News from our Secondary Principal, Katherine Banner
As we come to the close of the 2016-17 school year I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for a wonderful first year as Secondary Principal of GAA. I can happily report that landing at GAA has been a wonderful next step in my career as an educator. As a young school there are so many opportunities to stretch and grow on our continued path to excellence.
Next year our theme for the Secondary Division will be Excellence Through Collective Responsibility. This theme will pervade everything we do next year. It is important for you, as parents, because we need you as our partner and an integral piece of the collective responsibility we all have to ensure our kids are safe, well-educated and nurtured each and every day.
I have spent much of the year laying groundwork for the new year ahead. As you may be aware, we have had several parent sessions previewing the positive changes that will go into place beginning in September 2017. These presentations may be found below and I invite you to view at your convenience.
I hope that each of you will take this precious summer time to enjoy friends and family and reflect on your child’s school year. I look forward to everyone’s return in September and a start to an amazing new school year. Have a fantastic summer!
Regards,
Katherine Banner
Next year our theme for the Secondary Division will be Excellence Through Collective Responsibility. This theme will pervade everything we do next year. It is important for you, as parents, because we need you as our partner and an integral piece of the collective responsibility we all have to ensure our kids are safe, well-educated and nurtured each and every day.
I have spent much of the year laying groundwork for the new year ahead. As you may be aware, we have had several parent sessions previewing the positive changes that will go into place beginning in September 2017. These presentations may be found below and I invite you to view at your convenience.
I hope that each of you will take this precious summer time to enjoy friends and family and reflect on your child’s school year. I look forward to everyone’s return in September and a start to an amazing new school year. Have a fantastic summer!
Regards,
Katherine Banner
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Uniform Shoe Policy
In preparation for the 2017-2018 school year, we would like to remind parents and students that our uniform policy specifies that shoe must be ALL black. Shoes with white or colored soles and/or logos and designs are NOT permitted. Please ensure that your child’s shoes meet expectations to avoid complications and consequences in the fall.
Important Dates for Back to School:
September 7 New Student Orientation
September 10 First Day of School for Students (Soft Start for Grade 6- watch for information)
September 20 MS/HS Back to School Night
November 15-16 Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences
In preparation for the 2017-2018 school year, we would like to remind parents and students that our uniform policy specifies that shoe must be ALL black. Shoes with white or colored soles and/or logos and designs are NOT permitted. Please ensure that your child’s shoes meet expectations to avoid complications and consequences in the fall.
Important Dates for Back to School:
September 7 New Student Orientation
September 10 First Day of School for Students (Soft Start for Grade 6- watch for information)
September 20 MS/HS Back to School Night
November 15-16 Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences
SUMMER RECOMMENDATIONS FROM ENGLISH AND MATH AT GAA
Dear Students and Parents,
Please note that all High School students (Grades 9 to 12 for 2017/2018) are required to own and bring a graphing calculator to every mathematics class. The TI- Nspire (non-CAS) is highly recommended for the students to purchase over the summer.
There is a local vendor for Texas Instruments, based out of Dubai that the school is in contact with. They will be at school selling the TI-Nspires on September 12th and 13th, 2017 from 12pm to 3pm, in the main lobby, at the price of 620 AED.
All grade 7 and 8 students are required to own and bring a basic scientific calculator to every mathematics class. They will use them for specific topics as directed by the teacher.
**Note: If a rising grade 11 or 12 student already owns a different graphing calculator (TI-84 or Casio), they may continue using the calculator that they already own.
Recommended for Middle and High School students: The Mathematics department suggests that the students review concepts and skills over the summer – just like sports and music, our talents and abilities are at their best with regular practice. Please follow the below link.
MATH summer Packets.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B-hlFOX28dVzS1VYMTVKdXp0LUk?usp=sharing
If you have any further queries please do not hesitate to contact the Curriculum Coordinator at [email protected] or the Math Department Coordinator Ms. Sami at [email protected].
Regards,
Ms. Farah Sami
Secondary Math Coordinator
Student Supply List: for Math
Summer reading—it’s important! Research shows that kids who read four or more books over the summer are better prepared for the coming school year and do not go down the ‘summer slide’—the loss of reading and learning skills during the summer break. Reading over the summer months really does make a difference to your child’s learning.
The GAA English Department is providing a suggested list of novels per grade level as well as “Summer Reading at New York Public Libraries” suggested titles grouped by middle school and high school. These titles are mere suggestions. Summer reading, though not mandatory, is strongly encouraged.
Here are five easy ways you can help your child reduce summer reading loss:
Make reading important.
Be a role-model for reading. Let your child see you reading throughout the day and use daily routines as reading opportunities. Cooking,reading TV listings, looking for information on- line, reading directions, or following a map all provide authentic reading experiences.
Give your child the power of choice.
Having reading materials available is key to helping kids love to read, and the reading materials kids choose themselves are best. In fact, 92% of children and teens say they are more motivated to read and are more likely to finish a book they have picked out. Help your child find texts that appeal to his or her interests, yet are age appropriate and ‘just right’ in difficulty.
Set aside time to read every day.
We know that the more kids read, the better they become at reading and the more they will enjoy reading. During the summer, encourage your child to read for at least 20 minutes per day. Make reading ‘down-time’—an opportunity for family members to read together, either aloud or quietly to themselves. Keep track of progress by recording book titles, pages read, and minutes spent.
Talk it up.Talking about books during and after reading helps improve comprehension. Encourage kids to share their ideas and opinions by asking open-ended questions. Talk about what you read to let them know that reading is an important part of your life. Tell them why you liked a book, what you learned from it, or how it helped you— soon they might start doing the same.
Be part of a reading challenge.Most local libraries have summer reading programs that help engage and motivate readers. Kids set a goal, track books they read, and receive incentives for achieving goals. Summer programs also promote reading club opportunities where children can discuss and share books with others, either on-line or in person. You can even create your own family reading challenge.
Have a great summer, and happy reading!
Ms. Catherine Sciolis
Secondary English Coordinator
Departmental Suggestions by Grade Level
Entering Grade 6
Watson’s Go to Birmingham
Crispin: The Cross of Lead
Almost Home
The Secret Garden
Julie of the Wolves
Entering Grade 7
Indian in the Cupboard
Lightening Thief
Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry
Call of the Wild
Treasure Island A Wrinkle in Time
Entering Grade 8
Tom Sawyer
The Hobbit
Farewell to Manzanar
The Westing Game
Secret Life of Bees
Entering Grade 9
The Fault in Our Stars
Great Expectations
Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie
Entering Grade 10
Frankenstein
Picture of Dorian Gray
Metamorphosis
1984
The Color Purple
Entering Grade 11
Wuthering Heights
Brave New World
Catch 22
The Awakening
The Help
Entering Grade 12
Wuthering Heights
Pride & Prejudice
Band of Brothers
Tuesdays with Morrie
The Last Lecture
http://www.summerreadingnys.org/teens/teens-booklists
Please note that all High School students (Grades 9 to 12 for 2017/2018) are required to own and bring a graphing calculator to every mathematics class. The TI- Nspire (non-CAS) is highly recommended for the students to purchase over the summer.
There is a local vendor for Texas Instruments, based out of Dubai that the school is in contact with. They will be at school selling the TI-Nspires on September 12th and 13th, 2017 from 12pm to 3pm, in the main lobby, at the price of 620 AED.
All grade 7 and 8 students are required to own and bring a basic scientific calculator to every mathematics class. They will use them for specific topics as directed by the teacher.
**Note: If a rising grade 11 or 12 student already owns a different graphing calculator (TI-84 or Casio), they may continue using the calculator that they already own.
Recommended for Middle and High School students: The Mathematics department suggests that the students review concepts and skills over the summer – just like sports and music, our talents and abilities are at their best with regular practice. Please follow the below link.
MATH summer Packets.
- We encourage you to work on this packet throughout the summer rather than doing the entire packet at the start or end of summer.
- The goal is to keep the topics you have learned fresh in your mind. This packet is not to be turned in to the teachers.
- You should complete this packet to the best of your ability and check your answers. The answers are included in the packet.
- It is okay if you cannot solve all of the problems- you should not feel obligated to hire an outside tutor.
- IB Math students entering grade 12 should use Kognity as a review tool.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B-hlFOX28dVzS1VYMTVKdXp0LUk?usp=sharing
If you have any further queries please do not hesitate to contact the Curriculum Coordinator at [email protected] or the Math Department Coordinator Ms. Sami at [email protected].
Regards,
Ms. Farah Sami
Secondary Math Coordinator
Student Supply List: for Math
- Calculator Requirement:
- Grades 7 and 8- Scientific Calculators (Only used for specific units-as directed by the teacher)
- Grades 9-12 Graphing Calculator: TI-Nspire (Non-CAS**) is recommended if a student does not already own one
- Ring Binders (Mandatory for Gr.6)
- Dividers and Paper (Lined and Graph) or Notebook
- Ruler/pens/pencils/eraser
- Geometry Set (with protractor, compass and rulers) (Grades 6-10)
- Laptop BYOD
Summer reading—it’s important! Research shows that kids who read four or more books over the summer are better prepared for the coming school year and do not go down the ‘summer slide’—the loss of reading and learning skills during the summer break. Reading over the summer months really does make a difference to your child’s learning.
The GAA English Department is providing a suggested list of novels per grade level as well as “Summer Reading at New York Public Libraries” suggested titles grouped by middle school and high school. These titles are mere suggestions. Summer reading, though not mandatory, is strongly encouraged.
Here are five easy ways you can help your child reduce summer reading loss:
Make reading important.
Be a role-model for reading. Let your child see you reading throughout the day and use daily routines as reading opportunities. Cooking,reading TV listings, looking for information on- line, reading directions, or following a map all provide authentic reading experiences.
Give your child the power of choice.
Having reading materials available is key to helping kids love to read, and the reading materials kids choose themselves are best. In fact, 92% of children and teens say they are more motivated to read and are more likely to finish a book they have picked out. Help your child find texts that appeal to his or her interests, yet are age appropriate and ‘just right’ in difficulty.
Set aside time to read every day.
We know that the more kids read, the better they become at reading and the more they will enjoy reading. During the summer, encourage your child to read for at least 20 minutes per day. Make reading ‘down-time’—an opportunity for family members to read together, either aloud or quietly to themselves. Keep track of progress by recording book titles, pages read, and minutes spent.
Talk it up.Talking about books during and after reading helps improve comprehension. Encourage kids to share their ideas and opinions by asking open-ended questions. Talk about what you read to let them know that reading is an important part of your life. Tell them why you liked a book, what you learned from it, or how it helped you— soon they might start doing the same.
Be part of a reading challenge.Most local libraries have summer reading programs that help engage and motivate readers. Kids set a goal, track books they read, and receive incentives for achieving goals. Summer programs also promote reading club opportunities where children can discuss and share books with others, either on-line or in person. You can even create your own family reading challenge.
Have a great summer, and happy reading!
Ms. Catherine Sciolis
Secondary English Coordinator
Departmental Suggestions by Grade Level
Entering Grade 6
Watson’s Go to Birmingham
Crispin: The Cross of Lead
Almost Home
The Secret Garden
Julie of the Wolves
Entering Grade 7
Indian in the Cupboard
Lightening Thief
Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry
Call of the Wild
Treasure Island A Wrinkle in Time
Entering Grade 8
Tom Sawyer
The Hobbit
Farewell to Manzanar
The Westing Game
Secret Life of Bees
Entering Grade 9
The Fault in Our Stars
Great Expectations
Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie
Entering Grade 10
Frankenstein
Picture of Dorian Gray
Metamorphosis
1984
The Color Purple
Entering Grade 11
Wuthering Heights
Brave New World
Catch 22
The Awakening
The Help
Entering Grade 12
Wuthering Heights
Pride & Prejudice
Band of Brothers
Tuesdays with Morrie
The Last Lecture
http://www.summerreadingnys.org/teens/teens-booklists
2017/2018 Academic year
Dear Parents,
Please see below the supply lists for Middle School and High School, for the 2017/2018 Academic year.
Please see below the supply lists for Middle School and High School, for the 2017/2018 Academic year.
Technology at GAA
We have a responsibility to fully prepare our students for the realities of the university and professional worlds into which they will move after GAA. Technological fluency is as essential as literacy and numeracy, and will support creativity and inquiry-based learning, which are cornerstones of our educational philosophy.
Why is the inclusion of technology important in schools?
We value:
Google Apps for Education
The Google Apps bundle includes document processing, spreadsheets, calendars, mail and unlimited online storage space for documents. The advantages of Google Apps as a group of tools to create documents and to work collaboratively from multiple devices means that students can easily work from desktops, tablets or laptops at home or at school. The introduction of Google Mail means that we have a messaging system that integrates with other online services (Google Apps) which we can manage appropriately for school communications between teachers and students.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Program
Students in Grade 5 have the opportunity to participate in an optional BYOD program. Students in Grade 6 to Grade 12 are required to bring a laptop to school daily. We do not require a specific laptop, nor will GAA sell or distribute laptops. The required equipment can be either Mac or PC; the option is entirely up to each family. Equipment will be registered for Internet access on our system. Students will be expected to follow a clearly articulated Acceptable Use Policy which is in our Student Handbooks.
Microsoft Office
Microsoft Office is available for download for each Gems Student. Here are the directions to download Office.
Secondary School Technology
GEMS Oasis
This is used in Secondary for paying tuition fees, updating contact information and re-enrollment. Gems Oasis can be accessed here.
Plus Portals
This is an online space where students and parents can see schedules, grades, homework, assessment calendars and can communicate with teachers. This is the formal reporting program within our Secondary School. Plus Portals can be accessed here.
Haiku
This is our Learning Management System (LMS). This is where class resources are placed in an effort to add context to the learning. With the help of BYOD, this space allows the learning to be extended outside of the classroom. Students log in through their Google accounts. Parents are sent activation codes from the IT department. Haiku can be accessed here.
Managebac (Diploma Program Only)
Managebac is exclusively for Diploma Program students. This is where students and parents can see their grades, assessment calendar, CAS progress, Extended Essay Progress and communicate with teachers. Managebac can be accessed here.
Here is an overview of our major technology systems that parents will be using in Elementary and Secondary this year. We hope that this can give some clarity as to how these systems fit together. If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected].
GAA Tech Team
We have a responsibility to fully prepare our students for the realities of the university and professional worlds into which they will move after GAA. Technological fluency is as essential as literacy and numeracy, and will support creativity and inquiry-based learning, which are cornerstones of our educational philosophy.
Why is the inclusion of technology important in schools?
We value:
- the development of 21st century learning skills, including experience consuming and producing multimodal content which will be mandatory for success in university study and workplaces of the future;
- increased student engagement;
- flexibility for teachers in addressing different learning styles, including interventions for students with special educational needs and English Language Learners , and extensions for those who benefit from additional challenge;
- provision of a greater range and variety of assessment strategies for teachers;
- promotion of inquiry and critical thinking skills.
Google Apps for Education
The Google Apps bundle includes document processing, spreadsheets, calendars, mail and unlimited online storage space for documents. The advantages of Google Apps as a group of tools to create documents and to work collaboratively from multiple devices means that students can easily work from desktops, tablets or laptops at home or at school. The introduction of Google Mail means that we have a messaging system that integrates with other online services (Google Apps) which we can manage appropriately for school communications between teachers and students.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Program
Students in Grade 5 have the opportunity to participate in an optional BYOD program. Students in Grade 6 to Grade 12 are required to bring a laptop to school daily. We do not require a specific laptop, nor will GAA sell or distribute laptops. The required equipment can be either Mac or PC; the option is entirely up to each family. Equipment will be registered for Internet access on our system. Students will be expected to follow a clearly articulated Acceptable Use Policy which is in our Student Handbooks.
Microsoft Office
Microsoft Office is available for download for each Gems Student. Here are the directions to download Office.
Secondary School Technology
GEMS Oasis
This is used in Secondary for paying tuition fees, updating contact information and re-enrollment. Gems Oasis can be accessed here.
Plus Portals
This is an online space where students and parents can see schedules, grades, homework, assessment calendars and can communicate with teachers. This is the formal reporting program within our Secondary School. Plus Portals can be accessed here.
Haiku
This is our Learning Management System (LMS). This is where class resources are placed in an effort to add context to the learning. With the help of BYOD, this space allows the learning to be extended outside of the classroom. Students log in through their Google accounts. Parents are sent activation codes from the IT department. Haiku can be accessed here.
Managebac (Diploma Program Only)
Managebac is exclusively for Diploma Program students. This is where students and parents can see their grades, assessment calendar, CAS progress, Extended Essay Progress and communicate with teachers. Managebac can be accessed here.
Here is an overview of our major technology systems that parents will be using in Elementary and Secondary this year. We hope that this can give some clarity as to how these systems fit together. If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected].
GAA Tech Team
Recently we hosted two parent information sessions where we shared some of the new things we are implementing at GAA for our middle school and high school students. We have some exciting changes in curriculum that we believe will better prepare our students not only for the rigors of the IB programme but as a foundation for life beyond high school.
If you were unable to attend these sessions please find the link to the presentations below.
If you were unable to attend these sessions please find the link to the presentations below.
preview_of_middle_school_for_2017-2018_.pdf | |
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_preview_of_hs_for_2017-2018_.pdf | |
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