EWeekly Dragon Tales masthead

The Newsletter of the International School at Dundee

   Friday, March 11, 2016
Front of ISD



Look What's Happening at ISD!         
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Mar. 14

 
 
Advanced Band
(5th grade only)
7:45AM

News Team
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
(media center)
session #2

Newspaper
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
(Ms. Sangermano's classroom)

Spring Afters online registration opens 
at 3 PM

Grade 5 Transition Test Make Up
 15
 
Grade 3 Orchestra
(all)
7:45AM


ALP Science Test
Grades 3 & 4, 7:45 AM

Chorus Part 1
7:55AM

ALP Test Make Up, Grade 2, 9 AM






 16
 
ALP Science Test
Grades 3 & 4, 7:45AM

Fluoride Rinse 

Gr. 5 to Aldrich Museum



 
17

Advanced Orchestra
(all)
7:45AM

Gr. 5 CMT Science

ALP Make Up Test
Grades 3 & 4, 7:45AM


Newspaper
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
(Ms. Sangermano's classroom)

District Art Show Opening
Reception 5:30 - 7 PM at GHS (exhibition through 4/18)

18

Chorus Part 2
7:55AM

Spring Afters online
registration ends

Pajama Day and Bring Favorite Stuffed Animal (Box Top Celebration)

Gr. 4 Living Museum - 
2PM - 3PM
Learning Commons

_______________________
19         
 SATURDAY

ISD Family Skate
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Dorothy Hamill Skating Rink
 21  
 
Advanced Band
(5th grade only)
7:45AM

Bus Safety Program
9:30 to 11 AM
 
 
News Team
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
(media center)
session #2

Newspaper
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
(Ms. Sangermano's classroom)

22
 
Grade 3 Orchestra
(all) 
7:45AM


Chorus Part 1, 7:55AM

Incoming K Parent Orientation 
9 AM - 10:30 AM

Community Service Awards Ceremony
5 - 7 PM



 23

Fluoride Rinse
 

Spring Afters online registration re-opens for remaining slots 3 PM

 24

Keep Calm: Let Go and Move On Day - WEAR BLUE

Grade 2 Stamford Museum

Advanced Orchestra
7:45AM (all)


Newspaper
3:15PM -4:15PM
(Ms. Sangermano's classroom)

Report Cards Distributed
25

Good Friday
School closed

Spring Afters online registration FINAL deadline

Dear ISD Parents/Guardians,

The second trimester ended on Friday, March 4th so you can expect to receive your child's report card on Thursday, March 24th.  Teachers are also including detailed comments offering you further information about your child's progress and their current level of performance, as measured against curriculum standards. 
 
Speaking of performance, we have begun what seems to be an extended period of testing, of all varieties.  It started with the STAR assessments administered to students in the areas of math and reading for which you received reports.  Last week we began the ALP identification process, which translates into testing sessions almost daily for different groups of students.  In addition, this week our fifth graders took Part 1 of the Math Transition Test, which helps determine placement in sixth grade.  Students who achieve the recommended benchmark for Part 1 will go on and take Part 2 on Tuesday, March 29th.  There is a lot to coordinate in terms of logistics and the testing protocols involved.  Some of this testing is occurring before school so we appreciate your assistance in responding to timelines and deadlines and getting students here on time.  Upon returning from April break, we will begin administering the Smarter Balanced Assessments to our third graders.  Mr. Matejek included a letter in last week's issue of DT with scheduling details and other information.  He and I will hold a parent session to familiarize parents with the SBA assessments on Thursday, March 31st at 9:00am in the cafe.  I urge you to attend, especially if your child is experiencing the SBA for the first time.
 
Thank you to the PTA for sponsoring a great social event this past Saturday.  The turnout was wonderful and a good time was had by all.  Special thanks go to Angie Hartofilis and Kaori Higgins who spearheaded the event and oversaw every detail.
 
One of our parents, Mr. Mohan Sundaram, has offered to host, "Astronomy Night" at ISD on Friday, April 1st.  Using his telescope, students will be able to see stars and planets in the night sky.  Please come by between 6:30 and 8:30pm to catch a glimpse.  Let's hope for a clear night.  The next day our PTA is holding their Spring Tag Sale in the gymnasium so it promises to be a busy weekend.
 
This past Wednesday was an early release afternoon which allowed our teachers to further their knowledge of Personalized Learning.  Teachers attended a variety of workshops to add to their repertoire of technology skills to infuse into their instructional program.  As I visit classrooms, I am amazed at how the instructional environment has been enhanced further with the infusion of the IPads. 
 
Lastly, I want to thank those parents who are diligent about reading Dragon Tales faithfully.  A lot of effort goes into putting these issues together, not to mention the amount of information each issue includes.  ISD is a busy learning environment and we try to keep the parent community apprised of all that is happening.  Dragon Tales is paramount in sharing this information.  Our website, managed by Mrs. Madoff, is also a vital location for information, deadlines, etc. that impact your child's learning and education.  Please encourage your friends and neighbors to access both resources which go a long way in supporting your children's education.  

Sincerely,
 
Terry Ricci
Principal
International School at Dundee
SPRING AFTERS REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 14
  • Registration will be open from Monday, March 14 at 3 pm thru Friday, March 18 at 10 pm.  ANY CLASS THAT IS OVER-SUBSCRIBED AT THIS TIME WILL GO TO A LOTTERY.
  • All registrations must be done online. All major credit cards accepted.  Please ensure your transaction is complete by clicking on your "paid signups."
  • Scholarships are available for students who are eligible for free or reduced lunch. Please send us an email to inquire about scholarship information before the registration deadline.
  • Class changes will not be accommodated once paid for.  Please be sure of your schedule before signing up your child for a class.
  • Preliminary class lists will be distributed on Wednesday, March 23.  Registration will re-open at 3pm so that students may register for classes with open spaces.
  • Registration for the Spring Afters Session will close on Friday, March 25 at 10pm.  No registrations will be accepted after this date.
  • Final class lists will be distributed on Friday, April 1, 2016.
  • Classes begin week of Monday, April 4, 2016.
  • For complete information on our PTA Afters Program, including our Afters Policy, please visit the ISD website, under "PTA" tab, web page "PTA Before & Afters Program."
 Send us an email if you have any other questions!



SKATE WITH US MARCH 19!
 
ISD Family Skate 2016
Saturday, March 19
12:00 - 1:30 pm
Dorothy Hamill Skating Rink
Greenwich, CT

The rink is reserved for ISD students and their families only.  There is no fee to attend.  Rental skates are available for $4/pair, if needed.

All children should wear a helmet while on the ice.  Parents are responsible for supervising children on and off the ice at the event.

See you on the ice!

ISD TAG SALE
  
The 5th ISD Tag Sale is on April 2. 

Clean out those closets, attics, and basements! 

Please start collecting and saving any gently-used Toys, Books, Games, Sporting Goods, Small Furniture, Lightly Used Clothing, Decorative Pillows, etc. Please note that we are not accepting any electronics this year.
 
We also need donations of tag sale supplies like dry cleaning hangers, plastic bags,  bins, coat racks, and shopping bags. 

We need volunteers for April 1 and 2.  Please sign up and we promise you lots of fun (and snacks)!
THANK YOU!
Our inaugural Parent Social Fundraiser at Innis Arden was a fabulous success! Thank you to all those who were able to attend and to our amazing Parent Social Committee Members.

Special thanks to our Corporate Sponsor, Thomas Messina; our generous donorsJanel Alexander, Juan Martinez Arraya, Rosaura Balaguer, Donna Buscemi, Melissa Cates, Angela Civale, Penny Echevarria, Micheline Giovani, Karen Grant, Angie & Jonathan Hartofilis, Dr. Kunyoung Kim, Connie & Stephen Kurczewski, Kristin & Mike Lisjak, Silvia McLean, Elizabeth Goldman & Thomas Messina, Karen O'Brien, Lindsay & Terry O'Brien, Mia & Rob Pepin, Terry Ricci, Lilian Ruiz, Dave Smith, Emily Trotman, Maria Turkel, Anne-Caroline Van der Hamm, Elisabeth & Alex Weindling, Dana Whamond, Lisa Wilson and Tabitha Wunderlich; and our Corporate donorsAmanda Smith Caterers, Beach House Cafe, Burger Bar and Bistro, Camp Cody, Del Fresco's Grille, The Cliffs at Valhalla, Greenwich Music, The Hermitage Club, Jolie Gotique Fashion Truck, Kempo Karate, OGRCC, Sound Beach Pilates, Sportsplex and Toro Sports.


 


SCHOOL START TIME INFO SESSIONS
The School Start Time Steering Committee will hold three Community Engagement Sessions in April to discuss possible changes to the school start times in Greenwich Public Schools. 

There will be opportunities for questions, public comments and feedback on School Start Times (SST) at each session and before a final decision is made on this initiative. Please visit the web site for additional public engagement opportunities over the next few months. For more information and updates about SST, please visit the GPS/SST website.



Aqui, en Espaņol
SAVE THE DATE - PTA MEETING
The ISD PTA is proud to co-sponsor 

Internet Safety Lecture:
What's New and Trending

Wednesday, April 6 

Guest Speaker, Ms. Katie Greer, former Director of Internet Safety for the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office will help parents navigate the digital waters and let us know what's new, what's now, and what's next when it comes to our children and technology.  As a National Internet Safety Expert, Ms. Greer will provide proactive tips to keep kids safe online.

9:00 AM
Old Greenwich School

OR

7:00 PM
Eastern Middle School

PARENT WORKSHOP
Parent Role in Curriculum: Helping parents understand how the District Curriculum can support their efforts to help their child at home
 
Tuesday, March 15, 10 AM - 12 noon
Havemeyer Staff Development Room
290 Greenwich Avenue

Facilitated by Irene Parisi


ISD BEACH PARTY
The ISD Beach Party is set for Sunday, June 5! 

2015 Beach Party

Volunteer to be part of our Beach Party Committee and help plan the party. This team will coordinate the catering, entertainment, ticket sales, and volunteers for the event. So gather some friends and make some new ones while organizing this fantastic event! 

Please contact Marie-Josee (MJ) DesnoyersISD PTA VP Nominating, with interest or inquiries: email  or call 203-921-5886. 

THANK YOU!
JOIN THE ISD NOMINATING COMMITTEE!!!
Volunteer We are seeking volunteers for the ISD PTA Nominating Committee. This spring, the Nominating Committee will work together to identify and recruit volunteers to either lead a team or be a team member in the 2016-2017 PTA programs. The committee will meet approximately four times between March and June.
 
We encourage you to join in this opportunity to learn more about the PTA and help the PTA broaden its network of volunteers. 

Please contact  MJ DesnoyersISD PTA VP Nominating, with interest or inquiries: email  or call 203-921-5886.
SLEEP AWARENESS WEEK
sleepy child
The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) is celebrating Sleep Awareness Week March 6 - 14 to raise awareness of the health benefits of sleep and its importance to safety and productivity.  Sunday, March 13, is the beginning of Daylight Savings Time when we set our clocks forward one hour.  NSF is encouraging us all to sleep better leading up to the time change.  Here are benefits of a good night's sleep and tips on how to get one!
AMAZON REWARDS
5TH GRADE PARENTS
Eastern Middle School is looking for parents of rising 6th graders to get involved in the PTA next year.  We welcome all volunteers and love to see new faces!  

For further information, please head to the PTA Tab on the EMS website and fill out the EMS Nominating Form 2016 if you are interested in helping.  

Please do not hesitate to contact Karen Saggese or Stacy Loveless, your ISD School representatives on the EMS Nominating Committee, if you have any questions.
Quick Links
March Lunch Menu
Community Info

Contact Information
The International School at Dundee
55 Florence Road
Riverside, CT  06878
Office: 203-637-3800  
OGRCC Child Care: 203-637-3659
 DRAGON TALES
Deadline for Submission: Wednesday by 5:00PM