||
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Ha Rin ****<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;"> Lee ** ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">ESLR #1: Global Citizenship   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Niki Harvey   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">September 2010   || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">This student has been a hard worker this school year. This student helps get the table group ready to go when we need work. This student always completes their homework. This student listens during class time and is always willing to help classmates. This student is truly a global citizen. She is very responsible at keeping her team together and on track. She uses action and English to talk with her classmates in a respectful manner.   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">1   ||
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Jason Wang ** ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">ESLRs #2 and 3   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Wendi Allen <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">September 2010   || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">This student takes his time when writing so it is easy for others to read. He likes to share his work with others and tell them about the work he has completed. He is good at using his words and expressing how he feels. Keep up the great work!  ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">K   ||
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Jenny ****<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;"> Chen ** ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">ESLRs #1,2 and 3   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Ame Yu <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">September 2010   || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">She is active in the class. She is always the first one to raise her hand to answer questions. She never hesitates to ask questions. She is polite and respectful to each one in the class. She always does neat and accurate work. She is doing so great. Keep up the great work!  ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Mandarin   ||
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Jessica Chang ** ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">ESLR #3: Life Long Learning   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Ariana Augustinas <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">September 2010   || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">The third grade’s student of the month for September has demonstrated what it means to go above and beyond what is expected of them. In everything from homework to class leadership to participating in after school activities this student has shown what is means to be excellent.  ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">3   ||
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Joseph Chou ** ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">ESLR #3: Life Long Learning   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Dennis Doty <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">September 2010   || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">This student just turned in a really excellent essay—he has a great attitude and he’s participating in class discussions about Hamlet.   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">12   ||
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Na Kyeong Kim ** ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">ESLR #2: Effective Communication   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Elaine Jenkins   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">September 2010   || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">It is astonishing that a brand-new speaker of English is doing so brilliantly in a class that requires continual verbal language skills. This student is accomplishing many marvelous things in performing arts class. Her work on stage is clear and communicative. She memorizes lines rapidly and spends the necessary time to make sure she is ready for class. Additionally, she is a natural actress. Congratulations, Na Kyeong!  ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Performing Arts   ||
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Reina Wang ** ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">ESLR #4: Collaborative Skills   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Elaine Jenkins   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">September 2010   || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Reina is a proactive music student. She thinks about the class agenda and works hard to accomplish each day’s tasks. She has a strong stage presence and exudes confidence. Congratulations, Reina!  ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Music   ||
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Reina Wang ** ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">ESLRs #1 and 2   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">John <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;"> Tucker   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">September 2010   || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">This student comes to school each day with a good attitude and a desire to learn. She has done some excellent writing about topics she has chosen and researched. She is always respectful to others and herself!  ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">4   ||
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Ruby Cho ** ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">ESLR #3: Life Long Learning   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Susanne Davis   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">September 2010   || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">She effectively gathers information acquiring new knowledge and skills to share with classmates. She uses her time wisely, and often makes connections between prior knowledge and new skills. Ruby is an exceptional learner who demonstrates the capacity for life long learning with joy.  ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">2   ||
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Sung Taek Im ** ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">ESLR #3: Life Long Learning   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Jeremy Simms <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">September 2010   || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">This grade seven student has made significant improvements over last year and demonstrates diligence performing assignments and projects inside and outside of class. In addition he has helped out other students in class and has taken it upon himself to be a class representative. Great job, Sung Taek.  ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">7   ||
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Thomas Wu ** ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">ESLR #3: Life Long Learning   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Tim Chaney <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">September 2010   || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">This student takes his responsibilities as a student very seriously. He has a great attitude, does his work thoroughly and well, asks questions and comes in on his own time to clarify questions or get help on home assignments. Perhaps his greatest asset is the way he not only accepts challenges, but enjoys them. A super start to the year and a great example for all of us.  ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">9   ||
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Youn Ju Kang ** ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">ESLR #3: Life Long Learning   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Venus Mao <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">September 2010   || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">This student is a capable and effective learner; she has multiple strategies on memorizing the characters. She shows great effort with her work. Great job!   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Mandarin   ||
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Grace Davidson ** ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">ESLR #2: Effective Communication   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Tina Wu   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">September 2010   || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">This student did an excellent job in designing the zoo and coloring in the animals. She put a great deal of effort in writing down Mandarin characters. She demonstrated collaborative skills especially your constructive manners in dealing with disagreements.  ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Mandarin   ||
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Francisco Pantoja ** ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">ESLR #3: Life Long Learning   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Tina Wu   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">September 2010   || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">This student improved a lot both in speaking and writing mandarin. He put a significant effort in learning mandarin. He also took the initiative to practice mandarin while others were waiting. He made connections between prior and new knowledge which demonstrated life-long learning skills.  ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Mandarin   ||
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Alexander Nies ** ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">ESLRs #2 and 3   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">Nano Mandala   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">September 2010   || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">This student promotes excellence in all his classmates. He is motivated when solving word problems using money. He makes sure that everyone understands what they need to do. He has a great sense of humor and inspires fun learning. He is ALWAYS friendly.  ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 8pt;">ELL    ||

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">10-29- **** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">2010  **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Dear Community, <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The last week was very busy for everyone in school! <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Last Friday Ms. Allen, Ms. Carney and the faculty, along with the PTA, helped to organize a very successful International Day. The events and food fair were much appreciated by everyone who attended. This was a great occasion and we thank our community for the support. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Today the PTA helped to organize an equally successful Halloween Parade which culminated in a short musical performance from Ms. Jenkins and the lower elementary children. In addition, the school held its second Pride Assembly where several students and faculty received awards that they were nominated for by their peers. Please see the list of awardees at the end of the newsflash. Well done and congratulations to those who received awards. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The student Council is organizing a Halloween party and dance this evening, with 65 students attending. They are to be congratulated for attracting so many students! Parents please remember that those Ningbo based students attending the party will be dropped off by the bus at Metro. Elementary children will be dropped off at 7.45 p.m. and Middle and High School students at 9.45 p.m. It is very important that parents are on time to collect their children tonight at Metro. Thank you. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">We are very pleased that our sports teams finally have managed to secure some competition! The Senior Boys and Girls volleyball teams are travelling to Hangzhou International School tomorrow and will be playing several games over the course of Saturday. This is in preparation for their visit to Mongolia as part of the ACAMIS series of competitions. Good Luck and GO EAGLES! <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Other items for you attention are, <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">LEADERSHIP TEAM (LT) ABSENCE **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Dr. Allen and Dr. Hudson have been out of school since Thursday and will return to school on Thursday 4th November. They are undertaking professional development workshops at the annual East Asian Regional Council of Overseas Schools (EARCOS) conference for Administrators in Malaysia. Both take part in the WASC/CIS accreditation visiting team course/certification and the Charlotte Danielson work shops. Ms. Danielson is the consultant whose work__, Enhancing Professional Practice__, we are using as the basis to refine the AIAN teacher evaluation and professional development tool. They will also take part in several other development workshops on assessment and instructional supervision. I will be joining them on Sunday and returning to school with them on Thursday. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Ms. Rachel Jiang is the overall acting Head of School during my absence. She will be supported by Mr. Brian Breneman, Mr. Jeremy Simms and Ms. Niki Harvey who assume responsibility for the HS, MS and ES respectively. They reported to me this week and will report to Ms. Jiang next week until Dr Allen, Dr Hudson and I return. If there are any concerns please speak with the person responsible for your school level. If necessary they will inform Ms. Jiang to get help with any questions or decisions that need to be made. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">REPORT CARDS AND PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Over this week the faculty has been preparing report cards that have been sent home today. We hope that the grades and narratives provide a good starting point for discussions with your child regarding academic progress and concerns. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">We have had some formatting problems with the Admin Plus software we use to generate the report card. We will be improving the format for the second quarter. Please excuse the present format in that it is not yet exactly what we want. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Please note that students designated as English Language Learners (ELL) have grades that are based on class work being modified. This means the work set has been adjusted to allow ELL students to cope with the content. In future versions of the report card modified grades will be indicated by a check mark (√) placed underneath a grade. This is so that when a transcript of record is read by you, another school or university a true representation of the student’s ability, measured against the type of work set by the teachers, is indicated. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">A Parent Teacher Conference (PTC) day is scheduled on Wednesday 10th November in school from 1.00p.m. to 6.00p.m. All parents are encouraged to make appointments through the school office on 86869999 to meet the teachers of your child. You may reserve a twenty minute slot with each teacher. If Wednesday 10th November is not convenient for you please take advantage of the personal invitation for appointments on other days that each teacher has offered in the reports. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">PRIDE ASSEMBLY AWARDEES ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Akie Dan <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Thank you, <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Regards, <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Mark Bretherton. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Head of School. ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">11-12-2010 ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">CHRISTMAS BAZZAR ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The PTA is organizing a Christmas Bazaar during the 26th - 27th November, 2010 (Friday 11:30-14:00; Saturday 9:00-17:00). The event is open to all members of the community, not just people from AIAN. We want to attract the Beilun and Ningbo Communities. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">So far we have firm replies from 15 vendors and 3 more will confirm in the next few days. We are looking for more vendors. Kindly send this email on to people you know who might be interested in being a vendor. Any vendor may contact the PTA on aian-pta@hotmail.com to make a reservation or ask questions. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Items for sale include jewelry, stationary, toys, silk products, coffee, gift boxes, pearls, Christmas cards, Donuts, various food items and tea. The Sheraton Hotel will sell cookies, ginger bread men and light refreshments. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">We hope to have a large number of people visit the bazaar. Kindly send this message on by email to your friends as an initiation to the bazaar. If we all send it out to 10 of our friends the bazaar will be a huge success! Thank you. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES (PTC’s) ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Thank you to those parents who were able to attend PTC’s either on Wednesday or at other times over the week. This important event was well attended. The teachers believe that the time spent with you was profitable and we hope that you feel the same. Remember you may request a conference at anytime through the school office to inquire about your child’s progress. Again, thank you coming in. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">ACAMIS VOLLEYBALL ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The boys and girls Senior Varsity Volleyball teams are competing in Mongolia now. They started travelling on Wednesday evening, slept over night in the gym of Beijing City International School, traveled on to Mongolia on Thursday and started to play games in the afternoon. Both the boys and girls teams lost their first games but they have many more to play over the weekend. Please keep your fingers crossed for their success over the weekend! GO EAGLES! <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">6+1 WRITING TRAITS **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The WASC accreditation action plans require that the school adopt a more rigorous and whole school approach to the writing process. The school decided to use a program called 6+1 Writing Traits and WASC supported this selection. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The Education Northwest web site states - //__The 6+1 writing model of instruction and assessment provides a common language for teachers and students to communicate about the characteristics of writing and establishes a clear vision of what good writing looks like.__// The 6+1 system also helps parents to understand what is good writing. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The traits are Voice; Ideas; Organization; Word Choice; Sentence Fluency; Conventions and Presentation. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">AIAN held a successful professional development day last Monday regarding the 6+1 model. Ms LuAnn Sicard from Mont’ Kiara School in Malaysia was the presenter. This marks the starting point for AIAN with 6+1 being adopted as a school wide tool to assist improvement in writing. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">All subject teachers will be using this tool in their classes. You will notice over the coming weeks and months that 6+1 posters and support materials will start to be posted in every class room. Teachers will continue to discuss and explain how the process works with the students. Please take time to discuss and ask questions about this process with your child. Do not necessarily expect lengthy explanations, rather a general understanding of what the 6+1 traits are and how the class uses them. It is very important that everyone has a common understanding of the process and how we use it. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">I have attached a rubric that helps to explain how a teacher might assess a piece of student writing when the trait under consideration is IDEAS. The rubric also provides samples of writing to help you better understand how the assessment rubric guides the student and the teacher. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">This methodology of teaching and assessing writing is proven and used by hundreds of schools around the world. It will not bring about improvements over night; progress will take place over the year. Importantly, the students and teachers will be able to understand where and why improvements have occurred and what aspects still require focus. Critically, as students move up though the school they will experience a consistency of approach, a common teaching language and a clearer understanding of what is good writing practice. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Please take time to visit [] for greater depth of information regarding the 6+1 Writing Traits. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> Thank you. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Regards, <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Mark Bretherton. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Head of School. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">11-19- **** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> 2010  ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Dear Community, <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The boys and girls Volleyball Teams returned from the ACAMIS tournament in Mongolia holding both Sportsmanship Trophies! Well done for receiving these significant awards. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Please pass on your congratulations to everyone who participated. The girls lost all their games and the boys won one. Over time our results will improve. We play in a strong league against teams from Beijing where there are many opportunities for practice matches against other schools. We do not yet enjoy this kind of opportunity. All the players are to be thanked. Everyone gave a great deal of time, effort and energy towards forming the teams, doing the practices, participating in the competition and representing AIAN well. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">In particular, I wish to thank Mr. Tim Allen the A.D. for all the time he spent in terms of organizing the event and both coaches, Ms. Nano Mandala and Mr. George Carpinisan, for their hard work and effort running all the practices over the last eight weeks. These events bring fantastic experiences to the students and without the dedication of the teachers such events would not be possible. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">CHRISTMAS BAZZAR ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">As many of you will know the PTA is organizing a Christmas Bazaar during the 26th -27th November, 2010 (Friday 11:30-14:00; Saturday 9:00-17:00). The event is open to all members of the community, not just people from AIAN. We want to attract the Beilun and Ningbo Communities. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">So far we have 16 vendors and are looking for more. Kindly send this email on to people you know who might be interested in being a vendor. Any vendor may contact the PTA on aian-pta@hotmail.com to make a reservation or ask questions. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Items for sale include jewelry, stationary, toys, silk products, coffee, gift boxes, pearls, Christmas cards, Donuts, various food items and tea. The Sheraton Hotel will sell cookies, ginger bread men and light refreshments. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">We hope to have a large number of people visit the bazaar. Kindly send this message on by email to your friends as an invitation to the Bazaar. If we all send it out to 10 of our friends the Bazaar will be a huge success! Thank you. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">SCHOOL CALENDAR  ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">In response to a concern that the school is not communicating clearly enough regarding school events we have taken the following action. The school website www.aian.org.cn is the only place where the school’s Annual and Events Calendars are posted. In future kindly refer to this site regarding school dates and events. Please discard earlier calendars you may have received or printed off for yourself. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">LEAVING SCHOOL ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">It is normal that some families may leave school at the holiday break. Do inform the school office if your children will be leaving AIAN. By doing so the school can prepare transcripts of record and references that are given to the new school the children move to. Also, this information allows the school and friends of the children leaving to say their good bye’s and ease through the departure. Lastly, the school knows what places are available for other students who are applying to AIAN in January. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">SECOND SEMESTER BILLING ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Please be aware that billing for the second semester will be sent home on Tuesday 30th January. The second semester covers the period January 20th to June 10. The deadline for payment is Wednesday January 12th 2011. The billing information will be sent home in a letter and also by email. We hope that this polite reminder helps everyone. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">6+1 WRITING TRAITS ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The WASC accreditation action plans require that the school adopt a more rigorous and whole school approach to the writing process. The school decided to use a program called 6+1 Writing Traits and WASC supported this selection. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The Education Northwest web site states - // __The 6+1 writing model of instruction and assessment provides a common language for teachers and students to communicate about the characteristics of writing and establishes a clear vision of what good writing looks like.__ // The 6+1 system also helps parents to understand what is good writing. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The traits are Voice; Ideas; Organization; Word Choice; Sentence Fluency; Conventions and Presentation. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">AIAN held a successful professional development day on November 8th regarding the 6+1 system with Ms LuAnn Sicard from Mont’ Kiara School in Malaysia as the presenter. This marked the starting point for AIAN with 6+1 being adopted as a school wide tool to assist improvement in writing. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">All subject teachers will be using this tool in their classes. You will notice over the coming weeks and months that 6+1 posters and support material will start to be posted in every class room. Teachers will continue to discuss and explain how the process works with the students. Please take time to discuss and ask questions about this process with your child. Do not necessarily expect lengthy explanations, rather a general understanding of what the 6+1 traits are and how the class uses them. It is very important that everyone has a common understanding of the process and how we use it. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">I have attached a rubric that helps to explain how a teacher might assess a student piece of writing when the trait under consideration is IDEAS. The rubric also provides samples of writing to help you better understand how the assessment rubric guides the student and the teacher. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">This methodology of teaching and assessing writing is proven and used by hundreds of schools around the world. It will not bring about improvements over night; progress will take place over the year. Importantly, the students and teachers will be able to understand where and why improvements have occurred and what aspects still require focus. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Please take time to visit [] for greater depth of information regarding the 6+1 Writing Traits.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">K  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"> Hae Eun Lee  ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">ELL   ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Diego De Petris ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">1st   || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"> Hae Ji Shin  ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Library   ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Aiho Horiuchi ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">2nd   || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"> Francesca Pietrogrande  ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Library   ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Alexander Nies ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">2nd   || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"> Namsai Abe  ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Library   ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Rahul Wadhwani ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">3rd   || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"> Anastasiya Dobrovolska  ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Library   ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Javier De Petris ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">4th   || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"> Ruby Cho  ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Mandarin   ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Ruth Davidson ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">4th   || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"> Reina Wang  ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Mandarin   ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Sera Jung ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">5th   || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"> Felipe Pantoja  ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Mandarin   ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Georgia Sutjiadi ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">5th   || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"> Giselle Sutjiadi  ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Mandarin   ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Felipe Pantoja ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">5th   || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"> Moe Sakamoto  ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Mandarin   ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Ryosuke Horiuchi ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">6th   || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"> Namsai Abe  ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Mandarin   ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Rose Dong ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">6th   || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"> Ruth Davidson  ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Mandarin   ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Xiao Ran Duan ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">7th   || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"> Felix Crothers  ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Mandarin   ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Sebastian Chen ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">8th   || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"> Dina Hwang  ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Music   ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Dzilao Mandala ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">9th   || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"> Min Jae Kim  ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Music   ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Bryan Octavio ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Art   || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"> Jenny Chen  ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Performing Arts   ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Christopher Trewenack ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Art   || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"> Bryan Octavio  ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">PE   ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Dina Hwang ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Art   || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"> Moe Sakamoto  ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">PE   ||

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Thank you. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Regards, <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Mark Bretherton. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Head of School.

** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">12-10- **** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> 2010  ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Dear Community, <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">As we near the holiday season some families leave early. So, we are sending out our thanks to everyone for their commitment to the school in the first semester. The students and faculty have demonstrated great energy and enthusiasm towards the academic and afterschool programs. The parents have been equally committed and the PTA has done a fantastic job supporting the school overall. There are many things to celebrate in terms of success during an active first semester! <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Please do not forget to attend the Pride Assembly on Wednesday 15th December at 3.00 p.m. and the After School Activities Junior Choir musical performance on Thursday 16th December at 3.00 p.m.   <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The students will go home on Friday 17th December at 12.30 p.m. ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">If class mothers are planning to hold a party before breaking up for the holidays we prefer that they are held on the morning of Friday 17th December. We know that two classes have them planned earlier for particular reasons and this is ok. For the other classes please use Friday morning if at all possible. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">On behalf of the School Board, Leadership Team and Faculty may I wish everyone a great holiday season! Please stay safe and we look forward to seeing you all once again on Monday 10th January 2011. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Other items for your attention are, <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">THE WESTERN ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES (WASC) UPDATE ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">I want to present some information regarding the progress the school has made in the last four and half months in regard to the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accreditation report action plans. This is significant and is about school wide improvement. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">As many of you will know AIAN received WASC accredited status 18 months ago. At that time four action plans were generated to help the school grow and move forwards. These were. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 90%;">Action Plan 1: Assessment ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 90%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 90%;">Develop an assessment program with external and internal instruments to determine and promote academic achievement. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 90%;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 90%;">Action Plan 2: Curriculum mapping ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 90%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 90%;">Implement curriculum mapping in order to illustrate not only how the curriculum operates but also how students are assessed. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 90%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 90%;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 90%;">Action Plan 3: Writing ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 90%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 90%;">Develop a writing program in order to improve the communication skills of students. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 90%;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 90%;">Action Plan 4: Professional Development ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 90%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 90%;">Increase the extent and variety of professional development and link professional development more closely with the school mission and ESLR’s. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Please appreciate that progress on the major action plans last year was not as strong as we would have liked. Following the submission of a report in June of 2010, during the EARCOS conference in Malaysia in November, WASC informed me that they would undertake a Special Visit in March of 2011. This is to help the school review our progress and provide advice that ensures we are on track. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The WASC process is well defined and delineated and a number of working committees are involved. All of the committees have been working regularly on behalf of the school over the semester. One committee oversees all the others and this is called the Steering Committee. This committee does not meet with the same regularity as the others but it has met twice this semester. Representatives of the other committees and two parent representatives come together on the Steering Committee to report and discuss progress from their respective committees. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Following the Steering committee meeting held on Wednesday, December 1, 2010 and from my observations and understanding of the work covered so far we are able to report the following positive progress towards achieving the action plans. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 90%;">Action Plan 1: Assessment ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 90%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 90%;">The Assessment Committee has drafted an Assessment Policy for the Leadership Team’s consideration. Once the basic policy is agreed upon then the Leadership Team and Assessment Committee will work on the mechanics to accompany the policy. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 90%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 90%;">The faculty have engaged in a number of school level discussions about differentiated assessment methodologies and requested that the school provides in-service workshops on this matter. This was also determined in the results of a Professional Development survey conducted in October. The school is looking in to the provision of differentiated assessment workshops now. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 90%;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 90%;">Action Plan 2: Curriculum mapping ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 90%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Following the visit of Dr. Jane Pollock in May it was determined that the AIAN standards and benchmarks need to be more robust. The Leadership Team and Curriculum Committee evaluated the standing of the school curriculum documentation in August and September. We agree work on developing the standards and bench marks and mapping of the curriculum needs to be intensified. The entire faculty will engage in curriculum mapping work using the Atlas Rubicon system from January 2011. The purpose of mapping is to help finalize the vertical alignment of the curriculum. The Curriculum Committee acknowledges the work already undertaken yet a major focus is needed in the second semester. The committee’s recommendation is that teachers will need ten to sixteen hours per course to complete the mapping. The committee is setting common curriculum language to support the mapping project. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Consideration is also being given to adopting stronger textbook programs from one or more publishers to support the school curriculum. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Action Plan 3: Writing ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The Leadership Team is reviewing a draft Writing Policy produced by the Writing Committee. An addendum for the Writing Policy that provides specific recommendations for writing across all grade levels and content areas is being formulated. It is hoped that this work will be completed by 17th December. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The Leadership Team directed the faculty to adopt the 6+1 Writing Traits program because this is what was originally indicated in Action Plan 3 eighteen months ago. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The Writing, Curriculum and Professional Development Committees and faculty have been supporting the work to incorporate the 6+1 Writing Traits program in all subject areas. The 6+1 Writing Traits program is now being incorporated across the school’s curriculum to help generate improvement in student writing. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Teachers are working together to develop a 6+1 Traits resource supply list and the necessary items will be purchased soon. 6+1 writing posters and teaching materials have been placed in all classrooms. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Lastly, the faculty has created writing portfolios to store individual student writing samples. These started to be collected in December. This will allow us to plot the writing improvement of every student. The students and teachers will work together to select the samples based on the 6+1 traits. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Action Plan 4: Professional Development (PD) ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Following a survey of the faculty regarding PD needs the teachers identified Differentiated Instruction and Assessment Practices as an area for in-service workshops. The school continues to look for suitably qualified presenters. <span style="color: red; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The PD Committee has been helping to organize and structure 6+1 writing in-service workshops since the initial presentation by Ms. LuAnn Sicard. We will invite Ms. Sicard again to give a second Professional Development workshop in March. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The PD Committee is looking for a faculty member to act as the EARCOS teacher representative, in a similar manner to that of the ACAMIS representative. The PD committee encourages teachers to attend ACAMIS and EARCOS conferences to grow as teachers and so that we can actively support our memberships. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Significantly the school has adopted the Charlotte Danielson ‘Professional Practice A Frame work for Teaching’ publication, with the author’s permission. This highly regarded tool is being used to both present the expectations AIAN has of teachers and to evaluate our performance. This tool will better help the school and teachers to identify areas of professional development teachers need. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The PD Committee has recommended that school level and faculty meeting times in the second semester be structured in a more prescribed manner. The intention is to facilitate greater use of in house expertise to provide in-service workshops. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">As you can see the school is moving on with the execution of the four action plans agreed on with WASC. Much more work is required by the school and the faculty remains committed to this task. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">LONG TERM PLANNING ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">In October many of the community kindly participated in a series of interviews with me and participated in the Endicott Survey. I hoped, and expressed to the community, that the results would be synthesized by November and plans for the future be outlined. This work is not yet finished and I apologize for this. I hope to have the work completed by the end of January. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">SCHOOL OFFICE  ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">For the most part the school offices are open over the holidays with a skeleton staff. Please call if you need anything from school to ensure that the person you wish to speak with is available. During the 31st December to the 3rd January the office is closed. From Tuesday 11th January the office is fully staffed. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">STUDENTS LEAVING ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">It is normal in international schools at this time of year that some students and families move on to other assignments or simply return home. ** To those students and families leaving AIAN over the holiday period we wish you good luck in the future and we hope that you will stay in contact with the school. ** We do want to know how you are doing! <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Students leaving must remember to complete the necessary clearance forms next week. The homeroom teacher will provide these. We need them to be completed so that transcripts of record and report cards can be released. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Thank you, <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Regards, <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Mark Bretherton. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Head of School. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">01-22-2011 **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Dear Community, <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">School started smoothly following the Winter Holiday break. The school naturally had some families leave over the break. Since opening in January we have had several students join the school and more are coming. Please make these new members of our community feel welcome. We expect there will not be a significant gain or loss in the student numbers from the first semester. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">We wish to thank everyone for your understanding regarding the snow days we have needed to deal with recently. We will do the best we can in the time fames presented to us to let the community know if school must close early or the day be cancelled. Student safety is our major concern. Again, thank you for your understanding. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Other items for your attention, <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">SCHOOL VISION STATEMENT ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Following my interviews with parents and students, faculty discussions and the Endicott Survey the School Board has reviewed the findings. After careful consideration the Board has decided upon the Vision Statement below to help give direction to the strategic development plans of the school over the next five years. Remember, the statement is an indicator of where ** AIAN wants to be in the future **, not where it is now. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** // __<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">A __ // **** // __<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">IAN __ // **** // __<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> will be a widely respected school providing a model US based educational program with an internationally minded community. __ // ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">It is important that the school community understands what this means. Please find below some guidelines to help you appreciate the intention of the statement. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** // <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">will be:  // ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** // <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">widely respected: // ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** // <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">model: // ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** // <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">US based: // ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** // <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Internationally minded // ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The Board will be meeting again from the 27/28th of January to undertake further planning for our future and this will be report shortly along with a summary of the findings of the interviews and survey. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">REPORT CARDS AND PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The report cards for the second quarter and end of the first semester are being prepared now and will be sent home on Tuesday 25th of January. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">As normal the school will hold Parent Teacher Conferences (PTC’s) so that you may set an appointment with teachers to discuss the progress of your child/ren. The PTC’s will take place on Thursday 27th of January from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. You may start calling the school office on 86869999 to make these appointments now. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">When you receive the report cards you will notice that every teacher has indicated they are available during the PTC schedule and at other times if you cannot make the 27th of January. If you need to see teachers at other times contact the teacher directly. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL ASSESSMENT (ISA) ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The school will test G3 to 10 students during the period 9th -11th February with the ISA tests. Testing will take place on the 9th and 10th of February. The 11th of February is for students who were absent from school during the previous two days so they have an opportunity to make up the tests <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The ISA assessment program is designed especially for students in international schools in Grades 3 to 10. It is based on the internationally endorsed reading and mathematical literacy frameworks of the [|OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA)]. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The tests assess student abilities in Math literacy, Reading and Writing. The tests are used by international schools and schools with an international focus, whose language of instruction is English. The tests provide <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Please understand that there is no special preparation required by the students for these tests. Simply, the children will take the tests in the morning of the 9th – 11th February as part of their normal classes. The class teacher will explain carefully what needs to be done. A small part of the time allocated is for the students to be able to practice the test format before engaging in the tests themselves. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The best way for you to support your children in regard to these tests is to follow your normal routines at home, ensure the children get a good night’s sleep and maintain a balanced diet. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The tests are none threatening as much as possible and the students need not be concerned. The teachers will explain to the children what is going on in the days leading up to the tests. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Some students may not be involved in the tests for various reasons and the teachers will explain why to the children concerned. The usual reason for this is that the level of English comprehension of certain students may not allow then to be successful on the tests. Please do not be concerned if your child is exempted from the test. Such students will be looked after during the testing times. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS ** <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">As you know AIAN will host our Annual Chinese New Year Assembly **from 9:00AM to 10:00AM on Friday the 28th** of January, which is the last day of school before the Chinese New Year Holiday starts. The mandarin teachers and students are presently busy preparing for the assembly. A number of parents and staff members will also be performing in the assembly. <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">We wish to extend an invitation to our community to come and enjoy this wonderful cultural event. Please dress your children in Chinese costumes for the day and if you have them do the same! <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The school’s Lobby and Assembly Hall have been decorated for the Chinese New Year Assembly with the assistance of the PTA. Thank you for your help! Also, we thank Ms. Carney and the students for helping to make the decorations. There is a large bunny carrying a big red envelope on the glass wall. The envelope is for everyone to place their Chinese New Year wishes privately or there is a space next to the bunny for displaying your wishes more publically. **If possible please write your wishes in English and Chinese!** <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">We look forward to seeing everyone at the assembly. <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">**<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">SAT TESTING ** <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Dr. Hudson is asking the High School teachers to check with their students if they are interested in taking SAT tests in May or June. Can the parents of High School students take time to talk with your children about this? Please see the dates and options below. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Test Date <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Given  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Biology <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Chemistry <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Physics <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Mathematics, Levels 1 and 2 <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">U.S. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"> History <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">French (Reading only) <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Spanish (Reading only) || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Biology <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Chemistry <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Physics <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Mathematics, Levels 1 and 2 <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">U.S. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"> History <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">French (Reading only) <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Spanish (Reading only) <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">German <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Modern Hebrew <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Latin <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Italian || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Dr. Hudson will provide the forms and arrange a time to help students complete the forms. Dr. Hudson needs to know those students interested in the SAT exams by February 10th. This will help to make certain we can get the forms completed and ready to post no later than February 25, 2011. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">**<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">LEADERSHIP TEAM (LT) ADJUSTMENTS ** <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">At the end of this school year Dr. Allen will be moving on. To ensure program continuity in to the new school year I will be acting as the Elementary Principal. Should you have any questions regarding the Elementary School please contact me. Dr. Allen will continue to be the Athletics and Activities Director and support the general administration of the school. <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Thank you. <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Regards, <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Mark Bretherton. <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Head of School <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="color: red; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="color: red; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="color: red; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="color: red; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="color: red; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="color: red; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="color: red; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">02-11-2011 ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Dear Community, <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Welcome back to school following the Chinese New Year Celebrations! We hope everyone had a great time and is ready for the final part of the school year. There are eight weeks to the Spring Break holiday and a further nine weeks until the end of the year on June 10th. There is still much work to be covered by the students in all grades. We need our parents support to continue ensuring the students stay on task, complete home work and get a good nights rest each day of the working week. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Thank you to those parents who were able to attend the Parent Teacher Conferences (PTC’s) just before the Chinese New Year. Attendance for the two PTC’s conducted so far this school year is as follows, <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">10th November 2010 49 from 84 families or 58% attended the PTC. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">27th January 2011 39 from 79 families or 49% attended the PTC <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The International School’s Assessment Tests were completed today for Grades 3 to 10 and we wish to thank everyone for helping to make this process go smoothly. We expect the results near the end of the year and these will be sent home as soon as we have them. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Other items for your attention, <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">SCHOOL VISION STATEMENT ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">I am repeating the information below due to its significance for the school. Please take time to read this in detail. Thank you. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Following my interviews with parents and students, faculty discussions and the Endicott Survey the School Board has reviewed the findings. After careful consideration the Board has decided upon the Vision Statement below to help give direction to the strategic development plans of the school over the next five years. Remember, the statement is an indicator of where ** AIAN wants to be in the future **, not where it is now. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** // __<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">A __ // **** // __<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">IAN __ // **** // __<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> will be a widely respected school providing a model US based educational program with an internationally minded community. __ // ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">It is important that the school community understands what this means. Please find below some guidelines to help you appreciate the intention of the statement. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** // <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">will be:  // ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** // <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">widely respected: // ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** // <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">model: // ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** // <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">US based: // ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** // <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Internationally minded // ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">STUDENTS OF THE MONTH FOR JANUARY  ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Please see below the students who received awards in the Pride assembly on the 26th January. Well done to everyone! <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Name <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">**<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">SAT TESTING ** <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Dr. Hudson is asking the High School teachers to check with their students if they are interested in taking SAT tests in May or June. Can the parents of High School students take time to talk with your children about this? Please see the dates and options below. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Test Date <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Given  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Biology <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Chemistry <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Physics <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Mathematics, Levels 1 and 2 <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">U.S. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"> History <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">French (Reading only) <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Spanish (Reading only) || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Biology <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Chemistry <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Physics <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Mathematics, Levels 1 and 2 <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">U.S. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"> History <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">French (Reading only) <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Spanish (Reading only) <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">German <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Modern Hebrew <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Latin <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Italian || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Dr. Hudson will provide the forms and arrange a time to help students complete the forms. Dr. Hudson needs to know those students interested in the SAT exams by February 14th. This will help to make certain we can get the forms completed and ready to post no later than February 25, 2011. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Thank you. <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Regards, <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Mark Bretherton <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">. <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Head of School <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** // <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">02-18-2011 // ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** // <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">A // **** // <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">IAN  // **** // <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> will be a widely respected school providing a model US based educational program with an internationally minded community. // **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Dear Community, <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">For your information over the week the Grade 4 to 12 students engaged in the ERB Writing and English proficiency on line practices. More practice occurs in February, March and April. The actual ERB test will take place in May. There is nothing to be concerned about and the practices are part of the normal class routines. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Other items for your attention are, <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES (ASA) ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Mr. Tucker. Mr. Carpinisan and Mr. Carroll have been working together to organize the ASA program for the fourth session. They ran an interest inventory survey with all the students to see what activities they wanted. We are trying to put these requests in to the program where possible. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Parents have aired concerns that information regarding the activities their children have been successful in joining is not been sent home in a timely manner. The time frame we envisage for the ASA selection process is as follows <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">On Monday 21st February the list of ASA for the fourth session will be sent home with the necessary permission slips and busing information. Please take care to complete the slips carefully and understand when each activity is offered and at what times. All slips must be returned by Wednesday 23rd February. If the return slips are back on Wednesday we have suitable time to organize the lists and send them home as per the schedule. This will allow a week to sort out problems if any students have to change activities or some activities cannot run due to lack of interest. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Remember that on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s the ASA program is for all students and the dismissal and busing are organized around this. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">On Monday’s, Wednesday’s, Friday’s and at the weekend the activities offered are voluntary and special attention needs to be given to how students leave school and go home. For these days we need parents to complete the slip that indicates how children go home. We need to know clearly if a student is allowed to leave school unaccompanied, must be collected by an adult or will travel on the bus. Once these arrangements are in place then students must adhere to them. Naturally this is a safety matter; please understand our need to be prescriptive in this regard. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">WEDNESDAY 23 FEBRUARY IS A HALF DAY FOR CLASSES, FACULTY PD  ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The teachers will engage in Professional Development on Wednesday 23rd February from 1p.m. Students go home at 12.30p.m.  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">We are reviewing our work in relation to one of the WAC Action plans designed to improve writing across the school. As explained previously, the 6+1 Writing Traits tool which AIAN elected to use in 2009 is an effective and commonly used writing tool in schools. Our PD next Wednesday will be focusing on how we use 6+1 across the school <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Last semester Ms. LuAnn Sicard kindly provided a workshop on the 6+1 system and she will be returning to do follow up work with us in March. Presently, Ms Sicard is hoping to be with us on Saturday the 19th March. Thus, we need to review the half day PD schedule situation we have in the calendar. Once Ms. Sicard can confirm Saturday the 19th of March is the day she will be here the school will them remove the half day PD times on Wednesday the 16th of March and of 18th May. These will then become full teaching days. Friday the 18th March will become a no classes day and the students will have a long weekend. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">I hope that this will be last calendar change this year and I apologize for any inconvenience caused. Please see the information below about next year’s calendar. You will notice several changes that are designed to improve the calendar for all of us and that will help to avoid some of the PD scheduling difficulties we have had this year. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">CALENDAR  ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">We have attached the calendar for SY2011/12 for your information. At this time we have indicated the following <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The first and last day of school <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">School holidays <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Teacher Professional Development days (no classes) <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">End of quarters and semesters <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Report Card days <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Parent Teacher Conference evenings <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Semester and End of Course Examination days <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">When new teachers start report <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">When returning teachers report <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The number of school days per month <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The number of teaching days per semester and in the year <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">These are the critical days that parents need to be aware of at this time to plan for next year. In mid April we will have a more detailed calendar for you. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Please know that we have attended to parent concerns regarding the following <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">ADVANCED PLACEMENT INFORMATION **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">For greater clarity regarding AIAN offering Advanced Placement courses next year as part of the High School Diploma plan please be guided by the following policy. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Each of the classes listed below, with the exception of Government and Politics and Comparative and Macroeconomics, are two semester courses. A student must complete each semester in order to be eligible for the Advanced Placement designation on his/her transcript. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Advanced Placement courses are equal to college level courses and as such they are taught at a higher level than regular classes. Any student is welcome to apply for any Advanced Placement course provided they meet the following criteria: · <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The student has been recommended by the teacher(s) teaching the prerequisites · <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The student has had only had minor disciplinary situations in all coursework · <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The student has maintained a grade average of “85” or better in all prerequisite work · <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The student’s parent(s) has agreed that s/he is capable of Advanced Placement work and understands that this may involve extra work on the part of the student. · <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The student agrees to take the Advanced Placement examination in late April or early May, as set by the College Board with the understanding that failure to take the examination will result in losing Advanced Placement course recognition. · <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The student’s application has been approved by the Counselor, Grade Level Principal and/or the Head of School for candidacy in an Advanced Placement course. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Possible courses are **** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">:  **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> Calculus AB <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> Chemistry <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> Chinese Language and Culture <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> English Language and Composition <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> English Literature and Composition <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> European History <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> Government and Politics: Comparative <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> Macroeconomics <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> Physics B <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> Studio Art: 2-D and 3D Design <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> Studio Art: Drawing <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> United States History <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> World History <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">We want all the High School students to be aware of this policy next year to avoid any misunderstandings about how AIAN approaches the organization and administration of Advanced Placement courses. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">SCHOOL VISION STATEMENT ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">This is the last time this information will be presented in the Eagle Eyes Newsflash. From now on it will be loaded on to the AIAN website. As previously stated, it is significant for the school. Please take time to read this in detail. Thank you. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Following my interviews with parents and students, faculty discussions and the Endicott Survey the School Board has reviewed the findings. After careful consideration the Board has decided upon the Vision Statement below to help give direction to the strategic development plans of the school over the next five years. Remember, the statement is an indicator of where ** AIAN wants to be in the future **, not where it is now. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** // __<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">A __ // **** // __<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">IAN __ // **** // __<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> will be a widely respected school providing a model US based educational program with an internationally minded community. __ // ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">It is important that the school community understands what this means. Please find below some guidelines to help you appreciate the intention of the statement. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** // <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">will be:  // ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** // <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">widely respected: // ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** // <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">model: // ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** // <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">US based: // **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** // <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Internationally minded // **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Thank you. <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Regards, <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Mark Bretherton. <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Head of School <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">** // <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">02-25-2011 // **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** // <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">A // **** // <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">IAN  // **** // <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> will be a widely respected school providing a model US based educational program with an internationally minded community. // ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Dear Community, <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">For your information Mr. George Evers arrived in school on Thursday to take up his position as the Middle School Math teacher. I wish to thank the parents and students for their patience in waiting for his arrival. I also wish to thank Mr. Evers for getting here so quickly and at such short notice. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Other items for your attention are, <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES (ASA) ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">As you know Mr. Tucker, Mr. Carpinisan and Mr. Carroll have been working together to organize the ASA program for the fourth session. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">They have collected and collated the response slips returned on Wednesday 23rd February. The ASA lists included with this newsflash are for your information regarding the activities your child has been accepted in. Please contact the school office on 86869999 or Mr. Tucker, Mr. Carpinisan and Mr. Carroll if you have any concerns <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Remember, that on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s the ASA program is for all students and the dismissal and busing are organized around this. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">On Monday’s, Wednesday’s, Friday’s and at the weekend the activities offered are voluntary and special attention needs to be given to how students leave school and go home. For these days parents must have completed the slip that indicates how children go home. We need to know clearly if a student is allowed to leave school unaccompanied, must be collected by an adult or will travel on the bus. Once these arrangements are in place then students must adhere to them. Naturally this is a safety matter; please understand our need to be prescriptive in this regard. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">SCHOOL PHOTOS ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">On Wednesday 2nd March the school has organized a photographer to take of pictures of all individual students and each class. This will be done in the MPR during the course of the day. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">These pictures are for the AIAN Yearbook. Please make sure your children know about this and come to school ready to have a photo taken. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">As a service to parents we are working on the photographer producing copies of the photographs for parents. More information will be made available regarding this next week. Naturally there will a cost involved. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">THE STUDENT COUNCIL (SC) ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The SC is preparing to host a Spirit Week during the 7th – 11th March. On Friday the 11th March they will hold a “Lock In” for the Middle and High School students. The SC will send home more detailed information about this next week. The SC information letter will doubtless be on of those letters that does make it home! Last years “Lock In” was very popular with students. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">FACULTY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, DATE CHANGES  ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The Professional Development (PD) for the 6+1 Writing Traits on Wednesday 23rd February was a great success and very useful for the AIAN faculty. I wish to acknowledge the work of Ms Higley in preparing and presenting the workshop and for Mr. Doty’s help as a joint presenter. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Last semester Ms. LuAnn Sicard kindly provided a workshop on the 6+1 system and she will be returning to do follow up work with us on March 19th. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">As explained last week we now need to remove the two, half day PD days, scheduled on Wednesday the 16th of March and of 18th May. ** These will become full teaching and class days. ** ** Friday the 18th March will become a no classes day and the students will have a long weekend. ** Teachers will come in to school on Saturday the 19th March for a full day’s workshop on the 6+1 writing tool with Ms. Sicard. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">I hope that this will be last calendar change this year and I apologize for any inconvenience caused. Please see the information below about next year’s calendar. You will notice several changes that are designed to improve the calendar for all of us and that will help to avoid some of the PD scheduling difficulties we have had this year. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">PRIDE ASSEMBLY ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Please see the list off awardees for February below. Congratulations and well done to everyone! <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Name <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">CALENDAR  ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">We have attached the calendar for SY2011/12 for your information. At this time we have indicated the following <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The first and last day of school <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">School holidays <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Teacher Professional Development days (no classes) <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">End of quarters and semesters <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Report Card days <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Parent Teacher Conference evenings <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Semester and End of Course Examination days <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">When new teachers start report <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">When returning teachers report <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The number of school days per month <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The number of teaching days per semester and in the year <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">These are the critical days that parents need to be aware of at this time to plan for next year. In mid April we will have a more detailed calendar for you. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Please know that we have attended to parent concerns regarding the following <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">ADVANCED PLACEMENT INFORMATION ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">For greater clarity regarding AIAN offering Advanced Placement courses next year as part of the High School Diploma plan please be guided by the following policy. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Each of the classes listed below, with the exception of Government and Politics and Comparative and Macroeconomics, are two semester courses. A student must complete each semester in order to be eligible for the Advanced Placement designation on his/her transcript. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Advanced Placement courses are equal to college level courses and as such they are taught at a higher level than regular classes. Any student is welcome to apply for any Advanced Placement course provided they meet the following criteria; <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">: <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> · <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The student has been recommended by the teacher(s) teaching the prerequisites · <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The student has had only had minor disciplinary situations in all coursework · <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The student has maintained a grade average of “85” or better in all prerequisite work · <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The student’s parent(s) has agreed that s/he is capable of Advanced Placement work and understands that this may involve extra work on the part of the student. · <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The student agrees to take the Advanced Placement examination in late April or early May, as set by the College Board with the understanding that failure to take the examination will result in losing Advanced Placement course recognition. · <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">The student’s application has been approved by the Counselor, Grade Level Principal and/or the Head of School for candidacy in an Advanced Placement course. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Possible courses are. ** <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Biology <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> Calculus AB <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> Chemistry <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> Chinese Language and Culture <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> English Language and Composition <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> English Literature and Composition <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> European History <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> Government and Politics: Comparative <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> Macroeconomics <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> Physics B <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> Studio Art: 2-D and 3D Design <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> Studio Art: Drawing <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> United States History <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> World History <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">We want all the High School students to be aware of this policy next year to avoid any misunderstandings about how AIAN approaches the organization and administration of Advanced Placement courses. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">ACCREDITATION <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">I will be out of school next week as part of an accreditation Visiting Team at another school. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Dr. Hudson is the acting Head of School and he will be support by Ms. Jiang in regard to business matters; both are members of the School’s Leadership Team. Kindly refer any questions or concerns to them. <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Thank you. <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Regards, <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Mark Bretherton <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">. <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Head of School <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="layout-grid-mode: char; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">the future state of the school; yet to be achieved
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">planning is required to achieve the vision
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">future imperative; there is no doubt that the vision will be fulfilled
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">the Board is constitutionally obliged to ensure that the vision is fulfilled
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">everyone will be involved in fulfilling the vision
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">the vision will be the reference point for decision making and planning
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">held in high esteem
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">there will be evidence of respect from multiple sources: accreditation; student enrollment; academic results; staff recruitment; referenced in educational and other publications; feedback from other schools, government agencies; parent opinion.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">inspirational
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">worthy of emulation by others
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">capable of replication in whole or part
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">outreach to others; not self contained
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">forward looking
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">evidence of high achievement in all fields
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">where possible complies with a state or district curriculum and standards
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">has a multinational community
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">resources are mainly from the US
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">strong extra curricular program
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">accredited
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">secular
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">facilities, health, safety and security practices comply with state and international codes.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">students, teachers and families from all backgrounds and nationalities present in school
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">abilities, talents, interests and needs of all students addressed
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">opinions, ideas, ways of thinking, and aspirations accepted and respected
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">openness to new ideas and absence of dogma in all areas of the community
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">in its relationships with other schools and institutions
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">in its curriculum
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Free from bias or prejudice
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">compassionate
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">empowering of everyone
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Cosmopolitan
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">An assessment with a broad cultural base
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">A combination of multiple-choice and open-ended questions and prompts
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Student-level information about what individuals know and can do
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Class- and school-level information that can inform instructional programs
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Information about sub-groups' performance (for example, gender, language group)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Relevant comparisons between like schools
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">International normative information
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Information about growth over time
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Application received no later than  ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">SAT Test (Reasoning)   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Subject Tests
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">May 7, 2011 || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">March 16, 2011  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Yes  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Literature
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">June 4, 2011 || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">April 13, 2011  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Yes  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Literature
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">the future state of the school; yet to be achieved
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">planning is required to achieve the vision
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">future imperative; there is no doubt that the vision will be fulfilled
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">the Board is constitutionally obliged to ensure that the vision is fulfilled
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">everyone will be involved in fulfilling the vision
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">the vision will be the reference point for decision making and planning
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">held in high esteem
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">there will be evidence of respect from multiple sources: accreditation; student enrollment; academic results; staff recruitment; referenced in educational and other publications; feedback from other schools, government agencies; parent opinion.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">inspirational
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">worthy of emulation by others
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">capable of replication in whole or part
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">outreach to others; not self contained
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">forward looking
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">evidence of high achievement in all fields
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">where possible complies with a state or district curriculum and standards
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">has a multinational community
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">resources are mainly from the US
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">strong extra curricular program
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">accredited
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">secular
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">facilities, health, safety and security practices comply with state and international codes.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">students, teachers and families from all backgrounds and nationalities present in school
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">abilities, talents, interests and needs of all students addressed
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">opinions, ideas, ways of thinking, and aspirations accepted and respected
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">openness to new ideas and absence of dogma in all areas of the community
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">in its relationships with other schools and institutions
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">in its curriculum
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Free from bias or prejudice
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">compassionate
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">empowering of everyone
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Cosmopolitan
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Grade/ Subject || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Name  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Grade/ Subject  ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Akie Dan || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Elementary Art  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Aiho Horiuchi  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">PE  ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Charm Yoon || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">High School Art  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Lucas Jester  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">PE   ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Thomas Wu || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Performing Art  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Violet Hwang  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Top readers  ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Jae-Hyun Jo || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Performing Art  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Emily Ahmadi Nishaboori  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Top readers  ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Min Jae Kim || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">ELL  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Rain Xu  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Top readers  ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Yea Na Jung || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">ELL  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Milan <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"> Chaney  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Early Years  ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Jack Wan || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Mandarin  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">David Lin  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">1st Grade  ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Natchaya Zhou || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Mandarin  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Hiroto Yoneda  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">2nd Grade  ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Rosalee Allen || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Mandarin  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Yea Na Jung  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">3rd Grade  ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Cuca Baigorri Teres || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Mandarin  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Jonas Jester  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">4th Grade  ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Taku Inoue || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Mandarin  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Hae Ji Shin  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">4th Grade  ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Beatriz Miguel || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Music  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Rose Dong  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">6th Grade  ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Laura Pietrogrande || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Music  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Daniel Hsu  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">7th Grade  ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Ha Rin Lee || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Music  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Natchaya Zhou  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">8th Grade  ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Ida Ewald || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Music  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Océane Macke  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">9th Grade  ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Application received no later than  ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">SAT Test (Reasoning)   ||  <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Subject Tests
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">May 7, 2011 || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">March 16, 2011  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Yes  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Literature
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">June 4, 2011 || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">April 13, 2011  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Yes  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Literature
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Monday 21st February - ASA information sent home.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Wednesday 23rd February - ASA selection and dismissal slips are returned to AIAN and given to the homeroom teacher.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Friday 25th February - ASA student lists will be sent home for your information.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Tuesday 8th March - The ASA fourth session starts.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">There will not be any half days for school next year. Finish times before any holiday will be at the normal times, except for the last day of the year.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">We have scheduled Professional Development days on a Friday to allow for a long weekend for our families. We will continue to run an A-B rotating schedule and the PD days are placed to ensure that A or B day teaching time is not lost excessively.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">There are 180 full teaching days in the calendar (from the 170 days this year), which is the international school norm. This number will allow for more teaching time and compensate for any days lost to bad weather.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">the future state of the school; yet to be achieved
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">planning is required to achieve the vision
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">future imperative; there is no doubt that the vision will be fulfilled
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">the Board is constitutionally obliged to ensure that the vision is fulfilled
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">everyone will be involved in fulfilling the vision
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">the vision will be the reference point for decision making and planning
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">held in high esteem
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">there will be evidence of respect from multiple sources: accreditation; student enrollment; academic results; staff recruitment; referenced in educational and other publications; feedback from other schools, government agencies; parent opinion.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">inspirational
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">worthy of emulation by others
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">capable of replication in whole or part
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">outreach to others; not self contained
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">forward looking
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">evidence of high achievement in all fields
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">where possible complies with a state or district curriculum and standards
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">has a multinational community
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">resources are mainly from the US
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">strong extra curricular program
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">accredited
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">secular
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">facilities, health, safety and security practices comply with state and international codes.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">students, teachers and families from all backgrounds and nationalities present in school
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">abilities, talents, interests and needs of all students addressed
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">opinions, ideas, ways of thinking, and aspirations accepted and respected
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">openness to new ideas and absence of dogma in all areas of the community
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">in its relationships with other schools and institutions
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">in its curriculum
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Free from bias or prejudice
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">compassionate
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">empowering of everyone
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">Cosmopolitan
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">ESLR || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Grade  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Name  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">ESLR  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Grade  ||
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Max Wu ** || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">ESLRs #1 and 3 || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Elementary Art  || **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Charm Yoon ** || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">ESLRs #1 and 3  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">10th  ||
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Grace Davidson ** || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">ESLR #2: Effective Communication || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Music  || **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Sebastian Chen ** || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">ESLRs #2 and 4  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">8th  ||
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Violet Hwang ** || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">ESLR #3: Life Long Learning || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">PE  || **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Ji Won Kim ** || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">ESLR #3: Life Long Learning  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">7th  ||
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Emilie Quillet ** || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">ESLRs #2,3 and 4 || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Mandarin  || **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Elizabeth Zhu  ** || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">ESLR #3: Life Long Learning  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">6th  ||
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Min Jun Kim ** || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">ESLRs #2 and 3 || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">ELL  || **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Siti Fatima Razali ** || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">ESLR #3: Life Long Learning  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">5th  ||
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Anastasiya Dobrovolska ** || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">ESLRs #2,3 and 4 || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Mandarin  || **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Violet Hwang ** || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">ESLR #3: Life Long Learning  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">3rd  ||
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Min Ju Kim ** || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">ESLRs #1 and 2 || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">ELL  || **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Francisco Pantoja ** || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">ESLR #3: Life Long Learning  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">2nd  ||
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Siti Aishah Razali ** || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">ESLRs #3 and 4 || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Mandarin  || **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Lucas Jester ** || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">ESLR #4: Collaborative Skills  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">1st  ||
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Christopher Trewenack ** || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">ESLRs #2 and 3 || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Mandarin  || **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Chae Won Cho ** || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">ESLRs #1,3 and 4  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Early Years  ||
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Elliott Miles ** || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">ESLRs #1 and 3 || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">11th  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">  || <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">  ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">There will not be any half days for school next year. Finish times before any holiday will be at the normal times, except for the last day of the year.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">We have scheduled Professional Development days on a Friday to allow for a long weekend for our families. We will continue to run an A-B rotating schedule and the PD days are placed to ensure that A or B day teaching time is not lost excessively.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">There are 180 full teaching days in the calendar which is the international school norm. This number will allow for more teaching time and compensate for any days lost to bad weather.