American Division

Dear Parent,

Now that we are well and truly into the school year 2021-2022, we would like to
share with you how our academic plans have been working so far in middle school.

A lot has been going on in the American Division.

MAP Assessments
In weeks 5-7, we conducted MAP assessments for students in grades 7-9 whose
purpose was to assess the fall 2021 entry level of all students in English and in math.

After the data from the assessments was compiled and analyzed, improvement
plans targeting the areas of weaknesses while maintaining and upgrading the areas
of strengths were set in each grade. In addition, curriculum overviews were adjusted
and remedial schedules were initiated.

Climate and Culture Survey Results

In weeks 6-7, we conducted our first survey of the school year, the GHIS Climate
and Culture survey for students, parents, and teachers. Here are the results:

The most common things that teachers say to students while in

school, as reported by parents, students, and teachers alike, were:
“You got it right!”
“We will be working on…”
“Explain it.”

The most common expectations for students at school as reported by

students and teachers were:
“I am/Students are learning.”
“I/Students understand.”
“I am/Students are expected to be good at some things.”

The most common things students DO while in class, as reported by

parents, students, and teachers alike, were:
“Work with others”
“Classroom work” (teachers) / “Listen to teachers” (students and
parents)
“Think” (students and teachers) / “Taking tests” (parents)

These results demonstrate that what teachers say to students in class and the things
students do while in class all support the shared expectations for students—that they
learn and understand the concepts they are being taught. Another result may very
well be a surprise to parents—students are not taking tests all the time, despite what
parents may believe. Teachers and students both agree that most of the time,
students are working with others, doing classwork, and thinking.

Your support in motivating our students and encouraging them to cope with post-
COVID school environment while finding their way through the newly established
school routine has been much appreciated.
 American Division

Department Improvement Initiatives

Here is a glimpse into some of the improvement initiatives we have already
undertaken or are planning to undertake in the American classrooms:

English:
1) Novels will be added to the middle school English curriculum in the 2nd trimester in
order to increase critical thinking skills and reading comprehension.
2). Debate Night and poetry and reading competitions will be held to increase
language fluency.
3) New strategies will be utilized to teach vocabulary skills.

Mathematics:
1) Implementing mental math practice to help the students think and solve correctly
using quick mental techniques.
2) Making math more fun by learning through activities.
3) Accumulative quiz material to keep students engaged.
4) Adding more practice on the points of weakness that were noted on MAP reports
for each grade.
5) Implementing STEAM projects, integrated projects, and Science and Math Fair.

Science:
1) Provide 21st century teaching methodologies in presenting science concepts
through integrating technology withing science curricula.
2) Lab manuals in all science branches will be prepared and used by teachers and
students throughout the year.
3) Science Fair and STEAM will be implemented.

Social Studies:
1) Implementing cooperative learning strategies to ensure lessons are engaging and
student-centered.
2) Encourage students to contribute to class discussions and group/pair work in
English.
3) Bridge the gap from grade 6 to 7 by modeling to students how to study from the
textbook.
4) Maintain and reinforce curriculum updates made in recent years.

Sincerely,

School Administration