SAS Pudong Middle School

2008 Yearbooks on Sale NOW!

Don’t miss your opportunity to own a copy of the 2008 SAS Pudong yearbook. This year’s book is bigger (265 pages! WOW!) and better than ever - covering all grades and many unforgettable activities such as MYG Nites, visiting authors, house spirit, CISSA sports and more.

Last year’s yearbook sold out, so order today. We will sell until we run out, on a first come, first served basis.

Please fill out the order envelope and enclose exact payment. Have your child turn in the envelope to the cashier.

Grade 6 boys and girls CISSA basketball tournament is at SAS, Pudong on Saturday, May 24.  

Also, select boys and girls in grades 7-8 are participating in the Concordia Cup competitive basketball tournament at Concordia on Saturday, May 24.

A complete tournament and bus schedule for both events is available on Edline, look for the CISSA link.

Mosaic!

Pudong Middle School Concerts May 2008

Choir, 6^th Grade, and Jazz  MONDAY 26^th May 6.30pm

Ms Davey’s Bands   TUESDAY 27^th May 6.30pm

All Strings    WEDNESDAY 28^th May 6.30pm
All evening concerts will start at 6.30pm and will run for about 70 minutes.
3.00pm to 5.15pm Performers can watch a movie or play soccer. Both activities will be supervised by teachers.

5.30pm Pizza and Drinks served in the cafeteria

6.00pm Performers to warm up rooms, change to concert dress and prepare instrument.
6.30pm Performers will move to the theater to perform.

There will be NO BUSES running after the evening concerts, please make arrangements to attend the concert and hear your child perform, and take them home afterwards. If you cannot attend, please make arrangements with neighbors or friends to take care of your child.

What to Wear
All Bands and Choirs

Black and Black
All band and choir performers have been asked to wear a black shirt and black or very, very, dark blue pants or skirt, and tidy nice shoes, sneakers ok.
Mr Claassen’s Strings

Boys: White shirt, black trousers, tidy nice black shoes and colored or black bow tie.  Black socks please.

Girls: Black dress, black pants or a black skirt – no short skirts please, with a black top/blouse.  Tidy shoes.  You can use colored hair accessories (ribbons etc.) to tie hair back or small colored pins/clips.  This is optional.   

The key words are smart and neat for ALL performing groups!

Thursday May 29^th - Middle School Alignment Report

The Middle School Alignment Task Force has been working throughout the year to align the Middle School programs on both campuses.  On Thursday May 29^th on the Pudong Campus, members of the task force will provide an opportunity for parents to ask questions regarding the middle school program.   10 am in the Library Lecture Hall.

All concerts will be in the evening.  More detailed information from our music department  following China Alive.

Friday May 30^th – Our Final MYGNITE

Monday June 2^nd – Middle School Field Day – If you interested in being a Parent Volunteer for our MS field day, please contact karl.zigmand@saschina.org
Friday June 6^th – CISSA Sports Awards Night

Communication with the Middle School:

** The most comprehensive school wide information is to be found at http://teachers.saschina.org/mspudong

Weekly Parent Talk articles
Weekly Middle School Notes
Edline – MS HomePage: https://global.edline.net/InterstitialLogin.page

Counselor’s Blog: http://schoolcounselor.teachtck.com/

For information regarding middle school alignment or any other Educational Programming issue, please see the following website:

teachers.saschina.org/edpro
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Dear Parents,

The tragic events that have occurred in our region of the world over the past few weeks have allowed us to reflect on our own fortunate situations. As an educational institution, we believe it is our responsibility to teach well beyond the academic subjects and in to the realm of becoming socially aware and responsible to assist those in need.

It has become obvious from news reports that our most effective means to assist the devastated areas is to collect money for their relief. The SAS Pudong Middle School will attempt to assist the survivors in Sichuan Province and in Myanmar through the following initiatives:

1. Cash Donation - "Kuai for Quick Relief" Three grade level bottles will be placed in the cafeteria and out in front of central administration offices starting on Tuesday, May 20^th. The grade level that collects the most Kuai will be recognized at the closing of the year celebrations. The catch is that all coins count for a grade level and all bills count against. So bring bills to place in the rival grade level jars!

1. Myg-Nyte – Parents will be given the opportunity to make contributions directly on the Myg Nyte forms. Each student attending Myg Nyte will be asked to consider donating 30 RMB or more.

1. MS Concert Days - - Next week at the Middle School concerts, each grade level will be responsible for providing refreshments for the concert days. All proceeds will go toward the relief efforts. The schedule is as follows: Grade 6 on Monday, Grade 7 on Tuesday and Grade 8 on Wednesday.

1. Art Dept - will hold art auction on above 3 concert days. They will be auctioning art and designing cards to be sold. All proceeds will go toward the relief efforts.

TENTATIVE ACTIVITIES STILL BEING PLANNED

1. Field Day - - June 2^nd – We will work with Eurest to gain permission to sell items to students as refreshments. All proceeds will go towards the relief efforts.

1. Field Day Fun Run - - Students will have pledge cards so students can get donations - - just like a walkathon.

1. Treat Day - - will get parents to help with this. Slated to have it on Friday, May 30.

All money raised will be split 50% for Sichuan and 50% for Myanmar. If parents would rather make a direct donation to just one of these initiatives, please place the donation in an envelop, label it appropriately and submit it directly to the middle school office.

Thank you for your continued support especially during this tragic time.

Sincerely Ronald A. Roukema, Ed.D

Middle School Principal

Shanghai American School, Pudong Campus

Good morning parents,

I just  spoke  with  Ms. Chao, the 6th grade team leader and they are still on track for leaving Xian  today around 3:20.  The travel coordinators have contacted the airport and the flights are still scheduled to take off on time.  I will be checking in hourly with the team and travel coordinators.  Please continue to check this sight for any changes in their return plans.

Grade 7 is excited about taking the overnight train tonight from Beijing.  They will have a full day today prior to boarding the train tonight.  I will update this sight later today after I receive an update from the grade 7 team.

Please remember that Grade 8 is not due back until Friday.

Have a great day!

Ron Roukema, Ed.D

Middle School Principal

Good afternoon:  Just another update on the students for this week.  I have heard from all the teams and they are all reporting wonderful weather and great fun.

Grade 6 is split today with some students seeing the Terracotta Soldiers and others visiting a taoist temple and then hiking up a small mountain.   The teachers are reporting that the students are being very respectful of the history and amazed at the amount of soliders still preserved.

Grade 7 was visiting the Forbidden City when I spoke with Dr. Rosen.  The report from Beijing is that even with it being familiar to some of the students they are still learning bits they missed on past trips.

Grade 8 reports that they have had success on the river.  The only causality to river has been a pair of glasses.  The teachers are getting a new pair made for the student as we speak.

I hope you find these updates helpful and a little reassuring.

Sincerely,

Ron Roukema, Ed.D

Middle School Principal, Pudong

Parents are invited to meet with Mr. John Ritter from Search Associates when he visits Shanghai American School next week.  Search Associates is assisting the board in the superintendent search.  Mr. Ritter will be gathering information directly from parents, faculty, administrators and board members in order to learn about challenges and opportunities a new superintendent might face.  We encourage parents who would like to contribute to the superintendent search at this stage to attend one of the sessions with Mr. Ritter.

Puxi Campus: Monday, May 19, 10 - 11:30 am or 1:00 - 2:30 pm. (Upstairs of big cafeteria)

Pudong Campus: Tuesday, May 20, 10 - 11:30 am or 1:00 - 2:30 pm. (HS library Garden room with couch)

If you are interested in participating in a parent session, please email Maria.Tay@saschina.org or schoolboard@saschina.org.  

I spoke with all of our team leaders this morning and they all said the students are doing great. Please read below for a quick update on what each team leader is reporting for today.

Grade 6 went to the city wall and worked on their Taiji this morning. The morning bike ride also went off without a hitch.  According to a grade 6 student, "we did not even realized that there was an earthquake yesterday. Things here are just great!"

Grade 7 sent me a text message and a picture of their beautiful day on the Great Wall. Today they are enjoying good temperatures as they trek 10k across the wall. They have plenty of water and both the students and staff will be quite tired by the time they settle in for kite making tonight.

Grade 8 reported in and they too are enjoying the great outdoors today. The students are glad they had a day on the bikes last Wednesday as they prepare for their hikes, repelling, and traversing experiences.

According to the team leaders, the trips are coming along nicely. The students and teachers are able to continue with their planned activities.

As many of you know, today near Chengdu there was a 7.8 earthquake. I have talked to all of our team leaders on the three trips and all the students are fine. The tremor was felt in Beijing (900 miles) and Xian (550 miles) but no damage was reported to me in either city. They are all continuing on with their activities as planned. I have asked the team leaders to review their emergency procedures and have chaperons review earthquake procedures with their students. All team leaders are reporting that the students are enjoying the activities. I will continue to keep you all informed as the week progresses so please continue to check for further updates.

Sincerely,
Ron Roukema, Ed.D

Middle School Principal

Following China Alive, Monday May 19^th will be a Day 3

Today, Friday May 9^th, the youngest child in each family will be bringing home a re-enrollment package as well as an envelope for purchasing the 2008-09 Yearbook:

2008 Yearbooks on Sale NOW!

Don’t miss your opportunity to own a copy of the 2008 SAS Pudong yearbook. This year’s book is bigger (265 pages! WOW!) and better than ever - covering all grades and many unforgettable activities such as MYG Nites, visiting authors, house spirit, CISSA sports and more.

Last year’s yearbook sold out, so order today. We will sell until we run out, on a first come, first served basis.

Please fill out the order envelope and enclose exact payment. Have your child turn in the envelope to the cashier.

China Alive Reminders:

Drop off times - Monday May 12^th:

Grade 6:

Pudong International Airport – Terminal 1.  Please be at the China Eastern counter at 6:15 am.

Grade 7:

Hong Qiao Airport - Puxi.  Please be at Departure Hall A #3 at 8:45 am.

Grade 8:

There are 2 Flights.  Double check to ensure which flight your child is taking.

Group 1:

Hong Qiao Airport -  Puxi.  Please be at the China Eastern counter at 7:50 am.

Group 2:

Hong Qiao Airport -  Puxi.  Please be at the Shanghai Airlines counter at 6:15 am. 

Returning Pick up Times:

Grade 6:

Thursday May 15^th.  Please pick up your child at 5:05 pm from Terminal 1 at Pudong International Airport.  Arriving on flight MU291

All Grade 6 students are expected to be at school on Friday for a special China Alive activity day.

Grade 7:

Friday May 16^th.  Please pick up your child at the Holiday Inn hotel - 585 Heng Feng Road (63538008) – Yuanjin Room 3^rd Floor at 7:45 am.

Grade 8:

Friday May 16^th.

Group 1:   Please pick up your child from Hong Qiao airport at 3:15 pm.  Arriving on flight MU5380

Group 2:   Please pick up your child from Hong Qiao airport at 22:35 (10:35 pm).  Arriving on flight FM9332.

For all families: 

New Luggage restrictions for traveling within in China:

Please note that on May 1^st, 2008, new carry-on luggage restrictions regarding weight and liquids went into effect:

No liquids or gels in carry on luggage.

Carry—on bag should not be more than 5kg.

The school has prepared a letter for the nurses in case liquid medication is required on the plane. 

Also, just a reminder that all children should have comfortable walking shoes – Crocs or flip flop sandals will not be comfortable for long hikes.

Would if be possible for you to add the donation of diapers by the 6th graders to the Starfish orphanage to your weekly e-mail, so the parents have the visibility of this service project opportunity?  I know most kids will remember, but it will be a busy weekend preparing the kids for their trip and it might be a helpful reminder. 

Please contact trip leaders if you have any questions:

Grade 6 – lorraine.chao@saschina.org

Grade 7 – lisa.bugenske@saschina.org

Grade 8 – eli.weiss@saschina.org

Friday May 9^th : Progress reports posted to Edline for those students earning less than 70%, or who have had a significant change in grades and/or behavior since the last report card.

May 12-16 – China Alive

Middle School Spring Concerts:

Monday May 26^th - Choir

Tuesday May 27^th - Band

Wednesday May 28^th – Strings

Thursday May 29^th - Middle School Alignment Report

The Middle School Alignment Task Force has been working throughout the year to align the Middle School programs on both campuses.  On Thursday May 29^th on the Pudong Campus, members of the task force will provide an opportunity for parents to ask questions regarding the middle school program.   10 am in the Library Lecture Hall.

All concerts will be in the evening.  More detailed information from our music department  following China Alive.

Friday May 30^th – Our Final MYGNITE

Monday June 2^nd – Middle School Field Day – If you interested in being a Parent Volunteer for our MS field day, please contact karl.zigmand@saschina.org

Friday June 6^th – CISSA Sports Awards Night

Communication with the Middle School:

** The most comprehensive school wide information is to be found at http://teachers.saschina.org/mspudong

Weekly Parent Talk articles

Weekly Middle School Note

Edline – MS HomePage: https://global.edline.net/InterstitialLogin.page

Counselor’s Blog: http://schoolcounselor.teachtck.com

For information regarding middle school alignment or any other Educational Programming issue, please see the following website:

teachers.saschina.org/edpro

------------------------------------------------------------

If you do not wish to get emails from your school, you may change your email

preferences on the Manage Account page by clicking on the following link:

http://www.edline.net/login/ManageAccount.page