American School of Paris
the ASPect N E W S F R O M O U R C O M M U N I T Y, F O R O U R C O M M U N I T Y
ORIENTATION 10-11
Welcome to Paris!
Welcome to ASP! Working with the Admissions Office, the Division Directors and the Parent Faculty Association, our program is designed to help you and your family integrate into the ASP and Paris communities as quickly and effortlessly as possible. From the online resource center and buddy programs to a Fun Sports Day, Living Skills seminars and our Community Connections
Fair, our goal is to help. And it is thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, HSBC Garches, that we can also invite all new families to a wonderful BBQ before school even starts to get to know one another and spark friendships that will last a lifetime.
(continued on page 2) The ASPect is kindly sponsored by
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t ASP we understand what it is to be new… everyone here was once new! Every year we welcome hundreds of new families, and so we have developed an extensive Orientation and Welcome Program to help you find your feet, new friends and feel right at home!
2/Welcome program
Welcome to Paris, Upper School Placement Testing Monday August 23 12.45pm
In order to make sure that the Upper School students will be properly placed in classes, they will have an oral test in French and Spanish and a written test in mathematics. The students should not be overly anxious about these tests; they are given in order to help place students into the levels that are appropriately challenging. And of course, parents are welcome to stay and meet current ASP parents and other new families at our informal ‘coffee house”. Light snacks and refreshments will be available and computers set up for you to discover all ASP’s online resources with the helping hands of our Parent Faculty Association.
Upper School Welcome Back Picnic Saturday September 4 5pm to 9pm
All our Upper School families are invited to hang out, listen to music from our students and faculty, play some sports and enjoy a wonderful BBQ. A chance for the teenagers to get to know one another and the parents to relax in the sun (hopefully!) and get to know the Upper School teachers and other ASP families.
Orientation Day Wednesday August 25 8.30am
This special day is mandatory for all new families. Scores of ASP parents will be on hand to welcome you and help you and your children discover what the year ahead at ASP holds. Starting with registering the students, you will receive information packets and the children will be taken to their classrooms, while parents are invited to attend special presentations for each division. (For a detailed program see the website: www.asparis.org/starting_school ) Orientation Day is an exciting moment for the students to see the campus more fully, meet their teachers and some of their new classmates. This is their first real introduction to the school! Parents will be able to collect their pre-prepared security ID badges, car stickers (if car details are known ahead of time) and the student cards which serve as bus, library and cafeteria cards (see the website for the downloadable forms and details). This is also a good opportunity to be introduced to all the groups of the Parent Faculty Association (PFA) and find out how you can also get involved in school. And at the end of a busy morning, enjoy a relaxing moment at our BBQ lunch. The Aspect - Orientation Edition 2010-2011
Community Connections Fair Monday September 6 9am to 11.30am This is your chance to discover the many English-speaking resources and services available in and around Paris. While the kids are in school make the most of the morning Fair. There will be more than 50 groups and organizations set up in the ASP Gym for you to wander around, picking up ideas and information, both practical and inspirational. Representatives will include; local language schools, travel agencies, clubs, cooking schools, churches and other faith organizations, publications, health and beauty services, computer support services, insurance and English banking services by HSBC Garches, our sponsors. Some vendors will have items for sale on this day.
welcome to ASP! Living Skills Seminars Wednesday Sept 15 Friday Sept 17 Wednesday Sept 22 9am to 12.30pm
At these information seminars you will meet new friends, be informed on issues related to living in France, and once again, have many of your questions answered. Seminars will take place in the PAC. A culinary expert will provide information on what to buy and what to avoid when shopping at the local market as well as the French equivalents of your favorite foods. A doctor working in Paris will tell us what to do in a medical emergency, and how the French medical system works. There will also be presentations on travel and transportation, crosscultural issues, and the best ways to enjoy the vibrant city of Paris. And for the final session there will be lunch for all those attending to swap stories and exchange ideas. To sign up for the lunch visit, the PFA table at any of the welcome events.
Bienvenue Cocktail Saturday October 2 7pm to 9pm
All ASP parents, faculty and staff are invited to join the new Head of School, Mark Ulfers and the Board of Trustees to celebrate the start of a new school year and to welcome everyone back. This is a great opportunity for our families to socialize with our teachers and enjoy being part of the ASP family! This is a chance to dress up and enjoy one of Paris’ sumptuous event venues – and perhaps go on for dinner ‘in town’ with new found friends!
New Families cocktail Thursday September 9 7pm to 9pm
This is a ‘parents-only’ event giving all our new families the chance to meet new friends without worrying about the children! We will even give you a list of possible babysitters from our Upper School students. And the invitation comes with a ‘no paper work’ promise! Take a break from organizing your new lives and enjoy a gentle evening with new friends. It is also our chance to introduce to you the various ways our parent community can support ASP. You will learn about the numerous volunteer opportunities available through the PFA as well as hear a special presentation about the Excellence Fund. We are very grateful to our sponsors, HSBC Garches, who help to make this welcome program possible and we hope to see many of you at these upcoming events. Good luck and get involved! It is the key to a happy new start. Please note all of the above events are offered to you by ASP and the Parent Faculty Association. There are no charges associated with any of the listed events. The Aspect - Orientation Edition 2010-2011
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From the Head
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Welcome! Dear ASP Students and Parents,
unique, but essential to ensuring our young people o good to have you with us at the have the skill sets they will need to succeed in an everAmerican School of Paris! As your changing world. new Head of School, I am looking We are one of the first schools in the world to teach forward to beginning our school year the International Baccalaureate, dating back to 1979, and together and to getting to know your we are steeped in Advanced Placement coursework so family. teaching excellence is part of the DNA of ASP. Over the past months I have had Just as we strive to continually grow a the unique opportunity rigorous curriculum and adapt to changing to work closely with our Board of Trustees, needs, we are committed to a program The coming teachers and parents toward understanding of studies that challenges students to the culture of ASP and generating the loftiest months hold be creative and truly fine people. We of aspirations for our learners. remarkable want students to stretch into new arenas Already, as a community of students, possibilities for of learning, to achieve, to lead, to be faculty, staff, Board of Trustees, all of us. How administration and parents, I have witnessed good it is that we honorable, and ethical. This world of ours requires intellectual dexterity, independent an impressive commitment to helping young will be together thinking, unflagging curiosity, social people experience excellence in teaching for this grand agility, courage, social responsibility and and learning. And as we consider the critical adventure. uncompromising character. knowledge, skills and attitudes for the ASP Our goal must be to do this better than student of tomorrow, we will work closely anyone else. together in establishing a long-term view for our school’s Also unmistakable within the long history of ASP future. is how natural it is to get connected to school life as While I’ll admit to being on more of a steep incline a family. Our students, faculty and parents contribute rather than a learning curve, I have found only joy and hundreds of hours of service to ASP within and beyond reasons to be impressed as I’ve dug further into the 64our borders. And they do so in legions with all the grace year history and substance of our fine school. and happiness of people who know how to support and May I also say, and you would know this as heartfelt, care for others. that my wife Wendy and I feel very lucky to have been Our doors are about to open for the 2010-2011 school chosen to join you in leading ASP into an enthusiastic, year and we will be at your family’s side providing the productive and rewarding future. best in teaching and learning. The coming months hold The founding documents and mission of the American remarkable possibilities for all of us. How good it is that School of Paris inform our actions and shape our we will be together for this grand adventure. expectations. While academic excellence across curricula All good wishes, resides at the center of school life, the integrated role of Mark E. Ulfers the arts, sciences, humanities, language learning, life Head of School skills and athletics are within a tight orbit. head@asparis.fr The wholeness of education that we offer is not only The Aspect - Orientation Edition 2010-2011
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From the Board
Bienvenue!
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n behalf of the Board of Trustees, welcome to the American School of Paris and welcome to the 2010-11 school year. The American School of Paris is a place where your children are offered outstanding opportunities to learn, grow and appreciate the unique experience of an American style education in an international environment and a fascinating host country. Please remember that we have all been new once - some more recently than others. Staff, faculty, students and parents are looking forward to doing all they can to help you feel at home here and make the transition as easy as possible. As in many other schools, the Board of Trustees is responsible for the long term viability of the school, strategic and financial management. We work in partnership with the head of school to ensure that resources are allocated and used optimally and that the programs to continue to develop and serve the needs of the ASP community as a whole. The Board is currently composed of 13 trustees including ASP current parents, former parents and alumni. Six different nationalities and a cross section of skills and experience are represented and we all are volunteers. In early October, we invite you all to our Bienvenue Cocktail. This event is enjoyed by parents, faculty and staff alike and is a terrific way to start off the year. An information night will be held in November. This is an opportunity to hear more about the work of the Board as well as ask questions in a group setting with fellow parents, Trustees and administration in attendance. There are many, many opportunities, activities and events as the school year gets underway which all the family will benefit from being a part of. We look forward to meeting you at any of those and welcoming you in person to ASP.
Elisabeth Seeley President of the ASP Board of Trustees 10-11 board@asparis.fr
2010-2011 Board of Trustees OFFICERS
Mr Andrew Plump
Mrs Elisabeth Seeley, President Mr David Tancredi, Vice President Mrs Ilse WilIems, Secretary
Mr Tomek Ulatowski
Mrs Susan Carden, Treasurer
Advancement: Mrs Lois Fink & Mr Peter Barnet Education: Mrs Giovanna Monnas (provisional transition) Finance: Mrs Susan Carden Facilities: Mr André Brenninkmeijer Trustees: Mrs Ilse Willems
TRUSTEES Mr Zarif Badruddin Mr Peter Barnet Mrs Lelia E. Blackwell Mr André Brenninkmeijer Mrs Lois Fink Mrs Giovanna Monnas Mr Jean-François Ott
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
For more information see the Trustees area of the website under About US or click: www.asparis.org/trustees The Aspect - Orientation Edition 2010-2011
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Getting to know
you!
In the same way that we organize an extensive Welcome Program for ASP families and parents, we also organize trips at the start of the year with the sole aim of getting new ASP students integrated as quickly as possible.
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ll Middle School grades undertake a week’s trip with Outward Bound – either here in France, in the French Alps of Savoie, or in the British Lake District. And in Upper School there are two retreats (one for grades 9 and 10 and another for grades
11 and 12) also organized in the first weeks of school. In Upper School, both retreats will take place at the Château de Grande Romaine, a retreat center in Lésigny (a suburb of Paris). The program is run by professionals and chaperoned by ASP faculty. The students areinvolved in a range of team-building and
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initiative exercises while also having time to relax and simply enjoy themselves. They will learn more about the school and its expectations as well as profiting from several seminars on health. The longer trips for Middle School create an amazing first impression for everyone! “I made so many friends.” “Can
we stay another week?” “It was so awesome.” “We really learned to work together as a team.” And when you hear these sorts of comments at the end of a week of Outward Bound, you know you’ve reached your objective; it’s the reason why we’ve been going for over 30 years. Our Middle Schoolers spend a week working with two Outward
pictUre special
Bound teachers assigned to our Advisory groups of 12-14 students. The goal is for each group, along with its ASP advisor, to gel—for the students to develop a sense of trust, friendship, cooperation and good spirit. They go through a series of challenging outdoor activities,
including a gorge walk, highropes course, tunneling, canoeing, rock-climbing and an overnight expedition in the mountains. Only by working together can the group succeed, and through the debriefing sessions that follow the activities, they grow to understand each individual’s strengths and weaknesses.
Importantly, they also learn to respect and listen to each other. It’s a lot of time to take out of the academic schedule, for sure; especially at the beginning of the school year. But the teachers would tell you that especially for students of middleschool age, the benefit is
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tremendous. It builds a foundation for cooperative learning that will carry on throughout the year. It creates a pool of shared memories which are still reference points in June. After our week at Outward Bound together, there are no longer any new students in the Middle School!
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Investing in
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funds from grants and corporate sponsorships, as well as from our families and alumni in order to honor our mission and fulfill our vision. At ASP we have The Excellence Fund.
SP is an exceptional place to learn and we warmly welcome all our new families into this dynamic and vibrant community. Unlike schools
that are funded by government resources (taxes), ASP is a private, independent school relying primarily on tuition revenues. And as in the case of private schools everywhere, ASP seeks additional
Why Give?
What is The Excellence Fund?
As a nonprofit organization, our tuition and fees only cover operational expenses; philanthropy provides a measure of sustainable excellence. As an independent school, ASP is not funded by government or other public sources ASP is committed to financial stability with less dependence on tuition and other fees. Your gift makes a difference today and secures the future of the School The Aspect - Orientation Edition 2010-2011
For more than 60 years, the American School of Paris has prepared and inspired students to excel in a changing global society. Today, the unique advantage of an international education is vital to the future success of our children. Delivering an ASP education requires considerable resources. Annual tuition covers basic costs; philanthropy enables us to further assure academic excellence, expand and deepen the student experience,
and invest in faculty development. The Excellence Fund, ASP’s annual giving program, positions the school to fund strategically those programs and initiatives that enable our school to remain “at the forefront of international education.”
Academic Excellence Investing in the future Our dynamic curriculum educates the “whole child” through a combination
advancing asp
excellence
Why Give?
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of strong core academic subjects along with fine arts, theater, music, and sports. The Excellence Fund will position ASP to realize goals such as expanding the role of technology in the classroom, enhancing the learning environment, and expanding programs to ensure an unlimited horizon for every child.
The Student Experience Bringing learning alive Learning at ASP creates lifelong memories from exceptional opportunities in and beyond the classroom. The Excellence Fund will invest in inspirational speakers, extraordinary field trips, and global
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Over the years, my children have received so much from ASP. The Excellence Fund just seemed a natural way to begin to thank the school and the faculty for our family’s incredible experience. In addition to the rich and diverse academic program, my children have greatly benefited from all the ‘extras’ provided at ASP, inlcuding Outward Bound and other field trips exploring France, string ensemble and honor choir, swimming and soccer, Model United Nations and on and on. Our wish is that future students of ASP have the same opportunities to enjoy these and other wonderful programs.”
travel to deliver an unparalleled education.
Faculty Investment Teachers you remember for life ASP teachers are the foundation of both academic excellence and the student experience. The Excellence Fund will help ASP enhance a competitive package that includes ongoing seminars, workshops, and conferences to further develop and retain top-level faculty.
ILSE AND JOHN WILLEMS, PARENTS OF CHILDREN IN GRADES 6, 9, & 11
Ilse is also a member of the Board of Trustees
For more information do not hesitate to contact Amanda Nagele (anagele@asparis.fr)
Why Give?
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As an ASP teacher for the past 23 years and an ASP parent of two children since 2001, I have come to know the school in a way few others have. The superb academic program and the varied and excellent extra-curricular offerings in sports, theater, art and service combine to make ASP an international school without peer. By making a long-term contribution to The Excellence Fund, Florence and I are reinforcing our commitment to the future and continued excellence of this wonderful school.” HAL & FLORENCE JUDIS, PARENTS OF CHILDREN IN GRADES 7 & 9
Hal is also an ASP Upper School Social Studies Teacher
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Welcome to the Parent Faculty Association
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See the ASP website: www.asparis.org/ n behalf of the PFA I would parentliaisons like to welcome you to Soon after school starts there are several events the American School of at the school you will not want to miss: Paris, and as ASP parents Community Connections Fair on September you are automatically 6 will introduce you to many English speaking members of our Parent service providers, groups and organizations in the Faculty Association. community. (See page 2&3) We have a wonderful school community Living Skills Seminars on September 15, 17 & where you and your children will be welcome 22 will help you with adjusting to life in France. and fit right in. All of the children and families Subjects covered range from health care to at the school are very friendly as they have transport and shopping! also been the new kid or family. What helps make ASP such a successful school is For those of you for which this may be your What the great parental involvement. Every family at ASP first expatriate assignment you may feel is automatically a member of the PFA. overwhelmed or nervous. Let me assure helps make We have many wonderful events planned you it gets easier and you and your children ASP such a throughout the school year. If you would like will enjoy the school and life in France. successful to get involved with the school we have many The French are very friendly and Paris and opportunities. France are wonderful places to live. Your stay school is the The PFA has needs for all different types of skill here will be what you make of it so be sure to parents. sets. So if you have a skill we can use, have a enjoy Paris and the great opportunity it is to good idea from a past experience or just interested be living here. in helping out please contact me or any PFA board member. The ASP community has a wealth of knowledge that we are We are looking forward to meeting you and forward to another all willing to share. So if you are currently in Paris or on your great and successful year. way feel free to contact myself or your grade liaisons with any questions you may have. They can answer your questions about Jordan Lewis, PFA President 10-11 the school, daily life in France, public transportation, etc or find pfapres@asparis.fr someone who can.
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PFA Key Contacts 2010-2011 Executive Board
President Vice President Treasurer Secretary Parliamentarian
Jordan Lewis Terry Bachmann Ursula Simen Diena Kaser Joanna Perkins
Organization Heads
Community Bulletin Board Naomi Raju Community Room TBC Friends of the Arts Sherry Steiner FYI Committee TBC Friends of the Library Bonnie Guth Holiday Boutique Terry Bachmann International Day Chantal Uildriks Gabriela Georgi Newsletter Anna Eklund-Cheong
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pfapres@asparis.fr pfavp1@asparis.fr pfatreas@asparis.fr pfasec@asparis.fr pfaparl@asparis.fr pfabulletin@asparis.fr pfacs@asparis.fr pfafoa@asparis.fr pfafyi@asparis.fr pfafol@asparis.fr pfaHB@asparis.fr pfaID@asparis.fr pfaID@asparis.fr pfanewsletter@asparis.fr
PFA Kitchen & Storage Saturday Sports LS Saturday Sports MS School Portraits LS School Portraits MS School Portraits US Senior Parents Sports Boosters Video Club Website Liaison
Welcome Program US Testing Orientation Day Living Skills
TBC Naomi Raju TBC Kate Crook TBC Christine Lam Anna Eklund-Cheong Cheryl Bendix Shirley Allen Darla Pape TBC Jean Srivastava
pfakitchen@asparis.fr pfasatsportLS@asparis.fr pfasatsportMS@asparis.fr pfapics@asparis.fr pfapics@asparis.fr pfapics@asparis.fr pfaseniors@asparis.fr pfaseniors@asparis.fr pfaseniors@asparis.fr pfasb@asparis.fr pfavideo@asparis.fr pfaweb@asparis.fr
Ursula Simen pfawelcome@asparis.fr Catherine Sinegal pfawelcome@asparis.fr Darla Pape pfawelcome@asparis.fr
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What is the PFA?
T
tique
he PFA or Parent Faculty Association is an organization run by the parents to enrich and support everyday life at ASP by offering additional activities, events and volunteer opportunities for parents at the school. Throughout the year, the PFA also raises funds to give back to ASP in various ways. The following explains some of our activities and how our groups are involved:
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Community Room You will always find a warm welcome in this light, bright room which serves as a HQ for the Parent Faculty Association at ASP. The Community Room is located on the ground floor of Building 6. Apart from being a meeting place for ASP parents, you can also: Buy Logowear to support our athletic teams. Buy second-hand English language books Borrow a film through our Video Vault exchange project. Find out more: www.asparis.org/ community_room
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al Day
Friends of the Arts support the drama, fine art and music departments by assisting with events and programs. They raise funds to help support: post concert receptions, drama and musical productions, student art exhibits, IB film festival, MS Honor Band Festival, replace musical equipment and sponsor the “Diane Flaum/Bev Price Arts Scholarship.
ers Sport Boost
Internation
Holiday Bou
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Friends of the Library support the Lower and Middle School library and the Upper School library. They provide a program called “Birthday Books”, where parents can buy a book and donate it to the Library in their child’s name. They raise funds to provide our libraries with author visits, guest speakers and additional computer programs/software.
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Sport Boosters support ASP’s Middle School and Upper School athletic sports program. They raise funds through the sale of ASP logowear and concessions.
Saturday Sports Program works with the Athletic Department to coordinate the sports program for ASP’s Lower and Middle School students.
Senior Parents help plan special activities and events every year to keep our hard-working seniors sane and to celebrate this, their special year! They do this by raising funds for the senior class events with champagne sales and other fundraisers. They coordinate graduation announcements, monthly treats, senior t-shirts, organize the Prom, award luncheon, graduation dinner, class gift and senior directory.
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Welcome Program organizes with Admissions, the Orientation Program including the Community Connections Coffee and Living Skills seminar for the new families twice a year, August and February.
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FYI Committee organize speakers, seminars and discussion groups about issues concerning children, education and lifestyle. Past subjects have included internet security, vaccinations and time management.
School Portraits: This small group coordinates the taking of school pictures with an outside photographer and the yearbook department. They schedule, collect funds and distribute pictures to the students.
PFA Liaisons: See the separate section about Liaisons.
In addition to those activities the PFA organizes three major events:
● Thanksgiving Fair: November 23 Get your turkey, sauce, pies and gifts for the Holiday and don’t forget your ASP champagne! ● Holiday Boutique: December 4 A wonderful opportunity to buy seasonal gifts while the children make crafts in the Ginger Bread House or visit Santa. This event allows the whole family to get into the spirit of the Holiday Season accompanied by festive music and food. ● International Day: May 21 Food, games and more from around the world for the family to enjoy and celebrate our truly international community.
Volunteering is just one of the many ways to support the American School of Paris. Get involved, we welcome your support!
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PFA Parent Liaisons
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he PFA has volunteer groups who work in direct liaison with the school divisions, home rooms and teachers. These representatives are often the first contact for new families arriving at ASP. Head Liaisons (Lower School, Middle School, Upper School) One liaison per division represents the parent community at the monthly Board of Trustee Education meetings, is responsible for monthly
meetings with each Division Director and Grade Level Liaisons. Lower School : Bonnie Guth pfalslhead@asparis.fr Middle School: Theresa Schott pfamslhead@asparis.fr Upper School: Anna Ecklund Cheong pfauslhead@asparis.fr
Grade Liaisons 10-11
Grade Level Parent Liaisons are selected as follows: One each for grades K-5 and two each for grades 6-12. The K-5 liaisons are assisted by Room Parents in organizing class parties and events. The Grade Level Liaisons attend monthly meetings with the Head Liaisons for their Division to discuss activities, events and issues.
International Liaisons 10-11
Lower School Liaisons
Arabic
Eman Ariekat pfaarabic@asparis.fr
Head Liaison.............Bonnie Guth .......................pfalslhead@asparis.fr
Australia
Robyn Wood pfaaustralia@asparis.fr
Belgium
Ann Maes pfabelgium@asparis.fr
Brazil
TBC pfabrazil@asparis.fr
5th Grade..................Beth Babin ..................... pfalsl5@asparis.fr
China
Kitty Wing pfachina@asparis.fr
Middle School Liaisons
France
Catherine Kress pfafrance@asparis.fr
Germany
Christiane Storm pfagermany@asparis.fr
Greece
Andrea Sterckx pfagreece@asparis.fr
India
Elizabeth D’Mello pfaindia@asparis.fr
Israel
Hila Gabay pfaisrael@asparis.fr
Italy
Elisabetta Beccari pfaitaly@asparis.fr
9th Grade..................Thuan Mai ...................... pfausl9@asparis.fr ..................................Nasreen Badruddin ........ pfausl9@asparis.fr
Norway
Linda Pekot pfanorway@asparis.fr
10th Grade................Ursula Simen ................. pfausl10@asparis.fr ..................................Tammy Evans ................ pfausl10@asparis.fr
Portugal
Maria Almeida pfaportugal@asparis.fr
11th Grade ................Julie Lai .......................... pfausl11@asparis.fr ..................................Susanne Wahlers ........... pfausl11@asparis.fr
Spanish
Fabiana Grande pfaspanish@asparis.fr
12th Grade................Shirley Allen ................... pfausl12@asparis.fr ..................................Cheryl Bendix................. pfausl12@asparis.fr
Sweden
Maria Einarsson pfasweden@asparis.fr
Kindergarten 1 & 2....Beth Frasco Trotter ........ pfalslK@asparis.fr 1st Grade ..................Monica Sarteur............... pfalsl1@asparis.fr 2nd Grade.................Kristi Palmer................... pfalsl2@asparis.fr 3rd Grade .................Leigh Ann Stone............. pfalsl3@asparis.fr 4th Grade..................Brooks Turner ................ pfalsl4@asparis.fr
Head Liaison.............Theresa Schott............... pfamslhead@asparis.fr 6th Grade..................Deborah Ludtke ............. pfamsl6@asparis.fr ..................................Anne Schwartz ............... pfamsl6@asparis.fr 7th Grade..................Carol Olsen .................... pfamsl7@asparis.fr ..................................Kira Brandman ............... pfamsl7@asparis.fr 8th Grade..................Sherry Steiner ................ pfamsl8@asparis.fr ..................................Diena Kaser ................... pfamsl8@asparis.fr
Upper School Liaisons Head Liaison.............Anna Ecklund-Cheong ... pfauslhead@asparis.fr
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Neighborhood Liaisons 10-11 Garches ...........................Katie Ormson..................pfagarches@asparis.fr La Celle Saint Cloud ........Beth Frasco Trotter .........pfalacellesaintcloud@asparis.fr Le Vesinet ........................Linda Pekot.....................pfalevesinet@asparis.fr Saint Cloud ......................Jordan Lewis ..................pfasaintcloud@asparis.fr Vaucresson/ .....................Joanna Gordon ...............pfavaucresson@asparis.fr Marnes La Coquette Neuilly Sur Seine .............Linda Faucher.................pfaneuilly@asparis.fr Croisy Sur Seine..............TBC ................................pfacroisy@asparis.fr Paris 75006 .....................Debbie Kupitz .................pfaparis6@asparis.fr Paris 75007 .....................Kim Sheehy ....................pfaparis7@asparis.fr Paris 75008 .....................TBC ................................pfaparis8@asparis.fr Paris 75016 .....................Joanne McKendry...........pfaparis16@asparis.fr Paris 75016 .....................Betsi Dwyer ....................pfaparis16@asparis.fr Paris 75017 .....................TBC ................................pfaparis17@asparis.fr
d…
Getting connecte
is a little rusty, ris and your French Pa to w ne e ar u If yo sy to use and re are plenty of ea do not despair, the urces on the web. glish language reso easily available En cases and don’t living out of packing And if you are still e welcome to ar u at home yet, yo ss ce ac t ne er int have raries. in both the ASP lib use the computers tensive selection ex an nd fi o u will als Don’t forget that yo ity Connections bs at our Commun of services and clu , September 6. Coffee on Monday line resources: English language on o.com www.paris.angloinf om a.c tic pa ex w. ww .com www.theparistimes m .co ice vo www.paris www.fusac.fr/en paris www.timeout.com/ org is. ar www.messagep g or is. ar -p www.wice l et/bloom/bloom.htm http://www.woac.n om http://www.famizen.c
ASP Marché Whether you are just arriving in Paris and are still missing some crucial home comforts or having a small clear out and want to get rid of stuff – ASP Marché is the place for you. ASP Marché is an online service for the ASP community to help match up buyers and sellers. And that is not where it stops… You can also post apartments to rent, or holiday homes for swaps. This is truly a marketplace! All details are outlined on the ASP Marché webpage which you will find under the ASP Community area on the website or click through directly: http://www.asparis.org/asparis-marche
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The Online Community
A User's Guide
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ou will have already discovered the ASP website has a wealth of resources about our programs and community. Please take time to look through the ASP Community part of the website. In addition, all families within the American School of Paris community will receive official Community IDs for each student (username and password) at the beginning of the school year, or as they enroll with the school. This consists of the Student ID number (used as username) and Family ID number (used as password). This logon information will grant you access to the following online resources:
environment. For the ASP student, Poodle is their learning portal for accessing a variety of resources and information related to classes, clubs, and other activities. Parents are welcome to use their ASP community ID to browse Poodle.
The American School of Paris network
PowerSchool (http://www.asparis.org/powerschool) PowerSchool is ASP’s online school database, where a variety of information – student and family demographics, contact information, student schedules, attendance data, grades and report cards – is available through a web-based interface. Your ASP community ID will work here as well, although if you
When on the ASP campus, you can use computers in the libraries and computer labs.
Poodle (http://www.asparis.org/poodle) Poodle is the school’s online learning portal. Many teachers use Poodle to augment and extend the classroom
Other resources ASP also subscribes to a number of online learning resources which are accessible to all members of the ASP community including:
➜Destiny Library Catalog Search the library shelves from home and check availablility.
➜EBSCO - an incredibly powerful research tool
The Aspect - Orientation Edition 2010-2011
➜Grolier - A collection of encyclopoedias online
➜Newsbank - A huge selection of global
newspapers, journals, magazines and periodicals online
➜Grove Art Online - More than 45,000 signed articles on painting, sculpture, architecture, decorative arts, textiles, jewelry, design, furniture, and more.
have more than one student enrolled then you will have received additional logon information to access each child’s online record.
Cafeteria Recharge (http://www.asparis.org/cafeteria For Upper and Middle School students, parents can recharge their children’s cafeteria cards through our online recharge system. Also Lower School parents can use the same link to pay for the hot lunch program by trimester or for the year.
Questions?
➜ ➜ ➜ ➜
Questions about the ASP website should be directed to Emma Silva: esilva@asparis.fr For passwords and more information about the ‘other resources’ contact our Librarian Mario Chioini: mchioini@ asparis.fr For any further information or queries about Poodle please refer to our Educational Web Coordinator, Chris Chater: cchater@asparis.fr For any Community ID queries please contact IT Manager, Michel Lami: mlami@asparis.fr
commUnications
... and welcome to your ASPect
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➜ ➜
The Community Bulletin Board at Reception is where you can sell your fridge, or find an English speaking hairdresser! And the ASP Marché provides a similar
American School of Paris
the ASPect
APRIL 2010
N E W S F R O M O U R C O M M U N I T Y, F O R O U R C O M M U N I T Y
See page 12
International Day ASP celebrated its multicultural community with music, food & games...
ASP Missy Magic!
➜
The PFA Newsletter is an electronic newsletter with notices for upcoming events from the Parent Faculty Association groups: www.asparis.fr/ pfa-newsletter We actively encourage all parents to get involved, so please don’t hesitate to use the contacts listed in this publication or contact me, your ASPect editor,
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he volcanic eruption in Iceland disrupted hundreds of ASP families’ plans over the April break including the ASP China Expedition and Upper School service trips to Romania and Portugal which have been postponed until the Fall. But in true ASP spirit the challenge became an opportunity for one group led by
Visiting Bohemian Paris
(continued on page 2)
the ASPect The ASPect is kindly sponsored by
MAY 2010
N I T Y, OUR COMMU NEWS FROM
MMUNITY FOR OUR CO
01 41 12 82 44 See page 6
Champions!
up in the world! Our girls are going of our athletes s Discover the succes
ce! ASP Excellen
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d a new his year ASP launche called gn annual giving campai with reFund The Excellence from our cord breaking giving community. SPECIAL parentPICTURE ways in to announce the will We are delighted in our community which every student – all funded projects of raft t from a benefi ment to ex"My favorite site was when we reached the Sacré and commit by your generosity
students! racellence for all our draws upon conside the An ASP education Annual tuition covers ble resources. annual giving enables exbasic costs while assure academic our school to further stuand deepen the cellence, to expand to invest in faculty and dent experience,
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development. Fund to The Excellence Donations made
Coeur! It was amazing, even better than seeing the town in miniature at the museum! The view was unforgettable and as we worked on it in English Class, we knew everything about it! I could haveby ed is kindly never forgotten The when we reached thesponsor top. " ASPect Hannah Poupard
goals school to realize help position our ogy in the role of technol such as furthering learning alive for the classroom, bringing increased investan its students through speakers, offering ional ment in inspirat and developing trips, eld fi extraordinary teachers our school - our the foundation of ongoing ve program of - with an extensi nces. ops, and confere seminars, worksh (continued on page
graders took a walking tour of the village of
Montmartre. Before setting off on their
“Something I found very interesting was where Vincent VanGogh lived - and I loved to see all those little hidden passageways in the middle of Montmartre where you wouldn’t expect them to be. On the way to our restaurant, Le Cremaillere, our group found a little design (kind of like a pac man) on a wall of an apartment. This signified that the building had historical significance. I found this particularly interesting because the same designs, were found all over Montmartre and are now spreading all over Europe. Many people agree with this artists’ point of view and say that the price of any apartment or building with this drawing, immediately has its value increase.” Costanza Beccari
journey, students became acquainted with various artists, short stories and historical aspects of Parisian Bohemian life studied in English and French classes. Elli Gildnes said: “We visited, among other places: the Musee Montmartre, various artists’ ateliers, the oldest cabaret in town and
This is what the students had to say:
many more picturesque examples of country living at the turn of the century.” The tour culminated at Le Cremaillere, a restaurant of the Belle Epoque up at the artists’ square, the lively Place de Tertre.
“It was interesting to see another part of Paris where many of the students had not visited before and go deeper into its history - dissecting the different parts. The most interesting thing about it was that it was an area known for the art and many artists who lived there, and I found the art quite interesting, such as the stained glass which could be seen from many perspectives, and the wall of “I LOVE YOU” written in different languages. What was also interesting was the story behind the statue of a man stuck in a wall. My favorite site was walking in the center where you were in a totally different atmosphere where artists were in the process of sketching a face, or a painting along the street. (referring to Marcel Ayme’s short story, Le Passe Muraille).”
20/SCHOOL NEWS
The Aspect - May 2010
ARTS SPECIAL
ER
ENARD, ART TEACH
BY CORA MEIROWITZ-
ure Furniture as Sculpt
lly designed and were each individua ed The furniture pieces recuperated, corrugat constructed using a utilitarian object cardboard. Making to consider requires the student sculpture, the basic laws of proportion, which consist of; composition, volume, along balance and color, of with the basic laws design, which include; function and comfort. Aesthetics and architectonic harmony are in constant consideration. Design d by is also influence hical culture, geograp l location, historica social trends. inspirations and design As in the fine arts, a reaction or evoke also aims to e. emotional respons n Hall) (Displayed in the
SPECIAL REPORT/17
Electrical experience
Alara Saygi The Aspect - May 2010
Sculpture, Form
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& Space g Soapstone Carvin
s used for centurie Soapstone has been as well as universally for sculpture its extreme due to utilitarian pieces, shape and malleability to carve, to its mineral polish. This is due in its purest form base of talc, which talcum powder. It is used to make rphic rock is considered a metamo colors different and attributes its , which to the different minerals time and through were associated pressure. noble form this ced Students experien a variety of tools, of expression using saws, chisels, handto include rasps, papers and sand tools, held rotary the greater polishes. Despite a form challenge of “finding believe all within a form”, I ted the fine students apprecia the stone reward of bringing potential to its fullest polished tools, their using their primary hands. (Displayed in the near Guidance)
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hird graders enjoyed an exclusive tour of Schneider Electrics as part of their scientific studies of energy. ASP Parent JeanPascal Tricoire, Chariman of the Management Board of Schneider Electrics (a global specialist in Energy management) invited Barbara Hoegen’s class to visit following a
glass shelving
Receptio
a own ASP talent in featuring homegr visiting artists and welcoming both an exciting year parents, he Cube has had Landscapes from ful exhibitions. showing and features series of wonder wide event, is now an ASP community The final exhibit, and staff. end of the year. students, faculty display until the accepted for the Work can still be
basketball court conversation! The young scientists set out to discover how progressive companies like Schneider are tackling the future and present demands for energy. Mr Tricoire said: “Schneider Electrics has a global objective to improve energy production, make it available to all and satisfactorily manage climate change. This is what sustainable development means. It is the challenge that our group has taken up.” And the curious third graders had plenty of questions. Enjoy this Q&A session from the students and their conclusions. Q: What is the demand for electricity in the world today and what is the demand going to like in the future when we know that the world population will rise from 6 billion in 20 years to 8 billion. (Christian Doherty) A: Our world is at a turning point. The demand for energy is set toexplode, particularly in the booming new economies. Q: Is there electricity all over the world? (Deepak Sarangi) A: Today, electricity is not readily available to 1.6 billion people.
ale Landscape fin
Q: Do we have enough fossil fuels for everyone? (Emma Sarteur) A: The continued exploitation of fossil fuels remains a threat to the planet.
The Aspect - April 2010
in diverse g to see art work was a “It is very excitin it” show , which th Lefevre said: Teacher Elizabe last year’s “Portra manager and Art show. Following Cube exhibition ages in this group ues made by all event .” styles and techniq this exhibit an annual we are making Aspect - May 2010 huge success, The
The Aspect - May
2010
5)
This month, seventh
8/ARTS SPECIAL
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forward with the National MS Society. “The National MS Society is a collective of passionate individuals who want to do something about MS, to move together to-
ol of Paris
American Scho
Emma Silva Associate Director of Marketing & Publications esilva@asparis.fr 14/PICTURE SPECIAL
for Walk MS Paris. And it was all captured by CNN! Missy said: “I decided that just because we were stranded here in Paris, it did not mean that we couldn’t keep on moving
inspirational ASP parent, Missy Sternlicht. Missy was due to fly to New York to march with her family and thousands of people to raise awareness and fundraise for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. But when she found herself grounded in Paris she decided to march anyway and as the word got out in the ASP community, she was joined by more than 100 people
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notice board service online: www.asparis.fr/asparis_marche
T T T
he ASPect is the monthly school magazine which showcases the best of ASP each month for the community to enjoy. From field trip picture specials to Model United Nations reports, from international sports success to local community service programs, from project presentations to new curriculum programs – The ASPect is where we celebrate our students, faculty and the exciting learning opportunities at ASP. It is news, reports and reviews from all corners of our community, by our community, for our community! The ASPect is a monthly celebration of all the special events that take place daily at ASP, giving a full-color taste of life in the ASP community, thanks to the generous sponsorship of Schlumberger It is published both online as a flip book, and print copies are available. It is an ideal way to keep friends and family in faraway homes connected with your new life in Paris. This first special edition is designed with new families in mind and aims to give you a one-stop-shop of key contacts and activities that all make ASP the unique community that we all enjoy. The ASPect is just one in a raft of publications with which we hope keep you all connected during the school year: The individual school offices will keep you abreast of division news with their own electronic newsletters which you will receive by email.
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The Aspect - Orientation Edition 2010-2011
Q: What should we use instead of fossil fuels?(Noa Elfassy & Sofia Duarte) A: You could use solar panel or wind power. Making a building use a computer to make the buildings save energy was a good idea. Q: What does a company like Schneider do to help the planet? (Katy Montgomery) A: Schneider tries to find energy solutions that are energy efficient. Conclusion: “It was a great trip. I thought it was outstanding. I learned a lot about how in the future they will have computers in eye glasses and how in Antarctica they have a building completely made out of solar panels for its energy. We are studying about renewable and non renewable energy resources and how does the way people use energy affect the environment so I thought the trip was wonderful” (by Sebastien Dufour)
16/After school programs Lower School After-School Activities A wide range of after school activities are also run at ASP for children in Grades 3 and up. From knitting, math, studio arts, Irish dancing and cooking through to softball, flag football, ping pong, judo, basketball and tennis there is something for everyone. In addition there is an athletics program for Lower School on Fridays and Saturdays. The after-school activities have a cost-only fee and children from Grade 3 and up can use the late buses at 5pm when the activities end. A full program will be advertised on the Lower School website within the first few weeks of school and for further information you can contact Stacey Wilson McMahon: swilson@asparis.fr
Middle School Many different extra-curricular activities take place either at lunchtime or after school. You can find full details in the Student Handbook which you can download from the Middle School homepage: www.asparis.org/middle_school Activities include: The Student Council coordinates numerous activities throughout the year that serve the school community as well as the wider world. Model United Nations brings students into the world of global politics and international conferences. The Yearbook, involves MS students on its staff producing the MS section. The ASPress is the MS student newspaper. Knowledge Bowl is a challenging but fun academic competition run likae a television game show. Math Counts is in inter-school competitive math program which climaxes with an international meeting. The MS Play and the MS Musical are two major events in our school community. The Voyage is our Middle School literary journal. Private music lessons: Several English-speaking music teachers come to ASP to offer private music lessons after school. (See Page 19 for the MS Athletics Program)
Spotlight on MUN The Middle School Model United Nations team has literally impressed the world bringing home awards from every conference despite being, very often, the youngest participants. The Aspect - Orientation Edition 2010-2011
Last year alone the group attended conferences in Luxembourg, Switzerland, Norway and Spain as well as organizing an international conference at home at ASP. The trips combine sightseeing with the more serious business of debate and in MS MUN tradition always a royal feast at the local Burger King!
Spotlight on Performing Arts In 09-10 the Middle School Musical was Grease and for three performances our Performing Arts Center was transformed into Rydell High. As with all productions, every student is welcome to take part and from set design and construction through to backstage team and of course those center stage, it is a truly student production. In addition to the Musical, in 10-11 Middle School students will have the possibility to get involved with the the International Day  for the Shakespeare Schools Festival 2010 and will be performing A Midsummer’s Nights Dream (Gr 6), The Comedy of Errors (Gr 7) and Romeo and Juliette (Gr 8). And there are also concerts for the band, choir, strings and guitar groups each trimester.
After school programs
The Aspect - Orientation Edition 2010-2011
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18/After school programs
Athletics program
A
t the American School of Paris we believe there is more to an athletic program than the final score. We strive for competitive excellence but also for the personal development of our student athletes by helping them learn and understand the importance of commitment, attitude, sportsmanship, teamwork and communication in an international setting, both on and off the field. Working with professional coaches, educators and the wider ASP community, our program fosters a sense of pride and accomplishment; whether it’s improving their personal best, perfecting a skill or being an exemplary houseguest when visiting other international schools. We are proud that our athletes are respected internationally both for their achievements and their sportsmanship. We hope our athletes have fun, win humbly and lose graciously.
Varsity and Junior Varsity Program Our Varsity and Junior Varsity teams are chosen during try-outs at the beginning of each season. Both the JV and Varsity teams compete against and travel to other international schools throughout Europe. The Varsity teams in all sports (plus the JV athletes in cross country, swimming and track & field) travel to a season-ending International Schools Sports Tournament (ISST) each year. See the Website for more details: www.asparis.org/athletics
Middle School Program Our Middle School athletic program is divided into 3 seasons: Fall (volleyball, cross country, and soccer); Winter (basketball); and Spring (softball, track & field, and soccer). All sports are co-ed for grades 6-8. Everyone is welcome to join. Games are arranged each season with local International Schools. Middle School students can also try-out for Junior Varsity level sports. See the Website for more details: www.asparis.org/MSathletics
Lower School Program Our Lower School athletic program is divided into 3 seasons: Fall (soccer); Winter (basketball); and Spring (soccer). All sports are co-ed for grades K1-5. Everyone is welcome to join. Information and registration forms are posted on the website approximately 2 weeks before each season begins. The Lower School Athletic program is on Friday after school for grades 3-5 and on Saturdays for all grades. For more information see the website: See the Website for more details: www.asparis.org/LSathletics
The Aspect - Orientation Edition 2010-2011
After school programs
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Upper School Activities An extensive range of clubs and activities are available for Upper School students. Please note the contact information may change. CAS (Community, Action, Service) Sponsor: Ms. Karam (skaram@asparis.fr) Film Club Wednesdays, 3:45-5:00, Media Lab Sponsor: Ms. Schupack (lschupack@asparis.fr) Green Team Tuesdays, 3:45-5:00, Room 390 Sponsor: Ms. Bayley (abayley@asparis.fr) Habitat for Humanity Ist Delta day each week, both lunches, Room 467 Sponsor: Mr. Kim & Mr. Semaan (jkim@asparis.fr & jsemaan@asparis.fr) Improv Wednesdays, 4:00-5:00, Room 451 Sponsor: Mr. Chioini (mchioini@asparis.fr) Jazz Band Wednesdays, 3:45-5:00, Room 275 Sponsor: Mr. Yocom (nyocom@asparis.fr) Kenya Club Gamma days, 1st and 2nd lunch, Room 638 Sponsor: Mrs. Enard (cenard@asparis.fr) Kids’ Home Club Gamma days, 1st lunch, Room 468 Sponsor: Mr. Friendly (cfriendly@asparis.fr) Knowledge Bowl Wednesdays, 5:00-6:00, Room 463 Sponsor: Mr. McEachern (dmceachern@asparis.fr) Literary Magazine Wednesdays, 3:45-5:00, Room 463 Sponsor: Mrs. Antoine (mantoine@asparis.fr) Math Club/Math Team - Junior & Senior Wednesdays, 3:45-5:00, Room 415 Sponsor: Mr. Trainor & Mr. Kosior (ttrainor@asparis.fr & rkosior@asparis.fr)
Model United Nations Thursdays, 3:45-5:00 (or 6:00), Room 464-468 Sponsor: Mr. Reshef & Ms Samson (oreshef@asparis.fr) Musical Sponsor: Mr. Halvorsen & Mr. Yocom (hhalvorsen@asparis.fr & nyocom@asparis.fr) National Honor Society Alpha days, 1st lunch block, Room 428 Sponsor: Mr. Green (pgreen@asparis.fr) Newspaper Club Gamma days, 1st lunch, 455 Sponsor: Mr. Brazeau (bbrazeau@asparis.fr) Romania Club Gamma days, both lunches, Room 523 Sponsor: Mr. Denison (jdenison@asparis.fr) Soccer Club Tuesdays, all levels Sponsor: Mr. Stead (dstead@asparis.fr) Spanish Club To be announced Sponsor: Ms Delalande (cdelalande@asparis.fr) Student Council Wednesdays, 3:30-5:00, Room 468 Sponsor: Mr. Vezina (cvezina@asparis.fr) Student Run Service Club Beta & Delta days, both lunches, Room 512D Sponsor: Ms. Karam (skaram@asparis.fr) Yearbook Wednesdays, 3:45-6:00, Room 452 (IT lab) Sponsor: Ms. Enard (cenard@asparis.fr)
The Aspect - Orientation Edition 2010-2011
20/important dates
Cut-out and stick on the fridge door! Many of you will still be struggling to get internet access at home and organize email accounts. Here is a summary of some of the important ASP dates up to the Toussaint Vacation at the end of October. The listing covers the range of activities from extended field trip departure dates and Division Open Houses, to PFA meetings and social events. For further information or clarification please contact the division offices or Amanda Nagele in the Development Office: anagele@asparis.fr
✂ Key dates for the start American School of Paris
of the ASP year… AUGUST 23 25 26 30
All teachers return to school Upper School testing Orientation Day for new families FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL Sport try-outs start
SEPTEMBER 1 2 3 4 6
9 10 13 15 16 17 19 22 23 24
Middle School Open House (7pm) MS Outward Bound packing day (no school Gr.7&8) MS Gr. 7&8 Outward Bound trip departs (8 days) US Welcome Back picnic Community Connections Fair (9-11am) MS Gr.6 Outward Bound trip departs (5 days) New Families Cocktail (7pm) First sports weekend away (London) Parent Faculty Association 1st general meeting (9am) Living Skills Seminar 1 (9am) LS Open House (6.30pm) Living Skills Seminar 2 (9am) US Gr. 9&10 retreat starts (2 days) US Gr. 11&12 retreat starts (2 days) Living Skills Seminar 3 (8.30am) Upper School Open House (7pm) First sports weekend at home
OCTOBER 1 2 4 11 22
In Service Day – School closed Bienvenue Cocktail (7pm) PFA General Meeting Parent Teacher Conference Day – School closed Last day of School (Toussaint Vacation)
Calendar Notes All dates from sports tryouts to IB exam schedules, from Parent coffees to extended field trips, from Board meetings to cocktail social events are all marked on the ASP online Master Calendar: www.asparis. org/master_calendar In addition there are some useful functions to help your busy schedules: ➜ Personalize your view (eg.choosing only Upper School dates to appear) by clicking on Calendar Options ➜ Sign up for reminders to events by clicking on the bell symbol ➜ Synchronize the entire calendar with your handheld device ➜ Export the calendar information as an excel document ➜ Search for events using the magnifying glass icon ➜ Don’t forget if you are printing the calendar to click on the printer symbol to have a ‘printer friendly version.’ If you would like a one page 09-10 calendar with only the main vacations marked, you can download the pdf document from the top of the Master Calendar page. Any queries or corrections for the calendar please don’t hesitate to contact either the division secretaries or Emma Silva: esilva@asparis.fr
The Aspect - Orientation Edition 2010-2011