AISM Newsletter
October 2021
Director's Message
Dear AISM Community,
*Although, it’s technically still September we wanted to get the October newsletter out as soon as possible as there are many events and activities that are coming up fast. Here we go!
Welcome to fall and October! In other parts of the world, October usually means, leaves turning colors and the weather getting cooler. Here in Liberia, October is when we start looking forward to the rainy season ending, so that we can go and enjoy the beach. Nonetheless, October brings a steady routine to students and a settling into the school year. Students are beginning to look forward to special events and the After School Activities Program, ASAP starting. Last year, due to COVID we were unable to offer ASAPs. We need to remain diligent about handwashing, mask wearing indoors and staying in our cohorts. COVID is still spreading and although vaccinations have increased there is still a high risk of getting COVID.
We have taken the MAP test and we are half way through the first quarter. During Parent/Teacher conferences at the end of October you will have an opportunity to meet with teachers to discuss the MAP scores and your child’s progress report.
The PTA has organized themselves to be a part of school wide events this year. Please take the time to connect with the PTA and/or your Homeroom parent to see how you can get involved. Many hands make small work. We are grateful for the efforts of the PTA and we look forward to their continued and much appreciated work.
The AISM Board had its 1st Board meeting September 16th. Committees are being finalized and Board goals for the work they will undertake this year are being developed. The AISM Board of Trustees is a diverse group of individuals who are coming together to collectively provide a vision on how best to continue to improve AISM.
Thank you for your continued support of AISM.
Kind regards,
Bobbi McDaniel, Ed.D.
AISM Board member Spotlight
AISM Board member & US Ambassador's Board Representative
Ms. Sunshine Ison currently serves as the Director of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) at the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia but has dedicated much of her diplomatic career to cultural, educational, press, and public engagement issues, including partnerships with schools and universities in the United States and abroad. In addition to Liberia, she has served in Peru, Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Vietnam, and Mexico, as well as in Washington, DC. Sunshine grew up on a farm in Eastern Kentucky, and interactions with exchange students changed her life by inspiring her to study abroad and later to join the U.S. Foreign Service.
Ms.Jenny Österlind AISM Board member and Parent
My name is Jenny Österlind , I am from Sweden. I have two boys at AISM, one in Kindergarten and one in fourth grade. This is our second year in Monrovia, the whole family enjoys our time here.
I am a new AISM Board member and I am looking forward to engaging further in the present and future development of the school. Besides being a board member, I am studying computer science at a Swedish university.
I also enjoy playing golf, traveling near and far, and cooking.
Virtual Day
World History - 9th Graders
Mr. Parchment’s World History class piloted the SDG game on Thursday, September 23. His 9th grade students shared their understanding of the role of the UN and the importance of accomplishing the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
Ms. Janine Stegall - Guest Lecturer
Reflecting on SDG
We discussed Liberia’s role of joining the UN in 1944 and why that was so significant for the continent of Africa. The students gave great feedback about the game and we discussed ideas of creating an app. The SDG game was customized to include the Liberian map and the Liberian county flags by Minister Olubanke King Akerele. Her vision of making the game meaningful for the Liberian children is driving this initiative to pilot the game in certain schools.
World History 9th Graders
9th graders writing a reflection and giving feedback about the Sustainable Development Goals board game.
After School Activities Program
Grades: K-3 - 4-6 - 7-10
ASA's begin on September 27th and run till December 3rd
ASAs Hours - 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Dates and Reminders
September 29th - PTA Social at Anglers 5:30 - 7:00
October 1st - Virtual 1/2 Day of School 8:00 - 11:00 - Online
October 4th PSAT - 9th Graders
October 13th PSAT - 10th Graders
October 22nd UN DAY Celebration
October 25- 28 - Parent/Teacher Conferences - NO AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
October 29th - Halloween/Fall Festival - 1/2 Day Dismissal 12 noon
October 29th - End of 1st Quarter