From the US Principal's Desk April 2015 UPPER SCHOOL NEWS Aquinas American School Report Cards Third quarter ends on April 17. Report cards for US will go out on Mon., April 20. Once again, as a reminder, third quarter is mid-term. Semester grades are what really count (regarding our academic policy, high school credit, GPA, etc.). Please feel free to contact your child's advisor or myself if you have any concerns. High School Online Course Many high school students are well into their online course. As a matter fact, some are already done. All students should be about half-way done as April 17. Please talk to your child and make sure he or she is making progress in the course. If there any problems, please let me know. MAP Student Life Committee Dear Parents, One of my initiatives as Upper School Principal has been the starting-up of AAS's US Student Life Committee. It's purpose has been to give students a chance at leadership, inject school spirit into the life of the school, and promote excellence (only students with excellent grades and behavior can be a part). Before Easter break, our SLC put on a bake sale to raise money for the persecuted Christians in Iraq. This was something they came up withy entirely on their own. I am happy to announce that, with your support, our students raised over 1600€! We will begin our Spring MAP testing next month (May). Results from this test will now allow us to see student growth. More information to come. All men by nature desire to learn. 1 From the US Principal's Desk April 2015 On April 24, from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm, in the gym, the SLC will be holding an International Day. The purpose of this project is to help promote cultural awareness, an understanding of the geography and history of various countries, how to work on a project that requires organization, and to have fun. Important Days to Remember The countries that will be represented include: England, Russia, France, India, Australia, Greece, Mexico, and Italy (and of course, Spain and the U.S.). Students will prepare informational posters and bring in food that is representative of each country. Each grade will cycle through the gym (20 minutes) and have a chance to "experience" the above-mentioned countries. The following important emails have been sent from school. Please remember these day: If you would like to volunteer, please let me know; and, of course, all of you are invited! • April 17 is the due date for 7th- Happy Easter and Thank You grade students interested in our study abroad program at Malvern Prep (located in Pennsylvania, USA). • April 20. Scholastic Book Fair. I hope all of you had a wonderful Easter break. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many parents, faculty, staﬀ, and students of AAS, who had very kind things to say to me about my leaving. I will miss all of you very much!! Yo u r c h i l d w i l l h a v e t h e opportunity to buy some books appropriate for Lower and Middle School. Bring money. • April 26 is the family field trip to Avila. This is sure to be a fun day, as we honor St. Teresa of Avila by celebrating Mass, having lunch, and fun together. • May 23, from 11:30-5:00, is our 3rd annual family day. Don't forget to mark your calendars. Family day will be at Encinas Club with a Hawaiian theme! IB VISIT Our visit will be next month. Our US school teachers are working hard in preparing. After our visit, we will find out if we will become authorized for next year. All men by nature desire to learn. 2