2016-2017
Campus Recreation Guide
The American School of Dubai, an independent not for profit American community school, offers what is the best about American education to provide learning experiences designed to promote the maximum potential of its students. OUR MISSION The American School of Dubai’s mission is to challenge and inspire each student to achieve their dreams and to become a passionate learner prepared to adapt and contribute in a rapidly changing world. CORE VALUES Compassion | Excellence | Integrity | Respect | Responsibility STUDENT PROFILE Thinker | Communicator | Contributor | Learner | Leader & Role Model CONTACT P.O. Box 71188 Dubai, UAE +971 4 395 0005 www.asdubai.org
Contents 04 What is Campus Life?
05 Athletics, Aquatics, The Arts, Service Learning, Campus Recreation 07
Campus Recreation Calendar
08
ASRPs
09 Pay Per Season Program 10
Aquatics
11 Scouting 12
Community Activities
13 Activities for Adults 14
FAQs
Message from the Campus Recreation Director Dear ASD community, Welcome to what will be another full and exciting year of activities at ASD. Campus Recreation is just one department within a robust and varied Campus Life Activities program. As a 20 year veteran of ASD, I am very proud of our school’s commitment to extending the learning, growth and development of our students beyond the curricular school day. A school’s role in shaping each child’s healthy habits of mind and body is crucial to their development. Our Campus Life activities support the school mission around a vision to inspire holistic, healthy active living and learning, and as Campus Recreation Director my role has been to partner with our Athletics, Arts, and
Service Learning program leaders to provide comprehensive recreation programs to meet the varied interests of our students and our adult community. I believe that this is what sets ASD apart from other schools. This handbook provides information to help you begin to understand the various options for your child and our adult community. As the proverb goes, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” It is important in school as in life to find balance between work and play and we have much to offer at ASD. My very best wishes to you all for a great 2016-2017 filled with healthy, active living and learning.
Mark Needs
Campus Recreation Director 2016-2017 Campus Recreation Handbook | 3
What is Campus Life? Campus Life is a concept under which all of ASD’s after school programs operate. Campus Life includes Athletics, Aquatics, the Arts, Campus Recreation, and Service Learning. Each program area offers multiple options for students and the community to participate in to achieve their personal passion. This guide is designed to focus on one element of Campus Life, Campus Recreation.
ATHLETICS
SERVICE LEARNING
CAMPUS LIFE THE ARTS
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CAMPUS RECREATION
AQUATICS
Campus Life Overview Campus Recreation
Campus Recreation supports the school mission by providing a wide variety of positive, healthy activities for students, parents, faculty and staff. Our programs include sports and leisure, arts, enrichment and STEAM. Campus Recreation activities are inclusive with many After School Recreation Programs (ASRPs) and Intramural Sports Leagues led by ASD faculty and staff. The Campus Recreation department also organizes activities for the ASD parent community such as basketball, soccer, fitness classes, yoga, and zumba. Parents also have access to the indoor and outdoor running tracks, fitness center, and tennis courts.
Service Learning at ASD Student organizations at the American School of Dubai exist as a co-curricular forum for students to express or explore interests, to build student leadership, and to enrich campus life. Students have opportunities in these three categories: school leadership, academic, and service. Service organizations are coordinated and developed by the Service Learning Coordinator. Students learn about service organizations through their division, with opportunities available both during the school day and after.
Campus Recreation also offers activities through external providers on a Pay Per Season basis. Activities include Tae Kwon Do, Sailing, Mad Science, Dance, Music Lessons, and more.
Athletics
The ASD Athletics Program provides upper elementary, middle, and high school students an opportunity to participate in interscholastic sports competitions. A variety of sports are offered over three seasons. Athletics are offered in five age groups: Mini Falcons (Grades 4-5), JF6 (Grade 6), MS Junior Falcons and MS Falcons (Grade 6-8), and Junior Varsity and Varsity. ASD is a member of the Emirates Athletics Conference (EAC), Junior Emirates Athletics Conference (JEAC), and MESAC (Middle East South Asia Conference).
Aquatics
Learning to swim and to enjoy the aquatic environment safely is an essential life skill. Swimming is not just great exercise; it is a skill that enhances potential in many aspects of life. The Aquatics program contains a scope and sequence from a child blowing his/her first bubbles in the water to potentially swimming competitively as part of ASD’s Athletics program. The after school swim program sequence, schedules, and pricing are available through the Aquatics Department. Competitive Middle School, JV, and Varsity information are available through the Athletics Department.
The Arts
The Arts are an important part of ASD’s campus life. Everyone in the ASD community is encouraged to develop their aesthetic potential to the fullest. The Arts program is dedicated to developing our inborn creativity as a means of self-expression and communication. Students also have a number of opportunities to represent ASD through MESAC Arts Festivals, the AMIS Honor Band and Choir Festivals, and other local festivals.
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Campus Recreation
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AFTER SCHOOL RECREATION PROGRAM (ASRP)
Campus Recreation Year at a Glance Season 1 September to December September 4: Campus Life Activities Expo
PAY PER SEASON
September 5, 6 or 8: Learn to Swim and Tennis assessments (if required) September 8: Season 1 ASRP online sign up begins September 14-15: Pay Per Season 1 Final Payment and Registration September 24: Pay Per Season 1 activities begin
AQUATICS
CAMPUS RECREATION
September 25 - November 28: ASRP Season 1 September 27 - October 18: MS/HS Tuesday Basketball League
SCOUTING
DUBAI ULTIMATE CHARITY EVENT (DUCE)
October 17 - November 21: Grades 2-3 Little Falcons Soccer (Monday & Thursday) October 18 - November 8: MS/HS Tuesday Soccer League December 10: End of Season 1; Final day for Pay Per Season activities
Season 2
January to March (Spring Break)
January 5: Season 2 Campus Recreation Expo January 8: Pay Per Season 2 Final Payment and Registration PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS
January 8: Season 2 ASRP online sign up begins January 10: Pay Per Season 2 activities begin January 15 - March 9: ASRP Season 2 January 10-31: MS/HS Tuesday Ultimate Frisbee League January 27: Dubai Ultimate Charity Event (DUCE)
Campus Recreation Players
February 7-28: HS Tuesday Ultimate (Team) Fitness Challenge (UFC) March 26 - April 6: ASD/Gulf Star Spring Break Activities Camp (Sunday to Thursday)
Season 3 March to June April 10: Pay Per Season 3 Final Payment and Registration ASRP online sign up begins MS/HS May Sports Madness Indoor Soccer Tournament sign ups April 11: Season 3 Pay Per Season 3 activities begin April 11-25: MS/HS Tuesday 3-on-3 Basketball League April 16 - May 25: Grades 2-3 Little Falcons Basketball (Monday & Thursday) April 30 - May 30: May Sports Madness Indoor Soccer Tournament May 27 or June 3: ASRP and Pay Per Season programs conclude *subject to lunar calendar and Ramadan schedule
The Campus Recreation Players: Mark Needs, Campus Recreation Director and Jennifer Molloy, Campus Recreation Administrative Assistant.
June 18-29: ASD/Gulf Star Summer Break Activities Camp (Sunday to Thursday) * Details of events, timings and locations are noted on the Campus Life tab on the ASD Go Page and the Campus Recreation webpage.
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The ASRP Program The After School Recreation Program (ASRP) provides faculty-led, after school activities for elementary, middle and high school students ASRPs are offered in three seasons, and take place once or twice a week for one hour after school for 6-8 weeks. The types of activities vary from sports to leisure, arts, technology and general interest. There are no fees to participate in ASRP activities. To sign up for an ASRP activity, plan to attend the Campus Recreation EXPO or visit the Campus Rec webpage for program calendars and online sign-up forms.
Elementary School
Elementary ASRP activities are scheduled by grade levels: K1, K2-Grade 1, Grade 2-3, and Grade 4-5. Students have a variety of activities to choose from each season. Popular ASRP activities offered include: K1-Grade 3: rollerblading, basketball, and soccer Grade 2-5: climbing, chess, ping pong, Minecraft, and coding Jr. There are many more faculty led, fun and exciting activities.
Middle School
MS students have the opportunity to get involved in Campus Recreation ASRP activities including Tuesday sports leagues, climbing club, Food Revolution, cooking club, chess club, and more.
High School
In High School, Campus Recreation ASRP activities include Tuesday sports leagues, climbing club, and more. High school students are eligible to join the Fitness Club and use the fitness and exercise facilities to pursue their personal fitness goals under the guidance of qualified faculty. 8 | 2016-2017 Campus Recreation Handbook
The Pay Per Season Program Campus Recreation coordinates programs offered by external providers exclusively for ASD students on a pay per season basis. Parents seeking professional instruction for their children in sports, arts, music, science, and technology will find individuals and companies that are among the best in Dubai offering programs on campus. Programs are offered after school during the school week. Some programs are on Saturday or evenings. To sign up for a Pay Per Season activity, attend the Campus Recreation EXPO or visit the Campus Rec webpage for provider contact information, program calendars and more.
Sports
Basketball (K1- Grade 5) Equestrian (from 5 years) Golf (K2-Grade 5) Sailing (Grades 4-12) Soccer (K1-Grade 12) Tae Kwon Do (K1-Grade 12) Tennis (K1-Grade 12) Water Polo (10-18 years) Gymnastics (K-Grade 5)
Music, Drama, Dance Dance (K1-Grade 12) Guitar (K1-Grade 12) Percussion (Grades 1-12) Piano (K1-Grades 12) Drama (K1-K2) String Instruments (K1-Grade 12) Voice Coaching (K2-Grade 12) Clarinet/Saxophone (Grades 1-12) Flute (Grades 1-12)
Enrichment & STEAM The Coding Circle (5-16 years) Mad Science (K1-Grade 5) MakersBuilders Tech (Grades 4-12)
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The Aquatics Program Learn to Swim Program Beginners 1/Beginners 2/Beginners + (K1-Grade 1) The goal of the Learn to Swim Program is to familiarize the beginner swimmer with water by instilling confidence, safety and survival skills. The program focuses on the basic body position for front crawl and backstroke. This is an after school, Pay Per Season program. Students attend lessons twice per week. Stroke Development 1 (Grades 1-5) This phase is an introductory level to competitive swimming and development of the four competitive strokes. In order to begin in the novice levels of our program, swimmers must be able to swim a minimum of 25 meters freestyle/front crawl and backstroke. This is an after school, Pay Per Season program. Students attend lessons two to three times per week.
Non-Competitive Swim Program Development Squads: Guppies (Grades 2-3) and Hammer Sharks (Grades 4-6) This Squad is a year-round program for children who need further development before qualifying for the ASD Mini Falcons competitive squads. Coaches recommend swimmers for this program based on results of an assessment in September and January. The development squads builds on stroke technique and improve fitness levels. A feature of development squads is participation in time trials.This is an after school, Pay Per Season program; fees are paid after qualifying for the squad in September. The ASD swimsuit and cap is required.
Competitive Swim Program Aquatics Program: Year Round Competitive Squads – Dolphins, Sharks, Mantas, Junior and Elite Falcons The main focus of the year-round squad program is to compete for the school and to work towards constant improvement over time. Swimmers aspire to achieve a time standard qualification. Swimmers will be required to swim for the team at all competitions and leagues for which they qualify. These swimmers also act as role models for younger swimmers in the program, and maintain a positive and enthusiastic attitude throughout their training and competitions. This is a fee paid program. The ASD swimsuit and cap is required. ASD Athletics Swim Teams: Middle School, Junior Varsity, and Varsity Experienced, competitive swimmers try-out in August to qualify for the Season 1 ASD Athletics program swim teams at Middle School, Junior Varsity and Varsity levels. MS teams compete in local competitions and invitationals with other UAE schools. JV and Varsity teams compete in local competitions and invitationals and also travel to the MESAC championship weekend at the end of Season 1. Swimmers who wish to continue training after the athletics season have the opportunity to swim with the various squad programs offered through the Aquatics Department on a paid basis. 10 | 2016-2017 Campus Recreation Handbook
Scouting at ASD Girl Scouts: K2-Grade 12 girls Cub Scouts: Grades 1-5 boys Boy Scouts: Grades 5-12 boys ASD supports local GSA and BSA programs by providing facilty resources.
Girl Scouts USA Girl Scouts Overseas (USAGSO) Girl Scouts USA Girl Scouts Overseas (USAGSO) serves American girls living overseas and attending American or International schools. Girl Scouts is the world's preeminent organization dedicated solely to girls where, in an accepting and nurturing environment, they build character and skills for success in the real world. In partnership with committed adult volunteers, girls develop qualities that will serve them all their lives like leadership, strong values, social conscience, and conviction about their own potential and self- worth. USAGSO members enjoy the same excitement, fun and adventures in Girl Scouting as their stateside Girl Scout sisters. The area Girl Scoutmaster is ASD parent, Katrina Head. Parents can contact Katrina at girlscoutsasd@gmail.com. More information available on the Campus Recreation webpage.
Cub Scouts Pack 813 The Cub Scouts program is open to boys in Grades 1-5. Cub Scouts means doing. Everything in Cub Scouting is designed to have boys doing things. Activities are used to achieve aims of scouting - citizenship training, character development and personal fitness. Many of the activities happen during weekly den meetings and monthly pack meetings. Apart from the fun and excitement the Cub Scout activities bring, the Cub Scout promise, the Law of the Pack, the Cub Scout sign, handshake, motto, and salute all teach good citizenship and contribute to a boy's sense of belonging. The Cub Scoutmaster is ASD parent, Sean Riordan. More information is available on the Campus Recreation webpage.
Boy Scouts of America Troop 813 The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is one of America's largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations. The BSA provides a program for young people that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and develops personal fitness. For nearly a century, the BSA has helped build future leaders by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun. The Boy Scouts of America believes - and, through nearly a century of experience, knows - that helping youth is a key to building a more conscientious, responsible, and productive society. The area Scoutmaster is Tom Kaferle. More information is available on the Campus Recreation webpage.
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Dubai Ultimate Charity Event (DUCE)
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On January 27, 2017 ASD Campus Recreation will host the 11th annual Dubai Ultimate Charity Event. DUCE is a community Ultimate Frisbee tournament which supports ASD’s student organizations that participate in service learning projects. Teams from across the MENA region participate, and DUCE has become the premier tournament in the regional Ultimate Frisbee calendar. In addition to world class Ultimate Frisbee there are activities the whole family can enjoy. DUCE proceeds support ASD service learning clubs: SEENAH, Little Wings, Kids for Wish Kids, Rooms to Read, and more. Each year the tournament raises more than AED 50,000 for these causes.
Programs for Adults Adult Evening Activities Campus Recreation has a variety of evening activities available to the ASD adult community, and occasionally Grade 11 and 12 students, at no charge. Campus Recreation currently organizes basketball, ultimate frisbee, soccer, badminton and more. Sign up as a Healthy Active Lifestyle Member and take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy your favorite sports activity. Evening sports begin the week of Saturday, August 27, 2016. Information about these programs is found on the Campus Recreation webpage in the “For Adults” section.
Adult Fitness Classes
Campus Recreation currently offers a variety of adult fitness classes and painting classes to parents throughout the year. The fitness classes currently include Zumba, Fitness and Yoga. The classes are usually offered after morning drop-off or at the end of the school day before pick-up. Experienced swimmers can also join the morning lane swim. If you are interested in training for a triathlon, we have a twice a week training session in the evenings. Parents can learn more about these programs at the Campus Life Activities Expo on Sunday, September 4, 2016 or by visiting
Campus Recreation webpage. Note: The Zumba, Fitness, Yoga, and painting classes are administered by external providers for a fee.
ASD Facilities for Personal Use
Adults of the ASD community can sign up as a healthy active lifestyle member and use the Fitness center, indoor and outdoor track and tennis courts for their personal fitness. Please check the “For Adults” section on the Campus Recreation webpage for schedules and facility use policies. Use of the facilities is subject to availability. ASD has Facility Management policies and procedures that govern the availability of facility use by the ASD community.
Guests
Occasionally, ASD families, faculty, and staff have friends and family visiting Dubai. Guests may join an activity on campus and use the facilities when accompanied by an ASD community member. Guests first need to obtain a visitor pass from the ASD security guards at Gates 3 or 5. To gain access for multiple guests or for any other special requests for access, visit the Campus Recreation Office for more information. 2016-2017 Campus Recreation Handbook | 13
Frequently Asked Questions Which programs have fees?
ASRP programs, intramural programs, and Tuesday sports leagues are mostly free of charge. Some activities may have a small fee to cover consumables and this will be clearly communicated in the promotional material each season. Pay Per Season programs are offered by external providers for a fee. The fee will vary depending on whether the activity is a large or small group or private lesson and parents pay the provider directly. The program fees are indicated on the information page for each activity on the Campus Recreation webpage. Campus Recreation ensures that fees are very competitive compared to equal quality programs offered elsewhere in the Dubai community.
How do I sign my child up for Campus Recreation activities and programs?
ASRPs & Intramurals: Sign ups are online and generally available at the end of the week following the Campus Life Activities EXPOs. Information will be available at the EXPO, in the ASD News, and on the Campus Recreation webpage. Information regarding programs for elementary students will also be included on class haiku pages. Middle and high school students will get information through the student bulletins and the weekly news produced by the division offices and the student video broadcasting Weekly Minute News team. Pay Per Season programs: Parents sign-up with the provider directly. Providers are available during the EXPO and on the scheduled the registration days. Information is also available on the Campus Recreation webpage. Scouting: Girls Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Boy Scouts programs have registration days which will be mentioned on the Campus Recreation webpage and at the September EXPO.
What are common program timings?
Student safety is our number one priority. Elementary students in particular are not to be on campus unsupervised. There are areas where upper elementary, middle and high school students can go for quiet study while waiting for a late activity to begin. Each school division will set their own policy. ASRP activities take place 3:15 - 4:15 p.m. Some K1 Pay Per Season programs take place at 2:00 p.m. or after 4:00 p.m. If a student is not in a supervised location on campus or an organized activity at 3:15 p.m., they must be supervised by a parent or designated adult or picked up at 3:00 p.m. and brought back to school for their activity. Please contact Campus Recreation if you require assistance.
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Parents are asked to review the following timings and make after school pick up plans for your child accordingly. Elementary Students (K1 - Grade 5) K1 students: Activities begin at 2:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. K1 students participating in activities starting at 2:00 p.m. are escorted to their lunch/snack area and met by the activity provider. K1 students involved in any activity beginning after 3:00 p.m. will have to be supervised after school by a parent or designated adult and brought to the activity. All K1 students must be met after their activity by their parent or designated adult. K2-Grade 1 students: ASRP activities for these children begins at 3:15 p.m. A number of Pay Per Season activities may start after 4:00 p.m. A parent or designated adult is required take their child to their activity and if necessary assist their child in changing clothes, etc. Grade 2 - 5 Students: Children in Grade 2-5 can make their own way to their activity (only with parents consent). Parents are advised to assist in familiarizing their child with the location of their activity if necessary. Middle and High School Students Middle and high school ASRP activities take place from 3:15 - 4:15 p.m. Tuesday Sport League games are scheduled between 3:15 - 5:00 p.m. Pay Per Season programs are scheduled at varying times after school and on Saturdays. Please refer to the relevant provider's page on the Campus Recreation webpage. Students are expected to be in a supervised activity or in quiet study if waiting for an activity starting later than 4:15 p.m. Late Activity Bus Timings Students in Grades 3-12 who are registered for the full STS bus transportation service can use the late drop-off service leaving ASD at 4:30 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. Parents should make arrangements with the STS representative located in the Elementary School building, near the Health Office. Please note that the student must make their own way to the bus meeting place at the designated time.
P.O. Box 71188 Dubai, UAE | +971 4 395 0005 www.asdubai.org