Volume 8, Issue 2-05/06 - September 2005
NEWSFlash A Singapore American School community service publication
MICA (P) 234/08/2005
THE FIRST DAYS OF OUR 50TH YEAR School started this year with exuberance and anticipation. From Open House on Saturday August 13th to a week of “first days� the 15th to the 18th, SAS students were greeted by a welcoming group of classroom teachers, support staff and parent volunteers that had been planning for their arrival. The first days are behind us, and we look forward to another great school year at SAS. To top it off, we will be celebrating our 50th Anniversary with a year long program of events. Starting with a Homecoming Weekend October 21-22 and That 50 Day on October 24th, and continuing through the year, SAS will celebrate our history our alumni and our future. You will hear more about it in the coming weeks. Plan to join the celebration by attending the many events planned throughout the year.
News Flash Contents
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Robert Gross Superintendent of Schools
Mark Boyer Asst. Superintendent Curriculum and Instruction
David Hoss Principal Primary School
Robert Godley Principal Middle School
Rhonda Norris Asst. Superintendent Business
Marian DeGroot Principal Intermediate School
Paul Chmelik Principal High School
We welcome input from the community associated with SAS Next Issue: October 12, 2005 Deadline: September 28, 2005 Email Community News Input to communications@sas.edu.sg Email Trading Post Input to trade@sas.edu.sg Trading Post advertising is restricted to noncommercial items only from SAS students, parents and staff
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S S U E
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Curriculum & Instruction
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Development
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Board of Governors
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PTA
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Boosters - Arts Council - SACAC
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Calendar Highlights
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SAS Counselors Meet in St.Louis
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Personal Accident Insurance
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Community Service
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Learning the Ropes
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High School Music Concert
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IASAS
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Community Library
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Supporting Gifted Students
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The American Spirit Quilt Project
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Bon Voyage en France!
Are You Receiving What’s Happening at SAS? We are sending all parents and guardians a regular weekly What’s Happening at SAS newsletter by email. If you have not been receiving the weekly email it probably means that we do not have your correct email address. Send us an email at communications@sas.edu.sg to let us know that you have not been hearing from us. We can add one or both parents emails to our distribution. The weekly What’s Happening at SAS will also be posted on the website at http://www.sas.edu.sg NEWSFLASH is published by the Communications Office of the Singapore American School. It is distributed free of charge to the parents, faculty members and organizations served by the school. Inquiries and comments should be addressed to:
COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE Singapore American School 40 Woodlands Street 41 Singapore 738547 Tel: 6360-6303 Editor: Ms Beth Gribbon Assistant: Ms Joey Lew Email: communications@sas.edu.sg SAS Home Page: http://www.sas.edu.sg
Curriculum & Instruction F ROM F OR
A SSIS TANT S UPERINTENDENT SSIST C URRICUL UM AND I NS TR UCTION URRICULUM NSTR TRUCTION
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Curriculum and Instruction Action Plans for 2005/2006
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s a school, we are committed to excellence in support of all students. It is because of this commitment that Singapore American School has articulated its three areas of primary focus known as “The Vital Few”: Academic Rigor Professional Excellence Extraordinary Care for the Welfare of Each Child
To support these three areas of focus, 15 areas (Action Plans) have been identified within Curriculum and Instruction activities for this year: 1) Provide implementation support for the new/refined curriculum for Visual and Performing Arts; 2) Provide implementation support for the new/refined curriculum for Computers, Business, and Technology; 3) Finalize the new/refined Social Studies curriculum and determine new resource purchases; 4) Finalize the new/refined Modern Language curriculum and determine new resource purchases; 5) Initiate a “Study Year” for Libraries; 6) Initiate a “Study Year” for Special Services; 7) Initiate a “Study Year” for Mathematics; 8) Initiate a “Study Year” for Counseling; 9) Support School Wide Goal #1:To provide effective and appropriate student support for reading, writing, and presentation skills within all classrooms and divisions; 10) Support School Wide Goal #2:To provide effective and appropriate student support in integrating the use of computers/technology within all classrooms and divisions; 11) Support School Wide Goal #3: To continue development of the Character Education Program; 12) Continue to review common assessments in grade levels and departments, and determine any necessary areas for improvement; 13) Continue to provide instructional/coaching support for teachers in classrooms and on division teams; 14) Continue to develop/refine quality units of instruction in Atlas (staff web-based system for posting and sharing classroom units) upon completion of each new curriculum adoption; 15) Continue to provide Professional Development opportunities that respond to the needs of school goals, curriculum, and staff. Various groups of teachers, administrators, parents, and external experts are involved in support of these efforts. It is because of the school’s commitment to a five-year cycle of
Curriculum Review and Renewal (the first eight areas listed above are this year’s phases of the cycle) and because of the highly reflective, collaborative, and dedicated actions within the school and community that Singapore American School is continuing to be recognized as a world-class leader in Curriculum. This is verified by schools throughout the region and world, but perhaps most significantly is verified by professional associations within each of our subject areas who are regularly involved in our external Curriculum Reviews. Our school’s Curriculum is transparently shared on the school’s web site (www.sas.edu.sg) under the “Teacher Button”. To support the match between the school’s Curriculum and what is actually taught within classrooms, teachers develop and share their Classroom Units on an internal system called Atlas. We are starting the second year of a five-year phase-in of all subject areas on Atlas. Staff who have been involved in these various phase-in processes at SAS have been consistently stellar in their commitment to quality teaching and learning within their classrooms and divisions. At this time 62 different areas of staff development have been established to support the 15 areas of the Strategic Plan above. Specific results of the year’s efforts within Curriculum and Instruction will be shared in upcoming issues of News Flash. One new area that we will be pursuing in September is focused on “The Vital Few” area of Extraordinary Care for the Welfare of Each Child. This new area will be an assessment of our middle school and high school students to determine the attitudes and behaviors that are contributing to success in school and life. The assessments are not scored by individual student, but rather are scored and reported as group reports for our middle school students and high school students. The data that we are then able to review will help us to better understand where our students show strength and resilience and also show where we might want to provide more student support in certain areas. The individual attention to student needs continues to be supported by our Counselors, Psychologists, and Staff. This profile, however, will give us more organizational direction as to where effort could be beneficial as a school. We anticipate that we will have the results of this assessment in January, and this will be shared in various public venues which will also include News Flash. I am personally excited about this school year, and always consider it an honor and a privilege to work with such a highly constructive and committed school community. Mark Boyer Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction
Development
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his past week, for the second time in three years, I went with one of my children as she enrolled as a freshman in college. This time, as I sat surrounded by a sea of expectant faces (students) and listeners with varying degrees of interest (parents), I found myself pondering schools: alumni offices and development in particular. This is not particularly surprising in as much as I surprised myself by agreeing to become Director of Development and Alumni Relations at Singapore American School shortly before I left for my summer holidays. Singapore American School now has a Development Office, and an Alumni Relations Office, and this year is launching its first Annual Fund and Endowment Drive. Why? What does this say about our school, its vision and future? Well, I can’t speak for others but I can speak for what this means to me, and why I took this job.
I have spent most of my life involved in education. My years as a stay-at-home mom were a conscious career choice. I am passionate about children and I am passionate about education. I believe that it is not enough to secure a good education for one’s own children. In order for my children and their children to live fulfilling, contented, useful lives, the community as a whole needs to be committed to excellence in education for all children. The time, effort and money spent in caring for and supporting our schools will be returned one hundredfold to our children and our grandchildren. Singapore American School is uniquely placed in today’s world. We have an alumni and student population which can reasonably be expected to produce leaders and innovators in the future. In their lives and education here in Singapore our students are being given a global perspective and international connections which will clearly serve them well in the future. The establishment of a development policy and a commitment to alumni relations indicates that SAS recognizes the importance of the school as a world class educational institution and underlines its desire to continue to support it’s students and alumni where ever they may be. In establishing an Annual Fund, the Board of Governors of our school seek your support and help in funding areas which lift SAS above other schools. Financial aid, community service, the visual and performing arts, athletics and special projects are all areas which will benefit from gifts to the Annual Fund. The Annual Fund will bring in speakers and visiting educators from around the world so that our children, situated in a small city in Southeast Asia, may nonetheless be exposed to the best the world has to offer. A portion of the money donated to the Annual Fund will be placed in an endowment account so that future generations may be ensured of the same benefits. The Alumni Association will help our alumni to strengthen bonds and make connections. It will also help our children keep in their lives some of the hope, energy and excitement of their years in Singapore. This holds true for all of our students, Pre-school through Grade 12, here for one year, two, five or fifteen; they are all part of Singapore American School, its past and future. SAS will launch its first Annual Fund Drive on October 24th, the 50th day of school in the 50th year of its operation. You will be hearing more about this and the many events which are part of our 50th Anniversary Celebration. I hope that you will find something to interest you and that you will choose to participate. More importantly, I hope that you will consider giving to the Annual Fund. My door in the Development Office is always open. I would love to meet you and explain more about what we are doing and how you can help. Please stop by any time to share your ideas, experiences and SAS connections.
Susan Murray Director of Development smurray@sas.edu.sg
Board of Governors A B OUT
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he Singapore American School Board of Governors is made up of 12 elected volunteers who serve three year terms and serve on a minimum of two Board committees. All Board members must be parents of current SAS students and members of the Trust. The Board operates through its working committees: Facilities, Finance, Curriculum, Trust, and Executive Compensation.
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More information about the SAS Board of Governors is available on the SAS Website: http://www.sas.edu.sg
A MERIC AN S C HOOL T R US T MERICAN UST
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he American School Trust Limited is the legal entity under which the Singapore American School operates. Members of the Trust participate in the governance of the School by electing twelve fellow Trust members to the Board of Governors, who oversee the operations of the School.
In order to vote at the Annual General Meeting of the Trust, to be held this year on October 25th, and to vote for candidates standing for election to the Board of Governors, you must be a member of the Trust. To become a member of the Trust, you must apply directly: membership is not automatic. However, families new to SAS are members of the Trust because the Student Admission Form now includes a section for Trust application. Any parent or legal guardian of an SAS student, or any employee of SAS is eligible, and is encouraged, to join the Trust. There is no fee to join the Trust. If you have not previously joined the American School Trust, or are unsure of whether or not you are a member, please call the Board Secretary Margaret Yeo at 6360-6314 for assistance.
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s part of the American School Trust’s Annual General Meeting, held this year at 7:00 pm, October 25th, Trust members will elect four Governors to the school’s 12-member Board of Governors by ballot.
The Board of Governors is charged with the responsibility of overseeing the operations of the school and providing guidance to the school’s administration. Each Governor is elected to a three-year term, and while obliged to retire after completing his or her term, a retiring Governor may choose to stand for re-election. Four Governors will be retiring at this year’s AGM. Trust members who wish to serve on the Board and stand for election will do so in the following manner: Each candidate must file a written statement of his or her intention to stand for election, supported by the signatures of 30 members in good standing of the Trust, by October 4th. Filings should be made with the Board Secretary, Margaret Yeo. Forms for this purpose are available from Margaret, who is located in the Central Administration Office and can be reached at 6360-6314. Margaret will be pleased to answer any questions on the electoral process. Candidates who would like to have biographical data and a photograph included in the school’s October monthly newsletter will also need to have this material submitted to Margaret by Tuesday, October 4th.
2005-2006 V E H I C LLE E P E RMI TS RMIT You must have a current 2005-2006 Vehicle Permit to drive your car onto the SAS campus. Permits are available at all Division offices and Central Administration and must be collected in person. Plan to get your permit the next time you are at SAS. 2004-2005 permits will no longer be valid after September 16.
PTA
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nce again, let me start this month’s letter by welcoming back all returning families and extending a warm welcome to those of you new to the Singapore American School. By the time you read this letter, we will all have settled into the new school year, and I hope that by now, everything is working into a very welcome routine. The school year started out with lots of individuals volunteering to support PTA Sales and the PTA Ice Cream Social. During pre-sale and the first week of school, volunteers sold over 4,000 Polo shirts, over 2,000 PE shorts and over 2,550 PE shirts. Thank you to all who helped by volunteering your support with both of these activities; your dedication is truly appreciated. In reviewing the September calendar, you will see another very busy month as parents will be invited to many functions from both SAS and the PTA. Please keep your schedule open for Back-to-School Nights, Division Coffees and many informational meetings that will be held for various committees. At this time of year there is a large volume of information that has and will come your way, so please stay involved to keep current on the life here at SAS. A great way to understand the activities in your child’s Division is to attend the monthly Division Coffees that start in September. During these coffees, news for each division will be provided and you will have the opportunity to meet school staff, counselors and administrators. Topics of interest to that Division will be addressed and you will have a chance to ask questions. Representatives from the PTA will also attend to meet you and provide information about up-coming events that we are sponsoring.
On Saturday, October 1st, the PTA is hosting the second annual Welcome Back Party. This casual event will be held poolside at the American Club, and provide everyone an opportunity to catch up with old friends and to make new acquaintances. You do not have to be a member of the American Club but you must RSVP to attend. RSVP no later than September 26 to caroline_faris@yahoo.com. Plan to come and enjoy the evening. For those of you who are ‘veterans’ here at SAS, please continue to show your support by volunteering your time to one of the many events or committees. For those of you who are new to SAS, I once again encourage you to get involved in the school and your child’s education by looking for ways to become involved with both SAS and the PTA. There is a multitude of ways to become involved, so please find your area of interest and make contact with a representative to find out how to help. Susan Fay PTA President
All SAS parents and faculty are cordially invited to attend the PT A PTA Welcome B ack P ar ty Back Par arty Satur day aturday October 1st 7:00pm — 10:00pm The American Club poolside Please join us for soft drinks, munchies, cash bar, DJ music and FUN! RSVP no later than SSeptember eptember 26th car oline_faris@yahoo.com caroline_faris@yahoo.com
Any questions?? Call Caroline Faris @ 9628-1411 or Karin Stolarski @ 9185-8720 You do not need to be an American Club member, but you must RSVP to attend! No Children Please!
Boosters - Arts Council SACAC The Singapore American School Arts Council is a volunteer organization of parents dedicated to promoting the arts. The Arts Council organizes and sponsors extracurricular student excursions to theater and music events in Singapore. In addition, the Arts Council organizes some of the after-school arts access programs. Arts Council volunteers are always ready to lend support to arts activities at school ranging from setting up art shows, helping with props and decorations, hosting after performance receptions, and providing special recognition for our talented performers. Bringing professional artists and performers to school to meet students and work with them is another Arts Council activity. The Arts Council always welcomes ideas and volunteers. Please join us in celebrating the arts. Contact Information Ann Lavin ... 6466-5997 ... lavinhq@hotmail.com
SACAC Counseling and Community Programs is a resource with a wide variety of services including, psychological counseling, workshops, a mental health library, community groups and more. The SACAC Counseling and Community Programs office is located at the American Club. For more information about their services email sacaccomprog@pacific.net.sg or call 67339249.
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About Boosters The Singapore American School Eagles Booster Club provides volunteer parental support to athletic, cultural, extracurricular and scholastic activities involving SAS high school students, and encourages awareness through involvement and communication. Membership is open to all parents and/or guardians of high school students attending the Singapore American School; and all other interested persons upon submission of a completed volunteer form. Booster volunteers sell uniforms and design specialty gift items; organize the Home Tour; assist with visual and performing arts productions; sponsor honor roll recognition events, awards evenings and the Senior Breakfast; award Interim Scholarships and Senior Spirit awards; sew costumes; hold bake sales and more. The activities involve a broad range of talents and time. For more information contact Booster President, Michelle Brunoehler, at sasboosters@yahoo.com or 9781-2582.
Parent Coffees Intermediate School – IS Library September 5 – 8:15 to 9:15am October 3 – 8:15 to 9:15am
SACAC Sports is a program for the local and expat community that offers various sports activities for kids ages 3 to 18. The SACAC Sports office is located at SAS in the high school on the 2nd level. For more information about their programs email sacac@sas.edu.sg or call 6363-6454. For more information about SACAC Visit our website http://www.sacac.com
Middle School – M301 September 5 – 10:00am October 3 – 10:00am High School – H301 September 12 – 10:00am Primary School – Elementary Theater October 10 – 8:30 to 9:30 am
Calendar Highlights
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7:00pm HS Back-To-School Night HS Student Council Retreat HS Interim Semester Booster, PTA, UPS Scholarships Open for Application HS Choral/Jass Band Exchanges in Singapore 12:30pm – 4:30pm HS SAT Preparation 5:00pm – 7:00pm Campus Mosquito Fogging 6:30pm – 8:30pm Presch/Pre-K Parent Night Open House 8:15am – 9:15am IS Parent Coffee 10:00am MS Parent Coffee (M301) 6:30pm – 8:30pm K, 1 & 2 Parent Night Open House 9:35am HS Sophomore Counselor Meeting (H301) IS Grade 3 Photo Day HS – Jostens on campus Terry Fox Run 7:00pm MS Back-To-School Night 9:35am HS – Junior PSAT/College Information IS Grade 4 Photo Day 6:00pm MS CWW Parent’s Night (Auditorium) 6:00pm MS Beginning Band Parents’ Night (Band Room) HS Peer Support Conference in Manila HS Deadline for Interim Semester Scholarship Application IS Grade 5 Photo Day 8:30am – 1:00pm International Coastal Clean-up (Mangroves) HS Dance/Soccer Exchanges in Jakarta HS Cross-Country/Volleyball Exchanges in Kuala Lumpur 5:00pm – 7:00pm Campus Mosquito Fogging MS Picture Taking Day Alternate Dress Day 10:00am Students’ Late Start No Morning Preschool Due to Late Start, Afternoon Preschool is in Session 10:00am HS PTA Coffee (H301) Kindergarten Photo Day 9:30am PTA Board Meeting (PTA Office) Alternate Dress Day MS Photo Taking Day MS 7 th and 8th Grade CWW (PM) PS Grade 1 Photo Day
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24 25 26-30 28-30 28 30
8:00am – 3:00pm HS Grade 9–11 Individual Yearbook Portraits HS Alternate Dress Day MS 6th, 7th & 8th Grade CWW PS Grade 2 Photo Day HS IASAS Leadership Conference in Kuala Lumpur Presch/Pre-K Photo Day 10:00am – 2:00pm HS Senior Portraits 12:30pm – 4:30pm HS SAT Preparation 5:00pm – 7:00pm Campus Mosquito Fogging PS/IS Photo Make-up Day 9:30am HS Announcement of Interim Semester Scholarship Winners HS College & Career day (H301) 10:00am – 11:00am HS College Fair MS Student Council Homebase Elections 9:30am HS Booster Club Meeting (H301) 5:00pm Activity Free Weekend (SACAC Activities Continue) 7:00pm – 8:00pm HS Interim Semester Parents Information Evening (Drama Theater) 6:30pm – 8:30pm MS “That Dance Thing” (7th Grade) American Club 7:30pm – 9:30pm MS “That Dance Thing” (8th Grade) American Club Activity Free Weekend (SACAC Activities Continue) No School For Students And Faculty 12:30pm – 4:30pm HS SAT Preparation 6:30pm – 8:30pm MS “That Dance Thing” (6th Grade) American Club 9:00am – 12:45pm HS SAT Preparation 12:30pm – 4:30pm HS SAT Preparation 5:00pm – 7:00pm Campus Mosquito Fogging MS Tabitha Sales IS/MS ITBS Testing Alternate Dress Day 3:05pm MS Student Council Meeting 7:00pm – 10:00pm HS Sadie Hawkins Dance 6:30pm – 8:30pm MS “That Dance Thing” (7th Grade) Hollandse Club 7:30pm – 9:30pm MS “That Dance Thing” (8th Grade)
October 2005 1 2 3
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7:00pm PTA Welcome Back Party HS Cross-Country Exchange in Jakarta 12:30pm – 4:30pm HS SAT Preparation 5:00pm – 7:00pm Campus Mosquito Fogging 8:15am – 9:15am IS Parent Coffee 10am MS Parent Coffee (M301) HS Interim Semester Grade 12 & 11 Signup IS/MS ITBS Make-up Testing 10:00am – 11:15am HS Launching Your Senior Parent Group (H301) ROSH HASHANAH HS Interim Semester Grade 10 Sign-up
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HS Interim Semester Grade 9 Sign-up Bintan Service Trip 9:15am – 10:00am PS UN Day HS Coffee House 5:00pm – 7:00pm Campus Mosquito Fogging 8:30am PS Parent Coffee 9:30am PTA Board Meeting (PTA Office) 10:00am – 11:15am HS Launching Your Senior Parent Group(H301) HS Student Council Spirit Day 2:25pm HS Pep Rally (Auditorium)
Counseling
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Singapore American School counselors Gwen Bergman, Dale Ford and Beth Kramer joined over 100 international high school counselors from 45 countries and 300 college and university admissions officers at Washington University in St. Louis in July for the Overseas Association for College Admission Counseling’s (OACAC) 12 th annual conference. Each year this conference brings together professionals from around the world to network, pick up new ideas and discuss the latest issues concerning college admission for students from international schools.
Singapore American School Counselors From Left: Dale Ford, Gwen Bergman, Beth Kramer
Frank Saachs, President of the US based National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC) spoke at the opening session and presented a plaque to OACAC Past President and SAS Counselor, Dale Ford, on behalf of NACAC. During the course of this two day conference, attendees could choose among over forty different workshops. Two workshops featured SAS counselors. Dale Ford was a panelist for a session entitled “High School: Visits Strategies for Success” and Gwen Bergman was the moderator for a session on “The Sandwich Generation.” According to Dale Ford, who coordinated last year’s conference at the University of Toronto, “The ability to talk at length with the admission officers who read our students’ applications and to exchange information with other international counselors is invaluable.” The mission of the Overseas Association for College Admission Counseling is to facilitate global interaction among counselors and institutions in support of students in their transition from secondary to higher education. Dale Ford will serve on the OACAC Executive Board this year as the Past President.
P E R SON A L A C CIDE N T I NSUR ANCE SONA CIDEN NSURANCE the Admissions office, the nurses’ Singapore American School (SAS) It is the responsibility of parents offices, or the high school activities/ maintains insurance for customary to provide medical and accident insurable risks including athletics office. The completed insurances as well as personal application and premium payments comprehensive liability and property insurance for their chilmust be submitted directly to ACE and coverage for school property. SAS dren and their possessions. — Singapore American School does not carry medical coverage the policy will be an individual policy for students. It is the responsibility between your family and ACE. Contact of parents to provide medical and information for ACE and the servicing accident insurance as well as personal property broker can be found on the back of the enrollment insurance for their children and their possessions. forms. Families in need of a personal accident policy for your child and/or family with limited medical coverage may want to consider an individual policy through ACE. Applications for a policy with ACE can be obtained from
Please note that this is an option for your consideration and there is no obligation or requirement on your part to contact ACE to purchase this policy or any other accident policy.
Community Service
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A BOSOL UTE LY F A B UL O U S D INNE R BOSOLU EL BU LO INNER D ANCE — A H I T !!
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Contributed by Judy Havens Photos by Kirk Palmer
SAS Teachers Raise $10,000 for Woodlands Service Organization The Absolutely Fabulous Dinner and Dance III held the evening of April 23rd successfully raised money for the Adventist Rehabilitation Center in Woodlands. The annual event, organized by SAS teachers Judy Havens, Bob Havens, Jim Diebley, Kristi Diebley, Kirk Palmer and John Kennedy, supports this local Woodlands community service organization by providing additional aid for day patients and their therapy. The dinner dance started as an idea to host a formal evening occasion of dinner, dancing and, of course, lucky draws as well as provide an opportunity for our SAS community to contribute to a worthy cause. Combining a charity event with a fun evening of fine food and entertainment has proven successful for the third time. The support of the SAS faculty and other community members through their attendance and participation is complemented by the generous donations of many merchants familiar to the expatriate community. With their help the following merchants made the event a huge success: American Club, Sofitel Palm Resort (JB, Malaysia), Eastern Carpets Fashion Tailors Menswear Pte Ltd., Subway SAS, Shang Antique and Craft, Swan Jewelry, Jody’s Tailoring, Nail Room, Facial Attractions, Hoe Brothers Catering Services, Framing Angie, Paris Silk, Tec Drone, Bobby Rubino’s, Paulaner Brauhaus, Pacific Peddler, Double Luck, Red Sea Gallery, Maggie Traynor, Wala Wala and Larry and Betty Lee Jewelers. In addition several SAS faculty members made personal donations beyond the purchase of a ticket. This event has raised nearly $10,000 over three years. Absolutely Fabulous Dinner and Dance IV is planned for early March, 2006.
E X T EEN NDE D D A Y M ODE R N L ANGU AG E P R O G R AM ED ODER ANGUA RA Singapore American School brings you another enrichment opportunity for your children through the Extended Day Modern Language Program. Classes will be available in Mandarin, French, Spanish & Korean for Elementary students. • 3 Sessions running from October to May • Tuesdays and/or Thursdays • 3:15 pm – 4:15 pm • Grade appropriate levels: Level A for KG – Gr. 2, Level B for Gr. 3 - 5 • Professional and experienced teachers The EDMLP provides an opportunity for your child to experience learning a second language in an activity-based curriculum. Students will be engaged in activities that are rich in visual cues and focus on developing communicative enjoyment and confidence. Students are encouraged to participate for the entire three sessions to get maximum benefit from the program. Registration for Session One closes on 22 September 2005. Class sizes are limited and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information you can visit the EDMLP website at http://www.sas.edu.sg/easa/ or contact the EASA office at 63606283.
Faculty
11 N O T J UST H ANGING A R OUND ! New SAS teachers learn the ropes. During the two weeks before the start of school, when students were still enjoying the final days of their summer holiday break, SAS teachers were busy setting up classrooms, finalizing lesson plans and getting ready for students to arrive for the first day of classes. New teachers also took time to learn about some of the facilities, special courses and curriculum that they may not be familiar with from their previous teaching experience. One of the more exciting and relatively new facilities at SAS is the High Ropes Course. It was new to SAS last year; build as a part to the newly completed expansion and renovation project. Last year some of our physical education teachers were trained by certified instructors brought in from outside the school. This year, these veteran teachers spent the day teaching others how to navigate through the ropes course so that they can safely teach SAS students. SAS teachers Kim Criens, Ursula Pong, Nat Bava, Heather Rodocker, Suzy Carter, Annika Ferrell, Audrey Forgeron, Keith Hynes, Steve Betts, Peter Cuthbert, Frans Grimbergen, Catherine Parent, Cary Greegor, Sue Calvert, Lyndel Hardy, Craig Karnatz, Brian Mutschler, Chuck Shriner, Tracy Van Der Linden were guided through the high ropes course by veteran PE teachers Tim Thompson and Ilse Veenbaas. The high ropes course is used in the middle school and high school as a part of the physical education curriculum, and as an after school activity. If you are new to SAS or have never seen the high ropes course, you will find it on the hillside directly behind the stadium field.
H I G H SC H O O L M USIC C ONCE RT OO ONCER — S AT U R D AY , S E P T E MBE R 3 RD EMBE MBER The SAS High School Music Department will host its first annual music exchange involving the jazz ensembles from SAS, ISKL, JIS and UWC as well as the choirs from SAS and ISKL on September 2-3, 2005. All four schools will all take part in morning workshops taught by local jazz musicians. In the afternoon there will be an informal big band concert at SAS followed by a trip to Jazz@Southbridge on Boat Quay where the students will have an opportunity to jam onstage with their classmates or with the house band (featuring SAS alum Aya Sekine on piano.) The Choral segment of the exchange will consist of en masse rehearsals and fun activities planned by the choir officers from both schools. Please join us on Saturday, September 3 for a Jazz Band Concert, at 2:45 pm in the Auditorium and for a Choir Concert at 7:00pm in the Drama Theater.
IASAS
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I T’ S
NOT JUST ABOU T SPOR TS SPORT
As early as the first day of school, SAS high school students turned out after school to tryout for first season Varsity and JV sports teams, including Cross-Country, Soccer and Volleyball. With teams selected by the end of the first week of school, practice began in earnest. Sports exchanges are planned for early September making it important for the teams to be in good shape to compete very early in the season. SAS soccer teams will travel to Jakarta International School and Volleyball and Cross-Country to International School of Kuala Lumpur to compete in exchanges on September 10 th. The season culminates in the IASAS tournament October 13th to 15th. This year SAS will host the IASAS Soccer tournament. Volleyball and CrossCountry teams will travel to International School of Bangkok to compete. IASAS (Interscholastic Association of Southeast Asia Schools) was formed in 1982 and consists of six international schools: Singapore American School, International School of Bangkok, Jakarta International School, International School of Kuala Lumpur, International School of Manila and Taipei American School. SAS athletics rotate through a cycle of three sports seasons, each culminating in a multi-school competition. Throughout the association’s 23-year history each IASAS championship has been the ultimate event for which every SAS varsity athlete strives to excel. However, IASAS encompasses more than sports competitions. IASAS Cultural Convention brings together students from the IASAS schools in Forensics, Debate, Dance, Drama, Music and Art. While Forensics and Debate are competitive, the Dance, Drama, Music and Art exchanges are showcases of the best student work, in which students share their talents, participate in workshops, and receive constructive feedback from adjudicators. SAS dancers will participate in the first Cultural exchange at Jakarta International School on September 10th. Cultural Convention will be held in March 2006. IASAS Model United Nations (MUN) including IASAS schools as well as 12 other schools from as far away as Japan and India will be held in November. Competition for the IASAS Math team will be held in February. One thing that continues to motivate the top athletes, visual and performing artists, speakers, and debaters at Singapore American School is the prospect of participating in an IASAS championship or convention. High school sports and cultural events are hosted at SAS throughout the year. To find out more, check the high school website at http://www.hseagle.sas.edu.sg or call the high school Athletics and Activities office at 636-6597.
Special Highlights
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C OMMUNI T Y L IBR AR Y OMMUNIT IBRA RY Resource for Parenting and Special Learning Needs A Community Library that was established last year as a resource for parents and others in the community. The new library, located within the SAS Middle School Library, serves as a Resource Center for information on parenting, healthcare and nutritional issues, and special learning needs. The library is also intended to provide a comfortable place for parents to gather and to meet other parents with similar interests. Bulletin Boards have been installed for parents to let each other know of any special interest groups, resources or meetings on parenting or special needs topics. Betsy Chmelik, the Middle School Librarian, manages the Community Library and would like to hear of particular parent interests as the library expands. She welcomes input from anyone in the community that may be able to suggest books and periodicals that they have found helpful. The Community Library is located on your immediate right as you enter the Middle School Library.
S UPPOR TING GI F T E D ST U D E NTS UPPORT ED EN Throughout the school year the SAS Office of Curriculum will make a few presenters available to parents who are also providing instructional support for staff. The first guest presenter for this school year is Dr. Susan Baum. Dr. Susan Baum will be providing two weekends (August 27, 28, September 3, 4) of instruction for staff on the topic: “Supporting the Needs of Gifted Students”. As support for our parent community, Dr. Susan Baum will provide a special presentation on Monday, September 5, 7:00-8:30pm in Room M301 (third floor of middle school) on the topic: “Meeting the Needs of Your Gifted Child”. Light refreshments will be available at 6:30 pm. Please call Suri in the SAS Curriculum Office at 6360-6305 or email Suri@sas.edu.sg to indicate your interest in attending this special parent presentation. Dr. Susan Baum is a leading expert in the field of gifted education. She is currently a Professor in the Graduate School at the College of New Rochelle and serves as Director of Master’s Degree programs in childhood education and education of the gifted and talented. Dr. Baum has contributed to more than 50 publications, participated in numerous research projects, served as a conference presenter or keynote at 100+ conferences, frequently served as a consultant for schools, and has been the recipient of numerous awards and areas of recognition.
Special Highlights
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T H E A M EER RI C A N SP I R T P R OJECT CA RII T Q U I L LT This quilt made in 2002 by Jane Dodge’s third grade class was part of a collection of quilts called The American Spirit Quilt Project. These 12 quilts from the United States and Singapore were original designs which expressed the American spirit and the resiliency of the American people in the face of the tragedies of September 11, 2001, as well as celebrated the diversity and hopes for peace among all people. These quilts toured the United States for three years from 2002 until September 2005, covering more than 54,960 miles! The quilt is now on display in Central Administration on the second level. Twenty-two third grade students from Jane Dodge’s third grade class designed this quilt to celebrate peace in the world. Surrounding the peace sign in the center are flags of the nationalities of the students in the class, many of whom are dual passport holders. The outside is bordered by their self-portraits. They describe the peace sign as “the most beautiful in the world” and hope that love will triumph over hatred. For more information on the project, you may check the web site: http://www.kirkcollection.com/quiltheritage/americanspiritmain.asp
Hanna Helm, Avery Lim, April Hand, Christy Luong, Irene Tung and Ta-Wei Lin, SAS students that made the quilt in 2002, are still enrolled at SAS and are currently in the 7th grade.
Special Highlights B O N V O YA G E
EN By Christina Popowski
F R ANCE !
Thirteen SAS students began their summer break this year with a 10-day trip to France. They were accompanied by their teachers MS French teacher, Karen McDowell and HS French teacher, Christina Popowski. The first 7 days of the trip were spent in the picturesque Atlantic seaside town of Biarritz where students stayed with local families and were immersed in the French language and local Basque culture. Mornings were spent perfecting one’s French at a local language school and each afternoon student engaged in hands-on activities in which they had to apply their French. In general the students enjoyed their home stays and most agreed that they had truly benefited from the experience. According to freshman, Emma Sheldon, “The home stay was the best possible way for me to learn French better, because our host parents didn’t speak any English. This forced me to speak French all the time.” Another student, freshman, Emily Brotman also enjoyed her home stay experience but added that the home stay taught her common expressions that “actual” French people use but aren’t necessarily taught in textbooks or French class.“It’s good to know these kinds of words and phrases because they help you sound more natural when you are speaking with a native French speaker.” While staying with their host families, students were able to experience French culture first hand. Students learned how “close knit” French families are; how “cool” French teenagers are and that they also watch the television shows Friends, CSI and Charmed; all dubbed into French of course. The home stay also gave students the opportunity to experience what a typical French family eats at home. One student commented that his home stay experience taught him that the French “eat a ton of cheese.” Another two students will never forget the word for pasta in French (pâtes), because they found themselves in a situation in which they had to warn the family about a pot, overflowing with pasta, which has been left to boil on the stove. (Unfortunately the students couldn’t figure out how to turn off the stove.) The small town atmosphere of Biarritz ensured a comfortable opportunity for students to “absorb” everyday life in a French town before heading to the much larger and faster paced city of Paris. Sophomore, Daksha Rajagopalan, commented that she really liked the laidback French way of life that she was able to observe while staying with her host family in Biarritz. She also found the locals to be very friendly, something she wasn’t expecting. The last 3 days of the trip were spent in Paris where students experienced the famous sights, neighborhoods and museums of the most visited city in the world. The two French teachers were most eager to share their long list of favorite sights in Paris. These included, among others, the Eiffel Tower, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Orsay Art Museum, the Champs-Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe, the Montmartre quarter, the famous Opera House where the musical “Phantom of the Opera” takes place and the Luxembourg Gardens. Students also enjoyed an excellent guided tour of the Louvre Museum and a very animated guided tour of the Marais quarter. Students traveled all around Paris using the Métro as their means of transport but they also did their fair share of walking. Freshman, Christopher Jackson liked this aspect of the trip because it “gave us a chance to travel like the locals.” Looking back, all of the participants of this year’s trip to France, chaperones included, had many meaningful experiences. Everyone came away with great memories, as well as a new respect for French culture, cuisine and history. Best of all and much to the delight of Ms. McDowell and Ms. Popowski, all returned to Singapore with a renewed desire to keep learning French!
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