Dear ES Families,

We hope that you have been able to enjoy some of the amazing weather we have had in Moscow as of late!
 

🖐  Grade Five

If you missed the Grade 5-6 Transition Parent Meeting yesterday morning, here is the link to the recording of the session and the slide deck presentation.

Watch the Recording     See the Slides

If you have any questions about your child’s transition to the Middle School, do not hesitate to contact them.

Karisti Cormier | MS Sr. Associate Principal
karisti.cormier@aas.ru

Alexander Lopez-Barton | MS Associate Principal
alexander.lopez-barton@aas.ru

James Villers | MS Counselor
james.villers@aas.ru

🎉  End of Year Celebrations

 June 11 - 16 

As we begin the last three weeks of learning, here are some events we have planned to help celebrate and create closure for the 2020-2021 School Year.

Thank you to the PTO for their support.

• PTO Craft Fair  June 11 
• ES Summer Field Day  June 11 
• Grade Five Moving Up Ceremony  June 15  | virtual
• End of Year Class Parties  June 15 
• Good-By Popcorn Parties For Students Leaving AAS
• Last Day of School with Early Dismissal  Wednesday, June 16, 12:00  | no lunch that day
• Report Cards Sent Electronically

We hope the rest of your week goes well,
The ES Leadership Team
 

Greetings from the ES Counselors,

Thank you to students and families for your participation in Wellness week last week. It was great to see all the school spirit and focus on healthy practices. Thankful Thursday and ES students sending messages of gratitude to others in our community inspired others to do the same. Well done to our penguins!
 

🐧  Finishing the School Year Well 

As we near the end of a school year that has been challenging in so many ways students can run out of steam to finish well.

This short article from Scholastic has a few simple tips to finish strong.

Lead by Example.
Demonstrate for your child what it means to finish strong and develop their own grit, determination, perseverance and resilience to see this year through. Involve them in summer planning to hear what they think they will need to return to school in August recharged and ready to continue their learning journey.
 
Stick to the Routine.
As the Sun stays up later and rises earlier, kids' needs for a good night’s sleep have not changed. Keep bedtime consistent with the rest of the school year. Maintain balance and routines around reading, family and play time. 
 
Set 1-2 Reasonable and Reachable Goals.
Goals are a great tool to help your child to stay motivated, on task and eager to learn. What small challenging but reachable goal can your child work on achieving in our final few weeks of school this year? Support your child in determining what steps they can take to achieve their goals.

Adapted from "4 Ways to Help Your Student Finish the School Year Strong" by Bekki Lindner.

🤝  Transition Support

At this time of year many parents ask for teacher reference letters to be sent to new schools. We understand that this can be a challenging time for families and that placement in the next school is of utmost importance to families on the move.

If your family is approaching a possible transition please keep the following in mind:

• Children can often sense the additional stress in the family that the idea of a move can bring so being as open and honest with your children as possible can help them move through this time more successfully.
• Please let your child’s counselor and teacher know of any potential move as soon as possible, and how your child is coping with the news, so we can be of support.
• Please contact your student’s counselor first for: reference letters, online teacher evaluation, requests for report cards, MAP reports and new school assessments.
• Please note that all teacher/counselor or principal references are confidential. Our procedure is that the confidential teacher reference forms or letters are sent directly to the new school by the school counselors or counseling department.
• The counseling department coordinates all documentation requested by parents to be sent to the application school(s). References and records usually take 1-2 weeks to complete.

Transition letter from Counselors

Transition Information for Parents

Tech Back Up Letter for Leaving Students 

We best support our students moving on successfully when the potential new school receives all the information they need to allow them to meet a child’s needs. We want to help students end their time as AAS as positively as possible to prepare them to start well in their next school.
 

Please contact your child’s counselor if you have any questions about wellness, transition or any other issues or concerns that impact your child and family.

It looks like we have moved into some warm summerlike weather. We hope that you and your family have had an opportunity to enjoy both the warmth and the longer days of sunshine.
 

🍏  Wellness Week

 May 17 - 22 

This week, from PreK to High School, AAS has been celebrating Wellness Week - taking time in our lives to ensure we take care of the health of ourselves and others.

Each day there have been special dress up day options and activities for students and educators to practice care. Individuals looked comfy in their pajamas on Monday, colourful in flowers no Tuesday and there was some crazy hair and wear today.

Check out the Wellness Week slideshow for ideas for your child(ren) for tomorrow and Friday. Students may wear the alternate dress theme or their uniform to school on these last two days of Wellness week.

Wellness Week Slideshow

🙏  PTO

The AAS PTO is currently looking for a VP ES PTO Representative for the 2021 - 2022 School Year.

If you are interested (which is very much appreciated), please contact Ines Cremers.
 

🚨  Code Red

We had a successful announced Code Red Drill this morning.

We routinely have emergency drills at school so that children and educators have the opportunity to practice how to respond in emergency situations. These drills also give us the opportunity to reflect and improve on our emergency procedures.
 

Take care,
The ES Leadership Team

🌱  Wellness Week

 May 17 - 21 

Our ES Student Council has been helping plan some Spirit Dress Days and Wellness activities for our ES Students as we celebrate Wellness Week at AAS.

• Thankful Thursday
  Rainbow Colors / Positive Slogans
• Fitness Friday
  Sports Wear / Team Jerseys

Thank you for supporting our Wellness Week!
 

🐧  Transition

Build a RAFT to help your family navigate the waters of transition.
Adapted from Dave Pollock, Leave Right: Enter Right: Thriving Through Transition, www.tckinteract.net 2003

• Reconciling conflict with others...
  Make peace. Fix any broken relationships as much as possible.
   
• Affirming relationships...
  Aside from your family, who in Moscow matters most to you?
  Tell them, send them notes, let your children write letters to them.
   
• Farewell to people, places, pets, & possessions...
  Check off your Bucket List before you go.
  Exchange contact information.
   
• Thinking ahead to your destination...
  Be honest with yourself about hopes, anxieties, questions you have.
  Make an informational contact in your new place.
   

🤝  Transition Support

At this time of year many parents ask for teacher reference letters to be sent to new schools. We understand that this can be a challenging time for families and that placement in the next school is of utmost importance to families on the move.

If your family is approaching a possible transition please keep the following in mind:

• Children can often sense the additional stress in the family that the idea of a move can bring so being as open and honest with your children as possible can help them move through this time more successfully.
• Please let your child’s counselor and teacher know of any potential move as soon as possible, and how your child is coping with the news, so we can be of support.
• Please contact your student’s counselor first for: reference letters, online teacher evaluation, requests for report cards, MAP reports and new school assessments.
• Please note that all teacher/counselor or principal references are confidential. Our procedure is that the confidential teacher reference forms or letters are sent directly to the new school by the school counselors or counseling department.
• The counseling department coordinates all documentation requested by parents to be sent to the application school(s). References and records usually take 1-2 weeks to complete.

Transition letter from Counselors

Transition Information for Parents

Tech Back Up Letter for Leaving Students 

We best support our students moving on successfully when the potential new school receives all the information they need to allow them to meet a child’s needs. We want to help students end their time as AAS as positively as possible to prepare them to start well in their next school.

🧒  Pause, Reset, Nourish

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network has this great resource on practices that promote wellbeing and enhance resilience in just a few short minutes. Use P.R.N. - Pause, Reset, Nourish - when you gauge your distress level could use a little self-care.

Learn more about P.R.N. here

Modeling well-being and self care practices is an important component in helping our children develop their own strategies for healthy coping and thriving. The ES counselors are available if you have any questions about mental health or wellness.
 

Please contact your child’s counselor if you have any questions about wellness, transition or any other issues or concerns that impact your child and family.

Dear ES Families,

We hope you had an enjoyable Victory Day weekend and had an opportunity to spend time outside in the amazing weather.

We are pleased to have students transitioned back to our Modified Full On Campus Learning Pathway this week.
 

⤴️  Grade 5-6 Transition - Parent Meeting

 May 25, 13:00 

Over the next two weeks, the MS Leadership team will be meeting with Grade 5 students to talk about the transition to Middle School.

We will also be hosting a Grade 5-6 Transition meeting for parents on Tuesday, May 25 at 13:00 on Ms. Cormier’s Webex.

Join the Meeting here

More details will be sent directly to Grade 5 parents next week.
 

🍏  Wellness Week

 May 17 - 22 

Next week, from PreK to High School, AAS will be celebrating Wellness Week - taking a time in our lives to ensure we take care of the health of ourselves and others.

Each day will have special dress up day options and each day will have activities for students and educators to practice care. Check out the Wellness Week slideshow for ideas that the Student Council is creating.

Wellness Week Slideshow

Enjoy the rest of your week.

The ES Leadership Team

🌱  Wellness Week

 May 17 - 21 

Our ES Student Council has been helping plan some Spirit Dress Days and Wellness activities for our ES Students as we celebrate Wellness Week at AAS.

What can you do at home to celebrate wellness? 

• Mindful Monday
  PJs / Comfy Clothes
• Thoughtful Tuesday
  Flower Power
• Whimsical Wednesday
  Crazy Hair / Hats / Dress
• Thankful Thursday
  Rainbow Colors / Positive Slogans
• Fitness Friday
  Sports Wear / Team Jerseys

Thank you for supporting our Wellness Week!

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network has this great resource on practices that promote wellbeing and enhance resilience in just a few short minutes. Use P.R.N. Pause, Reset, Nourish  when you gauge your distress level could use a little self-care.

Learn more about P.R.N. here

Modeling well-being and self care practices is an important component in helping our children develop their own strategies for healthy coping and thriving. The ES counselors are available if you have any questions about mental health or wellness.
 

🕯  Talking with Kids About School Shootings and Violence

News of the school shooting in Kazan this week and the bombing outside of a girl’s school in Afghanistan is upsetting to many.

The news can be overwhelming and cause feelings of anxiety in us as adults. No matter how we try to protect our children they are keenly aware of the world we now live in and the challenges we face. 

Dramatic, disturbing news events, especially in school settings can leave parents speechless. These age-based tips on how to talk to kids about school shootings - and listen, too - can help.

This article is adapted from Caroline Knorr of Common Sense Media.

Focus on helping kids understand the news and information they're seeing and hearing, while allowing them to express their questions and feelings. Cutting through the noise and chaos provides the stability and security kids need to process what's going on -- and to ultimately feel safe again.

Tips for Kids Under 7

Young kids tend to think concretely, understand simple ideas best, and think of their immediate family as the center of their world. During times of stress, they may get whiny or engage in difficult behavior. It could be a sign that they need comfort even if they can't articulate it.

Tips for ES Students 

• Ask open-ended questions.
  If your kids don't know what happened and don't bring it up, you don't necessarily have to fill in the blanks. If they bring up an incident, you can ask, "What did you hear?" or "What do you think is going on?"
• Use simple sentences.
  Feel free to oversimplify if you have to. You can say, "Someone hurt people." And if an idea is too complicated to explain -- maybe you don't need to.
• Don't overtalk.
  Once you've conveyed the news, you can wait until your kid asks questions to reopen the conversation.
• Reassure them that they're safe and that people are working on the problem.
  Even if you feel iffy about the situation, you want your kids to feel like you're in charge and that it will be resolved.
• Emphasize that emergency drills help keep them safe.
  Encourage them to follow the procedures and stay calm. Remind them that we have excellent security and safety policies, plans and resources at AAS to keep children and our AAS community safe. 

What to do

• Try to keep the news away.
  You might be eager for information, but try to be discreet. If you can't turn off the news, try distracting your kid or changing their focus with a book or an activity.
• Save strong emotions for your adult support community.
  You don't have to be a robot, but avoid displaying strong emotions related to these tragic incidents around young kids. Kids often get scared when they don't know why parents are upset. Make sure to say, "I'm upset about what I heard on the news. It's not you."
• Allow them to express themselves how they want.
  You may see a wide range of reactions when you discuss bad news. Some kids may cry or act out when they're upset and don't know what to do. Some kids want quiet time with you. Some kids like to talk. Some like to draw their feelings.
• Make it a normal day.
  Try to maintain a typical schedule so kids feel the safety of regularity. But feel free to indulge in extra comfort and togetherness.
   

For more information on talking with older or more mature kids please see the two links below.

Talking About School Shootings     Explaining the news

Advice for Kids Upset by the News from BBC

Please contact your child’s counselor if you have any questions or concerns or if we can support your child through a conversation with them. We are available to support your child and family.

Dear ES Families,

We hope that this week of learning engagements from home has gone well. We look forward to having students in Modified Full On Campus next week.

As a reminder, students will continue to use our Daily Health Pass. Any individual who chooses to travel internationally will need to remain off campus for 14 days and may return, if they are symptom free, after the 14 days are completed. Please contact our Health Office if you have any health related questions.
 

📊  MAP

Over the next two weeks, all students in grades 2-5 are scheduled to participate in Measures of Academic Progress (MAP®) testing on May 12, 13, and 14, with May 17 for make-ups.

MAP, a product of the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA), is a computerized assessment aligned with Common Core standards; the learning standards that we have adopted and use at AAS for Literacy and Mathematics. MAP tests are unique in that they are adaptive, grade-level independent assessments which create personalized tests for each student. Simply put, the difficulty of the questions adjusts based on the student’s answers. Therefore, each student completes a test specifically designed for his or her learning level at that moment.  As a result, each student has the same opportunity to succeed and maintain a positive attitude towards testing.

MAP assessments this year are being given in the Fall and Spring to help determine your child’s current instructional level at each of those times, measure academic growth throughout the school year, as well as from year to year, in the areas of Mathematics, Reading, and Language Usage. MAP results are not reflected in students’ grades, but rather will be used by classroom teachers to inform instruction. They are one piece of data that is collected as evidence of student learning achievement.

Last Fall, we completed MAP testing on campus and via Distance due to the challenges related to COVID. For testing this Spring, we will only be testing while the students are on campus. There will be no Distance MAP option.

The data from Fall of 2020 showed that, as a school, AAS saw no “COVID dip”, and outperformed the US, international and CEESA means, which were established pre-pandemic.

This data reassures us that despite the uncertainty and unknowns that we are experiencing, students are still learning at a high level. The Spring MAP test will yet provide another data point to help us better understand where students are in their learning, which is why we are administering the test in May.

Because MAP assessments are designed to be snapshots of what your child already knows, there is no need for students to study to prepare for the tests. To be best prepared, students are encouraged to get a good night’s sleep and to eat a healthy breakfast.

The ES Leadership Team

🌱  Wellness Week

 May 17 - 21 

Please watch the Newsletter next week for information on the school wide Wellness Week May 17 - May 21.

Our ES Student Council is helping plan some Spirit Dress Days and Wellness activities for our ES Students as we celebrate Wellness Week at AAS.
 

🧒  Children's Mental Health Awareness Day

 May 7 

Please follow the American Psychological Association link below for more information.

Visit APA

Further Resources can be found at the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.

Visit NCTSN

We are available if you have any questions about mental health or any other issues or concerns that impact your child and family.

Please also contact your child’s counselor if your child needs any support during our Enhanced DL this week or if your son or daughter would like to chat with us about anything. We look forward to seeing all the students back on campus soon!
 

🪴  Tips for Rearing Resilient Adults

Be a gardener, not a carpenter.

Gardeners guide growth so the plants can flourish. Carpenters have a very clear plan and are making one thing. That can be very rigid. Let your child explore music rather than insisting on a certain instrument that you like.

• Talk and read a lot.
  Let your children explore through books.
   
• Explain things or direct your children on how to get their questions answered.
   
• Describe “activities” rather than people.
  Instead of labeling a person good or bad, talk about the activity.
  “Throwing that trash on the ground was a bad choice.”
  “When you cleaned your room first, you made a good choice.”
   
• Help your children to copy you when you do things.
  Let them pick up toys, sweep the floors, and read when you are reading, help in the kitchen.
   
• Expose your children (safely) to a lot of different people.
  They should see diverse faces and hear other languages as often as possible.
   
• Applaud agency.
  Let children choose whenever possible when either choice is acceptable.
  “Would you rather wear green shoes or blue shoes?”

Adapted from Harvard psychologist Lisa Feldman Barrett: 7½ Lessons About the Brain.

Learn more here

🔀  Transition

At this time of year many parents ask for teacher reference letters to be sent to new schools. We understand that this can be a challenging time for families and that placement in the next school is of utmost importance to families on the move.

If your family is approaching a possible transition please keep the following in mind:

• Children can often sense the additional stress in the family that the idea of a move can bring so being as open and honest with your children as possible can help them move through this time more successfully.
• Please let your child’s counselor and teacher know of any potential move as soon as possible, and how your child is coping with the news, so we can be of support.
• Please contact your student’s counselor first for: reference letters, online teacher evaluation, requests for report cards, MAP reports and new school assessments.
• Please note that all teacher/counselor or principal references are confidential. Our procedure is that the confidential teacher reference forms or letters are sent directly to the new school by the school counselors or counseling department.
• The counseling department coordinates all documentation requested by parents to be sent to the application school(s). References and records usually take 1-2 weeks to complete.

Transition letter from Counselors

Transition Information for Parents

Tech Back Up Letter for Leaving Students 

We best support our students moving on successfully when the potential new school receives all the information they need to allow them to meet a child’s needs. We want to help students end their time as AAS as positively as possible to prepare them to start well in their next school.

🖐  Grade Five: Primary Years Program Exhibition (PYPX)

 April 29 

The last G5 PYPX presentations will take place tomorrow.

Click the link below for times, links and instructions for the presentations.

Visit PYPX

All of the AAS Community is encouraged to attend.
 

💻  Distance Learning

As was communicated, the Elementary School will be transitioning to Distance Learning next week, following our Distance Learning Schedule.

Educators will share with students and families a detailed class/student specific schedule that includes times, Webex links and instructions. This will help your child be prepared to engage in learning activities.
 

📝  MAP Assessment

The ES had originally planned to administer the MAP assessments next week. With our transition to Distance Learning we will postpone these to a later date.
 

Enjoy your long weekend.
The ES Leadership Team

👌  Tips for Virtual Learning

Adapted from the book
"A Little Spot learns Online:
A Story About Virtual
Classroom Expectations",
Diane Alber, 2020

• Get dressed - learning in your pajamas doesn’t set the right tone.
• Eat breakfast before you join your online class.
• Find a quiet place to participate with your class. Put your pets in a different room.
• Set your environment up by getting your supplies, including your water bottle next to you.
• Sit at your desk or table 5 minutes before the class is to start and log-in.
• If you need a break for the restroom, don’t take your device with you. Leave it at your desk or table.

Please contact your child’s counselor if your child needs any support during our Enhanced DL next week or if your son or daughter would like to chat with us about anything. We are also available if you have any questions about transition or any other issues or concerns that impact your child and family. We look forward to seeing all the students back on campus soon!
 

🗓  Action Calendar for Families

30 actions for parents to take care of themselves and their families during challenging times.

See the Calendar
 

👟  May Fitness Challenge Calendar

Alliance for a Healthier Generation May Fitness Challenge Calendar

May is National Physical Fitness & Sport Month in the US. These resources provide some great ways to stay fit and healthy with your family.

Take a look
 

🔀  Transition

At this time of year many parents ask for teacher reference letters to be sent to new schools. We understand that this can be a challenging time for families and that placement in the next school is of utmost importance to families on the move.

If your family is approaching a possible transition please keep the following in mind:

• Children can often sense the additional stress in the family that the idea of a move can bring so being as open and honest with your children as possible can help them move through this time more successfully.
• Please let your child’s counselor and teacher know of any potential move as soon as possible, and how your child is coping with the news, so we can be of support.
• Please contact your student’s counselor first for: reference letters, online teacher evaluation, requests for report cards, MAP reports and new school assessments.
• Please note that all teacher/counselor or principal references are confidential. Our procedure is that the confidential teacher reference forms or letters are sent directly to the new school by the school counselors or counseling department.
• The counseling department coordinates all documentation requested by parents to be sent to the application school(s). References and records usually take 1-2 weeks to complete.

Transition letter from Counselors

Transition Information for Parents

Tech Back Up Letter for Leaving Students 

We best support our students moving on successfully when the potential new school receives all the information they need to allow them to meet a child’s needs. We want to help students end their time as AAS as positively as possible to prepare them to start well in their next school.

🖐  Grade Five: Primary Years Program Exhibition (PYPX)

 Next Week 

This is an exciting time for Grade Five as they complete their work on their PYP culminating experience, the Grade Five PYPX.

For the past nine weeks, students have been engaged in student driven inquiry using an inquiry cycle. Focusing on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, students have created Websites for their projects and will be presenting their work and experiences. Presentations are open to all AAS Community members, via Webex, on Tuesday April 27 and Thursday April 29.

Learn more here

Use the link above to learn more about the times, links and instructions for the presentations.

It will also include the links to finished student Web Pages that will be coming on Monday April 26. This year, with Webex, the Grade Five students are able to open their presentations and projects to share their learning with a wider AAS Community.
 

🎨  Fifth Grade Artists as Change Makers: PYP Exhibition

The aim of the blog post below is to enlighten you, regarding this year’s strong integration of art and the upcoming Grade 5 PYP Exhibition (PYPX).

Read the Blog Post

As you may know, students are currently involved in a personal investigation of their choice, related to the United Nations Sustainable Goals. Groups have been organised according to interest and students are now in the midst of a collaborative process of inquiry. This year, they will be required to present their learning journey via Webex and by use of a group created Website. This is the culminating learning experience of a child’s Elementary School experience and very exciting! Right now, the PYPX Art Action Station (workspace outside the ES Art Rooms) is buzzing with creative activity on a daily basis. Many students have chosen to sign up for the use of the studio space in order to create artworks which will assist in raising awareness of their findings and desire for change.

Reminder: Earth Day Celebration and Student Dress-Up
Tomorrow, April 22 is Earth Day! In celebration of our Earth, the ES Student Council hopes our families have engaged in activities that support our planet - planting flowers, picking up trash in nature areas, creating earth-related arts and crafts or taking time to read or watch about how we can all help our planet. Tomorrow, in honor of Earth Day, students are encouraged to wear some “Earth Clothing” - items that are colored blue, green or brown OR an outfit or accessory that celebrates our planet. Students may wear “Earth Clothing” or their regular uniform.
 

🌎  Earth Day Celebration and Student Dress-Up

 Thursday, April 22 

Tomorrow is Earth Day!

In celebration of our Earth, the ES Student Council hopes our families have engaged in activities that support our planet - planting flowers, picking up trash in nature areas, creating earth-related arts and crafts or taking time to read or watch about how we can all help our planet.

Tomorrow, in honor of Earth Day, students are encouraged to wear some “Earth Clothing” - items that are colored blue, green or brown OR an outfit or accessory that celebrates our planet. Students may wear “Earth Clothing” or their regular uniform.

Have a great day.
The ES Leadership Team

💙  Revisiting the 5 Principles of Love and Logic
 

Mutual Dignity
“Why don’t you just do it this way, instead? That’s not going to work,” is not a good way of demonstrating respect and dignity. Silence, coupled with a loving pat on the back, would have been a far better approach.

Shared Thinking
When we become the “experts,” it rarely brings the best out of people. When we allow others to think and solve their problems, we show that we believe in their abilities.

Shared Control
Asking, “Would you like to hear what some people decide to do?” shares healthy control. Doing so also opens their willingness to learn from our guidance. Respect is earned by providing supportive suggestions—not by trying to micromanage.

Sincere Empathy
The real “solution” involves love—not lectures. It involves recognizing feelings—not providing fixes.

Loving Relationships
This fifth principle of Love and Logic plays out as a natural result of our living by the first four.

From: Dr. Charles Fay, The Love and Logic Institute, Inc.  
 

🧒  ES Placement Survey Closed

Thank you for completing the placement survey that ran from February 10 - April 12, 2021.

We value and appreciate your timely input in the placement process. The survey is now closed and the fall placement process is underway.
 

🔀  Transition

At this time of year many parents ask for teacher reference letters to be sent to new schools. We understand that this can be a challenging time for families and that placement in the next school is of utmost importance to families on the move.

If your family is approaching a possible transition please keep the following in mind:

• Children can often sense the additional stress in the family that the idea of a move can bring so being as open and honest with your children as possible can help them move through this time more successfully.
• Please let your child’s counselor and teacher know of any potential move as soon as possible, and how your child is coping with the news, so we can be of support.
• Please contact your student’s counselor first for: reference letters, online teacher evaluation, requests for report cards, MAP reports and new school assessments.
• Please note that all teacher/counselor or principal references are confidential. Our procedure is that the confidential teacher reference forms or letters are sent directly to the new school by the school counselors or counseling department.
• The counseling department coordinates all documentation requested by parents to be sent to the application school(s). References and records usually take 1-2 weeks to complete.

Transition letter from Counselors

Transition Information for Parents

Tech Back Up Letter for Leaving Students 

We best support our students moving on successfully when the potential new school receives all the information they need to allow them to meet a child’s needs. We want to help students end their time as AAS as positively as possible to prepare them to start well in their next school.
 

Please contact your child’s counselor if you have any questions, issues or concerns we can support with. Please also reach out to Ms. Hinton if you have any questions or concerns about your Grade 3-5 child’s transition to modified full on campus learning this week. We are available to support your child and family.

Dear ES Families,

We hope that all had an enjoyable Spring Break, spending time together with family.

The students were eager to be back at school and engaged in learning. They were especially excited to be able to enjoy the warmer Spring weather with less cold and layers of clothing.
 

💖  Thank You

We would like to thank the PTO and their volunteers who helped to make our revised version of the PTO Used Book Fair such a great success.

Students were very excited to be taking home “new to them” books to read. We very much appreciate all the time that was given to organize the books by age level, set them up and then store away those that did not find a new home this year.
 

🌎  Earth Day Celebration and Student Dress-Up

 Thursday, April 22 

Next Thursday is Earth Day!

In celebration of our Earth, the ES Student Council encourages our families over the next week to engage in activities that support our planet - planting flowers, picking up trash in nature areas, creating earth-related arts and crafts or taking time to read or watch about how we can all help our planet.

Next Thursday, in honor of Earth Day, students are encouraged to wear some “Earth Clothing” - items that are colored blue, green or brown OR an outfit or accessory that celebrates our planet. Students may wear “Earth Clothing” or their regular uniform. In the coming week, the ES Student Council will be sharing more ideas for how students can commemorate the day, both at school and at home.
 

🌱  Spring Break

We hope that all families enjoyed their Spring Break and were able to have quality time together.

As a reminder, students will continue to use our Daily Health Pass. Any individual who choses to travel internationally will need to remain off campus for 14 days and may return, if they are symptom free, after the 14 days are completed.

Please contact our Health Office if you have any health related questions.

Enjoy the warmer weather.
The ES Leadership Team

🧒  ES Placement Survey Closed

Thank you for completing the placement survey that ran from February 10 - April 12, 2021.

We value and appreciate your timely input in the placement process. The survey is now closed and the fall placement process is underway.
 

🔀  Transition

At this time of year many parents ask for teacher reference letters to be sent to new schools. We understand that this can be a challenging time for families and that placement in the next school is of utmost importance to families on the move.

If your family is approaching a possible transition please keep the following in mind:

• Children can often sense the additional stress in the family that the idea of a move can bring so being as open and honest with your children as possible can help them move through this time more successfully.
• Please let your child’s counselor and teacher know of any potential move as soon as possible, and how your child is coping with the news, so we can be of support.
• Please contact your student’s counselor first for: reference letters, online teacher evaluation, requests for report cards, MAP reports and new school assessments.
• Please note that all teacher/counselor or principal references are confidential. Our procedure is that the confidential teacher reference forms or letters are sent directly to the new school by the school counselors or counseling department.
• The counseling department coordinates all documentation requested by parents to be sent to the application school(s). References and records usually take 1-2 weeks to complete.

Transition letter from Counselors

Transition Information for Parents

Tech Back Up Letter for Leaving Students 

We best support our students moving on successfully when the potential new school receives all the information they need to allow them to meet a child’s needs. We want to help students end their time as AAS as positively as possible to prepare them to start well in their next school.
 

🤲  Tools for Praise and Appreciation

Describe what you see
“I see green lines that are zooming up and down on the page. And look how they connect with all the red shapes.” instead of “Pretty picture.”

Describe the effect on others
“The baby loves is when you make those funny sounds. I see a big smile on her face."

Describe effort
“You kept working on that button until you got it into that little buttonhole.”

Describe progress
“You sounded out each of the letters and put them together. You read a whole sentence!" instead of “Nice job reading.”

Consider asking questions or starting a conversation instead of simple praise. Give a child a new picture of themselves. Resist the urge to praise by comparison to other’s work.

Resources: How to Talk So Little Kids Will Listen: A Survival Guide to Life with Children Ages 2 - 7 by Joanna Faber and Julie King, Scribner Press, 2017. Easily purchased on Kindle.
 

Please contact your child’s counselor if you have any questions, issues or concerns we can support with. Please also reach out to Ms. Hinton if you have any questions or concerns about your Grade 3-5 child’s transition to modified full on campus learning this week. We are available to support your child and family.

Dear ES Families,

We hope you have been able to enjoy some of our more Spring-like weather.
 

🚦  ES Conferences

We hope that families enjoyed the process of setting aside 45 dedicated minutes with their child in order for them to provide evidence and perspective on their growth as a learner so far this year.

In addition, we hope the conference with your child’s teacher allowed you the opportunity to collaborate with your child and their teacher, reflecting on goal progress and setting targets for the remainder of the. If you have any feedback on this year’s process, please pass this on to your child’s teacher or to the ES Office.

❓  ES Placement Survey

 Monday, April 12 

Please note that the ES Placement Survey has now been open for 7 weeks and will be closing right after the April Break.

This is your final opportunity to share your valuable thoughts about your child as a learner, if you wish them to be considered as a part of our placement process. Please see the ES Counselor section of the newsletter for more information.

Classroom Placement Parent Survey

 Survey closes Monday, April 12th 
 

🥸  Student Council Book Character Day

Today, all educators and students in our ES Community were encouraged to dress up as their favorite Book Character.

In response to student and educator suggestions in a survey, the Student Council was able to recommend a bunch of reading-related activities that students could do in their classrooms and also a few that all of the ES is doing (Picture to Padlet, Vote for Your Favorite Book Character, PTO Book Fair). Below are the Student Council Slideshow that was used to give more ideas, and a video created by Zahra and Ava that helped to launch the day.

See the Slideshow     Watch the Video
 

📚  PTO Used Book Fair

 April 1 - April 2 

The PTO is very excited to announce that the Annual Used Book Fair will be held on tomorrow April 1st and Friday April 2nd.

Each Elementary class will be taken by their class teacher to visit the fair and will be able to choose up to 5 “new to you” books.

The PTO is asking for a minimum donation of  200  Rub for up to 5 books. The money raised will go towards upcoming PTO events. ES families should have received an envelope in their children’s bag with a brief note explaining the event. The envelope can be used to return your voluntary donations.

There are some fantastic books to choose from. Happy reading!
 

🌱  Spring Break

We hope that all families enjoy their Spring Break and are able to have quality time together.

As a reminder, when students return after the break we will continue to use our Daily Health Pass. Any individual who chose to travel internationally will need to remain off campus for 14 days and may return, if they are symptom free, after the 14 days are completed. Please contact our Health Office if you have any health related questions.

Have a great break!
The ES Leadership Team
 

🧒  ES Placement for Fall 2021

 February 10  -  April 12 

• Creating class lists is a complex process that requires great thought and time involving many perspectives. As professional educators, we invest a great deal of effort in the development of homeroom class rosters to create the best learning situations for all our students and classes.
• A request for a specific teacher will not be considered. However, a request to be thoughtful about a child's learning style will be considered as part of our process. Please fill in the form below to tell us about factors unique to your child’s needs. Please do not request friends by name. We make every effort to place each student with a friend but cannot guarantee your child will be placed with specific friends.
• All information from this survey is confidential and will only be seen by counselors and administration. Thank you for your partnership!

🤲  Tools for Engaging Cooperation

Be Playful
 - Make it a game: “Can we get all the cars into the box before the timer beeps? Ready … set … go!”                                                                                                                                                              
 - Make inanimate objects talk: “I’m an empty sock.  I need a foot in me!”
 - Use silly voices and accents: “ I …. am … your …..robot….Must …..buckle seat ...belt …. now..."

Offer a choice
“Do you want to hop to the tub like a bunny or crawl like a crab?”

Put the child in charge
“Johnny, set the timer for 5 minutes and let us know when it is time to leave."

Give information
“Tissues go in the trash”

Say it with one word
“Trash”

Describe what you see
“I see most of the blocks put away in the toy box. There are only a few more blocks left to go.”

Describe how you feel
“I don’t like food thrown on the floor.”

Take action without insult
“I’m putting the paint away for now. I can’t let you splatter other kids."

In all of these options, the adult keeps control and avoids shaming or name calling.

Resources: How to Talk So Little Kids Will Listen: A Survival Guide to Life with Children Ages 2 - 7 by Joanna Faber and Julie King, Scribner Press, 2017. Easily purchased on Kindle.
 

Please contact your child’s counselor if you have any questions, issues or concerns we can support with. Please also reach out to Ms. Hinton if you have any questions or concerns about your Grade 3-5 child’s transition to modified full on campus learning this week. We are available to support your child and family.

It was wonderful to have all students on campus learning this week.
 

💻  Conference Day

 Friday, March 26 

Please contact your child’s counselor if you would like to meet over Webex on Conference Day.
 

🧒  ES Placement for Fall 2021

 February 10  -  April 12 

• Creating class lists is a complex process that requires great thought and time involving many perspectives. As professional educators, we invest a great deal of effort in the development of homeroom class rosters to create the best learning situations for all our students and classes.
• A request for a specific teacher will not be considered. However, a request to be thoughtful about a child's learning style will be considered as part of our process. Please fill in the form below to tell us about factors unique to your child’s needs. Please do not request friends by name. We make every effort to place each student with a friend but cannot guarantee your child will be placed with specific friends.
• All information from this survey is confidential and will only be seen by counselors and administration. Thank you for your partnership!

❣️  Tools for Handling Emotions

Acknowledge Feelings with Words
“You were looking forward to that playdate. How disappointing!”
“It can be so frustrating when the train tracks fall apart.”

Acknowledge Feelings with Writing
“Oh no! We don’t have the ingredients we need. Let’s make a shopping list.”
“You really want that underwater Lego set. Let’s write that down on your wish list.”

Acknowledge Feelings with Art
“You seem so sad.”
(Draw a stick figure with big tears or simply let them draw how they feel).

Give in Fantasy What You Can’t Give in Reality
“I wish we had a million, billion more hours to play.”

Acknowledge Feelings with Short Sounds
“Ugh!”  “Mmmm.”  “Ooh.”   “Huh.”

After you have acknowledged the feelings, you can move on to the problem. Summarize the issue with “The problem is …” Then you can work out possible solutions with your child.

All feelings must be accepted. Some actions must be limited!
 

Resources: How to Talk So Little Kids Will Listen: A Survival Guide to Life with Children Ages 2 - 7 by Joanna Faber and Julie King, Scribner Press, 2017. Easily purchased on Kindle.
 

Please contact your child’s counselor if you have any questions, issues or concerns we can support with. Please also reach out to Ms. Hinton if you have any questions or concerns about your Grade 3-5 child’s transition to modified full on campus learning this week. We are available to support your child and family.

💻  Conference Day

 Friday, March 26 

Please contact your child’s counselor if you would like to meet over Webex on Conference Day.
 

🧒  ES Placement for Fall 2021

 February 10  -  April 12 

• Creating class lists is a complex process that requires great thought and time involving many perspectives. As professional educators, we invest a great deal of effort in the development of homeroom class rosters to create the best learning situations for all our students and classes.
• A request for a specific teacher will not be considered. However, a request to be thoughtful about a child's learning style will be considered as part of our process. Please fill in the form below to tell us about factors unique to your child’s needs. Please do not request friends by name. We make every effort to place each student with a friend but cannot guarantee your child will be placed with specific friends.
• All information from this survey is confidential and will only be seen by counselors and administration. Thank you for your partnership!

🥪  Anger: A Secondary Emotion

Ms. Ronan recently did a guidance lesson with the PK - 2 students about anger.

Anger is a secondary emotion. Anger is like a smoke alarm letting you know something is wrong. It can’t tell you the cause of the anger.

As soon as you can calm your body down by slow deep breathing, moving away from the situation or other calming techniques, look for what was under the outside anger layer. We talked about safe ways to express anger and unsafe ways to demonstrate anger.

Common roots of anger are being tired or hungry. Sometimes we have expectations that were not met or are worried about another topic. Some students show anger when they are frustrated at not getting the outcome they wanted on an assignment. At times, anger can bubble up from feeling that something is unfair.

Anger is only a feeling that lets us know “something is not going well”. Looking under the feeling is the best way to dissolve the anger.

We compared anger to the tip of the iceberg and to the bread on the outside of the sandwich.

Resources

The Anger Sandwich

The Very Well Family
7 Ways to Help a Child Cope with Anger

AAS Wellness Page 
 

Please contact your child’s counselor if you have any questions or concerns or if we can support your child in any way. We are available to support your child and family.

🧒  ES Placement for Fall 2021

 February 10  -  April 12 

• Creating class lists is a complex process that requires great thought and time involving many perspectives. As professional educators, we invest a great deal of effort in the development of homeroom class rosters to create the best learning situations for all our students and classes.
• A request for a specific teacher will not be considered. However, a request to be thoughtful about a child's learning style will be considered as part of our process. Please fill in the form below to tell us about factors unique to your child’s needs. Please do not request friends by name. We make every effort to place each student with a friend but cannot guarantee your child will be placed with specific friends.
• All information from this survey is confidential and will only be seen by counselors and administration. Thank you for your partnership!

💚  Wellness

Please see the AAS Wellness Page for resources to support your child and family.

😀  7 Kinds of Rest

Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, a physician, researcher and the author of the book "Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity." says we all need 7 different kinds of rest.

1. Physical rest, both passive (sleeping/napping) or active (yoga, stretching, deep breathing, massage)
   Helps improve the body’s circulation and flexibility.
2. Mental rest (short brain breaks)
   Many teachers incorporate brain break activities into their students' day to ready them for more learning. 
3. Sensory rest (from devices, electronics and screen time)
   Your child should be off all devices at least an hour before bedtime. 
4. Creative rest (Nature, the Arts, or a good book)
   To reawaken the awe and wonder inside each of us. 
5. Emotional rest (The courage to be authentic)
   Talk about how you are really doing to someone who cares.
6. Social rest (in person or virtually)
   Spending time with a good friend or taking a break from socializing 
7. Spiritual rest
   Doing things that give you a sense of purpose or meaning

Sleep alone can’t restore us to the point we feel rested. What type of rest might your kids need that they are not getting enough of? How can you help them incorporate that rest into their week? What type of rest do you need as parents or individuals?

Read and Watch more here
 

Please contact your child’s counselor if you have any questions or concerns or if we can support your child in any way. We are available to support your child and family.

🧒 ES Placement for Fall 2021

 February 10  -  April 12 

• Creating class lists is a complex process that requires great thought and time involving many perspectives. As professional educators, we invest a great deal of effort in the development of homeroom class rosters to create the best learning situations for all our students and classes.
• A request for a specific teacher will not be considered. However, a request to be thoughtful about a child's learning style will be considered as part of our process. Please fill in the form below to tell us about factors unique to your child’s needs. Please do not request friends by name. We make every effort to place each student with a friend but cannot guarantee your child will be placed with specific friends.
• All information from this survey is confidential and will only be seen by counselors and administration. Thank you for your partnership!

💚 Wellness

Please see the AAS Wellness Page for resources to support your child and family.

😀 Action For Happiness

We celebrate mindfulness this month. Mindfulness is something the ES counselors have talked with many classes about in recent months. Mindful moments can help students refocus and center themselves so they are able to be at their best. A mindful moment can also help students before beginning an assessment or presentation.

Action for Happiness writes:  “Let's take the time to pause, breathe and really take in what's all around us. This month we're encouraging you to take some time to look within. Learning to be more mindful and aware can do wonders for our well-being in all areas of life - like the way we eat, the things we notice or our relationships. It helps us get in tune with our feelings and stops us dwelling on the past or worrying about the future - so we get more out of the day-to-day. It can also help us identify what we're grateful for, which has been proven to help boost your happiness levels!”

Download the Action for Happiness Mindful March Calendar and try some of their suggestions with your family. 🙂

DOWNLOAD MINDFUL MARCH CALENDAR

🧒 ES Placement for Fall 2021

 February 10  -  April 12 

• Creating class lists is a complex process that requires great thought and time involving many perspectives. As professional educators, we invest a great deal of effort in the development of homeroom class rosters to create the best learning situations for all our students and classes.
• A request for a specific teacher will not be considered. However, a request to be thoughtful about a child's learning style will be considered as part of our process. Please fill in the form below to tell us about factors unique to your child’s needs. Please do not request friends by name. We make every effort to place each student with a friend but cannot guarantee your child will be placed with specific friends.
• All information from this survey is confidential and will only be seen by counselors and administration. Thank you for your partnership!

💚 Wellness

Please see the AAS Wellness Page for resources to support your child and family.

😀 Action For Happiness

We celebrate mindfulness this month. Mindfulness is something the ES counselors have talked with many classes about in recent months. Mindful moments can help students refocus and center themselves so they are able to be at their best. A mindful moment can also help students before beginning an assessment or presentation.

Action for Happiness writes:  “Let's take the time to pause, breathe and really take in what's all around us. This month we're encouraging you to take some time to look within. Learning to be more mindful and aware can do wonders for our well-being in all areas of life - like the way we eat, the things we notice or our relationships. It helps us get in tune with our feelings and stops us dwelling on the past or worrying about the future - so we get more out of the day-to-day. It can also help us identify what we're grateful for, which has been proven to help boost your happiness levels!”

Download the Action for Happiness Mindful March Calendar and try some of their suggestions with your family. 🙂

DOWNLOAD MINDFUL MARCH CALENDAR

☕️ ES Virtual Parent Coffees

Enjoy the rest of your week and the February Break!

🧒 ES Placement for Fall 2021

 February 10  -  April 12 

• Creating class lists is a complex process that requires great thought and time involving many perspectives.  As professional educators, we invest a great deal of effort in the development of homeroom class rosters to create the best learning situations for all our students and classes.
• A request for a specific teacher will not be considered. However, a request to be thoughtful about a child's learning style will be considered as part of our process. Please fill in the form below to tell us about factors unique to your child’s needs. Please do not request friends by name. We make every effort to place each student with a friend but cannot guarantee your child will be placed with specific friends. The survey is only available for parents whose children are currently in grades PK - grade 4.
• All information from this survey is confidential and will only be seen by counselors and administration. Thank you for your partnership!

💚 Please see the AAS Wellness Page for resources to support your child and family.

❄️ Winter Field Day

February 4 & 5 - Please remember to send your child to school in appropriate winter wear on Thursday and Friday for our days of snow fun.

❗️ Pilot Full On-Campus Learning for Grade 1 & 2 Students

February 8 - We are pleased to share that we would like to pilot having all of our Grade One and Two students in full on-campus learning every day starting next Monday. Some recent research continues to provide evidence indicating a lower risk of COVID spread, with fewer or no symptoms if it is contracted, by younger learners. Our mitigations for safety, no evidence of spread on campus, smaller class sizes in these grade levels, and taking into consideration that for our younger learners the ideal situation is to have them on campus each day instead of a need to have them engage through synchronous learning from home, provides confirmation for taking this next step.

The stamina and level of independence during learning from home has greater challenges for many younger learners and being on campus every day would provide an enhanced balance between safety providing for the interactions and scaffolding that is more effectively provided in person for these students. In addition, Grade One and Two classroom teachers will be re-arranging classroom spaces and will integrate further mitigations in these classrooms before all of these students return to campus. When making family plans, please be mindful of our fluid circumstances during this pandemic that may result in last minute notifications of a transition in Learning Pathways for a class, grade level or division as we continue to strive to keep our students and school community as safe as possible.

As a reminder to our families and students, please adhere to health guidelines that protect all individuals:

• We understand the challenges of self-isolation, families should be maintaining their social bubbles and not mixing with others
• For the greatest mitigation, wear masks at all times when outside your home, and particularly if  you  are not able to socially distance (grocery store and other essential activities)
• We recommend that social gatherings including playdates, sports outside of AAS, or parties outside of family bubbles, should not be participated in
• If your child is not feeling well or has any symptoms, please keep them at home and contact the AAS Health Office
• If a family member or student receives a COVID test result, please send this to the AAS Health Office
• Everyone should wash their hands regularly for at least 20 seconds.
• If your child is identified as a close contact, either from being on campus or due to an event off-campus, he/she must have a PCR test according to our protocols and obtaining this test as soon as possible is recommended to best manage transmission within our community taking the following into consideration:
  • This gives prompt identification of positive cases who may be asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic as these individuals can still transmit the infection to others
  • This helps us identify further close contacts and to minimize further exposures
  • This allows AAS to continue to monitor any impact a positive case on our campus might have
• Please follow our AAS COVID Response Flowchart
• Please remember to accurately complete the Daily Health Pass each morning and follow the response flowchart if any answers are “yes” to these questions

We continue to prioritize the Learning Pathway that has been determined by the school for each class, grade level, or learning cohort. All students are expected to be on campus for in person learning when they are scheduled to do so. Some subjects and learning experiences will continue to only be available to those students while on campus and in person. We appreciate your collaboration so that we can provide the best learning environment for each student.

📒 Transitions

During this time of year families sometimes become aware of a need to transition to another country and/or school. Please reach out to our Counselors for support with this, whether it be for references for a possible new school, getting school records or for support in the transition.

☕️ ES Virtual Parent Coffees

The Elementary School has had several Virtual Parent Coffees this year. In order to further support families, we are asking for feedback on additional topics that might be of interest for future coffees.

Please fill in the survey to help us plan

So far, the topics of previous ES Virtual Parent Coffees have been: Reading and Writing in the ES, Digital Citizenship, Introduction of the ES Coaches and how they support learning and an open session supporting each other with tips and tricks for making Hybrid and DL a success for students.

Take care!

🌎 International School Counseling Week:  February 1-5, 2021

MYTH School counselors only help the neediest students.
FACT  School counselors provide ALL students with support and standards based on school counseling core curriculum to address universal academic, career, and social/emotional development.

MYTH School counselors and other types of educators can be hired interchangeably.
FACT  Certified Professional School Counselors are uniquely trained in areas of human development, trauma, relationships, crisis response, and specific counseling techniques and theories.

MYTH School counselors have a job that is similar to a principal or administrator.
FACT  The role of an administrator can be discipline-oriented in nature. The school counselor’s role aims to be restorative, supportive, and student centered. It is not appropriate for school counselors to perform disciplinary actions or to assign consequences.

MYTH School counselors give long-term, intensive therapy for students who need it.
FACT  School counselors are trained to provide short-term, brief, solution-focused, and structured interventions for students. We refer out to a mental health professional when a student needs ongoing therapeutic services.

MYTH Guidance Counselor and School Counselor are the same thing, right?
FACT  The term “Guidance Counselor” is outdated - the position focused solely on graduation and course selection for secondary students. Today’s professional school counselors are working hard to eliminate the term.

School counselors are trained professionals who holistically focus on the academic, personal/social, and career development of all students at every age of their journey.

💙 Please see the AAS Wellness Page for resources to support your child and family.

📷  MS Student Pictures Slideshow

 Friday, June 4 

If your family is leaving the MS this year, please remind your child to send me 2-3 of their favorite pictures from their time at AAS before Friday, June 4.

I am creating a good-bye slideshow. In June, we will email a link to the completed presentation, so please help make sure your child sends pictures, even if your family is leaving before mid-June. Looking through pictures together can even provide some necessary closure during this time of transition.
 

In addition, I have made a short video with some thoughts on transitions. I hope you find it helpful, and will get in touch if you have any questions.

Watch 2021 Successful Transitions Video

📷  MS Student Pictures Slideshow

If your family is leaving the MS this year, please remind your child to send me 2-3 of their favorite pictures from their time at AAS, so I can include them in a goodbye slideshow.

It would be good if I had those photos as soon as possible. In June, we will email a link to the completed presentation, so please help make sure your child sends pictures, even if your family is leaving before mid-June.

Looking through pictures together can even provide some necessary closure during this time of transition.

For those families leaving at the end of this year: I’ve asked departing students to send me 2-3 of their favorite pictures from their time at AAS, for me to include in a goodbye slideshow. In June, we will email a link to the completed slideshow, so please help make sure your child sends pictures, even if your family is leaving before mid-June. Looking through pictures together can even provide some necessary closure during this time of transition.

The best preparation for next week's MAP testing is getting plenty of rest and having a healthy breakfast.

Coincidentally, the entire school will be engaging in a wellness week, in order to promote and celebrate physical, mental, and emotional health.

Learn More Here

Finally, in light of the terrible school shooting yesterday in Kazan that our students may have heard about, I’m sharing two different resources that could be helpful in speaking with your child.

• How to Talk to Kids about School Shootings, from Common Sense Media

Read the article

• Talking to Children about Violence, from the National Association of School Psychologists

Read the Article

Please reach out to me directly, if you feel like I can help support your family in any way.
 

In The Benefits of Reading for Fun, the author explores the significant positive impacts that free choice reading can have on a student’s academic growth. Reading widely can also have a beneficial effect on adolescents’ personal and social development, as reading can expose them to perspectives and cultures different from their own.

Read the article

This week, grade 8 students have been in the process of making course selections for their grade 9 year. If you have questions about this process, please let me know. And for those of you looking for more general information about our HS, please visit https://www.aas.ru/learning/hs, or feel free to get in touch with me.
 

Finally, as we move closer to summer, please be aware of the following process for families leaving AAS at the end of this school year:

• Notify our admissions office (admissions@aas.ru) and CC me (james.villers@aas.ru) 
• I will send you our transcript request form.
• I will then help coordinate teacher recommendations, if needed, 
• and the MS Office will organize the sending of academic reports.

This week, grade 8 students and parents have been learning about the procedure for choosing HS courses for next year.

The recording of the student presentation can be found on the Grade 8 Announcement Google Classroom (ask your grade 8 student to show you where). The recording of the parent presentation can be found by following the link below.

Watch Parent Presentation

It will also be sent to all grade 9 parents via email. Both the student and the parent presentations do include the same basic information, so please do not feel compelled to watch both.

Please stay tuned to the newsletter in the coming weeks for additional information related to end-of-year transitions.

And if you would like to discuss your child with me about transitions or for any other reason, please email me directly, and we can set up a time to talk.

📝  Grade 9 Course Selection Procedures

 Tuesday, April 28 

On Tuesday, April 28, Grade 8 parents are invited to an important information session.

Our HS principals, Mr. Groves and Mr. Wiese, will explain grade 9 course selection procedures and provide general information about HS, as well. The session will take place at 13:00 via Webex: https://aas.webex.com/meet/james.villers.

Join on April 28 at 13:00

We will record the session for those parents who can not attend at that time.
 

🕊  Managing Relationships & Social Conflict

MS advisors are currently focused on helping students develop skills related to managing relationships & social conflict.

Discussions and activities will help students learn strategies for developing and maintaining healthy relationships, perspective-taking, and dealing with conflict.

Grade 8 goals:

• Choosing healthy relationships
• Treating others with respect despite differing values and opinions
• Using conflict-management strategies to manage conflicts when values and perspectives differ

Grade 7 goals:

• Recognizing when a social conflict is escalating and identifying what actions contribute to the escalation
• Describing the different perspectives of people involved in a conflict
• Applying a conflict resolution process
• Taking responsibility for their actions and making things as right as possible

Grade 6 goals:

• Recognizing the difference between minor and major social conflicts
• Describing the different perspectives of people involved in a conflict
• Applying a conflict resolution process
• Identifying ways to make amends after a social conflict

🧳  Families Leaving AAS

As we move into the fourth quarter, please be aware of the following process for families leaving AAS at the end of this school year:

• Please notify our admissions office, admissions@aas.ru, and CC me, james.villers@aas.ru
• I will send you our transcript request form
• I will then help coordinate teacher recommendations, if needed
• MS Office will coordinate the sending of academic reports

As we begin the fourth quarter, please be aware of the following process for families leaving AAS at the end of this school year:

• Please notify our admissions office, admissions@aas.ru, and CC me, james.villers@aas.ru
• I will send you our transcript request form
• I will then help coordinate teacher recommendations, if needed
• MS Office will coordinate the sending of academic reports
   

📰  "Parents, Stop Talking about the Lost Year"

This article dives into the idea that MS students have enough resiliency in their brains and their emotions to successfully emerge from the isolation and limits the pandemic has forced on them.

Read The Article Here

Here is the quote I find most encouraging: “Getting a full picture of what’s going on with middle schoolers — and being ready to help them — (experts) agreed, requires holding two seemingly contradictory ideas simultaneously in mind: The past year has been terrible. And most middle schoolers will be fine.”

This is an optimistic perspective, and one that I find helpful in my work with AAS families. If your child is someone who continues to struggle with life’s current demands, please get in touch with me or your child’s teachers.

The combination of students on campus and the sunny weather have brought an almost festive feeling to the MS this week. The MS team, however, is still aware that this transition might be easier for some students than others. If your child is struggling with any aspect of being back on campus, please get in touch with me or your child’s teachers.

A recent NY Times article does such a fantastic job of explaining anxiety in a teen-friendly way that I just had to share the article with teachers and with you: “Teenagers, Anxiety Can Be Your Friend.” The article breaks down a few common myths around anxiety, and draws a clear distinction between helpful and unhelpful anxiety. My favorite quote from the article: “Try to view anxiety as your own personal warning system. It’s more often a friend than a foe, one that will help you notice when things are on the wrong track.” 

Have a safe and relaxing April break.

The MS team has been working hard to prepare for next week’s Modified Full On-Campus Learning (MFOCL).

An important part of that preparation includes making sure we are supporting students who might feel nervous about the change. Advisors regularly check in with students to see how they are feeling, and we also urge students feeling anxiety to contact the counselor. If your child is struggling with any aspect of MFOCL, please get in touch with me or your child’s teachers.

In addition to academic standards, AAS MS students are evaluated on their Approaches to Learning (ATLs). These are:

• Engagement in Learning;
• Managing Assignments;
• Preparedness for Class;
• Self-Motivated Learning;
• Social Responsibility.

These behaviors and dispositions--and the feedback teachers provide related to them--are meant to help students move towards their academic potential; they are reported on both in report cards and in JumpRope.

The ATLs are an excellent and practical way to help MS students develop the skills and behaviors needed for academic success. Having a conversation with your own child about their performance on the ATLs can have a positive impact on your child’s academic growth. And the ATLs can also provide a useful structure for conversations during parent-teacher conferences.

I will be available for meetings during this week’s conference days. Please email me directly if you would like to schedule a meeting to discuss your child.

Coming back to full on-campus learning - while, in some sense, a much needed return to "normal" - is also a transition that may be causing anxiety for some of our students.

As a step towards helping students feel safe during this upcoming transition, MS Counseling has been offering voluntary support sessions this week. The sessions have given students the opportunity to speak about how they are feeling, and we have also provided guidance in managing anxiety during times of uncertainty. The sessions have been happening during lunch recess when students are at school for their huddle day; if needed, we will offer future sessions, as well.

You can view our presentation slides here:

Dealing with Uncertainty

And as an additional resource related to this topic, our school psychologist, Dr. Joseph Graybill, put together some information linked below to help AAS teachers in their support of students. We thought it would be useful for parents to see, as well.

Talking to Students about MFOCL

If your child is experiencing anxiety, whether related to the return to campus or to any other issue, please email me, and we can schedule a meeting.

Recently, in visits to grade 8 advisories, and with the intention of starting some informal conversations about high school, I’ve been discussing with students the importance of paying attention to the Approaches to Learning (ATLs): Engagement in Learning; Managing Assignments; Preparedness for Class; Self-Motivated Learning; and Social Responsibility.

These behaviors and dispositions - and the feedback teachers provide related to them - are meant to help students move towards their academic potential; they are reported on both in report cards and in JumpRope. 

Many students tend to overlook teacher feedback on these ATLs, but we hope to change that tendency. The ATLs are an excellent and practical way to help all MS students, no matter their grade level, develop the skills and behaviors needed for academic success. Having a conversation with your own child about their performance on the ATLs can have a positive impact on your child’s academic growth. And the ATLs can also provide a useful structure during parent-teacher conferences.

If you would like to discuss your child in the context of the ATLs, or in any other context, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Supporting our children academically and emotionally is a complex and ongoing effort this year.

I hope these two articles offer some helpful strategies relevant to those efforts.

In “How to Help a Teen Out of a Homework Hole,” the author reminds us that emotional support can be as important as practical tips. The nature and duration of the pandemic has made it difficult for many teens to concentrate and be productive. An empathetic approach can result in more rewards than a frustrated or angry one.

Along the same lines, but from a slightly bigger picture perspective, the writer of “How to Do School When Motivation is Missing,” breaks down the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and how each can be useful in helping a teenager get back on the path towards productivity in school.

If you would like to discuss your child in the context of school work or motivation, or for any other concerns, please get directly in touch with me, and we can schedule a conversation.

🧣 Outdoors

With temperatures dipping down into the negative double digits, it is important that our students are still prepared to be outside for recess. We do still have outdoor recess until the temperature is -20, which is closely monitored every day, and all students are expected to go outside (even in cold temperatures). We ask that students come prepared to be outside for both 20-minute recesses by wearing a warm coat, boots, scarf, hat, and gloves. In addition, snow pants are optional.
 

👾  Webex Learning Procedure

When students are participating in class from home, they are expected to sign-in to Webex using their AAS credentials. This allows us to make our classes secure from any outsiders. Teachers will not admit students to Webex if they are not logged in. If students cannot get logged in, they should email distance.learning@aas.ru for help.
 

📚  Hybrid Learning

We continue to prioritize the Learning Pathway that has been determined by the school for each class, grade level, or learning cohort.

All students are expected to be on campus for in person learning when they are scheduled to. Some learning experiences will continue to only be available to those students while on campus and in person. We appreciate your collaboration so that we can provide the best learning environment for each student.

🌳  A Healthy and Safe Campus

It is great to see more and more students joining us on campus and carefully following our safety procedures.

• If a student travels internationally over February break they will have to wait two weeks from the date of their return to Russia before they can return to campus with their huddle
• If a family member or student receives a COVID test result, please send this to the AAS Health Office
• Everyone should wash their hands regularly for at least 20 seconds
• If your child is identified as a close contact, either from being on campus or at home, they should be PCR tested as soon as possible
  • This gives prompt identification of positive cases who may be asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic as these patients can still transmit the infection to others
  • This would help us identify further close contacts and help to minimize further spread
  • This allows AAS to continue to monitor any impact a positive case on our campus might have
• Please follow our AAS COVID Response Flowchart
• You can see the number of COVID cases on campus by reviewing this chart
• Please remember to accurately complete your child’s Daily Health Pass each morning before your child leaves for school
   

⌨️  Technology

If your child is having any access issues with school-related technology - Email, WebEx, or JumpRope - please contact distance.learning@aas.ru

Thank you to those parents who attended our parent coffee this morning.

The principals explained how we provide feedback on standards-based learning, and I spoke briefly about the work we do to monitor and help students achieve well-being. If you’re interested in seeing the recording, please check the links below.

WATCH the RECORDING     DOWNLOAD the SLIDES

📊 Wellness Tracking Changes

📑 End of Semester Reporting

In our first distribution of the MS Semester 1 Report Card there was a technical issue with the colored bars and proficiency language. We were able to fix the reports and resend on Tuesday evening.

We apologize for any confusion or undue stress this might have caused families.

If you have any questions, please contact the MS Office.
 

❣️ Spirit Days

 Thursday  and  Friday 

MS students will have Pink/Red/White spirit days on Thursday and Friday this week to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

This means they do not need to come to school in uniform if they are wearing Valentine’s colors.
 

👕 School Uniform

When students are on campus, it is important that they are in school uniform.

This means blue/black/khaki trousers or a skirt and a red or white polo shirt. If it is a PE day, students should wear their PE kit to school. Now that it is winter, a quick reminder that students should bring a pair of shoes to change into from their outdoor boots.
 

❄️ Outdoors

With temperatures dipping down into the negative double digits, it is important that our students are still prepared to be outside for recess and PE.

We do still have outdoor recess and PE until the temperature is -20, which is closely monitored every day, and all students are expected to go outside (even in cold temperatures). We ask that students come prepared to be outside for both 20-minute recesses by wearing a warm coat, boots, scarf, hat, and gloves. In addition, snow pants (or two layers of trousers) are optional for recess, but are a requirement for PE class.
 

☕️ Parent Coffee - Save the Date!

 February 24 

After the break, on Wednesday, February 24 at 9:30am, we will be hosting a MS Parent Virtual Coffee. During this coffee will be talking about student wellness as well as Standards-Based Learning in the MS.

The Webex link for the virtual coffee will be sent out to all MS families on Monday, February 22.

💻 Hybrid Learning

❄️ Winter Unit

🏫 A Healthy and Safe Campus

• If a family member or student receives a COVID test result, please send this to the AAS Health Office: health.office@aas.ru
• Everyone should wash their hands regularly for at least 20 seconds
• If your child is identified as a close contact, either from being on campus or at home, they should be PCR tested as soon as possible
  • This gives prompt identification of positive cases who may be asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic as these patients can still transmit the infection to others
  • This would help us identify further close contacts and help to minimize further spread
  • This allows AAS to continue to monitor any impact a positive case on our campus might have
  • Please follow our AAS COVID Response Flowchart
• Please remember to accurately complete the Daily Health Pass each morning, when we return to campus, before your child leaves for school

📝 End of Semester Reporting

👕 School Uniform

📸 School Photos

We’re happy to have students back on campus this week, and they seem to be happy to be back, as well.

If your child is having any problems adjusting to the hybrid learning schedule or routines, let me or their teachers know right away.

👨‍💻The Upside to Screen Time is a recent article from the NY Times. While the author doesn’t argue that all learning and socializing should be done digitally from now on, she does assert that our kids may be getting more positives from the online lives they’re living than we realize. If you read the article and feel like sharing your thoughts, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

💬If you would like to discuss your child for any reason, please email me, and we can set up an online meeting. 

🍏  Wellness Week

 May 17 - 21 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and AAS Counselors are busy planning for our upcoming school-wide Wellness Week, May 17-21.

Each day of the week will have a theme, but each division will have their own unique activities to correspond with that theme. Wellness Week will highlight the importance of all types of health - mental, emotional, social, and physical. Please keep an eye out for upcoming events and encourage your child to participate each day to promote their overall health and wellbeing.
 

💪  PowerSchool Platform Training

AAS Counselors are taking part in PowerSchool training much of this week as we play an integral role in the school’s transition to using PowerSchool for creating student schedules for School Year 21-22.

Next week we will hold a Grade 11 presentation on the “nuts and bolts” of the university application process to ensure that students are making progress towards finalizing their university list and beginning some of the application steps during the summer.  If you have not yet had a planning meeting with your child’s school counselor, please be sure to schedule it soon to ensure that this important process is on-track as we move into the summer months.
 

📰  Article(s) of the week

Bonding with children can take many forms from family dinners, to nature walks, a shared hobby and community service.

Another way to bond with your older child can be through movies. It can also be a good way to initiate discussion and share insight on a wide variety of topics. Here is a list of movies to consider in scheduling a movie night with your HS and beyond child.

List of the Movies

🍏  Wellness Week

 May 17 - 21 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and AAS Counselors are busy planning for our upcoming school-wide Wellness Week, May 17-21.

Each day of the week will have a theme, but each division will have their own unique activities to correspond with that theme. Wellness Week will highlight the importance of all types of health - mental, emotional, social, and physical. Please keep an eye out for upcoming events and encourage your child to participate each day to promote their overall health and wellbeing.
 

⚠️  University Planning Meeting

If you are a Grade 11 parent and you and your child have not yet had your second university planning meeting, PLEASE reach out to your child's counselor ASAP to make an appointment before the end of the year.

This meeting is an important step to ensure that your child meets all summer university planning goals: finalizing their university list, writing rough drafts of essays, and filling out university applications. Completing these tasks early will make the very challenging fall semester a bit easier.
 

📰  Article(s) of the week

It can be challenging to find the balance between raising an independent child while being close and supporting that child.

• This book may offer you some helpful insights into finding that balance and helping your child stay connected while preparing well for their next step after high school. 

Grown and Flown: How to Support your Teen,
Stay Close as a Family and Raise Independent Adults
Take a Closer Look

• Free summer events for parents that highlight supporting your child's success after high school.

Success After HS – free Parent Events
Learn More
 

The HS Counselors met with Grade 9 this week to discuss course selection options for next year.
Students will be receiving an email later this week with a video about how to sign-up for classes using our new system, PowerSchool.

Please initiate conversations with your child about their options to ensure that their choices are thoughtful and provide the best path for them moving forward. Our updated Program of Study will be available soon on the HS page of our AAS website and course descriptions will also be available in Power School as students register.

Watch the presentation here

Course registration deadline is May 6th and students will need to print and submit a hard copy of their choices to their HS Counselor.

Any questions? Speak with your child’s counselor and/or respective teacher.
 

🏫  AAS University Counseling Page

AAS University Counseling page on our school website offers up-to-date information about summer programs, internships, scholarships, webinars and more.

Visit the Page

Watch the tour
 

📰  Article(s) of the week

Dealing with university rejection can be emotional and challenging but it can also open up doors and with the right perspective you can gain highly relevant and path changing insight.

Check out this article to gain a whole new perspective on the university application process.

Read the Article Here
 

The HS Counselors met with Grade 11 this week to discuss how to write personal statements and essays for university.
Students chose to attend a workshop on the US Personal Essay or a workshop on the personal statement for UK and other countries. Students will have four advisory sessions to work on drafting essays and continuing their university research as part of their university application process.

The counselors also met with Grade 12 to discuss supports for international students at university and tips for managing the transition to university as CCKs and TCKs.
This is an exciting and busy time for Grade 12 filled with lots of emotion as they take on final exams, and the reality of entering independent university life starts to feel real. Time with family and friends, as well as a little extra care and nurturing, are vital at this juncture.

Please remember, the counselors are here to support you and your child in any way they can.
 

☕️  Counselor Coffees

Counselor Coffee Recordings are located on the AAS University Counseling page of our website along with lots of other information including scholarships and summer programs.

Visit AAS University Counseling page

📰  Article(s) of the week

Four surprising ways to get a better night’s sleep

Sleep allows our brain to process all of the information and emotions we have throughout the day and heals our body. Lack of sleep decreases performance, and has many negative side effects. Take a look at this interesting article for your own help and the health of your whole family.

Read the article

Here's a tool that allows parents to type in an app name or website and find out more about what it is and its level of appropriateness for children. It also has videos that will explain different apps to help you better understand how they work and what they offer so that you be well informed about the media your child uses.

Learn more here

The HS Counselors met with Grade 12 early this week to discuss the topic of Academic Integrity and the role it plays beyond HS.

This comes on the heels on another presentation that we had just before break where Grade 12 students heard from our university reps from Boston University and the University of Amsterdam about IB scores and how universities view them, thoughts about schools opening in the fall and more.

Watch the recording here

With two more weeks left of classes, things are getting very real for the seniors, and we are working hard to support them in many ways. Next week there will be a session for Grade 12 parents – we encourage you to attend to learn more about upcoming events but also to get some tips and hints about how you can best support your child at this challenging time of transition.
 

☕️  Counselor Coffees

Counselor Coffee Recordings are located on the AAS University Counseling page of our website along with lots of other information including scholarships and summer programs.

Visit AAS University Counseling page

🥃  Free Webinar

 April 23 

How to talk with teens transitioning to college about alcohol and other drug prevention - April 23

Join the webinar here

📰  Article(s) of the week

Being at your best as a parent is the best way to support your children.

Recent studies on the Power of Awe show significant positive impact of wellbeing and life satisfaction. To learn more about scheduling time to Feel the Power of Awe check out the link below.
check out the podcast

College Acceptance Rates Low After Receiving More Applications Than Usual - March 31
Read the article here 
 

The HS Counselors met with Grade 9 early this week to discuss a tool in Maia Learning that helps students discern study strategies that best work for them – Learning and Productivity. Students will reflect on their current learning environment, complete a survey about learning preferences, review their results, and consider incorporating new strategies or updating their current study habits based on the results of the survey.

This is also a busy time for seniors who have applied to the US as many universities are releasing decisions between now and the end of April. Please know that we are here to support you and your children through all of the ups and downs of high school.

We wish you all the best over April Break!
 

☕️  Counselor Coffees

Thank you to all of the families that were able to attend our Counselor Coffees in March. 

Counselor Coffee Recordings are located on the AAS University Counseling page of our website along with lots of other information including scholarships and summer programs.

Visit AAS University Counseling page

📰  Article(s) of the week

Though your teen may not ask for your help and guidance at this age, parents play a vital role in supporting their child throughout their high school career.

This article gives a few tips for managing the role of parent to a HS student.

Read it here

🏫  University Responses

HS Counselors met with Grade 12 early this week to discuss navigating university responses.

The university process is often an emotional one so it is important to acknowledge these feelings and then “pivot” and adjust plans accordingly. The HS Counselors are here each step of the way to help with this process and to offer their insights and guidance. Please feel free to reach out at any time.
 

☕️  Counselor Coffees

Thank you to all of the families that were able to attend our Counselor Coffees in March which focused on university planning.

We have placed the presentation and recordings on our AAS University Counseling page for your convenience. There is a great deal of information on this page that is relevant to all HS Students. It is a great goal to spend 15 minutes this week to review the site with your child – no matter their grade – to become more familiar with all that is available readily to you. 

Counselor Coffee Recordings are located on the AAS University Counseling page of our website along with lots of other information including scholarships and summer programs.

Visit AAS University Counseling page

📰  Article(s) of the week

“The one word you need to know if you’ve been deferred or denied to university – PIVOT”

A great article that offers a bit of insight into constructive approaches to being denied admission.

READ IT HERE

HS Counselors are here for you and your children as we transition to modified full on-campus learning over the next two weeks. Please reach out with any concerns - we are here to support you in any way we can. We will also be available on conference day - please feel free to schedule a time to meet with your child's HS Counselor.

This week the HS Counselors will meet with Grade 11 Students to discuss how to organize university research to best facilitate finding the right fit and aligning fit with eligibility. Next week, we will be meeting with Grade 12 students to discuss how to manage university acceptance decisions. The university application process has its ups and downs and helping students find ways to manage this can make this process more smooth. 

Counselor Coffee Recordings are located on the AAS University Counseling page of our website along with lots of other information including scholarships and summer programs.

Visit AAS University Counseling page

📰  Article(s) of the week

FCD (Freedom for Chemical Dependency) recently published an article for parents on the protective factors of prosocial behaviors.

The article has practical ideas about how to promote these behaviors which allow your child to connect with others in a positive and empathic way and it also explains the importance of these behavior in developing close bonds with others. Feel free to take a few minutes to review the article and share your thoughts.