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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
December 5 - 9, 2005! Please note that the ISM news brief is now available
to ISM families during regular school weeks via our website no later than 7:30 p.m. each Monday (Tuesday, if Monday is a holiday), unless otherwise noted. To request hardcopy notification, please contact Business Administrator / news brief editor Lisa Griffin Burns
at lburns@ismonterey.org
or call at 583-2165.
Please note: Past newsletters can be found
here.
: Sadly, we wanted to make parents and caregivers aware that Lisa Wichael-Loomis, our Program Coordinator for these two programs, is currently recuperating at CHOMP after undergoing emergency surgery this past weekend. Join us in extending "Get Well" wishes to her in hopes that she will make a speedy recovery! We are planning, however, that she will be away from work throughout this week and possibly next week. In her absence, Miss Barbara, the Instructional Aid for Grades 5 and 6, will oversee the meal program. With her multi-years experience managing restaurants, Miss Barbara is certainly up to the task. We will ask for the understanding and support of students and parents this week as we attempt to fill Lisa's very big shoes! To further aid in this process, we ask for your cooperation to meet the Wednesday, December 7th deadline for lunch registrations for next week. That will allow us to be more fully prepared to accomplish shopping tasks at week's end.
With regard to the Afterschool International program, Miss Barbara will be joining her colleagues Miss Sarah, Mr. Robby, Miss Kristin, and Richard to ensure that students in our afterschool care will be well provided for. We would ask that inquiries, changes in the regular schedule, etc. be directed to Miss Sarah Benbow at sbenbow@ismonterey.org and additionally copied to Business Administrator at lburns@ismonterey.org
or call at 583-2165. Thank you!
: Last week, photographer Richard Herbert of Fathoms Deep Productions distributed an information sheet on retakes which he will be conducting this Wednesday, December 7th. He is indeed committed to ensuring that parents are 100 percent satisfied with his portrait packages and encourages parents to call him at 238-4224 to discuss concerns. If the image quality is poor due to exposure issues or blurriness, or a child blinked at the time his/her picture was taken, Richard will retake those photos at no extra charge. Other photo concerns may be handled on a case-by-case basis - just contact him directly to resolve these concerns. In advance of Wednesday, please complete one order form (available on the credenza in the admin office) marked "RETAKE" and have your child bring it with him/her on Wednesday; this will assist in Richard's recordkeeping. These retake photos will be completed and returned prior to December 16th and the holiday break.
Additionally, on Wednesday, December 12th, Richard will take class photos, pre-paid sibling photos, and if time allows, the school-wide ISM photo. Please ensure that your child is dressed appropriately on this day.
 : In the course of conducting the hectic, yet rewarding business of running ISM, it is too easy to overlook a non-pressing detail like a birthday. To compensate for that, we wanted to have parents join us in extending "birthday wishes" to Grade 8 instructor, Mr. David Brandau, who celebrated his birthday on Sunday, December 4th and Grade 1 instructor, Miss Mary Basu, and Grade 5 and 7 math instructor, Miss Nikki Madden, who both celebrated their special day today, December 5th.
: A general election for student government officers will be held next Monday, December 12th. Candidates in grades 3 through 8 are invited to run for the following offices: K-4th grade President (3rd & 4th graders only), 5th - 8th grade President (5th - 8th graders only), and Vice President (5th - 8th graders only). All students in grades K-4th will have the opportunity to vote for 3rd and 4th grade candidates and only those students in the upper 5th-8th grades will vote for the President and Vice President positions.
Campaigning guidelines were distributed last week to interested candidates and stipulate: that campaign posters (no larger than 11 by 17 inches) are acceptable, but will only be posted in a designated location in the multi-use room by staff advisor, Mr. David Brandau, Grade 8; please limit one poster per candidate. Students will not engage in negative campaigning and may not vandalize opponents' posters; if caught doing so, discipline action will be undertaken, to include immediate disqualification of that candidate. We are also asking that candidates refrain from handing out "gifts", such as candy, to solicit votes.
Each 3rd and 4th grade candidate will be required to give a 1-2 minute speech during tomorrow morning's K-4 assembly held at 9:05 - 9:45 a.m. 5th-8th grade candidates will have the same opportunity, but will be required to give a longer 2-3 minute speech during Thursday's 5-8 assembly at 9:30 - 10:10 a.m. If following next Monday's election, a candidate does not garner 50% of the total vote, a run-off election between the top two candidates will be held on Wednesday, December 14th.
: In a not-so-supportive oversight, our hardworking and talented Miss Nikki Madden, Math instructor for Grades 5 and 7, was omitted from the staff listing in the directory. We apologize for the omission and when the addition / correction sheet is updated next month, we will ensure that Miss Madden is added to this listing and that information is forwarded to those who ordered a directory.
-- For other additions and omissions, please email or submit this information directly to coordinator Tara Clark at calbeartara@yahoo.com by this Friday, December 9th. We heartily thank Tara for her amazing efforts in making this year's directory a reality. We encourage thank yous be directed her way at the email listed above!
 A friend of ISM mentioned the challenge of the "December Cluttered Mind," of having so many things to respond to, that there seem to be not enough hours in the pre-holiday workday to remember it all or to get everything done. This resonated. It resonated in light of the number of "Can you fix it" questions that may flow through a classroom, office setting, or other microcosm on any given December day.
While thinking about this challenge, I came across something that created perspective and motivation. Sandrine Augustine's Grade 2 curriculum recently included an art project featuring "I wish..." stars. The children's wishes expressed a variety of wonderful ideas, quoted in part below:
* I wish that all children could go to school.
* I wish all people could be thankful for what they have.
* I wish there was peace on earth.
* I wish all schools would have a lot of books.
* I wish that there would be no more wars on earth so some dads wouldn't be killed.
* I wish there was no pollution so that animals and people could breathe.
* I wish they didn't kill endangered animals.
* I wish that there were enough good things for schools.
* Some don't have enough desks, or some don't have playgrounds.
From the curriculum corner, I wish all of you a wonderful winter holiday season!
At the International School of Monterey (ISM), our mission is to assist each student, with the aid and support of parents, to develop and achieve to their highest potential, in all areas of life. Taping into the wisdom of experts may provide strategies to help your child's personal and scholastic development.
What makes one student pessimistic while another student is optimistic and persistent? How does resiliency fit into success at school, as well as in one's life? In the next few news briefs, information will be shared from the Seven Strategies for Developing Capable Students (Glenn& Brock; 1998), a timeless book providing knowledge based on years of studying "exceptionally capable, resilient people." The focus will be on the positive aspects of the "three perceptions and four skills" known as "The Significant Seven." These are the: "Seven Resources of Exceptionally Capable Students"
1. Strong Perceptions of Personal Capabilities
2. Strong Perceptions of Personal Significance
3. Strong Perceptions of Personal Influence
4. Strong Intrapersonal Skills
5. Strong Interpersonal Skills
6. Strong Systematic Skills
7. Strong Judgment Skills
The authors believe that a weakness in any one of these seven life resources correlates to declining motivation and achievement in school, dropping out of school, drug and alcohol abuse, promiscuity and gang involvement. Moreover, strength in these seven areas depicts higher levels of productivity, health, achievement and personal effectiveness. Stay tuned to upcoming new briefs as we uncover the strategies linked to grooming highly successful students.
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A. FAMILY ASSOCIATION AFTERNOON REFRESHMENTS - MONDAY, DECEMBER 5TH, 2:30 - 3:50 p.m.: To further encourage "mixing and mingling", the Family Association invites you to stop by their refreshment table today during afternoon pick-up. Enjoy the tasty morsels, meet new friends, and sign up for an ongoing or upcoming volunteer need.
B. PHOTO RETAKES / PRE-PAID SIBLING PHOTOS / CLASS PHOTOS / SCHOOL-WIDE PHOTO SHOOT - WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7TH
C. DECEMBER SATURDAY WORK DAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10TH, 9:30 a.m. -
1:00 p.m.: Take a break from holiday shopping and stress by stopping by ISM the second Saturday in December to "lend a hand" on needed school-wide projects, to include possible repainting of playground lines on the lower blacktop. The holiday season is made richer and more fulfilling by generously giving of one's time and effort as well as thoughtful gifts. We look forward to seeing many of you there! The event co-chair for this month will be parent volunteer Marco Poehner, parent of Caterina, Grade 5, Natalia, Grade 3, and Andreas, Grade 1.
D. KIDS YARD SALE SPONSORED BY GRADE 5 - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10TH, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.: Update: A minimal number of registrations for this event have been received to date. In order for the event to be offered, we are needing 20 participants; registrations are required by this coming Wednesday, December 7th by 12:00 noon. Register now to ensure that this worthwhile event is held.
The enthusiastic students of Mrs. Sally Burns' 5th grade class are organizing a Yard sale on December 10th for ISM students of all ages to sell unwanted toys, clothing, furniture, books, etc. Fifty percent of the event proceeds will go to benefit U.N.I.C.E.F. and the American Red Cross, student entrepreneurs will retain fifty percent of their sales revenue. In advance of the holiday season, this is a great opportunity for youngsters to go through their closets and recycle / resell items they no longer use, benefiting the environment and another happy buyer. Interested participants are required to pre-register as table space is limited. Doors will open at 8:00 a.m. for sellers to set up their wares and the event will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Participants are asked to contribute to the post-event clean up after 2:00 p.m. Email Sally Burns at sburns@ismonterey.org for more information.
E. KIDS OVERNIGHT SLEEPOVER CAMP - CONFIRMED TIMES: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10TH AT 5:00 P.M. - SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11TH AT 9:30 A.M.: Update: A minimal number of registrations for this event have also been received to date. In order to be financially worthwhile and for staffers to be well prepared for this event, especially with regard to supply needs, we are needing 20 participants to take part; registrations are also required by this coming Wednesday, December 7th by 12:00 noon. Register now to ensure that this fun event is held.
Need a date out with your hubby, wife, or significant other? Need some time to start - or complete - holiday shopping without the distraction of loved ones? If the answer to either or both of these questions is an emphatic "yes!", than plan on registering your child(ren) for this overnight sleepover under the direction of Grade 5 instructor, Mrs. Sally Burns, and (revised) Instructional Aide Miss Barbara Peters. They will be teaming up to provide an evening of food (hotdog barbecue and a do-it-yourself ice cream bar), and fun to keep your little ones well entertained while you take a needed night off from parenting. Sleepover flyers are available in the admin office on the informational credenza or email Mrs. Burns at sburns@ismonterey.org .
F. SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIRE - WEEK OF MONDAY, DECEMBER 12TH: Attention, Fair Ladies, Lords, Young Maidens and Knights! Ye Scholastic Book Faire commences a fortnight hence, on Monday, December 12th, in our very own ISM library. Prepare thy reading wishes. If great books of wisdom, craft, adventure and entertainment are what you seek, come tarry at the Faire! Beginning today, the library will be closed for the remainder of the quarter and students should plan to have all reading materials returned no later than Friday, December 9th. Teachers will be announcing this to all students; however, please remind your child to return outstanding library books next week.
Please look for the event flyer (highlighting event times) with the attached book fair order form and gift certificate order form to be distributed this week. Gift certificates are available to pre-purchase using this form. For more information or to help volunteer, please contact coordinators Janice Barker at 384-552 or Yvette Satchell at 372-7063.
G. WINTER HOLIDAY SHOWCASE - THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15TH, 6:00 p.m.: Please note revised start time of 6:00 p.m. from originally listed time of 6:30 p.m. Staff coordinators Miss Anna and Mr. D are already in hot pursuit of "class acts" for the December holiday program. As we are now a school in excess of 300 students, the design of the concert will be unique, incorporating multiple indoor and outdoor performance venues -- a Main Stage, Garden Stage, and classrooms -- highlighting multiple performances. All classes Grades K - 4 will have only (revised info) one performance during the evening. Grades 5 - 8 will perform back-to-back on the main stage at the end of the evening, to allow for more drama and other types of performances. This schedule also allow concertgoers to easily access the Book Fair while traveling from venue to venue as well as provide an opportunity for older students to participate in a volunteer, "open mike" activity in the pod.
The Volunteer Refreshment Coordinator for our winter program is Christine Colón and together with the other parent event coordinators, Barbara Okamura and Karen Monahan, they are working diligently to facilitate and arrange the myriad behind-the-scenes tasks to ensure a successful event. Christine is requesting donations of finger foods as well as paper napkins for this event. ISM will provide hot beverages, but class donations as listed are much appreciated:
* Kindergarten: Ginger-based contributions, such as gingerbread, ginger cookies, ginger cake, etc.;
* Grade 1: Paper napkins, eggnog, or boxed apple juice;
* Grades 2 - 8: Any holiday favorite, which can be eaten with one's fingers!
We plan on having a lovely selection of food items; however, we highly recommend eating a light meal before coming to the concert, especially as little stomachs will be growling otherwise during the evening's performances.
Coordinator Janice Barker is working feverishly to finish production of the ISM cookbook. At this writing, she is aiming to roll out the book next week! Although production costs, to include color printing of student artwork for the front and back covers as well as the divider pages, are still being finalized, we are considering the sale price of this fundraiser cookbook to be $20 - $25 for a rich and varied recipe collection of 114 tasty, domestic and international food items representing our varied community members. Plan on purchasing this cookbook for friends and family for holiday gift giving!
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A. GRADE 6 FIELDTRIPS RELATED TO NATURAL HISTORY OF MONTEREY COUNTY
UNIT: PINNACLES / HOLLISTER - MONDAY, DECEMBER 5th - 8:20 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The aim of this trip was to introduce students to the geology of the Pinnacles National Monument and the San Andreas Fault, guided by a Park ranger. They will also visit Hollister, a South County town, to observe the effect of faulting on construction codes.
: Listed below are a few things desired by community members:
1) Halloween Photos: Janice Barker requests that any community members who took photos during our Halloween Festival submit copies of these photos to her for use in the Yearbook. Please submit copies on disk (preferred) or hard copy to Janice's box in the Admin office. Thank you!
2) Printer Cartridges: ISM is now participating in an inkjet cartridge recycling program with the help of a company called Empties4Cash. The empty cartridges that we - as a community - typically throw away can be recycled and remanufactured. We ask that you bring your empty cartridges to school and put them in the collection box in the front office. ISM benefits by getting paid up to $4.00 for each empty inkjet cartridge that has a print head. Acceptable brands include HP, Lexmark, Xerox, Compaq, Brother, Dell, Canon, and Apple; however, Epson print cartridges cannot be accepted as they are produced without a print head. If possible, please submit cartridges either in their original packaging or a Ziploc bag to keep it safe from damages and spills. Thank you! If anyone is interested in heading this project as the volunteer coordinator, please contact Lisa Griffin Burns.
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