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1 Back-To-School Developing Compassionate, Inquisitive Learners Prepared for Global Responsibility Fall 2010 2 ASIJ Transportation 4 ELC News 6 Elementary School 9 Middle School 12 High School 15 The Harris Library Information Media Center and Friends of the Library 16 Center for School- Community Partnership 17 Health Center 18 ELC PTA Chofu PTA 19 PTA Sponsored Events 20 Booster Club and Friends of the Fine Arts (FOFA) 22 ASIJ Board of Directors 23 Student Learning Outcomes 24 Quick Contacts Flying High at ASIJ Welcome to Tokyo and The American School in Japan! Greetings to those who are new to our school and this wonderful city, and happy returns to those of you who are returning home to ASIJ. If you are new, like me, you have probably spent a good part of your summer packing, reading about Japan (especially Tokyo), and trying to visualize your life here. And, you have been searching for good guidebooks. Well, for me, after living in five countries over the past 25 years, I know that change and beginnings may be stressful, but they are also exciting and offer tremendous opportunities for growth and learning. So, I found a great guidebook – the ASIJ Strategic Plan. Seriously, this document provides me with insights into the school, gives me advice to help me in my new role as head of school, and sets goals for my learning. While I realize that this is not the guidebook you will find at Barnes & Noble, what it offers is a very personal and intimate snapshot of our new ASIJ home. The ASIJ Mission is to “develop compassionate, inquisitive learners prepared for global responsibilities” this tells us much about the ethos of the school. To be “compassionate” is to care about others, and I believe that the students and teachers at ASIJ genuinely care about each other. But more than that, they also care for others outside the school and believe in service to the greater community. “Inquisitive learners” describes how students learn and how they view the world around them. ASIJ students are curious. They ask questions; they seek answers. Students at ASIJ are not passive learners sitting at desks and waiting for teachers to fill their brains with knowledge. They are active learners who move about a classroom or even outside the classroom, collaborate with others, and engage in a variety of tools to learn and find answers. ASIJ students are seekers. Maybe my favorite two words in the mission statement are “Global Responsibility.” There was a time in education when the sole duty of our schools was to academically prepare students for college or university. We still prepare students academically, but our mandate is now much larger and more compelling. ASIJ, as an international school, recognizes that the world our students will join is a global community, and the decisions that they make, both large and small, will impact others around the globe. To this end, we want our students to understand these delicate, yet extensive bonds, that connect all of us to each other, and to act in a responsible and impactful way. We want our graduates to make a difference, and we want them to have the confidence and the belief that they can make a difference, not only in their lives, but the lives of others. I have been asked many times over the past twelve months about why I am coming to Japan and to ASIJ. It is a fair question, and one that each of us should ask ourselves. For me, the answer is simple: The American School in Japan’s Mission speaks to me as an educator. There is a challenge and an inspiration in this Mission statement that resonates with me. When I think of Japan, I am faced with a dichotomy of images. One picture is of tradition: cherry blossoms, geishas in bright colored kimonos, simple wooden houses, and the iconic image of a snow peaked Mr. Fuji. But there is also the other picture in my head of modernity: bullet trains, high-rise office buildings, creative technologies, and modern designs. It appears, in my mind, that there are two Japans and a constant tension between a revered past and tradition and a fast paced, ultra modern reach for the future. This is a good thing. A kite, no matter how high it flies, is always anchored to the string reel held firmly in your hand. If the kite breaks the string and departs this anchor, the kite loses direction and purpose and is soon lost on fickle winds. The same fragile balance is created between tradition and the future. I suspect this is true at The American School in Japan as well. ASIJ has a long history and a deep tradition of learning and excellence, but its Mission is clearly about a desired future. All of us, both new and old, have the opportunity to continue this quest as the 2010-2011 school year opens in August. I look forward and welcome you to join me in this flight to the skies above. Regards, Ed Ladd, Head of School

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Page 1: ASIJ Back-to-School Newsletter 2010

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Back-To-SchoolDeveloping Compassionate, Inquisitive Learners Prepared for Global Responsibility

Fall 20102 ASIJTransportation

4 ELCNews

6 ElementarySchool9 MiddleSchool12 HighSchool

15 TheHarrisLibrary Information MediaCenterand Friendsofthe Library

16 CenterforSchool- Community Partnership

17 HealthCenter

18 ELCPTA ChofuPTA19 PTASponsored Events

20 BoosterClub andFriendsofthe FineArts(FOFA)

22 ASIJBoard ofDirectors

23 StudentLearning Outcomes

24 QuickContacts

Flying High at ASIJ

WelcometoTokyoandTheAmericanSchoolinJapan!Greetings to those whoarenewtoourschoolandthis wonderful city, andhappy returns to thoseofyouwhoarereturninghome to ASIJ. If you arenew, like me, you haveprobably spent a good

part of your summer packing, reading about Japan(especiallyTokyo),andtryingtovisualizeyourlifehere.And,youhavebeensearchingforgoodguidebooks.

Well,forme,afterlivinginfivecountriesoverthepast25 years, I know that change and beginnings may bestressful,buttheyarealsoexcitingandoffertremendousopportunities for growth and learning. So, I found agreatguidebook–theASIJStrategicPlan.Seriously,thisdocumentprovidesmewithinsightsintotheschool,givesmeadvicetohelpmeinmynewroleasheadofschool,andsetsgoalsformylearning.WhileIrealizethatthisisnottheguidebookyouwillfindatBarnes&Noble,whatitoffersisaverypersonalandintimatesnapshotofournewASIJhome.

The ASIJ Mission is to “develop compassionate,inquisitive learners prepared for global responsibilities”this tells us much about the ethos of the school. To be“compassionate”istocareaboutothers,andIbelievethatthestudentsandteachersatASIJgenuinelycareabouteachother.Butmorethanthat,theyalsocareforothersoutsidetheschoolandbelieveinservicetothegreatercommunity.

“Inquisitive learners”describeshowstudents learnand how they view the world around them. ASIJstudents are curious. They ask questions; they seekanswers.StudentsatASIJarenotpassivelearnerssittingatdesksandwaitingforteacherstofilltheirbrainswithknowledge.Theyareactivelearnerswhomoveaboutaclassroomorevenoutsidetheclassroom,collaboratewithothers,andengageinavarietyoftoolsto learnandfindanswers.ASIJstudentsareseekers.

Maybemyfavoritetwowordsinthemissionstatementare“GlobalResponsibility.”Therewasatimeineducationwhenthesoledutyofourschoolswastoacademicallypreparestudentsforcollegeoruniversity.Westillpreparestudentsacademically,butourmandateisnowmuchlarger

and more compelling. ASIJ, as an international school,recognizesthattheworldourstudentswill joinisaglobalcommunity,andthedecisions that theymake,both largeand small, will impact others around the globe. To thisend,wewantour students tounderstand thesedelicate,yetextensivebonds, thatconnectallofus toeachother,and to act in a responsible and impactfulway.Wewantourgraduatestomakeadifference,andwewantthemtohavetheconfidenceandthebeliefthattheycanmakeadifference,notonlyintheirlives,butthelivesofothers.

Ihavebeenaskedmanytimesover thepast twelvemonthsaboutwhy Iamcoming to Japanand toASIJ.Itisafairquestion,andonethateachofusshouldaskourselves. For me, the answer is simple: The AmericanSchool inJapan’sMissionspeakstomeasaneducator.There is a challenge and an inspiration in this Missionstatementthatresonateswithme.

WhenIthinkofJapan,Iamfacedwithadichotomyofimages.Onepictureisoftradition:cherryblossoms,geishas in bright colored kimonos, simple woodenhouses, and the iconic image of a snow peaked Mr.Fuji. But there is also the other picture in my headof modernity: bullet trains, high-rise office buildings,creativetechnologies,andmoderndesigns.Itappears,inmymind,thattherearetwoJapansandaconstanttensionbetweenareveredpastandtraditionandafastpaced,ultramodernreachforthefuture.

Thisisagoodthing.Akite,nomatterhowhighitflies,isalwaysanchoredtothestringreelheldfirmlyinyourhand.Ifthekitebreaksthestringanddepartsthisanchor,thekitelosesdirectionandpurposeandissoonlostonficklewinds.Thesamefragilebalanceiscreatedbetweentraditionandthefuture.

IsuspectthisistrueatTheAmericanSchoolinJapanaswell.ASIJhasalonghistoryandadeeptraditionoflearningandexcellence,butitsMissionisclearlyaboutadesiredfuture.Allofus,bothnewandold,havetheopportunity to continue thisquestas the2010-2011schoolyearopensinAugust.

I lookforwardandwelcomeyoutojoinmeinthisflighttotheskiesabove.

Regards,EdLadd,HeadofSchool

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Welcome to ASIJ TransportationJanet Witt, DirectorofTransportation

SafetyisourtoppriorityatASIJTransportationandisacommunityteameffort.Theteamincludesbusdrivers,busmonitors,busriders,parents,andadministration,faculty,andstaff.Teammembersmustbe aware of their roles and responsibilities and do their part tosuccessfullycarryoutoursafetypriority.

Listedbelowisusefulinformationforparentsandbusriders.Forfurtherdetails,weaskthatyoureadtheBusHandbook.

Throughouttheyearyoumayhavequestionsaboutaparticularaspect of your child’s transportation experience. Please don’thesitatetocall,email,ordropbymyoffice.Welcomeaboardandhaveagreatyear.

The Role of ParentsParents are an important part of ASIJTransportation.Followingaresomewaysthatwillhelppromoteandmaintainsafety.

•Helpteachyourchildrentheimportanceofgoodbehavioraboardthebus.•Reviewbusriderrules,responsibilities,andpolicieswithyourchildren.• Be sure your children understand theconsequencesforbreakingrules.• Review bus earthquake and emergencyprocedureswithyourentirefamily.• Inform ASIJ if your child has a specificmedicalconcernand/orsuffersfrommotionsickness.• For ES children, provide a bus snack andwaterforthebusridehome.•Ensurethatyourchildrenareatthebusstop5minutespriortopick-uptime.• At the bus stop, remain outside the bus,unlessridingtoASIJ.• Parents should meet their young childrenatthebusstoporformapoolofvolunteers.Pleasehaveaback-upplanifyoucannotbetheretomeetyourchildren.

Communication• From the first bus ride, for ES students,pleasefilloutthebrightyellow“BusContactCard”.Thecompletedcardshouldbeplacedinthefrontpocketofyourchild’sbackpack.Cards will be distributed at new familyorientationandESorientation.•Placepertinent school telephonenumbersin your cell phones or have them readilyavailablewhileyourchildrenareonaschoolbus.• If possible, check MOL if the buses aredelayed.• If your grade 2 child will be riding analternatebusfortheafternoonroute,senda

noteoremailtheteacherorcalltheESoffice,statingthedate,thebusnumberchange,andbusstopchange.(SeeFAQformoredetails).•Ifyoupreferthatyourchildrenridethelatebus together, instruct them to wait for eachother in front of the high school (we have adesignatedplace for siblings towait for eachother)andthenboardthebusatthesametime.• Call Steve Mita if you have a routing question and for any other questions or concerns, call Janet Witt.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What happens if my child misses his or her stop?If a studentaccidentallymisseshis/her stopon the way home, the monitor will workwiththedrivertoreturnthestudenttohis/herstopeitherbythebusafter theroute iscompleted, or by train or taxi accompaniedby the monitor. Using the emergency cellphoneavailableonthebus,themonitorwillalert the parents and/or call the Directorof Transportation if the parents cannot bereached at that time. If parents realize thattheirchildmissedhisorherstop,pleasecalltheDirectorofTransportationifyouhavenotalreadyheardfromthemonitor.

• What happens if my child boards the wrong bus?Once it is realized, the monitor willcommunicate with the parents and/or calltheDirectorofTransportation if theparentscannotbe reached.Wewill continue tocalluntil we do reach you. The bus driver andthemonitorwilldeterminehowtoreturnthechildtotheproperbusand/orgethimhome,accompanied by a bus monitor. If parentsrealize that their child is on thewrongbus,please call the Director of Transportation if

The Role of the Bus RiderDon’tloseyourridingprivilege:Followtherules!

Bus RulesRulesforSafeBoarding•Beat thebus stop5minutespriortopick-uptime. Inthemorning,rideyourassignedbus.•Waitatthedesignatedstopinasafeplacewellbackfromtheroad.•Busbehaviorrulesapplytothebusstop.• Remember to stay away from thedangerzone,whichisanywherecloseenough to touch thebus.Thedrivercannot seeyouwhenyouare in thedangerzone.•Don’tpushorshove.

Rules for Safe School Bus Riding• Take your seat promptly and sitfacing forward. ES students buckle-up.•Keepaisles clear.Holdbags in lap,placeinoverheadrack,oronthefloorbyyourfeet.•Observethesameconductasintheclassroom.• Be courteous. Keep language andactionsappropriate.• Talk quietly. The driver mustconcentratetodrivethebussafely.•Keepthebusclean.•Snacksandbeveragesarepermitted.WateronlyforESandMSstudents.•Alwaysfollowthebusmonitors’andbusdriver’sinstructions.

Rules for Leaving the Bus Safely:• When you leave the bus, movequicklyawayfromthebus.•Ifyoudropsomethingnearthebus,don’t pick it up. Tell the driver ormonitor.• If everyone is getting off the bus,thepeopleinfrontleavefirst.Donotpush.• Be familiar with the rules foremergencies.

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BUS

youhavenotalreadyheardfromthemonitor.

• What should my child do if he or she leaves items on the bus?Each schoolday,after9:30a.m.,yourchildcan locate their lost items, both from theafternoon before and the morning ride, inthe bus-numbered bins just outside the ES.Valuable items, such as band instruments,watches,cellphones,andGameboyscanbefoundinSteveMita’soffice.

• What are the procedures if my child needs to ride an alternate bus in the afternoon?For parents’ and students’ convenience, weallowgrade2-12studentstoridebusesotherthantheirassignedbus intheafternoonstoaccommodateforlessons,playdates,birthdayparties,appointments,etc.Studentsingrades3–12donotneednotesorpriorpermissionfrom ASIJ, however, in order for a grade 2student toboardadifferentbus,aparentalnote is required. (See Communication.)Students in kindergarten and grade 1 mayonlyridetheirassignedafternoonbustotheirassignedbusstopintheafternoon

• What are the procedures for the late buses?Boarding for the late buses takes place infront of the HS. Buses are loaded in gradeorder beginning with kindergarten. ESstudentsmustbeintheirgradelinesby4:50p.m.,MSstudentsintheareaby4:52p.m.,andHSstudentsat5:00p.m.The6:00p.m.latebusisforHSstudentsonly,unlessspecialpermission has been given to an ES or MSstudent.The latebus runsamodified routethrough the downtown area as well as theSetagayaarea.PleaseseetheBusHandbookforfurtherdetails.

School Policy on Peanut/Nut Allergies and Anaphylactic Reactions ASIJ cannot guarantee a peanut/nut freeenvironment either with school preparedand sold food items or with items broughttoschoolbystudentsandparents.ASIJwillhowever, attempt to minimize the use ofpeanuts/nuts in school prepared and solditemsandrequestthatstudentsandparentsnotbringpeanut/nutitemstoschool.

ForASIJbuses,parentsandstudentsarerequested not to carry any peanuts/nuts,peanut butter, or any product with nuts

InformationFor New Families

If youfind thatyouare still living intemporary housing for a few daysat the start of school, we stronglysuggest that you takea taxi toyourassigned bus stop near your newhomeinthemorning.Thiswillenableyour child to settle into their regularbus routine, particularly with seatingassignmentsandthesocialaspectsoftheirmorningbus.

Important Dates

Monday August 30ES Bus Orientation en route to ES OrientationNewand returningESbus riders andtheir parents, especially parents newtoASIJ,areencouragedtoridethebusforthebusorientation.

Tuesday August 31 MS Bus Orientation en route to MS OrientationNew and returning MS bus ridersandtheirparents,especiallynewASIJparents, are encouraged to ride thebus.

September 1-10Parentsarekindlyrequestednottorideanybuses.

September 9Emergency Evacuation Drills for allbusesuponarrivalatASIJ.

September 2-8ES Bus Safety Awareness classroomsessions

Bus Contact Information

Steve Mita

TransportationManagerSchooltel:0422-34-5300ext.350Cell:090-9823-7056Hometel:0423-62-0777Email:<[email protected]>

Janet Witt

DirectorofTransportationSchooltel:0422-34-5300ext.622Cell:090-3331-8653Hometel:0423-60-4844Email:<[email protected]>

or peanuts on a bus. This includes packedlunchesthatgoonbuses.Pleasereadlabelsonpackagedfoodcarefully.

For the full policy, please see the bus ordivisionalhandbooks.

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Early Learning CenterJudy Beneventi, ELCDirector

WelcometotheELCandtothenewschoolyear!Icanpromiseayearofexcitement,fun,learningandgrowthforyourchild,andacommunitythatisanxioustohaveyouasamember.Pleasereadallthemanythingsthatyou’llbereceivingfromtheschooloverthenextfewweeksandfeelfreetocallatanypointshouldyouhavequestions.I’llbebackintheofficefromTuesday,Aug.10andwillbehappytoassistyouinanywaythatIcanasyoustarttheyear.Ilookforwardtoseeingallthereturningfamiliesandtogettingtoknowallofournewfamilies.

I canassureyou thatyourchildrenare inverycapable, caringhands.Wehaveanoutstandingstaff,which is really thestrengthofourschool.

Aswestartthisschoolyear,itisimportanttomethatchannelsofcommunicationareopen.Pleaseshareyourthoughts,askyourquestionsandraiseyourconcernswithme. It is throughourworkingtogetherthatwecanbestserveyourchildren.Youareyourchild’sfirstandprimaryteacher,andyouholdawealthof informationabouthimorher.Youmayhavecomefromaprogramthatwasverydifferentfromours.Differentisnotbetterorworse—itisjustdifferent.Butbecauseofthosedifferences,youmayhavequestionsabouthoworwhywedothings.Pleasebeassuredthattherearegoodreasonsforthethingswedo,andwewantyoutounderstandthem.

Youhavemadeanexcellentchoiceofschoolsforyouryoungchildren.WeareaccreditedbythesamebodythataccreditstheK-12programattheChofucampus,theWesternAssociationofSchoolsandColleges(WASC).Inourfine,accreditedprogram,Ibelievethatyourchildrenwillcometoloveschoolandwillbeconfidentandpreparedfortheirschoolyearsahead.

Start of School ScheduleAll ofour teacherswill be“onduty” fromTuesday,Aug.24,andwillbepreparing towelcome your children on the first day ofschool.

Screening for Three-Year-OldsWearegoingtoholdascreeningforall3-year-olds(allchildrenwhowillbeenrolledinourNursery, 3/4 classes) on Monday, Aug. 30.Youwillbegettingaletterindicatingwhetheryoushouldplantobringyour3-year-oldtothe1p.m.or the2p.m. screening session.The teachers will use this time to observethechildreninplayandtolearnabouttheirlanguagedevelopmentbeforewefinalizeourclass lists for this age group. This time willalsoservetohelpthechildrenbecomemorecomfortable in the classrooms before thestartofschool.

New Parent OrientationOnMonday,Aug.30,therewillbeorientationsessionsscheduledat1p.m.or2p.m.fornewparents. Those with older children at Chofuwillbe scheduled into the2p.m. session,astheymayhavealreadyamorning sessionatChofu. These sessions are for parents only

except in the case of the 3-year-olds. The3-year-oldswillattendtheirscreeningsessionat the same time that parents are receivingtheir orientation. (In the past, many times ithasbeenhelpfultohavebothparentsattendthis day so that one can stay with theirNurserychild,ifnecessary,andtheothercansit inon theparentorientation.)Thepointof the orientation is not to give a detailedintroductiontotheprogramandcurriculum,but rather to share information about theyearwithparticularattentionto thedetailsofgettingstarted.I’llbeansweringquestionsaboutthingssuchasthetransitionschedule,transportation, lunches and what to bringthefirstday.Wewantyoutofeelperfectlycomfortable aboutwhatwill behappeningsothatyourchildrencanfeelcomfortableaswell.They’lltaketheircuefromyou!

Transition ScheduleWestart theyearwitha transitionschedule.Forourtransitionschedule,halfofthechildrencome to school at a time, half one day andhalf thenext.Thatway,yourchildwillhavetheopportunitytohavehisorherorientationtotheELCinamuchsmallergroup,whichwillinsure individual attention in the transition.

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ELC Useful Dates

Monday, Aug. 30NurseryScreening1p.m.and2p.m.NewParentOrientation1p.m.and2p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 31ELCPTAWelcomeLuncheonforTeachers

Wednesday, Sept. 1ELCTransitionScheduleBegins

Thursday, Sept. 9ELCRegularScheduleBeginsELCPTABoardMeeting

Friday, Sept. 10ELCBack-to-SchoolEvening

Wednesday, Sept. 15SubstituteTeacherWorkshop9a.m.

Thursday, Sept. 16ELCParentEducationWorkshop9-11a.m.

Thursday, Sept. 23ELCPTASchoolPicnic10a.m.-1p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 29Nursery/Pre-KCoffee9a.m.

Thursday, Sept. 30KindergartenCoffee8:45a.m.

Friday, Oct. 1Nursery,Pre-KandKindergartenApplicationsfor2011-12SchoolYearBegin

Thursday, Oct. 7ELCPTABoardMeeting,9:00a.m.

Monday, Oct. 11FallHoliday-NoClasses

Tuesday, Oct. 13ProfessionalDevelopmentDayNoClasses

HalfofthechildrenwillcomeonWednesday,Sept.1andFriday,Sept.3,andTuesday,Sept.7.TheotherhalfwillcomeonThursday,Sept.2,Monday,Sept.6,andWednesday,Sept.8.Thefirstofeachofthesethreedaysisahalf-dayonly.(Don’tworry;we’llschedulesiblingsonthesamethreedays!)InlateAugust,youwillbeinformedastowhichthreedaysyourchildwillbeattendingandwhohisorhernewteacherswillbe.Westartourregularschedulewith all children in attendance on Thursday,Sept.9.Pleasecallifyouhavequestionsaboutanyofthesescheduleitems.

Things to BringYour child will need to bring a numberof things to school on the first full day ofschool. Children are asked to bring a lunchineasy-to-opencontainers.Wedonothavemicrowaves or refrigerators for student use,so thermos containers and ice packs arehelpful. The children will also need a “restmat”.These canbe“real” restmats, Land’sEnd-styleorabathtowelinapillowcasewiththe children’s names on them. The rest matneeds tobesomething that thechildrencancarrybackandforth,astheycomehomeforlaundering every Friday. The children shouldalsohave a changeof clothes and raingeartokeepatschoolbecausewegooutsiderainorshine.Thechildrenneedtobeabletogetwetordirtywithoutworrying.Pleaselabelthechildren’sclothing.Weknowyoumaynotbeabletohaveeverythingatschoolonthefirstday,butthesoonerthebetter.Thanksforyourhelpwiththesethings.

Off to a Good StartCanyourememberyourfirstdayofschool?Youwereprobablynervousandexcited—andabit lonelyandlostwhenyourmomordadleft.Evenwhenreturningtoafamiliarsettingaftersummervacation,childrencanfeelabitintimidated.Theywillhavenewteachersandmaybeaspecialfriendisgone.It’sabigdeal!Before the program starts, you may want toread your child a few books with a starting-schooltheme.Suchstoriescanhelpyourchildget in touch with his or her feelings aboutgoingtoanewplaceandseparatingfromyou.Readingalsogivesyourchildanopportunitytotalkaboutfeelingsoraskquestionsaboutwhatto expect. For children returning to the ELC,revisitingtheirphotojournaloryearbookhelpsthemremembertheirexperienceatschool.Once you have the information, it’s a good

ideatogooverthedailyscheduletalkingaboutsomeofthethingsthatwillbehappeningoverthe course of the day. Important transitionssuchasdrop-off,lunch,outsidetime,resttimeandpick-uparetimeswhenchildrengenerallyneed more reassurance, so any advanceinformationhelpsthemgetthroughit.Onthefirstday,besuretoarriveontime.It’smuchmoredifficult for a child towalk intoa roomwhere everyone is already engagedthantocomeinwiththegroupandstartfromthebeginning.Startingwithhalf-groupswillinsurethatyourchildgetstheattentionheorsheneedsduringthetransition.Finally,whenit’s time to leave, don’t slip out when yourchild isn’t looking. Children need to knowthey’regoingtobeabletosaygoodbyeandneed to know when you’ll be back. Onceyou’ve done that, don’t linger and don’tworry.We’lltakeitfromthere.

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Elementary SchoolDan Bender, ESPrincipal

OnbehalfoftheentirefacultyandstaffattheElementarySchoolIwanttowelcomeeveryESfamilytothisnewschoolyear.Weallsharehopesforayearmarkedbygrowthinlearning,newfriendshipsandaquickrealizationofthesenseofbelongingandcomfortinanewgroup.Aboveall,asyourchild’seducatorswewanttoshareourenthusiasmfortheyear.Welookforwardtoworkingsupportivelywitheachofyoutostimulategrowthinallyourchild’sareasofdevelopment.Thistimeofyearisexcitingandbusyforeveryfamilyasweallshiftfromtheroutinesofsummertothoseofschool.Toassistinthisadjustment,asteadyflowofinformationwillcometoyouaswecommunicateourplansfortheyear,thenatureofourprogram,andspecialdatesthatareonthehorizon.RemembertoregularlyreviewtheESNewsontheMustangsOnline(MOL),sectionofthewebsite.Start of the year event planning:

Wehaveseveralimportanteventsinthenearfuture,eachofwhichisdescribedbelow.ThefirstisourESstudentandnewparentorientationonMonday,Aug.30.Inclosesuccession,wehaveourESBack-to-SchoolandESparentshareconferencesinSeptember.Pleasereadabouteachevent.Sinceweappreciatethechallengesfacedbyworkingparentsintryingtocometo

schoolsofrequentlyinthefirstseveralweeks,wewouldencourageyoutoparticularlyfocusontheBack-to-SchooleventonFriday,Sept.10.Aswestartthisyear,don’thesitatetocalluspromptlyifyouareconcernedorpuzzledbyanythingyoureadorhear.Parentsinamobileinternational

communityconstantlyworryabouthowtheircurrentschoolwill“fit”withwhattheirchildhasexperiencedinthepast.ASIJistrulyauniqueschoolandwillnodoubtprovidesomecontrastsforeverynewfamily.Yet,itshouldbereassuringthatourfeedbackfrompastparentsstronglysuggestthatyourchildwillbeverywellservedbyASIJ’sprogram.We’llstrivetoachieveagreatyearwithyouandyourchild.

ES Student and New Parent Orientation – Monday, Aug. 308:30-10:30 a.m.ESstudentandnewparentorientationisthefirstinourseriesofwelcoming,communitybuildingand informationsharingeventsoftheyear.ESstudentorientationisimportantforallstudents.It’satimewhentheyfirstmeeteachotherandtheirteacherandbeginbuildingrelationshipsthatwillcarrythemthroughtheyear.Anothergoalissimplytohaveparentsandstudentsbecomefamiliarwithandlocatealltheclassroomspaces.Most of the time during our ES orientation isdevoted to children working with their newhomeroom teacher and meeting the otherchildren in theclassroom.Homeroomteacherswill meet students, present information aboutthestartoftheyear,andgivestudentsachancetobecomeacquaintedwitheachother.Alltheseevents serve as an important “ice-breaker” toease the usual worries students, parents, andteachershaveaboutthefirstfulldayofschool.Buseswillruntheirusualroutesthismorningandhistripoffersaninitial“shake-down”experiencefornewESbusridersandwillfirmuplocationsofbusstopsandthebusschedule.Onceatschool,studentswillfindtheirnameononeoftheclasslistsfortheirgradedisplayedintheelementaryentrywayorlobby.Childrenwillthenproceedtotheirhomeroomtomeettheirteacherandotherclassmates.Parentsintroducethemselvestotheirchild’steacherandleavetheirchildrenintheclassroom.After dropping off their children, new parentsproceedtotheorientationsessionintheMulti-PurposeRoom(MPR).Signspostedoncampusprovide guidance to the location of the MPR.

Returning parents who are on campus areencouragedtocometoASIJ’scafeteriatomeetandsocializeoverlightrefreshments.Inaneffortto streamlineourparenteventsweencouragereturningparentstoviewthestudentorientationeventasanoptionalone.Whiletherewillbeachancetobrieflymeetyourchild’steacher,therewillbenoclassroompresentationsforparentsonthisorientationday;ratherweareemphasizingtheelementaryBack-to-SchoolonFriday,Sept.4asthedaydedicatedtoclassroomcurriculumpresentationsontheentireESprogram.Pleasemarkthiskeydateonyourcalendars.TherewillbeaPTAsponsoredInformationFairin the cafeteria as part of the ES student andnewparentorientation.Atthisevent,therewillbe representatives from scout troops, the ESswim team, and thePTA toprovide youwithinformationaswell as volunteeropportunities.JanetWitt,ASIJDirectorofTransportation,willalsobeavailabletoanswerquestions.

Kindergarten Parent OrientationThestarttotheyearforkindergartenstudentsand parents takes into account the needs ofour youngest learners on campus. During themorningofMonday,Aug.30,bothkindergartenstudents and parents participate in orientationactivities.Prior to thatdate, eachkindergartenchild’sparentswill receivea letterwith furtherdetailsaboutthestartoftheyear.KindergartenstudentswillbesupervisedintheKindergartenroomsandplayareabeginningat8:35a.m.Allkindergartenparentswillreceivetheirorientationat9:35a.m.inMs.Fuller’smusicclassroomnearthebusloadingarea.All kindergarten students shouldattend school

onthefirstfulldayofclasses,Wednesday,Sept.1.Duringthatday,wewillinvolvethechildrenina variety of group and individual experiencesdesigned tohelpusget toknow thembetter.The information and insights we gain fromspending even this short amount of time willhelpuscreateandfinalizemorebalancedclasssections.Wewillassignchildren tooneof thetwo kindergarten homerooms and adviseparents of their child’s specific kindergartenplacement on the afternoon of Wednesday,Sept.1.For thenext fourdaysofclasses,eachkindergartenchildwillattendtwofullday,eitherThursday,Sept.2andMonday,Sept.6orFriday,Sept.3andTuesday,Sept.7.Thesedaysarepartofourkindergartentransitionscheduleinwhichstudents attend in “half-groups”. With thesesmall groups, the kindergarten teachers canhelp the children learn the classroom routinesmore quickly and comfortably. Beginning onWednesday,Sept.8,allChofukindergartnerswillattendeveryday.PleasecontacttheESOfficeifyouhaveanyquestionsaboutourstartoftheyearproceduresforyourkindergartenchild.

ES Back-to-School dayOn Friday, Sept. 10, the ES faculty andadministration will be presenting to parents avariety of information about the ES learningprogram. We highlight what children will bedoingthroughouttheyear.Homeroomteacherswilloffersessionsthatlastabout45minutes.Aswell,specialistsinart,music,physicaleducation,Japaneselanguage,library,technology,learningsupportandguidancewilldiscusstheprogramstheyprovidetostudents.Theday’sscheduleisfull andparentswill receive information in the

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ES

first week of school to assist their planning.Pleaseplantovisitschoolandtakeinasmuchof this event as your schedule will allow. Forworking parents, this would be a priorityoccasion, ifyourschedule limitsyouraccesstoourearlyyearevents.Note: Special bus transportation will be available to parents to get out to school from a set of centralized downtown stops since the regular morning buses operate at near capacity and extra seating for parents will not be available.

Parent Share ConferencesA major goal at this time of year is proactivecommunicationbetweeneducatorsandparentsabout children. To allow a fast partnership todevelop between ES parents and teachers wedevoteafulldayearlyintheyeartoparentshareconferences on Thursday, Sept. 16. This daywillofferparentsthechancetocometoschool,meettheirchild’shomeroomteacherandotherspecialists,andsharetheirhopesandconcernsfortheyearahead.Classesarenotheldonthisdayforelementarystudents.If the option of visiting school is particularlyinconvenient, we will schedule telephoneconferencesonthatday.However,westronglyhope tomeet face to facewhichallowsus tohavetheopportunitytoreallygettoknoweachotherbetter.Playgroundsupervisionisprovidedifparentswishtobringtheirchildrenwiththemto campus. Also, special bus transport willbeavailableatmid-day toa setof centralizeddowntown Tokyo bus stops. Conferences willbescheduledwithyouduringthefirstweekofschool,butthemainpointnowistoreservethisdateonyourcalendar.This type of conference is distinctly differentfromthetraditionalconferenceinwhichteacherspresentstudentprogressinformation.Incontrast,the purpose of this early communication isfor parents to do most of the talking as theysharetheirperspectiveontheirchildtohis/herteachers. To help parents prepare, elementaryhomeroomteachersdistributeawrittensurveythat seeks parent insight on their child as ayoungpersonandalearneraswellastheirhopesforhis/herschoolyear.Theface-to-faceparentshareconferenceprovidesthechancetofurtherelaborateonideasandtobuildastrongersenseofteamworkfortheyear.Someofthequestionswe’dlikeyoutoanswerinclude:Whatdoyouconsidertobeyourchild’sstrengthsandneeds?Whatparticularissuesareimportant to focusonearly in theyear?Howcan we best support your child’s growth this

year?Conferencesshouldlastabout15minutes.Wealsoencourageparentstomeettheirchild’steachers in music, physical education, art,Japaneseandanylearningspecialistsassignedtothemaswellasthelibrarystaff.Moreinformationonschedulingwillcometoyouearlyintheschoolyear.Allthetimespentingoodcommunication early in the year gives teachersand parents the opportunity for a productive,cooperativerelationshipthroughtheyear.Pleasetakeadvantageoftheseopportunities.

Meet the ES CounselorsNahoKikuchi(ext.529)istheguidancecounselorforgrades1,3and5.StevenHisler(ext.527)istheguidancecounselorforkindergartenandgrades2and4.

Japanese Language ClassesYokoso!TheESJapaneseteachersextendawarmwelcome to both new and returning families.Most ES students at the ES will be enrolled inJapanese language classes andwill be groupedfor studywithothersof similar languageabilityattheirgradelevel.Japaneseclassesmeeteveryotherschoolday;classesatgradesoneandtwomeetfor35minutesandthird,fourthandfifthgradeclassesmeetfor42minutes.Content for beginning and intermediateJapaneseclassesfocusesonbasicJapaneseskillsthatstudentscanuseindailylife.Studentslearntosayandunderstandimportantphraseswithineight general topic areas. A sample of thesetopics includes: introduction to Japanese, mydayatschool,shopping,mealtime,andgettingaround.ESstudentsreviewandaddnewskillswithin these general themes in each year ofJapanese study. Japanese reading and writingskills are introduced gradually each year, withgreateremphasisathigherlevels.AsimplebutmeaningfulhomeworkassignmentisgivenattheendofeachJapaneseclass.Thisrepresents an important part of the learningopportunityofferedinJapaneseclassandparentsupport and follow-up is appreciated. Pleaselook for your child’s Japanese folder in his/herbackpackandregularlyaskaboutwhattheyarelearninginclass.Classes forstudentswhoalreadyhaveastrongproficiency in Japanese work on listening,speaking,reading,andwritingwiththemajorityof theireffort focusedondeveloping their skillsas readers andwriters as theyuse Japanese tostudyvarioustopics.Ourstudentsmakeexcellentprogresswith their language skills fromyear toyear.However,asASIJ’s languageforacademic

study in all other areas is English, our programdoesnotofferstudentsafull-dayimmersioninaJapanese language environment. Consequently,we understand that ASIJ students will gainproficiency at a rate different from that of astudentinaJapaneseschool.If youhaveanyquestionsaboutanyaspectofourprogram,pleasecontactyourchild’sJapaneselanguage teacher. We are looking forward toanothergreatyearwithyourchild.

ES Musical PerformancePerformance Arts Workshop is a half-yearprogramdevoted tomusic,dramaandcreativeperformance. Every 4th grader participates inPAWforonetermduringtheschoolyear.Studentsdevelop skills in acting, expressive speaking,singing,dancingandmovement.Studentswritetheir own scripts, gather costumes and props,anddesigntheirownsets.Ourmaingoal is toworktogetherinanensemble,whichencouragescooperationandrespect.ThetermculminatesinaperformancestarringPAWactorsandsingersintheRicketsonTheater.Students in grade 5 participate in elementarychoir. Choir practices occur twice a cycle in asix-day schedule, with each 5th-grade classparticipatingforhalfoftheschoolyear.Studentshavetheopportunitytodevelopeffectivevocalskills,developastrongworkethicandexperiencethe rewards of being an important member ofa team.A variety of quality high interest vocalmaterial is used, and choir members celebratetheir achievements at concerts and assembliesthroughouttheschoolyear.

Kindergarten, First and Second Grade Physical Education Classes Mrs.Seevers’PEclasseswillstarttheirclassesintheESgym.During September theweather canbeveryhotandhumid.Studentsareaskedtowearappropriate clothing, shorts, athletic shoes andsocks.PleasedonothaveyourchildwearsandalsorCrocsonPEdays.Youmightalsowanttosendinawaterbottle,sunscreenandahatwithyourchildondaysthatclassesgooutside.KarenSeeverswill teach all students in grades kindergartenthroughgrade2.Welookforwardtoagreatyearofteaching!Pleasestopbyandsayhelloduringtheelementaryschoolorientationday.

Grade Three, Four and Five Physical Education ClassesStudentsingrades3-5(exceptonehomeroom)willhaveCraigKarnitzastheirPEteacherandwillswimduring thefirstnineweeksof the school

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Elementary School continued

year.Allswimmerswillneedtohaveabathingsuit(one-pieceforgirls),swimmingcap—whichcanbepurchasedintheschoolBookstore—andaplasticbagtoholdtheirclotheswhenchanging.Pleaseputyourchild’snameonallitems.Towelsareprovidedatschool.OurswimmingprogramisbasedontheAmericanRedCrosscurriculumandallstudentswill learnattheirownlevelofaquaticcompetency.Studentsleavetheirsuitsatschooltodryforthenextlesson.Ifyouhaveanyquestions concerning the swimming program,pleasecontactCraigKarnitz(ext.551).

ES Swim Team Coach’s CornerWelcometothe2010ElementarySchoolSwimTeam Season. The Elementary Swim Team isopen to all elementary children, grades 1-5who can pass the age group prerequisites.(parentswhowouldliketheirKindergartenchildto participate will need to contact the coachdirectly.)Allchildrenaged8andyoungermustbeabletoswim25meterswithoutstoppingandbeabletokick50meterswithoutstoppingusingakickboard.All children10andovermustbeabletoswim50meterswithoutstoppingusingareasonableturnatthewall.Ifyourchildknowsone,two,threeorallfourcompetitivestrokes,that’sclearlybetter.Howevernopriorexperiencewithcompetitiveswimmingisnecessary.Whileswim instruction of all strokes will be taughtthroughouttheseason,thisisateamactivityandnotswimlessons.Yourchildwillbeexpectedtocompeteinthemeets.The focusof theElementarySwimTeam is toimprove inall areas,not just learning to swimbetter and faster. Sportsmanship, learning towork together as a team, learning to supporteach other, learning about commitment andresponsibility as well as being in meets are allpartoftheteamgoals.TheteamwillbedividedintoAandBdivisionsdependingonabilityandthe number of children who come out. Teamtryoutswillbeginonthefirstdayofschool,withourreturning2009ATeammembersfromlastyear.Tryoutswillcontinuetherestoftheweekandnextfordifferentagegroupsandlevels.Theofficial tryout schedule will be made availablefor all interested students at the ElementaryStudentandNewParentOrientationDay.TheATeamwillhaveatleastfivemeetsthroughoutthe season, while the B Team has three. Thelast meet of the season will be the MustangInvitational Meet for the A Team Swimmerson Saturday, Nov.6. In the following weeks,theElementarySwimSeasonwillendwithtwoseparatebanquets,oneforeachteam,AandB.(SeeESSTSchedulefordates).Allswimparentsand coaches are invited to attend. A detailed

scheduleandswimteaminformationsheetwillbeavailableatthestartoftheschoolyear.Ifyouhaveanyquestionsorconcerns,pleasecontactKarenSeevers(ext.550).Here’shopingyouhavehadagreatvacationandarelookingforwardtousingallthoseswimmingskillsyoulearnedlastyearandoverthesummeronthisyear’steam.Iamlookingforwardtoanothergreatyear.

Karen Seevers

From the LibraryThe library is looking forward to another yearfullofexcitingactivities.OverthepastsixyearstheSakuraMedalprogramhasmaturedintothemainstay reading program of all internationalschool libraries in Japan. As before, studentsin all elementary grades will be invited tonominate their favorite English and Japaneselanguage picture and chapter books, chosenfrom the shortlists selected by internationalschoollibrariansthroughoutthecountry.WewillcontinuethewildlypopularSakuraBrainbowl,inwhichteamsofgrade4and5studentsmatchtheirknowledgeofSakuramedalchapterbookswithreadersfromotherinternationalschoolsinJapan. Forourbuddingwritersout there, thelibrarywillhostaneweditionofPictureThis!,which will see the very best entries illustratedby professional illustrators and published. IncombinationwiththeReadingChallenge,alloftheseprogramswillculminateinaLibraryPartyandLibrarySleepoverinApril2011.Authorvisitsareabigpartofwhatthe libraryoffersourcommunityandthelibrariansseektocontinuethistradition.TheESlibrarywillputthePTAvisitingauthorgranttogoodusethisyear.Atthetimeofthiswriting,U.S.illustratorFraneLessac,U.S.jazzperformerChristianSwensson,U.K.poetAndrewFusekPetersandAustralianmusicianLinseyPollackareallconfirmed.WeencourageallparentstotakeadvantageofourASIJfamilylibraryaccount.Eachfamilymaycheckoutupto25bookstohelpyoucreatealiteraturerichenvironmentathome.It’seasytousetheonlinecatalogtomakeyourselectionsandplaceyourrequestsusingouremailorphoneorderingservice.We’llbehappytosendbooksyourequesthomewithyourchild.Details on everything written above can befoundonthenewlyrevampedESlibrarywebsiteaccessible from the ASIJ website. Our libraryrunsafull-onprogram,supportedbygenerouscontributions from our wonderful PTA anddedicated help from many volunteers. If youwouldliketojoinourteamofcommittedparentvolunteers,orhaveanyfurtherinquiries,contactWouterLalemanat<[email protected]>.

Wouter Laleman, ES Librarian

Pleaselookformoredetailed

informationregardingafterschool

activitiesontheESMOLsiteorcallthe

ESOfficeatext.500.

ES Useful Dates

Monday, Aug. 30ESAllStudentandNewParentOrientation8:30-10:30a.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 1ChofuClassesBeginforES

Thursday, Sept. 2KindergartenTransitionScheduleBegins

Wednesday, Sept. 8KindergartenRegularScheduleBegins

Monday-Tuesday , Sept. 13 & 14ESStudentPicturesTaken

Friday, Sept. 10ESBack-to-SchoolDay

Saturday, Sept. 11ESSwimMeet-BTeam

Tuesday, Sept. 14ChofuSubstituteTeacherWorkshop

Thursday, Sept. 16ESParentShareConferences-NoESClasses

Saturday, Sept. 18ESSwimMeet-ATeam

Saturday, Sept. 25ESSwimMeet-ATeam

Tuesday, Sept. 25ESPictureRetakes

Saturday, Oct. 2ESSwimMeet-ATeam

Friday, Oct. 8ESJapaneseSportsAfternoon

Monday, Oct. 11FallHoliday-NoClasses

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MSMiddle SchoolScott Adams, MSPrincipal

Happynewschoolyear!OnbehalfofthefacultyandstaffoftheMiddleSchool,Iwouldliketowelcomeyouandyourchildtothestartofournewschoolyear.Welookforwardtoworkinginpartnershipwithyouthisyeartomakethisamemorablelearningexperienceforyourchild.Wearecommittedtomakingthisanexceptionalyearfornewandreturningstudentsalike,andtoofferingyouawell-rounded,student-centered,andhands-onacademicandco-curricularprogram.

Themiddleschoolyearsareajourneythroughearlyadolescencewhereintellectual,social,andphysicalchangesarerapidandvaried,soourfacultydeliveraprogramaimedtomeettheseneedsforthedifferentgradelevelgroups,whilekeepingacloseeyeonteaching,moldingandshapingeachindividualstudentaswell.Ourultimategoalisnotonlytostretchanddevelopeachstudenttohisorhermaximumpotential,buttoalsoequipthemwiththecriticalaffective,academic,behavioralandstudyskillstoguaranteesuccessinhighschoolandcollege.

Totheseendswehavedevelopedinformationforbothstudentsandparentsalikethatwewillneedtosharewithyoutoensureasuccessfulstarttothenewschoolyear.First,IwishtoinviteyoutotheMiddleSchoolstudent/parentorientationonTuesday,Aug.31whichwillbeginat8:45a.m.intheMiddleSchoolGym.Thisorientationisimportantasitwillpresent

informationpertainingtothenewschoolyear,whichstartswiththefirstdayofclassesonWednesday,Sept.1.Inaddition,pleaseputThursday,Sept.14onyourcalendarforMiddleSchoolBack-to-SchoolNight.AnothermeansofcommunicationistheMiddleSchoolStudentHandbook,whichisaveryimportantdocumentforstudentsandparentssinceitexplainspolicies,introducestheprogramandpersonnelandclarifiesthecalendar.Iaskthatyoureadthroughthisverycarefully.(Theopeningpages,whichdescribeourMiddleSchoolphilosophy,willbeespeciallyhelpfultonewparents.)

Allofthesemodesanddocumentsofcommunicationareessentialinestablishingasupportive,trustingrelationshipbetweenstudents,parentsandtheschool—akeycomponentofeducationalsuccess.Granted,thereisalotofinformationtoreadthroughandmuchtodotogetthenewschoolyearofftoagreatstart,butIknowthatitisworththemutualeffortbecauseonlytogethercanwewillhelpyourchildsucceed.AsPrincipalofthisdivision,Iconsidermymainresponsibilitytobeoneofadvocacy—ofstudents,parentsandfaculty—sopleasegivemeacallorsendmeanemailifyouhaveaquestion.YoumayalsocontacttheMiddleSchoolOffice(0422-34-5300ext.600)togetassistancewithanyquestion.Here’stoagreatschoolyear.

Orientation DayThe2010-11ASIJMiddleSchoolwillkickofftheschool year with orientation on Tuesday, Aug.31. All returning students, new students andnewparentsshouldattendorientation.Studentsshouldbringapencilorpenwiththem.Buses will transport students and parents fromdowntownTokyoandarriveatASIJaround8:30a.m.sotherewillbetimeforsocializingpriortotheorientationsessions.Everyoneshouldgatherin the Middle School Gym at 8:45 a.m. forstudentorientation.Atapproximately9:15a.m.,students will adjourn to their advisories wheretheywillreceiveinformationaboutthenewyearandgetacquaintedwiththeirgroups.Atthesametime,aparentorientationsessionwillbeheldinthecafeteria.Thissessionisprimarilyintendedfornewparents,butveteransarecertainlywelcometoattendtoo!Orientationwillconcludeat11:00a.m.Buseswillleavefordowntownat11:30a.m.

Shopping ListThe Middle School shopping list was sent viaemailattheendoflastyear.Asecondcopywillbedistributed to all studentsonMiddle Schoolorientationday.TheshoppinglistisalsoavailableonlineontheMustangsOnlineMSpage.

Lost and FoundEachyear,our students lose severalhundredpiecesofclothing.Whilewetryourhardesttomakesurethateachstudenthasachanceto claim their missing clothing, we are not

successful in returning much over fiftypercent of the items that are lost. Beforethe clothing is given to a charity, studentsare asked to retrieve their items. We haveeven found that it is easier for clothing tobe identifiedby friends of thepersonwhohas lost the item. Still, we would be moresuccessful if parents would use a markerto place the child’s last name on the labelsof their valuable clothing like jackets andsweaters. We check each item of clothingfor names before we send the items off tocharity.Becausesomeclothingismarkedwithastudent’sname,weareabletoreturnseveraldozenitemsthatappeartobe“overlooked”bythestudentwhohaslosttheitem.

Attendance ProceduresAbsences and tardiness should be reportedby calling the Student Office at ext. 603before9a.m.Alternately,parentsmaysendprior written notification. Written excusesmust includethedate,time,reasonandtheparent’s signature. Homework, if desired,shouldalsoberequestedbefore9a.m.Whenrequesting homework, please designate afriend or sibling who can deliver it. Pleasenote that due to several reasons, we onlyprovide homework for students who havebeenabsentformorethanoneday.If you have any questions regardingattendance procedures, please contact theStudentOfficeassistantatext.603.

MS Useful Dates

Tuesday, Aug. 31MSStudent/ParentOrientation8:45-11:00am

Wednesday, Sept. 1MSClassesBeginFirstDayofTryoutsforSoccer

Thursday, Sept. 2FirstDayofTryoutsforVolleyballandCrossCountry

Monday, Sept. 6MSStudentsPicturesTaken

Thursday, Sept. 14MSBack-to-SchoolNight6p.m.

Friday, Sept. 10MSBack-to-SchoolDance/Social4:30-7:30p.m.

Friday, Oct. 8MSProgressReportsAvailableOnline.

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MS Parent Checklist

• AttendMSOrientation:JoinusonTuesday,Aug.31,2010.

•ReviewMSHandbookTogether:ReviewtheMShandbookwithyourchildduringthefirstweekofschool.MakeaspecialefforttodiscusstheASIJmissionstatementaswellastherightsandresponsibilitiessectionoftheMShandbook.

•SignStatementofAgreement:AfterreviewingtheMShandbookwithyourchild,signhis/herstatementofagreementform.Thesestatementswillbecollectedfromeachstudentandkeptonfileintheoffice.Ifyouhavequestionsaboutsigningthisagreement,pleasecalltheMSOfficeatext.600.

•DiscussSchoolProcedures:DeterminetogetherwheretodisplaytheASIJcalendarandwheretosetupspecialmailboxes(hardcopyandelectronic)forinformationsenthometoparents.Developexpectationsforstudyandhomeworktimeaswellasanappropriateworkplace.Researchhasshownthatmanystudentsdobetteriftheydotheirhomeworkinanareasuchasthekitchentableratherthanintheirroombythemselves.

•ReviewCourseOverviews:Carefullyreadthecourseoverviewssenthomebyeachofyourchild’steachersduringthefirstweekofschool.Youareexpectedtosignthatyouhavereceivedandreviewedthesedocuments.Itwillhelpyouunderstandthevariousexpectationsyourchild’steachershaveforthisyear.

•AttendBack-to-SchoolNight:JoinusonThursday,Sept.14,2010at6p.m.Moreinformationaboutthisimportanteveningisforthcoming.

Notification of Parents’ Absence from TokyoIf at any time during the school year noparent will be present in Tokyo, a guardianshouldappointedandtheschoolnotifiedasfarinadvanceaspossible.Thisistobedoneby completing the notification of parents’absence from Tokyo each time the parentsplanatripawayfromTokyo.The notification of parents’ absence formshould be completed, signed and faxed orsenttotheprincipal’sofficeofyouryoungestchildatleastoneweekpriortoyourplanneddeparture from Tokyo. One form will serveforseveralchildren.Theschoolwilldistributeit to the appropriate offices. However, ifdifferent guardians are involved, pleasecomplete a separate form for each child inthefamily.PleasecompleteaseparateformforeachtripplannedawayfromTokyo.Oneformwillnotcover several trips. Notification of parents’absencefromTokyoformsmaybeobtainedfromtheStudentOfficeoryoumayprintoutacopyfromMiddleSchool sectionofMOL.If you have any questions, please call theStudentOfficeassistantatext.603.

MS Picture DayIt’s time again for school pictures. Monday,Sept.6isthedatetocircleonyourcalendars.At that time, thephotographerwillbeheretopreserveallstudentsandstaffforposterity,orfortheyearbookatleast.Parentswillhavetheopportunitytoorderpicturepackets.Evenif you do not care to order, it is importantthatyourchildbeatschoolforthephotoas

this is the picture that will grace the 2010-11 Omoide, our school yearbook. Pleasetry to work around this date in schedulingoutside appointments. There are no specialdress requirements. So, get out that comb,straightenthatcollarandgetreadytosmile!

Back-To-School NightMark you calendar for the Middle SchoolBack-to-School Night, Tuesday, Sept. 14 at6p.m.Parentswillhave theopportunity tomeeteachof theirchild’s teachersandmayparticipate in short overview sessions withthem. There will also be short briefings ontheextendedcampustripsandbuseswillbeprovidedtoandfromdowntownTokyo.

Dance/SocialThefirstMiddleSchooldance/socialwillbeheldonFriday,Sept.10from4:30-7:30p.m.Therewill be different types of activities going onduringtheeveningandthefocusfortheeveningis for students to enjoy themselves within thechaperonedconfinesoftheMiddleSchool.Whiledancingispopularwithmanystudents,othersprefertoplayoutsideonthefield,watchvideos, challenge each other in Ping-Pong ortakeon some computer challenges. Even thedancingisoftenfocusedonlargergroupdancesthatinvolvemanydifferentstudents.Almost all the students enjoy taking sometime to munch on one of the food itemsofferedforsale.

Progress ReportsFirstQuarterMiddleSchoolProgressReportswillbeavailableonlineonFriday,Oct.8. Forthe first quarter, some students will receive

Middle School continued

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MSprogress reports in order to provide parentswithanindicationofhowtheirchildhasstartedthe school year. Teachers may issue progressreportsiftherearereasonsforconcern.Ifyouhavequestionsorconcernsaboutthecontents of your child’s progress reports,pleasecontactyourchild’steacher.Asthesereports are intended to be a brief alert ofpresent or potential problems, parents maywishtohavemoredetailsbycommunicatingdirectly with the teacher. You may reachMiddleSchoolfacultyandstaffbyphoneorbyemail.Usethefollowingformulaforemail:thefirstletteroftheirfirstnameandtheirlastname followed by asij.ac.jp For example,counselor Julia Darrigan’s email addresswouldbe<[email protected]>.Ifyouhavequestionsaboutprogressreportsor if you’d like to schedule an appointmentwithacounselor,pleasecontacttheGuidanceAssistant,YukariMizuno(ext.601).

Parent/Teacher Conference AppointmentsIn preparation for the Middle School parent/teacherconferencedaysinNovember,wewillbedistributingappointment requests forms inOctober. Please note that these conferencesare scheduled in the order we receive thecompleted appointment forms. Parentswho send the forms in early will have theirconferencesscheduledfirst.Detailed information about parent/ teacherconferences will be sent home by earlyOctober.Ifyoudonotreceiveaparent/teacherconference flyer by then, please contact theMiddleSchoolOfficeatext.600toreceiveone.

Homework, Assignment, Test GuidelinesIn order to practice and strengthen skillsand concepts learned in class, students willreceive homework for each of their classes.Most often these assignments are fromtheir block academic classes, but electivehomework is assigned as well. The natureof this homeworkwill vary from immediateassignments to be completed for the nextclass to intermediate deadlines associatedwithalong-termproject.Regardless,itistheresponsibility of the student to know whathis/her homework is and its due date. Tohelp them track their homework and otherassignmentsweissueeachstudentanagenda(oftencalled“binderreminder”),whichispartofthehandbook,wheretheycanwritedowntheirhomeworkassignments. Inaddition toinforming students of homework in class,

teachersoftenpost iton their classwebsiteoronBlackboard.Whilethetotalamountoftimeastudentspendsdoinghomeworkeachnight varies, the general guideline is about30minutespersubject,whichshouldn’ttotalmore than2hours.BecauseofourA/Bdayschedule,studentsdon’thavethesameclasseseverydaysotheirhomeworkcompletionwillneed to be carefully planned out in orderto meet the deadlines. We calendar testsand assignment due dates very carefully sostudentsaren’tburdenedwithtoomany“bigdeal” things to do at the same time. In thisway we aim to balance their workload andassessmentssuchastests/quizzes.

Fall SportsWelcome back to what we anticipate asanotherveryexcitingyearofMiddleSchoolsports events. An area of emphasis for the2010-11sportsyearwillbedirectedtowardscreatingapositiveatmosphereatallgames.Acooperative effort among coaches, athletes,officialsandparentsiscriticaltoprovidingthebestsettingforyoungathletestogrowandto enjoy their experience. Please rememberthatallstudentswillneedtohaveaphysicalexaminationpriortoplayinganysports.

John Smith Athletic/Activities Director

From the Library“It’snousecomingtoschoolunlessthelibraryis your final destination,” said Ray Bradbury,noted American author. Centrally located onthe second floor of the middle school, ourlibrary is open from 8:00 to 4:30, save mostWednesdayswhenfacultymeetsandstudentsare expected to leave school at 3:15. Ourlibrary is thehubofguided research, readingandrelatedactivities. The library supports academic units in themiddle school by offering age-appropriatebooksandsupportivedigitalresourcesfortheelectronic pages of Curriculum Links on the

middleschoollibrarywebsite. Thanks to thegenerosityof theChofuPTA,middle school students spend time with, andlearn valuable lessons from, award-winning,visiting authors. In addition, middle schoolstudents participate enthusiastically in theannual Sakura Medal Reading Program, alsosponsored by the Chofu-PTA. The SakuraMedal Reading Program promotes readingfor enjoyment from a diverse collection ofoutstandingageappropriateliteratureinEnglishandJapanese.This isaunique, internationallyrecognizedaward,whereinthestudentsselectthe winners. Students in other internationalschoolsinJapanparticipateintheSakuraMedalReadingProgramaswell.Thereisnolimittothenumberoffictionbooksa student may borrow; students may keep abookforfourweeks.Thereisafineof¥50,perday,perbook,foreachoverduebook(studentsmayread-offtheirfinesinthelibrary).Studentswillreceiveremindersviae-mail iftheykeepabookbeyondthefour-weekborrowingperiod.Inaddition,studentswillreceiveareminder,viae-mail,onthenightbeforetheendofthe“graceperiod,”notifyingthemthatthegraceperiodisabout toexpire.Wealsooffersummercheck-outforreturningstudents.Studentsmayborrowuptotwenty-fivebooksforthesummer.Theremaybea restrictiononborrowingnon-fictionmaterialswhenanentireclass,orgrade,isstudyingaunitsimultaneously.Inthosecases,materials are placed on Reserve and will beavailableinthelibraryforallstudents,allday. This year will bring 1:1 laptop computing tothemiddleschoolandourlibrary.Wewilltrulybe a library without walls. Students will havegreater access to Destiny, our on-line catalog,Curriculum Links to selected resources, on-line encyclopedias and more than a dozenotherrecommendeddigitalresources.Welookforwardtoagreatyearwithyourchild(ren).

Martin Swist and Mrs. Angela Onozuka,MS Library Team

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High SchoolRick Weinland, HighSchoolPrincipal

Onbehalfofourhighschoolfacultyandstaff,Iwouldliketoextendawarmwelcometoallournewandreturningfamiliesaswekickoffthe2010-11schoolyear.We’repleasedtowelcomemanynewstudentstothehighschool,andareconfidenttheywillsoonfeelathomeintheASIJcommunity.Iencourageallstudentstoharnesstheenergyyou’vebroughtbackfromyoursummerholiday,andputittogooduseasyoutakeadvantageofourrichcourseofferingsandmanyco-curricularopportunities.

Whatfollowsisimportantinformationthatwillhelpgetyouupandrunningduringthefirstportionofthesemester.Wehaveavarietyofstudentandparenteventsscheduledforthefirstfewweeksofschool,whicharedesignedtoacquaintyouwithourguidanceprogram,ourfaculty,andourhighschool.Ihopeyouareabletojoinusfortheseimportantevents.Wewillbeconductinginformationsessionsforparentsofeachgradelevelonthedateslistedinthissectionaswellasonourcalendar.Ofcourse,wehopetoseeallofourparentsinclassforHighSchoolBack-to-SchoolNight.

Wehavealsoprovidedinformationregardingattendanceprocedures,ournewonlinegradebooksystem,mid-semesterreports,andsemesterexams.Pleasepayparticularattentiontothedatesandpoliciesregardingsemesterexams,especially

thefactthatallofourfirstsemesterexamswillbegivenDecember14-17.Wevalueparentinvolvementandinput,andweencourageyoutoshareyourresourcesorsuggestionsthatwillhelpusimproveourprogram.Keep

aneyeoutforwaysyoucangetinvolvedwithourmanyPTAeventsandparentorganizationswhichhelpinsomanywaystoenhancetheexperienceourstudentshaveatASIJ.Ifyoueverhaveanyquestionsorconcerns,pleasefeelfreetodropby,call,oremailme.

Ilookforwardtoagreat2010-11schoolyear!

Important Dates and EventsAmoredetaileddescriptionofthefollowingbeginning-of-schooldatesandeventscanbefoundonthehighschoolguidancesectionoftheschoolwebsite.

THURSDAY, Aug. 26 New Student Orientation9:30–4:00 p.m. General OrientationThedaywillbeginwithageneralorientationpresentedbytheHSCounselorsandStudentAmbassadors. Students will participate insome get-acquainted activities and havelunch. They will also take any neededplacementtestsformusic,modernlanguages,and mathematics, review their schedules,enter information into the school database,pay student fees, select lockers, make trainpassrequests,andtakecareofotherdetailsthat will help them prepare for the start oftheschoolyear.Therewillbeabus to takestudentshome,viathelatebusroute.A more detailed description is in the NewStudentPacket,ontheHighSchoolGuidanceWebPage, and available at thenew familyorientationmeetings.

FRIDAY, Aug. 27Senior Breakfast8:30 a.m Senior BreakfastSeniorsareaskedtobringbreakfastgoodiesforapotluckbreakfastbeforelockerselection.Girls should bring baked goods and boysshouldbringfruitorfruitdishes.Alternatively,studentsmaybringcheese,salad,vegetables,coldcuts,onigiri,orsandwiches.ThiseventiscoordinatedbytheSeniorParents.

FRIDAY, Aug. 27Locker DayStudentsareaskedtocometoschoolonthisdaytochoosealocker,enterinformationintotheschooldatabase,payfees,andmaketrainpass requests. There will be no school busesavailableonthisday.8:30a.m. SeniorBreakfast9:00a.m. SeniorLockerSelection10:00a.m. JuniorLockerSelection11:00a.m. SophomoreLockerSelection1:00p.m. FreshmanLockerSelection

New students in grades 9-12, who havecompleted the Locker Day Checklist, do notneedtocometoschoolonthisday,buttheyarewelcometoparticipate.Students who do not have a preference fortheir locker location may pay their fees andcompletetheirsign-upwhenschoolbeginsonTuesday,Aug.31.

Requirements for Locker Sign-UpOnthisday,inordertoselectalocker,studentswillneedto:1. Pick up a Locker Day Checklist in the mainlobbyofthehighschool2.PayStudentFeesGr.10:¥1,000(Oct.PLANTest)Gr.11:¥1,500(Oct.PSATTest)Gr.12:¥10,000(Cap/Gown,SeniorGift,SeniorStone,SeniorActivities)3.Bringorpurchasealockforthebooklocker(AlockwillalsoberequiredforaP.E.Locker)4.Checkandupdatetheiraddressandcellphonenumber in theStudentDatabase in theLibrary.Complete the loginprocess forBlackboardand

Librarydatabasecomputeraccounts.5. Sign up for a book locker, provide thecombinationofthelock,andplacethelockontheassignedlocker.Studentscanalsofilloutatrainpassrequest,which must be completed 3 days beforepurchasingatrainpass.

TUESDAY, Aug. 31Classes Begin For High School StudentsStudents will report to the Ricketson Theaterfor a brief opening assembly, followed byclassmeetings.Attheclassmeetings,studentswill receive their schedules, ASIJ StudentHandbook/Planner, and a brief orientation.Studentswill thenfollowamodifiedscheduleastheyattendalloftheirAandBdayclasses.

THURSDAY & FRIDAY, Sept. 09-10HS Student PicturesAllhighschoolstudentsarerequiredtohavetheirphotostakenduringtheschoolday,eitherbeforeor after school, or during their unscheduledtime. These pictures are for the high schoolyearbook, student IDs, and for administrationandcounselinguse.Familieswillalsohavetheopportunitytopurchaseaphotopackage.

THURSDAY, Sept. 09CIS College Fair and WorkshopsMorethan20representativesfromselectiveU.S. colleges, who are part of the Councilof International Schools (CIS)Asia tour,willtailor a College Fair and program for ASIJstudentsandparents.Senior Parent Meeting & College PanelTherewillbeaSeniorParentmeetingonthis

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day justprior to theCISCollegeFair.ParentswillthenbeinvitedtoattendtheCollegeFair,with a little time tobrowse the tablesbeforethe students arrive. At the meeting, we willdiscuss the Senior year, plan special events,review college information, and talk togetherabout the parenting of older teens. We willalso have several of the college admissionsrepresentatives share their perspectives aboutcollegeadmissions.Thiswillincludeaquestionandanswerpanel.

THURSDAY, Sept. 23Grade 9 Parent Information Session 5:30-6:30 (Prior to Back-to-School Night)Counselors will meet briefly with grade nineparents just prior to Back-To-School Night toshare information about the start of the yearand answer any questions parents may haveabout high school. Counselors will also beavailablethroughouttheeveningtochat.

THURSDAY, Sept. 23HS Back-To-School NightWe invite you to attend this year’s Back-to-School night, which will begin at 6:30 p.m.Afteranopeningassembly,youwillbeabletofollowyourchild’sschedule,andexperienceabriefglimpseintotheirschoolroutine.

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 13Grade 9Inthemorning,testingandspecialactivitiesareplanned.Intheafternoon,allfourclassestakeplace(inashortenedformat).

Grade 10PLAN Test All sophomores will be taking the PLAN test(the Preliminary ACT test). The PLAN is avaluable practice tool for college entranceexams and also provides some very usefulcareer information. A student informationmeetingaboutthePLANwillbeheldduringanactivityperiodin lateSeptember.Thecostofthetestis¥1,000andpaymentisdueonLockerSelectionDay,Friday,Aug.27.

Grade 11PSAT TestThePSAT(PreliminaryScholasticAssessmentTest)willbeadministered toall juniors. Aninformation meeting about the PSAT willbe held during an activity period in lateSeptember. The cost of the PSAT is ¥1,500andpaymentmustbemadeduringthelocker

selectionprocessonFriday,Aug.27.ThePSAToffersvaluablepracticefortheScholasticAssessmentTest(SAT),anexaminationwhichisa requirement forentrance intomostAmericanuniversitiesaswellasforASIJstudentsapplyingtoJapaneseuniversitiessuchasICUandSophia.StudentsofU.S.citizenshipwhoscoreveryhighonthePSATduringtheirjunioryear(inthe98thor99thpercentile)mayqualifyfortheNationalMerit Scholarship program or other corporatescholarshipprograms.

Grade 12Senior SeminarA half-day program of workshops andpresentationsregardingpost-secondaryplanningwillbeavailableforallseniors.

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 3 Grade 10 Parent Meeting 8:45–10:45 a.m.We will meet in the morning for coffee andpastries and then break into several groups toshare information about the sophomore year.Therewillalsobeopportunitiestoaskquestionsabouttheguidanceprogramandthehighschool,see somephotos fromgrade10 JUMPand tointeractwithotherparents.

WEDNESDAY-FRIDAY, Nov. 10-12JUMPAll students will participate in the “JapaneseUnderstanding and Motivation Project” byexploring Japan.TheninthgraderswillgoasaclasstoanareanearMt.Fuji,andthetenthgraderswillgoasaclasstoexperiencerurallifeinJapan.Juniors and seniorswill haveanopportunity toselectfromavarietyofsmall-grouptripsexploringthehistory,culture,andlifeinJapan.

College Visits CollegerepresentativesfrommanycollegesvisitASIJintheFallandSpringeveryyear.AmajorityofthecollegesarefromtheU.S.,butprogramsfromtheU.K.,Canada,AustraliaandJapanareincreasinglywell-represented.Studentsaregiven informationabout individualandgroupvisitsbycollegesviatheDailyBulletin,the Naviance System, postings in the CareerCenter and hallways, and on the high schoolguidancesectionofthewebsite.Weupdateourwebsitefrequently,sopleasecheckforcollegesofinterest.Parentsaremostwelcometovisitwiththeindividualcollegerepresentativeswhentheycometocampus.Note: a second college fair date is tentativelyset for Monday, Oct. 25. Stay tuned for more

informationinSeptember.

HS Student HandbookParents and students are asked to read theHS Student Handbook in hard copy or on theASIJ website. Please pay close attention to thefollowingareas:

School Policies•Attendance•DisciplinePolicy•GuidelinesforSchoolConduct•ASIJPolicyonPlagiarism/Cheating•ResponsibilitiesofComputerUsers•ProceduresforSchoolClosures

Appendices•SuggestedGuidelinesforParentsofASIJHighSchoolStudents• Notification of Parents’ Absence from Tokyo(this page may be downloaded/photocopied).AnewcopyneedstobesenttotheschooleachtimethatbothparentsareawayfromTokyo.

Absences Impact LearningWeunderstandthenecessityofabsencesforillnessandfamilyemergencies.However,wewouldlikefamiliestoundertakeadvancedplanningsothatstudents are not out of school for family trips,collegetrips,etc.Whenstudentsareoutofschool,itisdifficultforthemtomakeuptheworkthattheymiss.Italsoimpactsclasseswherematerialhastobere-taughtorwheresmallgroupworkiscrippledwithoneormorestudentsmissingfromagroup.Severalstudentshaveremarkedaboutthestresstheyfeelbyleavingschoolearlybeforea school vacation. They feel rushed and underpressure to produce their normal quality work.Studentswhomiss importantmaterialmay seetheirgradesaffected.

Attendance ProceduresFormoredetail,pleaseconsultyourchild’scopyortheonlineversionoftheHS Student Handbook.• Unplanned Absence or Tardy: If a studenthasanunplannedabsenceor tardy (usually forillness),haveaparentcalltheStudentOffice0422-34-5300,ext.402(voicemail24hoursaday)before9a.m.•ExcusedorUnexcusedTardy:StudentswhoaretardytoschoolmustreporttotheStudentOfficeforanabsenceadmitslip.•PlannedAbsenceorEarlyLeave:Ifastudenthasaplannedabsenceorearlyleave,anotefromaparent isneeded, ideallyfivedays inadvanceoftheproposedabsence.Notescan

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alsobesentbyemailto<[email protected]>.• Permission to Leave Campus: ASIJ is aclosed campus. If a student shouldneed togo home because of illness, he/she mustreport to the Health Center, then sign outin the Student Office. If it is not a case ofillness, permission to leave campus for partof the school day may only be granted bytheStudentOfficeuponnotificationfromtheparentsandpermissionofanadministrator.

Attendance PoliciesFor more detail, please consult your child’scopyortheonlineversionoftheHS Student Handbook.Reasonsforanexcusedabsenceortardyare:•Personalillness.Studentswhoareillshouldnotcometoschool.• Dental or medical appointments. Suchappointments should be made outside ofschooltimeifatallpossible.• A family emergency requiring immediateattention.

Excused absences may also be granted forreligiousholidaysoranyotherreasondeemednecessaryanddesirablebytheadministration.Family trips are discouraged by the schoolduring class time, and teachers will not beasked to make special arrangements formake-up work. Part-time employmentduring the schoolday isnot allowedand isnotexcused.

Home/School CommunicationMid-Semester Reports, with teachercomments and current grades to dateare issued toall students at themiddleofeachsemester,andreportcardsare issuedat the end of each semester. Starting thisyear,allhighschoolteacherswillmaintaintheir gradebooks online, which may beaccessed by students and parents via ourNetClassroom site. Students and parentsare issued a login and password whenthey first enroll at ASIJ. If you ever havedifficulty accessing our NetClassroom site,please email our Director of Technology,GeneWittat<[email protected]>.Teachers,counselors,andadministratorsarealways willing to meet with students and/or their parents. We encourage parents tocall or email faculty members if they havequestionsorconcerns,or iftheywishtosetup a conference. Teachers, counselors andadministratorsmayalsocontactparentswhentheyfeelthereisanimmediateconcern.

Semester One Exam ScheduleAll semester one exams are scheduled inDecember and will take place from TuesdayDec. 14 through Friday Dec. 17 (finishing at2:30 p.m. on the 17th). All semester examsmust be taken during the scheduled timeperiod.Amedical note is required formissedfinals due to illness. We ask that when youmake your holiday plans you schedule yourtravel to avoid having your child miss theseessentialschooldays.Thisisanimportanttimefor high school students as semester gradesbecomepartoftheirpermanentrecords.

Activities/Athletics OfficePlease see the calendar on the right forthe starting practice dates for Fall sports.At the beginning of each year, a physicalexaminationisrequiredofeachparticipatingstudent. The forms are due the first day ofpractice.TheycanbefoundontheMustangsOnline website and must be given to theHealth Center. Each time we enter a U.S.militarybaseforanevent,thebaseclearancepaperworkhastobesent5-10daysprior,soplease complete the information found onMOLandpass iton tous. Ifyouhaveanyquestions, please contact the Activities andAthletics Secretary (ext. 272), John Smith,Activities and Athletics Director (ext. 271)or Carlos Aranda, Assistant Activities andAthleticsDirector(ext.282).

Calling All Actors!Auditions for the Fall Play will be heldduringthefirstweekofSeptember.Anyoneinterested in taking part – either in thelimelightorbehindthescenes–shouldlookout for notices giving more information, orcontactMaryOnions(ext.460).

High School continued Yearbook Photos

Information for All HS StudentsClique Productions will take yearbookphotos for the Chochin in the HighSchool Conference Room on Thursday,Sept.9andFriday,Sept.10.Allstudentsarerequiredtohaveaphototaken.Theseare free unless families take advantageof the opportunity to order the photopackagesthatarealsoavailable.Studentswillsitforphotosbeforeorafterschoolorduringfreetime.

Information for Seniors All seniors are required to have ayearbook photo taken (see above).Since these photos occur within daysof school beginning, seniors shouldplan their end-of-summer haircutsaccordingly.However,seniorsalsohavetheoptionofbringingaphotoinfroman outside source. Students still needto have the school photo taken, butthey can then submit a professionalheadshottoreplacethatphotoifitfitsthe requirements: appropriate dress*;studio(inside)shot;headandshouldersand a “wallet-size” print. If a studentchoosesthisoption,weneedthephotobyFriday,January28.Seniorsalsoneedtosubmitacolorbabyphotoandcolageby Friday, January 28. This should beaphoto that isnota familykeepsake.We hope to return it at the end ofthe school year when the yearbook isdistributed, but we cannot guaranteeit.Photocopiesanddigitalphotoprintsdonotlookasgoodasarealprint,sopleasedonotturnindigitalphotosondisk, CD or email. A square “wallet-size”photoisbest.DropoffthephotointheChochinboxprovidedattheHSStudentOffice,withyournamewrittenclearly on the back. When you writetheinformation,becarefulnottopresshard so the imprint goes through thephoto.Thankyouforyourhelp.

Chochin Staff

*Senior portraits and appropriate apparel: This varies from formal attire (suit, tie, tux, dress, drape) to a “casual, but dressy style” (sweaters, collared shirts, blouses). No T-shirts, hats, tube-tops, beach wear, ads, sunglasses.

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HSHS Useful Dates

Wednesday, Aug. 18HSFootballPracticebegins5:00p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 24TennisOpenPracticebegins4:00p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 26NewStudentOrientationHSCrossCountrybeginsat4:00p.m.

Friday, Aug. 27SeniorBreakfastLockerDay

Monday, Aug. 30HSVolleyballbeginsat4:00p.m.

Thursday-Friday, Sept. 9-10HSStudentPictures

Thursday, Sept. 23Grade9ParentInformationSessionHSBack-to-SchoolNight

Wednesday, Oct. 13Grade9(TBA)Grade10PLANTestGrade11PSATTestGrade12SeniorSeminar

Wednesday, Nov. 3Grade10ParentMeeting

Wednesday-Friday, Nov. 10-12JUMP

The Harris Library Information Media CenterLinda Hayakawa, HeadLibrarian

Welcometo theHighSchoolLibrary! Weareopenonschooldays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and serve all members of the ASIJcommunity.Wehavemorethan32,000books,1000AVmaterials,subscribeto50magazinesandfivedailynewspapers,andhaveastate-of-the-artcomputerlab.Parentsarewelcometocomein,readamagazine,borrowbooksandAVmaterials,andmakeuseofthemanyresourcesavailableinthemediacenter.

The Main Library website includes links to the online catalog,twentytwodatabases, libraryclubsandactivities,aphotogallery,and a citation guide. We have access through our databases tomorethanathousandjournalsandnewspapers,includingThe New York Times and The Japan Times, five online encyclopedias, and

hundredsofonlinereferencebooks.PleaseuseyourASIJwebsiteloginforoff-campusaccesstothedatabases.Ifyouwouldliketolearnmoreaboutthelibraryresources,pleaseattendoneofourparentworkshops.DetailswillbepostedonMustangsOnline.

Theonline catalogonourwebsite searches all three library collections atChofu and thecollectionattheELC,alongwithwebsitesandcertainlibrarydatabases.Ifyouseeahighschoolbookyou’dliketoborrow,pleasecalloremailthelibrary<[email protected]>andwewillsendithomewithyourchild.

The library offers many programs for students, including book clubs in both English andJapanese,apoetryclub,authorvisits,andtheSakuraMedalcompetition—areadingprogramdesignedtoencouragereadingandenjoymentofgoodqualitybooks.Studentsinparticipatinginternational schools across Japan read books from short lists prepared by the internationalschoollibrarymediaspecialistsandvoteinAprilofeachyearforawinner.Thewinningauthorreceives theSakuramedal andadiplomacontaininga certificateandapieceoforiginal artcreatedbyastudentfromoneoftheschools.Thereisastudentartcompetitiontodeterminewhoseworkissenttotheauthors.

Eachyearwehaveasummercheckoutprogramforreturningstudentsandtheirfamilies.Allmaterialsshouldbebroughtbackatthebeginningofthenextschoolyear.

Please consider becoming a library volunteer. The Friends of the Library group supportsliteracyatASIJthroughanumberofactivitiesintheFrederickHarrisLibraries.PleasevisittheFriendsoftheLibrarypageonMustangsOnline.

For more information of ASIJ’s Harris Library Information Media Center, contact LindaHayakawaat ext. 298, email <[email protected]>or visit the Library sectionof the schoolwebsite.YoucanalsocheckthenewHSLibraryblog.ClicktheFriendsoftheLibrarylinkontheMustangsOnlinehomepageorgoto<http://hslibrary.edublogs.org>.

Friends of the LibraryIfaninternationalawardshouldbegiventothebestlibraryoutsidetheUSA,theASIJFrederick

HarrisLibrarywouldwinitwithoutanydoubt.Ourlibraryisalivingplace:farfromresemblingthestereotypeofadustyanddullassortmentofbookshelves,thehighschoollibraryistheplacetobe,themeetingpoint,the“Hachiko”oftheschool.Andwithalltheresourcesitoffers,thelibraryiswellequippedtorespondtothevariedneedsofourstudentsandteachersandtheASIJcommunityatlarge.TheFriendsoftheLibraryareveryproudtobepartofthisstimulatingenvironment.Sortingandprocessingbooks,inputtingdata,workingonwebpages,helpingwitheventssuchasauthorvisits,sleepoversintheESlibrary,booksales,andentertainingourmorethan500highschoolstudentsaroundathemepartyarerewardingexperiences.JoinusandbepartoftheLibrary—Movida!

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Center for School-Community PartnershipMatt Wilce, DirectorofCommunications

TheCenterforSchool-CommunityPartnership(CSCP)workswithallsectorsoftheASIJcommunitytoprovideprintandweb-basedcommunication,parentandalumnirelationsandraisemoneytosupporttheschool.TheCenterwasestablishedin2007-08andisnowinitsthirdyear.

TheCenterforSchool-CommunityPartnership’sworkincludesthefollowing:

CommunicationsTheCSCPcreatesover35separateprintprojectseachyearforschooldivisionsandothergroupsthatrangefromThe Ambassadormagazineandtheschoolcalendar to divisional handbooks and materials for our summer programs.Otherprojectsincludemultimediapiecessuchasinteractivepresentationsand

productssuchasmugs,T-shirtsandballoons.

FundraisingTheCSCPrunstheschool’sAnnualFund,whichincludesathemedcomponenteachyear.Inaddition,theCSCPmanagesmatchinggifts,corporatefundraising,plannedgiftsandmajordonorprospectsandsupportsthefundraisingeffortsofthePTAs.

Website & Electronic CommunicationWithover1,700pagesonouronlinecommunityandanaverageofover4,500websitevisitorsaday,theCSCPiskeptbusyonline.Inadditiontothemainportalsite,whichcontainsinformationaimedatprospectivefamiliesandtheoutsideworld,thewebsitealsocontainssectionsaimedatparents(MustangsOnline)andanIntranetforfacultyandstaff.TheCSCPisalsoresponsibleforsendingallschoolemailcommunicationstoparents,theparente-NewsandmaintainingtheASIJJournalofInternationalEducationalblog.TheCenteralsocoordinatestheSchool’ssocialmediapresence,sendingdailyTweetsandmaintaininggroupsandpagesonFacebookandLinkedInthatareusedbyover2,5000individuals.

OutreachOverthepastyear,theCSCPhasworkedcloselywiththeBoardofDirector’sOutreachCommitteetolookattheSchool’soutreachandmarketingactivitiesandworkonextendingthem.Asaresult,theCSCPhaspursuedseveralnewmarketinginitiativesandisworkingonprojectstobetterinformandengagethewidercommunity.

Special EventsCenterstaffworkcloselywiththePTAsandvolunteergroupstosupporteventsonandoffcampus,helpingtomakeSpiritDay,WinterfestandtheSpringGalarunsmoothly.TheCenteralsocoordinatesotherspecialeventsthroughouttheyearincludingtheVEXRoboticsCompetition,receptionsandmeetingsfortrustees,andreunionsandeventsforalumni.

Alumni RelationsOuralumnirelationsofficerkeepsover6,000activealumniintouchwiththeirclassmatesandtheSchoolthroughourclassnewsandonlinecommunity.SupportingourStatesidereunions,workingwithourlocalalumnicounciltopromoteeventsinTokyo,andgreetingalumnivisitorstocampusprovideplentyofopportunityforourAlumniRelationsOfficertointeractwiththecommunity.Lastyear54ofouralumniwerealsopresentparentsatschool,strengtheningthetiesbetweenthealumniandcurrentschoolcommunity.

TheCenterrunsanopendoorpolicy,sopleasefeelfreetostopbywithanyquestionsyoumayhaveaboutourwork.Ifyoufeelwemaybeabletohelpyouinsomeway,pleasedropusaline.Youcanfindusonthe3rdfloorofthecafeteriabuildingontheChofuCampus(pleaseseethebackpageforourcontactnumbers).

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ALLHealth CenterAtsuko Hull, SchoolNurse

Wewouldliketowelcomeallofourstudentsbacktoschoolforahealthyandhappyyearoflearningandfun!TheHealthCenterisavailabletocareforstudentsK-12onschooldaysfrom8:15a.m.-5:00p.m.

TheHealthHistoryformsforeverystudentshouldbereturnedtousatthebeginningofeveryschoolyeartoensurethatwewillbeabletoprovidethebestcarepossibleforyourchild.APhysicalisrequiredforallstudentsparticipatinginafterschoolsports,allstudentsenteringgrades6or9andallnewstudents.TheseformsareavailablefromMustangsOnlineormaybepickedupfromtheHealthCenter.

AllElementarySchoolstudentsrequireparentalpermissioninordertoreceiveTylenolorIbuprofeniftheoccasionshouldarise.PleasebesuretocompletethepermissionportionoftheHealthHistoryform.Wewillsoonbeginourannualvisionandhearingscreeningprogram.Ifyourchildwearseyeglassespleasebesuretosendthemwithyourchild.Ifyouchilddoesnotpassthetest,areferralwillbesenttotheparents.

AllESstudentswhoplanonparticipatinginafterschoolsportsprogramthisfallneedtohaveacurrentphysicalonfileinthehealthcenter.ItmusthavebeencompletednoearlierthanAprilof2010.Headlicecheckswillbedoneperiodicallythroughouttheyear.Parentsareadvisedtochecktheirchildrenforheadliceregularly.Weencourageparentsofelementarystudentstohaveliceshampooonhandincaseaproblemarises.WehaveanitfreepolicyatASIJ.

AllmiddleschoolstudentswillbetestedforvisioninNovemberandscoliosisinFebruary.Ifyourchilddoesnotpassthescreening,areferralwillbesenttotheparents.

Pleasereviewyourchild’simmunizationrecordsandupdatethemasneeded.Rememberthatchildrenneedatetanusboosterevery10years.Forareferencetovaccinationspleaseseethefollowingwebsite:<www.keepkidshealthy.com>.Weencourageallstudentstobeimmunizedtopreventillnessesandprotectothersfromcontractingcontagiousdiseases.

Toensureahealthyenvironmentatschool,pleasekeepyourchildathomeiftheydonotfeelwell.Aswithanycontagiousdisease,pleasefollowtheseguidelines:

Keepyourchildathomeiftheyexhibitanyofthefollowingsignsorsymptoms:

•feverof37.8Cor99.5Forhigherinthemorning•severesorethroat•persistantcough•vomiting•diarrheaYourchild’stemperatureneedstobenormalforafull24hbeforereturningtoschool.Pleasebeawarethatifyourchildbecomesillwithafeverorvomitingwhileatschool,youwillbenotified

andaskedtopickhim/herup.Childrenwhomaybecontagiousarenotallowedtoridetheschoolbus.

Medicationthatisneededduringtheschoolday(routineoremergencymedications)shouldbesenttotheHealthCenterintheoriginalcontainerwithinstructionsforadministration.ThereisaformavailableontheMustangsOnlinesiteforpermissiontodispensemedicationatschool.ESstudentsmaynotcarrytheirownmedication.

Inaddition,pleasenotifyusbyphoneoremail that thismedication isen route so itdoesn’tget lostbetweenhomeandschool.

Health issues of concern or interest to the ASIJ community will be posted on MOL. Please checkperiodically. Also don’t hesitate to call with questions or concerns by phone on ext. 240 or via email<[email protected]>.

Atsuko Hull R.N.Ruth Harimoto R.N.

Yue Takigayama R.N.

Atsuko Hull is a RegisteredNurselicensedinJapanandtheUSandshehasworkedinbothcountries.Herfavoritetypeofnursingissurgicalnursing.Shehas enjoyed helping studentsandtheentireASIJcommunityforlast20years.

RuthHarimotoisaRegisteredNurse,licensedinWashingtonState.ShehasworkedatASIJfor6yearsasassociateschoolnurse, and spent six years asschool nurse at NishimachiInternationalSchool.HarimotoisalsoanalumnaofASIJ.

Yue Takigayama joined theASIJnurse’steamin2005.Shewent to school inupstateNYandworkedinNYCasanursebefore coming to ASIJ. Yue’spassion is volunteering, andshe has traveled extensively,helping out after disasters invariouscountries.

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WelcomebacktothoseofyoureturningtotheASIJcommunityandawarmwelcometothoseofyouwhoarenew.Aswebeginanotherschoolyearwithhighhopesandexpectations,theELCPTAinvitesyoutojoinusasweworktogetherwiththefaculty,administrationandstaffaswellastheChofuPTAtoenhanceandenrichourchildren’seducationalexperience.Ourchildrenarefortunatetohaveagenuinelydedicatedgroupofteachersandstaffwillingtoguidethemthroughtheirearlylearningyears.Atthesametime,parentinvolvementandinputareessentialtoyourchildren’seducation.Throughouttheschoolyear,theELCPTAsponsorsnumerouseducationalprogramsandculturaleventswhicharefundedthroughtheannualSpringGalaandWinterfest,bothofwhicharehostedbytheELCandChofuPTAs.TheseprogramsandeventsaresuccessfulbecauseoffamilyparticipationandthetirelessdedicationofourparentvolunteersthroughouttheASIJcommunity.Asaresult,ourchildrenareunlikelytoforgetsuchmemorableELCeventsasdiggingforsweetpotatoes,banginga taikodrum,tastingo-mochi,wrestlingSumoathletesandfeedinganimalsontheplayground.TheELCPTAoutreach,however,doesnotendwithourchildren.Inordertostrengthenouroverallschoolcommunity,weprovideanumberofresourcesandservicestoparentsandthelocalcommunity.Theseinclude,amongotherthings,

presentationsonchildhooddevelopmentandliteracyaswellascharitablegivingtoalocalorphanageandfamilyvisitstoanearbyhomeforseniors.TheELCPTAisoneofthebestwaysforparentstostayconnectedtoeachother,theteachersandtheirchildren.Weinviteeachofyoutoshowyoursupportbyparticipatingintheprogramsandeventsthatwehavescheduledforthecomingschoolyear.Itisonlythroughworkingtogetherthatwecantrulyenhancethelearningenvironmentofourchildren.

ELC PTAAbbie Chessler Salsberg, ELCPTAPresident

Chofu PTAShizuka Zwaanstra, ChofuPTAPresident

WelcomebacktoTokyoandwarmgreetingstothoseofyounewtotheASIJcommunity.TheChofuPTA invitesyou tobecome involved in themanyactivitieswehaveorganized for the schoolyear.

OurPTAworksinpartnershipwiththeadministration,faculty,andtheELCPTA.Weholdfundraisingevents,andcommunitybuildingeventsthroughouttheyear.Thefundsthatweraisegotowardsprogramsandprojectswhichenrich the student learning environment. Ourgrants programhas supported all divisionsof the school and co-curricularactivities.Weprovideforspeakersandauthorstovisitourschoolandholdworkshopsforthestudents.Wehelpstudentservicegroupsintheirfundraisingefforts.

LastyearthePTAwasabletohelpbringspeakerssuchasVikasSwarup(authorofQ & A,thesourcematerialforthefilmSlumdog Millionaire)totheHighSchool,aswellasprovidefundingforScholar-in-ResidenceAlanGratz’svisitandworkshopswithstudentsinMiddleSchool.TheChofuPTAalsoprovidedfundstowardsthe“PictureThis!”creativeliteraryprojectintheElementarySchool.WehavegivenfundingtoreviveaclimbingwallclubandpurchaseadditionalmusicalinstrumentsfortheFineArtsDepartment.Inaddition,we’veapprovedfundingforaninnovative

musician/artisttoconductaworkshopattheElementarySchoolnextschoolyear.TheChofuPTAalsosupportstheschoolfundraisingcampaigns,andthisyearwehavepledgedfundingtowardstheScholar-in-ResidenceprogramwhichwillbringamarineroboticsspecialisttoASIJ.

ThegrantprocesswhichtheChofuPTAsupportsaremadepossiblebythecountlesshoursofvolunteertimeandeffortputintoourfundraisingeventsbytheASIJparentcommunity.ThemanytalentsandskillsthattheASIJparentcommunitybringstoPTAeventsaretrulyremarkable,settingASIJapartfromotherschools.Thankyoutotheparentswhosupportourprojectsandeventsthroughouttheyear.

LastyearthePTAwelcomedtheadditionofFriendsofFineArtsandBoosterClubtothePTAfamily.Thetwoparentgroupswillcontinuetosupportactivitiesintheirrespectiveareas,butwillworktogetherasoneteamwiththePTA.ThisenablesthePTAtosupportawiderrangeofprogramsandprojectswithintheschool.

Throughouttheschoolyear,watchforParentFocusMeetings,whichwillpresentinformationandsolicitdiscussionaboutpertinentschoolandparentingtopics.WehopeyouwilljoinusforSpiritDayonOctober16th,WinterfestonDecember4th,andSpringGalaonMarch12th.WehosttheseeventswiththeELCPTA,providingopportunitiesforbothcampusestojointogetherandcelebrateourASIJcommunity.

OneofthebestwaystogetbetteracquaintedwiththecommunityisbyvolunteeringtohelpwithsomeofthePTAsponsoredactivities.WehostaTeacherStaffAppreciationLunchattheendoftheschoolyear,throughFriendsoftheFineArtswesupportmusicanddramaproductions,andsupportathleticprogramsthroughtheBoosterClub.

Weespeciallyinviteallparents,newandreturning,toourWelcomeCoffeeonFriday,Sept.17from10a.m.tonoonattheTokyoAmericanClubinTakanawa.ThisisawonderfulopportunityforyoutomeetthenewHeadofSchool,newandreturningparents,andtheChofuPTABoard.WelcometoASIJ.

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PTAPTA Sponsored Events

Spirit Day/Homecoming, Saturday, October 16ASIJSpiritDay/Homecoming is anevent tocelebrate ASIJ school spirit. The day is fullof activities for all agesand includesgames,music,food,crafts,andperformancesbyourtalented musical students. In the traditionof Homecoming, alumni are encouraged toreturntowatchTheMustangswinthefootballgame!ThedayendswithaHighSchooldancelaterintheevening.Ifyouwouldliketobepartofthisfunevent,contact Community Events Chair, HeatherHoffman at <[email protected]>, orreturnthevolunteerflyertoanyschooloffice.

WinterfestSaturday, December 4This school-wide festival celebrates thediversity of our international community atASIJ.WeinviteourfriendsandtheneighboringcommunitytocelebratelifeatASIJwhileweraisemoneytosupportourschoolandvariousstudentcharitygroups.Weare lookingforallkindsofhelptomakethis event successful. You could fill a timeslotatabooth,bakeyourfavoritecookiesororganizeacommittee.NoexperiencerequiredandwewelcomehelpfromallnewcomerstoASIJ.Thisisagreatwaytomeetnewpeopleandmake friendsdoingsomethinggood forourschool.Ifanyoftheaboveactivitiessparksan interest,oreven if you justwant to lendahelpinghand,fillout thevolunteer surveyenclosedandreturnittoanyschoolofficeor

pleaseemailthechairsofthefestival:HitomiHattori andNorikoKido (Chofu)orRebeccaFrancis, Marianne Kiil and Heidi Mulcahy(ELC).

Activities atWinterfest that you canbepartofinclude:•InternationalFoodBooths:Celebrate your country’s culinary cuisine bysharingfoodsfromdifferentlands.•InternationalBazaar:Many crafts and vendors from all over theworld!Shoptillyoudrop!•InternationalChildren’sCrafts:Children can learn about various cultures astheymakecraftsfromaroundtheglobe.•CoffeeCafé:Visitacaféforhomemadebakedgoods,warmcoffeeandhotcocoaasyoulistentoourveryownstudentsperformforyourenjoyment.•KimonoPhotoBooth:DressintraditionalJapaneseKimonoforyourfamily’snextkeepsakephoto.•Games:Yourkidscan try their luckatgames runbystudent groups that support charities. Winprizesandgivetoagoodcausetrying!•Entertainment:Enjoystudentperformancesat theRicketsonTheatre, Coffee Café and Field Stageshowcasingallofourmanytalentedstudents.•BouncyHouses:Jumpandplayonthegiantinflatablesonthelowerfield!

Spring Gala Saturday, March 12Join us on Saturday, March 12 at the ANAIntercontinentalHotelforanexcitingeveningatthePTA’sSpringGala.Followinglastyear’ssuccessful all-school fundraising auction thebarhasbeensethigh,butwehopethisyear’seventwillbeevenbiggerandbetter.Luckybiddersonthenightcouldwalkawaywith a luxury travel package, a uniqueexperienceforthemselvesortheirkids,oroneofamultitudeoffabulousitemswe’llhaveupforauction.Be sure to snapup your seats early, as thiswillbeonehotticket!Ticketswillgoonsaleonline on MOL approximately one monthpriortotheevent.Lookoutformoreinformationinthecomingmonthsonthemanywaysyoucanbecomeinvolved and contribute to the PTA’s mainfundraiser. The proceeds directly fund thetwo PTA budgets—enabling many fantasticprogramsonbothcampusesandbenefittheschool’sannualgivingcampaign.Ifyou’dliketobeapartofthisyear’sGala,please contact one of the PTA Gala Chairs:Jane Hunsaker, Diane Harris (Chofu) andEmmaWardorSusanLin(ELC).

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Booster ClubEmily Teo and Kelli Hadden, BoosterClubCo-chairs

The Booster Club welcomes all new andreturning families for yet another excitingMustang Spirit filled year! We will continuetolendsupporttovariousathleticeventsoverthecourseofthis2010/2011schoolyearasanathleticarmofthePTA.

The Booster Club provides a vital linkbetweentheathleticdepartment,teamcoachesandtheparentsofourdedicatedandtalentedathletes. We line up team parent volunteersfor each team to serve as a communicationliaison between parents and coaches. Theycoordinatevariousactivitiestohelptheseasonrun smoothly. The Booster Club also gives

Friends of the Fine ArtsMarjorie Duray, FOFAChair

Friends of the Fine Arts (FOFA) are acommittee within the PTA whose goal is tosupport the many art programs offered atASIJ. Atallgradelevels,studentshavemanyopportunities to explore and express theircreativity, in both the performing and visualarts.Throughouttheyear,theASIJcommunityaretreatedtoband,stringandchoirconcerts,drama productions, musicals, art exhibitionsandmore.FOFAactsasaliaisonbetweenthe

collectivefeedbackontheseasontotheathleticdepartmentinordertobringgreatersuccesstoourMustangathleticprogram ingeneral. Attheculminationofeachfall,winterandspringseason,weorganizeMSandHSbanquets torecognizethehardworkanddedicationofourmanyASIJstudentathletes.

The Booster Club also promotes schoolspirit through selling a variety of itemsbearing the ASIJ logo; t-shirts, sweatshirts,sweatpants,andtanktops,etc.Storedatesand hours are posted on (MOL) MustangsOnlineandannouncedinthedailybulletin.

TheBoosterClubnotonlyplansfunschool

spirit events on campus for students but isalwayslookingforwaystoinvolveparentsandgeneratesupportforourathletesbypromotingregular attendance at home games andmatches. Watch for future announcementson the Booster Club webpage on MustangsOnline. Let’s show our Mustang spirit andmake2010/2011arewardingyearforallofus!

If you’d like to join in on any of theBoosterClubactivitiesorhaveanyquestions,please contact <[email protected]>,<[email protected]> or other BoosterCommittee member listed on the BoosterClubwebpageonMustangsOnline.

faculty and administration and the generalparent population to promote these events,facilitate performances, recognize studentachievementintheartsandresearchnewwaystoenrichourprograms.

As part of the PTA, FOFA helps to raisefundsthroughouttheyearforgrants,manyofwhicharefocusedonthearts.Inpastyears,grantshavefundedthehiphopdanceprogramfor high school and middle school students,

workshopsinmimetheatre,stagelightingandKyogen theatre, and aballet performancebytheAustrianBallet,tonamejustafew.

FOFAisadynamicgroupandwe’realwayslookingfornewmembers.Pleasefeelfreetocontactmeifyou’dliketojoinusorifyouhaveanyquestionsabouttheartsatASIJ.

Ifyou’dliketojoininonanyoftheFOFAactivitiesorhaveanyquestions,pleasecontactMarjeDuray<[email protected]>.

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Chofu PTA Board 2010-11

PresidentShizukaZwaanstra

Vice President HalleyMistry

Secretary MichalSmall

Treasurer KeithAllen

ES Vol. Coord. MontanaGriffin

MS HS Vol. Cord. KristenAnderson

Grants KathleenL’Esperance

Winterfest Chair HitomiHattori

Winterfest Co-chair NorikoKido

Spring Gala JaneHunsakerDianeHarris

Event Coordinator HeatherHoffman

Neighbor to NeighborSusanPeiperBailey

Parent Focus Group MayaMoore(ES)LouAnneLeon(MS)LuanneHeideman(MS)KarenPond(HS)MelissaWaters(HS)YasukoKent(Japanese)TomiMalamud(Japanese)

Community Service JanelCallon

FOFA Chair MarjeDuray

Booster Club ChairKelliHaddenEmilyTeo

Headmaster EdLadd

ELC PTA Board 2010-11

PresidentAbbieChesslerSalsberg

VP/FundraisingSusanSeltzer

VP/CommunicationsChristineConner

Winterfest Co-Chairs RebeccaFrancis,MarianneKiilandHeidiMulcahy

Gala Co-ChairsSusanLinandEmmaWard

SecretaryYvetteHollingshead

Treasurer AyakoOwens

N-2-NGriseldaSuner

Room Parent CoordinatorEllenLoomis

Media ServicesStephanieQuinnild

Social Committee Co-ChairsStephanieToppino,RobinMayerandLoriFrance

Yearbook Co-ChairsGinaCapizzi,LottieRezneckandKateClark

Community Services Co-ChairsLilyNguyenandKazukoDaniel

Parent Ed Co-Chairs- Cassy GuttenfelderandAllisonLeoni

Non-Board Positions

ScholasticMirandaHoward

Omochi Pounding HirokoBarringerandYukaQuantrille

ELC PTA Dates

Some important dates to keep in mind at the begining of the year are the following:

Thursday, Sept. 9ELCPTABoardMeeting

Friday, Sept.10ELCBack-to-SchoolNight(nochildrenatthisevent)

Thursday, Sept. 23ELCPTAFamilyPicnic

Thursday, Sept. 16ELCParentEducationWorkshop-“TheASIJWay”

Saturday, Oct. 16SpiritDay/Homecoming

Chofu PTA Dates

Tuesday, Oct. 5JapaneseParentFocusGroupMeeting

Wednesday, Oct. 6ChofuPTABoardMeeting

Saturday, Oct. 16SpiritDay/Homecoming

Friday, Sept. 17ChofuPTABoardMeetingChofuPTAWelcomeCoffee

Page 22: ASIJ Back-to-School Newsletter 2010

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ASIJ Board of DirectorsAllan O’Bryant, BoardChair

OnbehalfoftheBoardofDirectors,IwouldliketoextendawarmwelcometoallthosewhoarenewtoASIJandtoourreturningfamilies.IwouldliketoespeciallywelcomeournewHeadofSchoolEdLaddandhiswifeCarol.

ThepastyearwasoneoftransitionfortheBoardasweworkedwithTimCarrandEdLaddontheirchangeoverplan. Ed’s two visits to school smoothed that process and enabled him to meet with many constituents andparticipateindecisionmakingwellaheadofhispermanentarrivalatASIJ.I’mconfidentthatthosevisitsandthemanyconversationshehashadwithboardmembersandschoolleaderswillallowhimtohitthegroundrunningnowthathehasjoinedusinTokyo.

EveryyearthefirstorderofbusinessfortheBoardofDirectorsistheBoardretreatinSeptember,wherewesetourgoalsfortheyearandtaketimetoreflectonissuesthatmayimpacttheschool.TheBoard’sroleisstrategicinnatureandprovidesoversightandlong-termguidanceonschoolaffairs,practicesandpolicies.Oneofouron-goinggoalsistoworktowardsbettercommunicationbetweentheboardandtheschoolcommunityandtoactivelyengageourTrusteesandcommunitymembers.Theimportantrolethatthecommunityplayedintheheadofschoolsearchand

thetransitionprocesslastyearmadeitclearthatschoolgovernanceworksbestwhenthecommunitycomestogether.TheBoardiscommittedtofurtheringtheopportunitiesformeaningfulcommunityengagement.WehaveinvitedtheTrusteestoparticipateina

portionoftheBoardretreat.WewillholdaBoardForum,or“townhall”meeting,againthisyear.WehaveestablishedanOutreachCommitteetohelpusfocusonbuildingstrongerrelationshipswithourbroadcommunity.Webelievethatcontinuedcommunicationwithourschoolcommunityisessentialtounderstandingwhatisimportanttoyou.

AspartoftheBoard’sfiduciaryresponsibilitywewillcontinuetomonitortheglobalfinancialsituationtogaugeitsimpactonASIJ,andwearecommittedtoprotectingtheschool’sfinancialhealth.YoucanfindourfinancialinformationandotherBoarddocumentsontheBoardsectionofMustangsOnline.

TheBoardandIlookforwardtoservingwithyoutohelpASIJachieveitsvisiontobeanexemplaryinternationallearningcommunitythatnurtureseachstudent’sfullpotential.Weencourageyoutosharewithusyourthoughtsandideasandinviteyoutolendyourtimeandtalenttoourstudents.Bestwishesforafantasticschoolyear.

EdLaddEugeneGregor

StephanieToppino

RichardFolsom JesperKoll BradMaggart

JereMiller AllanO’Bryant AbbieChesslerSalsberg

PaulYonamine MimiYoshii ShizukaZwaanstra LindaSuzukawa-Tseng* FrederickMorgenstern**StatutoryAuditors

MikiTsusaka

Page 23: ASIJ Back-to-School Newsletter 2010

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ALLASIJ Student Learning Outcomes

ASIJ educates students to become:

Effective Communicators who:•Expressideas,emotionsandpersonalexperiencesclearlyandcreatively

throughthewrittenandspokenwordandthroughthearts.

•Listencriticallywithunderstandingandempathy.

Literate Individuals who:•Integratelearningandapplyittoauthenticsituations.

•Readfluentlywithcomprehensionforavarietyofpurposes.

•Developastrongfoundationinallacademicdisciplines.

•Access,analyze,evaluateandpresentinformationusingdiverseresources.

Critical Thinkers and Problem Solvers who:•Applycreativityandpersistence,anddevelopawarenessoftheir

ownthinkingindefiningproblemsanddevelopingstrategiestosolvethem.

•Demonstrateflexibilityinthinking.

Self-Directed, Productive Learners who:•Seekpersonalexcellenceinintellectual,artistic,practicalandphysicalendeavors.

•Independentlypursuelearning.

•Set,achieveandreflectonpersonalandcollectivegoals.

•Makehealthychoices.

Constructive Community Members who:•Haveaclearsenseofselfandexhibithonestyandintegrity.

•Workcollaborativelyandeffectivelywithothers.

•Showrespectfortherightsandtoleranceofthevaluesofothers.

•Developanawarenessandunderstandingofthehostcultureandothercultures.

•Understandenvironmentalissuesandworktopreservetheenvironment.

•Contributetheirtime,energiesandtalentstoimprovethequalityoflifeinourfamilies,

schools,communities,nationandworld.

•Preparethemselvesforcitizenshipinademocraticsociety.

Page 24: ASIJ Back-to-School Newsletter 2010

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Quick Contacts 0422-34-5300Head of School’ Office Extension

HeadofSchool EdLadd 200ExecutiveAssistant KyokoWakutsu 201

Early Learning Center

Director JudyBeneventi 03-5771-4344Director’sSecretary YukoHoshino 03-5771-4344

Elementary School

Principal DanBender 500AssistantPrincipal BarbaraRynerson 500Secretary AileenKanoh 500Secretary MeenakshiLahad 500Counselor(Grades1-3) SteveHisler 527Counselor(GradesK,4-5) NahoKikuchi 529

Middle School

Principal ScottAdams 600AssistantPrincipal AngelaWooles 607Principal’sAssistant MichelleLee 600StudentOfficeAssistant 603Counselor(Grade8),LA SteveBennett 605Counselor(Grades6-7) JuliaDarrigan 604GuidanceAssistant YukariMizuno 601

High School

Principal RickWeinland 401AssistantPrincipal NancyKroonenberg 420Principal’sSecretary MarikoYokosuka 400StudentOfficeSecretary NorikoSaji 402Counselor(SurnamesA-G) WarrenLavender 407Counselor(SurnamesI-P) SheriNeal 405Counselor(SurnamesH&Q-Z) TimothyOlson 406

Transportation Office

DirectorofTransportation JanetWitt 622(whileallbusesareenroute) 090-3331-8653TransportationManager SteveMita 350(whileallbusesareenroute) 090-9823-7056

Activities and Athletics

Director JohnSmith 271Secretary MarianneHaneda 272

Health Center

HeadNurse AtsukoHull 240/241

The Center for School-Community Partnership

Director TimThornton 309CommunicationsandAlumniRelationsOfficer LucyWilliams 703DirectorofCommunications MattWilce 706


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