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Primary Teacher Mary McCarney's Article "School Holidays Around the World: Do They Affect Pupil Performance?" Featured in The Telegraph

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Source: The Telegraph

School holidays around the world: do they affect pupil performance?

An expat teacher in America considers the pros and cons of those summer weeks off on children's' long-term learning

Could summer camps like this one, on a trip to Bray-Dunes beach, northern France, be the answer to summer learning loss?
Could summer camps like this one, on a trip to Bray-Dunes beach, northern France, be the answer to summer learning loss? Photo: Philippe Huguen/AFP/Getty

By 

10:07AM BST 03 Jul 2015

There’s a wooden plaque hanging in our basement, inscribed with the words: "Three reasons for teaching: June, July, August." Yes, as a teacher in America, I’m currently enjoying the enviable perk of the ten to eleven week long summer holiday. However, school breaks and the amount of time spent in the classroom vary widely around the world.

In Britain and the US, the school calendar is rooted in agriculture, as historically children were needed to help with planting and harvesting crops. Today, with many parents working full-time, juggling the logistics and practicalities of childcare is often an expensive and difficult struggle, especially during the long summer break. There is also mounting evidence in America of summer learning loss. Research indicates that by the end of summer, pupils perform on average, one month behind where they left off in the spring, and this “gap” in learning disproportionately affects students from low-income families.

While he was UK Education Secretary, Michael Gove called for a rethink on long breaks, and last year, the National Association of Headteachers debated scrapping the traditional six-week summer holiday.

Comparisons with other countries and their high performing education systems are often made.

• America knows how to make teachers feel valued

Chinese schools in Shanghai, Hong Kong and Taipei, which consistently top the OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development) world ranking tables, have summer holidays of approximately one month (this varies by region), and Chinese pupils often spend their breaks attending additional classes or studying for exams. Students in the United States only attend school on average 180 days a year, and in the UK for 190 days, compared with an OECD average of 195 days, and 208 days in East Asian countries.

But while the “summer slide” in learning is a major concern, research hasfailed to prove a significant link between the length of the school year and academic achievement. Finland has both one of the shortest school years (with a ten to eleven week summer break) and some of the best test results in international education rankings.

In the UK, independent schools traditionally have longer holidays and a shorter school year than their state counterparts, but evidence suggests that more affluent families take advantage of time off school to enrich learning. The students I teach at Atlanta International School (AIS), which is private, typically travel abroad, volunteer with community projects or attend summer camps during their long vacation. We also give summer reading assignments to help our students stay on track.

But the reality is that parents’ ability to provide stimulating summer activities for their children is sharply constrained by income. As my headmaster Kevin Glass explained: “Here in the US, the summer camp industry is massive. The vast majority of our students at AIS are engaged in pretty significant and meaningful activities – sports, music, theatre, travel and culture. Other parents may not have the resources to pay for all this.”

Kevin Glass, AIS headmaster

With this in mind, my school is looking to partner next summer with the city of Atlanta to provide free or low-cost summer camps for the local community. “We will be offering fun, academic-type activities to families in our neighbourhood, to keep kids’ brains active and help mitigate against that summer learning dip,” said Mr Glass.

Indeed, educators and policymakers are increasingly promoting summer learning as a key strategy to improving the achievement of low-performing students. Even during my days teaching in the UK, I remember our local librarian pushing summer reading schemes and encouraging pupils to visit the town library. Here in the US, First Lady Michelle Obama launched Let’s Read. Let’s Move, an initiative to fight the summer reading gap, acknowledging that American children who do not read during their vacation can lose months of academic progress.

The holidays may be long, but when school’s out for summer, it is important that the learning doesn’t stop. Perhaps it’s not so much about how much time children spend in class, but what they do when they’re not.

Mary McCarney is a fourth grade English teacher at Atlanta International School. Looking for the right place for your expat child? Try ourInternational Schools directory.

 

Download a PDF version of this article.


Primary School Back to School Socials Update

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3K**

August 9, 3:30-5:30

Garden Hills Park

4K

August 16, 9:30-11

Garden Hills Park

5K

August 9, 10-12

Tan yard Creek Park @ Collier

1st Grade

August 8, 3:30- 5:30 pm

Hammond Park

2nd Grade

August 8, 10-12

Peachtree Hills Park

3rd Grade

August 10, 10-12

Ardmore Park

4th Grade

August 15 10:30-12:30

Little Nancy Creek Park

5th Grade

August 15 3-5 pm

Garden Hills Pool

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Student Orientation August 10, 2015

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ELC:
Intake interviews are taking place the week of August 10, 2015. You should have received an email from Olga Nobleton with instruction on how to schedule your time. You will receive a confirmation email at the end of July with your time and date.

Primary School:
New Student Orientation taking place on August 10, 2015 starting at 1:30 p.m.. You will get a chance to meet the Heads of School, visit classrooms, and meet representative of various departments and organizations. 

SS School:
New Student Orientation taking place on August 10, 2015 starting at 8:30 a.m.. Students will have planned activities and we will have a question and answer session for parents with the Heads of School. Release times will vary by grade.

Parent Portal Login Now Available

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Use your Admission Portal login to access the Parent Portal through the link below. 

 

Parent Portal

 

Please contact Laurette Sirkin (lsirkin@aischool.org) if you are experiencing difficulties with your login. 

New Student Orientation August 10, 2015

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Primary School (Grades 5K-5):

New Student Orientation taking place on August 10, 2015 starting at 1:30 p.m.. You will get a chance to meet the Heads of School, visit classrooms, and meet representative of various departments and organizations. 

Secondary School (Grades 6-12):
New Student Orientation taking place on August 10, 2015 starting at 8:30 a.m.. Students will have planned activities and we will have a question and answer session for parents with the Heads of School. Release times will vary by grade.

ELC Intake Interviews the Week of August 10, 2015

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ELC:
Intake interviews are taking place the week of August 10, 2015. You should have received an email from Olga Nobleton with instruction on how to schedule your time. You will receive a confirmation email at the end of July with your time and date.

First Day of Classes Tuesday, August 11 for All Students

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Classes resume with a full-day schedule on Tuesday, August 11 for students in grades 5K - 5.  Early Learning Center students, grades 3K and 4K, will follow a half-day schedule.

AIS Welcomes New Head of Technology and Innovation, Principals, Faculty and Staff

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 AIS Welcomes New Head of Technology and Innovation, Principals, Faculty and Staff

Primary School Faculty

Lynda Sarelius, Lower Primary Principal

Lynda Sarelius is Australian and joins us from Vienna International School where she has been the Deputy Principal of the Primary School. She holds a Diploma of Teaching, a Bachelor in Education, Masters of Education (Leadership and Management) and a certificate in International School Leadership from the Principal’s Training Centre, London. Lynda and her daughter, Rachael, are very keen travelers and are excited to join the AIS community and experiencing life in the U.S.A.

Ronnie Thomas, STEAM Coach

Ronnie Thomas is a US citizen joining us from Drew Charter School (APS) where he served as the STEM Coordinator. He holds a Bachelor in Education from Alabama State University and a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Central Michigan University. Outside of work, he is the founder of Georgia Science & Robotics Academy, Inc. (Fun Weird Science). Married with three children; Ronnie enjoys music, traveling and adventure activities.

Brook Nickell, Digital Coach

Brook Nickell is a U.S. citizen joining AIS from American International School in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Primary Education from Central Washington University and a Masters in Educational Leadership from The College of New Jersey. He has attended numerous educational technology conferences, as well as presented workshops internationally on curriculum mapping and technology integration. Brook enjoys golf, travel and his wife’s cooking.

Zachary Berezowski, ESOL

Zachary Berezowski is a Polish-Canadian citizen who joins AIS from his position as the EAL/Learning Support teacher at the International School of Lausanne.  He holds a Bachelor's degree from Wilfred Laurier University (Ontario), a Graduate Diploma in Education from LaTrobe University (Australia), a Specialist’s degree in Special Education (Ontario) and an ESL Specialist (Ontario).  He is married with 2 young children.  Zachary enjoys basketball and baseball, discovering and using new Educational Technology, watching movies, reading and playing with his children.

Thomas Courcoux, French Physical Education

Thomas Courcoux is a French citizen. He has held several positions in France and India. He holds an ‘agrégation’ in Physical Education, a Bachelor’s in Physical Education from the University of Rennes- Brittany and a Masters of Learning Sciences, Comparative and International Education from the University of Paris- Descartes. Thomas practiced gymnastics for more than 20 years at the national level. In his spare time, he enjoys travelling, DIY and meeting people with various experiences.

Geraldine Goguillon, 3K French Assistant

Geraldine Goguillon holds dual citizenship in France and U.S. and joins AIS as a Classroom Assistant in 3K French. She holds a Masters in Food Science from the Agrosup Dijon, France and has worked with companies such as Coca-Cola and Danone in different parts of the world. Recently, she has been subbing in the Primary School for the last 8 years. She has three children, one graduated from AIS in 2014, one rising 11th grader and one rising 8th grader. She enjoys playing tennis, reading and traveling.

Céline Venturelli, 4K French

Céline Venturelli is a French citizen of Italian origin. After earning a degree in econometrics, she also earned a teaching degree in 2000. She taught for 14 years in socially disadvantaged environments. After spending 7 years at the Primary School level, she changed to preschool and Kindergarten where she taught all levels. She was a student mentor for teaching interns at l’Ecole Supérieure du Professorat des Ecoles. Passionate about foreign cultures, she embarked on learning Chinese and trained to teach French as a second language. She is thrilled to come to work at AIS.

Christina Man, 5K German

Christina Man is a German citizen of Cantonese heritage. She is joining AIS from the British School in Tokyo, Japan where she spent several years as a Grade Leader and teaching in the Early Years. She holds a Bachelor with Honors of Primary Education from Liverpool John Moores University and taught in the Northwest of England for 7 years. Her hobbies include traveling, snowboarding and movies.

Bea Biron, Grade 1 Spanish

Bea Biron is coming back to AIS after a year in Nashville. Bea is from Spain and holds a Dual Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education specialized in English. She has 9 years teaching experience and has taught in Switzerland, Pennsylvania, Spain, Colorado, Nashville and Atlanta. Bea is married with two daughters, Tica (20 months) and Cayetana (only 3 months old!)

Claudia Schalko, Grade 3 German

Claudia Schalko is from Vienna, Austria. She has 20 years of teaching experience in Austria and has a Masters in Education from the University of Vienna, Austria in Special Needs Education and Orthopedagogy. Claudia is married with two children, Amelie and Lilli. Outside of work she is a swimming instructor for every age, enjoys reading books, being outside in nature and traveling

Severine Saignat, Grade 3 French Co-Teacher

Severine Saignat is a certified French teacher who has worked for 8 years in France, 7 years in Europe (Amsterdam - The Netherlands) and in Asia (Tokyo - Japan). She taught grades 3K to 5 in International French schools. She has a Bachelor of Geography and Elementary Education and a Teaching Certification from the IUFM of Dijon, France. Severine likes cooking, running, traveling and creative leisure activities.

Secondary School Faculty

Tambi Greene, Upper School Principal

Tambi Greene joins AIS from Des Moines, Iowa where she works as a Vice Principal. She has served with Des Moines Public Schools for over 18 years and has held multiple leadership roles such as Teacher, Dean, School Improvement Leader and Interim Human Resources Director. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Grand View University and a Masters degree in Education Leadership from Drake University. She currently is pursuing her doctoral degree with University of Northern Iowa. Tambi enjoys traveling and meeting new people.

Gary Paterson, DP Coordinator

Gary Paterson originally hails from Scotland but will join AIS from Trinity School, Newbury in England where he served as Assistant Head. Gary has a Bachelor of Science in Pure Mathematics from University of St. Andrews, as well as a Post-Graduate Certificate of Education from the University of Bath. He loves all sports and is hoping that the many Atlanta teams will fill the gap of having to give up his season tickets for Liverpool FC.

Alice Schaaf, College Counselor

Alice Schaaf is a U.S. citizen from Brockport, New York and Lexington, Kentucky, who has also lived in Japan and England. Alice holds a Masters degree in Secondary Education and has taught all levels of high school English, as well as serving as college counselor in the U.S. and overseas. She is currently working on her Masters of Fine Arts in writing, and enjoys travel, yoga, reading and volunteering with animal rescues. Among other life goals, she hopes to one day learn to joust in full armor.

Peter Morgan, College Counselor

Peter Morgan joins AIS after having served as the Director of College Counseling at the Northwest School in Seattle, Washington. Peter served as a College Counselor at Woodward Academy in Atlanta and was involved in creating the College Counseling program at Ursuline Academy of Dallas, Texas. He also has experience working as an Assistant Director of Admission at both Loyola University New Orleans and his alma mater. Peter has served as the counselor liaison for international programming at the Seattle National College Fair and has been published in The Journal of College Admission. Peter holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Sewanee and a Masters’ in English Literature at the University of Mississippi.

Lenny Dutton, Digital Coach

Lenny Dutton is a Design Teacher, Librarian and Personal Project Coordinator joining AIS from an international school in the heart of London. She is a Google Certified Teacher and Educator, Raspberry Pi Certified Educator and holds a Masters in Library and Information Studies from University College London. She and her team have been shortlisted for the TES EdTech award and TES Creative Schools award. Lenny has also worked in theaters, museums and backstage for bands. She is excited to be moving to Atlanta and joining AIS with her new husband.

Joyce Pereira, ICT

Joyce Pereira is a Brazilian citizen who joins AIS following her position as Instructional Technology Coordinator/ Learning and Innovation Coach at the International School of Curitiba in Brazil. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Erskine College and a Masters of Educational Leadership from Walden University. Joyce is an enthusiastic educator with a passion for using technology in innovative ways that will increase student learning and the professional development of her fellow colleagues.

Rao Olayeye, ICT

Rao Olayeye is from Nigeria and is joining AIS from Texas where she taught Computer Technology and Robotics for the past 10 years. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, Masters degree in Health Science and Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Technology. Rao is certified in K – 12 Computer Technology and 4 – 8 Science and also became a certified RobotC instructor at Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy in 2012.

Chris Smith, Design

Chris Smith is a UK citizen from England. He joins AIS following his role as Art & Design/ Design Technology Teacher at the British School of Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Web Design & Multimedia Studies from the University of Central Lancashire and is currently completing his Masters of Education at Edge Hill University. Prior to teaching, he worked in the digital media industry working with clients such as William Morris Endeavor, Island Records, World Soccer and OK Magazine. He enjoys soccer, rugby league, painting and travelling.

Oliver Pennington, MYP Product Design

Oliver Pennington is a British citizen who is moving to Atlanta from Trinidad & Tobago with his wife, Katie. He holds a BA in Three-Dimensional Design from Falmouth University and a PGCE teaching certification from the University of Greenwich. Oliver has worked as a Product Design Teacher specializing in Resistant Materials with Computer Aided Design/Manufacture. Aside from travelling, he enjoys socializing with friends and outdoor activities such as scuba diving and snowboarding.

Dr. Adam Oberlin, German, History and Geography

Adam Oberlin is a U.S. citizen with seven years of teaching experience at both the college and secondary levels. He has a Bachelor’s degree in German from the University of Florida and a Masters and Doctorate in Germanic Philology from the University of Minnesota, with additional study research from universities in Germany, Norway, Iceland and Belgium. He is an active scholar in linguistics and medieval studies and a translator alongside teaching. He enjoys cooking, reading, travel and the arts. He is moving to Atlanta with his wife and two dogs.

Martha Michielsen, English

Martha Michielsen is a Canadian citizen who is joining AIS following her position as MYP Coordinator and English teacher at Skagerak International School in Norway. Her eight years of teaching experience includes schools in China, Vietnam and Bahrain. Martha earned a Bachelor’s degree in teaching from OISE at University of Toronto. Outside of the classroom she will be looking to get involved in drama and service activities. Martha enjoys nature, traveling and exploring new foods.

Catalina Ghercioiu, Mathematics

Catalina Ghercioiu is a Romanian in love with the science of Mathematics but also in love with the science of Fashion, Art and Music. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, a Masters degree in Dynamics Systems, Geometry and Optimization. She co-authored a math textbook for Year 12 and three mathematics books for competitions in Romania. She has taught adults and teenagers in Romania, U.S., UK and Brazil for 20 years. She is happy to return to Atlanta (which she considers her second home) after two years of experimenting the exotic life of Brazil.

Dan Dissell, Biology

Dan Dissell is a U.S. citizen who joins AIS from Saudi Arabia. His science teaching experience includes AP and IB Biology and several other HS and MS science courses in his twenty-year career. He holds two Bachelor degrees (Gustavus Adolphus College and Mankato State University) and a Masters degree from the University of Minnesota. Dan has started several programs: Environmental Science courses, girl’s hockey program, boy’s lacrosse and an outdoor adventure club (ECO Corps.) He enjoys canoeing, hiking, riding his motorcycle and camping.

Chris Barry, Physical Education

Chris Barry is a UK citizen joining AIS from Sir George Monoux College in London where he was Head of Sports. Previous employment includes leadership and management positions as a Curriculum Manager and Sports Coordinator within both state and public sector organizations. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Sports Science & Health Sciences with Honors from Coventry University and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education from Oxford Brookes University.

Rebecca Wade, Music

Rebecca Wade is an American citizen who has over six years of teaching experience. She joins AIS from her position as the Curriculum Coordinator of Music at Shanghai United International School, Wanyuan Campus.  She holds a Masters in Violoncello Performance from Appalachian State University and a Bachelor’s in Music Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. In her free time, Rebecca enjoys traveling, photography and playing competitive Ultimate Frisbee.

School-Wide Employees

Yolanda Ramírez, Head of Technology and Innovation

Yolanda Ramirez is a Colombian/Venezuelan citizen with a degree in Systems and Computing Engineering, postgraduate studies in Education, Educational Management, Business Management and more than 15 years of experience leading change in various educational institutions in several countries. She was awarded Top IT Manager in 2012 and was selected by Apple to become one of the first Apple Distinguished Educators in Colombia. Prior to AIS, Yolanda created and led TEB Innovation Time, successfully developed and implemented an ambitious e-Learning Plan at The English School, Bogota.

Shelley Paul, STEAM Coordinator

Shelley Paul is an instructional designer, curious learner, design thinker and ambivert who doodles-to-think-and-learn daily. She joins AIS from just south of I-20 (also from Woodward Academy). Shelley is passionate about co-learning, co-leading and building community through authentic problem solving and creating together. She practices principle-based leadership and collaboration using the Collaborative Operating System.



Atlanta International School Names New Board Chair and Members

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Courtney Fowler – 404.841.3879

cfowler@aischool.org

 

Atlanta International School Names New Board Chair and Members

 

Atlanta, GA (July 30, 2015) - Atlanta International School (AIS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Christian Fischer as chair as well as ten new appointments to its Board of Trustees, effective for the

2015-2016 school year. The board chair serves a two-year appointment, while each of the newly appointed members holds a three-year term.

Christian Fischer, a long-time member of AIS community as the parent of two currently enrolled students and two alums, will assume the role of board chair. Fischer, who is executive vice president - Packaging Segment at Georgia-Pacific, has been on the board since 2011. Other new appointees include: Shelley Giberson,  

Greater Atlanta tax market leader and international tax partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP; H. Jean Khoury, MD, FACP, R. Randall Rollins Chair in Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, director of the Division of Hematology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University; Susan Walters Morris, CFP, CDFA, vice president and financial advisor, Morgan Stanley; Susannah Parker, business consultant and community volunteer; Shefali Patel, group vice president, SunTrust Banks, Inc.; Barbara Quiroga, director, Cash Operations, Delta Air Lines, Inc.; Claire Sterk, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, Emory University; Adolfo Villagomez, merchandising VP, Building Materials, The Home Depot; Gina M. Vitiello, Esq., Chamberlain, Hrdlicka, White, Williams & Aughtry; Joyce Yamaato, vice president, Government & Community Relations Group, Wells Fargo.

 

About Atlanta International School

Celebrating its 30th anniversary school year, Atlanta International School offers all three International Baccalaureate (IB) programs to 1,160 U.S. and international students from three-year-old kindergarten to grade 12. Rigorous academics are enriched by a world-class language acquisition program, which begins with a full-immersion preschool program in Spanish, French and German. The school offers STEM-and STEAM-endorsed and bilingual diplomas in addition to the prestigious IB diploma. Beyond the classroom, AIS students participate in award-winning performing and fine arts opportunities, competitive athletics and global experiential learning. The AIS community comprises over 90 nationalities. AIS is accredited by SAIS and the Council of International Schools. For more information, please visit www.aischool.org.

 

 

Download a PDF version.

Welcome New Middle School Parents 2015

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Dear Families,

I hope June finds you well and your children are enjoying their summer vacations (or are soon to do so!) We are delighted and honored that you have chosen to enroll your child in middle school at AIS.

I wanted to write to you to share some key aspects of our middle school program. Hopefully, the following information will provide you with broad strokes and some details. Feel free to be in touch if you have any questions. (Please see below for “Key People in Middle School”.)

We are really looking forward to welcoming your child into middle school in August. MS New Students’ Orientation will be on August 10. You are also invited to attend an orientation for parents on that day. More detailed information about orientation will follow.

I hope you have a fun, relaxing, rejuvenating summer break!

Best,
Kevin

SCHOOL START/END TIMES

School begins each day at 8:10 a.m. and ends at 3:45 p.m. Wednesdays are a late start with school beginning at 8:45 a.m. The last Wednesday of many months is a half day, with school ending at 12:30 p.m. Please refer to the school calendar to see when these half days occur. More dates can be found on new parent webpage, http://www.aischool.org/newparent

CARPOOL

Secondary students must be dropped off and picked up in the back of the school. Carpool decal numbers are not used in Secondary. For pick up, students find their parent’s car on their own. Please carefully read carpool guidelines on the web. Specifics about times and routes are addressed. “Advanced” topics involving siblings in different divisions are also addressed.


KEY PEOPLE IN MIDDLE SCHOOL

Your child’s Advisor - On orientation day, your child meet their advisor, a secondary school teacher, who will be your child’s key contact for the year.

Head of Year - Each Head of Year coordinates the grade level advisory team (8 advisors) and leads the grade-level advisory program.

Head of Grade 6 - Jutta Martinez (jmartinez@aischool.org)
Head of Grade 7 - Jason Simons (jsimons@aischool.org)
Head of Grade 8 - Nathaniel Ben-Haiem (nbenhaiem@aischool.org)

Middle School Administrative Assistant - Jane Panzer (jpanzer@aischool.org)

Please be in touch with Jane if your child is going to be absent. Students arriving late must check in with Ms. Panzer in the MS office. Parents may accompany their child, or they may call or email Ms. Panzer. Parents must sign their children out at the office if they are leaving early.

MS Counselors
Lanie Cox (grades 6-8, last names A-M). Lanie is also Head of Personal Counseling. (lcox@aischool.org)
Lisa Calderon (grades 6-8, last names L-Z) (lcalderon@aischool.org)

Head of Middle School, Deputy Head of Secondary - Kevin Onabiyi (konabiyi@aischool.org)
Head of Secondary - Sandy MacKenzie (smackenzie@aischool.org)
Director of Technology - Yolanda Ramirez (yramirez@aischool.org)
IB Middle Years Program Coordinator - Carmen Samanes (csamanes@aischool.org)

GRADE 6 CLASSES

On orientation day in August, students receive a copy of their specific schedule with class times and teachers. Please find a copy of the general Secondary School schedule, attached. Notice that each morning begins with a 5 minute advisory session. Next is two academic classes followed by a break. Then two more academic classes are followed by lunch. Finally, two afternoon classes are followed by community time. Community time differs across the days of the week.

Here are the classes that grade 6 students take:

1    English or ESOL

2    French, German, Spanish, or Chinese

3    Geography/History (taught in English, French, German, or Spanish)

4    Math

5    Sciences

6    Arts (Visual Art, Theatre, Music)

7    Design (Product and Digital)

8    PE (including Personal and Social Health Education)

9    Option: French, German, Spanish, Chinese, Latin, ICT, Science Option, Resource, ESOL

SUMMER READING

Your child will have an assignment for English and they may have assignment for the other Language(s) they will be taking. Please access these assignments through the New Parents’ Webpage: http://www.aischool.org/newparent, password: ais2015.

SUPPLIES

You may also access the Secondary School supplies list through the new parent webpage.

KEY DATES IN AUGUST/SEPTEMBER

Orientation day for all grade 6 students Mon, 8/10

Orientation session for grade 6 parents Mon, 8/10

First day of school Tues, 8/11

MS Back to School Night Wed, 8/19

Secondary School Field Trip Week Mon 8/31 - Thur 9 /3

Welcome New Primary School Parents 2015

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Dear new families,

I am very happy to welcome you to the AIS community. I was new myself last year so I can empathize with the excitement and nerves of starting at a new school.

We are delighted and honored that you have chosen to enroll your child in the Primary School at AIS. I want to share some key aspects of our Primary School program. Hopefully, the following information will answer some of your burning questions.

I hope you have a fun, relaxing, rejuvenating summer break!

Sincerely,

Camille Du Aime
Head of Primary School

 

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF THE PRIMARY SCHOOL

Early Learning Center:

The 3K and 4K classes are in a purpose built building just across the street from the main campus. Maria Voutos, the Grade level Coordinator and Camille Du Aime, the Head of the Primary School are the administrators for the ELC and Anne Williams is the Administrative Assistant.

ELC Classes start at 8.30 a.m and end at 2.30 p.m.

Morning carpool: 7.40 a.m. to 8.20 a.m. Parents are welcome to park their car and walk their child in and stay with them for a few minutes until they feel settled.

Afternoon carpool: ELC walk-up is from 2:30pm to 2:50pm for students WITHOUT AIS siblings in older grades. For students WITH AIS siblings in older grades, ELC carpool is from 2:40pm until 3:00 pm.

Primary School (main campus):

Lower Primary School: The Lower Primary School (LPS) is led by the LPS Principal Lynda Sarelius and Camille Du Aime the Head of the Primary School. LPS includes students from 5K to Grade 2.

Upper Primary School: The Upper Primary School (UPS) is led by the UPS Principal Alain Poiraud and Camille Du Aime the Head of the Primary School. UPS includes students from Grade 3-5.

Lower and Upper Primary School Classes start at 8.20 a.m. and classes end at 3.00 p.m. Children who arrive between 7:40 and 8:00 will be supervised until the classes are open. During the first couple weeks, parents of 5K students are welcome to walk them in to help them get settled.

Primary School Morning carpool: 7.40 a.m. to 8.10 a.m. at the front entrance of the campus.

Primary School Afternoon carpool: 3.05 p.m. to 3.30 p.m. for PS students with no siblings in the secondary school. For students with older sibling in Secondary school, the pick up is from 3.45 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. If the youngest child is in 5K-Gr. 2 they will be picked up in at the front of the campus. If the youngest child is in Gr. 3-5, they will be picked up at the back parking lot.

Late Arrival: Students arriving to school after 8.20 a.m. must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to the ELC or Primary School office to sign in prior to being taken by the parent or guardian to class.

Half Days: The last Wednesday of most months is a half day, with school ending at 11:30 p.m. for ELC and 11:50 for LPS and UPS. Please refer to the school calendar to see when these half days occur.

 

KEY PEOPLE IN PRIMARY SCHOOL

Primary Leadership Team

Head of Primary: Camille Du Aime (cduaime@aischool.org)

LPS Principal: Lynda Sarelius (lsarelius@aischool.org)

UPS Principal: Alain Poiraud (apoiraud@aischool.org)

PYP coordinator: Leonie Ley-Mitchell

(lley@aischool.org)

Learning Support Coordinator:

Suzi Di Pietro (sdipietro@aischool.org)

LPS Counselor: Bev Fetter

(bfetter@aischool.org)

UPS Counselor: Kat Cagle

(kcagle@aischool.org)

 

Administrative Assistants

ELC: Ann Williams (awilliams@aischool.org)

Primary office:

Julie Audibert (jaudibert@aischool.org)

Lin Wong (lwong@aischool.org)

Grade Level Leaders

ELC: Maria Voutos (mvoutos@aischool.org)

5K: Tina Clark (tclark@aischool.org)

Gr. 1: Linda Doulkhani (ldoulkhani@aischool.org)

Gr. 2: Carmen Baker (cbaker@aischool.org)

Gr. 3 Kim Aguirre (kaguirre@aischool.org)

Gr. 4: Dianne Potdevin (dpotdevin@aischool.org)

Gr. 5 Arndt Hafele (ahafele@aischool.org)

 

 

 

 

 

Language Coordinators

French: Serge Petitpre (spetitpre@aischool.org)

German: Annette Witte (awitte@aischool.org)

Spanish: Vanenka Mosqueira (vmosqueira@aischool.org)

English: Suzi Di Pietro (sdipietro@aischool.org)

 

LANGUAGE ACQUISITION MODEL

In ELC, the children are with the same teacher and assistant in the same classroom, working every day in the target language (German, French or Spanish).

In 5K-Gr. 5 the school is organized into A days and B days. On the A days, your child will be with one teacher and on B days they will be in a different class, with a different teacher learning in a different language. You and your child will get skilled at remembering which day it is and what they need to bring with them. Specialist classes like PE, Music and Art will always fall on the same day (A or B).

School Supplies: Each grade level has posted a list of supplies on the school website. However, don’t worry, nothing is needed for the first day of school.

 

KEY DATES IN AUGUST/SEPTEMBER

Orientation day for new students in 5K- Grade 12 Mon. August 10th.

ELC will schedule in-take interviews with each family during the first week.

First day of school Tues. August 11th.

ELC students will only have half days until 11:30 during the first week.

Lower Primary Back to School Night Thurs. August 20th.

Back to School Picnic Fri. August 21st

Upper Primary Back to School Night Tues. August 25th

Back to School Nights: Middle School August 19; Lower Primary August 20; Upper Primary August 25; Upper School August 27

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Schedule of 2015-2016 Back to School Nights*:

Wednesday August 19
Middle School (Grades 6-8)
6:00 p.m. in the auditorium followed by classroom visits

Thursday, August 20
Lower Primary School (Grades 5K-2)

Tuesday, August 25
Upper Primary School (Grades 3-5)
5:30 Rotating Specials Stations
6:00 Welcome Session
6:35 A Day Classroom Presentations
7:20 B Day Classroom Presentations

Thursday, August 27
Upper School (Grades 9-12)
5:00 p.m. Informal Session with College Counselors  in the auditorium
5:30 Field Trip Information with Heads of Year
    •    Grade 9 - Library
    •    Grade 10 - Room 1-143
    •    Grade 11 - Room 5-202
    •    Grade 12 - Room 1-230


*Further information will be posted as is becomes available.

Grades 5K - 5 School Supply Lists

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Download Grades 5K - 2 Supply List

Download Grades 3 - 5 Supply List

 

For All Students Entering 5K

Please supply the following items which should be clearly labeled with your child’s name:

  1. A standard sized school bag
  2. A set of extra clothes in case of an emergency. Please update this throughout the year according to growth/season. Label these items clearly and place in a named Ziploc storage bag to be kept at school.
  3. Two cloth napkins should be enclosed daily in the school bag
  4. A full water bottle daily
  5. Please wear comfortable, safe shoes (closed toe shoes only)

 

For all students entering Grade 1

Equipment

  1. A sturdy bag suitable for carrying school books and materials (backpacks that can fit into a locker are recommended)
  2. A lunch box for children bringing their own meals to school
  3. P.E. Uniform
  4. A pair of non‐slip sports shoes for indoor P.E.
  5. All items should be clearly labeled with your child’s name and checked through the year to ensure the name is legible

 

Educational Materials

Students are asked to have the following supplies for the first day of school and throughout the year.

Classroom Supplies

Small Soft Pencil Case

1

#2 Pencils

1 Box

Colored Pencils

1 Set

Markers

1 Set

Scissors

1

Glue Stick

1

Eraser

1

Pencil Sharpener

1

Highlighters

2 (Light Colors)

 

For all students entering Grade 2

Equipment

  1. A sturdy bag suitable for carrying school books and materials (backpacks that can fit into a locker are recommended)
  2. A lunch box for children bringing their own meals to school
  3. P.E. Uniform
  4. A pair of non‐slip sports shoes for indoor P.E.
  5. All items should be clearly labeled with your child’s name and checked through the year to ensure the name is legible

 

Educational Materials

Students are asked to have the following supplies for the first day of school and throughout the year.

Classroom Supplies

Small Soft Pencil Case

1

Sharpened Pencils

2

Scissors

1

Glue Sticks

2

Erasers

2

Glue Stick

1

Small Pencil Sharpener with Top

1

Green Pens

2

Red Pens

2

Blue Pens

2

Colored Pencils

1 Box

Supplies for Home:                                            
To Support Learning & Homework Activities

Ruler with Inches and Centimeters

1

Colored Pencils

1 Box

Pencils

 

Scissors

1

Assorted Markers

1 Box

 

For All Students Entering Grades 3, 4 & 5

Equipment

  1. A sturdy bag suitable for carrying school books and materials (backpacks that can fit into a locker suggested)
  2. A lunch box for children bringing their meals to school
  3. P.E. Uniform
  4. A pair of non‐slip shoes for indoor P.E. (closed toe shoes)
  5. All items should be clearly labeled with your child’s name and checked through the year to ensure the name is legible

 

Educational Materials

(Textbooks, notebooks, paper and other materials are provided by the school.) Students are expected to have these items for the first day of school and throughout the year.

GRADES 3 - 5

Item

Quantity

Green Pen

1

Blue Pen

2

Black Pen

2

Red Pen

1

#2 Pencils

12

Colored Pencils

1 set of 12

Highlighter (Different Colors)

2

Pencil Sharpener

1

Eraser

2

Scissors

1

Compass (Grade 4 & 5 Only)

1

Ruler with Inches & Centimeters

1

Glue Stick

3

Small Soft Pencil Case

1

 

Physical Education (PE) Uniforms Required for Grades 1 - 10

Beginning June 1, 2015, we are thrilled to offer PE uniforms through Pro Sports. Purchases may be made online through Pro Sports for primary school students here and secondary school students here.

Grades 6 - 12 School Supply Lists

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Download Grades 6 - 12 Supply List


For All Students Entering Grades 6 - 12

This is a recommended list of supplies, based on what students have generally used.   Several specialized, required items are listed at the bottom.  As the year progresses, each teacher will let students know if/when alternate or additional supplies are needed.  Keep your store receipts in case needs change.

Supplies
Quantity
Black/ blue pens
1 pack
Colored pencil set
(set of 12, the non-erasable type)
1
Pencil sharpener 1
Pencils 1 pack
Mechanical Pencils 1 pack
Highlighters 1 pack
Scissors 1
Glue Sticks 6
Ruler 1
Eraser 1
Geometry set (compass, ruler, protractor) 1
Post-it notes 1 pack
Lined paper 3 packs
Graph paper (5x5 grid) 1 pack
Binders (1 or 2 inches) 5
Pocket folders 5
5 - tab dividers 2 packs
Ruled notebook/journal (not spiral bound) 1
Locker organizer  
REQUIRED for Theatre:
Grade 6 and all New Students:
*BASIC Sketch Book 5.5x8.5 from Binders Store
1
REQUIRED for Grades 9-12 Math
Graphing Calculator, TI‐84 plus silver edition (color)

For Grades 7-8 Math
Above graphic calculator is recommended, but if not, then this is required: TI‐30X IIs
 


*Theatre - All grade 6 and all new students will need this sketch book.  It will be used for multiple years.

Physical Education (PE) Uniforms Required for Grades 1 - 10

Beginning June 1, 2015, we are thrilled to offer PE uniforms through Pro Sports. Purchases may be made online through Pro Sports for primary school students here and secondary school students here.


Welcome from the AIS Parent Organization

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June 8, 2015
 
 
Dear AIS Parents,
 
On behalf of the Parent Organization of Atlanta International School, it is my pleasure to welcome you to our community and the upcoming school year. The AIS community is vibrant, diverse, and filled with interesting and talented students, parents and teachers. As the parent of a student enrolled at AIS, you automatically become a member of the PO, and we welcome your energy, ideas, talents and contributions.
 
The purpose of the Parent Organization is to promote AIS through the organized efforts of the parent body and to build a strong sense of community by interacting with each other, the faculty and leadership of the school.
 
There are many ways to become involved with the Parent Organization, such as volunteering for a position on the PO Council or as a grade representative, school representative or room parent. You can also work with one of our groups like the culture clubs, Ambassador Program, Parent Programs, Sports Boosters, Arts Boosters and event committees. You can find out more about these opportunities by visiting the Parent Organization section of the AIS web site.
 
Together with my family, I arrived here in Atlanta from Asia some ten years ago not knowing a soul here. As my daughter started school, I became aware of the Parent Organization and joined, first as a room parent in the Primary School. Since then I have taken on a number of other roles within the PO and have enjoyed each one immensely. I have been generously rewarded by the many friendships I have made whilst working with the PO, some of whom I know will remain lifelong friends. Working with the PO really is one of the best ways to make good friends whilst at the same time helping to shape our children’s school into the great institution it has become and will continue to be with our support.
 
Finally I would like to leave you with a taste of the kind of fun activities it is possible to engage in with the PO. Please take the opportunity to view this short presentation that was created by Hermine Morrell, Chair of Ensemble, our French culture club. I am certain that you will enjoy it and be encouraged to come and work with us.
 
Use the following link to access the presentation:
 
http://play.smilebox.com/SpreadMoreHappy/4e4449314f5451314e6a42384f5455794d7a497a4d44673d0d0a 
 
I look forward to meeting you soon.
 
Best regards,
Mark Hayler


Download PDF version of this letter


Atlanta International School Annual Back to School Picnic Friday, August 21 at 5:30 p.m.

How to Raise an Adult: An Evening of Discussion with Author Lythcott-Haims

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Thursday, September 10 at 6:30 p.m.

Atlanta International School Celebrates 30th Anniversary, Welcomes Class of 2030

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Courtney Fowler – 404.841.3879
cfowler@aischool.org
www.aischool.org

 

 
Atlanta International School Celebrates 30th Anniversary, Welcomes Class of 2030


ATLANTA – August 19, 2015 – Atlanta International School (AIS) observes the 30th anniversary of the school this year, celebrating an important milestone for the school’s community. The school also welcomes the class of 2030 – incoming 3K students in the Early Learning Center - this fall.

“As we think forward to their world of 2030, we have been asking, ‘What are we doing now to get them ready for that imagined future?’” said Kevin Glass, headmaster. “Our reason for being as a school demands that our students leave us not only to survive or thrive in their future, but to add value and contribute positively to whatever community, place and society in which they find themselves. They’ll need a global mindset, adaptability, resilience and perseverance, a sense of innovation and entrepreneurship, and – last but not least – the ability to collaborate creatively. Just getting into great universities or having a successful career is never enough for us. It is the mission of Atlanta International School to develop extraordinary individuals who will absolutely shape the 21st century.”

AIS will celebrate its 30th anniversary – and the Class of 2030 (known on campus as the “30/30s”) - over the course of the year at a number of events, including a back-to-school picnic in August and the school’s signature WorldFest international festival on October 25.  The Class of 2030 will also bury a special time capsule on campus.

The school was founded 30 years ago by a group of parents, international educators and members of the business community whose aim was to provide the Atlanta area with the kind of international education opportunities found in major cities throughout the world. Support from major corporations and public figures was obtained because of the school’s importance in the development of Atlanta as the premier international city in the southeastern United States. The school opened in September 1985 in a schoolhouse rented from Sardis United Methodist Church in Buckhead with 51 students, pre-K to first grade, in three dual-immersion language tracks: English plus French, German or Spanish. AIS moved to its current Garden Hills campus - originally designed by noted Atlanta architect Philip Trammell Shutze - in 1995.

About Atlanta International School
Celebrating its 30th school year, Atlanta International School offers all three International Baccalaureate (IB) programs to 1,160 U.S. and international students from three-year-old kindergarten to grade 12. Rigorous academics are enriched by a world-class language acquisition program, which begins with a full-immersion preschool program in Spanish, French and German. The school offers STEM-and STEAM-endorsed and bilingual diplomas in addition to the prestigious IB diploma. Beyond the classroom, AIS students participate in award-winning performing and fine arts opportunities, competitive athletics and global experiential learning. The AIS community comprises over 90 nationalities. AIS is accredited by SAIS and the Council of International Schools. For more information, please visit www.aischool.org.

 



Welcome from the AIS Parent Organization

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0
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June 8, 2015
 
 
Dear AIS Parents,
 
On behalf of the Parent Organization of Atlanta International School, it is my pleasure to welcome you to our community and the upcoming school year. The AIS community is vibrant, diverse, and filled with interesting and talented students, parents and teachers. As the parent of a student enrolled at AIS, you automatically become a member of the PO, and we welcome your energy, ideas, talents and contributions.
 
The purpose of the Parent Organization is to promote AIS through the organized efforts of the parent body and to build a strong sense of community by interacting with each other, the faculty and leadership of the school.
 
There are many ways to become involved with the Parent Organization, such as volunteering for a position on the PO Council or as a grade representative, school representative or room parent. You can also work with one of our groups like the culture clubs, Ambassador Program, Parent Programs, Sports Boosters, Arts Boosters and event committees. You can find out more about these opportunities by visiting the Parent Organization section of the AIS web site.
 
Together with my family, I arrived here in Atlanta from Asia some ten years ago not knowing a soul here. As my daughter started school, I became aware of the Parent Organization and joined, first as a room parent in the Primary School. Since then I have taken on a number of other roles within the PO and have enjoyed each one immensely. I have been generously rewarded by the many friendships I have made whilst working with the PO, some of whom I know will remain lifelong friends. Working with the PO really is one of the best ways to make good friends whilst at the same time helping to shape our children’s school into the great institution it has become and will continue to be with our support.
 
Finally I would like to leave you with a taste of the kind of fun activities it is possible to engage in with the PO. Please take the opportunity to view this short presentation that was created by Hermine Morrell, Chair of Ensemble, our French culture club. I am certain that you will enjoy it and be encouraged to come and work with us.
 
Use the following link to access the presentation:
 
http://play.smilebox.com/SpreadMoreHappy/4e4449314f5451314e6a42384f5455794d7a497a4d44673d0d0a 
 
I look forward to meeting you soon.
 
Best regards,
Mark Hayler


Download PDF version of this letter

Grades 5K - 5 School Supply Lists

$
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0

Download Grades 5K - 2 Supply List

Download Grades 3 - 5 Supply List

 

For All Students Entering 5K

Please supply the following items which should be clearly labeled with your child’s name:

  1. A standard sized school bag
  2. A set of extra clothes in case of an emergency. Please update this throughout the year according to growth/season. Label these items clearly and place in a named Ziploc storage bag to be kept at school.
  3. Two cloth napkins should be enclosed daily in the school bag
  4. A full water bottle daily
  5. Please wear comfortable, safe shoes (closed toe shoes only)

 

For all students entering Grade 1

Equipment

  1. A sturdy bag suitable for carrying school books and materials (backpacks that can fit into a locker are recommended)
  2. A lunch box for children bringing their own meals to school
  3. P.E. Uniform
  4. A pair of non‐slip sports shoes for indoor P.E.
  5. All items should be clearly labeled with your child’s name and checked through the year to ensure the name is legible

 

Educational Materials

Students are asked to have the following supplies for the first day of school and throughout the year.

Classroom Supplies

Small Soft Pencil Case

1

#2 Pencils

1 Box

Colored Pencils

1 Set

Markers

1 Set

Scissors

1

Glue Stick

1

Eraser

1

Pencil Sharpener

1

Highlighters

2 (Light Colors)

 

For all students entering Grade 2

Equipment

  1. A sturdy bag suitable for carrying school books and materials (backpacks that can fit into a locker are recommended)
  2. A lunch box for children bringing their own meals to school
  3. P.E. Uniform
  4. A pair of non‐slip sports shoes for indoor P.E.
  5. All items should be clearly labeled with your child’s name and checked through the year to ensure the name is legible

 

Educational Materials

Students are asked to have the following supplies for the first day of school and throughout the year.

Classroom Supplies

Small Soft Pencil Case

1

Sharpened Pencils

2

Scissors

1

Glue Sticks

2

Erasers

2

Glue Stick

1

Small Pencil Sharpener with Top

1

Green Pens

2

Red Pens

2

Blue Pens

2

Colored Pencils

1 Box

Supplies for Home:                                            
To Support Learning & Homework Activities

Ruler with Inches and Centimeters

1

Colored Pencils

1 Box

Pencils

 

Scissors

1

Assorted Markers

1 Box

 

For All Students Entering Grades 3, 4 & 5

Equipment

  1. A sturdy bag suitable for carrying school books and materials (backpacks that can fit into a locker suggested)
  2. A lunch box for children bringing their meals to school
  3. P.E. Uniform
  4. A pair of non‐slip shoes for indoor P.E. (closed toe shoes)
  5. All items should be clearly labeled with your child’s name and checked through the year to ensure the name is legible

 

Educational Materials

(Textbooks, notebooks, paper and other materials are provided by the school.) Students are expected to have these items for the first day of school and throughout the year.

GRADES 3 - 5

Item

Quantity

Green Pen

1

Blue Pen

2

Black Pen

2

Red Pen

1

#2 Pencils

12

Colored Pencils

1 set of 12

Highlighter (Different Colors)

2

Pencil Sharpener

1

Eraser

2

Scissors

1

Compass (Grade 4 & 5 Only)

1

Ruler with Inches & Centimeters

1

Glue Stick

3

Small Soft Pencil Case

1

 

Physical Education (PE) Uniforms Required for Grades 1 - 10

Beginning June 1, 2015, we are thrilled to offer PE uniforms through Pro Sports. Purchases may be made online through Pro Sports for primary school students here and secondary school students here.

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