Dragon Passport

Check out all the great things happening in the Den!

Ms. DeAngelis' 8th grade classes have been investigating the Boston Massacre hands on! While looking through evidence, crime photos and more, they have had to compile the necessary documentation to prove their theories regarding the historical event.

Mrs. Petroski's High School Design Class is working on building Bridges out of every day materials. They have had to create blueprints, come up with materials needed and build it according to their plans all while keeping a budget, and having proper work conditions (Goggles are a must!) Once these great pieces of work are completed, they will be put through a test to see which one is the strongest!

In Mr. Ferguson's class, scholars have been exploring music from other countries and using that knowledge to create Podcasts based on that country's music. During their time in class they have developed a concept, recorded an episode, and edited it.

Each month at International, we focus on one of the IB Learner Profile traits, and celebrate scholars and teachers who exemplify them. As partners in education, we love sharing ways that you can support the development of these traits at home.

This month, we are excited to share information about MYP Personal Project. This is the culminating project for the MYP, and if students pass, it counts as their state-required Capstone credit for graduation. It’s a great way to meet this state graduation requirement!

The Personal Project timeline runs from September to January. Instruction will take place in the Success 101 classroom. So far, students have identified their topics and set their learning and product goals. They have created their success criteria and action plan for their product. They are in the process of completing research on their learning goal and are using the Cornell style to take notes. Throughout the month of November they should be working on creating their product.

Here is a video that introduces the Personal Project:

For scholars who are entered in the IB Diploma Pathway, they enroll in six subject area courses (3 at higher level and 3 at standard level). In addition, they participate in the DP Core.

The DP core is made up of three required components, which aim to broaden students’ educational experience and challenge them to apply their knowledge and skills.

The three core components are:

• Theory of knowledge, in which scholars reflect on the nature of knowledge and on how we know what we claim to know.

• The extended essay, which is an independent, self-directed piece of research, culminating with a 4,000-word paper.

• Creativity, activity, service, in which scholars undertake and engage in activities related to each of the three strands.

*This information can be found at: https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/curriculum/dp-core/.

This month, International’s featured IB Learner Profile trait is Knowledgeable. As knowledgeable people, we “develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines. We engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance.”

Interested in ways to bring this trait to life outside of school? Here are a few ideas!

• Ask your scholar about what they are learning and why it matters:

• “Why do you think that is an important thing to know about?”

• “Can you think of anything happening in the world today that might be similar to that aspect of history?”

• Foster any area that your scholar expresses an interest in with books and activities, but also be sure to encourage them to explore other areas (so they expand their horizons).

• Encourage your scholars to become familiar with current events and to read and watch the news and watch the news - from reputable news outlets.

Attendance Matters ALL YEAR LONG

• The school day is from 7:30-2:05.
• Scholars missing school for 3 cores or more will be considered absent for the day.
• Attendance matters for all classes so if a scholar can only attend 1 or 2 cores for an excused reason, we highly recommend they do.

Scholars absent more than 10% of the school year (18 days) are considered CHRONICALLY ABSENT by the State. The first 9 absences are excused with parent communication to the school. Ten and over will require specific documentation for reasons listed in the handbook (located on our website).

High School Scholars: Loss of credit for a class can occur after 12 absences (Half Year Courses) or 24 absences (Full Year Courses). Please contact your Counselor to discuss how credit can be recovered.

Please remind your child of the importance of waking up early and being in school daily. If you need support and resources please contact Ms. Gibson at sgibson@crec.org or their school counselor (listed below).

DROP OFF: Families must ENTER FROM the BLUE HILLS AVE ENTRANCE. The Woodland Ave entrance is for buses only from 7:15-7:45 AM and 1:45-2:30 PM

PLEASE DO NOT PASS BUSES

PICK UP: If you are picking up your scholar early, please be at the school no later than 1:45PM. Visitors will not be allowed in the building after 1:45PM to ensure the safety of our scholars.

• Doctor's appts during the day: If you are coming to pick up your scholar early, no need to call, please just come into the main office and sign your scholar out. We will call him/her from class upon your arrival!

CHANGE IN TRANSPORTATION

• Contact the Main office before 1:45PM, this will give amble time to our Office staff to get the message to your scholar.

If your child is taking an alternative bus home, please contact CREC TRANSPORTATION at 860-524-4077. They will then give the school permission to allow the scholar on the requested bus.

Please provide Transportation with the following information by 11AM.

• Bus number
• Bus Route Stop and Town
• Parent name and phone number

Student Council Elections will begin on November 12th!

Please see Mr. Norris' posts on Schoology for more updates.

If a scholar or staff member has a club that you would like to see at the Den, stop by the main office for information. We want to bring as many clubs to AIS as possible. There will be 2 sessions of clubs: October-January and February-May.

Stay tuned for more information

As fall sports are coming to a close. This is the perfect time to discuss Winter Sport interests.

Winter sports include: BASKETBALL AND INDOOR TRACK

Click the picture to access Final Forms, Full Schedules and More.

If you have sport questions or concerns please email:

Mr. Norris (High School), Mr. Martin (Middle School)

With the uncertainty of school closures, text messaging is the easiest and fastest way for the school to communicate with you. Receive text messages from the school for immediate access to what is going on!

• Important messages from Principal Hernandez
• Upcoming Events
• Announcements
• School Cancellations and Delays

Reporting an absence: email AIS ATTENDANCE or 860-242-7834

School Counselors:

Ms. Taylor Clarke- Grade 6 A-L and Grade 8

Ms. Tania Thibault- Grade 6 M-Z and Grade 7

Mr. Mark Field - A-L Grades 9-12

Ms. Monika Chudy - M-Z Grades 9-12

Administration

Mr. Ben Simon - Middle School Dean of Students

Mrs. Eleisha LeMay - Middle School Assistant Principal

Ms. Raynette Holmes - High School Dean of Students

Mr. Tom Craig - High School Assistant Principal

Mrs. Yesenia Hernandez - Principal