News from Head of School - Kathy Miner
Dear GAA Parents,
Accreditation Update on Teaching & Learning
GEMS American Academy (GAA) was accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) in 2013. These are our two accrediting associations- one international and one in the United States that provide the standards of excellence by which we are able to judge our practices and programs.
Every few years, these accrediting associations require that we engage in a reflective process in which we review our practices against the CIS and NEASC standards and mark our progress and accomplishments, in order to produce a Report on Progress and Planning. This process helps us to monitor ourselves as well as to compare ourselves against a set of external standards. These are the same standards used by many other international schools that are associated with the Council of International Schools and the same set of standards used by many private schools in the New England area of the United States (NEASC).
This process is not connected to the regulations and expectations of our local regulatory council, the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC).
In the accreditation visit in 2013, accreditation team members from CIS and NEASC noted the strengths of GEMS American Academy, the quality of teachers at GAA; the warm and welcoming community spirit; the amazing facility and resources and the contemporary American style approach to teaching and learning; technology integration within a holistic approach to education. This holistic American style approach refers to a balance of academics with athletics, the arts, activities, and character education curriculum.
In our report to CIS and NEASC, we have outlined the following strength areas in which growth and development are evident at GEMS American Academy can be highlighted as follows.
Significant improvement in:
Based on the CIS and NEASC Standards, we have reported that we will continue to develop in the following areas:
Our School Development Priorities, written earlier in the year, were based on the ADEC Inspection Report of 2014 but also speak to the CIS and NEASC Standards outlining best practice in international and private schools in the United States.
School Development Plan Priorities:
Have a good weekend
Dr. Kathy Miner
Accreditation Update on Teaching & Learning
GEMS American Academy (GAA) was accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) in 2013. These are our two accrediting associations- one international and one in the United States that provide the standards of excellence by which we are able to judge our practices and programs.
Every few years, these accrediting associations require that we engage in a reflective process in which we review our practices against the CIS and NEASC standards and mark our progress and accomplishments, in order to produce a Report on Progress and Planning. This process helps us to monitor ourselves as well as to compare ourselves against a set of external standards. These are the same standards used by many other international schools that are associated with the Council of International Schools and the same set of standards used by many private schools in the New England area of the United States (NEASC).
This process is not connected to the regulations and expectations of our local regulatory council, the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC).
In the accreditation visit in 2013, accreditation team members from CIS and NEASC noted the strengths of GEMS American Academy, the quality of teachers at GAA; the warm and welcoming community spirit; the amazing facility and resources and the contemporary American style approach to teaching and learning; technology integration within a holistic approach to education. This holistic American style approach refers to a balance of academics with athletics, the arts, activities, and character education curriculum.
In our report to CIS and NEASC, we have outlined the following strength areas in which growth and development are evident at GEMS American Academy can be highlighted as follows.
Significant improvement in:
- Organization health, management and leadership
- Use of the GAA School Mission and GEMS Core Values as the framework for the development of programs and practices.
- Adherence to GEMS Human Resources Policy and improved practices as per written policy.
- The progress made in the development of the PYP Program and PD Program.
- The depth of curriculum development, consistency and improved instructional practice.
- The Enhancement of instruction with the use of technology.
- Completion of a GEMS Abu Dhabi Admissions Policy was written and approved by the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) this year.
- Significant professional development opportunities offered to teachers, the development of a professional goal setting process and evaluation system, monthly professional development for teachers time built into the schedule.
- The development of a common K-12 classroom observation protocol based on the Charlotte Danielson Model, as well as frequent and documented teacher observations throughout the year.
- Improvements to services for students, such as more ELL and Learning Support teachers and teaching assistants, and other personnel to meet the needs of students.
- More opportunities for students to engage in leadership opportunities, such as student council participation in both Elementary and Secondary School divisions in addition to other clubs and activities, such as: Key Club, Model United Nations, etc.
- In collaboration with GEMS, we completed a study of facility use and function. Through the budget process, requested over 6,000,000 AED in facility improvements, repairs and modification to areas to improve access for student use.
Based on the CIS and NEASC Standards, we have reported that we will continue to develop in the following areas:
- Teaching and Learning – Continued professional development for teachers is needed for more consistency of the PYP and DP programs, specifically in instructional strategies for differentiation to meet the need of all learners, including the continued development of Student Support Services- Learning Support and ELL.
- Curriculum and Assessment – Continued work in developing a fully articulated and aligned written curriculum, as evidenced on the online Atlas Rubicon system to include strategies and accommodations for learners with special and language development needs.
- Internationalism- Although much work has been done in the area of School Culture and multiculturalism across the school, more work can be done in terms of integrating themes of internationalism into the written curriculum.
- Technology Policy- Much work has been completed in the area of ICT policy and practice, however the program has developed quickly to meet the growing student and teacher population, more work is needed in writing policy and practice manuals to catch up with growth and changes.
Our School Development Priorities, written earlier in the year, were based on the ADEC Inspection Report of 2014 but also speak to the CIS and NEASC Standards outlining best practice in international and private schools in the United States.
School Development Plan Priorities:
- Improved teaching and learning through the development of a comprehensive and aligned K-12 written curriculum.
- Improved teaching and learning through continuous professional learning. This includes Arabic language instruction.
- Infuse the GAA Mission and the GEMS Core Values into GAA’s school culture, thereby providing for a safe, healthy and nurturing learning environment for all students by fostering a Culture of Kindness through character education and teaching expected behaviors.
- Improved student learning through comprehensive student support services: ELL, Learning Support and Counseling.
- Improved student learning through use of effective digital-age systems and teaching practice.
Have a good weekend
Dr. Kathy Miner
The Launcher:
Last year GAA organised our school links to create a start page for parents and students - we called it “The Launcher” Recently, we reconstructed The Launcher to have the simple web address of tiny.cc/thelauncher
(read: tiny dot C C slash "the launcher")
The Launcher directs parents to some basic information like:
...and provides links to:
We provide The Launcher to assist parents and students to find all the links to our online resources. Visit it now: tiny.cc/thelauncher
Last year GAA organised our school links to create a start page for parents and students - we called it “The Launcher” Recently, we reconstructed The Launcher to have the simple web address of tiny.cc/thelauncher
(read: tiny dot C C slash "the launcher")
The Launcher directs parents to some basic information like:
- Teacher email contacts
- Curriculum overviews
- Secondary BYOD information
- Student/Community handbook
- All school and division calendars
- PlusPortals information
- Class sites (elementary homerooms/grade sites)
- Specialist sites
...and provides links to:
- The GAAzette newsletter
- GAA school website
- The GLG (GEMS Learning Gateway)
- Varkey Foundation
We provide The Launcher to assist parents and students to find all the links to our online resources. Visit it now: tiny.cc/thelauncher
Parent Coffee
Please join us for a Parent coffee session on Monday March 23rd at 8:30 am in the GAAPA room.
Followed by a presentation on the Launcher at 9:30 am. GAA's Go-To website.
For more details, please see below
Please join us for a Parent coffee session on Monday March 23rd at 8:30 am in the GAAPA room.
Followed by a presentation on the Launcher at 9:30 am. GAA's Go-To website.
For more details, please see below
GAA Community News
What is Ramadan?
For over one billion people throughout the world, Ramadan is a very special time of the year. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and during this month, people of the Muslim faith fast from dawn to dusk every day.
When does Ramadan begin?
Muslims follow the Islamic lunar calendar, which is about eleven days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. The beginning of the Islamic lunar months depends on the actual sighting of the new moon. Thus Ramadan begins on a different day each year and moves forward.
Are Non-Muslims required to follow Ramadan practices?
Islam is a tolerant religion and respects people of all cultures, races and religions. Non-Muslims are in no way forced to follow Islamic traditions during the month of Ramadan. Non-Muslims are asked to refrain from consuming food, drinks, chewing gum and smoking in public during the fasting hours of the day (dawn to dusk).
May non-Muslims to experience Ramadan traditions?
Ramadan is a time when friends and families come together and community ties are strengthened. There are a myriad of options available to residents and visitors. Muslims welcome guests of all religions and cultures and encourage them to learn more about Islam. For this reason, hotels have special Iftar (break of fast) gatherings and dinners at various restaurants available for guests and the general public. They feature special Ramadan tents, which open after the break of fast at sundown. Persian carpets, large pillows and cushions are placed on the floor for guests to experience true Arabian hospitality. Traditional Arabic food and drink are enjoyed as well as music and hospitality.
Can I eat and drink during the day in Ramadan and where can I get food and drink?
It is illegal for everyone to eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours during the Ramadan time, even travelling in a bus or car. Supermarkets and service stations are open with food and drink available for purchase but no one is to consume in the place of purchase, in public, or in your car during the day.
Most international hotels, and restaurants within hotels, are open during the day for non-Muslims. Restaurants will have separate sections open or keep curtains or blinds closed as a sign of respect to Muslim passers-by. It is quite acceptable for small children to eat/drink in public during daylight, as their needs must be met.
What about dress code?
Non-Muslims are advised to wear conservative clothing during the month of Ramadan as a sign of respect.
Are there any changes in working/business hours?
According to the Labor laws, all companies are obliged to shorten the working day by two hours in Ramadan time in UAE. Many businesses, schools and shops change their hours slightly. The city tends to be very quiet during the day and night-time activity increases during Ramadan in Abu Dhabi.
Schools will have a shortened day. The GAA Ramadan daily schedule will be sent to all parents after the spring break.
Is everything closed during the day?
No, not everything is closed during Ramadan. Opening and closing hours do change during the month as opposed to the other days of the year for offices and shops but they are usually open as normal with a short break of approximately half an hour to an hour after breaking fast and remain open until as late as midnight. Parks and other public places open after the breaking of fast and remain open until late at night.
Ramadan will start on Thursday June 18th and will continue for 30 days until Friday July 17th.
For over one billion people throughout the world, Ramadan is a very special time of the year. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and during this month, people of the Muslim faith fast from dawn to dusk every day.
When does Ramadan begin?
Muslims follow the Islamic lunar calendar, which is about eleven days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. The beginning of the Islamic lunar months depends on the actual sighting of the new moon. Thus Ramadan begins on a different day each year and moves forward.
Are Non-Muslims required to follow Ramadan practices?
Islam is a tolerant religion and respects people of all cultures, races and religions. Non-Muslims are in no way forced to follow Islamic traditions during the month of Ramadan. Non-Muslims are asked to refrain from consuming food, drinks, chewing gum and smoking in public during the fasting hours of the day (dawn to dusk).
May non-Muslims to experience Ramadan traditions?
Ramadan is a time when friends and families come together and community ties are strengthened. There are a myriad of options available to residents and visitors. Muslims welcome guests of all religions and cultures and encourage them to learn more about Islam. For this reason, hotels have special Iftar (break of fast) gatherings and dinners at various restaurants available for guests and the general public. They feature special Ramadan tents, which open after the break of fast at sundown. Persian carpets, large pillows and cushions are placed on the floor for guests to experience true Arabian hospitality. Traditional Arabic food and drink are enjoyed as well as music and hospitality.
Can I eat and drink during the day in Ramadan and where can I get food and drink?
It is illegal for everyone to eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours during the Ramadan time, even travelling in a bus or car. Supermarkets and service stations are open with food and drink available for purchase but no one is to consume in the place of purchase, in public, or in your car during the day.
Most international hotels, and restaurants within hotels, are open during the day for non-Muslims. Restaurants will have separate sections open or keep curtains or blinds closed as a sign of respect to Muslim passers-by. It is quite acceptable for small children to eat/drink in public during daylight, as their needs must be met.
What about dress code?
Non-Muslims are advised to wear conservative clothing during the month of Ramadan as a sign of respect.
Are there any changes in working/business hours?
According to the Labor laws, all companies are obliged to shorten the working day by two hours in Ramadan time in UAE. Many businesses, schools and shops change their hours slightly. The city tends to be very quiet during the day and night-time activity increases during Ramadan in Abu Dhabi.
Schools will have a shortened day. The GAA Ramadan daily schedule will be sent to all parents after the spring break.
Is everything closed during the day?
No, not everything is closed during Ramadan. Opening and closing hours do change during the month as opposed to the other days of the year for offices and shops but they are usually open as normal with a short break of approximately half an hour to an hour after breaking fast and remain open until as late as midnight. Parks and other public places open after the breaking of fast and remain open until late at night.
Ramadan will start on Thursday June 18th and will continue for 30 days until Friday July 17th.
Parent coffee and information series
In order to connect with the parent community on various topics, we will be hosting a parent coffee and information series. Here are the dates and topics we'll be hosting over the next month:
March 23rd 7pm-9pm 'Secondary School Parent Information Night'
*Parents will hear information critical to understanding the Secondary School schedule, course options, college counselling services, the IB program, curriculum, student support services and technology.
Open to all Secondary School Parents, Grades 6-12
March 24th 1pm 'Be prepared for Grade 9'
*Parents will enjoy the opportunity to meet members of the Grade 9 team. This will provide an insight to the first year of High school and outline what both parents and students can expect from this important step.
March 23rd 7pm-9pm 'Secondary School Parent Information Night'
*Parents will hear information critical to understanding the Secondary School schedule, course options, college counselling services, the IB program, curriculum, student support services and technology.
Open to all Secondary School Parents, Grades 6-12
March 24th 1pm 'Be prepared for Grade 9'
*Parents will enjoy the opportunity to meet members of the Grade 9 team. This will provide an insight to the first year of High school and outline what both parents and students can expect from this important step.
Best Guess Calendar Dates for Families 2015-2016
The 2015-2016 school calendar has not yet been released by the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC). We hope to receive the calendar information sometime in April. We realize that many of our families are anxiously awaiting information that will help in making family plans for the summer and fall. We do not yet know whether the winter break 2015 will be two or three weeks long.
In the meantime, however, we have identified some “best guess” dates as listed below. These dates are based on past experience and could change. Please, when making summer travel plans, we urge you to keep your plans and tickets flexible until we have solid dates to share with you.
Best Guess Dates for Fall, 2015:
August 23
Teacher start date
August 27
New student orientation
August 30
Start of school
September 1 & 2
Start for KG
Back to School Night
September 14 – KG/Elementary
September 16- Secondary
September 22
Mount Arafat Day
September 23 & 24
Eid Al Adha
Classes resume on September 27
October 15
Islamic New Year
The 2015-2016 school calendar has not yet been released by the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC). We hope to receive the calendar information sometime in April. We realize that many of our families are anxiously awaiting information that will help in making family plans for the summer and fall. We do not yet know whether the winter break 2015 will be two or three weeks long.
In the meantime, however, we have identified some “best guess” dates as listed below. These dates are based on past experience and could change. Please, when making summer travel plans, we urge you to keep your plans and tickets flexible until we have solid dates to share with you.
Best Guess Dates for Fall, 2015:
August 23
Teacher start date
August 27
New student orientation
August 30
Start of school
September 1 & 2
Start for KG
Back to School Night
September 14 – KG/Elementary
September 16- Secondary
September 22
Mount Arafat Day
September 23 & 24
Eid Al Adha
Classes resume on September 27
October 15
Islamic New Year
Basket Bonanza
Basket Bonanza tickets are now on sale and available for purchase in the lobby from 2:30-3:15 everyday until Wed March 25th. We will be raffling the baskets off after school on Wed (not Thursday due to Spring Break) outside on the field. You do not have to be present to win just please keep your half of the ticket and write your name and cell number or homeroom number on the back of the ticket that goes into the basket. All baskets that are not collected will be stored in the GAAPA room and available for collection after spring break.
Ticket Prices:
5 Dirhams = 1 ticket
20 Dirhams = 5 tickets
50 Dirhams = 12 tickets
100 Dirhams = 25 tickets
Thank You,
GAAPA
Ticket Prices:
5 Dirhams = 1 ticket
20 Dirhams = 5 tickets
50 Dirhams = 12 tickets
100 Dirhams = 25 tickets
Thank You,
GAAPA
Bus Driver Appreciation week Celebrations
From all of us at GAA, Thank you!
From all of us at GAA, Thank you!