WEEKLY NEWS BRIEF FOR
MONDAY, August 29, 2005

Welcome to ISM's weekly newsletter for the week of August 29 - September 2, 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.

1. WELCOME TO ISM!! New students continue to join ISM! Since last week, we have expanded the student roster by 6 with the following female students: Annabel Arellano on 8/24/05, Michaela Ellis on 8/25/05, and Haley Rhouault on 8/23/05 bringing Miss Basu's Grade 1 class to 19, one shy of full enrollment; Zoee Johnston and Akila Rajesh joined their 18 other classmates in Mrs. Augustine's Grade 2 class on 8/26/05 and 8/29/05, respectively, bringing that class to full enrollment; and Angela Castillo joined Mrs. St. Germain's Grade 4 class on 8/25/05! We are pleased with the enthusiasm with which waiting list members have responded to our offers to join ISM, so it has made the characteristically labor-intensive task of filling spots noticeably easier and less time-consuming. Once again, we do still have vacancies in Grade 8 without a viable waiting list, so please continue 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!

2. ISM 6TH GRADERS TO ATTEND EISENHOWER LEADERSHIP CAMP: As reported last week, 6th graders Enrique Garcia and Emily Shifflett were chosen to attend the Eisenhower Leadership Camp in Washington, DC in October. In true leadership style, Emily saw an opportunity to bring the International School of Monterey some additional coverage by providing Congressman Sam Farr with a limited edition ISM navy polo shirt (the only other one was given to State Superintendent Jack O'Connell last March). We have no doubt that Emily will represent us well in DC!

3. CURRICULUM MATTERS! BY CURRICULUM COORDINATOR, DR. STEVE CARBER: Friday afternoons at ISM feature a distinct buzz in the air! Last Friday, we began the second year of our popular Schoolwide Enrichment Model Seminars (SEM). The SEM is a model that originates from the gifted and talented initiatives and research of the federally funded Neag Center at the University of Connecticut. (http://www.gifted.uconn.edu/) Although many SEM concepts originated with gifted and talented research, by the 1990s, Neag researcher Joe Renzulli and his colleagues were actively promoting schoolwide enrichment as part of a strategy for overall school improvement. It makes perfect sense-why not make all of the cartooning classes, future problem solving strategies, logic problems, brainteasers, and other opportunities from the typical gifted pullout programs available for all students? I personally am so excited about SEM collaboration within international school environments that I wrote a journal article about such initiatives with Sally Reis-Renzulli. I am also excited about the genuine way in which SEM invites meaningful parent involvement, and the way in which it honors students' intrinsic interests. SEM is much more than just Friday seminars; when the dust clears from accreditation report writing (more on that next week), the staff might ponder what other SEM components to bring onboard at ISM. The main goal of SEM seminars, according to Renzulli, is that students might produce a tangible product or service for peers or community, a point that can help us continue to strengthen the academic connection of the many wonderful workshops being offered. A big "thank you" goes out to all of our SEM volunteers...let the fun continue!

4. DID YOU KNOW? BY MS. WHARTON'S/WEST/S GRADE 4 CLASS: In our class, we added up the amount of gasoline our gas tanks would hold and this is what we found:
* It takes 859 gallons of gasoline to fill all of our cars ONE TIME!
* That is 42 barrels of refined oil!
* That means that it takes 1,850 gallons of oil from the ground to fill each of our cars ONE TIME!!! In dollars, it is $2397.00, for our class to fill up once. Anyone reconsidering carpooling?

5. REGISTRATION REQUESTS! BY ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT KAREN KUSHEL: Hello Parents! As my first official communication to you in my capacity as ISM's Administrative Assistant, I would like to thank all of you - new and returning families -- who have come to the office to complete the 05-06 registration information for your child(ren). However, we are still missing paperwork for some students and would like to have these documents completed as soon as possible. We want to be sure all of the emergency/contact information we have for your child is correct rather than rely on last years' information. For those of you who still need to do so, please take 10 minutes to come into the office and fill out the registration paperwork, thank you so much!

6. ISM DIRECTORY: After a year-long hiatus, the ISM Directory is making a much-anticipated return for the 2005-06 academic year, in huge part to the organized efforts of parent volunteer Tara Clark, mother of 4th grader Brian Clark. Tara brings to the effort previous experience developing and printing the parent directory for another area public school and we will fortunately benefit from her expertise in the form of a professional directory completed early in the school year! Thank you, Tara! Last week, an "ISM Directory Listing Information Form for School Year 2005-6" was distributed hard copy via student folders. The deadline to complete this form and submit it to the admin office is Wednesday, August 31st, 2005. Its purpose is to obtain authorizing information for the parent directory as well as payment of $5.00 (payable to "ISM") for those desiring to purchase it. This is the first year in which we have opted to charge ISM community members for this ever-handy reference booklet and the proceeds from the sale will be used to solely cover printing expenses. Additional copies of this form are available in the admin office, if needed. Contact Business Administrator Lisa Griffin Burns for more information.

7. EARLY DROP-OFF PROCEDURE: CLARIFICATION: Yes, indeed, ISM's courtesy Early Drop-off service is available each school morning beginning at 7:35 a.m. until 8:10 a.m. If possible, parents are asked to sign in their youngsters to the program; however, realizing the challenge our new site poses, specifically with regard to the busy traffic scenario in the morning due to limited parking and the shared use nature of the campus, we ask that parents direct their children to report immediately upon drop-off to the Instructional Aide on duty each morning (by the curb) to sign-in. Please also reinforce that once in the drop-off program, students are not to leave unannounced, but rather check-in with the Instructional Aides before using the restrooms or heading off to class at 8:10 a.m. Additionally, on rainy days in which students are in the multiuse room, we will be establishing a quieter indoor environment with quiet speaking voices and an opportunity for youngsters to read, catch up on homework, or other appropriate activities. On such mornings, we would encourage children to also bring a favorite reading or coloring/activity book to keep them occupied until class time. With your continued support and cooperation, we can provide a safe environment for each child each morning!

8. REQUEST FOR VOLUNTEERS: KION KIDFEST 2005: KION is sponsoring Kidfest 2005 on Saturday, October 8th and Sunday, October 9th at the Monterey Fairgrounds from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. both days. This event promises to be one of the biggest FREE family events on the Central Coast and ISM stands to benefit financially from this event if we are able to provide 50 volunteers for both days. If we meet this goal, KION will donate $500 per day for a total of $1000 to the International School of Monterey for our organizational volunteer service. Parents and youngsters are encouraged to volunteer together and the list of options includes: costume characters (4 volunteers), parking (6 volunteers), carnival games (13 volunteers), prize central (14 volunteers), sports zone (4 volunteers), and relief and hospitality providers (9 volunteers). Kidfest volunteers will receive a free event t-shirt and lunch (sandwiches and chips), in addition to breaks throughout the day. Stay tuned for more information in coming weeks. Those community members eager to volunteer for this special event are asked to contact Administrative Assistant Karen Kushel at kkushel@ismonterey.org.

9. RECORDING VOLUNTEER HOURS: As stipulated in the Parent Contract which all ISM parents sign at time of registration, ISM requires each family to volunteer a minimum of three hours per month as a means of forging stronger community bonds and maintaining costs. To better assist Volunteer Coordinator Ellen Gaucher in tracking parent volunteer hours and rightfully acknowledging contributed time and effort, Ellen has organized an Volunteer Log accordion file located on the credenza in the admin office and she requests that parents take a moment to record their hours for August and September on their respective log sheets, organized alphabetically according to their child's name. We could not achieve all the daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly goals we do without our amazing parent volunteers, so take a moment to be recognized by logging your hours!

10. ISM P.E. UNIFORMS FOR GRADES 6 - 8: SECOND NOTICE: Beginning today, 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 assist 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.

11. INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAM BEGINS TUESDAY, 8/30/05: Students in Grades 4 - 7* planning to participate in ISM's instrumental music program will begin meeting with Mr. Bill Gee, ISM's Instrumental Music Instructor, on . The instruments available for study in our Band and Orchestra program include the 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. 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.

12. AFTERSCHOOL OPTIONS: CONTINUED: 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:
NEW OFFERING THIS WEEK: MANDARIN CHINESE LANGUAGE LESSONS AT ISM!!!
Beginning Mandarin Chinese lessons will be offered Mondays and Thursdays, 3:45-4:45, starting Monday, September 12th! Learn simple written characters, everyday spoken phrases, sing songs, play games and do other language-related activities!
Session 1: Sept. 12,15, 19, 22, 26, 29 (6 classes, $60 for full session)
Session 2: Oct. 17, 20, 24, 27, 31, Nov. 3, 7, 10 (8 classes, $80 for full session)
Session 3: Nov. 14, 17, 21, 24, 28, Dec. 1, 5, 8 (8 classes, $80 for full session)
Class is limited to ten students per session. For more information, contact ISM parent Cynthia Duvall at 384-6122 or email her at cynthiaduvall@comcast.net.
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!!!
Katherine Sage, parent of 5th grader Elijah Sage, offers thirty-minute lessons. 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: IT'S A GO FOR TODAY!!!
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.

13. LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD.....: 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 Ë Thank you to the Murphy family who generously donated the desired refrigerator today!! * 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.

This section is for news from the ISM Foundation.

1. HEAR YE, HEAR YE, CALLING ALL COOKS: It's coming! The ISM Family Cookbook! Proceeds from this book will support ISM programs in music, art, drama and Spanish. We are collecting your recipes to include under the categories: main dishes, side dishes, desserts, appetizers, sauces and salsas, spreads and dips, and Kid Cuisine. Please email recipes to ISM parent Janice Barker at barkerjf1@sbcglobal.net. and include the following: your name, phone number and email address, recipe name, country of recipe's origin, and a short story about the recipe. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, October 18th. Details are upcoming for a student art contest to determine the cover and divider pages.
Recipes are preferred via email, but hard copy is also accepted. Forward copies to Janice Barker's cubby box by the teachers' boxes in the front office. A note to those who have previously submitted recipes in years past: they have already been forwarded to Janice for consideration in this edition - which will be completed in time for the holidays. Please contact Janice at 384-5524 if you have any questions.

2. FAMILY FAIR SHARE PROGRAM: Reminder to families who wish to pay their Fair Share contribution in installments: please deposit your checks payable to the ISM Foundation in the black drop box on the table just inside the entrance to the front office. Family Fair Share is ISM's way to share the added costs of the exceptional curriculum offered at our school. This year and every year, our aim is for 100% participation from families. You can imagine how powerful it is for our prospective donors (especially foundations and businesses) to hear that we receive financial support from every single family at our school. Please help ISM to that goal. Every dollar helps our children!!!

This section is for non-ISM activities and events of interest to our school community. If you have an activity that you are supporting and wish to share with the ISM Community, please submit details on the news item to Erin by the Thursday prior to the week when you would like to see the item appear. You can bring your items into the office in hard copy, or you can email them to Erin at emorita@ismonterey.org.

1. CONGRATULATIONS TO ISM PARENTS: CSU Monterey Bay has granted tenure to ISM community members Swarup Wood and William Shephard, and promoted Steve Moore to full professor. Good job, All!

2. JOB OPENING FOR FOOD SERVICE WORKER AT MANZANITA SCHOOL: The Manzanita School is seeking a food service worker to work mornings Monday through Friday in the ISM multi-use room. The salary range is $10.67 to $13.04 per hour. If interested, contact Kathleen Cleary at 645-1268. The position requires pre-employment physical and fingerprinting. p>

3. WORKSHOP FOR PARENTS OF GIFTED/TALENTED CHILDREN: The California Association for the Gifted (CAG) will be holding a Parent Institute on October 15th, 2005 and a Teacher Institute on October 15th -16th, 2005. Both events will take place at the Wyndham Hotel in San Jose. For more information or to register, contact for Susan at the CAG office by emailing her at CAGOffice@aol.com.

4. ORCHESTRA IN THE SCHOOLS: Students from the area's public and private schools are invited to participate in the "Orchestra in the Schools" Youth Orchestra. Students at all levels of proficiency in grades 4-8 are accepted. Students receive small group instruction and large group performance opportunities. The Orchestra meets at All Saints Day School on Mondays, 4:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m., beginning Monday, September 12th. The cost is $350 for the school year, which equates to 27 two-hour lessons.

5. DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE TODAY FOR ORGANIC PRODUCE DELIVERY AND SUPPORT ISM EDUCATION: ISM is becoming a drop-off point for ALBA's community-supported agriculture (CSA) program, where small organic farmers sell their produce directly to individuals through a subscription service. Subscribers receive a box every week, marked with their name, containing nine or more different kinds of vegetables and fruits in season, all organically grown (without pesticides, antibiotics or hormones). ISM community members, neighbors and friends are all invited to participate in this program. The subscription rates are as follows:
Family share (enough for a family of two adults and two children each week): $96 per month, $260 for three months (a 10% discount), $410 for five months (a 15% discount), or $540 for a full season (a 20% discount over seven months).
Small share (enough for two adults each week): $72 per month, discounts for longer periods as calculated above.
There is a reduced rate for families with annual incomes of $30,000 or less. To subscribe, call ALBA directly, at 831/758-5958, and ask for Dina. ALBA will bill you. ISM is excited about this new cooperative relationship. We encourage you to call today and sign up to eat healthy tasty organic fruits and vegetables from ALBA Organics. For more information, call ALBA at the telephone number listed above or ask Erin Morita-Rodda in the front office for a pamphlet. So if you are interested in having fresh, seasonal, locally grown organic produce, call right away!