Our first Friday on campus since March 13, 2020. We made it. Amazing!
Congratulations to Balaji and his wife on the birth of their daughter, Tara, on Thursday, November 25th. Everyone is doing well.
A huge shout out goes to all of the teachers involved in Vision Day Projects this week. We know it took considerable planning to make the day so successful. It was so great to see the Vision for a Learner attributes in action. We heard nothing but positive comments from the students. A special thank you goes to our Vision Day Project planning committee: Elliot Fijman (project coordinator), Alex Ray, and Kay Clarke.
We also want to thank everyone who covered for absent teachers/TAs this week. We had more than a few absences, and we appreciate everyone who rearranged their schedule, stepped in to cover at the last minute, or didn’t have the support from a co-teacher or TA.
Upcoming Week at a Glance:
From the OTL
Wednesday, December 8th is our final curriculum meeting of the semester. Meeting details and agendas are outlined here. Please connect with your HOD should you have any questions. Thank you for your contributions and engagement!
Report Card Comments - Google Classroom
You can upload your report comments to Google classroom before Wednesday as long as they have been proofread by your buddy reader.
Update on Students Being Hybrid/On Campus
Given the direct government order that students have access to virtual learning, we must allow students to be hybrid if they choose that option. We are discouraging flip flopping between the two modalities and we are encouraging parents to let their child rest and recover without the pressure to connect virtually if they are not well. However, we need to abide by the G.O. Please see Lynn or Dave if you have any questions.
This is in the parent blog today:
Students Connecting Virtually
If your child will be connecting virtually, please email your child’s homeroom teacher by 8:00 a.m. so he/she can be prepared to connect with your child virtually and we can inform the specialists as well.
If your child is unwell and can’t attend school on campus, please let them rest and recover without the pressure of joining the class virtually.
Staff Leaving in December
We have a few colleagues who are leaving AISC at the end of the semester or will be on leave. We will formally say “until we meet again” the week of December 13th.
Uma - will be heading to the U.S. to be with her family
Mohan - will be heading to Mumbai to pursue graduate work
Sruthi - will be on maternity leave starting Monday, Dec. 6th
Keeley - will be on maternity leave the second semester
Vision Day Wrap-up
Vision Day 2021 is a wrap! Thank you to everyone who participated in the projects for your efforts to make this an amazing event for the students. The extra time put into planning projects during a busy time of year, the energy to go a whole day straight (with some of you having duties as well), the flexibility of all who jumped in to cover where needed, and the collective collaboration within and among teams leading up to and throughout the day made all the difference in the experience.
As a final step to close out our Vision Day 2021 and begin looking forward to Vision Day/s 2022, please take this 5-minute survey to share your feedback.
We look forward to hearing your thoughts! Keep an eye out for the Vision Day Projects Celebration Slides coming out in the near future to recognize student learning and accomplishments.
With great appreciation,
The Vision Day Planning Team
Professional Development Update
The Association of International Schools in India - TAISI - has just released their program for the upcoming Educators Conference on January 14/15 in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The theme is "enhancing relationships, enriching learning." The EY and ES program will be presented by Prabha Dixit and Kaveri Gour, the MS program by David Willows and the HS program by Jon Halligan. More details can be found here. The registration deadline is December 5th. This in-person conference costs 25,500 and includes the conference, hotel and meals. Please note that this conference falls over the Pongal holiday weekend.
Truman parent session on Monday at 7 pm -. Direct link for the 6th at 7 pm.
On Campus/Virtual Announcements (due to weather or other local issues)
Please know that Andrew will only announce if the campus is closed and we are virtual. If you don’t receive an email, that means we are on campus as usual. If you ever experience a weather related issue and you can’t work, please reach out to Lynn or Dave and we will make the necessary arrangements for your class.
Classroom Library Book Order
Homeroom and EAL teachers, please remember to finalize any classroom library orders before winter break.
Tech Information - From Priya
Grades 1 and 2 - We are collecting information about which iPad has been designated to each student. This information is needed in case we have to check out an iPad for a student who needs to be at home. Please fill out the asset tag or an iPad number on this document. See Priya if you need assistance.
Common Sense Media Lessons - A lot of lessons have been covered during the past 2 weeks. Mark them off this list if they were taught. Please feel free to teach these lessons on your own or schedule a time with Priya. These lessons are mandatory.
Hour of Code - "In case" we have virtual days next week, the class times you have booked for HOC remain the same. Clinton/Cassidy/Priya will conduct the class virtually via Zoom. The Zoom link will be shared with you as needed.
TA's Trained for Hybrid - All the TA's need to be comfortable using the hybrid technology. They have received training to run a class in a hybrid situation. Please ensure your TAs are fluent with the technology in the classroom. If not please make sure to reach out to Priya for a training session.
From the Counselors
You continue to show us your true colors!
You continue to amaze the counselors with your ability to flexibly shift at a moment’s notice to do your jobs, and keep your heads and homes (literally) above the floodwaters. This week you may have:
Adjusted and adapted your Vision Day activities to be RaptorSafe.
Been battling spotty WIFI or hot spots in your home
Been worried about how to keep your home safe from the flood waters
Been worried about the new Omicron variant and how it might affect us
Been thinking about the logistics of the Winter Holidays, if you will be seeing family and friends
Given donations to local NGO groups to support flood victims
Been excited about our upcoming Winter Break
Feeling anxious about our upcoming Winter Break because our school is a comfortable and safe haven for you each day
Felt guilty for having a dry home that is not impacted by flooding
Felt overwhelmed that your home is experiencing water damage that you can’t control.
So many other feelings that we cannot anticipate.
Please know that Ms Linda and Ms Michele think of all of you each week. Our hearts go out to you in admiration for who you are and what you do each and every day for our students.
Twitter Digest
Here are just a few highlights from the #AISChennai Twitterverse. A shout out to #AISCElementary who just finished a successful Vision Day. Thank you for sharing the amazing projects you and your students have been working on!
Click here to see the full list of #RaptorMoments from the week gone by.
We recognize it’s a busy time of year.
Have a great weekend.
Dave and Lynn
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