MIDDLE SCHOOL

Friday Bulletin
Weekly Publication for Middle School Parents
ISSUE # 02
WEEK OF AUGUST 20 TO 24, 2012

From the Middle School Office

Dear Parents: We enjoyed greeting and meeting so many families this past week during the Back to School Night and PTA Cocktail Hour for new parents. If you missed these events, there is yet another opportunity to come out and hear a little bit more about life in the Middle School. On Thursday, August 23 will be hosting a New Parent Coffee in the Little Theater starting at 7:30 A.M. We hope you can join us. After school clubs and activities begin on Wednesday, August 22. If you have not done so already, please visit ms.ism-online.org with your child, click on the MS Activities link in the sidebar, and view the Activities booklet. We encourage every child to register for an activity so that they can make new friends, discover a new skill, or continue to enjoy a favorite hobby. One of our goals this year is to strengthen literacy throughout the Middle School. A number of our teachers have been trained through The Reading and Writing Project developed by Teachers College, Columbia University, and they will be using a workshop model in the classroom. As part of this initiative, we will also focus on using the Writing Traits Assessment Model. Essentially, the aim is to develop a sense of what good writing looks like and improve the students' writing skills over the course of the year. The main components of good writing are: IDEAS: the meaning and development of the message ORGANIZATION: the internal structure of the piece VOICE: the way the writer brings the topic to life WORD CHOICE: the specific vocabulary the writer uses to convey meaning SENTENCE FLUENCY: the way words and phrases flow throughout the text CONVENTIONS: the mechanical correctness of the piece including spelling, punctuation and capitalization Throughout the year your child will learn about good writing and apply the traits to written work. By utilizing a shared vocabulary about the traits (ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, conventions and presentation) both students and teachers will be able to discuss written work in a meaningful way. You can lend your support by using the language of the traits when discussing writing at home with your child. As families and students transition and settle into the new school year, questions are likely to arise. Please know that you are welcome to meet, talk or email us, the guidance counselors, or the teachers with any questions or concerns that may arise. We value communication and building a strong, positive relationship with you and your child. If you wish to make an appointment, please call the Middle School Office at 840 8550. Please remember that there will be no classes on Monday, August 20 and Tuesday, August 21. Classes resume on Wednesday, August 22. Have a fabulous 4-day weekend! Yours in Education, Simon Gillespie Middle School Principal Clarissa Sayson Middle School Assistant Principal

Inside this issue:

From the Operations & Security Office Good Job to the MS Advanced Band! From the Guidance Office Adult Language Courses in ISM ISM Cub Scouts ILLAM Baseball and Softball From the ATAC Office 2 5 6 7 9 10

UPCOMING EVENTS
AUGUST
20 21 23 27 31 School Holiday (Eid-ul-Fitr) School Holiday (Ninoy Aquino Holiday) Parent Coffee (7:45 A.M., LT) School Holiday (National Heroes Day) New Student Social Activity

SEPTEMBER
01 04 08 10 to 14 15 18 20 21 24 to Oct. 17 Service Learning Trip PTA Bearcat Welcome (7:30 A.M., Lofthouse) Service Learning Trip FCD Visit Service Learning Trip MS/HS Parent Coffee (8:00 A.M., LT) Courtyard Event (3:00 P.M.) School Holiday (Faculty In Service) MAP Test

POWERSCHOOL GRADE UPDATE

August 24 Grade Update September 07 Progress Report Distribution (via courier)

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From the Operations and Security Office

August 10, 2012 Access and parking within the campus are important security and safety issues. For the well-being of all members of the ISM community, those entering the school campus are requested to follow the procedures outlined below. Vehicular Access During drop-off and pick-up times, vehicles may enter through Gates 2 and 3. Those entering through Gate 2 should proceed to the drop off area and, once the student has alighted or boarded, they should exit via Gate 1. Those vehicles entering through Gate 3 must turn into the covered parking area and use the designated drop-off areas. All vehicles must exit through Gate 1. Please note that Gate 2 may only be used by those with ISM ID and vehicles displaying a valid ISM vehicle sticker. Alternatively, vehicles entering through Gate 3 may park in the covered car park. The spaces reserved for parent-driven cars should only be used by those vehicles which are driven by parents themselves. Vehicles in which parents are traveling, but which are driven by a driver, should not use these spaces. Rather, they should park elsewhere in the covered car park or make use of the outside spaces next to the power center. Family/company drivers should not remain within school once they have delivered a student. They should exit the school and return no sooner than 30 minutes before the scheduled pick up time. Visitors to ISM may only enter through Gate 3. There is an area for short stay visitors parking near Gate 1. The Pedestrian Gate Location The pedestrian gate is located in the perimeter fence mid-way between Gate 1 and Gate 2. There is a paved area between the road and the perimeter fence, allowing easy access to the gate. The pedestrian gate is solely for the entry of members of the ISM Community at the beginning of the school day. It will only be open between 7:00 and 7:45 (8:00 to 8:45 on Wednesdays). Due to parking restrictions and in the interests of security it will not be open in the afternoon for pickups. During the time it is open, it will be under the supervision of members of the ISM Guard Force. Drop-off Procedure Drivers should stop adjacent to the paved area and students should alight from the right side of their vehicle. The driver should then move off, clearing the space for other vehicles dropping off students. Under no circumstances should a student be dropped off from the middle lane. This is dangerous as the student would need to walk in front of another vehicle. Drivers are reminded that traffic regulations forbid parking on the roads around ISM. Therefore, vehicles should only be stopping for the brief time it takes for a student to alight. Drivers must not wait for anybody to return to the vehicle.

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Car Stickers The car stickers for the school year 2012/2013 are available from the security office. Each ISM family will be issued one vehicle sticker free of charge. Any additional stickers will be issued following payment of Php100.00 to the cashiers office. For vehicles already displaying an existing sticker, parents should submit a completed renewal form with a copy of the current LTO official receipt. For new vehicles, parents are reminded that a copy of the vehicles certificate of registration and a current official receipt need to be submitted with the application. Applications for vehicles registered with companies or other institutions should be supported by a letter of assignment. In order to facilitate the easy recognition of authorized cars at the gates, the stickers should be affixed to the top right corner of the windshield. Further to this, old ISM stickers issued in previous years should be removed. Vehicles not displaying this years car sticker will not be allowed access from August 31, 2012. ID Cards Parent IDs Parent IDs issued in previous school year will continue to be valid for the new school year 2012/2013. Parents who require replacement school IDs due to loss or damage can acquire these from the Security Office upon payment of Php100.00 to the Cashier. School Passes School passes issued to parents employees and representatives need to be replaced for this school year. As of August 31, 2012 the purple bordered passes issued for the school year 2011/2012 will be invalid. Each family will be given two free school passes. Additional school passes may be obtained after paying a processing fee of Php100.00 each to the Cashiers Office. Visitors Passes All visitors must secure a pass from the guardhouse at Gate 3. Before entry will be allowed, a telephone check will be made with the relevant office to confirm the visitors business within the school. Visitors will need to surrender a photo-ID upon entry to campus. Drop Off/Pick Up Passes For the school year 2012/13 we are introducing a new pick up and drop off pass that can be issued at Gate 3. This is for non-regular drivers who are entering school to drop off or collect visitors or members of our community but who do not intend to park within the campus. Our regular checks to confirm the identity of drivers and their purpose for entering the campus will continue to be made, but we will not retain a photo-ID in return for the issued pass. The use of these new passes will avoid delays at the Gate 1 exit and reduce traffic congestion at busy times. Vehicle checks The practice of inspecting vehicles will continue. During off-peak hours all vehicles will be checked before they are allowed to enter the campus.

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(continued from page 3) During peak hours (drop off and pick-up times), all vehicles without valid stickers and randomly selected vehicles with stickers will be asked to undergo an examination. Whether an examination is conducted or not, it is important that the security staff at the gates are able to identify the occupants of vehicles entering the campus; therefore IDs must be clearly displayed. Vehicles with tinted windows must roll down windows to allow a clear view of the interior of the vehicle. Drivers, Helpers and Bodyguards Drivers, helpers and bodyguards should not wait on campus for students throughout the school day. After dropping off students they should exit the school grounds and not return more than 30 minutes before dismissal time. Those who repeatedly fail to comply with the regulation will have their access privilege suspended. Only those vehicles carrying parents or other people with business within the school will be allowed to return to the campus before the scheduled pick up time. There are designated areas for unaccompanied drivers, yayas, helpers and security escorts to wait for parents and students. Unless specifically authorized, they may not enter any other area. In the interest of security, and to prevent congestion at the pedestrian entrances to the covered parking area, parents are requested to emphasize to their employees the importance of cooperating with the security staff and remaining in the appropriate areas. Firearms All members of the ISM community are reminded that it is strictly forbidden for firearms to be brought onto the campus. This includes concealed weapons carried by bodyguards for close protection. Any person arriving at the school with a firearm should inform the gate guard and arrangements will be made for the weapon to be safely and securely stored during the visitors stay. Security staff directions Our security team is endeavoring to make the school as safe and secure an environment as possible for all members of our community. We ask that everybody cooperate with us in this important task. In particular, all those entering our campus are requested to comply with any directions given to them by members of our guard force. If you are confused or unclear as to the purpose of such instructions, please seek clarification from the security office. Please note that it is the parents responsibility to advise their staff accordingly. Thank you for your cooperation. We are looking forward to another successful year at International School Manila. Best wishes, Michael Flynn Director of Operations and Security

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Good Job to the Middle School Advanced Band

The Middle School Advanced Band performed The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly superbly for the Open House last Tuesday. Great job Mr. Howrey and student musicians for putting together the musical performance at such an early time of the school year!

From the Guidance Office All Parents are invited to attend the CULTURE SHOCK: Easing the Transition Workshop on AUGUST 28, 9:00-11:00 A.M. (Revised date due to holiday) in the Little Theatre. In this session participants will explore the concept of culture in order to bring greater understanding to the common experience of culture shock. Strategies will be considered to help ease the transition not just for our children, but the entire family.

Update your contact information!

Please get in touch with the Admissions Office (840-8488) or Middle School Office (840-8550/840-8553) if there has been any change in your home address, email address, and contact numbers. We want to keep you updated with what is happening in school.

Were on the web! www.ismanila.org

IF YOU HAVENT LOGGED ON TO POWERSCHOOL

please call the Guidance Office at 840-8555 or email msguidance@ismanila.org to obtain your username and password.

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Adult Language Courses at ISM

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ILLAM Baseball and Softball

Registration for the upcoming baseball/softball season will take place on August 25 and September 1, from 9am to 4:00 P.M. at the Colegio San Agustin (CSA) Baseball-Softball field (located inside Dasmarinas Village). We will also have a special on-campus registration for ISM families at the ISM Bearcat Welcome on September 4, 7:30-9am at the ISM Lofthouse. For 36 years, the International Little League Association of Manila (ILLAM) has shared the love of baseball with the ISM community through its T-ball, Coach Pitch, Softball and Baseball programs. A volunteer association, ILLAM is affiliated with Little League Philippines and Little League International Inc., an American organization based in Williamsport, Pennsylvania which handles and supports Little League baseball and softball programs globally and hosts the Little League World Series annually every August. The ILLAM baseball season runs from September through February. Practices are typically once a week after school, and games are usually scheduled on Saturdays. The registration fee of P6,000 covers uniforms, field rentals and umpire fees as well as yearbooks and trophies/medals for each player. For inquiries, please contact Noela Lagajino at 0912-315-5345 or email us at myillam@yahoo.com.

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From the Athletics & Activities Office

With the school closure to after school programs last Tuesday followed by total school closure last Wednesday and Thursday last week, a revised tryouts schedule was posted on notice boards around the school and communicated to students via the ATAC blog, assembly and classroom announcements. Thankfully, coaches were able to complete tryouts for all teams by this past Monday, August 13, and our regular practice schedule started on Tuesday with all teams making a great start to the season. The 1st season practice schedule which runs from August 14 to October 12 is now posted on notice boards around school and is also now available on the ATAC blog. http://atac.ism-online.org/schedules/hs/ Elementary School soccer tryouts for 1st season teams which compete in the RIFA festivals also have now concluded and teams have been selected, see information link below for ES soccer teams information. ISM will enter ES teams in the following age divisions (students born, 02, 03, 04, 05 and 06). More information about our ES soccer teams, the RIFA festivals, etc. can be found here http://atac.ism-online.org/atac/1st-season/es-soccerrifa-league-festivals/ and flyers have been posted on ES notice board and on the notice board located under the tent at the ES field. Middle school soccer tryouts for 1st season teams which compete in the RIFA festivals have now concluded and teams have been selected, see information link below for MS soccer teams information. ISM will enter MS teams in the following age divisions for the Rifa Festivals (MS boys born 01 and MS girls born 99, 00, 01). More information about our MS boys and girls soccer teams can be found here http://atac.ismonline.org/atac/1st-season/ms-soccer-rifa-leaguefestivals/. The first RIFA League festivals will be held tomorrow, Saturday, August 18, at the following venues: Midgets C teams (C1, C2, C3 and C4 Coach Eric/Chris/Kleng and Jays teams) at ISM kick-off at 12 nn Midgets E teams (E1 and E2 Coach Popoy and Coach Francis) at ISM kick off at 8:00 A.M. Midgets G teams (G1 and G2 Coach Mike and Coach Isas teams) at Xavier School Greenhills kick-off at 10:00 A.M. Permission slips have been issued to all players via the coaches at training this week. Please consult the ES and MS links above to get the dates/venues for the other festivals to be held on September 15, September 22 and for the finals to be held on October 13. The All year round program for Sailfish, Tae Kwon Do, Judo, Aikido, Table Tennis, Chess, Gymnastics and Wall Climbing started from Monday, August 13. For detailed information . The All year round program for Sailfish, Tae Kwon Do, Judo, Aikido, Table Tennis, Chess, Gymnastics and Wall Climbing started from Monday, August 13. For detailed information about our Sailfish Swim Team program, please visit the Sailfish blog and get in contact with Coach Andy. Students can join our all year round teams at any time, just go and talk with the coaches at the venues after school if you are interested. Our annual HS Friday twilight opening season soccer and volleyball matches will be on today August 17 vs. Faith Academy. This will be a great chance to come out and show your support for our ISM varsity teams. Soccer matches will start at 4:00 P.M. at the HS and MS fields and the volleyball will be in the HS and MS gyms. Varsity soccer teams both boys and girls play at 4:00 P.M. to allow a number of our student leaders to catch a bus straight after their game to the student leadership retreat. Varsity volleyball will also start at 4:00 P.M. in the HS gym, with JV teams playing in the MS gym. A great way to stay in touch with the ISM ATAC program is to subscribe via RSS feed to the ATAC blog and also to follow via twitter (see twitter feed on the blog home page). Each Monday I will post the weeks happenings and highlight important events for students and parents information on the ATAC blog and in the regular Friday parent bulletins. GAME SCHEDULE PDF: (access to game schedule information) Information about all mid-week/weekend fixtures for ISM teams can be found via the ATAC blog. Please note the game schedule does change often due to involvement with many local schools so please check the page regularly to find out the latest information of where and when the Bearcats teams are playing. Click on schedules tab or the Bearcat logo to be directed to the http://powerschool.ismanila.org/public/. You will need your PowerSchool username and password to access the game schedule. BEARCAT DEN: http://atac.ism-online.org/bearcat-den/ Our Bearcat Den is up and running and open for business. Please drop by to check out the range of Bearcat products. We have a great team of volunteers who run the den and are always looking for more people to help out. If you are interested in joining a fantastic group, please contact Melanie Ball, our volunteer coordinator, at melaniehball@gmail.com. We have a new range of dri fit t-shirts now available along with new Bearcat bags Regular Opening Hours for the Bearcat Den: Wednesday and Friday, from 11:30 A.M. 1:00 P.M. & 2:30 P.M. 4:00 P.M. Tuesday & Thursday afternoons, from 2:30 - 4:00 P.M. Have a great year at the Home of the Bearcats! Regards, Mark Pekin Director of Athletics/Activities

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