March 4, 2022

Dear AISC, 

As the tragedy in Ukraine unfolds before the eyes of the world, and nations and peoples are challenged to respond, support, and intervene, it is an appropriate and timely moment for our international community to reflect on who we are and what we believe. 

In 2001, when AISC was just six years old and still housed in two separate rented buildings in downtown Chennai, The United Nations set aside September 21^st as the International Day of Peace to reinforce the ideals of peace between and within all countries. The United Nations General Assembly chose this day to demonstrate a commitment to the ideals of non-violence among all peoples of all nations. 

Each year, AISC acknowledges the United Nations International Day of Peace in a schoolwide assembly, a Parade of Nations, and a celebration of the cultures of AISC in an International Day Festival. This tradition is part of our DNA at AISC. 

Each year, the International Day of Peace gives us the opportunity to connect to and reflect on the Core Beliefs at the heart of our international community:

• Each person has equal intrinsic value, worthy of dignity and respect.           
• We are responsible for our choices and their effect on ourselves, others and the environment.
• Being open to new ideas and challenging experiences enriches our lives.
• Mutual respect, trust and caring foster healthy interpersonal relationships.
• Embracing our diversity makes us a stronger community.
• In an interconnected world, our positive contributions to the community and the environment are essential.
• Individuals thrive in a nurturing environment that provides for their physical and emotional safety. 

As we watch events develop in Ukraine, I believe that it is our values and beliefs which must guide our responses.   

As an international community composed of students, families, faculty and staff from more than 25 countries committed to the values of responsibility, respect, integrity, and diversity, we align, along with much of the free world, with and behind the people of Ukraine. 

As an international community with families and friends from the region and from Russia and Ukraine, we must also remember that international-mindedness starts with respecting and valuing the differences of others; showing empathy for others and care for the world around us; and seeking common learning experiences with all peoples. We cannot hold people responsible for the actions of their government.

International-mindedness starts with each of us. To align with the people of Ukraine means that we must find ways to connect with each other no matter our identities or background; that we must appreciate and respect each other even when we may disagree; and that we must learn about the history and issues that can bear down like a wicked gravity, sometimes tragically, on specific places and peoples. 

Learning starts with each of us. Seize this opportunity to learn more from trusted sources about contemporary and historical dynamics of this situation; engage in open dialogue at home and at school for inquiry and understanding; support each other as many among us may feel anger, fear, uncertainty, and vulnerability as a result of this situation. If there is a lesson already apparent in the conflict in Ukraine it is that aggression of any kind creates tragic suffering. 

Understanding starts with each of us. Some students or community members may need specific support through this. If you or someone you know needs additional resources, please let us know – a teacher, a counselor, a principal, or me (headofschool@aischennai.org). Let’s keep those affected by this conflict in our thoughts. 

Emerging from two years of the pandemic, we are a community forged of resilience and well-practiced in mutual support, courage, and grace. Let’s stay true to our mission and continue to exercise compassion and seek ways to make positive contributions in this very diverse and dynamic world.

As the situation continues to evolve, we will communicate appropriately. And, if you see ways that we can support others, please do let me know.  

Now is also a good time to focus on doing our best for the people in our lives. I think I speak for everyone when I say, there is a world of gratitude right here for being together again on campus. Let’s take it one day at a time. 

Here are a few captures of student experiences this week.

 

Remember, we are re-evaluating our protocols and our campus routines (see below on Project Get Back!) each week as we monitor community spread in Chennai and on-campus.

Board of Directors Update

Reminder - Board of Directors Town Hall Meeting - Monday, March 7 @ 8:45 to 9:45 a.m.

Not since 2019 has AISC raised fees. The Board of Directors must increase fees next year. Would you like to understand what they are considering? 

Please join the Board of Directors on Monday, March 7 at 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. on Zoom for our Annual Town Hall Meeting during which we share information, considerations, and thinking regarding the budget and fees for the following year (2022-2023). The Board and the Business Office spend considerable time throughout the year building a budget that balances the short- and long-term financial goals of the school while meeting the resource and learning needs of our students.

The members of the Board of Directors take seriously their responsibility as financial and strategic stewards of the school, and in the interest of transparency, we believe that Association members should have the opportunity to understand and inquire regarding this vital process. The Board will consider a 2022-2023 budget at its March 9 Board meeting. 

Zoom link below. Please do not share this link with outside our community. 

Join Zoom Meeting
https://aischennai-org.zoom.us/j/92430903692?pwd=OTZlRGpTMUZEV09DOVhHWXFHSW1EZz09    

Meeting ID: 924 3090 3692
Passcode: AISC 

Board of Directors Meeting

The March Open Session Board meeting will be held virtually on Wednesday, 9 March at 5:00 p.m. IST. Community members are invited to join us. 

Zoom link below. Please do not share this link with outside our community.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://aischennai-org.zoom.us/j/94955237549?pwd=dVlvME5RcEhjd3pYUlMyRTArVUxrdz09   

Meeting ID: 949 5523 7549
Passcode: AISC 

Head of School Search Committee Update

The Board of Directors extends its sincere appreciation to the many community members who represented the school and participated in the Head of School candidate interview process. The feedback from faculty, staff, students, and parents will be instrumental in helping the Board make a reasoned and appropriate decision regarding leadership succession at AISC. Thank you! 

Both candidates expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to get know AISC. 

Over the course of the coming days, the Board will be deliberating and once a decision is finalized, we will communicate directly with the community. 

Important Updates - Ryan McFarland, Student Life Director

Positive cases

This week we had zero students or staff members that tested positive and had been on campus in the two days prior. We currently have 1 student and 0 staff members that are positive for COVID-19. 

Weekly Testing. Given the extremely low number of cases and community spread at AISC, we will be stopping weekly universal testing after Spring Break. 

Two more weekly tests dates remain: Monday, March 7 and Tuesday, March 22. 

Bring your negative cartridge to campus on those days. If, for some reason, those are not your first day on campus for the week, please bring the completed strip on whatever day it is. No need to upload a photo or fill out a form. 

Situational Testing. Right now, we do additional testing for higher exposure activities like field trips.

When we do this, we will continue to use testing in specific higher risk situations like field trips and certain community events.  

We would welcome community members’ inputs and questions on this topic as we continue to adapt our protocols to align with the current reality. Care to share? Email Ryan McFarland or Andrew Hoover directly at mryan@aischennai.org or headofschool@aischennai.org. 

Cloth masks on campus. Given that we have come through the Omicron Surge, there are no longer any restrictions on types of masks worn on campus. Remember, surgical and N95-style masks provide optimum protection. (Those Raptor Masks are welcome back!) 

Close contact tracing. We are continuously reviewing how we do this. We are maintaining a fairly broad interpretation of “close contact” exposures on campus. 

Reminder - Recycling of Panbio testing waste

Thank you to the students that have been bringing in the recyclable waste from our test kits. Please remember that the swab that is inside the tube should be discarded at home, and the tube rinsed out with water before being brought to the school.  We have more plans for recycling of other materials that will be announced as part of Earth Week in April, but are excited to be able to start with this waste. 

 

NEW! Project Get Back Update

As the pressure from the Omicron Surge has eased, we are re-establishing certain routines and activities on-campus. 

In the coming weeks, we are phasing-in the following routines/activities while maintaining our RaptorSafe Protocols:

Here are the other aspects of campus life we are working to bring back soon…

• Interscholastic team play
• ES Movie Night
• 4^th and 5^th Grade Sleep Overs
• Field Trips
• HS/MS in-person CareerX experiences
• AISC Staff Crèche 

We will continue to welcome your questions, ideas and input as we continue to work on Project Get Back. Email Ryan McFarland or Andrew Hoover directly at mryan@aischennai.org or headofschool@aischennai.org. 

Virtual Learning & Student Absences

Nearly all AISC students -- 98% -- are now attending our On-Campus Program. 

For students attending our On-Campus Program, please note our attendance procedure: 

1. If a student is sick or needs to stay at home for personal reasons, they will not attend class virtually. Please complete the ParentLocker survey and notify the section office.
2. If a student is in quarantine/isolation by COVID-19 Protocol, complete the ParentLocker survey and notify the section office to access virtual classes. 

Next Week At-A-Glance

Date	Event	Details
March 4 and 5	HS Spring Play: Persephone Underground	Virtual performance link here available
March 7 & 8	NESA Virtual Science Fair
March 7-11	STEAM Week
March 7-11	ASA Showcase Week
March 7	Board of Directors Town Hall Meeting @ 8:45 to 9:45 a.m.	Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 924 3090 3692 Passcode: AISC
March 7	PCA Monthly Meeting	Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID:945 2831 2597 Passcode:619915
March 9	Early Release 2:30 p.m. Faculty Meetings  3:00-5:00 p.m.
March 9	Board of Directors Meeting @ 5:00 p.m.	Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 949 5523 7549 Passcode: AISC
March 10	Head of School Coffee @ 8:45 a.m.  Repeat at 5:00 p.m.	Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 916 2219 6363 Passcode: AISC
March 10 and 11	ES Field Days   Thursday, March 10th Grades 3-5 (9:00-10:20 a.m.) Friday, March 11th EY-Grade 2 (9:00-10:20 a.m.)	See ES Principal’s Notes
March 11	HS SpringFest	Full day of on-campus community building activities led by the HS Student Council
March 11	ASA S3 Ends ASA S4 Registration Begins
March 14-18	Spring Camp	Registration Link
March 21	Staff Professional Day - No School for Students

Advancement Office – Gautami Ramachandhran, Advancement Director

CareerX: Spring Break Edition

 

We have three virtual Spring Break opportunities for CareerX and high schoolers can sign up here! 

At-a-Glance Information

• When is CareerX: March 14–18, 2022
• Organizations are categorized as: Art Education, Service, and Media & Marketing
• Read more about the experiences here.
• Sign Up Here!
• All experiences are virtual.
• Last day to sign up: Monday, March 7 

If you or your organization would like to offer a career experience during the Spring or Summer Breaks, please write to advancement@aischennai.org. 

Parent Relations – Deborah Allen, Director of Admissions and Parent/Alumni Relations

PCA March Monthly Meeting, Monday, March 7, 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Please join us for the PCA March monthly meeting. This month we have several AISC parents coming to speak about their experiences volunteering for the PCA, including a few grade level coordinators (past and present) and our 2021-22 Executive Team. Come and learn more about the various volunteer opportunities and consider how you might like to get involved next year. As usual, we have planned a few fun interactive activities. 

Join Zoom Meeting
https://aischennai-org.zoom.us/j/94528312597?pwd=WGY0Q1lhNXFhMWZDN1c4U0RoY1M3QT09 

Meeting ID: 945 2831 2597
Passcode: 619915 

NESA Parents as Partners - Webinar #5, Tuesday, March 8, 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

 

Join us for the Parents as Partners Webinar Series. To participate you may use the same link you used previously, or you may (re)register to receive an email with the link. 

Webinar #5, Building a Parent Pandemic Partnership: Strengthening Your Wellness, Self-Care and Self-Compassion -- Presented by Fran Polman on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. 

This pandemic has triggered a world-wide mental health crisis. We have paid an emotional toll in response to being isolated for far too long, sitting with fear and loneliness; along with too many disorienting events and the changes required of us. As parents, you were asked and will continue to be asked to embrace new roles as you build a "Pandemic Partnership" with your child's school. Exhaustion seems to be the great equalizer. Join Dr. Prolman as you strengthen a psychologically safe community of support for each other, and strengthen yourself from within to train for this marathon endemic run. 

NOTE: If you are unable to attend, or you want to listen to the session again, the webinar recordings and slides from the previous sessions are posted on the Parents as Partners Info Hub a day or so after each session. 

Reminder - Community Survey Update

We had over 40% families take the Community Survey. Thank you (!!) for taking the time to share your valued feedback. The results will be available for viewing and shared at the Biannual General Meeting scheduled in the month of April.           

If you completed the survey and shared the screenshot of the last submission page, your AISC swag will find its way to you. 

Reminder - Head of School Virtual Global Coffee, Thursday, March 10 at 8:45 a.m. and repeat at 5:00 p.m. IST – Join Us!

Join me for a Head of School Coffee where Andrew will be sharing perspective on being back on-campus, our plans for the reminder of the school year, how we are thinking about our Commitments for 22-23, and lessons learned during the pandemic. 

Please mark your calendars for Thursday, March 10 at 8:45 a.m. and repeat of the same coffee session at 5:00 p.m. 

Join Zoom Meeting
https://aischennai-org.zoom.us/j/91622196363?pwd=aTFZMExubUNUdHhLY1lKUHN6aGhWQT09    

Meeting ID: 916 2219 6363
Passcode: AISC

My word for 2022 is GRACE. 

Stay connected. 

Have a good weekend and a delightful week ahead! 

Andrew A. Hoover
Head of School
headofschool@aischennai.org        

COMMUNITY NOTES

Reminder – Student Protection – Michele Ness, School Psychologist/ES Counselor

If any members of the school community have concerns about a student’s safety, please contact one of AISC's counselors (ES, MS & HS), principals or the School Psychologist. 

FOR REFERENCE

Illness Reporting

Despite being in Virtual Learning, it is vital that AISC continues to monitor the health of our student body. While our attendance has been spectacular this year, we also need to know when a student is not well enough to participate in a day’s learning activities. 

By way of reminder: Elementary, Middle, and High School parents and/or High School students are expected to email the section offices with the reason for virtual absence when a student cannot attend to/participate in the day’s learning activities. [esoffice@asichennai.org; msoffice@aischennai.org;  hsoffice@aischennai.org] 

In a typical year, we track illnesses, fevers, and flu symptoms. Now, more than ever, it is so important that we know if a student or household member has flu symptoms and/or has tested positive for COVID-19. 

Our Health Office is open virtually. Please use us as a resource. 

Our school nurses are Jessy David, Suvitha R and Barkath B and are available on all school days from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Contact our Health Office by email on healthoffice@aischennai.org or by phone on +919840729563 / +919940635827 for any health-related questions or if you need assistance. 

Positive COVID Case Reporting

Given the contagious nature of the coronavirus, the AISC Health Office must stay informed of positive cases in our families’ households. In order to serve and protect community members, positive COVID cases need to be reported to us immediately. 

Here are a few guidelines:

• If anyone in your household -- including staff (live-in/non live-in) -- tests positive, please inform the School by writing to the section offices -- [esoffice@aischennai.org; msoffice@aischennai.org; hsoffice@aischennai.org]  or to the Health Office contact details shared above.
• All health information provided by AISC families has always been and will continue to be kept confidential and used by our Health and Planning Teams for record-keeping. When reporting positive cases within our community, the School will not use personally identifiable information. 

We thank you for your cooperation in helping us keep our community safe. With collective and personal responsibility, we can all do our part to ensure the health of our community members and to help flatten the COVID-19 curve. 

If you aren’t sure what kind of question you are asking, we are happy to hear from you, no matter what!

2021-2022 Data Center

Below find snapshots from our COVID-19 Data Lab. During the school year, we update these each week. 

Use this information to compliment external sources of information to understand our local context, inform decisions, and as opportunities to ask more questions. 

1. Below, Return to Campus variables remain GREEN.

Return to Campus Rubric

The variables on our Rubric have been approved by our partner International SOS and have the support of the AISC Board.

 

All of the Decision-Making Variables below must be GREEN (GO) for AISC to consider opening campus for students.

 

GO

SLOW

STOP

 

Decision-Making Variables	Explanation
Lock-Down Restrictions.	Tamil Nadu has continued to rescind lockdown requirements. There are not any requirements that impede the daily movement of people in the city or the general movement and procurement of goods and services.
School Campus Opening Status.	All students in Grades EY-12 are now permitted to return to campus.
Emergency COVID Health Care Capacity (O2 Beds, ICU Beds, Non-O2 Beds).	This assessment is based on data from 9 major hospitals in Chennai and healthcare facilities overseen by the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, which tracks the occupancy of more than 13,000 beds in Chennai.   This is GREEN when hospital vacancy rates are increasing or stable and above 10%.   See the table and graphs below.
Emergency Non-COVID Health Care.	Emergency care and access to emergency care facilities are fairly normal. We anticipate some gaps in this area if healthcare workers are not able to perform their duties due to COVID-19.
COVID-19 Testing Levels.	Testing levels are high.
Access to Supplies and Equipment at AISC.	Our campus is well-supplied and remains prepared to be open.

We also keep our eyes on the following Decision-Informing Variables, among many others, every day:

Decision-Informing Variables	Explanation
New cases below 1,000 per day.	New cases began increasing on December 22, rose above 1,000 on January 4, peaked at over 9,000 on January 14, and have been in decline since then. As of this week, new case numbers were below 100/day.   This is GREEN because the daily new case numbers are below 1,000 and are also decreasing.
5 Day Moving Average of new cases over total cases is less than 2% for two incubation periods.	This number remains low.
Percentage positive test rate at acceptable level for one incubation period.	(WHO 3-12%) This number has been above 12% since January 7, 2022 and fell below 12% on February 2.   When rates are below 12% for more than 14 days, this goes GREEN. See graph below.

2. Below, we are sharing daily new case graphs in Chennai comparing the Omicron Surge to the two previous surges -- Alpha and Delta. (The x-axis is the number of days and the y-axis is number of new cases/day.)

 

3. Below, we summarize the availability of emergency COVID Care in 9 major private  hospitals in Chennai, and of more 13,000 beds across Chennai in Community Health Centers (CHC) and Communicable Disease Hospitals (CDH).  COVID Care infrastructure and resources are steadily returning to normal. 

Emergency COVID-19 Care Bed Availability in 9 Major Hospitals

Percent of Chennai COVID-19 CHC and CDH Beds Available Since January 1, 2022

5. Below the line slope of percent of positive tests relative to total tests shows that it has crested and has fallen considerably.  This number has been below 12% for more than 20 days.

6. Below we have 501 confirmed COVID-19 cases in our community since January 2021, with 2 active cases currently, including staff, students and family members. Active case individuals who expect to be on campus observe a 10-day quarantine at home and require two negative tests before returning to campus. Confidentiality is strictly observed.

7. Vaccination efforts continue in Chennai. More than 97% of the adult eligible population Chennai has been vaccinated and more than 78% of the adult eligible population of Chennai has been FULLY vaccinated. 76% of eligible children in Chennai between the ages of 15-17 have been vaccinated.

Commitments in 2021-2022
Our Commitments for the 2021-2022 school year are here!

Staying RaptorSafe
Our RaptorSafe information is here!

Information and Reminders:

#MeetAISC Survey | AISC Community Directory – 2021-2022 | AISC Annual Calendar – 2022-2023 | Head of School Coffee Presentation – November 11, 2021 | Head of School Coffee Q&A – November 11, 2021 |AGM Head of School Presentation – September 8, 2021 | Head of School Coffee Presentation – August 12, 2021 | Head of School Coffee Q&A - August 12, 2021 | Senior Leadership Team Town Hall Presentation – July 27, 2021 | Senior Leadership Team Town Hall Meeting – Q&A – July 27, 2021 | Learning Models Framework | Student Protection Manual 2021-2022