The Newsletter of the International School at Dundee

Friday, May 15, 2015

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

7:45a - Adv. Band

(Gr. 4 & Gr. 5)

7:55a - All Chorus

7:00p - Spring Concert

7:45a - Adv. Orchestra

1:15p - Early Release

(No PM Afters)

No Chorus

9-10a - Sarah Bush visits Gr.3, Media Center

7p - BoE Meeting at Parkway School

9:00a - Gr.5 Parents Middle School Round Table, Cafe

4th Gr. Sound Waters Schooner Trip

Memorial Day

No School

7:55a - Chorus Pt.1

9-12noon - 2nd Gr. to Stamford Museum Nature Center

7:00p - Gr. 5 Parent Meeting at EMS

7:55a - Chorus Pt. 2

8:15a - Gr. 5 to United Nations

10:00a & 12noon - 3rd Gr. Bush Holley House

Nepal Fundraiser

(wear red & blue)

9:00-9:45a - Kindergarten Performance & Reception following from 9:45-10:45a

Dear ISD Parents,

We are involved in a district-wide campaign to raise money for Nepal, which as you know was devastated by an immense earthquake on April 25th and a subsequent one since then. We are asking all students to donate at least a $1.00, which they have earned doing chores or tasks, to this good faith initiative. It is part of "taking action" toward helping others. We are also asking that everyone wear red and blue on Friday, May 29th, which happens to be John F. Kennedy's birthday. I end this request with a famous quote of his, which is, "Children are the world's most valuable resource and its best hope for the future".

Next week, we have several events scheduled. On Tuesday evening, May 19, we will hold our spring concert at 7:00 pm in the gymnasium. It is always a joyous event and signals the end of a school year is near.

Wednesday, May 20th, is our last early release day of the school year so that staff can participate in professional learning. School will be dismissed at 1:15. Our staff will remain here in the building and continue their learning of how to incorporate the use of the IPad into our instructional program. This session will enable us, through technology, to see how teachers in the Phase 1 Schools have used the IPad. This will be very helpful to us.

On Friday, May 22nd, I am inviting parents of fifth graders (or others if they are interested) to meet with parents, whose children are in middle school or have been, to share their thoughts and experiences with those who will be sending their children in the fall. The meeting will be held in the cafeteria at 9:00am. We have held this meeting in the past and the feedback from parents has been positive, so we are happy to repeat it.

As of this writing, the staff and I are thoroughly enjoying being "appreciated". Teacher Appreciation Week has been going very well and we thank all who were involved for the special treats and events. Have a great weekend.

Sincerely,

Terry Ricci

JOIN THE FUN! SIGN UP TODAY!

ISD 5th Annual Beach Party!!

Sunday, May 31, 2015 - 3pm - 6pm
Tod's Point Clam Bake Area
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Family Fun Games & Activities

Great Food & Company

Unique Auction & Raffle Items

Click here to download and print a registration form or register easily

online by clicking link: ONLINE BEACH PARTY REGISTRATION

Deadline for registration/food order: Tuesday, May 26!

2015-16 ISD PTA EXECUTIVE BOARD SLATE

The Nominating Committee is pleased to present the following candidates for the 2015-2016 ISD PTA Executive Board. The final slate will be voted on at the June 12, 2015 PTA General Membership Meeting.

Co-President Returning - Kristin Lisjak
Co-President Incoming - Kaori Higgins*
Treasurer - Ann Park *
Secretary - Ana Laborde *
VP Afters - Jackie Moy*
VP Communications - C. Jean Dana
VP Education & Outreach - Stephanie Woodward *
VP Enrichment - Malika Singh *
Co-VP Events - Jill Townsend
Co-VP Events - Suzanne Aysseh *
Co-VP Fundraising - Rosaura Artola Balaguer
Co-VP Fundraising - Maria Jose Gowland

VP Nominating - MJ Desnoyers *

*Indicates the candidate is new to this office. Executive offices are recommended to be held for two, one-year terms. Other candidates are returning for their second year of office.

TEEN SLEEP NEEDS & SCHOOL START TIME DISCUSSION

PLEASE JOIN US FOR A PANEL DISCUSSION

May 26, 7 pm

Central Middle School Auditorium

Sponsored by Greenwich PTAC Wellness Committee

Did you know that teenagers need 9 hours of sleep a night? But two-thirds of high school students report getting 7 hours of sleep or less a night?

Did you know that teenagers have a different circadian rhythm than adults which makes it harder for them to fall asleep before 11 pm and waken before 8 am?

Did you know that chronically sleep deprived teens are at increased risk of depression, obesity, substance abuse, and automobile accidents? And that more sleep results in higher grades and better attendance?

In August of 2014, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued a statement recommending that middle school and high school students delay the start of class to 8:30 a.m. or later. Greenwich High School starts at 7:30 am (with many athletic and music practices starting before then). Greenwich middle schools start at 7:45.

The Board of Education will send a survey this month to parents, high school students and teachers in the district about school start times. Come and educate yourself about this important issue!

Join panelists Dr. Dominic Roca, MD of the Connecticut Center for Sleep Medicine; Dr. Marcie Schneider, MD of Greenwich Adolescent Medicine; Superintendent of Schools Dr. William McKersie; Greenwich High School Headmaster Chris Winters; and Lisa Bogan, a parent from Wilton, CT, which made the change to a later high school start time in 2002, for a Q&A session on teen sleep needs and the impact of school start times on teen health and wellness.

Click here to view presentation.

FROM THE ART ROOM

Dear Parents:

Spring is here and summer is around the corner. It's great to hear from so many how Artsonia has provided so much enjoyment to ISD parents and kids. So don't forget Father's Day is June 21, and the best place to find that perfect gift featuring your child's art---is on artsonia.com. Happy Spring to all.

Creatively Yours,

Melissa Verdier

UPDATE FROM THE 5TH GRADE

Dear ISD Families:

We have concluded the entrepreneurial program and want to thank everyone for supporting the students in their fundraising efforts, especially our Team Managers (Tina Roschmann Vagner, Liz Keegan, Alexander & Elisabeth Weindling, Maria Piero, Renee Jennings, Nikki Glickman,and Ann-Caroline Schraa), volunteers and donors.

With all the numbers in from the Craft Market groups, we now have a confirmed total of $4,146.90 of our $5,000 goal which we hope to reach during our beverage sales at Beach Party and Field Day.

Several of the teams had inventory remaining and have decided to donate items to ISD teachers, Kids In Crisis and ISD Beach Auction.

Update on Caf� Improvements: Per Mrs. Ricci, facilities will paint the cafeteria this summer so we have fresh walls for our mural to be painted or decaled onto the main wall. If funding allows, we will also look to have additional decals placed on the floor in various places, perhaps the IB Traits. Our objective is to have as much student participation as possible in the areas of design, selection and possibly implementation.

Calling all Artists! We are looking for student submissions embodying elements of the ISD logo, mascot and IB traits. Submissions can be hand drawn or computer generated and should be received no later than June 5th. Please send submissions to Anna Monteiro.

FIRST GRADE ANNUAL BOOK DRIVE

The First Grade will once again hold its annual Book Drive in mid May. Please look through your shelves for books in good condition that other readers of all ages can now enjoy. Books can be dropped off in the main hallway starting May 11th.

Thank you!

BEACH PARTY DONATIONS

We need your help! Fill-out a form and help support the Annual ISD Beach Party!

The Silent Auction will be targeted toward adults.

Raffle items will be targeted toward kids.

Looking for Ideas?

Restaurant Certificates, Spa Certificates, Vacation Home Weekends, Tickets to events, Game tickets, Evening at the Movies, Kid Friendly Electronics...the possibilities are endless.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

June 13

Open Arts Alliance Audition

In collaboration with the Department of Parks and Recreations and The Boys & Girls Club Theatre Program, Open Arts will be producing a summer musical theater workshop that culminates in a performance of the musical ANNIE, for students ages 6-18. See flyer for more information.

August

Greenwich High School Guidance Department is partnering with the Greenwich Alliance to run a Summer College Workshop for rising seniors the last two weeks in August.

Applications should be turned into the GHS Guidance office. Click here for more information.

AMAZON SHOPPING

Amazon's School Rewards Program contributes up to 10% of every purchase made at Amazon to the ISD PTA. It is very simple: When you buy at Amazon, please do it via the below link, and at no extra cost you will help ISD!

Click Here then bookmark the page and use it every time you shop.

Money raised will help fund PTA-sponsored enrichment programs and special events including author visits, High Touch/High Tech Classroom Enrichment Programs, Math Night, Science Night, Monster Mash, Movie Night, and much more.

Thank you for your support.

LOST AND FOUND