Inspiration
Welcome Back Edition August 2015 | Newsletter | International School of Prague
ISP Newsletter August 2015
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From the Director It is my pleasure to extend a warm welcome to new and returning families to the 2015-2016 school year at the International School of Prague. We are well aware that there is an enormous amount of information for students and families to absorb at the beginning of the year, especially when you are new to a school. Publications such as the Parent Handbook contain key information about how our school functions and will help you and your children get the most out of ISP. Other important means of communication are the daily Parent Contact (which you will receive via email), our web site (www.isp.cz), and our community portal, Schoolnet (http://schoolnet.isp.cz) which can be accessed with the username, isp, and the password, falcons. In addition, there will be many opportunities to attend social gatherings or informative workshops throughout the year and we encourage parents to participate in the rich life of our school. We take great pride at ISP in providing a warm and welcoming environment for all ISP community members. We believe that providing students with a safe, supportive and nurturing school is essential for them to successfully learn and develop. We also take great pride in our highly experienced, dedicated faculty who are committed to engaging students in an authentic global education. Speaking of engaged students, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the graduating class of 2015 on their excellent results on the recent IB Diploma exams. Their average score of 34 (compared to the world average of 30) and pass rate of 92% (compared to 79% worldwide) is exemplary. As usual we present all external exam results including IB results on our website in the same format each year. I should add that ISP is the only international school in the region (and one of a few around the world) that presents multi-year IB results each year. Please take the time to read the ISP Mission Statement, which can be found posted throughout the school, in the parent handbook and on our website. The ISP Mission is more than just words on a page - it encapsulates our school’s purpose, vision and values. All ISP community members (teachers, students, parents, staff, board members and administrators) are expected to support and model our core values of compassion, integrity, respect and intercultural understanding. The ISP Mission is the standard to which we measure ourselves in all aspects of life at ISP. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s experience at ISP, or any other issue, I urge you to “go to the source” and speak with the person directly responsible. Whether it is your child’s teacher, the principal, another administrator or the director, we are all here to ensure that ISP continues to be the best school in the region and one of the most highly regarded international schools in the world.
Dr. Arnie Bieber ISP Director
ISP Newsletter August 2015
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New Parent Orientation All new ISP parents are requested to attend an orientation meeting on August 18 at 09:00, in the Theater.
Communication is key
The purpose of this important meeting is to: — Meet the School Administrators — Understand the areas of responsibility within the school — Receive an overview of the year’s important projects, events and activitities — Learn how you can take an active role in the life of the school — Hear about the SCA (School Community Association) and its plans for the year.
We regularly send information through: — Friday Folders (Elementary School) — Parent Contact (a daily email) — School Net (http://web.isp.cz) — ISP Website (www.isp.cz) — Teacher Websites — Facebook — SMS Emergency Contact System
Effective communication is vital in our international community.
The “Parent Contact” email is an important source of daily information. If you find that you are not receiving this email after School starts, please send a message to klimova@isp.cz as soon as possible.
Time away from school
The school provides ample holidays and time away from school. We trust that the school calendar will be respected and that extra holiday time (early departure, late return, extra trips during school) will not be planned.
Child Care
is available in the Theater Foyer during the orientation meeting.
Identity Badges
All staff and parents are required to wear their ISP photo identity badges while on campus. You will need your badge to enter locked doors. Until you receive your badge and pin number, you are requested to wear a visitor’s badge, which can be obtained from the Reception desk. ISP security guards and staff will ask you to show your badge. To obtain your identity badge, see the receptionist.
Special Note Regarding Student Drop Off
For those parents who use the rear entrance of the school to drop of their children, please be considerate of our neighbors in the vicinity – please only park in designated parking spaces; under no circumstances should anyone drive onto the sidewalk or block driveways (even if only “dashing in for a minute”). Thank you for helping to maintain our good relations with the community.
Transportation Services
Please be aware that ISP does not provide daily transportation. Agreements reached with transportation companies are between parents and the company.
ISP Leadership Team
ISP ADMINISTRATION 2015/2016 Dr. Arnie Bieber
Lucie Horackova
Sheldon Bradshaw
Nena Vukotic
Mark Frankel
Clive Watkins
Dr. Cindy Gause-Vega
Veronika Vodickova
Andrea Koudelkova
Teresa Belisle
Natalie Kvackova
Joe Monks
Andrea Bartosova
Director
Executive Secretary Elementary School Principal
Lenka Gery ES Secretary
Corky Hawkins
ES Assistant Principal
Eliska Sevcikova ECC Secretary
Danielle Fredericks Middle School Principal
MS Secretary
Upper School Principal US Secretary
Director of IT
Director of Advacement Associate Dir. of Advancement
Director of Learning Research Communication & Admissions Manager Activities/Athletic Director
Sandra Malinova
Activities/Athletic Associate
Kristina Limova
Activities/Athletic Assistant
Admissions Associate
Martina Mozna HR Director
Barry Freckmann
Finance&Operations Director
ISP Newsletter August 2015
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Elementary School News
Important Dates:. TUESDAY, August 25 13:00 - 14:30 PK and KG Back to School Afternoon WEDNESDAY, August 26 Hopes and Dreams Conferences THURSDAY, September 3 at 18:00 Grade 3 – 5 Parent Evening THURSDAY, September 10 at 18:00 Grade 1 and Grade 2 Parent Evening THURSDAY, October 8 at 08:15 Parent Coffee Morning, ES Theatre
Dear Elementary Parents, As the beginning of the school year approaches we would like to extend a warm welcome to all new and returning families to ISP. We hope that you are all enjoying time with family and friends, having fun and relaxing. All teachers and staff are busy preparing a rich and challenging environment for our students, one in which your children will feel safe, happy and able to learn.
We know parents are integral to this process. We will keep you informed throughout the year and frequently ask for your input and perspectives. Please come to us with any questions or concerns that may arise!
Hopes and Dreams Conferences We will be inviting you early and often to actively participate in your child’s education. Our first invitation to you is to meet with your children’s teachers in “Hopes and Dreams Conferences” on August 26. All Elementary classes PK3 – grade 5 will be dismissed at 12 noon on this day. These special conferences are intended for parents to share with the classroom teacher their hopes and dreams for their child this year. Each conference will be scheduled for 10 minutes. In the first Friday Folder on August 21 you will receive your scheduled time and a short form to jot down notes of what you would like to share with the
teacher. Our goal in holding these conferences very early in the school year is to learn from you about your children. As the year progresses we will continue to communicate with you via newsletters, notes, email, class websites, meetings, and conferences. The Hopes and Dreams Conferences are only the first step in what we trust will be our on-going collaboration with you.
SCA Elementary School Parent Coffees Another way of participating in your child’s education at ISP is to attend the SCA Elementary School Parent Coffees. This year we have scheduled four morning coffees at 08:15. Once again we are in the process of identifying topics of interest that can focus our conversations and contribute to our shared understanding of the children in our care. Watch for the parent survey in the first Friday Folder. Our first Parent Coffee Morning will be on Thursday, October 8 at 08:15 in the ES Theater.
ISP Newsletter August 2015
Please make note of the following as you prepare for the start of school:
Class Lists
Class lists will be posted on the windows near ISP‘s main entrance at 15:00 on Monday, August 17. The teachers and administration have put careful thought into the best possible configuration of classes so children’s social-emotional and learning needs can be met. Be sure to make note of your child’s placement for 2015-2016. Please call or stop by the school with any questions or concerns.
NEW ES TEACHERS We are very pleased to welcome the following new teachers to ISP Elementary this year, as well as some of our returning teachers in different positions:
Heather Vlach - EAL PK4 and Kindergarten Katerina de Souza - EAL Grade 1 Liezel de la Isla - Grade 2 Megan Looney - Grade 3 Kenneth Odoi - Grade 4 Shirleyta Gerald - Grade 5 Andrea Limon - Grade 5 Kendall Allen - Music
First Day of School
On Wednesday, August 19, students will be allowed to enter their classrooms no earlier than 07:50 in the morning. Therefore, students should arrive between 07:50 and 07:55. School officially starts at 08:00. (Please wait in the Elementary reception area or the cafeteria if you are early.) On the first few school days, staff members will be in the hallways to direct children and their parents to the appropriate classrooms. Children PK3 through grade 2 should be escorted to their classroom by parents. Students in grades 3 to 5 may come into the building by themselves. At dismissal time, an adult should pick up children in PK3 through grade 2 outside their classroom door that opens to the outside of the building. Students in grades 3 through 5 should be met in a prearranged location. You will be receiving a form in the first Friday Folder to let the school know what arrangements have been made concerning future meeting points. (Please see section on after-school supervision.) PK3 students will be on a special schedule until September 7, PK4 students until August 31. Children in Kindergarten will be dismissed at 12:00 until Thursday, August 27.
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ISP will be offering an after school care program for PK3, PK4, and Kindergarten. You will receive details of dates and times for the special schedules and after care program if your child is in one of the PK classes or kindergarten. Children in grades 1 – 5 will be dismissed at 14:45.
After School Supervision
Please remember that an adult should supervise Elementary School students at all times and in all places on campus after the 14:45 dismissal. Students may stay at school if they are participating in an after school activity or if working in the library. Once an activity ends, usually at 15:45, the students must go home. No Elementary student is allowed to stay at school unsupervised, whether in school or on the playground. Grade 3 through 5 students may work in the library until 17:00, but they must be in the library, not elsewhere in the building. We looking forward to collaborating with you in the coming school year! If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Cindy Vega or Ms. Corky Hawkins.
Dr. Cindy Gause-Vega ES Principal Corky Hawkins Assistant ES Principal
ISP Newsletter  August 2015 
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Middle School News
Important Dates: TUESDAY, August 25 MS Sports begin THURSDAY, August 27 at 18.00 MS Parent Evening MONDAY, Aug 31- FRIDAY, Sep 4 Grade 8 Class Trips MONDAY, Aug 31- FRIDAY, Sep 4 Grade 7 Class trip THURSDAY, Sep 3 - FRIDAY Sep 4 Grade 6 Class Trip FRIDAY, September 18 MS Dance THURSDAY, September 24 at 08.15 MS Coffee Meeting
Dear Middle School Families, Welcome back to a new year! I hope you had a relaxing holiday and are ready for an action packed year ahead in Middle School! I am very happy to be entering my second year at ISP. While some of you got to know me a little last year, I look forward to building on those relationships this year. To families who are new to Middle School, I look forward to getting to know you. In our Middle School we have a highly qualified and dedicated team of teachers. This year we have improved on the schedule to ensure more balance in instructional time. We remain
committed to Project Based Learning on Stretch days, where students are given opportunities to find and solve problems and meet challenges. One of the highlights of the beginning of the year is the class trips. These trips provide students with team building opportunities so they can build relationships, bond as a grade level and have fun with their classmates and teachers. Your child will learn about these trips in the first weeks of school. In addition to the above dates, if you are a new family you should already know that on August 18 there will be an Orientation morning for new students and parents, when we will aim to make you feel at home in your new school.
ISP Newsletter August 2015
On Thursday August 27 at 18.00 we invite all parents to attend the MS Parent Evening so you can get to know our teachers and courses for the 2015-16 school year. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the new school year, please do contact the MS Secretary, Ms. Horackova, or myself. Enjoy the rest of the summer holiday –and we look forward to seeing you soon!
Danielle Fredericks Middle School Principal
Reminders: Good attendance is critical at the Middle School level. Some Planned Absences will be categorised as “unexcused” but we must still receive notification at least one week in advance by letter or e-mail from the parent. Please note
that repeated absences have caused significant problems for some students in the past.
Fresh Air - We will continue to encourage Middle School students to use their breaks to get outside and get some fresh air. All students should dress appropriately and bring a warm jacket that they can wear outside when the weather gets colder. Student Visitors to school are welcome but may only come for one day, subject to teacher approval that MUST be obtained by the hosting parents at least 3 days in advance, through the MS Secretary. Your co-operation and support in these areas helps us to maintain a positive atmosphere in the Middle School.
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NEW MS TEACHERS We are very pleased to welcome the following new teachers to ISP Middle School (MS) this year:
Carolyn Woulfe - LA/SS (Grade 7) Michal Silhavy - PE (Grade 7) Cory Patterson - Science (Grade 7) Mike Perry - Band Marc Culioli - French An updated Student Handbook for 2015-2016 will be shared with you at the beginning of school in August. Our Middle School Team looks forward to working in partnership with you to create the best possible educational experience for your child.
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Upper School News Important Dates: TUESDAY, August 18 Orientation Program for New Students and Parents (see below) WEDNESDAY, August 19 First Day of Classes WEDNESDAY, August 19 at 19:00, Blue Room THURSDAY, August 20 at 08:15, Elementary Theatre Actvities Information Parent Meeting (Please attend one of the meetings) MONDAY, August 24 at 08:00 Laptop Orientation for Grade 9 (students only) TUESDAY, August 25 at 18:30, Theatre IB & University Meeting for Grade 11 Parents TUESDAY - FRIDAY, September 1 - 4 Week Without Walls Program (Some trips begin on the 31st and end on the 5th, so please check the dates) THURSDAY, September 10 at 18:00, Theatre Upper School Parent Evening TUESDAY, September 15 at 18:30, Theatre Grade 12 IB and UK/European University Evening for Parents & Students, (Note: IB information will the same at next week‘s meeting)
TUESDAY, September 22 at 18:30, Theatre Grade 12 IB and US/Other University Evening for Parents & Students (Note: IB information will the same at next week‘s meeting)
Welcome from the Upper School Principal Welcome to the 2015-2016 school year at ISP! I am delighted to have the chance to work with all of you and with your sons and daughters. School opens on Wednesday, August 19, and all Upper School students should report to the theater at 08:00. From there, we will disperse to morning advisory and class meetings. All necessary textbooks will be provided in the actual classes.
Orientation
To help ease the transition to ISP for our new students and parents, we have scheduled an Orientation Program on Tuesday, August 18. All new to ISP students and their parents should arrive at 08:20 for a short Laptop Program and Week Without Walls Orientation. At 09:00, all new parents are
asked to join Dr. Bieber and other school personnel in the Theater. Also at 9:00, all new Upper School students will meet with the school Counselors, our Student Ambassadors, and me. Entering students will have the opportunity to learn about day-to-day life at ISP, take a tour of the school and ask any questions they may have. Then, students and counselors will board a bus for a recreational bowling party and lunch. Students will return to school between
NEW US TEACHERS We are very pleased to welcome the following new teachers to the Upper School!
Janelle Brin - English Eva Dušková - Learming Support Lynne Evans - Social Studies, Economics Leanne Fleming - Social Studies, History Megan McLain – Biology, ESS Elizabeth Perry - Technology Coach Mike Perry - Concert Band Igor Popstefanija - Information Technology Kate Shaw - Physical Education Matt Smith - Social Studies Lindsey Weaver - Math
ISP Newsletter August 2015
14:00 and 14:30 to be picked up by parents. Please note that students do not need any money with them for this trip as ISP covers all costs.
Upper School Petr Mares 1-to-1 Laptop Program. All Upper School students are required to possess an ISP-approved 13” Apple Macbook laptop computer as a necessary tool within our academic program. A Laptop Handbook and Digital Citizenship Agreement has been supplied to all families (and can be found on our internal website http://schoolnet.isp.cz). The full review and commitment to these agreements, by both parents and students, is an important prerequisite for participation in the 1-to-1 Laptop Program.
GRADE 9 STUDENTS SHOULD NOT BRING THEIR LAPTOPS TO SCHOOL UNTIL MONDAY, AUGUST 24, WHEN THEY SHOULD BRING THEM TO SCHOOL FULLY CHARGED. On this day, Grade 9 students will attend a day-long special orientation program, which guides them through the set-up of these machines and the installation of the licensed software. If you have any questi-
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ons, please contact Elizabeth Perry, Upper School Technology Coach.
smalinova@isp.cz.
Week Without Walls (WWW)
Please contact either of the US Secretaries by 09:00 if your child is ill, and is not coming to school: Ms. Veronika Vodickova (220 384 222) or Ms. Zuzka Linkova (220 384 227).
WWW is just around the corner! During the week of September 1 - 4, students will be traveling to a variety of exciting destinations, participating in challenging activities and extending the classroom walls to the rest of the world. Some trips leave a day earlier and some return a day later, so please check the dates at http://weekwithoutwalls2014.weebly.com/ On August 21, students will meet in WWW groups during the day, when any additional forms will be distributed. On August 28, students will again meet in WWW groups to go over final details. Please note that all forms are due by Tuesday, August 25. We hope that students are as excited about these trips as we are. If there are any questions about the WWW program, please see Sandra Malinova in the Activities Office, or email her at
Attendance
Make sure to read all the sections of the Parent Handbook, as well as the Student Handbook that will be brought home on the first day of school. And please note that our policy on excessive absences has been revised. Again, you an find all relevant information in both the Parent and Student handbooks. Regular school attendance is essential to the progress and achievement of the student. In the case of planned absences, parents should notify the principal at least TWO weeks prior to the absence. Notification allows for better planning on the part of student and teacher.
Mark Frankel Upper School Principal
ISP Newsletter August 2015
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From the IT Department Welcome to our new and returning families!
IT Update and Information The Library and IT team would like to welcome Elizabeth Perry, our new Upper School Digital Learning Facilitator!
The Petr Mares 1-to-1 Laptop Programs
We are entering into our seventh and eighth years of our 1-to-1 laptop environment in the Upper and middle schools. These tools continue to be integrated in meaningful ways to enhance the curriculum and student learning. The programmes are managed by our Digital Learning Facilitators, Liz Perry (US) and Lyle Bobyk (MS).
Mobile Technology in the Elementary School
In the Elementary School, we have been piloting a 1-to-1 programme in Grade 2. We are excited to announce the expansion of our 1-to-1 initiative to include Grade 3 and 4 (both with iPads) and Grade 5 (laptops). This will allow students and teachers to use technology as required by the learning in the classroom. Kindergarten and Grade 1 will each have a cart of iPads
to share between classes as required. The programme is managed by our Elementary Digital Learning Facilitator, Damianne President.
Sharing our Learning
We continue to work throughout the school with both blogs (http://isp. edublogs.org) and Google Sites. These services are a wonderful way for all students and faculty to share their class work and their personal reflections. Elementary School faculty present their personal class websites on Edublogs. In the Middle School, students are working with Google Sites and Blogs as they develop their Portfolios. In the Upper School, students and faculty use Sites to share class information and blogs to convey their reflection on learning within their different curricular topics.
Connecting with Families
One piece of feedback we heard from parents is that more sessions related to technology would be appreciated. Our plan is to offer more regular parent workshops around technology at ISP, parenting in a digital age, and finding balance between our online and offline lives. Please watch the Parent Contact emails for further details.
Digital Citizenship
The IT and Library departments will continue to work closely with faculty, counselors and school Principals to educate students on Digital Citizenship. This Digital Citizenship program is integrated in the laptop orientation programs, homeroom classes, advisory and other special assemblies throughout the year.
Library
As always, ISP’s library is a central point of the school. Parents, students and staff all have access to a wide range of resources, with some exciting changes planned for this year. You can find a new ebook service, new databases, family games and DVD’s, and creative resources for all ages. Everyone in the ISP community is encouraged to stop by and see what your library has to offer! The IT & Library Department look forward to supporting you and your child this year. We wish you and your family a successful year at the International School of Prague.
Sheldon Bradshaw Director of Information Technology
ISP Newsletter August 2015
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ISP Learning Research and Development Welcome to Learning@ISP, where we believe that we are all life-long learners striving to collaboratively meet our Mission. Given this belief, we strategically research and develop student, faculty, staff, and parent learning.
Student Learning
ISP has an articulated, mission-driven PK-12 curriculum, rooted in inquiry where learners are involved in posing and investigating questions. Our learning program offers students the lifelong understandings and skills reflective of how the disciplines are used in the real world. The development of these competencies enable our students to be successful at ISP, and in their future educational and professional pursuits. For more details, please visit our community portal (http://schoolnet.isp. cz/index.php/curriculum). Our curriculum research and development is based on the following premises: • The curriculum development process is ongoing and forward looking. • Student learning evidence drives curriculum evaluation. • Transfer is the primary learning goal
Professional learning:
Throughout the year, faculty and staff are involved in learning both here at ISP and off site. On site learning includes focus groups, professional learning days, retreat days for targeted groups, faculty meetings and internal sharing of expertise. In addition, we encourage and support attendance at targeted workshops and conferences at ISP, online, in Europe and around the world. This year ISP will be hosting the following events: • November 4-7: Adaptive Schools Leadership Seminar led by the Thinking Collaborative and sponsored by CEESA • January 22-24: Future Ready Schools a conference that will focus on Student Agency, Courageous Leadership, Empowered Teachers, Inspiring Spaces • February 24-26: IBICUS IB Diploma Program workshops • CEESA Job alikes for Tech Directors and IB Diploma Program Coordinators
Parent learning:
Throughout the year, we invite you to participate in workshops, presentations and discussions about what, why, and how we learn here at ISP. Please look for dates, times and details in the ISP Parent Contact. We offer the following opportunities for parent learning:
• Parent Coffees: These presentations and discussions target sectional specific and age related issues in the Elementary, Middle, and Upper sections of our school. • Informational sessions regarding specific learning areas: This year we will be holding targeted workshops in the areas of Modern Language, Mathematics, and Science. • Edge in Education: In these thoughtprovoking sessions, organized in collaboration with the SCA, we engage in discussions around current and future trends in education. This year’s dates and topics (with visiting experts) are as follows: »»9 October: Inquiry with Kath Murdoch »»13 November: Drawing as a thinking tool with Danny Gregory »5 » February: Cultures of thinking with Mark Church »»29 April: Design Thinking I look forward to delving deeper into Learning@ ISP with you this year.
Teresa Belisle (tbelisle@isp.cz) Director of Learning Research and Development
Activities and Athletics Greetings from the Activities office and welcome to the 2015-16 school year at ISP.
We will hold two meetings to provide you with more information about Activities at ISP:
Our role in the Activities office is to coordinate the school’s extensive offering of after school programs. There are ranging opportunities available to your child and we encourage them to be involved as much as possible.
• Wednesday August 19th @7pm in the Blue Room
More details can be found on the student life section of our school website: http://www.isp.cz/page.cfm?p=493
• Thursday August 20st @8.15am in the ES Theatre These meetings are relevant for parents with children in any school section and we urge you to attend whichever session is most convenient for you. If you have any questions please drop
into school to see me; or email me at jmonks@isp.cz Wishing you and your family a wonderful year at ISP.
Joe Monks Activities Director
ISP Newsletter August 2015
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... and don’t miss PE Kit (t-shirt and shorts) Sale All students in Grades 3-8 are required to wear ISP Physical Education kit, which includes an ISP t-shirt and shorts. T-Shirts are 100 czk and shorts are 400 czk. These will be on sale in the reception during New Family Orientation (August 18) and from 07:30 – 08:30 on August 19 and 20.
Information Fair & Welcome Picnic Welcome to ISP! Make sure to mark Saturday, August 29, on your calendar. That is the annual ISP Information Fair and Welcome Picnic which will be held from 11:00 to 14:00. The fair is an excellent opportunity for new and returning families to meet and make new friends. Everyone will have an opportunity to meet the new staff members on an informal basis. You will also have the opportunity to meet with many businesses and services here in Prague, including: medical centers, banks, activities for children, movers, technology, sport centers, hairdressers, restaurants, and many other appealing services. The fair begins at 11:00, the picnic and live music at noon. The food service will sell barbecued food, salads, ice cream, and drinks. Join the fun!