COUGAR COURIER
October 12th, 2018
From the desk of Principal Ruiz
Thank you to all of the families that supported the Fine Arts department with their attendance at the Band/Choir/Orchestra performance. The arts cannot be learned through occasional or random exposure any more than math or science can; our team appreciates the dedication of each scholar, Mr. Iwaniec and Mr. Forrester. Education and engagement in the fine arts are an essential part of the school curriculum; we are blessed to offer an educational program that includes fine arts for all scholars at CIA. We appreciate the fine arts educators enhancing the learning process.
This week our 8th grade scholars participated in CPR training. Research shows, in the event of an emergency, when those present at the scene of an urgent situation are able to provide CPR to the victim promptly, the chances of survival are significantly increased. CIA is dedicated to equipping scholars to be prepared for life; knowing what to do in an emergency medical situation can mean the difference between life and death.
All MPY scholars (grades 6th - 8th) will have the opportunity to participate in the first Storybook Character Day that is scheduled for October 31st! This day has been designed to ignite a love for literacy. Our MYP scholars are welcome to select their favorite picture book and dress as a character in the story (the character costume may be worn for the entire school day). The scholar will have the opportunity to read the picture book to a small group of PYP (Kindergarten - 5th grade) scholars during their scheduled Language Arts class. The only requirements for the MYP scholar to participate will include a passing grade (C or higher) in Language Arts from the first quarter and submission and approval of the book choice. Each MYP scholar will be sent the digital participation form on Tuesday, October 16th. The participation form must be complete and submitted no later than Tuesday, October 23rd. We encourage each MYP scholar to share their love for literacy with our PYP scholars on October 31st!
CIA is looking for 6th, 7th, or 8th grade males interested in trying out for basketball. All interested scholars must have a physical conducted by a medical doctor in addition to signup on FamilyID. Basketball tryouts will be held on October 22nd and 23rd. All required paperwork must be completed prior to a scholar participating in basketball tryout.
Beginning on Monday, October 22nd, our scholars will be available to purchase fruit snacks for .50 during their lunch session. Please send cash with your scholar if interested in purchasing a healthy snack for your scholar.
Our CIA Cougars will have the opportunity to donate spare change to support "Collecting for a Cure". The weeks of October 22nd - 31st, our Cougars are encouraged to bring their spare change to support breast cancer awareness. The money raised will benefit a CIA family that is currently battling breast cancer in addition to local families that are fighting cancer. We encourage all Cougars to donate spare change to support those in need.
Mark your calendars for Fall Break. No school will be in session on Wednesday, October 17th - Friday, October 19th.
We encourage each family to participate in Parent Teacher Conferences which will be held on Thursday, October 25th from 4:30 - 7:30. Your participation in the academic growth of your scholar is appreciated and necessary to maximize academic learning.
Do not miss the information about the ROAR store! This week's link provides detailed information about the newest items available, specials sales, etc. You will not want to miss the information about the October specials and Spirit Wear!
Ms. Simpson, our Media Specialist and Battle Club sponsor, will update the Battle Club link with updated information each week. Be sure to view the latest news about our Book Club scholars and the teams that will represent CIA this year.
Join CIA on Sunday, December 16th for a fundraising event. CIA will be the Barnes & Noble at University Park Mall from 11:00 A.M. - 9:00 P.M., wrapping items purchased from Barnes & Noble. All donations received will support programs here at CIA. We are in need of volunteers to help us wrap gifts. If interested in supporting our school, email Ms. Simpson to volunteer for a few hours of fun and wrapping. In addition, any purchases made at Barnes & Noble on the 16th of December, or online during the week, will raise monies for new library books at CIA. More details will be forthcoming, as the date approaches. Any questions? Want to get on the volunteer list? Let Ms. Simpson know at dsimpson@sbcsc.k12.in.us.
We would like to thank McKinley Garden Center for the plant donation that will be used to enhance the CIA courtyard.
Have a wonderful week!
With scholars in mind,
Ms. Angela Ruiz, Ph.D. Candidate, Ed.S.
Join us for Eric Thomas Live!
We are excited to announce that nationally renowned motivational speaker Eric Thomas will be joining us on October, 17th at 6:00 P.M. at the Century Center. Eric Thomas will be speaking to SBCSC scholars, parents and staff. An open mic session will be held at 5:00 P.M. We look forward to seeing you there!
Click here for a preview...
Register here for a Parent/Teacher conference
The Kindergarten - 5th grade teachers will hold scheduled conferences. To register for a conference, click the name of your scholar's teacher below:
Parents of scholars in grades 6th - 8th do NOT need to register for a conference. The conference times will be open to serve families as they arrive.
We look forward to seeing you at the Parent/Teacher Conferences on October 25th!
Parent/Teacher Conference: October 25 (4:30 - 7:30)
An effective parent/teacher partnership can make a significant difference in your scholar’s education; the start of a new grading period is an ideal time to refocus this partnership.
Keep in mind, teachers have many scholars demanding their time and attention. A quality conference will focus on what your scholar needs. We encourage each family to approach the parent/teacher conference as an opportunity to refine your scholar’s individual learning.
Below are suggestions to make your conference with each teacher as productive as possible:
- Talk to your scholar about his/her school experiences on a daily basis.
Asking, “How was your day?” is a good, open-ended conversation starter. However, you also encouraged to ask specific questions about aspects of school, ranging from your scholar’s social life (“Who did you play with at recess?”) to academic learning (“What did you learn in science today?”).
Ask what your scholar likes and doesn’t like about school, and what is and what is not challenging. Parents who understand school as their scholar experiences it are in a much better position to coach, encourage or intervene properly.
- Discuss your questions and concerns with your family prior to the parent/teacher conference.
- Identify the information you wish to impart to the teacher. Make notes to remind you of key points to cover during the actual conference.
- Prior to the conference, we encourage each family to review PowerSchool and progress reports before meeting with the teacher. Having your questions prepared before meeting will make the conference more productive.
- Part of a good plan — especially if there are any serious issues being addressed — means scheduling a time to meet again to reassess the progress that has been made and the plan itself.
Parents who utilize these simple strategies will increase the opportunity for a successful experience for their scholar.
A Salute to Veterans
Did you know that November 11th marks the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended WWI? November 11th was selected as Veteran's Day because of the significance of the treaty that was signed on this day, 100 years ago. This year will be our 99th Veteran's Day! If you would like to spend some time learning about the end of WWI with your scholar, click here.
The CIA Cougars aim to honor those who fought during WWI and who are currently members of any branch of the US Military. Please email the names of your family members that have served or are currently serving in any of the Armed forces to Mrs. Pol so that we may include them in the recognition ceremony that will take place on Monday, November 12, 2018.
Honor Roll News
Here at Clay International Academy, we value and acknowledge all scholars for their great achievements. We especially praise scholars who go over and beyond the means to strive for success such as earning Honor Roll. Scholars who earn 3.0 or higher on their report cards will be recognized for Honor Roll and will be rewarded a BINGO party at the end of each quarter. Please speak with your scholar the importance of doing their very best and please be on the lookout for further Honor Roll information.
Gather your Box Tops to raise money for CIA
Yes, it is true...if our CIA families collect box tops, we earn money.
Here is how this works: CIA families, every time you use a General Mills product, cut off the BoxTop label and send it to school with your scholar. 400 scholars X 10 BoxTops per scholar = $400 for CIA! This is a fantastic opportunity because there is no need to purchase anything special. Many families end up with General Mills products in their homes after a trip to the store. We encourage each family to ask your friends, relatives and neighbors to do the same. Begin your search for the Box Top label! A collection box will be placed in the main office; please send all labels to school with your scholar.
Principal Ruiz
Email: aruiz@sbcsc.k12.in.us
Website: http://clayintermediate.sb.school/home
Location: 52900 Lily Road, South Bend, IN, USA
Phone: 574-393-4300
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClayInternationalAcademy/?hc_ref=ARSPi9IBwtzl5EJdceUcqxSSyItIHbU4cIAKX3ZtMeCZAoKpGJMFSGRmc0FRNLyfIJ0&fref=tag
Twitter: @cia_cougars