Elementary Times
14 March 2013
Volume 8 Issue 7
Universal American School provides a challenging, inquiry-based American and international education that empowers students to be caring individuals, critical thinkers, and responsible global citizens
Notes from the Principals Office
I would first like to thank the many, many parents who participated in International Day on March 9th. The five hours of activities seemed to be five minutes, because there were so many beautiful displays, so many outpourings of generosity and sharing, so many wonderful performances, so many delicious foods, and so many signs of both national pride and international understanding. Everyone who participated made it betterthank you. Notes: The Inspectors from the Dubai School Inspections Bureau have come and gone, giving us many compliments and a few preliminary recommendations (primarily to do more measuring of student learning and to make a few minor adjustments to the schedules of Arabic classes), We know that we have not yet found a report and preconference communication plan that meets all needs. The Progress Reports, which we intended to be quick notes to help parents and teachers prepare for conferences, have not accomplished that purpose for all parents, and many teachers are not satisfied that we have made all of the adjustments needed to the formats for the full reports (that went out last month). We will look to make adjustments for next year in our reporting systems; feedback is appreciated from all stakeholders.
I had a chance to tour the not-yet-finished Multi-Purpose Hall (MPH) and appreciate how many additional resources it will add for our instructional and extra-curricular programs. We are looking forward to having our May 19th Elementary Talent Show in that great new facility, and some of our late year PE classes in air-conditioned space.
Elementary Times
Volume 8 Issue 7
Important Dates to Remember
March
10-28 Students in Grades 2-6 take MAP (Measure of Academic Progress), an online assessment of Reading, Language, and Math skills 28 Last day of school before Spring Break (March 31-April 4)
April
7 First day of school after Spring Break
14-18 Arts Alive! Visual Arts Displays of Elementary Student Work 18 MAP scores sent home with Grade 2-6 students Progress Reports posted to Portal Last day of Semester II After School Activities
24-25 Three-way conferences (student, teacher, and parents) 24 25 Half-day (12:00 dismissal) No school for students
May
23 Half-day of school (12:00 dismissal) for teacher training
Elementary Times
Volume 8 Issue 7
Library News
Book character costumes, Dr Seuss birthday, Read-Around-TheWorld day, each of these seem like only a memory now that we have also had several author visits since, not to mention the excitement of the Emirates Festival of Literature. On 17, 18, 19th March, we will also have books for sale in the Elementary library, care of the book drive for charity and the publisher Child Play. The book drive books will be those that have been donated and will be sold for 5-10 AED with money going to a local charity. The Child Play books, mostly suitable for KG to grade 2 students, are brand new books with prices from 2555AED. The Child Play books are high quality, beautifully illustrated books. Although that money is not included with the book drive money for charity, the Elementary library will receive a percentage of the money sold as books for the library, so it is good to know that a portion of sales goes back into the library. KG1, KG2, Gr 1, Gr 2 and Gr 3 classes will be able to look at and buy books during their regular library time. So bringing money in an envelope next week for their library time is an idea if you would like your child to be able to buy a book. Child Play also has stationary items, so please speak with your child if you only want him or her to buy a book and not stationary or a novelty item. Parents are welcome to come-in during the day or after school. I am including a few photos of the recent author visits we have had, including the visit to hear Philip Ardagh speak at the Emirates Festival of Literature. Philip gave a lively presentation to a packed auditorium and the school was lucky to have been awarded 20 tickets which went to students who were involved in the festivals reading competition. Suzanne Jankowski and Adrian Hayes were two other authors we were lucky to have visit the school during the festival. Drastically different to one another, Suzanne being an author of childrens picture books and Adrian being an extreme adventurer whose travels are recorded in book form and documentaries produced by National Geographic, both authors were a great success with students. If you have any questions about the book drive or Child Plays books or the library in general, please send me an email or come-in when your picking up your child after school. See you in the library, Tania McPhillamy
Coming Up
Sunday 17th, Monday 18th, Tuesday 19th March: Book drive for charity as well as books sold by publisher Child Play in the Elementary library
Hayley's Comet Theatre Company
Offers classes in acting, musical theatre, singing, and dancing to students age 6-15 years. The classes focus on the student's imagination. Playwriting, creating characters and directing is taught to create a unique performance to show friends and family. Songs from well loved Broadway and West End shows and pop songs and songs from movies are taught with choreography and the students are trained how to sing and project their voices properly. Led by the founder, Hayley Doyle, a West End actress from the UK and a professional writer, Hayley's Comets will unlock the imagination and build confidence in the students, bringing the star inside them out to shine on stage. Classes run in 12-week terms, the new term begins on Sunday 7 April. There is also an advanced class, which requires an audition. A Hollywood themed spring camp will take place Sun 31 March - Thurs 4 April and private singing lessons and creative writing lessons are available upon request. For more information on fees, class timings, venue or anything else, please call 055 104 0538 or email
[email protected] or visit the Hayley's Comet Facebook page. Elementary Times Volume 8 Issue 7
