The Newsletter of the International School at Dundee

Friday, May 23, 2014

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
26 Memorial Day - No School	27 No Chorus 8:45 - 5th Grade Parent Roundtable Middle School Transition 9:00 Gr 3 SBAC Testing 12:00 Gr 4 SBAC Testing SOPA Testing No Spanish All Week Gr 1 Book Drive - thru May 28--->	28 8:45 Gr 2 HIV Parent Meeting @ Café 9:00 Gr3 SBAC Testing 10:00-1:00 Gr 2 Botanical Gardens 12:00 Gr 4 SBAC Testing 7pm Gr 5 Parent Mtg @ EMS Gr 1 Book Drive - Last Day	29 No Chorus Band Lessons 8:30-12 Gr 5 ALP L.A. to Shakespeare Festival @ GHS 9:00 Gr 3 SBAC Testing 9-12 Animal Embassy Visits Grade 1	30 NO AM Band, YES Lessons 9:00 Gr 4 SBAC Testing 1:30-3:00 ESOL Origami Activity
June 2 Stamford Nature Center Visits Kindergarten	3 9-3 Sky Dome Assembly	4	5 Band Lessons 7:30-8:30 2Mar Student Led Conferences 10:00 Shakespeare Show, Media Center (Gr3-5)	6 No Band YES Lessons 7:30-8:30 2Mar Student Led Conferences 3S to ABC Studios 3rd Marking Period Closes

Dear ISD Families,

This time of year brings news of changes in the coming school year. At this time, I want to update you on the staff changes as of this date. Mrs. Moran, grade one teacher, has requested and been granted a child rearing leave for the 14-15 school year and is expected to return for the 15-16 school year. With this opening, it brings the strong possibility of some changes in grade level assignments for the other teachers, as several have asked for a change in teaching assignments. Mr. Matejek and I are reviewing candidates and potential reassignments. The other news at this time relates to Mr. Strange, our band teacher. Mr. Strange has accepted a full time band teaching assignment at Central Middle School. Although he has experienced much joy and satisfaction, along with success, leading our band, he looks forward to being in one school full time. We will miss them and wish them both well.

You should have received an email asking you to complete a short survey asking for feedback on communication between school and home regarding your children. Please complete it as the information will be helpful as we move forward in establishing School Improvement goals for next year.

Artwork, completed by our fourth graders, was showcased in our art show on Thursday evening. Students, using the inspiration they acquired through their partnership with the Guggenheim Museum, displayed their expressive spirits in their artwork in an impressive manner. Speaking of artwork, our first graders' artwork is on display at Cos Cob Library through the end of next week. If you have not stopped by, please consider doing so, as it too, is impressive.

Here are important dates coming up:

Beach Party - Sunday, June 1st - you can register on line now.

Field Day - Tuesday, June 10th (Rain date Thursday, June 12th)

Volunteer Breakfast - Friday, June 13th 8:00 AM

Grade 5 Moving Up Ceremony - Thursday, June 19th, 1:00 Media Center (Each 5th grader may have up to three guests at the ceremony.)

Last day of school - Friday, June 20th, 1:15 dismissal

Memorial Day marks the "unofficial" beginning of summer. I hope you enjoy the long weekend but request you take the time to discuss, as a family, the significance of the holiday and how it impacts our life, as we know it today.

Sincerely, Terry Ricci

BEACH PARTY SIGN-UP - It's Not Too Late

Come take a sneak peek at the silent auction items that will be available for online bidding Wednesday, May 28!! Stay tuned for details!

Get more tips & information on the Beach Party here.
Stay on top of all the exciting activities, games, food, and much much more!

ATTENTION 3RD GRADE - IMPORTANT BAND INFORMATION

Dear Parents of 3rd grade students,

Recently, I demonstrated the various band instruments available in the fourth grade band to your students. Each student was sent home with a band sign-up form, should they choose to join. The forms may be returned to your child's classroom teacher.

Please be sure to list 3 choices on the forms - thank you!!

Michael Strange, Band Director

CLASSICAL CAFE - SPECIAL STUDENT SHOWCASE

ISD has Talent!

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Calling all student singers, musicians, storytellers, magicians, etc! All students are invited to perform.

Priority will be given to students who did not perform in December. Each lunch period can showcase up to SEVEN student acts! Join us in encouraging our children to participate.

For more information, email Jon Blieberg or Carisa Sykes

COMMEMORATIVE 2013-14 SCHOOL YEAR PHOTO FRAME

Get your unique ISD photo frame today!

A special personalized commemorative 2014 photo frame is available for purchase to all school families as another part of our fifth grade fundraiser!

The frames are being generously produced for us free of cost with all profits going to the fifth grade fund, by our entrepreneurial fifth grade mom, Kim Thomas' company "Kimprints".

Capture your student's picture and fun memories at ISD with this unique one of a kind photo frame for $19.95. Orders start now through June 6. Fill out this form and bring it to the main office at school, "Attention 5th Grade Class Parents".

Look for us at the Beach Party where there will be order forms. Frames will be delivered before the end of the school year.

For more information, email Teresa Fellows

FIFTH GRADE BAKE SALE

Sunday, June 1

4-6 pm

Tod's Point Clam Bake Area

Thank you to the ISD community for making the fifth grade bake sale such a huge success this Wednesday afternoon. The children are now well on their way to being able to give back to their school with a great end of year gift.

If you loved our baking this week, look for treats at the Beach Party where we will have sweets as well as whole cakes and breads for the family to enjoy!

An online sign-up will be sent out soon to 5th grade families looking to participate.

UPDATE

OUTDOOR PLAY SPACE

Next Step: Acquire Gift Cap Exemption from BOE.

Our request to be added to the May 22 BOE agenda was delayed until June 17.

We plan to have students vote for playground equipment pieces before the June 17 meeting, but purchase will only be made contingent on approval from BOE.

If we receive approval, winning pieces will be announced before school lets out. We hope to reveal the playground options at the Beach Party on June 1st.

Be sure to attend and see the possible additions.

Contact a PTA Board member if you have any questions.

Thank you

BEACH PARTY VOLUNTEERS

ISD's Beach Party is almost here!!

We NEED your help to make this wonderful family event possible. Please use this link to sign up -

BEACH PARTY VOLUNTEERS

DRAGON PRESS

The 1st Issue is Online!

Click here to read what ISD students are writing about or find it on the ISD Homepage.

The ISD PTA is excited to sponsor Dragon Press.

Thank you to Mrs. Millspaugh, Ms. Sangermano and Mr. Harris for working with the students.

AVAILABLE ON DVD

ISD's Media/Technology Department has captured many of the wonderful school events/performances this school year.

Proceeds go back into the enrichment programs supported by parents and teachers of the PTA.

To see a list of DVDs available & how to order click here.

THANK YOU PARENTS

Thank you for making Teacher Appreciation Week a special one! All the donations were a hit. We could not have done it without you!

We would also like to thank Corbo's Deli, Garden Catering, Upper Crust Bagels and Cafe Bon for contributing towards the teachers' breakfast and lunch. Please remember them the next time you are in need of a quick bite.