SAS Pudong Middle School

Today, Friday October 31st
1st Quarter report cards will be sent home.
Homework Opportunity Time (HOT) for Quarter 2:
Please sign up with a H.O.T. teacher by 12:45 on the day you will attend. Sessions last from 3:00 to 4:15.

Monday H.O.T. Teachers

Mr. Bister, Science, M109, and Mr. Olivas, Science, M108
Mrs. McDaid, Science, M207
Mr. Robinson, Humanities, M209
Mrs. Saich, Math, M307
Mrs. Chen, Chinese, M303

Tuesday H.O.T. Teachers

Mrs. Mamo, Math, M110, and Ms. Ogden-Hill, Math, M206
Mrs. Bugenske, Organization, Study Skills, and Science, M208
Mr. Olivas, Science, M108
Mr. Chambers, ESOL, M203 and Mrs. De Rozario, ESOL, M213
Ms. Xu, Chinese, M306

Thursday H.O.T. Teachers

Mrs. Bister, ESOL, M213
Mrs. Saich, Math, M307
Mr. Saich, Science, M309
Mrs. Salim, Spanish, M104
Mrs. Shen, Chinese, M302

Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday H.O.T. Teacher
Mrs. Winpenny, Organization, Study Skills, and Writing, M315 A and B

A few thoughts regarding report cards:
(Adapted from teachervision.com)

A child's report card can bring feelings of joy, excitement, and pride; it can also cause concern, frustration, and uncertainty. In either case, the reporting period marks a new beginning to set goals and reflect on past work habits, achievements, and hardships. Most important, it is a time for you to communicate with your children and determine a path for future academic enrichment and social-emotional growth.

Focus on the Positive
Regardless of the grades your child brings home, you must first focus on positive aspects of the report. This is not always an easy task. Starting on a positive note shows your child that you truly care about the accomplishments, not only areas that need improvement.

Ask the Right Questions
Be careful not to overreact to grades you view as unsatisfactory. Instead, use this time to look at past performance and plan for the future. Talk to your child, asking questions to understand how a particular grade was earned:
•Was the work too difficult?
•Are you paying attention in class?
•Do you do all your homework and ask questions when problems arise?

The answers you receive might indicate a need to review your child's study habits. Determine whether or not your child is recording all assignments and bringing home all materials necessary to complete them. Does your child have a specific nightly homework time (Sunday through Thursday) when he/she cannot be disturbed? If not, this would be a great time to establish one! Does your child have a specific place to study where resources (including someone to answer questions) are available and distractions are minimized? Is your child completing all homework on a nightly basis, or are assignments being turned in late, or not at all? Once you have determined the problem, you can begin to create a solution.

The Next Step
Creating a plan to maximize future academic success is an important part of every child's education. Help your child set realistic and attainable goals for the next reporting period. As parents and teachers, we want the best for children, but in too many cases this is measured only by the numbers. Emphasize to your child the importance of doing the very best job that he/she can. Encourage them to succeed, and measure progress in realistic terms, letting them know that you care and are available to help. Break tasks into small steps, so that even the youngest child can measure growth, and the most advanced child can monitor their progress. By reviewing the report card, and developing a plan for the future, you will help your child find the road to success.

Thursday November 6th and Friday November 7th:

Half day of classes.  Teachers will be sending home information regarding our Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences.
School Board Elections:
Ballots must be returned no later than Monday November 10th.  Also, we are looking for parent volunteers to count ballots at the Pudong Campus.  Please email SchoolBoard@saschina.org
A board member will contact you with the details.

Kids’ Lit. Quiz
Annual International Literature Competition

Calling All Grade 6, 7 and 8 students!

Can you answer some of these questions?
1.Who was the Deputy Head at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry?
2.Who is the author of the Alex Rider series?
3.Who was the American author who wrote Horton Hatches the Egg?
4.Who were the little people that worked for Mr. Willy Wonka?
5.Whose uncle was the first to see a beautiful blue polished stone that he had found while hunting in the Spine in the land of Alagaesia?
6.Who was the chief Roman god?

If you know the answers to some of these questions, or would like to find out the answers - then come along and join the Launch and Pizza Lunch with Ms. McGillivary, Mrs. de Rozario and Ms. Bradshaw in the library:-

When:Wednesday, November 5th 11:15-12:30

Prizes include:
•Bookmarks
•Free books
•Participation in a National Competition (the winning team will travel to the world finals in South Africa – last year’s SAS team came in 3rd!)
•And, more!

Morning Announcements

Thursday October 30th

Day 3

To All 6th Graders:

Please ensure that you have your quote on “Friendship” ready for the LiMing trip tomorrow. Your quote should be written or printed out.

To All Students: Important Announcement Regarding Food:

You are to bring your ID badges to school each day. In early November, your lunch cards will no longer be active and you must use your ID badge for lunch purchases. Make sure you transfer lunch card money to your school ID card.

Competitive Soccer Tournament:

Players must return their permission slips to Mr. Zigmand by Wednesday. The tournament is this Saturday, November 1, bus details will be sent home soon.
Student Led Conferences:

To All Students: Please remember that next Thursday, November 6 and Friday, November 7 are half days so that we can conduct our student led conferences. Please help your parents remember to return their preference for conference times. Also, be prepared to escort your parents to see all your teachers

Homework Opportunity Time (HOT)

What it is! – A great way to work with a teacher in a small group setting to catch up on daily work, finish long term projects and ask clarifying questions about something you may not understand.

What it is not! – A place to hang out, socialize, wait for friends who may be involved in another after school activity.

So, if you are staying for HOT, make sure you understand the Rules:

· HOT sessions run from 3:00 - 4:15 PM.

· HOT students must sign in by 12:45 or earlier with the HOT teacher they want to work with that day.

· After HOT students check in with their HOT teacher at 3:00, they may get a snack at Eurest or receive assignment clarifications from teachers. They must return to HOT no later than 3:20.

· HOT students are NOT ALLOWED to leave campus after HOT and return again in time for bus departure.

· HOT students are dismissed no earlier than 4:15 for buses or drivers.

· Cell phone use is RESTRICTED to calls to parents; otherwise, phones are out of sight.

Morning Announcements

Tuesday October 28^th

Day 1

Mile Run Club:

Mr. and Mrs. Zigmand are starting a morning mile club for those students interested in running the mile before school. If you arrive to school early enough come out to the track join us. We'll meet every Monday and Thursday morning from 7:30-7:55. Be sure to come to school in your running clothes, run the mile, and head off to your advisory class.

Competitive Soccer Tournament:

Players must return their permission slips to Mr. Zigmand by Wednesday. The tournament is this Saturday, November 1, bus details will be sent home soon.

Morning Announcements

Thursday October 23rd

Day 2

All Students in Mr. Pantoja's PE Class:

For today's class, go to the MS gym and not the Health classroom

House Sports at Lunch:

Due to a shortage of field space because of the Rugby Tournament, there will not be any House Soccer on Thursday or Friday. Instead, students are encouraged to cheer and support the teams that are playing rugby.

 FEAR FACTOR / BLACK & WHITE HALLOWEEN MYG NITE :

 Tickets for this Friday's event cost 20rmb and can be purchased from any of our Eagle Ambassador students. Everybody needs to buy one in order to participate in the evenings activities

X Country:

CISSA cross country running applications will be available this week in the food court. See Mr. Zigmand.

United Nations Day:

This Friday, 24th October from 8.30 am to 2.30 pm. There will be a total of 36 countries participating this year.

Swim Team:
The International Swimvitational is this Saturday and Sunday at SAS Puxi. Check the Blog: http://aquaticscenter.saschina.org for your events and swim times; with 12 other schools and over 375 swimmers attending it will be an exciting event.  Warmups begin at 7:15.  Buses will be provided.

CISSA soccer games for this week:

Today, coach Thiessen at home vs. Concordia, coach Olivas away vs. SCIS, and coach Froman away vs. SMIC. Don't forget your shin guards!

Competitive Soccer Tryouts:

Will be this Friday from 3:00-4:15 with all players taking the 4:30 bus home. Those players trying out for the team must be available for the soccer tournament on Saturday, November 1.

Aluminum Cans for House Points!!

Each morning, there will be 4 bins placed strategically in the main hallway near the cafeteria.  Deposit empty aluminum cans into the bin with your house name on it to gain points for your house!

This article is cross-posted on Ms. DeCardy's Blog

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

These are my notes from the WASC Presentation on Thursday after school. I walked away from this presentation inspired to continue the amazing accomplishments Shanghai American School has achieved under Dr. Dennis Larkin's Superintendency.

* Upgrade our infrastructure to support technology
* Integrate technology across all curriculum areas

-----------

Dr. Dennis Larkin opened the joint WASC Visiting Committee Final Presentation on the Puxi and Pudong campuses of Shanghai American School. Tim Carr, Superintendent at American School in Japan (ASIJ) took the podium for opening remarks and immediately commented that WASC has never had a team this big before during the accreditation process. Through speaking with all constituent groups, the WASC committee and report supports the growth and learning of Shanghai American School.... we celebrate together the phenomenal accomplishments since the midterm visit in 2005.

Organization of Student Learning

Areas of Strength

• Mission, Vision, and ESLERS (EAGLES) are infused across the school culture
• Process of the creating of the above was intentionally sequenced and involved all members of the SAS community
• Board has clarified it's role in policy setting
• Orientation process has supported the significant increase of new staff
• OSTC has been addressed using advance technology and presence of upper admin
• Align programs of both campus
• Professional Develop is a robust network
• The leadership team has managed significant improvements over a period of rapid growth

Areas for Followup

• EAGLES further integrated
• Mission made more aware in parent community
• Board of Directors need to strengthen momentum regarding direction setting and movement towards goals
• Further communicate and celebrate what is same and what is different between the two campuses
• Track Professional Development and link to student achievement
• Reporting protocols for standards/benchmarks and EAGLES need to be visited
• Admin structure needs to be reviewed to support a school of this size

Curriculum and Instruction

Areas of Strength

• Standards based curriculum k-12 in all areas created collaboratively with teachers
• Dedicated professionals tiredlessly work to create/develop across the board
• Teacher leaders work collaboratively to reflect on practice for student learning
• The Professional Development program focuses on developing an extensive learning community

Areas of Followup

• Use Atlas to fine-tune and ensure alignment between documented and taught curriculum
• Quantitative measures need to be in place to assess instructional strategies
• Increase the integration of technology
• Promote integration of collaborative learning communities
•  School-wide assessment program needs to be in place to evaluate student learning

Support for Student and Personal and Academic Growth

Areas of Strength

• All programs reflect the core values and EAGLES emphasizing the whole-child education
• Multiple activities and programs are available for students
• Nurturing environment all the way through admissions to learning programs
• Qualified staff across the board
• Active and supportive parent community
• Leadership uses a wide range of communication strategies

Areas of Followup

• Investigate Professional Development for ESOL training for ALL teachers
• More connection between activities, China Alive and the EAGLES
• Strengthen ties between support services and teachers
• Use Tech for communication methods to make info accessible across the board
• Celebrate uniqueness
• Continue to find the balance between academics/social and emotional growth of child

Resource Management and Development

Areas of Strength

• A thoughtful plan exists for growth
• Leadership has positioned school for long-term financial stability
• Good professional development funds
• Works to retain high quality faculty through a compensation plan
• Budgeting is aligned with EAGLES
• Purpose built facilities
• Community involved in long-range planning
• leadership recognizes challenges of keeping stakeholders informed about finances
• SAS has identified a desire to enhance revenue sources and uses good marketing strategies

Areas of Followup

• Finance department and admin need to identify ways to streamline budgeting
• Track asset inventory
• Focus on school wide building maintenance
• Educate the community on long-range planning processes

School-wide Areas of Strength and Areas of Followup

Strengths

An EAGLES vision... old Shanghai vs. new Shanghai...the instructional program has come a long way in a short amount of time. SAS is the model of what this city is....

• Impressive and honest self study involving all stakeholders
• Inspirational vision that provides guidance for the community
• Recruitment of a talented, passionate and committed faculty
• Responding to new faculty, orientation supports Professional Development for newbies
• Excellent and purpose built facilities on two campuses to sustain OSTC
• Significant progress on curriculum articulation and mapping which has brought coherence to the learning program
• Rich Professional Development opportunities
• Opportunities for parents to work with the school
• Initiation of an advanced model of communication, marketing, admissions, fund raising
• Admission overhaul excellent keeps families
• Strategic Financial Plan
• Effective management during extremely rapid growth which enabled uninterrupted quality educational opportunities

Follow-Up

1. PACE - The pace has been fast over recent years.
2. PRIORITIES - Think 3 years, 5 years for long term health of the school's educational program
3. PERSONNEL - A school this size will be recruiting a minimum of 50 teachers a year. Stay competitive.

• Develop Tech Infrastructure that will support integration.. the wiring must support the computer usage.
• Promote a Learning Community to support ongoing focus on improved student learning
• Set in place a consistent Assessment program that aligns with outcomes
• Continue to work at integrating the EAGLES across all classes and activities
• Devise ways to track the efficacy of Professional Development and link to student achievement, evaluation and goal setting
• Streamline budgeting process
• Board of Directors must become a strategic thinking body focusing on the school's vision
• Board of Directors should ensure a smooth leadership transition and empower and support the new superintendent

EAGLES - We will SOAR as EAGLES into the future...

Fly Like an EAGLE SAS!

Tags: WASC

Morning Announcements

Wednesday October 22nd

Day 1

FEAR FACTOR / BLACK & WHITE HALLOWEEN MYG NITE :

Tickets for this Friday's event cost 20rmb and can be purchased from any of our Eagle Ambassador students. Everybody needs to buy one in order to participate in the evenings activities

X Country:

CISSA cross country running applications will be available this week in the food court. See Mr. Zigmand.

United Nations Day:

This Friday, 24th October from 8.30 am to 2.30 pm. There will be a total of 36 countries participating this year.

Swim Team:
The International Swimvitational is this Saturday and Sunday at SAS Puxi. Check the Blog: http://aquaticscenter.saschina.org for your events and swim times; with 12 other schools and over 375 swimmers attending it will be an exciting event.  Warmups begin at 7:15.  Buses will be provided.

CISSA soccer games for this week:

Thursday, coach Thiessen at home vs. Concordia, coach Olivas away vs. SCIS, and coach Froman away vs. SMIC. Don't forget your shin guards!

Competitive 11-aside Soccer tournament to be held at SAS, Pudong on Saturday, November 1. Coach Zigmand is looking for middle school students to be part of a soccer team that will compete in the tournament. There is no fee charged , but you do need to commit to the entire tournament. There is also a competitive tournament for girls to be held at SAS, Puxi on the same day.  See Mr. Zigmand if you are interested. Bus transportation to both events will be provided.

Aluminum Cans for House Points!!

Each morning, there will be 4 bins placed strategically in the main hallway near the cafeteria.  Deposit empty aluminum cans into the bin with your house name on it to gain points for your house!

Morning Announcements

Tuesday October 21st

Day 4

CISSA soccer games for this week:

Tuesday, coach Thornbury's team is away vs. Concordia, and coach Mangous' team is home vs. YCIS.

Thursday, coach Thiessen at home vs. Concordia, coach Olivas away vs. SCIS, and coach Froman away vs. SMIC. Don't forget your shin guards!

Competitive 11-aside Soccer tournament to be held at SAS, Pudong on Saturday, November 1. Coach Zigmand is looking for middle school students to be part of a soccer team that will compete in the tournament. There is no fee charged , but you do need to commit to the entire tournament. There is also a competitive tournament for girls to be held at SAS, Puxi on the same day.  See Mr. Zigmand if you are interested. Bus transportation to both events will be provided.

Aluminum Cans for House Points!!

Each morning, there will be 4 bins placed strategically in the main hallway near the cafeteria.  Deposit empty aluminum cans into the bin with your house name on it to gain points for your house!

Middle School Bowling Party Sponsored by Interkom:

What:               Superhero Bowling

Where:             Shanghai High Score Bowling Alley

Address:           456 Dongjiangwan Lu, Hongkou near Hongkou Stadium

                        Line 3- Hong Kou Stadium

When:              Saturday, October 25th 6-8:30 pm

For:                  Grades 5-8/ Years 6-9

Price:               100 RMB

Where to pay:    Bring payment to the event

Register:           RSVP by emailing Ron@communitycenter.com or visit www.interkomyouth.com or on www.facebook.com under Events- Superhero Bowling

Contact:            email-  Ron@communitycenter.cn

                        Phone- 131-6600-1293

Description:       Calling all superheroes from across the galaxy. You are summoned to save the game of bowling from extinction. You need to bowl as you have never bowled before to revive this dying game. Come dressed as your favorite superhero or turn the dials of your creative mind and create your very own superhero. It will be a night you can share with friends and create an experience that people will be talking about for years to come. Food and drink will be provided. Extra drinks can be purchased at the bowling alley.

What is it about year two that makes every thing feel so much more under control and manageable?  Is it that we now know the routines, procedures and expectations or is it the calmness of familiarity that allows us to focus? Or is it finally being able to find our way from the Links to the Fabric Market without getting lost on the Nanpu Bridge?  For the students and families new to middle school, I can certainly empathize with you on the transitions.  Whether you are new to China, Shanghai, Shanghai American School, or Middle School, we hope that we have minimized the transition anxiety and that you are feeling comfortable with your decision to entrust us with your most valuable asset, your children.

Making the adjustment:

Starting my second year at SAS, I have found much comfort in the ground work we put in place last year.  Through many conversations with parents, students and staff members we have worked to tweak our program so that we can offer a highly effective academic program while maintaining our western philosophy and focus on well rounded education.

To facilitate this, our middle school has made several adjustments.  We have expanded our elective course offerings to over 60 choices for students, added a year long Art program, a full time Drama program, added additional support in our counseling department and expanded two grade levels by close to 70 students.  These programmatic expansions have been made possible through careful planning and realization of the schools mission statements. 

Additionally, as a result of these conversations we have developed appropriate communication protocols that we published to our parent community in early September.  As life long learners, we continue to evaluate our program and see areas that our community would like us to further expand.  Three areas we strive to continue to expand are our use of technology in daily instruction, our integration of content for a more formalized approach to interdisciplinary learning, and ways to maximize our students’ exposure to our host country.

Last year as I conducted daily classroom walk throughs, I was astonished by our student’s ability to recite information almost verbatim from their notes or text books.  Twenty years ago, this would have made any administrator proud of their school.  However, we no longer can ask students to recite information; rather they must be able find and process it.  We have worked with our staff to develop essential questions, areas of understanding and use of technology to alter the way our classrooms operate on a daily basis.

Furthermore, school is no longer a place where students go with open minds waiting to be filled with facts and figures. Rather school is a place for students to ask questions, find and share their answers while acquiring life long learning skills.  To achieve this, we as parents and educators must change the questions we ask students.  No longer should we as educators ask when or where, but now ask the why and how questions.  By changing what we ask, we can in fact change how students think.  To further develop our students ability to think and be life long learners, it is pivotal for our school to find ways to put technology in the hands of our teachers and students.  Through the use of technology and interdisciplinary units, students will develop connections, ownership and understanding of how to obtain and process the material which will better prepare them for the 21^st Century. 

For many of us, our lives as parents are consumed with finding ways to assure that our children have all the things in life that will make them successful.  Just prior to the October break, we shared with the Pudong Middle School community a quick list of 26 activities that the students had experienced in the first 26 days of school.  It is within these experiences that classroom learning gains meaning and context so that the desire to learn is not extinguished.  Feel certain that as a learning community, SAS is providing a well-balanced educational opportunity for your child and preparing them for the world around them. To learn more about how our program is preparing students for high school and beyond, I personally invite you all on October 23^rd to the Pudong Lecture Hall for a presentation and dialogue on learning in the middle school.  We will present examples of learning as well as provide you the opportunity to ask questions about how to support your child’s education in this changing world we live.

Ronald A. Roukema, Ed.D

Middle School Principal, Pudong

Morning Announcements

Monday October 20th

Day 3

Good luck to everyone as you begin your IOWA tests this morning.

Aluminum Cans for House Points!!

Each morning, there will be 4 bins placed strategically in the main hallway near the cafeteria.  Deposit empty aluminum cans into the bin with your house name on it to gain points for your house!

Middle School Bowling Party Sponsored by Interkom:

What:               Superhero Bowling

Where:             Shanghai High Score Bowling Alley

Address:           456 Dongjiangwan Lu, Hongkou near Hongkou Stadium

                        Line 3- Hong Kou Stadium

When:              Saturday, October 25th 6-8:30 pm

For:                  Grades 5-8/ Years 6-9

Price:               100 RMB

Where to pay:    Bring payment to the event

Register:           RSVP by emailing Ron@communitycenter.com or visit www.interkomyouth.com or on www.facebook.com under Events- Superhero Bowling

Contact:            email-  Ron@communitycenter.cn

                        Phone- 131-6600-1293

Description:       Calling all superheroes from across the galaxy. You are summoned to save the game of bowling from extinction. You need to bowl as you have never bowled before to revive this dying game. Come dressed as your favorite superhero or turn the dials of your creative mind and create your very own superhero. It will be a night you can share with friends and create an experience that people will be talking about for years to come. Food and drink will be provided. Extra drinks can be purchased at the bowling alley.

 We all hope you have all had a great week.  Know that next week the middle school PTSA will be hosting Dr. Roukema and Dr. Rosen for a dialogue on curriculum.  Please join the PTSA for a meeting in the LLH beginning at 8:30 am.

** Please note:  The most up to date information on all happenings in our middle school can be found at:

http://teachers.saschina.org/mspudong/

Homework Opportunity Time (H.O.T): 

This after school activity allows students to work with teachers to complete homework and other projects and assignments.  See 1^st quarter schedule below.

S c h e d u l e

1st Quarter, 2008-2009

Please sign up with a H.O.T. teacher by 12:45 on the day you will attend. Sessions last from 3:00 to 4:15.

Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday H.O.T. Teacher

Mrs. Winpenny, M315 A and B

Monday H.O.T. Teachers

Mr. Bister, Science, M109

Mrs. McDaid, Science, M207

Mrs. Saich, Math, M307

Tuesday H.O.T. Teachers

Mrs. Mamo, Math, M110

Mrs. Bugenske, Science, M208

Mr. Chambers, ESOL, M203

Mrs. De Rozario, ESOL, M213

Thursday H.O.T. Teachers

Mrs. Bister, ESOL, M213

Mrs. Saich, Math, M307

Mr. Saich, Science, M309

Mrs. Salim, Spanish, M106

Ms. Shen, Chinese, M302

Reminders and Up coming Events:

All Middle School Students will write this year’s IOWA (ITBS) next week, October 20-24.  For your information, the table below shows each day’s schedule and the amount of time for each test.  All testing occurs between 8:15-9:30 am.  Results of these tests are made available in March 2009.
Monday October 20^th: Capitals (12 min), punctuation (12 min.) and Usage (30 min.)

Tuesday October 21^st: Math Comprehension (15 min.) and math Concepts (30 min.)

Wednesday October 22^nd: Vocabulary (15 min.) and math Problems (30 min.)

Thursday October 23^rd: Spelling (12 min.) and Reading Comprehension (55 min.)

Friday will be a regular schedule and a make up test day for any students who were absent during the week.

Friday, October 24^th

Our second MYGNITE of the year.  Students who are attending require a permission form.  The buses will leave campus at 6:15 pm.

Monday, October 27^th

1^st day of the second quarter.  New Elective courses begin.
Friday October 31^st

1^st Quarter report cards will be sent home.

• Please note.  Families who have not turned in a completed medical form will be contacted next week.

Thursday November 6^th and Friday November 7^th:

Half day of classes.  Teachers will be sending home information regarding our Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences.