RIS Parent Newsletter - October 2011

Rainbow International School October News Letter Principal`s Message

1 0 /0 7 / 2011 Vo l u me 2 , Iss ue 1

Greetings! I hope all is well with you. Things here are great!! The 1 st Quarter is upon us and there are many events that will be taking place at RIS. When you talk with your students, make sure that they keep you up to date on all the wonderful opportunities they are having at school. I enjoy having them here and look forward to seeing their smiling faces each day.

Please look for information sending you about setting up a conference with your child`s teachers in the Parent-Teaher Concerence Day. We have a goal of 100% parent participation. We can only accomplish this with your assistance and cooperation. We realize there are many activities and events that fill our calendars. Sometimes we seem to lose focus with all that goes on throughout the school year. Our main purpose is to provide students with the best educational opportunity possible and to help them achieve academically. We really need parental help to ensure that the homework is being done and that studying for tests are priorities.

One other quick thing that I need to mention, that is very important. Whenever possible, take time to read with your students. It doesn’t matter how young or old they are a good story or book is a wonderful thing to share. The Faculty and Staff are reading many wonderful books this year and are trying to share a love of reading with our students.

However, there is no substitute for what takes place in the students own homes. You all do a great job of supporting your students and it is greatly appreciated!! Have a fantastic academic year!!

Thanks, Emin Huseynov

Grade Three Dear Parents, September has passed, and we have been learning so many new and exciting things in 3rd grade!

In language arts, students are continuing to hone their reading and writing skills. We have read three stories about adventures, and are finishing up our personal narratives. In addition, the students are very excited about our new pen-pal friends in New Jersey! As part of our writing unit, we will be learning how to write friendly letters and exchange correspondence with a 3rd grade class in Trenton, New Jersey.

In Social Studies, we have discussed the crisis of drought and food shortages in different parts of the world. Specifically, we looked at Somalia and brainstormed ways to help the poor people. We learned key words such as poverty, donate, and charity. Also, we are making time capsules!

In an effort to capture a moment in time,

students have written about their likes, dislikes, feelings, and favorites.

They’ve also included some pictures of special memories and we measured their height with some string. At the end of the year, we will open the time capsule together and see how much we’ve grownboth academically and physically!

In Science, we are halfway into our unit on living things. We have finished learning all about plants and have done some exciting labs on plant parts, classifying leaves, and even cactus investigation. Next, we will explore the world of animals!

Finally, in math we have learned how to compare and round numbers. This week, we have started our unit on addition and subtraction. We will look at how knowing addition properties will help us solve math facts with more ease.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement with your child’s education!

Sincerely, Ms. Julia

ESL 1-3 Once per month our ESL 1-3 students will be asked to do an oral presentation in front of their classmates. The purpose of the presentations will be to teach the skills of public speaking, increase English speaking confidence, and to monitor and assess our students’ English speaking ability.

For our first oral presentation, we had a “Show & Tell.” The student presentations were fantastic!  Ms. Bokhwa and I are so pleased with our student’s efforts! Great job, everyone!  Ms.Ross

Grade One…

Khalid’s GameBoy

Basmah’s iPod

Layan’s Doll

Yassmeen’s Traditional

Rayan’s Toy Car

Hasan’s Storybook

Ana’s Dinosaur

Clothes

Grade Two…

Ali’s Storybook

Layal’s Storybook

Yuna’s Crafts

Hamzah’s PSP

Grade Three…

Fahad’s Jenga

Ghadah’s iPod

Waleed’s Lamborghini

Momdouh’s Transformer

Mohammed’s Storybook

Lama’s Jump Rope

Field Trips

Don`t Forget that >>>  Every child is special  They look different  They behave differently  They develop at different times and at different rates  They learn at different times and at different rates

During the school year, the students have curricular activities in and out of school, which broaden the scope of a student's education and interests. While the value of trips and excursions is fully recognized, their subordinate position to the basic academic curriculum must be maintained for the overall benefit of the student. It is RIS policy to enrich school curriculum for all students, by taking advantage of the cultural, historical, and natural geographical attractions of the host nation.

Attendance Matters ‚It’s only one day!‛Why is attendance all that important? Studies show that school attendance is linked to school achievement. Learning builds day by day. And if your child is not in school, he/she can’t learn. It’s that simple. Empty seats in a classroom indicate that students are missing out on learning—and teachers are missing out on teaching those students! When they return, students have to work harder to catch up—and teachers may have to disrupt current lessons to help them.

Some students get overwhelmed and give up. Disregarding school attendance policies can lead to problems later on. One research study reports that sixth graders who miss just one day of school a week have a 75% chance of never graduating! Please make every effort to get your child to school on time every day.

Attendance: A Key to Your Student’s SUCCESS!

Attendance Line: To excuse your child’s absence please send an absence slip or leave a detailed message with your child’s name and reason for absence (such as the type of illness your child has) at the following number: 02-571-2917

Meet the RIS 2011-2012 Student Council!

L-R Saud Al-saqour, Treasurer; Mert Uzun, Historian; Sophia Santana, President; Yasmin Hanisan, Vice President; Sofia Brantes, Representative

You want to take a class trip to a really cool theme park? Talk to the student council.

You want to arrange a fundraiser for a good cause? Talk to the student council. You think RIS should throw a big, end-of-the-year party? Talk to student council. These guys have the principal’s ear, so if you want something done at RIS, they’re who you should talk to first. Elections were held this month to fill positions.

Students had the opportunity to run for a position by writing a speech and delivering it to the RIS student body in the auditorium Sept. 16. Afterward, students voted for candidates by secret ballot. The 2011-2012 student council president is grade 6 student Sophia Santana. Sophia is prepared to work as hard as she needs to do the job well, and she is excited to work closely this year with her fellow council members.

The historian-elect is Mert Uzun, grade 7. In his campaign speech to the student body, Mert said, ‚I like to take photos, and when I was small I always wanted to be a newsman. A good historian should have a good memory, like me—I can remember my life from age 4!‛ The treasurer position went to Saud Al-saqour, grade 6. ‚I would like to be the student council treasurer because I love math. The treasurer’s job is to count money,

Secretary Neha Rehman

and record spending. I would be good at this job because I know how to deal with money,‛ he said.

The vice president position is filled by grade 8 student Yasmin Hanisan. In her speech, Yasmin told RIS, ‚A good vice president needs to work hard, and I like to work hard. I care about the school, and I would do what was needed to be successful.‛ Grade 6 student Sofia Brantes will serve as class representative. ‚I think I would be a good representative because I would give ideas to the president and the rest of the council members. I am creative, and smart, and I would succeed at this,‛ she said.

Grade 5 Representatives Yura and Joshua

For grades 3-5, two class representatives were appointed from each class.

We wish the best of luck to our student council members as they begin an exciting new year!

Parent-Teacher Conference The First Quarter PTC will be held on Thursday (3:30pm – 5:30pm), October 21st and Friday (9:30am – 3:00pm) October 22nd, 2011.

A parent–teacher conference is a time when parents and teachers can talk about how the student is doing in school. It's a chance for you to ask questions about the class or your child's progress. It is also a time for you and the teacher to work together as a team to discuss ways you both can help your son or daughter.

Whether your child is in elementary, or middle school, parent-teacher conferences are important. Teachers need your help to do a first-class job. Together, you can help your child have a great school year.

Grade 4 Representatives Badr and Hadiqa

Grade 3 Representatives Hana and Monica

REPORT CARDS Report cards will be sent home on Thursday, October 21st. First quarter is a difficult time for some students as the curriculum becomes more challenging. Please pay close attention to your child’s papers and continue to read each evening. We will have parent/teacher conferences in October 21st – 22nd to discuss progress and/or concerns.

D.E.A.R. PROGRAM (Drop Everything and Read) This program occurs in all classrooms at specific times determined by the school. Everyone, including the teachers and administration read silently for 20 minutes daily. Daily reading at home is also encouraged to instill a love of reading and to support student academic achievement.

Middle School Students Talk Lunch ‚I’m hungry!‛ If you step into any classroom at RIS around midday you‘ll likely hear these cries from busy students who are ready for lunch. And if you want to spark up a lively conversation among a bunch of middle school students, just ask them what they think about school lunches.

Some RIS students are totally satisfied with the fare. ‚I like all of the lunches,‛ said Francisco, a grade 6 student. ‚Bibimbap is my favorite,‛ he added. Yasmin, grade 8, said that she likes the fried chicken. Hang, also in grade 8, said that she would even like to see more varieties of chicken served at lunch. ‚Sometimes we have juice—I like that,‛ added Burak, a grade 8 student.‛

What we learn with pleasure we never forget.

Alfred Mercier Howard and Mutahar enjoy sweet and refreshing oranges.

Other students had clear ideas on how they’d change the lunch menu if they could. ‚We want international lunches, maybe every Friday, from a different country,‛ said Saud Alsaqour, grade 6 student. They suggested items such as tacos and quesadillas, Middle Eastern food, and more fried chicken. ‚Maybe we could add some different meat to the curries, not always tomatoes,‛ explained Yasmin. ‚We don’t want to have the same lunch every Friday. We should have a variety,‛ said Neha. But grade 6 student Sophia Santana doesn’t mind eating spaghetti most Fridays. ‚I like spaghetti because every day I eat Korean food at home, so I am kind of sick of Korean food,‛ she explained.

Rowida and Hiba complete their lunch with delicious healthy juice and refreshing water.

Fill in the Missing Square Can you fill in the missing square with the number that logically belongs there?

2

2

2

2

2

6

10

14

2

10

26

50

2

14

50

Fundraising Efforts!

Dear Parents, Students and teachers here at Rainbow International School are fortunate to have all the necessities we need not only to learn, but also to live. However, not all students and families of the world can be so lucky. We feel it is important to educate our students on the realities of life found around the globe and unfortunately, many people around the world are suffering due to issues such as famine, drought, and war. We want our students to become compassionate global participants and to understand the importance of helping those in need.

As a way of helping our students understand the world around them we have decided to educate our students on these issues and allow them to be creative in coming up with ways we can help. This year students will be busy learning about countries around the world that need help from others to improve their living conditions and in many cases save lives.

Throughout the year students will be discovering the ways in which they are fortunate and how they can help others as well. There will be a number of fundraising efforts organized by teachers and students to as a way to aid others in need. Students will become educated on the issues that millions in the world face and will have an opportunity to help first hand.

Now we are asking for your help! Our first effort in helping those in need will be a BAKE SALE to raise funds for those suffering in Somalia. Students are being educated on the terrible conditions millions of people are living through in Somalia. We will be having a bake sale on the 21st and 22nd of October. Any parents who are willing to donate baked goods please contact Ms. Sawlor or Ms. Davis.

Additional information will be given later in the month. We know you will be supportive in our efforts to build compassionate students here at RIS and we thank you in advance.

Sincerely,

HELP! Written By Yura(G5) In Somalia, there is a civil war, so many people have lost money, things, foods, and even water!!! We have enough money, things, foods, and water, but they don’t have any!!!

They would love to get food from us! We have to help them. We have to raise money for Somalia. If you have any ideas, you can email me on the LMS system. My username is Yuralee. I am on student council, so I can tell your ideas to the rest of the council! If you cannot use LMS, you can come in first recess or second recess to the grade 5 classroom and give your ideas.

What is Africa?

Africa is best known for being the second biggest continent on Earth.

Where is Africa?

Africa is south of Asia and Europe, west of Australia, east of South America, and north of Antarctica. Africa is located south of Europe and between the Alantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean.

How Many Languages are Spoken in Africa?

Approximately 1800 languages .

How Many Countries are in Africa?

There are 47 countries in the continent of Africa.

What is the population of Africa?

Africa has a population of close to a billion residents.

Somalia Written by Mohammed(G5) The drought started almost 60 years ago. They need water and food for everyone. They need food and water and they are fighting each other in a civil war. The Somali people need our help. There are some groups giving them food every day, but they need more help. In Mogadishu 12million people are affected. The people and animals are dying.

Biggest Drought to hit Somalia!!!!

Written By Melissa & Amina(G5) There is a country in Africa called Somalia.

There is a lot of drought, civil war and people dying of all ages. Somalia is off the coast of the Indian Ocean. Somalia’s capital city is Mogadishu and now it’s called the ghost city because people must leave to find food. There is war and people Biggest famine hits Somalia are dying and stealing. In Somalia there Written By Joshua(G5) are years of drought, famine, no food and In Somalia people and animals are people are dying. There are 9 million dying because of a drought. The people that are hungry in Somalia. Please Somalia has the biggest drought and help this country SOMALIA! famine. It starts like this there is no water and that means plants would Today’s Weather in Somalia die then the animal do not have food Written By: Juliana, Shahad & Jeny(G5) so they die then there is no food for Somalia is a country in AFRICA. The capital city in Somalia is Mogadishu. Somalia has hot, the people!!! So the people are going dry, weather year-round, except in the mountains in the north. Somalia has two rainy to other countries. Before the seasons April to June and the other is October to November. Drought usually occurs every drought the capital city was called two to three years. All months in the south the usual temperature ranges from 68F AND 92F. the pearl of the Indian Ocean. Now Temperatures usually range from 105F in the summer to 78F in the winter. In the northern it’s called the Ghost City. So please mountain part of the city, the climate is moderate, with temperature between 63F in the donate to save the poor Somalia winter to 78F in the winter 78F in the summer. Somalia is in the middle of its worst drought people and that country. in history.

PTA ( Parent -Teacher Association) October is PTA Membership Month! You can make a difference in your child’s education. How? Join the PTA. Objective The primary objective of Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is to help the school build an enjoyable and fruitful educational environment by facilitating a cooperative relationship between the parents and the school. As the school grows and the number of student increases, the PTA plays an important role in ensuring better communication, cooperation and coordination between parents and teachers in the raising and educating of students.

Primary Activities The PTA contributes to the school through various volunteer activities. The PTA mainly focuses on helping the school with extracurricular activities such as school events, field trips, etc.

The PTA board members hold a monthly general meeting to plan and discuss those activities. They brainstorm about what can be done and decide on the main points and the outline of the activity plan.

If you have any questions, contact Emin Huseynov at 571-2917 or email him.

Principal`s Coffee Principal`s Coffee is a time for parents to come and hear the latest news from the principal, as well as to share their own ideas and concerns and to ask questions. Principal`s Coffee will take place in the cafeteria from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. as written dates in the academic calendar.

Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.

Wiliam Butler Yeats Instruction ends in the school-room, but education ends only with life.

Frederick W.Robertson Dear Parents, The following ways have been proven to enhance the testing abilities of students: Make sure students attend school regularly and on time.

Assist students in understanding and completing homework assignments.

Read to your children regularly and encourage them to read daily.

Expose your children to computer software materials to reinforce skills.

Have your children practice writing and using the dictionary to define words.

Be sure to include problem-solving skills in mathematics while working with your children.

Together we can, together we will!

Seoul Weather Forecast Summary Friday Oct 7th

Saturday Oct 8th

Sunday Oct 9th

Monday Oct 10th

Tuesday Oct 11th

October Events • Oct.3  Oct. 6

Sunny 17°C

Sunny 19°C 7°C

Mix of Cloud and Sun 21°C 8°C

Mix of Cloud and Sun 21°C 11°C

Mix of Cloud and Sun 21°C 12°C

http://www.weathercity.com/kr/seoul/index.php

What is an ESLR? ESLR stands for Expected School Wide Learning Results. ESLR awards are handed out based on academic and social efforts and achievments. RIS students can receive an ESLR for various positive behaviors. ESLR's also help encourage our students to act responsibly both academically and socially. The ESLR Award Ceremony takes place every Friday.

National Foundation Day Field Trip

• Oct. 21 End of 1st quarter (1st Quarter Report Cards) • Oct. 21 – 22 PTC (Parent Teacher Conferences)  Oct. 26 General Knowledge Competition  Oct. 27 PTA (Parent Teacher Association)

Rainbow International School 2-32, Yangjae 1-dong, Seocho-gu Seoul, Republic of Korea 137-886 Phone: (+82) 2-571-2917/18 Fax: (+82) 2-572-2916 info@rischool.org E-mail address

For A Bright Future!

We’re on the Web! www.rischool.org

Education should consist of a series of enchantments, each raising the individual to a higher level of awareness, understanding, and kinship with all living things.