2016 Annual Report by The International School of Minnesota

Annual Report 2015 â&#x20AC;¢ 2016

Mission Statement: The International School of Minnesota (ISM) is recognized as a provider of top-quality education to a highly diverse student body. ISM prepares all students for success in college, equips them with the ability and desire for lifelong learning, and strengthens their civic, ethical, and moral values. ISM maintains high standards of efficiency and accountability throughout its organization.

Give them the world. 2

Table of Contents 4 5 6 6 7 8 9

Letter from the SABIS® President Letter from the ISM School Director The ISM Parent Connection 2016 Parent Survey Results The ISM Community School Profile 2016 ISM Graduating Class

10 Academics 12 SABIS® Student Life Organization at ISM 14 Athletics 15 Clubs 16 The Performing and Visual Arts 18 World Languages 19 The ISM Residence Hall

2015-2016 Awards and Distinctions ACADEMICS • Named #1 Most Challenging Private School in Minnesota by The Washington Post • 2016 graduating seniors earned over $660,000 in scholarships • National Merit Finalists (3) • “Le Grand Concours” National French Contest - Gold (4); Silver (8); Bronze (5) • “A Vous la Parole” French Speaking Contest – 1st (8); 2nd (2); 3rd (9) • National Spanish Exam: Gold (7); Silver (4); Bronze (2); Honor (3) ATHLETICS, CLUBS, AND PERFORMING ARTS • Girls soccer team placed 2nd in conference • Boys basketball placed 2nd in conference • Track and field individual state champion 110M and 300M hurdles • FIRST Robotics state qualifier • Destination Imagination state qualifiers and Distinguished Leadership Award • Hennepin Theatre Trust Spotlight Award winners • Minnesota State High School League Solo and Ensemble Contest Superior Rating SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY • 75 ISM students invited to attend WE Day 2015 in recognition of social responsibility efforts • ISM students collected 2,618 pounds of food and packed 75,000 meals throughout the year • Students raised $10,342 to donate to Free The Children and a village in the Dominican Republic 3

Letter from the SABIS® President A solid education today is seen as the gateway to the future, opening doors of opportunity to individuals who possess a strong foundation of knowledge, enthusiasm for lifelong learning, and the ability to effectively apply life skills in new situations and environments. Reflecting on the components of a solid education, I am proud to say that this is precisely what ISM has been delivering to students for more than three decades. Committed to developing a strong foundation of knowledge for every student, ISM has set a high bar for academic performance in the Twin Cities area. Through the implementation of the SABIS® Educational SystemTM, the learning process for every student is reinforced using a carefully-structured, international curriculum; technology; and frequent assessment that helps pinpoint students’ needs and prepare them for the future. Positioned for success, ISM students have built a long track record of success on several levels – academics, the arts, sports, and activities – and have gained access to top universities in the U.S. and around the world. While a strong academic foundation is the cornerstone for success, academics are only one aspect of the solid education that ISM delivers. ISM nurtures students to be well-rounded individuals who possess the life skills needed to succeed in the future. ISM students develop skills in critical thinking, creativity, leadership, diplomacy, and collaboration, to name a few, through active engagement in the SABIS Student Life Organization® at the school. ISM students develop a strong sense of compassion and community conscientiousness through meaningful community service projects. And through well-organized sports, clubs, and activities and an impressive fine arts program, ISM students have opportunities to explore and expand their interests, helping them to identify and further realize their full potential. I know I am speaking on behalf of everyone at ISM – faculty, staff, and administration – when I say that we are very proud of the school’s successes and are looking forward to continuing to help generations of ISM students achieve their full potential. I invite you to read this 2015-16 ISM Annual Report to learn more about all the ways in which ISM provides a world-class education, and as always, I thank you for entrusting us with your child’s education.

Carl Bistany SABIS® President

Letter from the ISM School Director In celebrating the impressive accomplishments and successes of our students, staff, and families during ISM’s 30th anniversary year, we are thrilled to share the 2015-16 Annual Report with ISM stakeholders and the broader community. Upon review of the Annual Report, you will see that ISM has had another successful year. Our senior class earned impressive college acceptances, and students at all levels earned outstanding external exam results. ISM once again received state and national recognition as one of America’s most challenging high schools on The Washington Post’s Challenge Index, and our students’ commitment to local and global community service through the SABIS Student Life Organization® soared to great heights. Also contributing to our success were the great achievements of the World Language Department with Spanish students wowing on the National Spanish Exam, French students excelling on the “Grand Concourse” and “A Vous La Parole” and AP® Chinese students earning a 4.6 out of 5 on the challenging AP® exam. Success also characterized the ISM athletics program this year. Both girls’ soccer and boys’ basketball teams placed second in the conference and ISM junior, Ethan Dahlen, put ISM on the list of state champions when he competed in the 110M hurdles and the 300M hurdles at the Minnesota Class A State Track and Field meet. ISM continued to excel in club and activity competition as well as in the performing arts. ISM’s First Robotics and Destination Imagination (DI) teams were state qualifiers in 2016. ISM junior, Bryan Gratz, earned DI’s Distinguished Leadership Award. Three members of ISM’s math team were invited to participate on the All-State Team after finishing fourth in the Canterbury Division of the Minnesota State High School Math League. And ISM’s Performing Arts Department continued to impress audiences with the dynamic repertoire of outstanding performing arts events, leading to Hennepin Theatre Trust Spotlight Award winners and superior ratings in Minnesota State High School League Solo and Ensemble Contest. All of these accomplishments are the result of the hard work and dedication of the entire ISM community including students, staff, and parents/guardians. Many thanks to ISM families for your support and commitment to quality education. And thanks to ISM faculty and staff for continuing to provide our students with a world-class education. With Kind Regards, Christi Seiple-Cole ISM Director

Parent Connection Supported Programs and Events:

International Food Court Class Parties Cultural Winter Market Staff Appreciation Luncheon Winter Warm-Up Graduation Stoles Accelerated Reader Book Blast Art Adventures Program Yard Sale to Benefit ISM Clubs Night at the Museum Gala Fund-raising Event

“I just love the way kids break into groups to discuss concepts and confirm each other’s comprehension – so empowering.” –ISM Parent

The ISM Parent Connection The ISM Parent Connection is a non-profit volunteer organization committed to providing enrichment for students, parent/ guardian volunteer support, and facilitating communication and social interaction among parents, guardians, students, administration, and staff at ISM. During the 2015-16 school year, the ISM Parent Connection held its annual event “Night at the Museum” at the Bakken Museum. Parents, guardians, and staff enjoyed a delicious meal and explored the museum. The evening also marked the close of the annual fundraiser in the form of an online silent auction. ISM Parent Connection meetings occur monthly during the academic year. These meetings are held to inform the parent community about the programs supported by the Parent Connection, to learn about upcoming school events, and to connect with other parents. Parents can choose their level of involvement to match their interests and availability. Parents have many opportunities to get involved at ISM and support both academic and extra-curricular enrichment programs. Parent volunteers assist with Art Adventure in the classrooms, class parties, planning school-wide events, staff appreciation activities, and much more.

2016 Parent Survey Results In our ongoing effort to continuously improve and never become complacent, SABIS® surveys all ISM parents and requests their feedback on areas critical to the school and their child’s experience.

Agree

ISM has high expectations for my child’s learning.

98%

ISM motivates my child to learn. 89% Teachers at ISM help my child work toward achieving his/her full potential.

94%

My child’s school makes sure that classrooms and school grounds are safe.

89%

The SABIS Student Life Organization® contributes to a positive school environment.

89%

ISM keeps me well informed about my child’s academic performance, behavior issues, and attendance.

91%

ISM keeps me informed about school news and activities.

90%

WebSchool helps keep me informed about my child’s academic performance, behavior issues, and attendance. 91% My child looks forward to going to school. 90% The ISM staff actively and effectively reinforces moral, ethical, and civic values.

96%

I am satisfied with ISM’s Extended Day/After School Activities/Extracurricular Activities.

81%

Overall, I am satisfied with the quality of education my child is receiving.

71%

The ISM Community Algeria

Australia

Azerbaijan

Belgium

Brazil

Bulgaria

Cambodia

Canada

China

Gambia

Germany

Greece

India

Iran

Italy

Japan

Lebanon

Mexico

Nigeria

Sierra Leone

Singapore

Somalia

South Korea

Spain

Sudan

Sweden

Switzerland

Taiwan

Thailand

Columbia

Czech Republic

Dakota

Denmark

Egypt

France

Norway

Pakistan

Peru

Philippines

Romania

Russia

Turkey

Ukraine

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

United States

Vietnam

Cuba

The International School of Minnesota values cultural diversity and inclusion and offers students unparalleled opportunities to share and expand global experiences. Our student body represents over 45 countries and 30 languages. Our closeknit community values this distinction and enjoys building global friendships as demonstrated by participation in annual international events such as International Day, the Winter Market, and Chinese New Year.

ISM trips are planned each year to allow students to explore In September, participants at ISM’s International Day visited country exhibits to view student projects, participate in activities, sample food, and enjoy a scavenger hunt. Concerts and performances took place throughout the day language and culture firsthand. with songs, dances, and instruments representing this year’s focus nations: Canada, Peru, Switzerland, Greece, During the 2015-16 school year South Africa, Japan, and Australia. In the Global Village International Food Court, the ISM Parent Connection served foods that are native to each country. The day also included a parade of nations with families dressed in students travelled to France, Spain, traditional costumes. England, Taiwan, Japan, and the Dominican Republic. In December, families were invited to travel to Russia for ISM’s 12th Annual Winter Market. Visitors learned about the many different cultures that have influenced the traditions of people of Russia with authentic cuisine, dancing, games, and crafts.

Each year, ISM celebrates Chinese New Year with a talent show and fashion parade, showcasing our students’ amazing skills and traditional costumes.

School Profile The International School of Minnesota is a proud member of the SABIS® Network, recognized for its proven educational system which is implemented in schools around the world. In the spirit of inclusion, and also because we believe our system of learning can help students at all levels achieve academic mastery, our admissions policy is not exclusive. Teaching Staff: ISM teachers are specialists in their respective fields, with degrees in the subject area/areas of expertise. The teaching staff at ISM includes three AP® Readers for the College Board’s Advanced Placement tests. World language teachers are native speakers or of equivalent fluency. World Languages: All ISM students have daily instruction in Chinese, French, or Spanish. Residence Hall: The ISM Residence Hall offers students the opportunity to experience living on campus. The state-of-the-art residence hall offers a modern, comfortable, and welcoming environment for students who live on campus during the academic year. Athletics: Basketball, soccer, track & field, volleyball, baseball, cross country, ultimate frisbee, golf lessons, and racket sports Clubs, Teams, and Leagues: Math League, Husky Snow Club, Foxjets Club Swimming, Robotics, Debate, Mock Trial, and Destination Imagination The Arts: Studio Art and Performing Arts including: Concert Choir, Show Choir, Jazz Ensemble, Festival Band, Festival Strings, Symphonic Strings, Symphonic Band, Show Choir Band, Theater Workshop, and Drama SABIS® Technology: ISM uses technology in the most meaningful manner in order to enhance the learning process.. ISM uses proprietary Integrated Testing and Learning (ITL®) facilities to assess students’ progress and to aid in re-teaching concepts. Interactive White Boards utilize ISM-specific, SABIS®generated curricula, lesson plans, and instructional content. Mobile language lab tablets are used to deliver world language curriculum. At the heart of ISM’s academic quality assurance processes is the SABIS® School Management System (SSMS). The SSMS powers the school’s data-driven decisionmaking process. Our WebSchool tool keeps parents informed of their child’s academic progress,assignments, grades, volunteer activities, and more. Summer Programs: The ISM Summer Adventure Camp is offered annually at ISM for children from age three and a half through those entering eighth grade, including a Counselor-in-Training program for our older campers. Campers from ISM and the extended community enjoy camp programs including daily world language lessons. Summer enrichment classes include Photoshop, video editing, math and English boosters, and more for Upper School students. Extended Day: ISM offers a wide range of enriching and engaging after-school, extended day activities to students in Preschool through Grade 5. Classes include swimming, karate, yoga, music, dance, and crafts. Private music lessons are also offered through our Music Conservatory. Campus: ISM is situated on a stunning 55-acre campus adjacent to Bryant Lake. The campus includes a 32-bedroom residence hall, woods, trails, track and field, and indoor pool.

2016 ISM Graduating Class Scholarships and Awards Ethel Curry American Indian Scholarship Hamline Achievement Award Hamline Recognition Award Hamline Writing Scholarship Loyola University Dean’s Scholarship

National Merit Scholarship Pacific Lutheran Harp Scholarship Pacific Lutheran Merit Scholarship St. Olaf Service Leadership Award University at Buffalo Institutional Scholarship

Carlson School of Management Scholarship University of Minnesota Presidential Scholarship University of St. Catherine Scholarship University of Washington Purple and Gold Scholarship Wells Fargo Scholarship

The ISM Class of 2016 was awarded over $660,000 in scholarships.

Class of 2016 College Acceptances American University Amherst College Arizona State University* Auburn University Augsburg College Beloit College Benedictine College Boston University* Brown University* Buffalo State College of SUNY Butler University California State University, East Bay California State University, Long Beach California State University, Los Angeles Carleton College Coe College College of Charleston College of St. Scholastica Colorado State University Columbia University* Concordia University at St. Paul Denison University DePaul University Dickinson College Drake University

Durham University* Florida State University Fordham University Franklin and Marshall College Grinnell College Hamline University Indiana University at Bloomington Iowa State University Lawrence University Laboratory Institute of Merchandising College Loyola University Chicago Luther College Marquette University Miami University, Oxford Michigan State University* New College of Florida New York University* North Carolina State University North Dakota State University Northeastern University Pacific Lutheran University Pennsylvania State University* Pratt Institute Purdue University* Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Rutgers University - New Brunswick* School of Visual Arts Seton Hall University South Dakota State University St. Catherine University - St. Paul St. Olaf College Stephens College Stony Brook University Swarthmore College Syracuse University Texas Christian University The College of Wooster The George Washington University Ohio State University* University of Arizona* The University of Iowa University at Buffalo The State University of New York University of Bristol* University of Cambridge* University of Central Florida University of Colorado at Boulder* University of Colorado at Denver University of Connecticut University of Denver

* World’s Top 200 Universities as reported in the U.K. Times Educational Supplement, 2016

Class of 2016 Majors Applied Health Sciences Business (4) Communication Studies Computer Science Criminology/Pre-law

Economics Education Engineering (6) Environmental Science Fine Arts

University of Florida* University of Kansas University of Maine University of Manchester* University of Maryland, College Park* University of Massachusetts, Boston* University of Miami* University of Minnesota, Duluth University of Minnesota, Morris University of Minnesota, Twin Cities* University of Missouri, Columbia University of New Hampshire at Durham University of North Carolina at Pembroke University of Puget Sound University of San Francisco University of Southern California* University of St. Thomas University of Tulsa University of Washington* University of Wisconsin, Madison* University of Wisconsin, Parkside Washington University in St. Louis* Willamette University Wofford College

Management Marketing and Women’s Studies Marketing and Finance Mathematics Native American Studies

Nursing Physics Psychology and Asian Studies Science and Economics Theater

Academics ISM offers students a rigorous and challenging academic program that gives them a strong academic foundation and prepares them to perform well on external examinations. At the start of the 2015 school 2016 ACT® Aspire Scores year, ISM chose to administer Science 10 the ACT Aspire® in grades 3-10. Science 9 The baseline data in the first Science 8 Science 7 year of administering the test Science 6 indicates strong academic subject Science 5 proficiency for ISM students in all Science 4 grade levels. Science 3 The ACT Aspire assessment: • Is linked to ACT College Readiness Benchmarks and aligned with the Common Core State Standards ®

• Identifies a student’s predicted path through individualized reporting • Highlights gaps between what students have learned and what they need to learn and uses robust online reporting that enables timely intervention strategies • Familiarizes students with the format and structure of the American College Test (ACT®) • Provides students in the Upper School with a predicted score for the ACT

Math 10 Math 9 Math 8 Math 7 Math 6 Math 5 Math 4 Math 3 Writing 10 Writing 9 Writing 8 Writing 7 Writing 6 Writing 5 Writing 4 Writing 3 Reading 10 Reading 9 Reading 8 Reading 7 Reading 6 Reading 5 Reading 4 Reading 3 English 10 English 9 English 8 English 7 English 6 English 5 English 4 English 3

2016 ISM Graduates - ACT® Averages

2016 ISM Graduates - SAT®Averages (One ISM student scored 800 out of a maximum score of 800)

(ISM average score was 30, with a high score of 35 out of 36) 35

800

700

ISM 6 or more years

Minnesota

Reading

500

Math

400

National

5 0

600

Writing

300 200

ISM

6 or more years

Minnesota

National

100 0

The ACT® is America’s most widely accepted college entrance exam. It assesses high school students’ general education development and their ability to complete college-level work. ISM students’ performances on the ACT far exceeded state and national scores with several ISM students scoring 35 out of 36.

ISM

6 or more years

Minnesota

National

The SAT® and SAT Subject Tests are a suite of tests designed to assess students’ academic readiness for college. Exams are designed to keep pace with what colleges are looking for today, measuring the skills required for success in the 21st century. ISM students significantly outperformed state and national averages in all three areas of the test with one ISM student achieving a perfect score of 800.

50 ISM

100

150

National

Advanced Placement ® (AP ® )

3 Year AP Results - Percentage of Students Scoring 3s, 4s and 5s

ISM offers AP courses in a wide range of subject areas. With 19 AP courses currently available to our Upper School students, we offer more AP learning opportunities than any other area private school. On average, ISM students complete seven AP courses by the time they graduate. While global and state averages for students scoring 3 and above on AP exams are in the 60s, 89 percent of ISM students earned the top scores in 2016. (See graph.) Fifty (50) percent of ISM students taking AP exams earned AP Scholar® recognition.

Advanced Placement Classes at ISM

80 70

66 61

60 % of Total AP Students

The AP examinations are administered in May and represent the culmination of college level work in a given discipline in a secondary school setting. Rigorously developed by The College Board, the AP exams test students’ abilities to perform at a college level. Three ISM teachers are distinguished as AP Readers in AP Chinese Language and Culture, AP Spanish Language and Culture, and AP Human Geography.

93 90

66 61

50 40 30 20 10 0

Art History Biology Calculus AB Calculus BC Chinese Language & Culture Computer Science A English Language & Composition

English Literature & Composition European History French Language & Culture Government & Politics: United States Human Geography Music Theory Physics B

Physics C Spanish Language Spanish Literature & Culture Statistics Studio Art: Drawing

2014

2015

2016

The International School of Minnesota Minnesota Global

ISM 2016 AP Scholars*

13 AP Scholars 5 AP Scholars with Honor 9 AP Scholars with Distinction 3 National AP Scholars • • • •

AP Scholars - Granted to students earning 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams AP Scholars with Honor - Granted to students earning an average of 3.25 on all AP Exams taken and a 4 or higher on four or more of these exams AP Scholars with Distinction - Granted to students earning an average of 3.50 on all AP exams taken and a 4 or higher on five or more of these exams • National AP Scholar - Granted to students earning an average of at least 4.0 on all AP exams taken and a 4 or higher on eight or more

SABIS Student Life Organization® at ISM THE MANAGEMENT TEAM The ISM SLO® team continued to work together under the leadership of the Head Prefect and deputy head prefects. They had a productive year with the help and dedication of the entire team. THE ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT Students continued to get involved in the Academic Department as Shadow Teachers®, peer tutors, and prefects developing new skills and abilities. In collaboration with the Academic Quality Controllers (AQCs) and teachers, the academic support system coordinated by this department gave the opportunity to each ISM student to reach their full academic potential and succeed. The team was also able to create an honor roll board where students’ achievements are displayed based on their academic standing, reinforcing the importance of academics within the SABIS® Network. THE DISCIPLINE DEPARTMENT Once again this year, this department collaborated with the Olweus Bullying Prevention program to create and support activities and bullying prevention projects for the entire school. From Cape Day to Kindness in Chalk, the involvement of students in this department was crucial to these projects and had a direct impact on the student outlook on school life at ISM. THE MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT The major focus of the SLO® Management Department this year was the implementation of a standard Student Life point system. This project was partially achieved and will continue next year making sure that students’ commitment to their school is documented and recognized. During the year, the department was also able to help with the recruitment of students for various school events and management of the SLO® office throughout the year. THE SPORTS & HEALTH DEPARTMENT Continuing to encourage students to be active and adopt a healthy lifestyle, the SLO® Sports and Health Department developed different strategies and events each term to meet this goal. They also held pep fests, friendly intramural competitions, and organized a carnival day which was greatly appreciated by all.

THE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY DEPARTMENT The focus of the SLO® Social Responsibility Department this year was to make students aware of the importance of volunteering. This goal was achieved not only through a new community service component within each class retreat, but also through monthly service trips to various organizations in the Twin Cities. Collectively, ISM students were able to pack over 75,000 meals for people in need during this school year. We hope to involve more families and friends next year. ISM is also proud to be a “WE School” with Free The Children and to continue supporting world communities in need such as in the Dominican Republic. THE OUTREACH DEPARTMENT The SLO® Outreach Department’s role is to enable students to reach out through various programs. The ambassadors help new ISM students familiarize themselves with the environment and community. Now in its second year, the Big Sister-Big Brother program was able to connect Upper and Lower School students and allowed them to create lasting bonds. They have also succeeded with the creation of the birthday board, birthday lockers, and the monthly school spirit days. THE ACTIVITIES DEPARTMENT Planning and organizing the various Middle and High School events is one of the roles played by SLO® Activities Department: dances, retreats, activity nights, and prom. Student prefects continued to develop organizational skills and reach out to peers for support while teaching them the importance of getting involved and making a difference. The department also coordinated the daily Student Life Period, making certain that all Middle School students are given the opportunity to offer, or sign up for, weekly activities or prefecting roles. THE LOWER SCHOOL DEPARTMENT The SLO® Lower School Department continues to offer a great variety of events and opportunities to Lower School students. Consequently, more and more students are showing an interest in joining the SLO® Management team as they continue their progression through the grades.

Athletics In addition to a challenging academic program, ISM also offers students a wide range of sports in order to develop a healthy body as well as a healthy mind. The 2015-2016 year was filled with success and fun. It was also a year of transition as the ISM Huskies’ conference, the Eastern Minnesota Athletic Conference (EMAC), merged with another conference to form the Twin Cities Athletic Conference. That meant it was the final year of competition in the EMAC, which has been a great home for the Huskies for the last 8 years. The fall season includes girls’ volleyball, boys’ soccer, girls’ soccer, boys’ cross country, and girls’ cross country. The girls’ volleyball team continued to develop and made some big strides this year. The team won more games than ever before and opposition coaches commented regularly on our improvement. The boys’ soccer team had a rebound season as they got back into the top four after one season out of the mix. The boys increased their participation numbers significantly and were able to have a full JV team for the first time in several years. The girls’ soccer team was consistent with past years as they finished out the year in second place in both regular season play and in the post-season tournament. The most impressive thing about this accomplishment was that the team was able to do it with just 15 players. The boys’ basketball team had a very respectable season, finishing in second place in both the regular season and final EMAC tournament. The team also included individuals who received special recognition: Coach Tillman received the Coach of the Year Award, and Rich Berkley received Most Valuable Player. The spring season was perhaps the most successful season of the year. The ISM Ultimate Frisbee team, in just their second year, finished the year as the 4th ranked team in the Lake Conference, which is quite the accomplishment. The team was also ranked 15th in the state of Minnesota and the highest ranking private school. ISM’s track & field team had a very successful season. ISM’s Ethan Dahlen continued to improve his hurdling all season, and on Saturday, June 11, 2016, he earned ISM’s first ever state titles, placing 1st in the 110M and 300M hurdles at the Minnesota Class A State Track and Field meet. Preston Dahlen, Grade 9, also had a great year, placing 4th in the section meet. Wills Larson finished 6th in the 110M hurdles in the section meet, which puts him in position to compete for a spot in state next year. Both the boys’ and girls’ teams finished 3rd in the final EMAC track meet. 14

Clubs ISM students also have the opportunity to join numerous clubs in order to develop their skills and explore new areas of interest. This season ISM’s We Robot 2705 competed in a competition titled “FIRST Stronghold.” The goal of the game was to traverse a series of obstacles on the way to scoring baskets in the opposing team’s tower. The ISM team built a small, fast-shooting robot that could quickly negotiate most of the obstacles and, if needed, could even score baskets at the end of the match. ISM competed in two competitions and was able to make it as far as the quarter finals in one of them. From the mentor’s perspective it was a perfect season; the students worked hard every step of the way and were rewarded with a solid finish and a fantastic robot. ISM’s Destination Imagination (DI) teams ”Ninjas in Pajamas” and ”The Creative Dolphins” competed in DI’s Improvisational challenge ”Close Encounters.” This challenge is all about teamwork and thinking fast. They had just three minutes at the Minnesota Southwest Metro Regional Tournament to make props and plan a four-minute improvisational skit. The ISM team tied for third place in their skit. All DI teams also compete in “Instant Challenge,” where the Ninjas in Pajamas came in 1st out of 14 teams. Our noncompetitive DI Kindergarten and First Grade Rising Stars team ”Animals are Awesome” presented their solution to the ”Change in Direction” challenge at tournament. They learned about map making skills and created their own skit about animals helping a robot find the pieces he needed to repair his space ship. At the Minnesota State DI Tournament in April, ISM junior Bryan Gratz received the Distinguished Leader Award. Over the past two years, Bryan has served on the MNDI Advisory Board, taught skills to teams at Instant Challenge and Structure workshops, and worked in the Score Room at tournaments. He also created a website for ISM DI, recruits team members, and co-manages the ISM Rising Stars teams. This year the ISM Math Team joined with Eagle Ridge Academy. The team competed in the Canterbury Division of the Minnesota State High School Math League. The combined team finished 4th in a division of much larger schools. Three members of our team were invited to participate on the “All State” team. 15

“I feel blessed and lucky to be able to entrust my children's future to the teachers, staff, students, and parents of ISM.” - ISM Parent

Performing Arts The Performing Arts Department is a very active department with drama and musical concerts given throughout the year. In the fall of 2015, ISM presented the classic play Our Town, giving our student actors a chance to really hone their acting skills and deliver amazing performances. Lower School drama students presented Pirates! in October. In December, Kindergarten through Grade 5 students shared their concert for the Russian Winter Market. The Instrumental Concert and Upper School Choral Concert were beautiful musical presentations in the winter months. In February, ISM’s High School Show Choir performed a musical revue, On Top of the World, for the local community and travelled to Orlando, Florida, where they performed in various venues around the area. The highlight of the year was the All-School Musical, The Little Mermaid, which was presented in April. Over 100 ISM students, parents, and staff worked together to present this spectacular performance. Our students received “Outstanding” and “Honorable Mention” acting awards from the Hennepin Theater Trust, which recognizes student performers from across the state of Minnesota. The year ended with spring choral and instrumental concerts and the annual Kindergarten Letterland® concert, as well as a performance by ISM PAC Mice of Three Nanny and Billy Goats Gruff. In addition to all of these events, our students participated in the Minnesota Listening Contest, won “superior” ratings in the Minnesota State High School League Solo and Ensemble contest, and performed in music recitals and graduation in May and June. Half of the High School student body participates in a choral or instrumental ensembles. ISM graduates are working on master’s and doctorate degrees in the Performing Arts and are employed in arts professions around the country. 16

Visual Arts As part of ISM’s 30th anniversary celebration, the school invited the media and community to attend “An Evening for Art” in the Leila C. Saad Performing Arts Center. The celebration began with the Head of Art, John Bramble, presenting, “Almost 30 Years of Art,” an entertaining, retrospective talk while nearly 100 images of student artwork were presented including a review of still life projects over the years. Images shown in the presentation were published in a commemorative book that was available at the event. The retrospective was followed by a presentation and unveiling of a specially-commissioned art print “The International School of Minnesota Campus” by master artist, Stuart Loughbridge, who gave a short talk on his print-making process. AP® Art students displayed their work and were available for questions and conversation. The International School of Minnesota Art Department continues to energetically create artwork of high standard. Lower School rotates exercises based on encouraging and developing the basics of artistic thinking and skills and many techniques and materials are used to express these ideas. Upper School projects this year included chalk and charcoal drawings based on the work of Brazilian photographer Sebastiao Salgado, oil pastel drawings studying the photographs of Austrian Franz Lanting, the traditional art of fairy stories in ink, and abstract paintings based upon internal human biology. Studying leaves, lilac branches, pinecones and other plant matter, ISM students created a visual representation of the change from winter to spring using traditional pen and ink techniques with a watercolor wash. After learning a brief history of Minnesota, students chose a state symbol (loon, lady’s slipper, or red pine) to create an interesting and visually pleasing piece using scratch board. All these projects have been displayed for the enjoyment of visitors and the school community. 17

World Languages All students at ISM are scheduled for daily world language instruction by teachers with native fluency. By graduation, ISM students have mastered at least one world language in addition to English, with the opportunity to complete Advanced Placement® (AP®) Language and Literature courses. Currently, world language instruction is provided in French and Spanish, with Chinese available to Upper School students in grades 8-12. Students not proficient in English take ELL courses to help them gain fluency and excel in the classroom. Spanish: The National Spanish Exam was taken this year by 2,297 students in Minnesota and over 160,000 nationwide. Twenty (20) ISM students participated in the National Spanish Exam. ISM was awarded medals as follows: 7 Premios de Oro (gold), 4 Premios de Plata (silver), 2 Premios de Bronce (bronze), 3 Menciones Honoríficas (Honorable Mention). Lower School Spanish students from fourth and fifth grades participated in the Spanish immersion program offered by Concordia College as part of the Concordia Language Villages during a weekend in April. Middle School Spanish students participated in the Spanish immersion program offered by Concordia College in May. On November 2, “Dia de los Muertos” was celebrated with delicious “Pan de Muerto.” Over 400 individual pieces of this handcrafted bread were distributed to all ISM students and staff to share with their families. And on March 22, Upper School Spanish students enjoyed a flamenco presentation by Zorongo Flamenco and had an authentic Mexican lunch at Chino Latino. French: French language students, beginning in Grade 3, participate in “Le Grand Concours,” a national contest held each year. Of our 44 participants, 17 students were awarded medals! Gold medals were given to four students; silver medals were given to eight students; and bronze medals were given to five students. All award winners were honored at a breakfast ceremony at the University of Minnesota in May. In addition, 23 ISM Middle School and High School students participated in the annual “A Vous la Parole” French speaking contest held at the University of Minnesota in April. Sponsored annually by the Minnesota Chapter of the American Association of Teachers of French, with the support of the University of Minnesota Department of French and Italian, the contest recognizes excellence in French speaking skills. This year’s contest drew more than 1,200 entries among students in grades 7-12. We are pleased to report that eight ISM students placed 1st and earned a blue medal; nine ISM students placed 2nd and earned a red medal; and two ISM students placed 3rd and earned a white medal. This year, ISM Lower School and Middle School students attended a weekend long camp at the Concordia Language Villages. They were fully immersed in a Francophone setting and came back with great memories! Lastly, five students in our “Course V” sat for the AP® French Language and Culture exam in May, all earning fours or fives on the rigorous exam. Chinese: ISM families went to mainland China for 16 days in July. They visited Beijing, Taiyuan, Guizhou and Shanghai, and truly enjoyed the cultural experience. In February, ISM celebrated Chinese New Year with the whole school. In March, a small group of students and one parent visited Taiwan and Japan and gained a better understanding of Asian culture and history through the trip. In the spring, High School Chinese students went to Concordia Language Villages for a weekend immersed in language and culture. 18

ISM Residence Hall - Year Two Year two of the ISM Residence Hall revolved around creating a whole new dynamic with a group of new additions from an increased number of countries. Adding students from Vietnam and Azerbaijan to returning residents from South Korea, China, Spain, Nigeria, and the U.S. gave the hall a different tenor for a new school year. Within the first month, the hall became a home to the students as they took ownership of where and how they live. Organizing the building to increase the number of study spaces and gathering spots meant that the residents spent less time in their rooms and more time socializing with each other. Learning life skills like laundry, vacuuming, and how to get along with roommates further prepared them for future adventures away from home. All that and the shared experiences around movies, board games, and studies created friendships and opportunities to learn across cultures. The residents got a chance to explore the Twin Cities thoroughly over the past year, experiencing some of the most Minnesotan things in the state, ranging from the Mill City Museum, the University of Minnesota Raptor Center, a boat tour of Lake Minnetonka, and Valley Scare. The most frequently mentioned favorites were the high ropes course at the Mall of America, the Renaissance Fair, World War I reenactments at Fort Snelling, and the scavenger hunt at the State Fair. We fit a lot of Americana into 10 short months.

The International School of Minnesota 6385 Beach Road Eden Prairie, MN 55344 USA telephone (+1) 952 918 1800 website: internationalschoolmn.com