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The 2005-06 calendar is now posted on our website
and is also available on the credenza in the front office.
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Welcome to ISM's weekly newsletter for the week of
August 22 - 26, 2005. Please note that the ISM news brief is distributed
to ISM families primarily via email, unless otherwise requested. To request
hardcopy notification, please contact Business Administrator / editor Lisa Griffin Burns
at lburns@ismonterey.org
or call at 583-2165.
As mentioned in last week's news brief, we are still in the process of filling vacancies in several grades, so new students will be joining our school for several weeks yet. Please help us welcome the following new students who transferred to ISM after the start of the school year: Gabriel Peterson in Miss Kim's Kindergarten class; Andre Xie in Miss Basu's Grade 1 class; Caitlin McClennan in Miss Sweeney's Grade 2 class; Ian Lane in Mrs. St. Germain's Grade 4 class; and Thomas Paxton in Mr. Brandau's Grade 8 class. With continued good luck and enthusiastic responses from waiting list members, we anticipate several new students per week starting school until all spots are full and we reach a total enrollment of 304 students. Please note, however, that we have exhausted our Grade 8 waiting list and would love for existing families to recommend our program to area families with 8th graders; if the "fit" is good, they can start at ISM immediately! Pass on the word!
We are pleased to continue introducing our excellent new faculty additions, this week focusing on Specialist teachers and Instructional Aides. They are, in alphabetical order:
: Self-described as "passionate" - a word we love hearing - about drama, Sarah is thrilled to be joining the ISM staff as our K-8 drama instructor. A graduate of CSUMB with a degree in Teledramatic Arts and Technology, she joins fellow colleagues and alum "Mr. D", Miss Anna, and Miss Touryan who grace us constantly with their intellect and talent. Sarah has also applied her skill in the fields of real estate, working as a realtor, and art, serving as an art consultant for the well-known Kinkade Family Galleries. Her transition to ISM has been flawless and we wish her much success! Welcome, Miss Sarah!
 : A native of the Republic of the Congo, Laetitia accompanied her husband, Grade 8 instructor David Brandau, from their prior assignment at the Khartoum American School (KAS)in the Sudan. Laetitia served several roles at KAS during her time in Sudan, to include Daycare Coordinator for tots ages 1-3, an English and Math tutor for children ages 5-6, a pre-Kindergarten Teaching assistant for 3 and 4 year olds, as well as a Teaching assistant for middle schoolers. She is fluent in English, French, and Lingala, and conversant in Arabic. She clearly represents a phenomenal addition to our international community and we look forward to benefiting from her presence at ISM! Welcome, Mrs. Brandau!
 : Robby, too, is another CSUMB graduate who holds a B.A. in Liberal Studies with a minor in Adapted Physical Education. Robby's long-term goal is to be a full-time P.E. teacher for students with special needs. Prior to joining the ISM staff, he worked with first and second graders at nearby Del Rey Woods Elementary School gaining valuable experience in the classroom. Robby came highly recommended to us by staff members Miss Julie Livingston and Miss Chantel Touryan and we are already impressed with his contributions. Welcome, Robby!
 : Within our community, Nikki serves several roles as parent of Kindergartner, Saige Madden, wife of ISM Board of Trustee Member, Sean Madden, as well as our Math instructor for Grades 5 & 7. We wooed her from her previous position as the Grade 6-7 Math teacher at Colton Middle School in Monterey and as she is a Seaside resident, she was pleased with the reduced commuting time to work. Nikki's classroom is in the center of the main classroom pod housing Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grades. As this is a new classroom arrangement this year, we respectfully request that parents / visitors accessing these classrooms respect her need for quiet during instructional time, especially in the morning following the start of school, and conduct conversations either outside or within each respective classroom. We appreciate your understanding. Welcome, Mrs. Madden!
: As the Instructional Aide assisting Mrs. Sally Burns (5) and Mr. Tod Spedding (6), Barbara will be able to apply her skills with youngsters in two diverse classroom settings. She is excited to be at ISM and plans on returning to the classroom herself in the near future to earn a CA teaching credential. Her quiet, patient nature will serve her and her students well as she models a calm approach to interacting and problem solving with others. Some community members may recognize Barbara as a longtime Bagel Bakery manager as well as the owner/operator of "Barb's Place", located in the former Bagel Bakery location on Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey. Barbara has graciously agreed to serve in the role of SEM (Schoolwide Enrichment Model) coordinator, a logistically challenging task of fairly assigning each ISM student to a SEM class each new session. Welcome, Ms. Peters!
: A citizen of the United States, Moises is transferring to ISM from Valencia, Spain, and is currently attending to the logistical challenges of maneuvering his household effects through customs. We hope to officially welcome him to ISM and Seaside in the coming days. Until then, the hardworking team of Seņor and Seņorita Candia are "subbing" for him. Moises holds a Masters' degree in Elementary Education from the New York Institute of Technology and has also taught at the American School of Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic, before his posting at the American School of Valencia. He has achieved native bilingual fluency in English and Spanish and is described as having excellent classroom management skills. We look forward to welcoming Seņor Santos any day now!
 : We are pleased to announce that Orff-oriented music instruction will continue with Natalie's capable leadership this year. Last year's instructor, "Mr. D", was especially adamant that the Orff foundation he fostered last year be continued this year and that, indeed, will be the case. Natalie is an Orff-certified instructor with 5 years of experience teaching in Maryland and Virginia public schools plus a decade at the university-level. She holds advanced degrees in music education and ethnomusicology and has authored various conference papers and articles, to include a Orff music children's book entitled "Chipmunks, Cicada and Owls: Native American Music for the Classroom". Her education is ongoing as she is currently researching methods for advancing multicultural music education with several articles in progress. An internationalist as well, Natalie has lived in India for nearly four years and loves the beautiful 24-karat gold jewelry produced in South Asia. As a reference wrote of her: "She is yet one more strand in our excellent faculty!" Welcome, Ms. Sarrazin!
 : Not a newcomer to ISM, Cheri was a regular admin office volunteer last year as well as a wonderful substitute teacher. Having liked what she saw, heard, and experienced first-hand, she applied for, competed, and earned one of the Instructional Aide positions our growing enrollment required. Complimenting ISM as an organization with "heart and soul", Cheri was eager to apply her talent and skill to our eclectic environment. Possessing not only previous faculty experience in a newly developing school, a graduate degree in Cultural Anthropology and a B.A. in Elementary Education, prior teaching experience, a CA Multiple Subject Teaching credential, she also has a wonderful sense of humor and down-to-earth nature vital to ISM. It is super to have her on-board fulltime! Welcome, Ms. Sistek!
Whew, that concludes our brief bio of each new staff member! Perhaps beginning in September, we will periodically highlight the accomplishments of particular staffers, to including returning ones. Look for that feature shortly.
: Students in all grades were presented today with a SEM line-up of classes featuring 28 choices! The offerings ranged from Surfs Up with Mr. D to Land of the Rising Sun, Japanese Language and Spanish Online to Acoustic Guitar to It's Hip to Knit, Baskets Galore, and Creative Jewelry-making. Once again, these classes are designed to "tickle" the interests of our youngsters based on the passionate presentation by staff and volunteers. To ensure that each student independently chooses his/her first, second, and third place choices, the SEM class list is distributed in the classroom only and does not go home for overnight decisions, possibly influenced by parents, caregivers, siblings, etc. This method truly allows students to pursue classes they find fascinating. We heartily thank the eight ISM community members who stepped forward this session to offer a SEM class; they are: Ms. Simmons with Baskets Galore, Ms. Leahy with the knitting class, Ms. Barrymore with Black Scratch Art, Mrs. Marita with the Japanese language and culture class, Miss Sera with Country Line Dancing, Mr. Trachsel with Creative Jewelry, Mr. Stroud with Mythbusters, and Silent Days, a film production class with Mr. Miccoli. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! SEM begins this Friday, August 26 - September 30, 2005. The next session of SEM will take place October 28th for any interested providers. Contact Curriculum Coordinator Steve Carber at scarber@ismonterey.orgto investigate the possibilities of teaching a SEM class.
: For those needing care for their children prior to the start of the school day at 8:20 a.m., ISM does offer an Early Drop-off service beginning at 7:35 a.m. Please note that care does not start earlier than this time. Each morning from 7:35 - 8:10 a.m., a rotating 2-person team of ISM's capable Instructional Aides pair their talents to ensure the safety of participants in the program by: 1) checking in participants curbside with a parent signature and informing parents and students as to the location of the program for the day - lower level blacktop on nice days or the multiuse room in inclement weather; and 2) overseeing participants on the blacktop or in the multiuse room. We ask parents to consistently sign in their child(ren) on a daily basis and reinforce that once in the drop-off program, students not leave unannounced, but rather check-in with the Instructional Aides before using the restrooms or heading off to class at 8:10 a.m. The Instructional Aides are identifiable with an ISM staff badge and the individual handling curbside drop-off will be holding a large black sign-in binder. With your support and cooperation, we can provide a safe environment for each child each morning!
: The lunch menu for September 2005 is now available! For new families and as a reminder for returning families, lunch order forms are due each Wednesday for the ensuing week, so if your child would like lunch next week, including the 1st and 2nd of September, orders must be turned in by this Wednesday, August 24th to the black Fresh Lunch program box located under Miss Wichael-Loomis's cubby in the admin building.
For parents of students participating in the 5th - 8th grade Retreat and team-building camps during the week of September 12th, please do not order lunch that week - for the sanity of Miss Wichael-Loomis who would otherwise end up calculating numerous refunds for students not on campus during that time.
: 6th graders Enrique Garcia and Emily Shifflett will be attending the Eisenhower Leadership Camp in Washington, D.C. on October 3rd. The two "leaders-in-training" will be meeting with Congressman Sam Farr this coming Wednesday, August 24th to discuss the trip with him and to present him with a special ISM t-shirt. Additionally, Emily has initiated contact with U. S. Senators Diane Feinstein and Barbara Boxer to arrange meetings with these two dynamic female politicians representing California. We are proud of both Enrique and Emily for their efforts!
: Beginning Monday, August 29th, all sixth through eighth grade students will be required to wear a uniform during P.E. class. The chosen uniform consists of a gray t-shirt and navy blue short each with the wording "International School of Monterey Physical Education" and it will be issued at no charge to each student this week. Only if a second uniform is desired or the uniform is damaged or lost will families need to pay $15 (payable to "ISM"); coordinate this transaction through Business Administrator Lisa Griffin Burns at 583-2165. In colder weather, students may opt to wear plain cotton navy blue sweatpants, which they can purchase from an area retailer such as Target, Mervyns, etc. Courtesy of Ms. Livingston, she has priced at Target navy blue sweatpants and sweatshirts (without hoods and zippers) for $6.50 each. Parents are asked to work with their children to pick out reasonable sizes which will allow for: 1) free and easy, yet safe movement, and 2) no overwhelming "bagging and sagging"! Students will be given appropriate time to change into and out of their P.E. uniforms and P.E. grades will suffer for those youngsters who routinely are not dressed for class. More information will follow per a flyer from Ms. Livingston tomorrow; be on the lookout!
: During last week's assemblies on Tuesday (Grades K-4) and Thursday (Grades 5-8), Mr. Bill Gee, ISM's Instrumental Music Instructor, presented information to the students on the Band and Orchestra program at ISM. This year, students in Grades 4 - 7* may choose to receive instruction in violin, cello, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, and trombone. (*Younger students will be given consideration for string instruments on a case-by-case basis given prior experience.) It is recommended that beginning saxophone students have at least one year of clarinet instruction. Class lessons will be given once per week during regular school hours. Although a limited number of instruments may be available for loan through the school, parents are encouraged to provide an instrument for their child to be certain that s/he will be able to participate in the program. To ensure further success, Mr. Gee recommends that students practice fifteen minutes per day, five days per week and that parents provide a place and time to practice. He is happy to share information regarding various rental programs and can be contacted at bgee@ismonterey.org.
: In addition to After School International (ASI)(call Lisa Wichael-Loomis at 583-2171), we are pleased to offer the following after-school options on the ISM campus:
CHESS FOR KIDS!!!
Six-week sessions are offered throughout the school year by Lev Frenklakh, professional chess coach with over 25 years' experience. Classes are conducted on Wednesdays, 3:45-4:45 p.m. Fee is $60 per session, with 15% being donated to ISM. The first class of Session #1 will be Wednesday, September 7th. Please submit checks made payable to "ISM" to Business Administrator Lisa Griffin Burns in the admin office prior to the first day of class.
 PIANO LESSONS!!!
Thirty-minute lessons are offered by Katherine Sage, parent of 5th grader Elijah Sage. According to information available at press time, she currently has one opening in her schedule. If interested, please call her at 521-5458.
TAEKWONDO!!!
Koryo Taekwondo, a certified USA Taekwondo martial arts school led by Master Daniel Rogers, is offered on Tuesdays through Fridays in the multi-use room. Master Rogers stresses good study habits, excellence and effort in school. For more information, call 1-641-220-5503 or email Master Rogers at MasterR@mac.com.
TAIKO DRUMMING!!!
A new offering for 2005/06, this exciting Japanese art form will be taught in our multi-use room. Instructor Ikuyo Conant is the founder of a taiko group in Monterey and is the artistic director of another group in Watsonville. Two four-week sessions will be offered on Mondays, 3:30-4:15 p.m. (Kindergarten - Grade 2) and 4:15-5:00 p.m. (Grades 3 through adult). Session 1 is August 29, September 12, 19, and 26. Session 2 is October 17, 24, November 7 and 14. The cost is $40 per student per session. Registration and liability waiver forms are available in the front office. >
MANDARIN CHINESE!!!
An After-school Chinese language class is currently under development, to be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays. Watch for more details in an upcoming Weekly Newsbrief....
: Inquiring minds want to know...how to go about ordering ISM logo clothing. Specialty fleece vests, jackets, sweatshirts, and polos embroidered with the colorful ISM logo are available for purchase through the admin office. Order forms are available on the information credenza and checks can be made out to "ISM" and forwarded to Business Administrator Lisa Griffin Burns. We will continue to collect orders through at least the end of August (perhaps longer) before we submit an overall order to Cypress Coast Silkscreen. Call 583-2165 for more information.
: Listed below are a few things desired by community members:
* Miss Carrie seeks a double size mattress in good condition. Call 583-2165 if you have one to sell or donate.
* Miss Lisa Wichael-Loomis urgently seeks an extra refrigerator for the lunch program. If any family has a spare in good working order, please contact her at lwloomis@ismonterey.org.
* ISM parent Joe Callaway seeks rideshare partners living in the LaMesa housing area. Give him a call at 656-9941.
* ISM parents Ed Lopez and Galia Baron seek carpooling help from folks living in the Larkin site area. Ed can be reached at el_lopez@hotmail.com.
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