AIS Friday Flash

Friday, November 20, 2020

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International Week

In our AIS community spirit of interculturalism, our teachers and students have been participating in the study of various cultures, traditions, and countries over the past few weeks in preparation for International Week. International Week is a tradition that has held strong in our school community for many years, and I am so appreciative of the time, planning, and creative thinking that our teachers put into making a great week for our students. Not only that, but I'm so proud of our students for their work! Classes hosted in-person presentations outdoors under the portico and in the outdoor classroom space to teach each other what they learned during their class's International Week unit of study. It was wonderful to see students participating in singing, dancing, storytelling, and presenting in a new and different way this year. Thank you to everyone who supported International Week by talking with your child about it at home and through checking out the International Week Padlet! We are all so happy that International Week continued on this year, and we look forward to next year's special week. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Break! -From Ms. Emily

Virtual Bilingual School Fair

This week, AIS joined bilingual schools and programs across the country for a series of live webinars, delivered in French, in partnership with French Morning. You may check out the recording of our live stream here.

AIS Alumni Night

We had a great time reconnecting with AIS Alumni families this week for our Fall Alumni Night. It was wonderful to hear about what amazing things our past students have accomplished and what they have on the horizon for them. We are collecting alumni stories and photos as part of our 20th Anniversary initiatives. If you have an alumni at home or stay in touch with previous AIS families, please circulate this google form so we can add their stories to our collection.

MOD Pizza Spirit Night

Thanks to everyone who participated in our Spirit event yesterday in partnership with MOD Pizza. We will update you about the results after the break. Save the date for next month's event at both Phil's Icehouse and Amy's Ice cream at Lake Creek on 12/15.

A Season of Giving-Make an IMPACT!

This year more than ever, we have all been challenged with new and unprecedented events. We know this has impacted individuals, families, and all of us as a global community. During these times, we have grown even more thankful for our own school community and partnership with each and every one of you. It has been said before but rings absolutely true, we really are all in this together and as a community, we are greater when we support and lift each other up. By now, most of you have received Annual Fund packets in your mailboxes along with a one-stop giving envelope which outlines our initiatives for the year.

Our Annual Fund drive, launched each fall, starts our giving programs for the year. As a non-profit, our overall contributed support goals help bridge the gap between what we receive from tuition and fees and the higher expense per student to run our programs. We hope you can join us in making an IMPACT. Our Annual Fund Inspires Meaningful Progress And Change Together. Annual Fund gifts make an impact on what we are able to deliver to our students each day.

We understand that not everyone is able to give during these times or support all of our fundraising programs. However, if you can only support one effort during the year - we ask that it be via an Annual Fund gift. If we raise just $100 per student, we will reach our Annual Fund goal of $15,000, and your giving may even be broken up into smaller monthly installments.

At this time of appreciation, we would like to send a huge thank you to those generous families who have already supported: The Musalem, Laurent Behar, Strüb, Roth, Hillin, Herath, Nabeth, Gates, Farnia Cruz, Papavassiliou, James, Freedman, Ziegler Kim, Haberman, and Vaughn families! So far, we have raised $6,960 for our Annual Fund and $1,500 in support of other program areas. Thank you for your generosity!

You may give online here to support our Annual Fund or to other program designations here (like STEAM, Library, Playground, Fund Run, etc.), drop the self-addressed return envelope in the mail, or pass it to us at drop-off. We thank you for your partnership and support. Let's reach that goal by December 31st!

Thanksgiving Break/No School-11/23-11/27

From the Head of School: Feliz, Joyeux, and Happy Thanksgiving!

To put it very succinctly, I am thankful for YOU. I wish to extend my most heartfelt gratitude to every member of the Austin International School community who has poured their energy, mind, and—most of all—heart into making the last eight weeks on campus possible. Thank you to our amazing AIS teachers for all that you do to keep our students learning and to buoy one another with encouraging words and dedicated teamwork. Merci to the administrative team for all of the work that you do behind the scenes to ensure that things continue to run smoothly even when the road ahead gets bumpy. Gracias to all of the AIS families who have supported our community in so many ways—from volunteering to donations of funds and supplies, and of course, protecting all the members of our community through a commitment to our protocols. And, of course, a huge thanks goes out to our AIS students who are the reason we all come together---from points around Austin and around the world—to learn, laugh, and grow together. Happy Thanksgiving!

Please check your inboxes for this holiday letter from Jacques regarding travel and holiday recommendations per Austin Public Health and the CDC.

December Board Meeting-Tue., 12/1 12:00 - 2:00 pm

Next month the AIS governing Board of Directors will meet virtually from 12:00 2:00 pm. The community is invited to join during the Open Session of the meeting from 12 - 1:00 pm. Participation during the board meetings is reserved for members of the board and administrative staff, however, there is a public comment section at the conclusion of the open sessions for any community feedback from visiting guests.

Virtual PTO Coffee-Thur., 12/3 9:00 - 10:00 am

The Parent Teacher Organization will host its bi-monthly virtual coffee on Thursday, December 3rd. All community members are invited to join in with this link and mingle virtually.

Virtual Open House-Sat., 12/5 10:00 - 11:30 am

On Saturday, December 5th, we will host our Winter virtual Open House for prospective families interested in AIS. It is very meaningful to have current students, alumni, and community members attend to share their perspectives and experiences. Mark your calendars if you can join virtually and stay tuned for more details.

Save the dates

Mark these important upcoming dates on your calendars.