The Newsletter of the International School at Dundee

Friday

December 13, 2013

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
16 7:45a Adv Orchestra String Lessons Middle School Path Discussion w/ PTA CoPresidents 2:15-3p Café	17 7:55a Chorus Pt. 1 String Lessons Early Dismissal @ 1:15 for Elementary Conferences	18 No 7:45a Adv Orchestra Extra Help String Lessons Gr.2 ALP Parent Nomination Forms Due	19 7:55a Chorus Pt. 2 Gr. 4 Band Lessons BOE 7p GHS	20 No 7:45 Gr.5 Band Rehearsal Gr. 5 Band Lessons
23 Holiday Recess	24 Holiday Recess	25	26 Holiday Recess	27 Holiday Recess
30 Holiday Recess	31 Holiday Recess	1 January Happy New Year!	2 Band Lessons School Resumes	3 7:45a Gr.5 Band Rehearsal

Message from our Principal

Dear ISD Parents,

Central office has decided to establish an early release day on Tuesday, December 17th, as a make up for this week's snow day. Students will be dismissed at 1:15 pm. Although our teachers have already rescheduled many of the conferences, the extra time may help them in completing all of them prior to our holiday break.

Our Winter Concert has been rescheduled for Tuesday, January 7th. The performance for parents is at 7:00 pm. We reviewed date options prior to the break but we were unable to work around other schools' concerts (EMS, GHS). As some of the musical pieces are holiday related, it will allow us to keep our holiday spirit a little longer.

Yesterday, many students performed during Classical Café. This event is now an annual event at ISD where students sign up to perform for their classmates and parents. The performances include a variety of activities to showcase individual talents such as singing, dancing and playing a musical instrument. It is a wonderful skill for students to shed their inhibitions and perform in front of a group, in many cases alone. We encourage this risk-taking, as it is a vital skill to have for their future. Thank you to Jon Blieberg and Carisa Sykes for organizing the wonderful event.

This week's snow day reminds us that students should be prepared for the snow and cold weather. Since they do go out for recess when there is snow on the ground, snow boots are necessary. Also, hats, scarves and especially gloves or mittens are necessities.

On behalf of the entire staff, we want to thank all the parents for the delicious cookies you baked and packaged for us. It was such a great surprise and enjoyed by all. We were truly touched.

Lastly, I want to announce the office staff's annual tradition of requesting food item donations for Neighbor to Neighbor in lieu of holiday gifts. Although they appreciate the acknowledgements, Mrs. Scott, Mrs. White and Mrs. Albarran know that Neighbor to Neighbor is struggling to keep food on its' shelves to support the ever-growing number of families needing support. The agency is in great need of canned fruit, cereal, tuna, peanut butter and jelly. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Sincerely, Terry Ricci

CT PTSA encourages everyone to take part in an act of kindness this weekend.

NEWS

2014 - 2015 BOE School Calendar Review

The Board of Education (BOE) is considering a possible revision to the 2014-2015 School Calendar approved on December 20, 2012, specifically with regard to the Winter Recess in February.

The BOE is interested in your preference of three options described in the survey. The Board will discuss these school calendar options at its January 9, 2014 meeting and take action on any possible revisions to the 2014-2015 School Calendar at its January 23, 2014 meeting.

Please take a moment to follow the link below to complete the two-question survey. Paper surveys are also available in school offices. Online Survey.

Please complete ONE survey per household. You must submit your response no later than Friday, December 20, 2013 in order for it to be included in the survey analysis for the BOE deliberations in January 2014.

CHANGES IN MIDDLE SCHOOL PATH FOR FUTURE MAGNET STUDENTS

The BOE is expected to vote on the proposed change, which would require future magnet students to go to their respective residential middle school and NOT be able to continue with their ISD classmates if living outside the Eastern Middle School (EMS) attendance area.

The proposal also allows tuition students (children of Town employees who live outside of Greenwich) to attend EMS if they graduate from an EMS feeder school.

Please e-mail the Members of the Board of Education to let them know what you think of this proposal. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask Mrs. Ricci, or come by the Café on Monday, December 16th, from 2:15-3p to speak with your PTA Co-Presidents.

BOE Member contact information.

ISD PTA TREASURER

The ISD Treasurer is responsible for the funds of the PTA and receives and disperses money according to the bylaws and established procedures. Additionally, the Treasurer ensures that all authorized bills are paid promptly and provides financial updates and reports to the PTA Board and membership at regular intervals. As the "money person", the Treasurer works with the accountant to ensure that all tax returns and other federal requirements are filed promptly. The Assistant Treasurer and Membership Chair roles fall under the Treasurer.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Susan Decker at isdpta.treasurer@gmail.com

WELLNESS COMMITTEE

Monday, December 16th, 9:30-11am at UCONN Stamford, Senator Frantz, Representative Camillo, Representative Walko and Congressman Himes, who all represent Greenwich, will be attending the quarterly council meeting of our regional Action Council.

The Action Council's mission is substance abuse prevention. This is a unique opportunity for our local legislators to discuss the specific issues surrounding teens and substance abuse.

We would like to have as many parents in attendance to show our support of this very important topic.

ISD Wellness Committee

DENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM

The dental health program will begin on January 6th. This program is run by the Town of Greenwich and includes both an educational portion as well as a dental screening for all the students at The International School at Dundee. This program is beneficial in continuing to maintain the health and well being of the students.

Thank you for promoting good dental health. Parents can also help by providing good nutritious snacks and lunches for their children. It has to be a team effort from us all to combat decay and maintain a healthy life style.

Jeannie Schnakenberg, RDH, BS

ADVANCED LEARNING PLACEMENT (ALP)

We have begun the process of identifying students in Grade Two for placement in 2013-2014 ALP program. This multi-step process begins with a screening of students in math and language arts. Parents of children who have been recommended for the evaluation phase will be notified by December 13. Parents must sign and return a consent form allowing their student to continue in the evaluation process by December 18.

Parent Nominations

Children may also be nominated for additional testing by their parents. The Parent Nomination Form will be available at your school office and on the ALP website after December 13 and must be returned to your school office by December 18.

Last informational meeting will be held on:

Tuesday, December 17 at 12:00 at the Byram Library

You may also contact Bonnie O'Regan, Program Facilitator at the ALP office (203.625-7462, 203.625-7422)

WRAPPING ORDERS

ARE IN

Pick up your orders

in the ISD Café

before or after school.

A labeled box or bag will be against the back wall with your Family Name clearly printed.

Prizes are included.

Thank you for your support!

PTA MEMBERSHIP

Join Today!

Click here for a membership form.

Membership contributions of $15 or higher receive a complimentary ISD directory.

Additional directories can be purchased for $10

ISD SPIRIT WEAR

Are you looking for that perfect gift for your child? ISD Spirit Wear will be available for sale at the Student Conferences on December 17. Look for great items such as Girls ISD Rhinestone Tee's, Boys ISD Athletic Tees, and Boys and Girls ISD shorts to give to your child for the holidays or for no reason at all!

GREEN SCHOOLS UPDATE

Single Stream Recycling began in the

Café this week!

The Greenwich Public School System has created a recycling program for lower, middle and upper schools. The children have learned how the process works and are practicing during their lunch period. In addition, recycling can be done in classrooms as well. Parents interested in volunteering during a lunch wave are welcome. Please contact Elisabeth Weindling.

ISD DAISY TROOP

ISD Daisy Troop would like to thank all the families who donated food items for the Neighbor-to Neighbor food drive. The Troop was able to gather 86 food items.

Good job Daisies!