Standardized Map Testing – Grade 1 – Grade 10 April 2013

Dear Parent:

 

In order to use the most current and exemplary tools for assessment, El Alsson American International School is changing the external standardized assessment we use from ‘Stanford 10’ to ‘MAP’ (Measures of Academic Progress) tests. MAP tests determine each child’s instructional level and measure academic growth throughout the school year and from year to year, in the areas of Language Usage, Reading and Math.

 

Your child will take the MAP tests this April and, in future years, your child will take MAP tests in both October and April. Following each testing period, you will receive a report showing your child’s growth through the course of the year and from year to year.

 

MAP tests are unique, in that they are computer-based and questions adapt to be appropriate for your child’s level of learning. As a result, each student has the same opportunity to succeed and maintain a positive attitude toward testing. With MAP tests, we can administer shorter tests and use less class time while still receiving detailed, accurate information about your child’s growth.

 

Your child will take the MAP tests during the weeks of April 7-24. Your child does not need to do anything specific to prepare for the MAP tests. Your child will be informed of the specific dates and times of his/her MAP tests by the Classroom Teacher in the Elementary School and by the Homeroom Advisor in the Middle and High School.

 

If you would like additional information on MAP testing, please visit the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) website or follow this link http://www.nwea.org/support/article/930 to download the Parent Toolkit which gives information about the tests, how they will be administered and how we as a school will use the information to further the growth of your child.

 

We are truly excited to begin a new era that better focuses on every child’s individual growth and achievement. Partnering to help all children learn, parents and teachers can have an even more profound positive effect on their lives.

 

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact: Nicola Smith (Principal Elementary School); Allison Fleet (Vice-Principal Middle/High School); or Annette Newsome (Vice-Principal Elementary School)

 

Sincerely,

 

El Alsson American International School Management Team

A Letter from Ms. Dina Mansour re. G5 Luxor Trip

February 22nd, 2013

Dear Grade 5 Parents,

We are back from Luxor and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs. Newsome, Mrs. Salib, Mrs. Kilany, Mr. Mohamed and the school for arranging this wonderful trip.  I believe that everyone, including myself, had a wonderful time and learned a lot.

I am writing to you an unbiased point of view as a parent of children in Grade 5 and not as a PSA representative/helper.  For those of you who had concerns about sending your children on the trip, I would like to put your minds at ease for future trips.  In terms of safety, security and supervision, the children were more than well taken care of during the entire trip.  All children were accounted for at all times, and believe me this was not an easy task! Even when they were in their rooms getting dressed or in bed asleep the teachers did a fabulous job of accounting for all the children.

I feel that this trip was a wonderful learning experience that broadened the children’s horizons, not only academically but also taught the children independence and responsibility. The children had to take care of their belongings and learn to be organized and punctual.  Many situations were used to further develop the children’s worldly knowledge regarding etiquette, manners and proper behaviour.  We received many enquiries from tourists and locals as to what school the children went to because they were pleased to see their behaviour.

The trip was superbly organized and the itinerary was followed without rushing anyone and without leaving anything or anyone out.

I witnessed firsthand the care and devotion the teachers gave to all the children, no exception.  Every child was asked many times if they were having a good time, if they were doing okay and if they were having fun.  On this note, I would personally like to thank the entire staff for the wonderful care and attention they gave to the children.  My children personally told me that they felt that “the teachers are like our family”.  Indeed, this is the feeling I had during the trip and was left with on my return.  It makes me feel very proud to be a member of a school community that cares so much about all of its members.

Yours sincerely,

Dina Mansour