Dear Students and Parents,

This week we hosted our first Parent Advisory Forum (link to our presentation). Thank you to all those who were able to attend; we hope the discussions proved helpful! These meetings not only provide us with opportunities to share information about our Middle School programs and initiatives but also allows us to gather your feedback, listen to (and hopefully address) questions that may arise, as well as build relationships within our community. If you couldn’t make this one, we hope to see you at our next! In the meantime, if you have a ‘burning question’ you’d like us to address, please take a moment to complete this form so we can discuss it during our next meeting.

This upcoming Sunday and Monday, we’ll also be starting our MAP testing in the areas of reading and mathematics. These computerized tests are adaptive in nature, meaning that as students answer a question correctly, the next question becomes more difficult. If they answer a question incorrectly, the following question is easier. Upon completion of these tests, students will receive a breakdown of their performance, based upon the level of difficulty for the correctly answered questions (these are called RIT scores). As a school, we use these results to help us identify learning trends and to better meet the learning needs of our students. Please find below a handy guide to better understanding MAP testing:

• A parent’s Guide to MAP (English version) (Arabic version).

As mentioned in previous communications, students will take both tests on the same day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Please note that on these days, students will NOT have synchronous classes while at home.

Testing dates are as follows:

• Sun, Sep 26: Group B students (only)

• Mon, Sep 27: Group A students (only)

Haas Hansen Award & Application

The award recognizes Middle School students (Grades 6-8) at NESA member schools who model the character traits we value most in our students: consistency, persistence, a willingness to take risks, acceptance of other cultures/points of view and a genuine interest in and commitment to the welfare of others. The award is not meant to recognize academic, athletic or artistic talent or achievement, though applicants may excel in any or all of these areas. Four awards of $1000 USD are awarded to four deserving students. Over the years, ASD has had many students apply, and on a number of occasions, we have had students receive awards of recognition. We hope to continue this tradition!

Please see your grade-level counselor if decide to apply so that they can guide you through the process. APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE THROUGH THE LINK BELOW:

· Haas Hansen Application