Dear Students and Parents,
HS Returns to Campus!
AISC HS welcomed 108 students back to campus for our phased return to campus.
All students returned to campus for a day of Raptor Safe health and safety orientation, a tour and connection time in the Unity Courtyard. Our Raptor Agents supported new students throughout the day, and with the Advancement team, sponsored activities in the Unity Courtyard.
We focused on our Big Five: Masking, Social Distancing, Sanitizing, Ventilation and Supporting Safe Behavior. Students spent their days in virtual classes in Madras Hall, the CIC, the iHub, HS Commons, Rec Gym and our courtyard. Students attended synch and asynch classes from these spaces and connected with classmates and got to say hi to many teachers at break and at lunch. It was great to see new and returning students and to look forward to hybrid classes next week.
On Wednesday, 11th graders returned to campus!
On Thursday, 10th graders returned to campus!
On Friday our 9th graders and our 12th grade seniors returned to campus!
9th graders
12th grade seniors
Students who have not yet had Raptor Safe Orientation:
Requirements and Next Raptor Safe Orientations
The next Raptor Safe Orientations are:
For Mango students of all grade levels: Tuesday, September 14th, 8:00 am
For Blue students of all grade levels: Thursday, September 16th, 8:00 am
We are not holding Raptor Safe Orientations next week, Sept 6-10, so that we can focus on a safe and efficient arrival process and firm our health and safety processes. We will welcome back students the following week.
Mr. Ryan McFarland, our Director of Student Life, has prepared information for HS students to return to campus. This information is fully laid out here.
Forms to complete:
Health/Medical form for all HS students
HS Student Handbook signature page for all HS students and parents
Return to Campus Permission form for all HS students intending to attend school in- person
Uploaded recent Covide negative test result. Panbio Rapid Antigen test instructions and upload process described in the document linked above
Repeat Announcment: Hybrid Schedules for Sept 6-10, Sept 13-18 and Sept 20-24
Please note that in full 5-day weeks, there is a virtual day (all students virtual from home).
Repeat Announcement: Staggered Arrival and Departure Times for HS Students in Hybrid
In order to safely and efficiently manage student drop-off/arrival and pick-up/departure, we are continuing our staggered arrival and departure process.
Please make sure to arrive at the school during your 10-minute arrival time and approach the school gates for pickup at the scheduled staggered departure time for your student’s grade level.
If you have more than one student attending school, please use the older student’s grade level arrival and departure times.
Stay tuned: We are prepared to respond to any changes to our context as we receive additional SOPs and to continue to prepare for students to return to campus and begin hybrid learning in September.
Update: Yearbook Photo deadline extended
IMPORTANT: Submitting Student Yearbook Portraits
[EXTENDED!] Last day to submit: FRIDAY, September 10, 2021
We are extending submissions for Yearbook Portraits until Friday, September 10. You can read the instructions and upload the photo by visiting this website. A big “Thank You” to all those who submitted your portraits already!
At-A-Glance Details
Please read the instructions carefully.
You can use the back camera of a mobile phone to take your child’s photo. Make sure you use a plain background with no pictures or decor.
You can also consider taking your photo professionally at a studio if you have access to one in your area; make sure to request for a grey background.
IMPORTANT! Please rename your child’s photo accordingly. We will not be able to accept submissions if you do not rename the photo.
Grade_First Name_Last Name
e.g. 11_Harry_PotterNOTE FOR SENIORS: Please wear black and white formal clothes.
Last Day to Submit: Friday, September 10, 11:59 p.m. IST
Thank you for your support! Please write to media@aischennai.org if you have any questions.
Repeat Announcement: Progress Update Friday, September 3rd
The first progress update of the semester is today, September 3. Teachers have updated all formal formative and any summative assessments in the Schoology gradebook. Note that in many classes, the first summative will be in the next few weeks. Summatives will be graded and shared within one week of completion, with longer time for extended projects and research papers.
Repeat Announcement: Reminder about absences and pre-arranged absences
If your child is absent from a class, we ask that you call the HS office or email ahead of time. For example, if your child is unexpectedly unwell, please call the HS office to report that they will not be attending a class or classes that day. Please do this whether we are in virtual, hybrid or fully in-person. If your child is not present in a class without you having notified us of their absence, we begin a safety process to ascertain your child’s wellbeing and whereabouts.
If you know in advance that your child will miss a class or a day or more of school, your child is required to complete a Pre-Arranged Absence form (aka Blue Form). This process allows your child and their teachers to plan ahead for the absence, and identify what should be completed before, during and after the pre-planned absence. This completed form is signed by a parent and the principal. This document functions as a contract, clearly laying out the path to support your child’s learning.
Repeat Announcement: UN International Day of Peace
SAVE THE DATE: UN International Day of Peace Virtual Assembly and Parade of Nations (Friday, September 17)
This year’s theme for the UN International Day of Peace is "Recovering Better for a Sustainable and Equitable World." With student speakers and participants from Elementary to High School, we are excited to continue bringing annual traditions to you virtually. Stay tuned for more details on how you can join us on Friday, September 17, 2:45 p.m.
PCA International Community Celebrations: September 17 Onwards
One of the highlights of the AISC annual calendar is the PCA International Day Picnic. In partnership with the PCA and the many Country Coordinators that represent our diverse community, International Day is a true celebration of AISC’s cultural identity.
This year, as we continue to bring you shared virtual experiences, the PCA and Advancement will be launching an International Community Celebration webpage, complete with country-specific activities and pre-recorded content for you to celebrate our internationalism. More details to come!
Repeat Announcement: School Bus Transportation
As AISC is getting ready to welcome HS students on campus, we are also ready to roll out the Bus Program from Monday, September 6, for both pick-up and drop-off services.
AISC has protocols in place for school-operated buses in order to ensure the health and safety of students taking our buses.
If you are interested in this service for your child(ren), please send an email to our Transport Supervisor (transportsupervisor@aischennai.org), to learn about the cost, routes, timing and the health-safety protocols.
Repeat Announcement: Family Use of the AISC Libraries
AISC families are now able to request books every week from our libraries using this Google form. Books can be ordered through the form from Friday until Monday at 3:30pm and can be picked up curbside at the ES entrance on Wednesdays between 8:30am - 4:00pm. Bags with the child's name clearly marked on the front will be located inside the white cubbies. Patrons are invited to take the bag that belongs to them without touching any other materials.
In addition, a book drop is positioned curbside at the ES entrance, as well as the main entrance, for returned books. We encourage families to return the books after two weeks, although if a specific title is needed for a longer period, please contact Babs to implement an extension.
Library staff will practice all health and safety protocols while gathering your books. Upon return, books and the canvas bags that are distributed will be sanitized.
We encourage families to check the ES library catalog or the HS library catalog before requesting specific titles to ensure that they are available. Please let Babs know on bbarbara@aischennai.org know if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Mike Malone
High School Principal
