Upper School - George Washington Academy

GEORGE WASHINGTON ACADEMY
Equipping Minds, Building Character
Echo
3rd Quarter 2012-2013
Nº 07
News from our commumity, for our community
Publishing Comittee:
Hasna Fikri
Lamia Najjar
Chrissy Duke
Translator:
Bouchra Moujtahid
a significant benefit to GWA’s families who
seek admission to Moroccan public and private
universities. GWA’s diploma has been recognized
at American, Canadian, British, European, Indian
and Middle Eastern universities in the past plus
Al Akhawayn in Ifrane. Now, Morocco’s public
and private universities are added to that list.
Mr. D. Welling MA
Head of School
GWA’s Accredited Diploma Now Recognized
By The Government of Morocco
The Governments of Morocco and America
officially announce that GWA is included in
the historic Moroccan-American Agreement
on American Schools.
The Governments of Morocco and America
signed the first Moroccan-American Bilateral
Agreement on American Schools. The purpose
of the agreement is to state the terms on the
opening and functioning of American schools in
Morocco. The overall objective is to strengthen
mutual understanding and comprehension
through educational, scientific and cultural
cooperation. It is also the express desire to
support teaching the languages and cultures of
both countries to help American citizens acquire
bilingual skills in both languages.
After 15 years of negotiation, this historic
agreement applies only to five American Schools
in Morocco – George Washington Academy,
Casablanca American School, Rabat American
School, American School of Marrakech and the
American School of Tangier. The treaty replaces
the 1967 Cultural Accord under which the
American schools have operated in the past.
The agreement also specifies operating guidelines
for American schools. GWA’s Founder and
Boards worked side by side with the US Embassy
on these guidelines and are grateful to the US
Embassy for its efforts representing GWA in this
negotiation. The Agreement is now in force and
anticipating Parliament’s ratification.
This agreement is a significant milestone in the
life of GWA and in the cultural and educational
relations between the US and Morocco. GWA’s
inclusion demonstrates the continued commitment
of the US and Moroccan governments in
We are pleased to announce that the agreement supporting GWA’s goal of being a multicultural,
recognizes GWA’s Accredited High School multilingual flagship school in Morocco.
Diploma for Moroccan universities. This is
Principals Corner
Lower School Principal:
Languages at GWA
“… Offering an innovative,
affordable, American, pre-school
through high school education,
built around a trilingual
program.” from the GWA
Mission Statement
There are a lot of International and American schools
in the world. There are several, even in Casablanca.
George Washington Academy strives for a particular
flavor of education that prepares tri-lingual students
for future lives here in Morocco as well as further
education in America or other countries. It is why I
brought my family from Oregon and it is the reason
that we are proposing some fundamental changes to
our early childhood program that will affect all future
students beginning with the K4 & K5 classes for 201314.
The GWA Language Committee worked through 201112 to review research in language instruction and to
formulate a plan for increasing student success in
English, French, and Arabic.
We believe that:
o Young children can learn many languages at once
o Literacy (reading and writing) is best learned first in
the child’s strongest language (L1)
o Once literacy is developed solidly, other reading and
writing systems can be added successfully.
In early 2011 we asked our K3-K5 students’ families
about the frequency of languages spoken most or all of
the time at home. They reported the following:
French 55%
Darijah 36%
English 28%
So in looking at our practice with our 3 guiding
principles, it would make sense to begin our literacy
instruction in French, since it provides the richest,
deepest language experience for most of our students
and their families. However we will continue to have
expat (multiple languages) and English speaking families
with the need for literacy development in English first,
so we will have English as an option, based on longterm goals of families.
The model looks like this:
K3 - Most students enroll in our English Immersion K3
program to develop English Language skills. With
sufficient enrollment, we would also offer a French
Language skill K3 classroom for those who do not
already speak French and who hope to participate in the
full GWA tri-lingual program beginning in K4 or 2nd
Grade.
K4 & K5 - Students would attend the regular class, taught
by a native English speaker, but with a French teacher
to teach French literacy development, consisting of
language, letters, and sounds with writing.
The English literacy track, is for a minority of nonFrench speaking students, who need to develop sufficient
English skills to be successful in learning to read in
English 2nd grade. These student would not have the
opportunity to learn french through the pre-school years
and into 1st grade.
1st Grade - Students will be taught by an English
speaking teacher, but from 90 – 120 minutes/ day
of French literacy instruction will get kids reading in
French.
2nd Grade - Students will be taught literacy in English
with ongoing French and Arabic classes.
We anticipate that, since kids will already know how to
read in French after 1st grade, as they learn the English
reading code, they will learn quickly, catching up with
their American peers by the end of 4th grade or at least
exceeding current end of Gr 4 performance. The great
benefit is that they will also be literate in French.
We have selected our language standards (CCSS) and
are working on selecting instructional materials for the
K4-1st grade programs. The school is also preparing to
purchase a new English Language Arts program for the
2013-14 school year for 1st – 12th grades.
It’s an exciting time to be at GWA.
Mr. Matt Ihle
Lower School Principal
Principals Corner
Upper School Principal:
It’s beginning to feel like
Spring in the Upper School.
The days are becoming longer
and warmer and our students
are busier than ever. Many of
them have been involved in a
wide range of activities and
events this term.
Our MPR was converted to an
art gallery back in January for the Visual Arts Expo.
Two- and three-dimensional work from our students
was on display at a special evening event. In February
our Mustang Athletic Council sponsored a carnival
for the Lower School to raise money to support
our athletic program. To help build school spirit,
our student leaders bought several mustang head
masks that you might see in use at special events.
Our athletes have been on the road, representing
GWA at soccer, basketball, volleyball and badminton
tournaments in Rabat, Tangier, Ifrane, Lisbon and
Milan. High School students represented their
homeland and completed their community service
requirement at the International Festival sponsored
by Better Together. All high school students are
required to log a minimum of 10 hours of community
service each year.
Coming up, our Model United Nations group is
preparing for a trip to St. Petersburg, Russia, at the end
of the month, and our choir is headed to a conference
in Rome in April. Middle school volleyball season
started this week, and all middle school students
will take the annual Stanford battery of tests which
helps benchmark their learning both individually and
compared with students from other schools.
Our final round of student-parent-teacher conferences
for both middle and high school is scheduled for
Wednesday, April 17. Teachers will be available
to talk with students and parents about academic
progress for the year. All students and parents are
strongly encouraged to stop by and meet the teachers,
whether or not there are any problems. Third quarter
report cards will be available at conferences. Because
of the importance of this time, no classes will be held
on this day.
As the year starts to wind down, please do not hesitate
to contact our offices if we can be of any assistance.
Mr. Tim Warren
Upper School Principal
Congratulations to our seniors for their
college acceptance !
Waleed Helweh - Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vermont, USA
Nizar Bekai - University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
Mehdi ElJamali - University of Tampa, Tampa, Florida, USA
Reem Elish - SOAS, University of London, London, England
FZ Bennani-Karim - University College London, London, England
Paul Olson - California Baptist University, Riverside, California, USA
Lina Sekkat - Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
Education Beat
Lower School
Character Assembly
Mr. Miles Tuttle
L
ast month, the Character Team held a “Free Dress Day” to raise money for a local elementary school in need of toys
for their kindergarten. The entire lower school participated!
Fifth grade students also took it upon themselves last month to demonstrate positive character by holding a bake sale.
Proceeds from the sale went to the elementary school as well. Both the Free Dress Day and the bake sale were a huge
success! And the big winners? Our kindergarten friends, who will be getting new toys!
Gotcha Wall
Abdellah
Ali
Alya
Chama
Dina
El Rali
Ghali
Ines
Jida
Mae
Moulay
Nawfel
Omar
Omar
Othmane
Othmane
Sabrina
Safia
Salaheddine
Salim
Sarah
Sophia
Zineb
Ghali
Education Beat
Upper School
Tom Relth High school Design Class:
Mr. Tom Relth
High School Art Teacher
M
r. Relth assigned a 3D projected based upon
package design, the goal was to design and build a chair
to hold an 80 kg (176lbs) adult, with a touch of whimsy.
Required was a scale maquette (tested with a rock).
Afterwards, the students built a full -size chair by
proportion and measure. The material was double-wall
corrugated.
The life-size model was tested to a great success by first
a 70Kg (154 lbs) student. Then an 80kg adult (176 lbs),
then a 100 kg adult.
The student shown, Hachem El Alami was so thrilled
!!! He is a Freshman (14 -15 years old) with a solid 3D
designability.
His paper chair won A+
News from the Library
Mrs. Asmaa Rias El Idrissi
Library Manager
G
WA senior student Leah McMichael, a high school student has written and
published a book; Candles in the Darkness. The library will soon have the book
available in the shelves. It is currently available through Amazon in digital, kindle
formats and in prints as well.
http://www.amazon.com/Candles-Darkness-Leah-McMichael/dp/1449783503/ref=
sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1362556709&sr=8-2&keywords=candles+in+the+darkness
Candles in the Darkness is a historical fiction novel set in Austria on the eve of
WWII. It follows the story of Eva, a young pastor’s widow struggling to pick up the
pieces of her shattered life. As an adventurous Alpine guide searches for help for two
orphans, Karl, the Gestapo agent present at the pastor’s execution, must decide once
and for all which side he will serve.
Leah writing journey started in 9th grade, her love for reading and writing paid off.
After completing her book, she admitted she was a little hesitant to publish it or not.
“It was something that belonged to me only for a long time, am I really ready to make
it public, to release it?” Leah’s mother encouraged her to publish her book. She also
realized there is more about enjoying writing and collecting papers, she wanted to
speak up her mind and to share her thoughts with a larger audience.
Leah expressed gratitude for Art teacher Lisa Payne, who created the cover for
Candles in the Darkness.
To aspire and encourage other writers, Leah says “It is definitely a matter of
perseverance, it is hard sometimes but you have to keep trying”
What a fantastic achievement! Leah. We are looking forward to more in the future.
Education Beat
Upper School
Middle School Academic Results
Fall Semester 2012- 2013
Honor Roll
Principal’s Honor Roll
GPA 3.50-3.69
GPA 3.70-4.00
Grade 6
Mohamed Benkirane
Imane Soliman Mekkawi
Grade 7
Ines Belhaj
Hicham Elkhayri
Khansaa Houlbi
Lina Said
Omaima Zaid
Grade 6
Zaynab Hajjam
Ryan Harper
Grace Ihle
Narjis Rachad
Grade 7
Grade 8
ElMamoune Bouchareb
Houda ElHajouji
Anas Mahsoussi
Younes Labriny
Ashleigh Beaty
Shalini Chugani
Dina Jdaa
M’hamed Mahi
Katherine Mallette
Doha Mossadeq
Julia Olson
Younes Reda
Aya Zaid
Grade 8
Sammy Bennis
Natalia Duane
Manale Mourdi
Kenza Mourji
Mary Olson
Leah Shukan
Hanna Welling
High School Academic Results
Fall Semester 2012- 2013
Principal’s Honor Roll
Honor Roll
GPA 3.70 and above
GPA 3.50-3.69
Grade 9
Yasmina Achlim
Chaimae Assime
Lamia Derhem
Rami Jaber
Nada Njimi
Anas Reda
Chloe Warren
Grade 10
Soraya Bellemlih
Omar ElQadiri
Hamza Fadil
Raneem Jaber
Malak Lahlou
Grade 11
Chourouk Nouni
Rania Tazi
Grade 12
Sofia Elamrani
Nada Elkhayri
Mohamed Lemhandez
Lina Sekkat
Mehdi Tayeb
Principal’s Honor Roll
GPA 3.70 and above
Grade 9
Yesenia Achlim
Aya Benhaddou
Sara Chafi
Zineb Hajjaj
David Ihle
Sawsane Merbouha
Dhruti Shinde
Grade 10
Soufiane Azedine
Alex Beaty
Yasmine Benkirane
Mamou Bennouna-Berrada
Salma Bouftas
Miriame Gacimi
Safiyyah Motaib
Adam Touzani
Grade 11
Spencer Cooper
Luka Djakovic
Sabrina Sara Fathi
Mohamed Mossadeq
Yassine Motaouakkil
Kamelya Jaoudi
Mark Lottman
Sofia Rachad
Maria Vogel
Grade 12
Nizar Bekai
Rhita Benmakhlouf
Fatima-Zara Bennani-Karim
El Ghali Bouchareb
Amalya Boulajouahel
Sofia Chahel Hayani
Waleed Helweh
Maissoun Ksara
Leah Mcmichael
Zineb Merzak
Paul Olson
Adam Sebti
Hamza Tazi
Hicham Zaid
Athletics Highlights:
Ms. Merrill Ross
Athletic Director
Quarter 1- Sports
Girls JV Volleyball- 2rd place
Boys JV Volleyball- 2nd place
Varsity Girls Volleyball-2nd place
Varsity Boys Volleyball- 3rd place
Middle School Girls Basketball- 3rd place
Middle School Boys Basketball-3rd place
Quarter 2-Sports
Middle School Girls Soccer- Champions
Middle School Boys Soccer- Champions
JV Girls Basketball- 3rd place
JV Boys Basketball- 2nd place
Varsity Girls Basketball- Champions
Varsity Boys Basketball- 4th
Quarter 3-Sports
Varsity Girls and Boys Volleyball Tournament - Milan
Italy 3rd and 2nd place
Ifrane Badminton- 15+ girl sinlgesCamelia Hsaine- Champion
15+ Mixed DoublesCameila Hsaine/ Mohamed Lemhendez- Champions
15+ Mixed Doubles
Maissoun Ksara/ Adam Sebti- 3rd
10-12 MIxed DoubleNoor Chbany/Ulysses Dawance- 3rd
10-12 Girls DoublesInes Belhaj/Sara Bouftas - 3rd
The GWA Mustangs competed in the IFRANE
Badminton tournament on March 8th and 9th. The
team was comprised of 19 girls and 20 boys, ranging
in age from 10-18. We had some very encouraging
results in the younger age groups and some solid
finishes in the older categories.
Next week the Middle School Girls and Boys Try-outs
start and the Varsity Girls and Boys Soccer teams are
competing in the MASAC tournament here at GWA,
March 22nd and 23rd.
The Swim team has already started practicing for
their swim meet in May.
It has been a great year of sports thus far and I look
forward to the the rest of the year.
Events @ GWA
Arts, Music, Culture
Big Night Out for the Arts
Leah McMichael
9th Grade Student
January 31: Mr. Relth and Ms. Payne, together
with the upper school art students, put together a
memorable evening of art and music. The show was
a culmination of the first semester middle and high
school art classes. Over 100 pieces were shown,
including ceramics, drawings, collage, paintings,
fantastical animal sculptures and photo slide shows.
Students organizer; Alex Beaty, along with Amalya
Boulajouahel, Paul Olsen, Yassine Motaouakkil
(sp?) Adam Motaouakkil (sp?) and Mohamed Fouadi
provided musical entertainment for the event. Alex’s
passionate singing and the groups’ vibrant renditions
of popular songs were the highlights of the evening.
Performing Arts teacher Kirk Livesay and Amalya
Boulajouahel gave a heartfelt performance of “Barton
Hollows” by the Civil Wars (as heard in Gray’s
Anatomy). The kitchen staff, directed by M’Hamed
Rachad, served up a variety of delicious French and
Moroccan appetizers.
This evening of the Arts was enjoyed by all who
ventured out that night. We are looking forward to the
second semester sequel coming soon in May.
International Festival
Mrs. Zakia El Harouchi
Lower School Coordinator
The International Festival is a fun-filled event
organized by the Parents Association ‘BetterTogether’. It‘s an event that brings the whole
community to celebrate its unique diversity in terms
of Culture, Food, Crafts, Dance, Music... It’s an
enriching event where children learn many facts on
different countries in a fun way !
All Photos by Sofia Chanel
Events @ GWA
Arts, Music, Culture
Francophone Week
Mrs. Ahed Wardeh Benhammou
Famous creations come to mind when we think
about During the 18th-22th march, the Upper school
joined the international community to celebrate the
French language and the francophone cultures. Each
day was dedicated to a francophone region ( Europe,
North America, Africa, Orient and Maghreb). The
cafeteria prepared various meals from francophone
countries while french and francophone songs of
the selected region were diffused. Also, academic
competitions as spelling bee and illustrations of
idiomatic expression contest were organized. This
week was also an opportunity for students to show
their talent in poetry,theatre and Slam. Students get to
know more about the francophone world via projects
in french classes and was inspired by french painting
movements to realise artistique projetcts in art class.