Dear AISC,
We have had an amazing full week on campus as our school day routines have been fully re-established.
Here are a few captures of student experiences this week.
And, yet too many significant events in the world outside our community continue to show signs of fragmentation, division, and strife.
This short, touching poem by American poet Annie Lighthart reminds us that the power to make a positive difference in someone’s life really (truly!) does rest with each of us – that our essential power is to recognzie the humanity of others by looking at one another and allowing for that moment to break down the walls between us. Oh my, so many people in so many places and in so many situations could use a dose of When We Look.
When We Look
When we look long at one
another,
we soften, we relent, listen,
might forgive. We allow for
silence
— and when we see each other,
are known, and in that moment
might change
though nothing has moved
or been spoken.
There are some who say
the walls cannot be broken,
but suddenly we are in a free
place,
and the fields
that extend from its center
stretch for miles
as if out of the pupil and the
iris
of that momentary kingdom.
On Campus Reminders & Updates - Ryan McFarland, Student
Life Director
Outdoor Mask-Wearing Optional. Given that there is no indication that the Coronavirus is being transmitted on campus, that new cases and hospitalizations in Chennai have been consistently minimal for many weeks, and that we know the probability of transmission when outdoors is very low, using masks when outdoors on campus is optional.
Note that mask-wearing outside the entries in the pick-up and drop-off areas is required at all times.
Except for eating in the cafeterias, mask-wearing in all indoor learning and social spaces is required.
Testing. With testing not required for admission to campus and tests only in use for situational circumstances, we’re not issuing free rapid antigen kits. If a student is sick and testing for COVID-19 is necessary to help with the potential identification of cases, then we can supply test kits. Contact healthoffice@aischennai.org in the case of illness in the household where access to test kits may be helpful.
Positive cases. This week we had one (1) student and 0 staff members test 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.
Updated! Project Get Back Update
In the coming weeks, we are phasing-in the following routines/activities while maintaining our RaptorSafe Protocols:
Note on the Pool
Our pool is awaiting formal re-certification, which we are expecting any time. Once that happens, we will begin the process of re-opening the pool for community use.
Here
are the other aspects of campus life we are working to bring back soon…
- Interscholastic
team play
- ES
Movie Night
- 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.
Board of Directors Update
Reminder
- Biannual General Meeting – Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at 8:45 to 9:45 a.m.
By tradition, at AISC’s September Bi-Annual General Meeting, Andrew shares organizational, personnel, student learning, and student achievement data from across the school. In April, the second of two Bi-Annual General Meetings, Andrew shares slices of survey results from parents, faculty, and students.
Association members have received the Agenda for the Biannual General Meeting of the Association that will be held on Wednesday, 13 April, 2022 at 8:45 a.m. virtually. Please join using the Zoom Link below and do not share this link outside our community.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://aischennai-org.zoom.us/j/91234568623?pwd=aTUyNzhBN1lpSHdQRnhMdFhrR0ljQT09
Meeting ID: 912 3456
8623
Passcode: AISC
Next Week At-A-Glance
|
Date |
Event |
Details |
|
April 4-13 |
Board of Directors Meet the
Candidates and Election Week |
|
|
April 4-13 |
IB Art Exhibition |
|
|
April 4- 22 |
ES WIDA Testing |
|
|
April 8 & 9 |
Cognitive
Coaching Days 7&8 |
|
|
April 11 |
PCA Monthly Meeting |
In-person (Registration Form) |
|
April 11-12 |
Grade 9 Transdisciplinary Days |
|
|
April 12 |
MS Parent Coffee 8:45 - 9:45 a.m. |
In-person
(Room 3124 - Gemma Adderley) |
|
April 12-13 |
MS MAP |
|
|
April 13 |
Biannual General Meeting of the
Association 8:45 a.m. |
Meeting ID: 912 3456 8623 Passcode: AISC |
|
April 13 |
Early Release 2:30 p.m. All Faculty Meeting 3:00-5:00
p.m. |
|
|
April 14 & 15 |
Tamil New Year’s Day and Good
Friday NO SCHOOL |
|
Health Office Update
Hand,
Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)
The city of Chennai is seeing a recent surge in the Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD). It is a common viral illness that usually affects infants and children younger than 5 years old. However, it can sometimes occur in adults. Symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease include fever, blister-like sores in the mouth (herpangina), and a skin rash in the hands and feet. More details on this disease can be found here in this link.
AISC currently does not have any cases of HFMD.
We request parents to be watchful and consult your paediatrician immediately should your child develop any symptoms. Please do not send your child to school if he/she has any symptoms of HFMD.
Vaccinations
in Chennai for 15-18 Year-olds and 12-14 Year-olds
If anyone would like assistance coordinating vaccinations for your child 12 or older, please email healthoffice@aischennai.org.
For 15-18
Year-olds
Parents of children between 15 and 18 years of age received a direct communication from the School’s Health Office with details on vaccination camp at AISC campus today, Friday, April 1. Please check the email and indicate if you are interested by filling out the form linked within that communication.
For 12-14
Year-olds
As of now the vaccination for 12-14 year olds can only be booked through the COWIN portal. Linked here are the Guidelines for the COVID-19 vaccination for children between 12 and 14 years of age published by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
Office of Teaching and Learning Update – Joelle Basnight,
Deputy Head of School
Futures
Planning - Blog Update!
Wondering what is happening with AISC’s Futures Plan? Check out the updated blog post by Joelle Basnight. Joelle shares about the mid-year Community Planning Team retreat.
Professional
Development Day and Wednesday Early Release Update
On Monday, March 21st, AISC hosted a full day of professional learning. The day began with an address by Jennifer Abrams who challenged everyone to grow (up) at work. After a brief breakfast, everyone reconvened to watch and discuss a video by Frans Johannson to inspire a spirit of innovation. After lunch over 30 faculty and staff offered learning sessions for their peers. Finally, before adjourning to a celebratory “high tea” Simon Noakes from Interactive Schools addressed the group regarding the impact of technology on the future of schools. Over 100 faculty and staff responded to the post-event feedback survey and over 94% indicated that sessions were highly relevant, clear and inspiring!
Our last few Wednesday afternoons have been equally as focussed on professional learning. On March 2nd faculties met in disciplinary groups to focus on curriculum development and documentation. On March 9th and 23th time was spent in sectional meetings preparing for and reflecting on various events and initiatives completed thus far. On March 30th, faculties attended their 6th and final learning strand session in one of the following areas:
- Supporting
Diversity & Equity: From Empathy to Courageous Conversations
- Supporting
Highly Able/Gifted & Talented Learners
- The
Power of Making Thinking Visible
- Understanding by Design - Curriculum Development
Over
70 faculty responded to an end-of-strand feedback survey. Overwhelmingly
faculty indicated that the learning supported their development while a
majority also saw it as directly applicable to their classrooms.
Finally,
this week brings a wellbeing afternoon where, once again, professionals will
teach each other in the area of wellbeing.
Technology – Dr. Greg Clinton, Director of Technologies/Research &
Development
Website
Approaching!
We are performing a "soft launch" of the new school website to our faculty and staff this week so we can get feedback, look for any bugs or areas for refinement, and prepare for a global, all community launch on Wednesday, April 27. Stay tuned to AISC social media and newsletter announcements for more details leading up to that date.
Advancement Office – Gautami Ramachandhran, Advancement Director
CareerX:
Spring Break Edition Roundup
Over Spring Break, 9 students engaged with three key partners in career experiences across industries like Art Education, Service, and Media & Marketing.
Here’s
what our learners had to say about their experience:
“I had a great time engaging
with the activities and assignments, and discovered a lot of new aspects about
journalism and international news in general. Interacting with the guest
speakers was also very insightful, and has definitely sparked an interest to
learn more about everything it takes to publish successful articles.”
Grade
11 student, Parent Circle Magazine
“This experience was extremely
eye-opening and enriching. This project has been completely different from what
I have done before. I have learned a lot about the details that go into
planning a donation drive and your guidance through this process was extremely
helpful. I really enjoyed working with different people in this work
environment in order to effectively plan the donation drive. I plan to use this
newfound knowledge and apply it to my life.”
Grade
10 student, Shishu Shakthi
“I thoroughly enjoyed this
experience with Parent Circle. We learned about different aspects of journalism
and ways to approach articles. I wrote an article about the importance of
fitness in one's life, particularly in regards to mental health. I learned so
much about how to approach an article, as well as different types of articles.
Overall, this was an amazing experience and I'm extremely happy about my final article,
as well as the learning experience.”
Grade
11 student, Parent Circle Magazine
Please make sure to stop by our social media channels (@aischennai) to see more student work from their CareerX opportunities. And if you’re on campus, stop by the HS Bulletin Board to see more!
If
you would like to offer a CareerX opportunity, please email advancement@aischennai.org.
Parent Relations – Deborah Allen, Director of Admissions
and Parent/Alumni Relations
PCA
Election: Executive Committee 2022-2023
Please consider serving on the PCA Executive Committee for the 2022-2023 school year! Being a part of the Executive team is a rewarding experience and an opportunity to engage with the school, developing what often ends up being long lasting relationships with many members in our community. Self-nomination forms are available by emailing Seema Thomas at tseema@aischennai.org. Completed forms should be returned to Seema by 12:00 noon on Monday, April 18th. The PCA Elections will be conducted using an electronic ballot, the ballots will be open to the AISC community May 10-12, 2022, and results announced on Friday, May 13th.
PCA
April Monthly Meeting, Monday, April 11, 2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Please join us for the PCA April monthly meeting on the AISC campus!! This will be an in-person only event, virtual and hybrid options are not available, and you must be registered to attend the meeting: registration form. Covid protocols will be communicated on the registration form and a health screening form will be sent to registrants (same requirements as communicated for conferences). Special guest and veteran AISC teacher, Priya V., will be presenting information about living in Chennai and the changes to the area and our school over the past 20 years. We look forward to seeing you there!
NESA
Parents as Partners - Webinar #8, Tuesday, April 19th, 6:30 to 7:30 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. This is the LAST WEBINAR for this semester.
Webinar #8, Reflecting on the Journey -- Presented by Ellen Mahoney on Tuesday, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Reflect on the work we have done this school year around the inner work required of the adults in young people's lives. How have we strengthened our mindsets and social emotional competencies? What insights can we glean from learning alongside our youth? Share with each other and provide social support around your insights this year and the next steps you can take in your Adult Social Emotional Learning journey.
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 - AISC Libraries - The #earthweek2022 Coming to AISC in April
The AISC Libraries are collecting book donations now for our first ever Earth Week Book Swap! If you have any pre-loved books (still in good condition) in any language, for any age, and in any genre, please drop them off in the ES/MS or HS libraries. For every two books you donate, you get a free book at the swap! Please let Babs know on bbarbara@aischennai.org if you have any questions.
Have an amazing short week ahead! We will be publishing weekly updates on Wednesday, April 13 before the long holiday weekend next week.
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
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 keep the COVID-19 curve flat.
2021-2022 Data Center
We have reduced the data share in our Data Center to the four most relevant items right now: daily new cases, hospitalization data, community illness data, and local vaccines rates.
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, 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.)
2. 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.
Percent of Chennai COVID-19 CHC and CDH Beds Available Since January 1, 2022
3. Below we have 312 confirmed COVID-19
cases in our community since January 2022, with 2 active case 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.
4. Vaccination efforts continue in Chennai. More than 99% of the
adult eligible population Chennai has been vaccinated and more than 79% 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:
Head of School Coffee Presentation – March 10, 2022 | Head of School Coffee Q&A – March 10, 2022 | #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