a parent`s guide to 2015 - 2016
Transcription
a parent`s guide to 2015 - 2016
awty 201 5-2 016 A PARENT’S GUIDE TO TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 3 4 5 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 13 14 15 16 17 18 18 19 Campus Map August 2015 and September 2015 Calendars Calendar At-A-Glance Clinic Requirements School Uniforms Sage Dining Awty Plus Campus Parking Quick Reference Bus Information Communications Upper School / Student Parking Middle School / School Store information Lower School Preschool Volunteering at Awty Ways to Give Awty Parents and Personnel Association (APPA) Awty Rams Booster Club Awty Dads’ Club Fine Arts Booster Club Annual Fund Other Fundraising 2016 Gala All dates and times are subject to change. Please visit www.awty.org for the most up-to-date information. CAMPUS MAP Awty Field (athletics stadium) LEGEND: Awty School Lane 1 4 3 5 6 2 7 8 9 1. Levant Foundation Building / Administrative Offices / Upper School Office / Café 2. Staff & Faculty Cafeteria / Fine Arts Recital Hall 3. Computer Wing 4. Black Box Theatre / Choir Room / Band Room (inside the PAAC) 5. PAAC / Department of Athletics 6. The Quadrangle 7. Sarofim Library 8. Two Story Building / Middle School Office 9. Parking Garage / Maintenance and Facilities Department 10. Science Wing 11. Lower School Building / Lower School Office 12. Lower School Expansion 13. Kay Awty Center / Preschool Office / Preschool Classrooms 14. Max's Houses / Preschool Classrooms 15. Awty Plus / School Store / Preschool Library 10 12 13 11 14 15 I-10 Katy Freeway 3 AUGUST 2015 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 US Volleyball Tryouts Begin 3 9 SAT/ACT Summer Camp US Cross Country Begins 16 23 5 11 SAT/ACT Summer Camp 17 6:30 AM - MS Cross Country Begins 8:30-10 AM – New Student Orientation MS/US Only 8:30-10 AM - New MS/ US Parent Orientation & Volunteer Fair 8:30 AM-4 PM – Book Pickup & Used Uniform Sale 10-11 AM – New Student Language Assessment MS/US 18 8:30 AM-4 PM – Book Pickup & Used Uniform Sale First Day of School for Upper School 24 25 8-9 AM – APPA Welcome Coffee for Preschool Parents First Day of School – Preschool 10 4 SAT/ACT Summer Camp 19 SAT/ACT Summer Camp First Day of School for Middle School 13 20 7:30 AM-3:45 PM - Regular School Store Hours Resume 9-11 AM – Lower School Language 2 Testing (New Students Only) 4:30-5:30 PM – Primary New Parent Orientation & Volunteer Fair 5:30-6:30 PM – Primary Meet The Teachers 5:30-6:30 PM – Awty Plus Open House 6:30 PM - US Volleyball Parent Meeting 30 12 6 8-9 AM – APPA Welcome Coffee for Lower School Parents 26 MS/US School Photos SAT/ACT Summer Camp First Day of School for Lower School 7 8 14 15 21 22 MS Volleyball Tryouts during PE Class 7th & 8th Grade Boys Soccer Tryouts during PE Class 27 8-9 AM – APPA Welcome Coffee for Middle School Parents 4-5:30 PM - Dance Ensemble Auditions 6-7 PM – Preschool New Parent Meeting 6:30 PM – 12th grade Parent College Night 7:15-8:15 PM – Lower School New Parent Meeting 8-9 AM – APPA Welcome Coffee for Upper School Parents 4-5:30 PM - Dance Ensemble Auditions 28 29 31 SEPTEMBER 2015 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY 1 8-9:30 AM – APPA Board Meeting 1-3 PM – APPA Used Uniform Sale Primary School Photos (tentative) 6 7 Labor Day Holiday (School Closed) 2-3:30 PM - Library Volunteers’ Meeting 6-8 PM – LS Curriculum Night 6 PM - Dance Parent Meeting 4 PM – Selective College Admissions Discussion 14 8-9:30 AM – APPA Used Uniform Sale 6 PM - US Swim Parent Mtg. 20 21 15 6:30 PM – 10th Grade Parent College Night 16 6:30 PM – IB Diploma Meeting for 11th Grade Parents 17 MS & US Fall Trips 8:15 AM – Volunteer Training Live Session - in French 22 23 8-9 AM – Tea with the Head of Preschool 24 8-9 AM – Tea with the Head of Lower School 6:30 PM – 9th Grade Parent College Night 27 KEY: Holidays/School Closures 6 PM - US Boys Soccer Parent Mtg. 28 29 30 8-9:30 AM – APPA Board Meeting 6:30 PM – Upper School Open House 1-3 PM – APPA Used Uniform Sale 6:30 PM – Middle School Open House Secondary (MS/US) Events PS = Preschool & Kinder / Maternelle Primary = PS and LS Primary (PS/LS) Events LS = Lower School (Gr. 1-5) / C.P. à C.M.2 Secondary = MS and US For event locations and further details, please visit www.awty.org/schoolcalendar. 4 Athletic Events Fine Art Events MS = Middle School (Gr. 6-8) / 6ème à 4ème APPA = Awty Parents & Personnel Assoc SATURDAY 4 7:30 PM – Celebrating Awty – An International Evening of Food, Wine, & Dancing 5 LS Summer Readers Pizza Party 10 8 AM – Coffee with College Counseling 8:15 AM & 12:45 PM – Volunteer Training Live Sessions 1:45-2:45 PM – 4th grade/ CM1 Presentation on Hygiene 8 AM – Newcomer’s Coffee for Parents with the Counselors 6:30 PM – Big Bend Orientation Night for Parents Newcomer’s Day 13 6-8 PM – PS Curriculum Night 6:30 PM – 11th Grade Parent College Night FRIDAY 3 9 8-9:30 AM – APPA Room Parent Meeting: Primary 6-8 PM – LS Multiclass Teachers Curriculum Night 8 THURSDAY 2 7 PM – Alumni Parents Potluck MS & US Fall Trips 7 PM-12 AM – Senior/ Freshman Girls’ Night In 11 18 12 8 AM-12 PM – ACT Test Date 8 AM – 6 PM - Awty Chess Tournament 7 AM – 4 PM – TMEA District Choir Auditions 10 AM – CIS College Fair 25 Volunteer / Parent Group Events US = Upper School (Gr. 9-12) / 3ème à Terminale Shading = non-school days 19 26 CALENDAR AT-A-GLANCE FIRST TERM First Day of School - US Wednesday August 19, 2015 First Day of School - MS Thursday August 20, 2015 First Day of School - LS Friday August 21, 2015 First Day of School - PS Monday August 24, 2015 Labor Day Holiday Monday September 7, 2015 Fall Break - PS/LS/MS/US Monday - Friday October 5-9, 2015 In-Service Day (No School for Students) Monday October 12, 2015 Last Day of First Term Friday November 13, 2015 SECOND TERM First Day of Second Term Monday November 16, 2015 Parent/Teacher Conference Days - PS/LS/MS/US (no school for students) Monday - Tuesday November 23-24, 2015 Thanksgiving Holiday - PS/LS/MS/US Wednesday - Friday November 25-27, 2015 Last Full Day before the Holiday Break Friday December 18, 2015 Holiday Break - PS/LS/MS/US Saturday - Sunday December 19, 2015 January 3, 2016 School Resumes - PS/LS/MS/US Monday January 4, 2016 Martin Luther King Holiday Monday January 18, 2016 Winter Break - PS/LS/MS/US Monday - Friday February 15-19, 2016 In-Service Day (No School for Students) Monday February 22, 2016 Last Day of Second Term Friday March 4, 2016 First Day of Third Term Monday March 7, 2016 Primary School Parent/Teacher Conferences (no school for PSLS students) Thursday - Friday March 24-25, 2016 THIRD TERM Spring Break - PS/LS/MS/US Monday - Friday April 4-8, 2016 Graduation (tentative date pending confirmation of IB/BAC schedule) Saturday May 21, 2016 Memorial Day Holiday Monday May 30, 2016 Last Day of Third Term Friday June 3, 2016 Last Day of School - PS/LS/MS/US Friday June 3, 2016 5 SCHOOL CLINIC The clinic is staffed by two registered nurses, Veronique Moore R.N. (French speaking) and Gina Sharman R.N. Their role is to provide medical care to students who have chronic medical conditions, treat students who become sick or injured, and maintain health records. The State of Texas mandates all students must have proof of the required vaccinations on file before he/she will be permitted to attend the first day of school. All students entering PK4/MS, K/GS, 1st/CP, 3rd/CE2, 5th/CM2, 6th/ 6ème, 7th/5ème, and 9th/3ème must complete the appropriate screenings for vision, hearing, scoliosis, and Acanthosis Nigricans (visual inspection for diabetes). These screenings are mandated by the State of Texas for all children attending school. To submit your child’s medical information, log onto Careflow at https:// SCHOOL UNIFORMS PARKER SCHOOL UNIFOMS: www.parkersu.com Shop Online! Free shipping on all web orders over $100 Post Oak Store 1110 N. Post Oak, #140 Houston, 77055 713-681-4045 [email protected] Summer Hours - August 1 - 29 Monday - Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Regular Hours Sunday: Closed Monday - Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. careflow-3.com/awty/seniorsystemsparentlogin.aspx using your My Backpack user name and password. Nurse Moore and Nurse Sharman will be available to answer questions in person beginning August 19, 2015. In the meantime, you can send an email to [email protected] or gsharman@ awty.org and they will answer any questions or concerns. DINING PROGRAM APPA USED UNIFORMS: 1110 N. Post Oak, #230 Start of School Sales: August 17-18 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The Used Uniform Sales during the school year will be held on the following dates: 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. September 1 & 29 w October 23 November 3 & 20 w December 1 January 5 & 22 w February 2 March 1, 25, & 29 w May 3 & 20 8:00 - 9:30 a.m. September 14 w November 9 December 14 w January 11 February 8 w March 14 April 11 w May 9 For more information, visit www.awty.org/useduniforms. The Awty International School and Sage Dining are pleased to offer your child/ren a community inclusive dining program. Every student will experience this exceptional dining program, which features quality service, an attractive variety of fresh menu offerings, and your student will progress quickly through the lunch lines. Sage Dining has put together new menus and wonderfully exciting theme meals to spice up the program at The Awty International School. To see the weekly menu on the Awty website, go to Parents > Sage Dining. Please Note: The cost of tuition includes lunch. If for some reason you choose to opt out of the lunch program, there will be no rebate from tuition. Sage Dining will continue to be both peanut and shellfish free. AWTY PLUS Awty Plus is an after school enrichment program that provides Awty students with the opportunity to create lifelong memories in a safe, stimulating, and nurturing environment. Our primary goal is to provide a diverse selection of affordable activities for students who desire an exciting experi- 6 ence. Activities include soccer, robotics, cooking, art, sewing, dance, language classes, and many more. To learn more about the program and the activities offered, visit www.awty.org/awtyplus. Registration for the Fall 2015 Session will open on August 11 at 11:00 a.m. To register your child/ren, go to www.awty.org/awtyplus and click on the red registration button. For more information, please contact Lara Afifi, Director of Awty Plus, at 713-328-5840 or [email protected]. DRIVING & PARKING Please help us keep our community, especially the children, safe by respecting the following guidelines when driving and parking on campus: • • • • • • Drive slowly and prudently on campus. The speed limit is 5 miles per hour. Cell phone use, including texting, is prohibited while driving on campus and in carpool. Visitors must park in spaces marked “Visitor Parking Only.” Handicap parking spaces require a valid, state-issued handicap parking placard displayed in the car. • • Parking on campus is at your own risk. Do not leave valuables in your car. The school is not responsible for theft or damage to vehicles or their contents. Repeat parking offenders will be towed at the owner’s expense. Obey all posted signs and agents of the school. The parking lot behind the Kay Awty Center Preschool buildings is for faculty and staff only. This lot may not be used for student drop-off or parent parking. BUS INFO PS = Preschool Science Wing, and Computer Wing LS = Lower School Café = Consists of both Café North and Café South Primary School = includes both the Preschool and Lower School Awty Field = Athletics stadium, which includes the track, soccer field, tennis courts, weight room, team room, and concession stand Secondary School = includes both the Middle and Upper School APPA = Awty Parents and Personnel Association PAAC = Performing Arts and Athletic Center, which includes the Department of Athletics, Booster Bistro, dance room, weight room, locker rooms, choir room, band room, and the Black Box Theatre FABC = Fine Arts Booster Club US = Upper School KAC = Kay Awty Center LFB = Levant Foundation Building The Globe = Lower School multi-purpose room located on the second floor of the Lower School building Due to an increase in pedestrian traffic crossing Awty School Lane, please be patient during traffic delays and please watch for pedestrians crossing the street. Any violation of these rules may result QUICK REFERENCE MS = Middle School in loss of driving privileges on school property. RBC = Rams Booster Club ADC = Awty Dads’ Club A = Awty Alumni Association 3 AAPA = Awty Alumni Parents Association The Awty International School contracts with AFC Transportation to provide bus service to and from school. In a city as large as Houston, the buses must pick-up and drop-off students at designated bus stops rather than each rider’s home. To schedule your child/ren for one of the bus routes for the 2015-2016 school year, please register your child by completing the online bus registration form at www.awty.org/ busform1516. For more information about Awty’s Bus Service including the schedule, routes, and rules, please log onto the Parent Portal on Awty’s website and go to Resources > Bus Service. The Courtyard = The patio area between the Middle School building and the Sarofim Library The Quad = Quadrangle, the centralized area between the PAAC, Sarofim Library, 7 COMMUNICATIONS MY BACKPACK My Backpack allows parents to access student information electronically. My Backpack gives parents convenient and private access to their child’s schedule, attendance information, and term grades over a secure, password-protected internet connection. Invoices are also posted in My Backpack on the 15th of every month. You can access My Backpack through the parent portal or by using the Quicklinks menu on the Awty website. For new parents, your user name and password will be sent to you once enrollment has been completed. WEBSITE The website is one of the school’s primary forms of communication with parents. Parents have their own portal where they can obtain the latest information including calendars, events, directories, online forms, and more. To access this portal, you click on “Login” at the top of the Awty website. You will use the same user name and password you use to access My Backpack. If you lose or forget this information, please contact your child’s division assistant: Preschool: Hedy Mankarios, ext. 5870 Lower School: Marylyn Raia, ext. 5830 Middle School: Lamis Boz, ext. 5813 Upper School: Marie-Hélène Nguyen, ext. 5826 Through the Awty website, you can sign up to receive Awty News Alerts by visiting the Awty News web page and clicking on the alerts icon in the top right corner. In the pop-up window, simply select how you would like to receive the alert for each category. You can select any number of categories. When finished click the “Update” button. It is that easy! Once you’ve signed up, you will receive a text message and/or email every time a news item is posted. You can also sign up to receive alerts about a particular athletic team. First go to the Teams web page and select the athletic team you want to follow. At the top of each 8 athletic team page, there is an alerts icon. Click on this icon and a pop-up window should open. Here, you can sign up to receive team updates and event reminders! Available updates include postponements, cancellations, and event results. When finished click the “Update” button. of the students, parents, and personnel of Awty. The directory and/or the database shall not be given or sold to any external source, and those affiliated with the school are expected to respect this policy. None of the school directories should be used for commercial use. Do not publish. MASS EMAILS If you have any questions about the school directory, please contact your child’s division assistant. Awty frequently communicates to families via mass emails. The school sends out regular emails regarding events, photos, board news, Awty Plus announcements, Awty invoices, and more. Mass emails are also sent out to Awty families during emergency situations. It is extremely important that the school has at least one good email address for each family. To ensure you receive emails from Awty, please be sure to provide a current email address to the Business Office at [email protected]. If you find during the school year that you are no longer receiving emails from Awty, here are a few steps you can take: 1. Add [email protected] to your email contact list. 2. Check your Spam/Junk folder. 3. Check with your internet provider to see if emails from [email protected] are being blocked/filtered. Ask them to allow emails from this address to come through to your mailbox. If you are using a company email address (i.e., [email protected] or [email protected]), check with the IT Administrator and ask them to allow all emails from this address. 4. If you are still not receiving Awty emails after following steps 1-3, please send an email to [email protected]. SCHOOL DIRECTORY A searchable online student directory as well as a staff/faculty directory is available through My Backpack. The school also has a parent directory in the parent portal on the Awty website. The directory is for the exclusive benefit AWTY NOTES This weekly electronic communication is emailed out to all Awty parents and it is also posted on the website each Friday during the school year, beginning August 21, 2015. Awty Notes is your access to the week ahead. This publication provides information for each division as well as events, parent volunteer groups, and more. SOCIAL MEDIA Awty is on Facebook and Twitter. The school regularly posts photos, news, and event information on these social media outlets. On Facebook, look for The Awty International School. On Twitter, look for awtyintlschool. PHOTO RELEASE Awty representatives may photograph and/or video any and all school events/ activities for the school’s use in print, video, electronic publications, social media, and media relations. This statement serves as public notice of the school’s intent to do so for the 2015-2016 school year. If you object to the use of your child’s photograph and/ or video, you have the right to withhold its release by contacting Gwen Cario, Director of Communications, in writing at [email protected]. UPPER SCHOOL The first day of school for Upper School (US) students is Wednesday, August 19, 2015. Classes begin at 7:55 a.m. and pick-up begins at 3:35 p.m. Here are some helpful tips to start the school year off right: PRIOR TO THE FIRST DAY • Students should have ordered textbooks from the School Store prior to arriving at school on the first day. • Summer reading lists for each grade may be found on the Awty website under Student Life > School Store. • Students should have purchased • • uniforms through Parker Uniforms (www.parkersu.com). Students are encouraged to set up their lockers when they pick up their books before the first day of classes. Locker number lists will be posted outside the US office. Awty is a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) school. Please visit the Awty website to see what computing devices are recommended. Go to Academics > Technology in the Classroom. UPCOMING US EVENTS New Student Orientation Monday, August 17 8:30 - 10:00 a.m. in the Sarofim Library. New Parent Orientation & Volunteer Fair Monday, August 17 8:30 - 10:00 a.m. The Globe - 2nd floor of the Lower School Building New Student Language Assessment Monday, August 17 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. in the Sarofim Library. Secondary School Photos Wednesday, August 26 Students must wear the full dress uniform. APPA Welcome Coffee for US Parents Friday, August 28 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. in Café North Newcomers Day for MS/US Wednesday, September 9 Students receive a badge with their name and they add a star for each year they have been at Awty. Fall Trips for MS/US Students September 17-18 9th, 10th, and 12th grade students go on an overnight excursion to integrate new students and enable them to develop friendships and to aquaint students and teachers. Information and forms for each trip may be found on the Awty website under News & Events > Fall Trips FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL • Students should bring all school supplies, textbooks, and a portable computing device. • Students will be assigned an email account, user name, and password so they may access the Awty network. This access also allows for printing from any location on campus. • Students will receive individual class supply lists from their teachers in their first class meetings. US OFFICE Sam Waugh Head of Upper School 713-328-5809 [email protected] Robert Sload Deputy Head of Upper School 713-328-5822 [email protected] Marie-Hélène Nguyen Executive Assistant to the Head of Upper School 713-328-5826 [email protected] Upper School Open House Tuesday, September 22 6:30 p.m. in Café North An evening program in which parents follow their child’s schedule and meet with each of their teachers to hear about the program and the teacher’s expectations. STUDENT PARKING Students wishing to park on campus must register for a parking permit. This registration form can be found on the Awty website under the Student Life tab. Click on the 2015-2016 Student Parking Form link and complete the registration form. Parking forms must be completed before August 1 to be considered for priority park- ing. Parking is limited; assignments are prioritized by grade level with 12th Grade/ TLE and 11th Grade/1ère students having first consideration. 9 MIDDLE SCHOOL The first day of school for Middle School (MS) students is Thursday, August 20, 2015. Classes begin at 7:55 a.m. and end at 3:35 p.m. Here are some helpful tips to start the school year off rightt: PRIOR TO THE FIRST DAY • Students are strongly encouraged to set up their lockers when they pick up their books before the first day of school. Locker numbers will be posted at the book sale (August 17-18) and outside the MS office. Locks and other locker supplies will be available at the book sale. All students are required to have the same type of lock (Master Brand Combination Lock with a pre-set Number Code). FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL • MS students should bring pens, pencils, paper, a binder, textbooks, and a portable computer which complies with our BYOD Policy (Bring Your Own Device). Please review the BYOD policy at www.awty.org > Academics > Technology in the Classroom. • Students will receive a supply list from their individual teachers in their first class meetings. • • Students will be assigned an email account, user name, and password so they can access the Awty network. Students will be able to print to school printers located conveniently around campus and access the school’s filtered, wireless network from any location on campus. International Section students should bring their Awty agenda and French Section students should bring their French agenda “cahier de texte”. Both can be purchased at the School Store. UPCOMING MS EVENTS New Student Orientation Monday, August 17 8:30 - 10:00 a.m. in the Sarofim Library. New Parent Orientation & Volunteer Fair Monday, August 17 8:30 - 10:00 a.m. The Globe - 2nd floor of the Lower School Building New Student Language Assessment Monday, August 17 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. in the Sarofim Library. Secondary School Photos Wednesday, August 26 Students must wear the full dress uniform. APPA Welcome Coffee for MS Parents Thursday, August 27 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. in Café North MS OFFICE Tom Beuscher Head of Middle School 713-328-5812 [email protected] Newcomers Day for MS/US Wednesday, September 9 Students receive a badge with their name and they add a star for each year they have been at Awty. Lamis Boz Executive Assistant to the Head of Middle School 713-328-5813 [email protected] Fall Trips for MS/US Students September 17-18 Each grade goes on an overnight excursion to integrate new students and enable them to develop friendships and to aquaint students and teachers. Information and forms for each trip may be found on the Awty website under News & Events > Fall Trips Middle School Open House Tuesday, September 29 6:30 p.m. in Café North An evening program in which parents follow their child’s schedule and meet with each of their teachers to hear about the program and the teacher’s expectations. SCHOOL STORE INFORMATION The School Store is an important and convenient source for most of the students’ needs on campus. It stocks not only course books and supplies but also PE uniforms, uniform sweatshirts and jackets, and various items with the Awty logo such 10 as mugs, water bottles, and baseball caps. Information regarding the store including book lists may be found online by selecting Student Life > School Store. The store is located in room 511 at the south end of campus just past the Preschool building. Hours of operation are Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. For questions or assistance, please do not hesitate to contact either Janet Bridger at [email protected] (ext. 5858) or April Gonzalez at [email protected] (ext. 5803). LOWER SCHOOL The first day of school for Lower School (LS) students is Friday, August 21, 2015. Classes begin at 8:00 a.m. and pick-up begins at 2:50 p.m. Here are some helpful tips to start the school year off right: PRIOR TO THE FIRST DAY • Parents need to complete the transportation form and submit it to the school before the first day. It can be found on the school’s website in the Parent Portal under Resources > • Primary School. Preschool students with a Lower School sibling can be picked up in the Lower School carpool line. FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL • Parents may park at Awty Field (athletics stadium) and walk their Lower School student to their homeroom classroom. • The homeroom teacher provides the children with school supplies and UPCOMING LS EVENTS New Parent Orientation Wednesday, August 19 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. w Café Meet the Teacher Wednesday, August 19 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. w LS Classrooms Awty Plus Open House Wednesday, August 19 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. w Kay Awty Center (located in the Preschool building) This is a come and go event. APPA Welcome Coffee for LS Parents Wednesday, August 26 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. in Café North New Parent Q and A Thursday, August 27 7:15 - 8:15 p.m. w The Globe (located in the Lower School building) For Lower School Parents Lower School Parent Curriculum Night with Homeroom Teachers Wednesday, September 2 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. w The Globe Primary School Photos Tuesday, September 1 (tentative) Students in Kinder/GS to 5th Grade/ CM2 must wear the full dress uniform. • • • textbooks. Sage Dining begins snack and lunch service. Students may bring a refillable water bottle (max. 15 cm tall) filled with water. Drinking fountains and water stations are available. Lower School students wear uniform clothing and shoes daily. LS OFFICE Cintra Horn Head of Lower School 713-328-5925 [email protected] Marylyn Raia Executive Assistant to the Head of Lower School 713-328-5830 [email protected] Lower School Parent Curriculum Night with Multiclass Teachers (Art, Spanish, PE, Music, FBS English, Dutch, French, Tech.) Tuesday, September 8 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. w The Globe Tea with the Head of Lower School Thursday, September 24 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. w Café South LOWER SCHOOL BILINGUAL TEACHER ASSISTANTS During the 2015-2016 school year, the Lower School will have a pilot program of six bilingual teacher assistants. We are testing assistants as a way to support bilingual language learning. The following teachers will have an assistant. The target language is also listed after the teacher’s name. 1st grade - Pam Wellen / French; CE1 - Brigitte Poupard / French; 3rd grade - Lisa Wolff / Spanish; 4th grade - Caroline Lassiter / Spanish; FBS English CP to CM2 - Wendy Weil / English; and Music 1st to 5th - Lori Wagner / Spanish Parents of students who might be in one of the homerooms should have already received notification in May. 11 PRESCHOOL The first day of school for Preschool (PS) students is Monday, August 24, 2015. Classes begin at 8:15 a.m. and pick-up begins at 2:45 p.m. Here are some helpful tips to start the school year off right: PRIOR TO THE FIRST DAY • Parents need to complete the transportation form and submit it to the school before the first day. It can be found on the school’s website in the Parent Portal under Resources > • Primary School. Preschool students with a Lower School sibling can be picked up in the Lower School carpool line. FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL • Parents are invited to park in the parking garage in a visitor space and walk their Preschooler to their homeroom classroom. • Awty provides a green book bag on the first day of school. The book UPCOMING PS EVENTS New Parent Orientation Wednesday, August 19 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. w Café Meet the Teacher Wednesday, August 19 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. w PS Classrooms Awty Plus Open House Wednesday, August 19 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. w Kay Awty Center (located in the Preschool building) This is a come and go event. APPA Welcome Coffee for PS Parents Tuesday, August 25 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. in Café North New Parent Q and A Thursday, August 27 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. w The Globe (located in the Lower School building) For Preschool Parents Preschool Parent Curriculum Night with Homeroom Teachers Thursday, September 3 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. w Kay Awty Center • • • bag is given out by the homeroom teacher. The homeroom teacher also provides the children with school supplies for use in school. Sage Dining begins snack and lunch service. Kindergarten students wear a school uniform daily. PS OFFICE Stanley Way Head of Preschool 713-328-5820 [email protected] Hedy Mankarios Preschool Administrative Assistant 713-328-5870 [email protected] Primary School Photos Tuesday, September 1 (tentative) Students in Kinder/GS to 5th Grade/ CM2 must wear the full dress uniform. Tea with the Head of Preschool Wednesday, September 23 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. w Café South GETTING INVOLVED We welcome your involvement! Preschool parents are encouraged to complete the volunteer training so they can serve as room parents and/or assist on field trips and during special events. 12 The Preschool’s special events include a Lire en Fête, Halloween Parade, a Thanksgiving Feast, Holiday Performance, Mardi Gras Parade, Go Texan Day, Kindergarten Graduation, and many more. More information about volunteering at Awty and details about the volunteer training can be found on the page 13. VOLUNTEERING AT AWTY It is our goal to make sure our volunteers have an excellent experience at Awty and are informed of upcoming volunteer opportunities. There are many organizations at Awty in which you can become a member, but in order to volunteer on campus in any activity involving Awty students, you must complete the volunteer approval process. STEP 1: Each parent must first undergo a background check (www.awty.org/backgroundcheck). Depending on the kind of background check being performed (local or international), it can take days or weeks. The information received from this is confidential and will be stored away securely. STEP 2: Parents must then take an Abuse Prevention Training course. a. The training is offered online year round in English. In order to begin the training, you must first complete the online background check form. A link, along with a personal login and pass- SIGN-IN RULES All volunteers and parents who visit the campus must first register at any of the school offices – the Levant Foundation Building, the Preschool office, the Lower School office, the Middle School office, or the Upper School office. Visitors must check in with the receptionist and receive a name badge before proceeding to their campus destination. Those who are on the Approved Volunteer List will wear a colored name badge stating their name and the date of their visit. Those who are not on the list will wear a white name badge stating their name and the date of their visit. This policy will be strictly enforced by our staff and faculty to ensure the safety of all of our students. word, will be emailed upon receiving the background check. b. We also offer an in-house training at the beginning of the school year in English and French. The dates, times, and locations are as follows: English Training Session September 10, 2015 8:15 a.m. in Café North or 12:45 p.m. in the Giles O’Malley Foundation Board Room French Training Session September 17, 2015 8:15 a.m. in Café North If enough people RSVP, we will offer a second session in the afternoon c. For those interested in attending the in-house training, please RSVP with Volunteer Coordinator Kaitlyn Pflughaupt at [email protected]. STEP 3: After all the necessary paperwork and training are completed, the parent will be marked as approved in the Awty Database and will appear on an “Approved Volunteer List” which is updated weekly and checked by faculty and/or staff each time a volunteer steps foot on campus. This list can be found in the Parent Portal on the Awty website under Resources > Volunteer Information. STEP 4: Volunteer Approval Status lasts five years. Once the five years are up, a reminder email will be sent to each parent to renew their status. Parents are strongly encouraged to begin the volunteer approval process as soon as possible in order to beat the rush at the beginning of the year, which can lead to a delay in background checks and missed volunteer opportunities. If you have any questions, please contact Kaitlyn Pflughaupt, Volunteer Coordinator, at 713-328-5800 or [email protected]. WAYS TO DONATE Awty is a 501(c)3 charitable organization which raises funds and offers donors a tax-deduction for their gifts. All donors to the school receive an acknowledgment and official gift receipt to use when filing taxes. We ask ALL families to make a gift to the Annual Fund (see page 18), and you will be asked to support various programs and projects as well. Options for how to make a gift include: Charge donations to your account on MyBackpack, and they are included in your bill. Give online using a credit card or charging your school account. Pledge now and pay later, either in a lump sum or through monthly or quarterly payments. We will remind you when payments are due, with June 30 the absolute deadline for making full payment on annual gifts. Write and mail a check payable to The Awty International School and signify donation in the memo line. If you work for a matching gift company, send us the forms needed to have your company match your donation of money and/ or volunteer hours. It’s an employee benefit that helps Awty! Donate gifts-in-kind such as Auction items for the Gala, or books, other supplies, electronics. Be sure to check with us before making an in-kind donation to make sure we need and can use what you intend to donate. Gifts can be made in honor of a teacher or family member or in memory of a loved one. We notify honorees or the family of a deceased person when such gifts are made. Any questions about your giving to Awty? Contact one of the advancement staffers listed on page 18. 13 APPA The Awty Parents and Personnel Association (APPA) is the main volunteer organization at The Awty International School. It serves as the parent’s voice in the school, and works to represent the views of its members across the Awty community. The APPA also supports Awty’s administration, parents, and students. All Awty parents are automatically members of the APPA and are encouraged to attend monthly meetings. The purpose of the APPA is as follows: 1. To promote understanding and cooperation amongst the parents, the students attending the school, and the school’s administration and faculty. 2. To maintain a permanent dialogue between the parents and the administration of the school and its faculty in order to promote understanding and APPA OFFICERS Suneeta Rangwani, President [email protected] Genoveva Jeanneret, Vice President, French [email protected] Karen Haug, Vice President, International [email protected] Jill Munk, Past President [email protected] Yanam Fozzani, Secretary [email protected] Cherie Chalk, Parliamentarian [email protected] Debbi Gadin, Treasurer [email protected] Ana-Maria Nicolae, PSLS Secretary [email protected] 14 cooperation between them. 3. To promote cultural, artistic, social, recreational, athletic, fundraising, or other activities for the benefit of the school community. 4. To provide a forum at periodic meetings for the discussion of matters of common interest concerning the school community. 5. To support the school in its educational objectives consistent with the standards and methods used both in France and in the U.S. organization counts on your membership to help enhance the education of all of our students. Questions? Please visit www.awty.org/ appa or contact Suneeta Rangwani, APPA President, at 281-804-5086 or rangwani@ me.com. APPA Membership Fee As a convenience for our families, the APPA membership fee is automatically added to the tuition billing. The focus of the APPA is to support our students and staff with volunteer and financial resources and the ROOM PARENTS Room parents serve as a connection between parents and teachers. They are responsible for facilitating communications about classroom/grade-level activities such as field trips, projects, and parties. They also organize classroom volunteers and serve as a resource for other parents. UPCOMING EVENTS VOLUNTEER FAIR All parents are invited to the Volunteer Fair in the Globe on one of two upcoming dates: August 17 from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. for Middle School and Upper School or August 19 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. for Preschool and Lower School. Parents can visit various information tables, sign up for volunteer opportunities (including Room Parents), and meet with other parents. MORNING COFFEE KICK-OFFS The APPA will host a morning coffee for all parents to meet families with students in the same grade/division, better understand the role of the APPA at the school, and have discussion with the Head of each respective school. Preschool parents will meet on Tuesday, August 25; Lower School parents on Wednesday, August 26; Middle School parents on Thursday, August 27; and Upper School parents on Friday, August 28. All Morning Coffees will be held from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. in the Café North. CELEBRATING AWTY Join us in Celebrating Awty with an international evening of wine, fun, and dancing on Friday, September 4, 2015 from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. in the Café. Delicious tastes from around the world will be served. Bring a bottle of wine from your native country to share in Awty’s Tasting Room. Event Chairs are Ashley Amy and Marcia Vilas. Tickets are $15 per person and can be charged to your school account. This is a popular event, so RSVP early at www.awty.org/celebrating_awty! Adults only – 21 years of age and older. RAMS BOOSTER CLUB The Bylaws of the Awty Rams Booster Club (RBC) state: “The purpose of The Club shall be to support, encourage, and advance amateur athletic competition at The Awty International School. All proceeds shall be used to promote sporting participation, improve the sporting environment, and generally to raise the level and quality of all sports at the school.” nity to bring our large and diverse school community together. Most notably, this means organizing the huge and popular Homecoming festivities in early November. Anyone is welcome to join the Booster Club, and all families with children participating on an Awty Rams MS or US team are automatically enrolled. The membership fee is $50.00 per family, per year. We on the board of the Booster Club extend that mission to promote Awty school spirit within and between the school divisions, using athletics as an opportu- Your children know us as the group that runs the Booster Bistro every morning during MS and US break. With the proceeds from this snack bar, the Awty Rams HOMECOMING Booster Club has funded a wide range of experiences and equipment for the Athletics Department over the years, including year-end team parties, team dinners while at tournaments, equipment and uniforms, improvements to the athletics fields, and coming this year, the renovation of the sports hallway in the PAAC. Questions? Please contact Melissa Halow, Booster Club President, at melhalow8993@gmail. com. RBC OFFICERS Mark your calendars for Awty’s 2015 Homecoming Week! November 9 – 13, 2015 Melissa Halow President [email protected] During Homecoming Week, Awty students, faculty, and staff participate in activities around campus including several themed spirit days such as Pajama Day, Clash Day, and Green & Gold T-shirt Day. Ronda Devins Vice President [email protected] A pep rally will be held Friday morning and the Homecoming Soccer Game will take place at 7:00 p.m. at Awty Field. The entire Awty community is invited to come out and support the Awty soccer team. Homecoming is the perfect time to celebrate, connect, and enjoy Awty’s spirit! Homecoming week truly has something for everyone. Katie Fields Treasurer [email protected] We look forward to seeing you! Cheri Chalk Secretary [email protected] Questions? Please contact John Hoye, Director of Athletics, at 713-328-5818 or [email protected]. For the latest on Awty Athletics, please visit www.awty.org/athletics and follow us on twitter at @AwtyAthletics. Michelle Balthazar Purchasing [email protected] BACK TO SCHOOL BOOT CAMP Awty Athletics will again offer a Back to School Boot Camp for parents! Join us after morning carpool for intense, fun and challenging workouts at “Camp Awty” to energize your day. Classes will be held from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., at Awty Field on Mondays and Thursdays beginning August 31 through October 1. The cost of the camp is $80.00, which will be charged to your school account. (ten person minimum necessary) To register or for more information, contact John Hoye, Director of Athletics, at [email protected]. Annie Dunkin Bistro Manager [email protected] Claudia Fernandez Spirit Wear [email protected] Regina Lelo de Larrea Spirit Wear [email protected] 15 AWTY DADS’ CLUB The Awty Dads’ Club (ADC) provides a community for Dads to socialize as well as support the development and cultivation of the school and its mission. Membership is free and open to all Awty parents, moms and dads alike. The Dads’ Club organizes social and networking events throughout the year that are open to all Awty parents including: • New school year welcome Happy Hour; • Homecoming BBQ at Awty Field to support the Student Council; • An evening of beer and BBQ at Saint Arnold’s Brewery; • Saturday morning soccer/futbol games and tennis; SOCIAL EVENTS • • • Golf Day Out; Beverage Tasting Night; And more... If you have questions or would like to be on our distribution list for events, please contact: Jay Kalra, President, at [email protected] or Ray Drexler, Vice President, at [email protected]. ADC OFFICERS Jay Kalra, President [email protected] NEW YEAR HAPPY HOUR Every fall the Dad’s Club hosts a Back-to-School Happy Hour at a local venue. It is a chance to talk to ADC officers and get information about our group and the school in general. Details for this year’s event will be provided at the start of school. BEER BASH AT SAINT ARNOLD’S BREWERY The Saint Arnold’s Bash will take place in the fall on Saturday, November 7, 2015, at Houston’s very own Saint Arnold’s Brewery (2000 Lyons Avenue). Although this is a Dad’s Club event, all adults (21 years of age and older) are welcome. This is a great laid back event where guests enjoy some local beer and BBQ. Come relax and visit with other Awty folks. Bring along family and friends for a great night out. HOMECOMING BBQ Do you enjoy grilling? Do you enjoy the game of soccer? If you answered yes to these questions, then come out and help at the Awty Dads’ Club BBQ during the Homecoming Soccer Game on Friday, November 13, 2015. The Dads’ Club does the cooking for the student council at the annual homecoming soccer game. It’s a fun night out supporting the Awty Rams. AND MORE... Ray Drexler, Vice President [email protected] Mark Smithard [email protected] Danny Bahrani, Alumni Liaison [email protected] TENNIS Saturday Mornings Held at Awty Field (athletics stadium) from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. Contact Todd Feder at todd@ cdlanguage.com to be added to the distribution list. SATURDAY SOCCER Awty moms, dads, and alumni parents are invited to come out and join in on a friendly soccer match held on Saturdays from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. at Awty Field (athletics stadium). FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: What do I need to do? 16 Turn up and join the game Do I need to be fit? NO! Most of us aren’t... What should I wear? • Shoes: Artificial Turf / Indoor Soccer shoes are best. Please no full cleats. • Shirts: Bring two shirts - one white, one any other color. No grey or white/color combinations What else should I bring? Water/drinks, a towel, a change of clothing, and a sense of fun! FINE ARTS BOOSTER CLUB The Fine Arts Booster Club (FABC) is a group that loves anything and everything fine arts at Awty. The FABC is committed to helping Awty’s Fine Arts programs—band, choir, dance, drama, orchestra, and the visual arts—meet their goals. They believe Awty’s artists deserve as much support as the FABC can possibly give them to achieve excellence in the arts and exceed their own expectations. The Fine Arts Booster Club primarily organizes and holds fundraisers with the proceeds directly benefiting the objectives of the various programs. FABC volunteers also help behind the scenes to assist teachers during school performances, special events, and state competitions. One of the FABC’s major projects launched during 2014-2015 was the Fine Arts Canteen, an afternoon snack bar located next to the Recital Hall. The Canteen has become a welcome addition to the after-school routine of many tired and hungry students, FINE ARTS EVENTS Dance Ensemble Auditions August 27-28 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. Dance Parent Meeting Wednesday, September 2 6:00 p.m. TMEA District Choir Auditions Saturday, September 19 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. IB Theatre Trip to New York October 14-17 TMEA Region Choir Auditions Saturday, October 17 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Middle School Fall Instrumental Concert Monday, October 19 and it has continually helped raise funds for the arts throughout the school year. In March 2015, the FABC spearheaded the first celebration of Fine Arts Month at Awty! We welcome all inquiries at: [email protected] We would love to hear from you! FABC OFFICERS 6:00 p.m. w Fine Arts Recital Hall Upper School Fall Instrumental Concert Tuesday, October 20 6:00 p.m. w Fine Arts Recital Hall IB Theatre Show October 29-31 7:00 p.m. w Black Box Theatre 4th/5th Grades Music Ensemble/Choir Fall Show Wednesday, November 4 8:30 a.m. w Fine Arts Recital Hall Rita Murdoch President [email protected] Noël Hudson Vice President & Treasurer [email protected] Monica Fulton [email protected] Anastasia Lim Willoughby [email protected] Amy Pierce [email protected] TMEA Region Choir Clinic & Concert November 6-7 Tallowood Baptist Church JOIN FABC TODAY Everyone in the Awty community is welcome to be a part of the Fine Arts Booster Club. Become a member. Volunteer at the Canteen or in FABC’s various projects. Through your contributions, you are supporting the ongoing emergence of a strong and vibrant Fine Arts program that works towards providing Awty’s students and the entire community with an even richer and more diverse experience. There are greater and more exciting things in store for the Fine Arts Booster Club in the coming school year. We want you to be a part of them. To become a member, please visit www. awty.org/fabcmembershipform. 17 THE AWTY ANNUAL FUND WHAT? A gift to The Awty Annual Fund is the first and most important gift we ask of each family every year. It is an investment in Awty and therefore an investment in the academic future of your child. Awty Annual Fund dollars are yearly gifts of unrestricted support for the school, representing 4% of the annual operating budget. That 4% is the “margin of excellence!” WHY? Awty Annual Fund dollars go to work right away to ensure our faculty and staff receive vital training, our students have access to cutting edge technology in the classroom, our facilities nurture student exploration and learning, students from diverse and international backgrounds have equal access to an Awty education, and to support artistic and athletic greatness. All of this is what makes Awty Houston’s premier choice in international education! WHEN? Now! By making your gift or pledge now, you help the school save time and resources. Your early commitment will help us build momentum around the campaign, save money on marketing, and allow our staff and volunteers time to focus on educating new members of the Awty community HOW? Please visit www.awty.org/give2awty, or login to your My Backpack account, to make your gift today! We also appreciate gifts of stock, checks, credit card, and much more. The Awty Annual Fund should be a part of every family’s giving plan every year. If you have questions, or would like assistance in planning your Awty philanthropic giving, please contact Chantel Olufsen, Director of The Awty Annual Fund, at 713-328-5816 or [email protected]. For more information, visit www.awty.org/annual_fund. Your gift matters and changes the lives of every Awty student, faculty, and staff! Thank you! GIVING LEVELS 1956 SOCIETY Kay Awty Founders ($25,000 and Above) Trustees Circle ($10,000 - $24,999) Head of School's Circle ($5,000 - $9,999) Member ($1,956 - $4,999) Un Mil Pour Awty ($1,000 - $1,955) Awty Advocates ($500 - $999) Awty Partners (up to $499) OTHER FUNDRAISING In addition to the Annual Fund, Gala and capital fundraising conducted by the Advancement Office, other groups such as parent organizations and student clubs may solicit support for their particular projects. We make every effort to regulate the timing and extent of these fundraising activities, but please know that parents are under no obligation to respond to every appeal that comes their way. The Annual Fund is and always will be the top fundraising priority for Awty! If you are a leader in a special fundraising project, you MUST complete the online Fundraising Activity Request form located on Awty's website in the Parent Portal under the Advancement element. You will then need to meet with Kevin McTernan, Chief Advancement Officer, at least two weeks before you plan to begin 18 your project to have the project plans reviewed and approved. In addition, there are several rebate programs which generate modest support for the school. You can help Awty earn “a little extra” every time you do your shopping with one of these retailers: Amazon.com Rebate Program Randall’s Good Neighbor Program Bubbles - Labels for Everyday Life Goodsearch.com & Goodshop.com Kroger’s Neighbor to Neighbor Donation Program Target’s Take Charge of Education To find out more or to start earning cash for the school, go to Awty’s website under Supporting Awty > Fundraisers > Rebate and Reward Programs. ADVANCEMENT DEPARTMENT Kevin McTernan Chief Advancement Officer 713-328-5836 / [email protected] Gwen Cario Director of Communications 713-328-5837 / [email protected] Lauren Linn Director of Events 713-328-5852 / [email protected] Carol Nash Coordinator & Database Manager 713-328-5861 / [email protected] Chantel Olufsen Director of Annual Fund & Alumni 713-328-5816 / [email protected] 2016 AWTY GALA C'EST PARIS Gala Chairs Mariella de Jong, Genoveva Jeanneret, Florence Shaw, and Miri Wilkins invite you to join them at Awty’s 2016 Gala, C'est Paris, set for Saturday, March 12, 2016, at Hilton Americas located in downtown Houston. Come enjoy the wonder of the "City of Lights" as Awty tips its hat to a very influential culture at the school. The evening will start with a reception at 7:00 p.m. and will feature a seated dinner, live auction, entertainment, and music that will keep you dancing until 1:00 a.m. $5,000. See below for more information. Online Auction: Help us keep the auction flying high by supporting us with in-kind donation items including dining certificates, concert and sporting event tickets/experiences, luxury goods, and exotic getaways. You also have the opportunity to purchase one of six themed tables, starting at TABLE SPONSORSHIP LEVELS “La Tour Eiffel” $50,000 Includes the following: • A premiere table for 10 • Invitation to the Underwriters Reception • Name and/or logo prominently displayed at grand entrance • Full page, color advertisement in the gala program (inside front or back cover) • Recognition in the invitation and program, all pre-event press releases, on table signage, on thank you display, and on our website for one year • Select wines at table • Bottle of champagne • A table host gift “Musée du Louvre” $25,000 Includes the following: • A preferred table for 10 • Invitation to the Underwriters Reception • Name and/or logo prominently displayed at grand entrance • Full page, black and white advertisement in the gala program • Recognition in the invitation and program, all pre-event press releases, on table signage, on thank you display, and on our website for one year • Select wines at table • A table host gift “Champs-Élysées” $20,000 Includes the following: • A preferred table for 10 • Invitation to the Underwriters Reception • Name and/or logo prominently displayed at grand entrance • Full page, black and white advertisement in the gala program • Recognition in the invitation and program, all pre-event press releases, on table signage, on thank you display, and on our website for one year • A table host gift “Notre-Dame de Paris” $15,000 Includes the following: • An exclusive table for 10 • Invitation to the Underwriters Reception • Name and/or logo prominently displayed at grand entrance • Half page, black and white advertisement in the gala program • Recognition in the invitation and program, all pre-event press releases, on table signage, on thank you display, and on our website for one year • A table host gift “Place Vendôme” $10,000 Includes the following: • A table for 10 • Invitation to the Underwriters Reception • Half page, black and white advertisement in the gala program • Recognition in the invitation and program, all pre-event press releases, on table signage, on thank you display, and on our website for one year • A table host gift “Opéra Garnier” $5,000 Includes the following: • A table for 10 • Invitation to the Underwriters Reception • Quarter page, black and white advertisement in the gala program • Recognition in the invitation and program, all pre-event press releases, on table signage, on thank you display, and on our website for one year • A table host gift GALA CO-CHAIRS Mariella de Jong Genoveva Jeanneret Florence Shaw Miri Wilkins To volunteer, make a donation to the live/silent auctions, purchase a table, or for more information, go to www. awty.org/gala2016 or contact Lauren Linn, Director of Events, at 713-3285852 or [email protected]. 19