Weekly News & Learning

Dear NISL Families,

On Saturday, March 1st, 2025 NISL students once again showcased their exceptional talents by competing against top public and private schools from 52 counties in Kentucky in the Louisville Regional Science and Engineering Fair (LRSEF). This year, 15 of our students took part in LRSEF and brought home 5 category placement awards and 8 special recognition awards! NISL also earned the 3rd Place School Award. We have been consistently winning either 2nd or 3rd place as a school for the past 5 consecutive years Alhamdulillah! Congratulations to our students, teachers, and parents for their dedication and hard work!

"Electrolyte Challenge: Orange Juice Vs. Sports Drink"

1st Place in Chemistry Category

Rama Mohammad

"The Effect of the Number of Lines on Different Types of Fractals"

1st Place in Mathematics Category

Faiz Mohammad

"The Effect of Weight on a Drone's Lift Capacity"

2nd Place in Robotics and Intelligent Machines Category

Bilal Bouriche

"The Effect Of Different Types Of Salts On Ice Melting"

3rd Place in Chemistry Category

"The Effect of Salvinia Leaf and Plastic Adsorbent on Oil Absorption"

3rd Place in Environmental Engineering Category

"Homemade RC Car"

Engineering Technology: Statics and Dynamics Category

Behavioral and Social Sciences Category

We are incredibly proud of all 15 of our participants for their hard work, dedication, and passion for STEM! Competing at LRSEF requires exceptional preparation and perseverance. And even if they didn't win an award, we are very proud of their hard work and dedication!

A special recognition for our students who participated but didn't place:

Hasnain Mohammed

"Automatic Street Light"

Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design Category

Ziyad Elazizi

"The Effect of Finger Joints on The Ability of a Robotic Hand to Pick Up Objects"

Robotics and Intelligent Machines Category

Zeineb Abeidy

"The Effect of Eye Color on Eye Sight"

Behavioral and Social Sciences Category

Malak Ali

"The Effect of Peppermints and Reaction Times"

Behavioral and Social Sciences Category

Aysha Aliyeva

"The Effect of Personality Type on Memory Recall"

Behavioral and Social Sciences Category

Ali Mohammed

"Effect of Study on Test Grade"

Behavioral and Social Sciences Category

Safa Mukhtar

"The Effect of Petroleum on Cheilitis"

Chemistry Category

Aya Guennouni

"The Effect of Age on Reaction Time"

Behavioral and Social Sciences Category

Congratulations once again to all our amazing students, teachers, and parents! Your achievements make our community proud, and we wish our advancing students the best at KYSEF!

Sincerely,
Aisha Blagaia

NJHS Officers for 2024-2025:

President: Nour Al-Barqawi

Vice President: Sora Yusupova

Secretary: Manal Abdulaziz

Treasurer: Lujain Kadhom

Public Relations Manager: Zeinab Abeidy

Historian: Saban Haseljic

NJHS (Grades 4-5) Officers for 2024-2025:

President: Asmah Abdulbaqi

Vice President: Faiz Mohammad

Secretary: Zainab Mohammad

Treasurer: Nusaiba Jourane

Public Relations Managers: Aya Aldaoud and Maya Jalab

Historians: Libin Hassan and Arhamm Khan

.

As promised, NISL PTO (Parent-Teacher Organization) delivered distinguished decorations for both the Six Mile and the Lagrange campuses in honor of the holy month of Ramadan.

Our PTO Decorating Divas:

• Raziya (PK teacher and mother of Aziz-2, Alim-5, and Aysha-8)
• Stacey (mother of Korina-KG)
• Aisha T. (secondary ELA teacher)
• Nouna (PE teacher)
• Fatima Zehra (GTA teacher)
• Asma (mother of Leanna-2nd)
• Niveen (staff)
• Hala (mother of Zainab-5th and Jana-2nd)

Nothing that we can say will be equivalent to the joy and amazement that students and staff felt upon entering the school on Monday morning. Please keep these teachers and moms in your duaas this Ramadan.

May Allah bless the hands that hung every piece of string and secured each piece of tape and pad and bless the eyes that centered each item. Barak Allahu feekum for helping etch these sacred days into the hearts of our children, bi idhniAllah.

Get involved in your child's education.

Join NISL PTO now!

Membership is free.

Supporting our students is priceless.

Abu Huraira reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said,

“Whoever does not thank people has not thanked Allah.”

Source: Sunan Abī Dāwūd 4811

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ‏ لاَ يَشْكُرُ اللَّهَ مَنْ لاَ يَشْكُرُ النَّاسَ

4811 سنن أبي داود كتاب الأدب باب في شكر المعروف

• Sr. Walaa for sharing the student activities with me! (Sr. Lobna)

• Sr. Amani for her continuous understanding in various situations! (Sr. Lobna)

• Ms. Matrid for spending the day with our students the Louisville Regional Science and Engineer Fair competition. It takes patience and sacrifice to spend half of you weekend waiting for results! (Sr. Zainab)

• Sr. Niveen for keeping our common area routines and procedures -such as salah-efficient and chaos-free. We really feel it when she is gone! (Sr. Zainab)

• Sr. Hamida for keeping teachers energized throughout the day. Acts of kindness are often unrecognized---until they stop. Now that we are fasting, Sr. Hamida's daily act of making coffee in the teacher's lounge is more noticeable due to the absence of the coffee scent. Thank you for saving everyone time and making it possible to pop in and out quickly (Sr. Zainab)

• Sr. Mebarka for always taking risks and setting high expectations for her students. She has the heart of a teacher and the mind of an engineer! (Sr. Zainab)

• Sr. Lobna, Sr. Rubeena, and Sr. Sakina for collaborating and tackling challenges as a team. We are stronger together, and these teachers are great examples, mashaAllah! (Sr. Zainab)

• Ms. Wofford for showcasing research-based practices during Dr. Royer's visit on Thursday. She makes classroom management and pre-corrections look so easy! (Sr. Zainab)

• Sr. Bothaina for her generosity and thoughtfulness! You pay attention to your colleagues and follow that up with actions! (Sr. Zainab)

• Ms. Kristen for organizing yet another team-building activity. The students may have been a little jealous of the fun the staff had being mugged this month! (Sr. Zainab)

• Sr. Walaa, Sr. Noor, and Ms. Wofford for their hard work serving as Honor Society advisers. They helped NJHS and NEHS students learn about campaigning and voting over the past few weeks and formed student councils for each chapter! We appreciate your extra efforts and service for our students! (Sr. Zainab)

• Mar. 8: Ramadan Virtual Fundraiser (via WhatsApp @6PM)
• Mar. 14: 3rd Quarter Ends
• Mar. 15: Youth Iftar: Boys and girls in grades 6 -12 @ Lagrange Campus (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM)
• Mar. 15: Secondary Girls' Qiyam @ Lagrange Campus (8:00 PM - 6:30 AM)
• Mar. 21: 3rd Quarter Report Cards Released
• Mar. 29: Kentucky State Science and Engineering Fair (KY-SEF) at EKU
• Mar. 31-Apr. 4: NO SCHOOL - Eid Ul-Fitr & Spring Break
• April 22: NISL PTO general body meeting Room #211 @ 4:30PM

...inshaAllah

Reminders/Notes

Important Reminder: Stay Hydrated!

As the weather warms up, it’s important for your child to stay hydrated throughout the day. Please send a labeled water bottle with your child to ensure they have access to water when needed. Thank you for your cooperation!

Math

• Learn how people traveled long ago in search of new places.
• Discuss Christopher Columbus, his journey across the ocean, and how he met new people.
• Learn about the Pilgrims, why they left their home, and how they worked together with Native Americans to live in a new land.
• Explore how these journeys changed history through reading maps and stories,

PE

• Identify and demonstrate the three main types of passes (chest pass, bounce pass, overhead pass).

• Develop accuracy and control when passing to teammates.

• Improve reaction time and decision-making in passing under pressure.

• Demonstrate proper dribbling technique using fingertips rather than the palm.

• Maintain control and balance while dribbling at different speeds.

• Develop the ability to dribble with both hands to improve versatility.

• Improve hand-eye coordination and reaction time while dribbling.

SEL

• Evaluate student comprehension of the concepts taught in Unit 2, Lessons 201–211.

• Review and evaluate student comprehension of the concepts taught in Unit 2, Lessons 213–218.

Unit 6: Lesson 11: Simple Coding Concepts

Essential Questions: What is Coding? How does coding help kids? What is Programmer?

• Code; Command; Sequence; Unplugged ?
• What is Sequence in detail ?
• Videos - Coding and Sequence
• Quiz

REMINDERS & NOTES

Muslim Manners & Akhlaq Poster Project

English Language Arts

🔹Amplify Skill 6

• ✅ Lesson 21: Grammar – Verb Tense and Root Words
• ✅ Lesson 22: Review and Practice – Pronouns and Vowel Digraphs
• ✅ Lesson 23: Review and Practice – End-of-Unit Review
• ✅ Lesson 24: Unit Assessment – Word Recognition
• ✅ Lesson 25: Unit Assessment – Reading Comprehension

📖 Amplify Knowledge 9 (Fairy Tales & Stories)

• ✅ Lesson 1: Sleeping Beauty
• ✅ Lesson 2: Rumpelstiltskin
• ✅ Lesson 3: Rapunzel
• ✅ Lesson 4: The Frog Prince, Part I
• ✅ Lesson 5: The Frog Prince, Part II

✏️ Phonics & Grammar Focus

• ✅ Phonics Practice (UFLI): Focus on affixes
• ✅ Phonological Awareness: Deletion and substitution of the last sound
• ✅ High-Frequency Words: Reinforcing recognition and usage
• ✅ Grammar: Pronouns, Doubling Consonant Rule, verb tense, and Learning Forming Sentence Rules

🕌 Islamic Studies

Muslim Manners & Akhlaq Poster Project (Group Activity)

• ✅ Students will work in groups to create posters showcasing Islamic manners (Akhlaq).
• ✅ Each group will focus on a specific aspect of good manners in Islam.
• ✅ Students will learn and apply hadiths and Quranic teachings about good behavior.

🔢 Math

✅ I-Ready Lesson 24: Telling time
✅ Daily Math Practice:

• Number Operations: Strengthening addition and subtraction skills through problem-solving.

• Measurement & Units: Understanding time as a unit of measurement.

• Geometry: Identifying and practicing with 2D and 3D shapes

✅ Lesson 24 Quiz on Friday, 3/14

🌱 Science:

🌎 Social Studies

Chapter 5 lesson 4 Our Country's Heroes and Innovators

✅ Students will identify the contributions of historical figures who shaped the history of the nation.

✅ Chapter 5 lesson 4 quiz on Wednesday, 3/12

REMINDERS & NOTES

English Language Arts

Skill 4

Lesson 13 Grammar and Writing: Proper Nouns and Persuasive Writing Quiz adverbs

• Correct and rewrite sentences, adding appropriate capitalization and punctuation to all proper nouns, including periods at the end of abbreviated titles and apostrophes to show possession.

• Use a planning template to brainstorm ideas for a new persuasive argument, use these ideas to write a draft of a persuasive letter, and use an editing checklist to review the draft.

Lesson 14 Grammar and Writing: Introduce Verb: to be and Persuasive Writing

• Complete fill-in-the-blank sentences with the correct form of the present tense of the verb to be and will identify present tense forms of the verb to be in written sentences.

• Use a planning template to brainstorm ideas for a new persuasive argument, use these ideas to write a draft of a persuasive letter, and use an editing checklist to review the draft.

Lesson 15 Assessment and Writing: Edit a Persuasive Letter

• Spell dictated words with ‘ow’ > /ou/, ‘ow’ > /oe/, and the Tricky Word your.

• Review and edit the previously completed persuasive letter draft, using the editing checklist.

• Read “The Daydream” with purpose and understanding, will close-read the text by answering text-dependent questions, discussing Tier 2 vocabulary, and discussing difficult passages from the text, and will write four to five sentences describing the plot of the story.

Lesson 17 Spelling Alternatives: Introduce /ee/ › ‘y’ and ‘ey’

• Discriminate between the /ee/ and /e/ sounds, as well as between the /oe/, /o/, and /ou/ sounds and /ie/ and /i/ sounds.

• Read and spell one-syllable and two-syllable words containing /ee/ > ‘y’ and /ee/ > ‘ey,’ and will complete fill-in-the-blank sentences with words with these sound/spellings.

• Read “The Bakery” with purpose and understanding, and will closely read the text by answering text-dependent questions, discussing Tier 2 vocabulary, and discussing difficult passages from the text.

Math

Technology

Art

Arabic Calligraphy of Allah's Name

Canvas with paint

• Arabic calligraphy is a beautiful and expressive art form that has been used for centuries to write verses from the Quran, poetry, and important names, including the name of Allah (الله).
• Creating this artwork is not just about writing; it is about expressing spirituality, patience, and artistic skill.
• Each stroke should be made with care, showing respect for the beauty of Arabic script.

REMINDERS & NOTES

Spelling List 21 Group A

taught thought rough laugh bought cough ought caught fought tough through enough brought laundry naughty doughnut daughter drought sought distraught

Spelling List 21 Group B

taught thought rough laugh bought cough ought caught fought tough through enough brought laundry naughty doughnut

ELA

Unit 6: The Viking Age

Lesson 10: Concluding Norse Mythology

• Identify cause and effect in sentences and create sentences using the conjunction because.
• Write a final draft of a character description and create illustrations to support their writing.
• Reread a chapter of their choice independently or with a partner.

Lesson 11: Presenting Character Descriptions

• Present their character description paragraphs and explain the supporting illustrations.
• Create a comic book page based on a literary text.

Lesson 11: Presenting Character Descriptions (Continue)

Unit 7 Astronomy: Our Solar System and Beyond

Lesson 1 The Sun, Earth and Our Solar System

• Identify objects in our solar system.
• Listen to an informational text introducing them to the solar system and sequence the steps of a solar and lunar eclipse.
• Read and answer comprehension questions about the sun, Earth, and our solar system.

Spelling Test Friday, 3/14

BOOK CLUB on Friday:

Objective: Small Reading Groups based on iReady skill level

• Discuss the chapters read: main idea, characters, plot, setting etc.
• Grammar: Comma usage

Math

Unit 3: Multiplication: Finding Area, Solving Word Problems, and Using Scaled Graphs

Lesson 19: Scaled Graphs: SESSION 1-5

LESSON 19 Quiz Friday,3/14

Science

Unit 4 Weather and Climate

PE

• Identify and demonstrate the three main types of passes (chest pass, bounce pass, overhead pass).

• Develop accuracy and control when passing to teammates.

• Improve reaction time and decision-making in passing under pressure.

• Demonstrate proper dribbling technique using fingertips rather than the palm.

• Maintain control and balance while dribbling at different speeds.

• Develop the ability to dribble with both hands to improve versatility.

• Improve hand-eye coordination and reaction time while dribbling.

SEL

• Review the intellectual positive actions that are important for a healthy mind and life.

• Assess the understanding of the positive actions learned in Unit 2 and to provide feedback.

Technology

Unit 6: Lesson 11: Simple Coding Concepts

Essential Questions: What is Coding? How does coding help kids? What is Programmer?

• Code, command, sequence
• Unplugged? What is Sequence in detail ?
• Video's Coding and Sequence Quiz

Art

Arabic Calligraphy of Allah's Name

Canvas with paint

• Arabic calligraphy is a beautiful and expressive art form that has been used for centuries to write verses from the Quran, poetry, and important names, including the name of Allah (الله).
• Creating this artwork is not just about writing; it is about expressing spirituality, patience, and artistic skill.
• Each stroke should be made with care, showing respect for the beauty of Arabic script.

REMINDERS & NOTES

Math Assessment Assigned: March 14

English H.W: Razkids 2 stories

• Assigned: Monday, March 10
• Due: Friday, March 14

Math Reveiw worksheet:

• Assigned: Monday March 10
• Due: Friday, March 14

Social Studies Project:

• Slides/poster/ OR brochure
• Final date to complete project - Due: Friday, March 14

English Language Arts

Unit 3 Eurkea Student Inventor!

Lesson 4: Speaking w/Style

Speaking and Listening

• Use their research to create an oral pitch for their lab’s invention, including facts and details to support their argument.
• Listen to presentations, take notes, and paraphrase what they have learned about each invention.
• Use audio recordings to enhance their oral presentations.

Writing: Write and present a skit with dialogue to show the importance of their lab’s invention.

Lesson 5: Invention Breeds Invention—Knowledge

Reading

• Describe the chronology, causes, and effects of the Louis Braille’s invention, in order to understand that “invention breeds invention.”
• Read technical texts and interpret diagrams about simple machines.

Writing: Integrate information about prior inventions and simple machines to write a creative solution to a technical challenge.

Math

Math Assessment Lesson 19 & 20

Lesson 21: Add and Subtract Mixed Numbers

Math Assessment: Friday, March 14

Science

Science Unit 2 : Vision and Light

Lesson 2: Introducing Animal Senses

• People and other animals use their senses to get information about what is in their environment.
• People and other animals have body structures that function to get information from their environment.

• Sense-make strategy
• Asking Questions and practice using this strategy as they read.
• Sound and scent can carry information about the environment to an animal.
• Animals have different structures that allow them to get information from their environment.
• Asking questions as you read helps you better understand the text.

In an investigation, you should only change one thing in order to tell what makes a difference. The methods scientists use are determined by the questions they are investigating.

Technology

Unit 6: Lesson 7: Interactive Storybooks

• Introduction to digital storybooks.
• Read and interact with a digital story as a class activity.
• Assignment - Benefit of Ramadan

Art

Arabic Calligraphy of Allah's Name

Canvas with paint

• Arabic calligraphy is a beautiful and expressive art form that has been used for centuries to write verses from the Quran, poetry, and important names, including the name of Allah (الله).
• Creating this artwork is not just about writing; it is about expressing spirituality, patience, and artistic skill.
• Each stroke should be made with care, showing respect for the beauty of Arabic script

REMINDERS & NOTES

Reminder to check Google Classroom for support and updates!

English Language Arts

Math

Unit: 3 Earth's System

• Lesson 3.2: Making Sense of Where Raindrops Form
• Lesson 3.3: Explaining Why It Rains

Scientists and engineers create models to show their thinking. Scientists use information they gain to create a more complete explanation.

Social Studies

Technology

Unit 6: Lesson 7: Interactive Storybooks

• Introduction to digital storybooks.
• Read and interact with a digital story as a class activity.
• Assignment - Benefit of Ramadan

Arabic Calligraphy of Allah's Name

Canvas with paint

• Arabic calligraphy is a beautiful and expressive art form that has been used for centuries to write verses from the Quran, poetry, and important names, including the name of Allah (الله).
• Creating this artwork is not just about writing; it is about expressing spirituality, patience, and artistic skill.
• Each stroke should be made with care, showing respect for the beauty of Arabic script.

REMINDERS & NOTES

📌 Reminders for Parents:

✅ Encourage your child to review their 99 Names of Allah planner daily.

✅ Help them stay on track with their Quran reading goals.

✅ Support them in practicing Tajweed rules at home.

English: Summer of Mariposas PROJECT - also posted on Google Classroom

Also, the will be learning Section 1: Chapter Atlas. This section will introduce students to the geography, climate, and people of the region through engaging activities and discussions. 🌎✨

Art

Arabic Calligraphy of Allah's Name

Canvas with paint

• Arabic calligraphy is a beautiful and expressive art form that has been used for centuries to write verses from the Quran, poetry, and important names, including the name of Allah (الله).
• Creating this artwork is not just about writing; it is about expressing spirituality, patience, and artistic skill.
• Each stroke should be made with care, showing respect for the beauty of Arabic script

REMINDERS & NOTES

📌 Reminders for Parents:

✅ Encourage your child to review their 99 Names of Allah planner daily.

✅ Help them stay on track with their Quran reading goals.

✅ Support them in practicing Tajweed rules at home.

1. Analyze the theme of a story

2. Develop a solid research question

3. Analyze primary and secondary sources

Students will have a vocabulary quiz on Monday, 3/10! Vocabulary words can be found on google classroom!

Section 2: The Gupta Empire.
✅ The Gupta dynasty created the second major Indian empire.
✅ India experienced remarkable advances in the arts, sciences, and mathematics under Gupta rule.

SEL

• Understand the importance of nutrition in maintaining a healthy body and mind.

• Identify the key components of a balanced diet, including proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

• Recognize how healthy eating habits contribute to energy levels, mood, and overall well-being.

• Develop a positive self-concept by making nutritious food choices that support physical health.

• Apply decision-making skills to choose healthier food options in daily life.

• Learn how to set personal nutrition goals for long-term health and wellness.

Art

Arabic Calligraphy of Allah's Name

Canvas with paint

• Arabic calligraphy is a beautiful and expressive art form that has been used for centuries to write verses from the Quran, poetry, and important names, including the name of Allah (الله).
• Creating this artwork is not just about writing; it is about expressing spirituality, patience, and artistic skill.
• Each stroke should be made with care, showing respect for the beauty of Arabic script

REMINDERS & NOTES

📌 Reminders for Parents:

✅ Encourage your child to review their 99 Names of Allah planner daily.

✅ Help them stay on track with their Quran reading goals.

✅ Support them in practicing Tajweed rules at home.