Dear Students and Parents,
Please join me in congratulating this semester’s National Honor Society inductees: Karun Ram, Sanjana Kumar, Prahalad Giridhar, Advika Srinivasan, Ananya Atluri, Choha Kim, Tarun Krishna, Asuka Hayashi, Seojin Park, Seahyun Lee, Nikhil Rachamadugu, Jeongwoo Park, Hyolin Song and Mario Grippay.
On March 27th MathMatters held its Year End Ceremony as a culmination of the fine work they have done this year. Here is a message and link to their end of year video!
Over the course of this year MathMatters has raised money to build math labs at two local schools. We have conducted teaching sessions for more than 60 students and also organized a leadership conference (The Peepul Conference) for local school students. MathMatters hopes to continue on the same path next year, striving to make its work even more impactful for the benefit of the local community. Please enjoy our end of year video!
TV Series - 13 Reasons Why - A Message from Counseling
Reminder - Behavioral Expectations on Campus
You may or may not be aware of the release of a series on Netflix called 13 Reasons Why. The series, which is based on a widely-read young adult novel, revolves around the aftermath of a teenage girl’s suicide. The series is extremely graphic in regards to a variety of issues teens may be facing, including very direct and graphic reference to and enactment of suicide, self-harm and rape.
There is much discussion online about the show and students are talking about it here at AISC; the provocative nature of the show has caused some controversy. While some people believe the show allows for authentic conversations about suicide, others believe the show exposes viewers to harmful suicide messages and imagery. Mental health experts have publicly expressed concern about the possibility that the show may portray suicide as a way of solving problems and conflict and may, in fact, romanticize suicide.
If your son or daughter has watched the series or is to watch the series, it is important that you are not only aware of the graphic nature of the content, but use it as a forum to engage in conversations with your teen about very real issues teens may facing. As you broach these conversations, note that you will want to consider how to:
• support your child in managing his/her emotional responses to the show
• hear and respond to his/her reactions and feelings
Remind them that you are there for them and that there are resources at school through the counseling office (counselors, school psychologist) who are available to answer questions, to listen and to help them get the support they may need with any issue they are facing.
Resources regarding talking about the series include:
Reminder - Behavioral Expectations on Campus
As you know, once an AP or IB exam has finished the related course has concluded for the year. With more and more AP and IB exams completed, upperclassmen are finding themselves with more and more unstructured time. Please note that students with additional free blocks are expected to conduct themselves appropriately on campus. This means that socializing should be limited to the HS Commons and iHub leaving the HS CIC and Media Rooms available for quiet study. More and more our library staff is having to redirect in appropriate behavior in the CIC. Please help us by using all shared spaces respectfully.
Please take note that students who cannot conduct themselves appropriately will be sent to the High School Office. Parents will be informed and free time will be revoked by assigning the student to spend all free blocks in the office. Further, students found not to be using their “AP/IB study leave” wisely will lose the privilege and will be expected to attend class instead of having time off to study.
Final Skyward Progress Update Approaching - Repeat Announcement
Teachers are hard at work marking summative assessments in preparation for our final progress update of the year. Up to date marks will be available as of 4:00 pm on Friday, May 12th. As always, please direct initial inquiries to your son/daughter and, then, follow up with teachers directly as needed.
Screening of the documentary “Screenagers” - Repeat Announcement
On Tuesday the 16th of May from 3:45pm to 5:30pm we will be hosting a screening and brief discussion on the documentary film Screenagers. The film explores how screen time impacts kids’ development and offers solutions on how adults can empower kids to best navigate the digital world and find balance. Parents who have seen the film have said they now feel more confident and better equipped to establish balance around screen time.
We are inviting parents and their children (recommended age 10 and up) to attend this event which we are providing for free in the FAC Theater. The film will be viewed with Korean subtitles.
Sincerely,
Joelle Basnight
High School Principal
