AISConnect 2019–2020 (A PCA Publication) by American International School Chennai

AISConnect 2019-2020

YEARS

Est.1995

erna t i

Int

ennai h C ol

r i c e a m n A

al Scho

AISConnect 2019 - 2020 PCA Publication - Edition 9

"Flourishing with Chennai for 25 years" PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

Est.1995

AISConnect 2019-2020

A MESSAGE FROM HEAD OF SCHOOL ANDREW A. HOOVER

Dear AISC, As we all went our separate ways on Friday, March 13, for what we hoped would be a quiet and quick Spring Break, we said what we thought would be our shortlived goodbyes. Instead, we have been living through the COVID-19 global health pandemic. By the time we complete our last day of school, we may have been 77 days apart and spent 47 school days in Virtual Learning. The entire AISC community has been an important part of a global effort to slow and stop the spread of the Coronavirus. We have practiced germ-busting, social distancing, and isolation in order to flatten the curve of COVID-19 cases. Our efforts, along with those of communities across the globe, have helped to make a difference! As the Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has shared, “In the eye of a storm like COVID, scientific and public health tools are essential, but so are humility and kindness. With solidarity, humility and assuming the best of each other, we can— and will—overcome this together.” Every step of the way, we have been together apart at AISC. As we emerge from 10 weeks of Virtual Learning, social distancing, and isolation at AISC, we have missed each other. We have missed our friends, our teachers, our students, our colleagues. We have missed the person-toperson interactions, we have missed the positive energy we get from being together, and we have missed being in each other’s physical presence. We have missed celebrating the Class of 2020 together. We have missed celebrating all of our learners, our MUNers, thespians, artists, athletes, STEAMFesters, and ASA participants. We have missed our goodbyes, our high-fives, our last cries. May we never take for granted again the simple blessing of being around each other.

PCA Publication - Edition 9

Together we inspire a love of learning, empowering all students with the courage, confidence, creativity and compassion to make their unique contribution in a diverse and dynamic world.

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

If nothing else, this experience will bring the world’s attention to the things that matter most. AISC’s environmental responsibility vision statement challenges us to create sustainable futures. “Together we commit to lead, live, and work towards a sustainable future.” What opportunities to lead, live, and work better will be there for us in a post-COVID context? We are ready to continue to make a difference. This year, our community has embraced opportunities to live differently, to become a more interdependent and close-knit community, to think differently about our practices, to be differently creative in our problem solving, and hopefully find new insights on flourishing sustainably within new paradigms. We have all grown through this and we will continue to grow through this. And, we have more challenges ahead of us! AISC has a long history of facing challenges and flourishing with Chennai. With resilience and versatility, we will celebrate our 25th anniversary on August 18, 2020. In 1995, the American International School Madras (AIM) began its first school year with eighteen students from four different countries in a small space at the Russian Cultural Center in Alwarpet. Today, more than 800 students (including 51 graduating seniors) from more than 25 nations across the globe attend AISC on our 13-acre Taramani campus. We have flourished! In our story, there are so many memories and so much to celebrate. This year is no different. We must remember that 2019–2020 was not just about the Coronavirus. We also had a spectacular year of learning, and engaging, inspiring, and empowering each other. We have memories galore! At AISC, we differentiate ourselves from other schools in the ways we uphold our commitments to wellbeing and environmental responsibility, our holistic approach to the education of every child, through our passion for personalizing learning, by empowering students with experiences and exposure to the world around them, and through our well-resourced and adaptable campus. In this, our ninth AISConnect magazine, you will be treated to what are now the timeless stories of the 2019–2020 school year. Enjoy! Allow me to share a special note of gratitude to our PCA Executive Committee of officers who, this year, worked with such passion and commitment to nurture our community. Thank you Sossity Smith (President), Cathy Tanaka (Vice President), Nisha Gupta Ryan (Treasurer), and Nandita George (Secretary). Also, the AISConnect team out-did themselves this year in the departments of patience, perseverance, and compassion. We cannot express enough gratitude to each of you, Sossity Smith, Nandita George, and Nisha Gupta Ryan. If you are leaving the AISC community at the end of this school year, we wish you well—remember us! For everyone else, I cannot wait to see you again in August, flourishing on our campus and empowered with courage, confidence, creativity, and compassion. Be well. Stay connected. Sincerely, Andrew A. Hoover

PCA Publication - Edition 9

AISConnect 2019-2020

25 YEARS OF AISC: A TIMELINE AUGUST

1995

The American International School Madras (AIM) is established at the Russian Cultural Center, Alwarpet, with 18 students

1996

2001

AIM becomes AISC as Madras

May

becomes Chennai

AISC celebrates our first graduate

AUGUST

of school, 19 95 day t s r i F

The first Advanced Placement (AP) courses are offered

AISC ’s f irs

es 4–8

y’s

ra d

M u rr a

1997

oad ca m pus

August: A second campus opens at Murray’s Gate Road

December: By the end of 1997, we had 140 students from 24 countries

ha urt lug

uate, Deepthi rad Pu g t

2003

IS A

B o ys S occer

The purpose-built campus in Taramani launches AISC joins SAISA (South Asian Inter-Scholastic Association) and is one of eleven member schools in the South Asia region today

Do you know? When AIM decided to rent classroom space at the Russian Cultural Center (RCC) in Alwarpet, Mr. Nikolai Boutyrski (Consul General of the Russian Federation) sought approval from the Russian foreign ministry, which was headed by Ms. Valentina Tereshkova—the first woman cosmonaut!

PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

2007

2011

AISC becomes a three-section school with dedicated spaces for the Elementary, Middle, and High Schools

Current Head of School Mr. Andrew Hoover joins AISC

AISC is accredited by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) to offer the Diploma Program

The Fine Arts Center (FAC) opens rts Center Fine A

The American Schools in India Activities Conference (ASIAC) is established in partnership with the American School of Bombay and American Embassy School - New Delhi

Con str

The East Elementary School Wing is completed

2012

nts

tri

A S IA C

2009

ur Taramani on o cam n o i t pu uc

o n a Dis cover I

High School Discover India trips commence The current Mission and Values are adopted

Do you know? The Fine Arts Center (FAC) has a state-of-the-art kitchen and cafeteria, dedicated spaces for visual and performing arts, and an 800-seat theater.

PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

2013

2015

Accredited by the Council of International

Our new logo is launched which embraces

Schools (CIS)

our 4Cs (Compassion, Creativity, Courage, and Compassion)

Statement of Internationalism adopted

The Elementary School Design Studio is

Our service learning program, SEVAI (“service”

launched

in Tamil) begins

ur ES Discovery S at o tud s io tic o b

The Ayyanar Horse project is launched horse in the w ork nar a y s y A n

Stu de

2016

che

Kit

r De

framework is adopted

at o u

ech sig n T

The Vision for a Learner

ers

Stu

2014

plo

re o u

tsid e at

M the

The Early Years Outdoor Learning Center and Elementary School Kitchen opens

The Design Tech Lab is launched for Grades 6–12 Do you know? Mr. V. K. Munusamy led our Ayyanar Horse Project, sharing generations of family expertise in terracotta sculpture. In January 2020, he received the Padma Shri for art from the Government of India.

PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

2018 The Wellbeing Framework is adopted to intentionally promote and support wellbeing among our community members

AISC becomes the first K-12 school in the world to be certified Gold status in LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) by the U.S. Green Building Council

The six-lane track on our field is inaugurated 6-lane track Our

1500 kilo lite s D’

al-

ti m e A r c P l a t

m for

s tr a

s s o rt o ur es

lp u

Sola rp an

output ak pe

LEE

2019

ver 22% of deli ou s l r e

he lp

ss lne

llbeing and m r we ind e t fu fos

Yoga to

utilized from ou r ra in

hment pond catc ter wa

is ear y / rs

egre

g a ti o n b

ins

AISC achieves Platinum status in LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) by the U.S. Green Building Council As we move into the future of flourishing with Chennai, we can't think of more important work than nurturing our partnerships in this wonderous context to continue to do what we do best - inspire a love of learning and empower action locally and globally. ANDREW HOOVER

Do you know? Using their real-time Arc Platform, LEED measures and rates our campus across five key areas—energy, human experience, transportation, waste, and water.

Head of School

PCA Publication - Edition 9

AISConnect 2019-2020

PCA Publication - Edition 9

AISConnect 2019-2020

PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

Est.1995

AISConnect 2019-2020

A LOVE OF LEARNING BY DAN LOVE, DIRECTOR OF TEACHING & LEARNING THIS ARTICLE FIRST APPEARED ON MAY 21, 2020, IN THE RAPTOR WAY BLOG

Although said in many different ways, the goal of 21st teachers and students are growing in their learning in century schooling is the creation of knowledgeable, this sustained virtual environment. adaptable people who can work with others to innovate. Virtual Learning is: Never is that more true than in our virtual environment. With our 25-year history of parents trusting their • An opportunity to teach and learn together, children to us, we at AISC, continuing to inspire a love building agency differently of learning, in a virtual realm as we prepare students to thrive in an uncertain, global future. • Establishing a structure for awareness of expectation and availability As AISC wraps up 10 weeks of virtual learning and continues to deliver a balance of self-paced learning • A methodology that requires teacher and and real-time connection, I have reflected on how these student agility five attributes articulated below can serve as valuable • A way to Always stay connected assets to our virtual learning experience. • An example of authentic technology and a way to stay mobile Agency The opportunity virtual learning has provided in school • A new normal of teaching alongside is the place and space to allow us to reimagine learning. Teachers are designing new lessons and students are finding new ways to demonstrate their learning. Both

PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

Awareness of Expectations and Availability Through an intentional use of electronic calendars of events, planners, and daily office hours, students have received the structure that is necessary for teachers and students to work together. There is flexibility in the pace of completing assignments, yet there is also intentionality for students to follow the day-to-day schedule toward success.

complete technology terrain might seem like they need a map. In either case, the daily use of technology prepares all of us for the future we face together. Alongside Maybe the biggest “new normal” is that a student’s homeroom could be a room in their home. The classroom has come to almost every room in the house. Parents are also able to see the lessons of the day alongside their students. We need to optimize the interactions between students and teachers, and this may require parents as partners in lessons.

For the past 25 years, parents have trusted us with the education of their children, which has not changed with virtual learning. Our virtual learning environment allows us to continue to foster a love of learning for our students. Our intentional focus to know our students, provide for what they need educationally, and to care Agility for their wellbeing does not change because of the Through great structure there is freedom. By making place students connect with AISC teachers. expectations known, students are able to be more agile in how they use their time. As Global Online Academy If you are interested in some of the additional articles (GOA) reminds us, Students can find a balance between that have influenced our collaborative efforts, please asynchronous learning (which allows students to self- take a look at the resources below: pace their work) and synchronous learning (which fosters • Seven Things That Will Happen In Education As A connection). Result of COVID-19 Always Stay Connected Creating and maintaining strong online learning communities allows our community of learners to foster connections and relationships. We continue traditions like school assemblies, advisory, celebrations of learning, art shows. We also keep students connected with support services of EAL teachers, learning support services, and school counselors. Maybe, more importantly, starting with building relationships and maintaining them in a virtual environment is so important. People need to stay connected. Connection is part of AISC culture!

• 15 Strategies for Online Learning When School is Closed • For Many Students, Teacher Feedback Is The New Grading System

Authentic use of Technology Whether it is a Zoom classroom or a brick-and-mortar classroom, virtual learning is an authentic, daily use of technology. To some teachers and students, this might be a place of comfort and familiarity. To others, the PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

Est.1995

AISConnect 2019-2020

MEET THE NEW MEMBERS OF AISC LEADERSHIP BY SOSSITY SMITH, ANITHA SWAMINATHAN, AND VARNA RAMASWAMY

We are excited to welcome two new staff members to AISC Leadership next year. We thought we would take the time to get to know them better by asking them to answer five out of the eight following questions: I owe my success to, my strongest belief or value, most inspiring phrase, most important decision, best advice I ever received, my advice to kids, my hobbies or passion project, and the biggest challenge I have faced. Lynn Schneider: Elementary School Principal Lynn Schneider is currently the Elementary School Associate Principal at Colegio Franklin Delano Roosevelt, American School in Lima, Peru, where she has been since 2017. Prior to her move to Lima, Lynn was the Lower School Head (Principal) at Harbor Country Day School in St. James, New York. She has experience as

PCA Publication - Edition 9

a teacher across virtually all grades in the elementary school, having taught at the American Embassy School in New Delhi (India), Khartoum American School (Sudan), Nishimachi International School (Tokyo, Japan), and Taipei American School (Taiwan). She has also been an Instructional Technology Coordinator. Lynn has a Certificate in Advanced Education Leadership from Harvard University, a Master’s degree in Technology for Educators from Johns Hopkins University, Maryland, and a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from American University, Washington, DC. Lynn will be accompanied by her husband, Greg Clinton, who will teach High School Social Studies, and their two sons, Soren (age 8) and Blake (age 6). My strongest belief or value In a perfect world, everyone would be treated with kindness and respect. This isn’t a perfect world, but those are the values I think we should uphold. People disagree, and that’s happening more and more these days, but working together means maintaining that baseline no matter where you are from, what work you do, what religion you practice, what you look like, what you know. AISC values diversity and that’s what makes me so excited to work there. Celebrating diversity only

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

works if we start by aiming for kindness and respect.

might lose confidence. This is one example of why socialemotional intelligence—being able to recognize those emotions, express them, and regulate them—is such a Most inspiring phrase “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, central part of success in school and in life. people will forget what you did, but people will never Clare Michelsen: forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou Student Support We’re all pragmatists, in some ways; we all want to Services Director solve problems and get things done. But this quote by Clare Michelsen presently Maya Angelou reminds me that if what we want to do is serves as secondary build a strong community, then we have to pay attention learning support coach at to feelings, to how we treat each other and the kind of the American International social-emotional environment we create. It’s a reminder School of Mozambique. She to me that at times, what’s more important than individual has previously worked as the achievement is being a part of something larger than learning support coordinator ourselves, forming bonds, and sharing goals. Success or at The American International failure—perhaps the important thing is being together. School of Johannesburg (South Africa) and the Nanjing International School Best advice I ever received Years ago when I was a student-teacher in Maryland (China). Over the span of more than 25 years, Clare public schools, I was mentored by Debby, a veteran has taught EAL, elementary homeroom, and French and teacher, something of a “character.” She was rebellious, English in Vietnam, Belgium, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Kenya, said whatever was on her mind, and questioned the Lesotho, and Belgium. Clare holds Bachelor’s degrees in administration almost constantly. She was passionate, Combined Humanities from University of Ulster (Belfast) even fierce, not for her own needs, but for her students’. and Special Needs Education from the University of South That was Debby’s test for the rightness and wrongness of Africa, and a Master’s degree in Inclusive Education also a policy: does it support the students? Staying student- from the University of South Africa. She will be joining us centered is the most important lesson I have learned with her husband, Bent. as an educator, and as basic as it sounds, it is worth I owe my success to positive learning experiences in reaffirming every day. Elementary and Secondary, as well as a mother who knew my strengths and taught me the value of self. My advice to kids My strongest belief or value is that all learners should When I was a child. I thought making mistakes was a have equal access to the curriculum. bad thing. I did my best to avoid mistakes which also meant avoiding risks. I did well in school—I thought the Most important decision was to go to Africa in 1990, two things were related. No mistakes = success. What which led to everything else. I’ve learned since then is that if I’m not making mistakes, I’m not challenging myself enough. I’m not learning. My My advice to kids is to advocate for what you need. advice to young people is to become an expert mistake- The biggest challenge I have faced was to continue to maker. That means paying attention to mistakes, owning follow my international career path once my daughters them, reflecting on them, and becoming stronger because went to university in Europe. of them. Mistakes are the key to learning. We all know that part of the difficulty is managing how we feel about mistakes: we might feel shame or embarrassment, or we PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

Est.1995

AISConnect 2019-2020

CHENNAI'S MUN IMPACT: MAKING AN IMPACT IN THE COMMUNITY BY PEPPER MCFARLAND

Pepper McFarland is a Social Studies teacher, MUN This group has focused on multiple SDGs that spoke to Director, and advisor of the High School’s MUN Impact them. We started the year working on SDG1, No Poverty, program and SDG4, Quality Education. The first year for SDG1, we focused on spreading awareness of the high rate “A drop in the ocean is still a drop in the ocean. Let us of poverty in India by celebrating the UN’s No Poverty be that drop.” Chennai’s MUN (Model United Nations) Day on October 17th, 2018. We wore orange ribbons Impact group has taken this philosophy to heart as they and collected donations of toys and household items to try to improve the world around them, both in school deliver to people in the slums and to the Slum People and in their community. The Chennai MUN Impact club Education and Economic Development Program school. was founded by students under the global MUN Impact We continued our “No Poverty” push by creating—and umbrella in 2018 with this similar goal: “We discuss the showcasing at our own MUN conference—a hut made importance of moving students from academic debate out of materials that lower income people in India use. to impactful actions and encourage MUN programs to We used the hut to raise awareness of the conditions in embed outreach, service and support of the Sustainable which many Indian families live in order to provide an Development Goals (SDGs) in our local community.” opportunity for delegates to experience life outside their

PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

own home, and hopefully get them to think about what poverty truly looks like. For our second year, we added a food drive in order to support the Seva Samajam Children’s Home—a long-time community partner. For SDG4, Quality Education, we have been working in conjunction with a local Chennai school to create a MUN program on their campus. Our ultimate goal for this program is to help this local school—and other schools who are now contacting us about it—to become selfsufficient programs with their own student leadership and who will eventually participate in local or global conferences. The skills they are learning in this MUN outreach go far beyond the activity as these students are learning to write and speak about issues that matter to them. They are also learning about the world beyond the confines of their neighborhood as they research and synthesize information.

AISC is a LEED platinum-certified school, so our work on SDG12, Responsible Consumption, and SDG6, Clean Water and Sanitation, was a natural step. We began by simply raising awareness through information, brainstorming ways to save water and resources, and doing social media takeovers. We then participated in our school’s RISE event, focusing on consumption and sustainability. At the event, our club president delivered a speech highlighting the amount of juice box, water bottle, and hand towel waste we generate each week. We also collected ideas for replacing single-use paper and plastic and brought local vendors onto campus who

specialized in reusable and eco-friendly products. Even though we began small, it has blossomed into more than that. You can feel the changes happening around the school as students, teachers, and parents embrace the ideas of responsible use as their own. To further our work on this SDG, we also coordinated with another club on campus to sponsor a lake cleanup in which we created permanent signage about clean water, as well as leaving garbage bins for the community to utilize. Also, the MUNImpact zone at last year’s CHEMUN XII conference supported the theme of sustainability and ethical choices.

As we write this, we are continuing to work on various programs—both as a club and in coordination with other stakeholders in the community. Two programs we are involved in combine SDG3, SDG5, and SDG10 as they focus on Women Empowerment in the areas of hygiene, education, and legal rights. We will also be sponsoring our second annual #MyFreedomDay with a week of events to raise awareness about modern day slavery, as well as supporting Kranti, a Mumbai NGO that helps children of the red light district escape poverty and receive education and therapy. Kranti will be speaking with our social studies 10 classes and will host a lunch meeting for all community members to help provide understanding on the work that Kranti does and the situation that these families are in. The money collected from the lap-a-thon will be donated to Kranti to help with housing. The Blue Cross Club will also be coordinating with us to promote World Stray Day and we will continue to work with the school’s Wellbeing PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

Committee in an effort to promote SDG3, Health and Wellbeing, within our own community. One final program that students are working on is data management for a local NGO.

to make a change in my community by executing the solutions that were extensively debated in the four environmental committees that I participated in. However, I found no outlets for my new found passion within my school; therefore, I began to look beyond the school walls directly into the community around me. With MUN Impact, I am better able to focus on actually making a change. Using the UN Sustainable Development Goals, MUN Impact can support others in their efforts to tackle the world's most urgent issues.” To see the work our MUN Impact students do, visit https:// www.chennaimunimpact.org/ or the global MUN Impact site: http://munimpact.org/.

The work that this group has done is very inspiring. The president and co-founder of AISC’s MUN Impact group, Serin Kim (Class of 2019), said, “MUN has always been a passion of mine because the process of researching and debating allowed me to become mindful of the world. Yet after a few years, I began to feel the need

PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

Est.1995

AISConnect 2019-2020

COMMUNITY CHOIR THROUGH THE YEARS BY CATHY TANAKA WITH LISA PAYNE AND DEBORAH LEE

As we say goodbye to Deborah Lee this May, we thought it would be nice to reflect on the AISC Community Choir. Deborah is the choir director for the music department for Middle School and High School at AISC and has been the director of the AISC Community Choir for the past 8 years. Together with Lisa Payne, an alumni parent whose children graduated in 2016 and 2018, they have honed the singing skills of many community members over the years. We decided to interview the duo to gather their thoughts on the choir. 1. Could you share with us some of the history of the AISC Community Choir? From what I know, the AISC Community Choir was started in the 2012–2013 school year by my predecessor, Diane Pritchett. The intention was to give a space and time for parents, faculty, and staff to gather together to sing. ~Deborah

PCA Publication - Edition 9

And from what I know, Mr. Smith (who arrived in 2007) was the community choir predecessor to Diane Pritchett. He held rehearsals before the school day would begin. I think the Community Choir very much appreciates having the after-school rehearsals now! ~Lisa

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

2. What is your expectation for the choir? Simply, my hope for the Community Choir is that it will provide a space for all interested community members to gather together in song! ~Deborah

4. Do you have any advice for those considering joining the choir? Come! We try to have a few performances throughout the year, but it is really a low-pressure group. I love As a parent alum and participant, I feel it is a special when members join who say they haven't sung in many time to stretch ourselves musically, learn from our years or who, perhaps, have never been in a choir choir director, and get to know each other in our AISC before. It is for you, so come out and join us! ~Deborah community. ~Lisa So true, no matter what your musical level, we have all grown and learned together! ~Lisa

3. What was your most impressive moment until now while directing the choir? I believe it was in my second year at AISC when the Community Choir joined in with my Middle and High School Choirs to sing a finale number at the end of our Vertical Concert in February. We had over one hundred singers on stage raising their voices together. It was amazing! ~Deborah I agree! That was a very special concert! ~Lisa

5. Deborah, this is your last year at AISC; any message for our new and returning choir members? The Community Choir has always felt like such a special group, every year. Spending time together every Tuesday afternoon was always a highlight of my week. Also, we throw the best potluck parties! Thank you for your positive spirits, your flexibility, and for so many wonderful memories. I hope that you will keep singing and that our paths will cross again soon! ~Deborah

PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

25 YEARS

PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

Est.1995

AISConnect 2019-2020

CHANGING FORM WHILE CLARIFYING IDENTITY: BECOMING A STANDARDS-BASED LEARNING SYSTEM IN THE HIGH SCHOOL BY JOELLE BASNIGHT, HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

For many years, the American International School Chennai used content and skill standards from the United States to define their curriculum. Like in many other schools, these standards represented the “what” of teaching but did not necessarily influence the “how” of teaching. Many schools worldwide have added standards-based assessment and reporting to their standards-based learning systems. By crafting unit instruction and assessments driven by standards, teachers are better able to report on what students know and are able to do while giving feedback that is actionable and strengths-based. The High School decided to embark on this paradigm shift in 2014.

true and honest collaboration. To support faculty in this area, the School provided training in Adaptive Schools to anyone interested. Over the years, almost 100% of the High School faculty have completed this training and it has, without a doubt, supported the section’s ability to implement change. In their book, “The Adaptive School,” Robert Garmston and Bruce Wellmen assert that organizations must adapt to changing environments by “letting go of existing forms and continually clarifying the core identity of the enterprise.”

Garmston and Wellmen posit that schools become Successful paradigm shifts are made possible through adaptive by reflecting on three important questions:

PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

Who are we? Why are we doing this? Why are we doing this, this way?

PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

As a school that values preparing students for “a diverse and dynamic world,” we must support our students to develop the skills to navigate ambiguity with agility, curiosity, and self-direction. In 2014 the High School faculty questioned if the education we were providing produced future-ready students or if we were delivering an education that we experienced ourselves as students.

motivate students to understand themselves as learners, to set goals and to determine their paths forward. We communicate to colleges and universities, a profile of a learner that is authentic and unique, not simply a number on a page.

2020: Why Are We Doing This? We began with an examination of our beliefs which led We do this because we love our students and want to us to question some of our practices and to seek better honor and support their growth as unique individuals alignment between the two. As a faculty, we agreed contributing to a diverse and dynamic world—one in which they are self-aware and self-directed to go that: confidently into an ambiguous future. • Standards form the basis of our curriculum and this should inform both instruction and assessment. 2020: Why Are We Doing This, This Way? • Assessments (and grades) should have clear The easy answer is “best practice” or “because research shows us that students learn best when… ” Authors and meaning with reference to the curriculum. researchers Ken O’Connor, Rick Wormeli, Tom Schimmer, • Students make the greatest gains in a growth-toTom Guskey, Jan Chappuis, Jay McTighe, and many mastery model. This requires a system that separates others helped us define the rationale for our actions. behavior from achievement and encourages risktaking and inquiry without penalty. More compelling is the data collected from current • Quality feedback helps identify strengths and students and graduates. Students report an increased areas of growth. This leads to better goal-setting, willingness to take intellectual risks, feel greater control fosters intrinsic motivation, and ultimately puts over their learning, use feedback more effectively and engage readily in conversations about learning students in control of their own learning. with peers and teachers alike. A 2019 AISC graduate • When a student feels in control, stress reduces and shares, “[The Standards-based Learning Environment] energy increases. helped me frame my education in an entirely different With this shared understanding in place, the faculty way. The culture within the School emphasized learning changed form. The process took six years and included rather than grades and this mindset has aided me in professional learning, collaborative dialogue, and university.” individual compromise. The faculty lived the “courage, Perhaps most compelling is the shift prompted within our confidence, creativity and compassion” of AISC’s Mission community. Conversations about “school” are different through the highs and lows of the change process. now. They focus on growth and resilience, versatility and innovation, collaboration and respect. They are had 2020: Who Are We? between and within our students, parents and faculty. We are an interdependent teaching and learning They are our new form that supports our clear identity. community working in partnership with parents and students to bring out the best in every learner. We Garmston, Robert J., and Bruce M. Wellman. The separate behavior from achievement because, while Adaptive School: A Sourcebook for Developing one may impact the other, learners should receive merit Collaborative Groups. Rowman & Littlefield, 2016. for their mastery of standards on their best day. We

PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

Est.1995

AISConnect 2019-2020

AISC AND CHENNAI: A LOOK BACK BY KERYN DOWLING, ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL (2015–2020)

When my family, my husband James (who teaches High School PE) and daughters Amelie and Summer, and I moved to Chennai from Switzerland, we never knew just how much we would fall in love with the wonderful learning community at AISC. And this indeed has truly been a family affair; right from the beginning when our girls literally dove into the pool, we were instantly welcomed into the swimming community. This became true for every new event we experienced and joined, and within months it already felt like we had been here for years. We quickly realized this campus was going to be more than just a school for us; a real community center where we all would be very happy to spend time beyond our school/working hours. Working in the Elementary School and supporting our youngest learners has given me a unique perspective through working with families as they begin their school career. Understanding that each cultural group was bringing a different set of values and customs, I began to navigate these as a way to bridge them into our play-based and inquiry framework for learning. This system of elementary learning is not unique to an American international school but it definitely feels unique for our many families who are not only experiencing it for the first time, but also experiencing it in a totally different context for the first time. Many of our families come from a more traditional subjectbased school framework, and so initiatives we have in the Elementary School—like the Outdoor Learning Center Mud Kitchen, where children can play with sand, mud, and water to create restaurants, and car washes among other things—are perhaps not initially viewed as we know them to be; integral elements of our playbased learning programme in the Early Years. Similarly, our Vision Projects, where students in Grades 3 through 5 have the opportunity to explore a week-long project of their choosing such as learning to surf, building robots, creating habitats for animals on our campus

PCA Publication - Edition 9

or redesigning many of our outdoor spaces, needed careful education so our parents, too, could view these as vital approaches to support inquiry-based learning. Helping families understand this took time, although by making myself visible and available to parents, I was able to build connections and relationships for the work of bridging systems to be built upon. I also didn’t want to be a principal who did not have daily contact with students, so I quickly became part of their lives through attending field trips, including the Grade 5 overnight trips to Pondicherry and to Yelagiri, as well as popping

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

in and out of classes and being out and about at recess to talk and interact with students. In fact, even now, one of my favourite times of the day is welcoming each and every student together with their families as they arrive at the Elementary Gate. The Elementary School has a wonderfully dedicated group of teachers who truly understand each of the different developmental stages of the child, and use this to help frame the learning opportunities we provide.

As a family, we are beach lovers. So while surfing at Kovalam or simply wandering the beach in Akkarai at low tide, we found the peace to balance the hustle and bustle of city life. Waking up to the sound of tropical birds, eating dosa on Sunday mornings, and this lovely year-long warm climate are things we will all miss as

Through the many hours of exploring Chennai out the window of my car, to selecting fabulous fabric at the markets at Cotton Street, every experience has brought something new to enrich our lives. It was in Chennai

I joined a wonderful quilting group of other AISC community members. Not only do we have numerous beautiful quilts (if I say so myself!) that will remind us of our time here, but the hours of laughter as we stitched and put together projects will stay forever in my heart.

we head back to Europe at the end of this year. Our next school posting is Luxembourg, and as we head back to seasons and re-establish our family life there, our memories of Chennai will live on in the stories we share with our new colleagues, our pictures on the wall, and through reconnecting with many of you as you pass through. The international school world is smaller than we realize, and before long, we’ll be connecting with others through tales of who we know and what we love about AISC.

PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

Est.1995

AISConnect 2019-2020

SEVAI: THE POWER OF STUDENT CHOICE BY JESSICA PECHHOLD, MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

On a SEVAI Day in the Middle School, you will see students buzzing around in colored t-shirts, one color for each of the ten activities they have chosen for service learning.

SEVAI has been a well-established activity in the Middle School and historically has been an opportunity for students to participate in a service activity as a grade level.

At 8:30 a.m., a number of our students and teachers in their matching t-shirts, board buses and travel out into the community to engage with our partners: Blue Cross, SPEED Trust, Writer’s Café, Hope Foundation School, and TREE Foundation.

Then in 2018, when scheduling our two SEVAI Days onto the community calendar, a discussion at a higher level emerged.

Other groups will stay on campus and welcome tens of local students from Seva Samajam and the Hope Foundation School. They will garden and cook in our community garden and instructional kitchen, create art in the MS art rooms, share wellbeing activities, and access science labs to have fun with science. Our students on campus also look to serve our own AISC community. They have chosen to shadow our support staff not only to learn about their role on campus but to interview them to learn about them as individuals. The range of activities available to our students represents the evolution of our SEVAI program.

PCA Publication - Edition 9

As important as it was to find ideal dates for all students to participate in a service learning experience, we also

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

asked ourselves how the activities we were scheduling met the aims of SEVAI to develop socially aware and empathetic individuals; collaborative problem solvers ready to embrace real-world challenges; and reciprocal relationships based on mutual respect between AISC and our community.

• Students would be able to choose from a variety of activities that met a wide range of social, environmental, and community needs. • Teachers would also be able to choose their activity and lead a group of students who had also chosen that activity. • Through this match of passion and interest, a new model for SEVAI was created. • At the end of the year, we invited students to share their learning publicly in our first SEVAI showcase. Our ideas from the conference room had taken SEVAI from an activity to a more comprehensive learning experience. It had also accomplished so much more.

In the conference room where we gathered for our scheduling task, Dan Love, our Director of Teaching and Learning, Ryan McFarland, our Activities and Athletics Director, Balajee Ginjapalee, our SEVAI Program Manager, and I begin to re-imagine the SEVAI experience for the Middle School. Student and teacher interest and passion were two ideas that came to the forefront of our discussion as key to authentically engage with service activities to meet the aims of SEVAI. Later in the year, students in Mike Simmons’ seventh From there, we adopted a choice model for students grade social studies class had just finished social and teachers with a variety of activities to support our entrepreneurship projects and had an interest in pitching community partners: their projects to become the next year’s SEVAI projects. We honored their request and heard them out. We were seeing how student choice had promoted student voice and authentic engagement. As a result, the student-led SEVAI projects appeared on our SEVAI menu for the next school year. During the 2019–2020 school year, our students started a community garden shared with Hope Foundation School. Kerala and Anaise (Class of 2024) led a group that shared the experience of farm-to-table by learning gardening techniques, harvesting herbs and vegetables from the garden, and cooking pesto and PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

framework, moving each of these guiding statements from words into actions to create deeply held beliefs. Specifically focusing on collaboration and empathy, the experience of planning, acting, and reflecting to

wraps using their produce. Two AISC projects hosted students from Seva Samajam, a school supporting many first-generation school-goers. Students came on campus, learned how to play soccer from the student-led SEVAI activity Rajiv (Class of 2024) created. Another studentled project developed by Lily and Hanae (Class of 2024) creates works of art with Seva Samajam students. Two more student-led projects also developed deeper relationships with the Hope Foundation School. Under Amrita’s (Class of 2024) direction, a group of students planned wellbeing activities for de-stressing with the students, while another group took over a science lab and designed science activities to complete together.

SEVAI represents what our AISC community is about: putting our Mission into action and purposefully developing the Vision for an AISC Learner (VfL)

PCA Publication - Edition 9

develop reciprocal relationships as an act of service drives SEVAI. SEVAI not only embodies the VfL and Mission, it demonstrates the power of student choice to make a contribution. SEVAI will continue to evolve and make its imprint on the community. A dedicated committee of teachers and leaders in the Middle School is documenting and refining the experience so that the learning and connection that has been created continues in the future. We continue to seek to deepen our authentic connection to the community and will empower our students to lead this!

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

Est.1995

Each year, the PCA Social Outings Committee plans outings to give members of the AISC Community opportunities to explore different areas of Chennai in small groups. This year's trips included a trip to Parry’s Corner for saree shopping, the Koyembedu Market, Dakshina Chitra, and a tour through the SPEED Trust Organization. A nice side benefit to these trips is that not only do parents get to see parts of Chennai that they haven't been to before, but they also get some time with other members of the community to socialize and get to know each other better.

PCA Publication - Edition 9

AISConnect 2019-2020

PCA SOCIAL OUTINGS BY SOSSITY SMITH

One of the busiest times in India is quaintly referred to as “festival season.” Many major holidays are celebrated during this time, including Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, Dussehra, all culminating in Diwali. A tradition for Diwali is to buy a new outfit for the celebration. This year, the PCA Social Outings committee planned for a shopping trip to Parry’s Corner on Monday, September 16, to give community members the opportunity to shop for a new saree, salwar, or lehenga.

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

Have you ever wondered where all the fruits, flowers, and vegetables all over the city come from? They come from Koyambedu Market, the largest wholesale market in Chennai. Flowers and fresh produce come from all over Chennai to the marketplace, where local vendors sell their goods directly to merchants across the city. Some people even line up as early as 4:00 a.m. to select the best merchandise for their shops and stalls. The PCA journeyed to Koyembedu Market on Monday, December 9, 2019. After taking a bus to the Alandur Train Station, we rode the Metro to Koyambedu and took a short walk into the marketplace. This outing was a great opportunity to shop for fresh produce and flowers and to work on our photography skills.

On Wednesday, February 5, the PCA organized a Dakshinachitra outing through Storytrails. Storytrails hosted community members for a tour of Dakshinachitra's heritage museum and a walkthrough of the grand old homes from across South India. Community members took a bit of time after the tour to shop at the handcraft bazaar located within the grounds.

The final outing for the school year was on Wednesday, March 4, 2020. Community members visited the SPEED Trust Slum and took a city tour with female tuk-tuk drivers. Highlights of the tour included the Kapaleeshwarar Temple and Mylapore Market.

PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

“The pain of parting is nothing to the joy of meeting again.” Charles Dickens

dbyes are never easy, but they embark the onset of new adventures. We asked leaving ty and families to leave some thoughts behind for incoming AISC members and their ngs on their onward journeys. We hope you share their excitement, their advice, an REFLECTIONS FROMheed LEAVING us in bidding them au revoir.

Est.1995

ulty

FACULTY & FAMILIES

BY NISHA GUPTA RYAN

“The pain of parting is nothing to the joy of meeting again.” Charles Dickens

Goodbyes are never easy, but they embark the onset of new adventures. We asked leaving faculty and families to leave some thoughts behind for incoming AISC members and their feelings on their onward journeys. We hope Connelly you share their excitement, heed their advice, and join us in bidding them au revoir.

FACULTY Calley Connelly

Q: Where is your next adventure taking you? I will be joining ICS Addis Ababa in Ethiopia as their Where associate is yourprincipal next adventure taking you? of elementary school.

moved from EAL in MS to homeroom team lead in Grade 4. Besides our careers, we have watched our kids Juniper and Rowan grow from ages 1 and 4, respectively, to 2nd and 5th graders, and as a family we welcomed a new baby, Bryn, last year. We've had 2 dogs, 6 cats, about 20 chickens, and 12 guinea hens in our household. It's been busy, bustling, fun, and challenging.

Q: How would you describe AISC in one word? Q: How have you seen AISC grow? be joining ICS Addis Ababa in Ethiopia as their associate principal of elementary school. Dynamic.

From purely a facilities standpoint, we have a beautiful campus to be proud of that has evolved over the years. Q: Howyou has your family flourished time I am proud to see more student art on the walls and ow would describe AISC induring one your word? more spaces for students to gather and play. In many in Chennai? ways, it's a different school as we leave than the school grown through three roles—HS teacher, math coach, to which we arrived. We are honored to have been part amic. I've and leadership intern, and my husband Ross has also of the positive changes.

PCA Publication - Edition 9 34your ow has family flourished during your time in Chennai?

AISConnect 2019-2020

From purely a facilities standpoint, we have a beautiful YEARS cam over the years. I am proud to see more student art on the to gather and play. In many ways, it's a different school as we arrived. We are honored to have been part of the posit Est.1995

Deborah Lee

Keryn Q: Where is yourDowling next adventure taking you?

Deborah Lee

taking you? Luxembourg! In the heart of Europe. Q: How would you describe AISC in one word?

Q: here is your nextadventure adventuretaking taking you? Q:W Where your next you?

Community. Q: How

Q: How would you describe AISC in one word? Q: How would you describe AISC in one word? Vibrant.

Q: Where your next .adventure Luxembourg! In theis heart of Europe

would you describe AISC in one word? Q: HowCommunity. has your family flourished during your time in Chennai?

Milan, Italy.

Q: How has your family flourished during your time Vibrant. Q: How have you flourished during your time in in Chennai? Chennai? We've been involved in every opportunity, even those I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to make we've never tried before. Our daughters, Amelie and some lifelong friendships here. I have also been able to Summer, have played new sports, been involved in grow professionally in really enriching ways. theater plays and as a family, we've loved being part of those communities within AISC. Q: How have you seen AISC grow? One way that I have been observing AISC grow and Q: How have you seen AISC grow? have been celebrating is its push towards environmental AISC has become more and more progressive with conscientiousness and sustainability. inquiry-based education and ensuring the facilities remain world-class. We love this school! PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Roger Bodary Q: Where is your next adventure taking you? Our next adventure takes us to Singapore. Q: How would you describe AISC in one word? Generous. Q: How has your family flourished during your time in Chennai? My wife and I have flourished during our time in Chennai, primarily by the relationships we made. That is something we will take with us and keep close in our hearts for many years to come. Q: How have you seen AISC grow? The biggest growth I have seen is how AISC has put itself at the forefront of international schools, in academic initiatives and strategies, energy and environmental design (LEED), and wellness.

PCA Publication - Edition 9

FAMILY

Q: Where is your next adventure taking you?

Erin Weller Q: Where is your next adventure taking you? We are returning home to Madison, WI, for now... Q: How would you describe AISC in one word? Togetherness. Q: How has your family flourished during your time in Chennai? We have learned so much about India and the world around us. We have made friends from all over the globe and plan to keep in touch and visit each other when we can. Being in Asia has been so eye-opening because it is so different from North America. We have enjoyed the opportunity to travel extensively throughout this part of the world, which is something that would be very difficult for us from the US. It is a loooong way from here. Chennai will always be a part of our hearts.

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

Q: If you were creating a Chennai Bucket List for new families, what would be #1 on your list? There are so many wonderful things to do and see here so I am going to make a Top 3.

Q: How would you describe AISC in one word? Involvement in the PCA as a Country coordinator and a Grade Rep helped keep us all busy and connected to each other. The experience was wonderful!

#3 Take the Storytrails tour through Parry's Corner (the Bazaar Trail). Not only will you learn a lot about the history of Madras, you will get a tremendous glimpse into the daily lives of everyday Chennai residents.

Q: How has your family flourished during your time in Chennai? My daughter has grown up to be more confident, caring, and open-minded over the years. We have all enjoyed the international and local cultural experiences.

#2 Go down to Mahabalipuram. Hire a good guide and take a tour of all the major sites. Visiting this area with a guide gives an excellent explanation of the history of the sites and some of the stories that are the basis of the Hindu faith. Finish the day with fresh seafood for lunch.

Q: If you were creating a Chennai Bucket List for new families, what would be #1 on your list? Do take a trip to Parry's Corner to see the Armenian Church; St. Mary’s Church in Fort St. George; and take in a local circus/magic show/movies/weddings. And food! These cultural experiences will be something worth cherishing.

#1 And the number one thing to do is the SPEEDTrust tour by tuk-tuk. This gives an excellent overview of the main sites in the city and ends with a traditional South Indian lunch. And the female drivers are loads of fun. It's an incredible way to see the highlights of Chennai.

Jayashree Srinivasan : Where is your next adventure taking you?

Where is your next adventure taking you? will be inQ:Chennai. I will be in Chennai.

: How would you describe AISC in one word?

Kala Kumar Q: Where is your next adventure taking you? After seven years of adventure, we are moving back to reality and looking forward to a different adventure back home in Canton, Michigan. Q: How would you describe AISC in one word? I was involved with the AISC parent community (PCA) for most of my stay here in Chennai. In one word, if you ask, I would say, “Lively.”

Q: Where is your next adventure taking you? PCA Publication - Edition 9

volvement in the PCA as a Country coordinator and a Grade Rep helped keep us all busy and

After seven years of adventure, we are moving ba

25 YEARS

Q: How has your family flourished during your time in Chennai? We had some good times here. I personally had a great time while I was involved with some activities in AISC. My kids gained so much in these four years. I can see they have developed some strong characteristics that they lacked before. Overall it was an amazing experience and opportunity to have.

armilee Nielson

Q: If you were creating a Chennai Bucket List for new families, what would be #1 on your list? Experience the local life. Visit some local, traditional houses and get a feel for their beliefs and lifestyle.

AISConnect 2019-2020

Q: How would you describe AISC in one word? Home. For my children it has been a place where they have always felt a sense of happiness, belonging, safety, and encouragement. It has been quite literally a second home. Q: How has your family flourished during your time in Chennai? Any family that has relocated knows the importance of a good school. To ensure your children are thriving and happy at school is definitely among the top three, if not the most important concern all expat families have. AISC has done that for us. So much so that we have turned down career options as the kids were keen on graduating from here. Our children love their school and I have been happy to give back by being part of several things at school. My daughter graduated two years ago and is now studying Architecture at the University of Auckland. My son will be graduating this year. They have been at AISC all their lives and have grown into intelligent and responsible adults. AISC has been a big part of our lives and we will miss it for sure. Q: How have you seen AISC grow? My children joined AISC in KG and 2nd grade. AISC had around 400 students or so then. It was a very close-knit community. Parents and teachers worked closely and planned several things together like school events, celebrations, and field trips to name a few. There was a very strong sense of warmth and community. As the School grew, we have seen some incredible changes to the facilities and resources offered. This has also meant that it was not possible to function as the small community we used to be. It is an inevitable change we see with the growth of every organization. But, I think, the School remains an anchor for AISC families. I am happy to say that has remained a constant.

Sharmilee Nielson

Where is your next adventure taking you?

Q: Where is your next adventure taking you? We haven't decided at this point.

e haven't decided at this point.

How would youPublication describe AISC in one word? - Edition 9 38 PCA

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

CHENNAI BUCKET LIST

Est.1995

BY SOSSITY SMITH THIS ARTICLE FIRST APPEARED ON PAGE 33 OF THE 2017–2018 AISCONNECT, EDITION 7

A group of the AISConnect writers got together to discuss articles over a Thali lunch on a bright green banana leaf. As we reached the end of our meal that was complemented with a hot cup of filter coffee, we shared stories back and forth across the table of our experiences in Chennai. As this continued, we realized a list of “must do/see” experiences had started to form; a Bucket List for Chennai! Please make sure, however long your stay in Chennai is, to try some of these activities. We know that there is so much to experience in Chennai but here is a place to start (not in any particular order). Flying a kite at Marina Beach

Buying textiles at Cotton Street in Egmore

Going to Sukra Jewelry to see silver in all forms

Seeing the Kolam Festival in December in Mylapore

Shopping for jewelry at GRT

Going to the Koyambedu fruit and vegetable market

Having a cup at Kumbakonam filter coffee/ degree coffee

Taking a Metro train journey

Feasting on Thali meals/meals on Banana leaf

Shopping in T. Nagar and Pondy Bazaar

Visiting temples (Ashtalakshmi Temple in Besant Nagar, Kapaleeswarar Temple in Mylapore, Ramakrishna Mission Temple)

Seeing Indian dance and music performances

Trying Murugan Idlis Buying a Kanchipuram saree Getting an Ayurvedic massage Walking in the gardens at the Theosophical Society

Attending an Indian wedding Trying an ice apple (“nungu”) or tender coconut water Seeing the Nativity Scene on St. Thomas Mount Ordering a really big “Rocket” Dosa at Sangeetha, Woodlands, or Saravana Bhavan

Shopping and eating in “Town” (Parry’s Corner) PCA Publication - Edition 9

healthy plants and how and when we can use

YEARS

Est.1995

AISConnect 2019-2020

REMEDIES IN YOUR BACKYARD Remedies In Your Own Backyard BY ANITHA SWAMINATHAN AND VARNA RAMASWAMY By Anitha Swaminathan and Varna Ramaswamy

AncientIndian Indian Ayurvedic practices practices have been utilized andbeen appreciated for ages. herbal components in Its Ancient Ayurvedic have utilized andIts natural, appreciated for ages. the form of teas, digestive aids, and salves cure ailments and benefit our general health and overall wellbeing. But did you know that you can find several principal Ayurvedicaids, ingredients your very cure own backyard? Let’s and b herbal components inprobably the form of teas, digestive andin salves ailments learn more about these healthy plants and how and when we can use them. general health and overall wellbeing. But did you know that you can probably find s Cilantro/Coriander principal AyurvedicLeaves ingredients in your very own backyard? Let’s learn more about A classic herb that flavors several international dishes. healthy plants andseeds how when can use them. Both the leaves and mayand be used in yourwe cooking. Cilantro is packed with immune-boosting, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory antioxidants with neuroprotective effects. It can be used in soups, salads, and gravies.

Cilantro/Coriander leaves

A classic herb that flavors several inte dishes. Both the leaves and seeds may your cooking. Cilantro is packed with Pirandai (Veld Grape) This unique plant, which is found in dense forests immune-boosting, anticancer, anti-inf throughout India and Sri Lanka, is a special remedy for theantioxidants heart and digestive system. The crushed paste effe with neuroprotective (chutney) of Pirandai is very helpful in treating gastric in energy, soups,andsalads, issues, used stimulating improvingand bonegravies. strength. Tulsi/Holy Basil Many South Indian families have the Indian Tulsi plant at the entrance of their homes, as it has a vast history in India for treating infections ranging from insect bites to bronchitis. Its therapeutic properties, including calcium, zinc, iron, and Vitamins A and C, make it a perfect paste, tea, essential oil, or raw snack.

PCA Publication - Edition 9

Tulsi/Holy Basil

Many South Indian families have the plant at the entrance of their homes, a history in India for treating infections

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is well-recognized by its thick, pointed, and fleshy green leaves with a water-based gel inside. If you cut the green shells off, you can apply the gel to sunburns, scars, and sores.stimulating You can find itenergy, at most treating gastric issues, stores, but getting it fresh from your garden is the most beneficial.

Hibiscus Hibiscus plants are known for their large colorful blooms. Both the flowers and leaves can be made into teas and extracts to treat high blood pressure, upset stomach, and bacterial infections. Hibiscus also promotes hair growth and bone hair strength. and improving prevents premature greying by reducing excessive body heat, stimulating blood circulation to the scalp, and increasing the supply of essential nutrients to the hair follicles. Simmer a few hibiscus leaves and flowers in coconut oil and regularly massage the hair scalp with the oil.

The tree, tree herb figh 2 dia to so

Aloe Vera

Hibi Hibis Aloe vera is well-recognized in treating gastric issues, stimulating energy, and improving bone strength. by its thick, poi bloom and fleshy green leaves with a water-based ge into te inside. If you cut the green shells off, you can upset apply the gel to sunburns, scars, and sores. Y Aloe Vera also p can most stores, butbygetting it fresh Aloefind veraitisatwell-recognized its thick, pointe hair g your garden is the mostwith beneficial. and fleshy green leaves a water-basedstimu gel Moringa The Moringa plant, also known as the drumstick tree, is highly nutritious and almost all parts of the tree are eaten or used as ingredients in traditional herbal medicines. It is also rich in antioxidants and fights chronic diseases like heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. You can add moringa pods and leaves to soups or gravies.

increa inside. If you cut the green shells off, you can Karpuravalli/Mexican Mint apply the gel to sunburns, scars, and sores.hair Youfo Itcan is called carries the flavor of flowe findKarpuravalli it at mostbecause stores,it but getting it fresh fro camphor (karpooram in Tamil). Karpuravalli is a juicy hair s your garden is the most beneficial. Moringa plant and is mostly found in Indian homes, especially in

South India. Karpuravalli helps in eliminating toxins from The Moringa plant, also known the drums Karp the body and improves the ability to absorbas nutrients. The Karpuravalli teamed with tulsialmost (holy basil), tree, is highlyleaf, nutritious and all parts vetrilai (black betel leaf), and ginger, makes a great treeorare eatentoortreat used as ingredients in traditiI tonic kashayam the common cold and cough Moringa (see recipe below). o

herbal medicines. It is also rich in antioxidan The Moringa plant, also known as the drumstick fights chronic diseases like heart disease andju tree, is highly nutritious and almost all parts ofet 2 diabetes. You can add moringa pods and le tree are eaten or used as ingredients in traditiona e to soups or gravies.

herbal medicines. It is also rich in antioxidantsaa fights chronic diseases like heart disease and Ty te 2 diabetes. You can add moringa pods and leave le Hibiscus to to soups or gravies. Hibiscus plants are known for their large colorb

41 be ma PCA Publication - Edition 9 blooms. Both the flowers and leaves can

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

So look around! Maybe you’ll find some of these restorative plants in your own home. Kashayam refers to a water decoction of a group of herbs and can be used for ailments like indigestion, cough, and the common cold. It is an ancient form of medicine that has been used for a long time. Mrs. Tilakam Chinnathambi uses this recipe when a person has a tough cold or cough. Ingredients: • 2–3 vetrilai (betel leaves) • 2 sprigs of karpuravalli (mexican mint) • 2–3 stalks of tulasi (holy basil) • 1 inch ginger • 1 tbsp of jaggery powder or palm sugar Method: • Boil the herbs and ginger together along with jaggery in 1 cup of water for 15 minutes. • Strain the herbs out.

PCA Publication - Edition 9

Drink the kashayam while it is warm to be effective. You can take this right before you go to bed or first thing in the morning. Take it for a couple of consecutive days and then stop. Start again in a couple of days if you still feel congested.

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

THE PTA UPDATES ITS NAME & MISSION

Est.1995

Christina Ma, Lica Kamio, Jennifer Nordin, Shanthi Giridhar, and Susan Scales, PTA Task Force Members Over the last two years, a strategic planning committee comprised of dozens of parents, teachers, administrators and a few students have created the AISC’s new mission and core values. We have seen evidence of their work with the mission statement boldly displayed across campus: Together we inspire a love of learning, empowering all students with the courage, confi dence, creativity and compassion to make their unique contribution in a diverse and dynamic world. Out of this strategic planning process came a request to the PTA to update its mission and bylaws. With all the changes taking place at AISC, it was time to revisit the PTA’s structure and focus and bring it in line with the broader goals of the school. This spring, fi ve AISC parents came together to review the PTA bylaws and create an updated document to serve the parent organization in the coming years. This PTA Task Force represented a wide cross-section of the school community. After many hours of discussion, we recommended that the membership include all parents and guardians with a child enrolled at AISC, and that the PTA be renamed the AISC Parent Community Association, to be known as the PCA, to refl ect that membership. The Task Force also refi ned the purpose and goals of the organization to better reflect the school’s mission. We believe that the purpose of the PCA at AISC is “to nurture, support, and celebrate the AISC community and mission.” The new goals of the PCA focus mainly on building community within the school, with a special focus on supporting parents. Specifi cally, we believe that the PCA should: • Support the school’s mission, core values, and student learning objectives; • Promote community, connectedness, and core values among all AISC parents; • Develop educational and cross-cultural community-building opportunities in order to get to know one another and break down language and cultural barriers; • Seek to increase engagement of a wide cross-section of the parent body; and • Sponsor mission-relevant activities and events (some of which may be fee-based) that are consistent with the PCA’s purpose and goals. It is not a fundraising arm of the school. We are excited about these refi nements to the Parent Community Association, and look forward to continuing our engagement with the entire AISC community.

PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

Est.1995

AISConnect 2019-2020

FACULTY AND STAFF APPRECIATION DAY: SAYING "THANKS" AND BREAKING BREAD BY VARNA RAMASWAMY

In every culture around the world, the role of food as a way of saying thank you is universal. It is not any different at AISC, where each year we—as the Parent Community Association—take the time to prepare and serve food as a way of saying “Thank You,” “Arigato,” “Merci,” and “Danke,” or even “Nandri” to our Faculty and Staff. We are lucky enough to do this in two sessions, one with our teachers and administrative staff and one with our support staff. Country Coordinators rally the troops each year to think of the best dishes to share with the people who serve us each day by teaching our children, taking care of our school, and managing all the details. Delectable eats were lovingly prepared by our parents, including everything from kimbap to cabbage fritters, from quiches to kesari, cakes and cookies. Each faculty

PCA Publication - Edition 9

and staff member was greeted in person and there was a lovely banner with personal messages from parents as they walked into the Madras Hall. They moved down the line of tables—packed with food from around the world—being greeted and thanked along the way. There is a strategy, I am told, for trying to fill your plate with as many items to try as you can… but unfortunately most people get to the end of the line, having to come back one more time! As people “lunched” and “munched,” they were fortunate enough to be serenaded by the AISC Community Choir, led by Deborah Lee and accompanied

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

by Kay Clarke on the flute. As the staff finished, parents were able to personally provide a small token of appreciation to each staff member. The murmur of “Nothing could be better than an afternoon of good

presents and the joy that they show us everyday when they see people on campus. The degree of dedication and humility which our staff demonstrate everyday is unlike anything I have seen. Quotes from Parent Volunteers We appreciate: • The care you take with our children; it is heartwarming. • Your compassion. • You being such beautiful souls around our children. • Your patience with our children. • Your kindness. • Your knowledge and guidance.

food and music from around the world, other than maybe a nap next year to top it off!” was heard as people made their way back to their offices and classrooms! The fun continued as a group of current and former parents took their time to serve our support staff. These folks keep us safe, impeccably maintain our facilities, take care of our grounds, and go above and beyond whenever we have a special event. We tried to make sure that they got a very special lunch of biriyani, raita, aloo matar, gravy, and gulab jamun. In addition, as a special gift from the India Country group, they were given Mysurpa (a sweet) to take home to their families, along with a thoughtful PCA gift. It was wonderful to see the smiles on people’s faces as they were given their

• Children are coming to school to see your smile. • Thank you for your day in and day out dedication. • Thank you for the time and energy you give to our students. • Thank you for your hard work, creativity, and caring for our children. • Thank you for looking after our children. They love to learn and be with teachers. • Thanks for taking care of our children. Gratitude!!! • Your dedication. • Your mindfulness. • Every day, every moment. Thank you for teachers. • Deep gratitude for taking such good care of the future of this world. • We love you and AISC. • Your smiling faces. • Your love for the kids. • Your concern, care, nurturing of, and love for our kids.

PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

PCA Publication - Edition 9

AISConnect 2019-2020

PCA DIWALI MELA 2019 BY SOSSITY SMITH

25 YEARS

Est.1995

The Diwali celebration at AISC started about ten years ago, with a group of Indian parents organizing a festive dinner for the school community. That original celebration was received with such enthusiasm that it has grown into an annual celebration known as the PCA Diwali Mela. This year’s PCA Diwali Mela was held on Saturday, November 16, 2019.

from Bollywood dancing, a flash-mob parents dance, to a teachers dance, and several performances from AISC students. It was a great way to showcase all the talented members of our AISC community. Activities for the night included fortune-telling and palm reading, block printing, Indian embroidery, bangle bracelet and wire craft making, traditional Indian games, drumming, and several other activities. There was something One of the most exciting parts of our Mela is the for community members of all ages. And of course, performances by local community members. This year, it wouldn't be the Mela without a wonderful meal of we had a wonderful production that included everything traditional Indian food!

PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

Est.1995

The International Day of Peace is a United Nationssanctioned holiday observed annually on September 21. This holiday is dedicated to world peace, and specifically the absence of war and violence. In 1981, a resolution was passed by the UN General Assembly, that the International Day of Peace be devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideas of peace. The first observance of the International Day of Peace was celebrated in 1982.

AISConnect 2019-2020

INTERNATIONAL DAY 2019 BY SOSSITY SMITH

had over a dozen country booths this year full of AISC volunteers that came together to create a wonderful experience for our community and guests. Children were given passports at the welcome table and were able to visit each country booth for a stamp. All the kids that filled their passports were given a special treat. Community members were able to experience special foods, games, trivia, and treats from all the different countries. As a part of the International Day experience, community and guests were also treated to a picnic In the early days of the School, AISC celebrated a UN lunch and shared time together with friends and family Day and in 2014, moved the celebrations to September on this special day. Karaoke, swimming, bouncy castles, to coincide with the International Day of Peace. music, and rock wall climbing were also available for This year, the UN International Day of Peace Parade of participants to take advantage of. It was a lively day on Nations was held on Friday, September 13, 2019. The campus with the many community members and guests very next day, on that Saturday, the AISC community that attended. came together to celebrate International Day. We

PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

A special thank you goes out to the country coordinators who play a big part in planning the country booths for this event and bringing their country groups together. When asked to describe the event in one word, many of the country coordinators replied with FUN, COLLABORATION, and COMMUNITY.

of the families in Hanbok, and I was very happy to leave them good memories of Korea. Many children and parents loved Korean food. We prepared rice cakes, mattang, Kimchi pancakes, and instant coffee. We gave the children some Korean sweets and ramen as a gift.

EXPERIENCES As a coordinator of KPA, I had many precious experiences during this year. The most memorable one of them is the International Day. From preparation to the day of the event, the fact that I can speak about Korean culture to people from other countries gave me a strange excitement.

Throughout the event, I met many people from various countries. As I saw them interested in the new culture and wanting to know about it, I remember the meaning of International Day once again. Most of all, I’d like to thank everyone for joining and supporting us. By Hyuncheol Youm My family who settled in India last year started sending children to AISC in February. This year, the theme of the Korean Pavilion was “Three Kingdoms Period.” We exhibited a variety of artifacts, from gold crowns to ornaments, art works, and architecture. The artifacts that show the characteristics of each kingdom, such as splendor and grandeur, simplicity and elegance, attracted many people. I also learned a lot of historical facts that I didn’t know while preparing for the event. We also introduced Korean traditional games, Tuho and Jegichagi. They were very popular with both children and parents. In particular, Tuho stimulated the boys' competitive spirit, making people smile. In addition, there was a Hanbok Experience section. The various reactions of the children in Hanbok were very interesting. Some children were awkward in unfamiliar clothes, some were excited, and some were shy and smiling. We took photos

We're creating our own stories, coloring our lives with a lot of new experiences in India so far. Especially AISC, which is attended by students from about 30 countries, presents many challenges and experiences to our children and me. Here—we think that different languages, different races, different cultures are meeting, creating harmony and learning how to do it. Out of all the events in school, International Day was especially a very interesting and meaningful event for me. Because International Day was the place where we can easily introduce and promote to people from dozens of countries around the world about the culture and history of Korea. PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

Looking back, it reminds me of many moments when Japanese PCA and Consulate of Japan booths went students and parents were enjoying Korean traditional well in the FAC and all the parents who volunteered on games and beautiful Hanbok and when foreigners International Day had a great time. returned to our booth saying Korean rice cakes were delicious and so on. I was able to be proud as a Korean and was happy to share “the joyful” with the volunteers while smiling.

It is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the cultures and traditions of many different nations and to make new friendships with the representatives who are so proud to represent their home countries.

It was also my pleasure to travel to various countries through the different country booths, as I experienced traditional food, seeing many countries` souvenirs and stamps on passports with the symbols representing the country. International Day, where so many different people come together and share in our cultural experiences, was an important event for me to show harmony and teach that the global community is the one. Thank you for being able to prepare and participate in this event as one of the KPA members. Once again, I'd like to thank all the people who worked hard and joined us for this lovely day. By Youngmi Kim

PCA Publication - Edition 9

I was amazed by the incredible teamwork and collaboration; our parents came together to create so many wonderful, interactive experiences that showcased our culture. Seeing the smiling faces as they left the stands made all the hard work worthwhile.

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

Est.1995

AISConnect 2019-2020

AISC AND THE ENVIRONMENT: A STUDENT PERSPECTIVE BY JOHAAN MITTRA/JOURNALISM CLUB

AISC has ensured that taking care of their environment is rooted in the mindset of our community. Teachers, students, and the administration have acted to save the environment on numerous occasions, not only for our community but for the entire city of Chennai! Activities and decisions to save the environment have not been easy to do but AISC strives to protect it. It is this passion that drives the community to take responsibility to save our planet—which is necessary in this day and age. We all should be extremely proud of our communities’ efforts and success.

of the NHS, Celia Malone (Class of 2021), says “Our goal is to promote service in both our AISC community as well as the greater Chennai community. Through our beach cleanups, we try to facilitate authentic service, partnering with the Namma Beach Namma Chennai organization. Especially in the last few years, we have focused on building relationships with local students through our beach cleanup and bringing awareness of the impact of plastics, overfishing, and other sustainable issues to their schools.”

Their strong impact on the community will never be I interviewed two clubs that have contributed to solving forgotten, especially by the local children participating issues that our community and city faces, especially with in beach cleanups. They look up to AISC kids, enjoying pollution. The National Honor Society (NHS) at AISC their time by getting rewarded with ice creams and also has been running strong for 8 years now, with over 28 learn why it is important to take care of our beaches. members. The current treasurer and incoming president Trust me, it is an amazing event to participate in. It is

PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

an immense task to organize beach clean-ups but the a few of the amazing contributions OASIS has made NHS has always run it smoothly and efficiently to help to our community and every action counts for the entire our community. We are proud of NHS for bringing world—not only to our community. amazing change to people’s lives and to our planet— that deserves the best treatment. Look forward and join NHS in beach cleanups as they have many plans for the upcoming year. Celia further mentions, “Next year, NHS will have a dual focus: continuity of beach cleanups and awareness, as well as piloting our leaders for the Leaders’ Initiative. We plan to continue facilitating authentic service.”

The OASIS Club is another great example of how AISC’s story with the environment is so rich. “The club’s primary goal is to promote improvement in local villages’ access to safe water and to raise awareness about basic sanitation and education. “Beyond supporting local villages, OASIS aims to lead individuals in our community to be mindful of water usage and of the local community,” says Woon Ji Lee (Class of 2021), one of the many leaders of OASIS. The club has distributed medicines and water filters to locals and went on several impactful cleanups near the lake, the main source of water for locals. They identified an issue that was very well experienced in the 2019 Chennai water crises and has put in consistent effort, being one of the responsible student groups in the city to make sure Chennai does not fall into the same issue that endangered lives in the summer of 2019. When it comes to inside the campus, the club placed water softener devices on the taps to reduce the flow of water and saved over 30% in water consumption. These are

AISC has put in capital investments in order to make sure the School runs sustainably, keeping the environment into major consideration. Our school has achieved the Platinum standard in LEED certification—conferred by the U.S. Green Building Council. Our Platinum status comes from our real-time score on 5 categories: Energy, Water, Waste, Human Experience, and Transportation. Our school’s efforts towards energy can be seen with the commitment to renewable energy. The reduced use of single-use plastic is a big change that not only reduces air and land pollution but water pollution too. Most single-use plastics end up in the ocean killing marine and destroying coral reefs. AISC’s initiative to stop this disaster has been very reassuring that our school

PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

cares for the environment. A statement from the School’s Personally, AISC has been No. 1 in my eyes when website says, “We are always looking for ways that we it comes to taking care of our planet that has sadly as a campus can be more eco-friendly, and we hope been suffering due to mankind’s wrong deeds. AISC’s that our efforts will inspire the generations to come.”

story with the environment has been amazing, seeing The School currently has over 950 solar panels around people go out there with passion and being successful in campus that provide up to 22% of our daily power. AISC taking steps to ensure a protected future for upcoming also tries to reduce our energy use by installing motion- generations. The best part is, the story has just begun sensor lights that turn off automatically. For water, we and we look forward to seeing bright and trail-blazing have a catchment that captures the rainfall, and we use environmentalists strive out of our school community and that to water plants around campus, and we use it for continue to improve the system. toilet flushes. We also use a chemical-free, Germanengineered water treatment process. The monumental room that holds this technology is a marvelous sight to see. For waste, the school recycles as much as possible with so many garbage segregation bins. These valuable investments definitely make a major impact to fight pollution in our city and make us proud to study in an environmentally caring school.

For more information on High School Clubs, including the NHS, OASIS, and the Journalism Club, please visit: https://www.aischennai.org/clubs/

PCA Publication - Edition 9

JUST KEEP GOING. OR CHANGE. BY SHARI ABBOTT, HS PERSONALIZED LEARNING COORDINATOR

Recently, a fellow high school teacher wrote me an email expressing concern about her comments during a Zoom call we both attended. The Personalized Learning student we were talking to went mute when we asked him his plan for the final summative. After some strained silence, my colleague filled the gap with a few cogent ideas. Immediately after, she wrote worriedly: had she provided too much guidance? Had she meddled too much in his thinking? Had she? Our student, I’ll call Cho, is a senior at the end of two semester-long, self-created academic courses, with lots of successful learning choices under his belt. Yet he is also at the end of an unusual year, of months of “virtualness,” fatigued as we all are from the continuous self-directed decisions of remote school. My role, as

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

Personalized Learning Coordinator, has officially been to safeguard his process, to ensure academic rigor, to head off his metaphorical train from derailment. Yet the best moments of my role have often been after the silent hesitations, like Cho’s. When I, or my fellow AISC teacher, get to help students embrace a decision they’ve made by helping them recognize that their decision is based upon reasons which personally matter to them. Cho knew what physics theories interested him, and he also kept returning to an important goal: confident, effective communication with others. Early in the semester, he chose to explain to experts, like his teacher or other advanced Physics students. But more recently, he has twice chosen the challenge of teaching younger students less fluent in math or science. He shared in our PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

coaching conversations, what mattered has mattered most to him—the chance to explain in English, a more recently learned language, theories in quantum physics that fascinated him. It may seem simple, yet to Cho, it is the core of his APL—his Academic Personalized Learning course.

What I’ve learned in the five years supporting the growth of Personalized Learning at AISC is that personalization is not represented by a single artist working alone on a blank canvas. In the context of this Zoom conversation, at the end of a long virtual learning month, at the end of a long personalized learning year, Cho needed his teacher’s ideas to reflect and remember what mattered to him. She made the right choice, like offering a friend plot point reminders when you discuss a movie you’ve both seen. For Vijay, another APL student, what he values most is my cognitive coaching so he can review his own perceptions as I paraphrase them aloud back to him. Vijay knows what matters to him in learning academic Spanish writing. My mentorship equals self-reflection conversations so he can decide that the decisions he is making match the reasons he wants to learn. In order for learning to be personal, it must be meaningful and transferable. And meaningful, transferable learning only comes when human connection is at the center of what we do. Paul Emerich France, EdSurge.

PCA Publication - Edition 9

My confident reassurance to this teacher—that far from meddling, she was reminding Cho of a prism of choices, each with their own beautiful possibility—comes from my five years of research, collaboration, and mentorship in the field of Personalized Learning. With the privilege of leading two Innovation teams at AISC, I have worked with small faculty groups, with administrative encouragement, to investigate the multiple ways Personalized Learning is currently envisioned and practiced in education. We’ve researched radical models, which include multiple learning spaces around campus, alternative schedules, and self-paced studies. We’ve visited schools where personalized learning lives primarily within extensions after students master a class, or as the topics and assessment choices within PBL (project-based learning)

units. We are still in the process of figuring out how to make learning personalized within a high school where AP and IB drive many student choices. We are still determining how Personalized Learning, standardsbased assessments, and school-wide competencies integrate into one cohesive whole. We’re still learning how to personalize Personalize Learning for AISC. Yet what I’m most proud of our AISC program is not that we have figured out how to get Personalized Learning in all our spaces, equally serving all our students. What I’m most proud of is how we mindfully consider and intentionally expand which choices we want students to personalize, and we keep, as France reminds us, the human

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

connection at the center. As the PL Coordinator, I strive and they understand that individualized work also to keep online students supported, APL collaborating means knowing how and when to ask for help. These are teachers supported, and the service outcomes of our the transfer skills of lifelong success, and Personalized Passion Project students authentic, collaborative, and celebrated. The number of HS students in PL courses has nearly doubled in two years.

Learning has helped all its students learn them, regardless if their content of choice has been Advanced Physics, Spanish Literature, or an Expat Cooking blog. Like many educational initiatives, Personalized Learning can appear to be a prism, refracting a school’s educational priorities in beautiful ways—yet appears differently in different contexts. As the program has grown, AISC students have learned to make the decisions that represent what learning matters most to them. They take initiatives with a web of adult support, they learn that shifting plans midcourse can be a painful necessity,

I’ve learned how to be comfortable offering seemingly contradictory advice. When asked what to do next, I often suggest, “Keep going. Or change.” The reasons for choosing their path must come from them, and our role here as AISC educators has been to help them know and choose their reasons well. To learn more about Personalized Learning at AISC, please visit https://www.aischennai.org/pl1/

PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

MANGO MANDNESS

Est.1995

BY ANITHA SWAMINATHAN AND VARNA RAMASWAMY THIS ARTICLE FIRST APPEARED ON PAGE 31 OF THE 2018–2019 AISCONNECT, EDITION 8

Neelam, Killimukku (parrot beak), Banganapalli, Rumani, Malgova, Himam Pasand, and Alphonso…

Kilimukku/Totapuri Season: March–July

Did you know these are all names of the most celebrated “King of Fruits” of India, the mango in English, mambaram in Tamil, Aam in Hindi, mangue in French, and quàxoài in Vietnamese? It is munched as a whole ripe fruit or pickled raw, sipped through a straw as juice, on toast as jam or as spoonfuls of light luscious mousse, and even dried in sweet layers of aam saath (fruit leather).

It is named for its distinct shape, which is reminiscent of a parrot’s beak (Tamil: Kilimukku) and has a piquant flavor. Fruit is oblong with smooth skin and flesh is firm, fibreless with mustard yellow color. Best eaten raw, with tempered seasoning.

Varieties of Mangoes Available in Chennai

Banganapalli Season: April–June

Neelam Season: May–July

Deliciously sweet fruit with pleasant aroma, thin blemish-free skin and fibrefree sweet yellow pulp. Best eaten as a ripe fruit.

This juicy variety has a rich aromatic flavor and is smaller in size than banganapalli and malgova. Usually found in abundance during the end of the mango

PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

season and best used in manufacturing of juice, squash, jams, and jellies.

Alphonso Season: Mid-April–End of June Favored for its sweetness, richness and flavor, the Alphonso has been called the King of Mangoes. Named by the Portuguese settlers in India who introduced These spherically-shaped, medium-sized mangoes have “grafting” of mangoes in India, this is one of the most thin yellow skin with sweet firm flesh. They are often used expensive mangoes in India and exported to many in the making of ice creams, yogurts, smoothies, juices, countries. The fruits are small and cylindrical (100–300 grams). They have a rich, creamy, tender texture and jams, and jellies. delicate, non-fibrous, juicy pulp. The skin of a fully ripe Alphonso mango turns bright golden yellow with a tinge of red that spreads across the top of the fruit. The flesh of the fruit is saffron-colored. Mango sorbet, ice cream, lassi, soufflé, mousse, and puree are some culinary preparations using this prized fruit. Rumani Season: June–July

Himam Pasand or Imam Pasand Season: May–June It is a large, not too attractive looking mango, mottled thin green that lightens to blotched yellow-green as it ripens. It reaches the weight of 800 grams. The flesh of the fruit is fiberless and flavor sweet with a very thin seed (maximizing the fruit content). It is prized by connoisseurs for its unique taste and has a coconut and lime after taste. Some say this variety is named after Moghul Emperor Humayun. It is great to eat even with the skin on or frozen for smoothies and desserts or used in a Thai curry.

Malgova Season: April–June The Malgova is a round mango that retains a green colour (with hints of red) when ripe. It is roundish-oblique in shape, with a blunt apex and has a smaller lateral beak than other mangoes. For the large size of fruit PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

(may reach 2–3 kgs.), the stone is small. The fiberless flesh is yellow, soft, and has a flavor that is rich, spicy, and sweet ( with slight sour undertones). It can be made into a juice, cut into slices, or used for desserts.

• In a skillet, heat the oil and add mustard. When it splutters, add asafoetida powder. Immediately remove from stove and pour over the mangoes and mix well. • The mango pickle is ready to eat and adds a zing to your everyday meal! (Recipe from Mrs. Viji Swaminathan, grandmother of Isha Suresh (Class of 2020) and Shyam Suresh (Class of 2024)

Recipes Instant Mango Pickle Ingredients: Raw mango(killimuku/Totapuri) - 1 Gingelly oil - 1 tbsp Red chilli powder - 1 tsp Fenugreek seed - ½ tsp Asafoetida/Hing - ½ tsp Salt - 1 tsp Mustard seeds - ½ tsp Method: • Dry roast the fenugreek seeds and pound it into a coarse powder. • Dice the mango with skin into small pieces. Add red chilli powder, salt, and fenugreek powder. Mix well.

PCA Publication - Edition 9

Mango Jam Ingredients: Raw mango (killimuku/Totapuri) - 2 cups cooked, slivered Sugar - 2 cups Saffron- 4–5 strands Method: • Peel mangoes and cut into thin slivers and immerse into water (not too much just to cover the mango slivers). • Boil the mango slivers in water until they cook (watch out—it will cook fast).

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

• Then drain the water into a cooking vessel and measure the amount of mango. • Measure out the amount of sugar equal to the amount of pulp (slivered mango) into the cooking water. • Boil this mixture until it becomes sticky between two fingers (a few strands of syrup). • Add several threads of saffron.

knew that Ganesha could not beat him in a fair race and quickly took off on his peacock, knowing the mango would be his. However, Ganesha, relying on cleverness rather than speed, told his parents that they were his entire world. He circled them three times and with that, won the mango and devoured it before Kartikeya could even return. The mango also granted knowledge to Ganesha, who wrote the Vedas (Hindu Scriptures).

• Add the mango slivers (it will become watery at first) and then thicken. • Boil until you get a thicker jam consistency. • Cool and put it into a jar and refrigerate. This jam can be eaten on toast, with chapathi, as a ice cream topping, or even on its own! (Recipe from Kausalya Ramaswamy, grandmother of Srivats Ramaswamy (Class of 2021.) Did You Know? • Mango leaves are rich in Vitamins C, B and A, and have powerful antioxidant properties. An extract of mango leaves has been used for centuries to treat diabetes as well as asthma in chinese medicine. • In Ancient India, Indian rulers planted mango trees along roadsides as a symbol of prosperity. • Mango is the national Fruit of India, Pakistan, and the Philippines.

“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

• Mythology: The mango, even among the Hindu Gods was highly valued. The story goes that a sage named Narada came to Shiva and Parvati with the intention of using a mango to create a rift in their marriage. However the two refused as they could not share the mango, which, if shared, would devalue its powers. The couple’s two sons, Ganesha and Kartikeya, came upon the mango and began to fight for it instead. Shiva declared that there would be a contest to see whoever could circle the world three times would win the mango. Kartikeya

PCA Publication - Edition 9

FLOURISHING AT AISC BY DAN LOVE, DIRECTOR OF TEACHING & LEARNING

nal Re Emotio

Gra ti

an S ag elf em en

H Ha ealt bi hy ts

Decision Making, Perseveran ce

Live

elp, ing H eek ,S ss

s, Sleep, Hygiene, Mindfulness P Fitnes ractic tion, es,

gulation, Engagem ent, Pr epa red ne

B od

y, Em o

m pa s sion, Dig

y, C o

tions, M indsets, Purpose

Embed

Re Po lat si ion tiv sh e ip s

ital Citizenship, Relations

yp e hi p T

Teach

Aw S ar elf en es

ssi

PCA Publication - Edition 9

s , Pa

, Value

The wellbeing framework takes the form of a kolam (a traditional South Indian design) and places the AISC

th Others, Creative Pursuits, Helpi ng O ting wi nnec ther s

Learn

Culture, Transition

We at AISC believe it is our collective responsibility to intentionally promote wellbeing and empower students to thrive. As a community, we define wellbeing as feeling good and functioning well. Knowing and taking care of oneself, making positive choices and helping others enables students to flourish.

o e, C tud

Strengths,

I love the idea of flourishing! The opportunity to successfully thrive. The necessity for a school to be a center for students to flourish was the genesis of our start to promoting wellbeing across the community. The question we faced three years ago as we began the strategic goal of initiating wellbeing at AISC was, “How do you get a community of learners to flourish?” Here is what we have come up with in our communication and promotion of wellbeing.

ri Nut

Est.1995

AISConnect 2019-2020

ll a b

orati

ng, Cul

t, Se tural Appreciation, Respec

lf A d

25 YEARS

WELLBEING AT AISC Wellbeing is a combination of feeling good and functioning well. Knowing and taking care of yourself, making positive choices and helping others enables you to flourish. #AISCWellbeing

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

logo and its ripples at the center, as small acts that intentionally promote wellbeing will have a ripple effect across our community. The petals of the framework detail the content (orange) and application (white) of our wellbeing framework.

into the AISC ecosystem. AISC held three Community Summits to explore the horizons of wellbeing. We invited parents and students to join faculty and administrative staff to envision the future of wellbeing at AISC. Together we: • Discovered what we are doing best to nurture wellbeing at AISC • Envisioned bold new possibilities for the future • Designed for excellence and constructed the future of wellbeing at AISC The effort was spearheaded by Wellbeing Committee

The four domains and their components outline the focus areas for nurturing wellbeing in our community. The way in which we do this is grounded in Geelong Grammar School’s approach to creating a foundation of wellbeing in which time is devoted to: learning the concepts; living them in practice; teaching them in our classrooms; and embedding them in our systems and processes. It was not just important to create the framework but also important to understand how to implement wellbeing Leaders, Jen Gold and Nigel Holdsworth, along with a Wellbeing Steering Committee of Andrew Hoover, Keryn Dowling, Ryan McFarland, Jack Bissonnette, and myself. Many thanks to the students, parents, faculty, and staff who filled our gymnasium on these action-packed Wednesdays. Insights from the Summit As we started the work of exploring the horizons of wellbeing, we first uncovered the strengths of how wellbeing is nurtured already in our community— through table conversations. We shared personal stories of how our own wellbeing or that of another community PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

member had been nurtured. Through sharing our stories, we learned to trust each other and listen more deeply. As we learned about each other’s present lives, we especially became more excited to take the next step in Session #2, and envision a future filled with new possibilities. Session #2 allowed us to dream, explain, role play, and share the ideas of what we might imagine is in a future focused on prioritizing wellbeing. There were some central themes: more sleep, less stress, greater amounts of exercise, and even a conversation about allowing pets on campus. Ideas were shared through skits, songs, and storytelling. Session #3 was about constructing the future. What could we prototype and how could it pragmatically work for AISC? Individuals were divided into more than fifteen different opportunity areas of like-minded individuals, focused on making a tangible example for student wellbeing reality. Now, we have more than twelve different projects focused on themes such as: self-management, selfawareness, healthy habits, positive relationships, student choice, classroom culture, and international mindedness. The project leaders volunteered to help make their projects become a reality. Project leaders were also given the support of a Wellbeing Steering Committee leader to assist in giving their ideas the “legs” necessary to enact their prototype. Each of these opportunity areas connects to one or more one of the four domains in our Student Wellbeing Framework. The goal of our approach is to nurture a culture of wellbeing at AISC that supports community members to learn the concepts of wellbeing, live them in practice, teach them to each other, and embed them in all the good work we do. The summit helped us come together as a community to celebrate our collective understanding, build and plan for a deeper understanding of wellbeing, and make tangible examples of wellbeing at AISC.

PCA Publication - Edition 9

Wellbeing Framework: The Domains Healthy Habits are choices you make that benefit your physical, mental, and emotional health. These habits improve your overall wellbeing and can make you feel good about yourself. Some of the examples in our community include: the food choices in our school snack bars, the Lap-A-Thon running fundraiser. Positive Relationships connect us with others. They are built on mutual respect and are a source of support. AISC Wellbeing promotes healthy interactions with others as a way to enrich our lives. Self Awareness is understanding the many aspects of your identity and your present experience. Reflecting on these and their effect on you contributes to your personal growth. Self Management is the mindful regulation of your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Choosing to effectively manage stress, control impulses, and persevere through challenges can positively impact your life. Some of these ideas are easy to make into reality and others will take more careful planning. However, we will keep working on making the culture of wellbeing active and understood. If you would like to know more about Student Wellbeing, please contact Dan Love, Director of Teaching and Learning.

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

Est.1995

AISConnect 2019-2020

FLOURISHING ON CAMPUS: SUPPORT BEHIND THE SCENES BY KALA KUMAR AND MANJU RADHAKRISHNAN THIS ARTICLE FIRST APPEARED ON PAGE 70 OF THE 2017–2018 AISCONNECT, EDITION 7

Gratitude should not be just a reaction to getting what you want, but at all times noticing the little things and the efforts in all situations. All hard work should be recognized and this is a humble endeavor to acknowledge and appreciate our staff and security team for all their time, effort and support that they have rendered behind the scenes. It was a sunny Friday afternoon when we had an opportunity to chat with the teams and conduct an interview with the male/female staff and the security team. The one common feeling that was conveyed to us across the board was their enthusiasm to participate and the pride in being a part of the various events organised by the PCA Committee. They are highly

designed and executed by these ladies for the Diwali Mela. Artistically gifted staff were able to reproduce the design given by the PCA Committee. This design was brought to life by the team, who worked brilliantly on the choice of colours and applying it to the rangoli. Most of our moms are lost when it comes to draping a saree, and I am no exception to that. Our female staff rise to the occasion and adorn every mom who comes to them for draping their sarees. Both moms and the staff have expressed immense cheer and joy with this experience. As difficult as it is to drape a saree, it is difficult to maintain it and handle it. We need to give all credits to our moms who carry themselves so gracefully and handle them like regular saree wearers.

excited and eager to work with the PCA team and the various events. This they conveyed openly by requesting Chennai’s romance with flowers doesn’t fail to entice the AISC moms who come from all over the world. It is us to conduct more events at school. precisely this charm that has the PCA organize flower Ms. Devika and her team shared some of their tying as one of their activities, in every event that is experiences excitedly with us. In our conversation with conducted in school. Our lovely ladies from the staff the ladies, we observed that saree draping, Kolam/ who are proficient in this activity share their skills with Rangoli, and flower tying are something that they the parent community by teaching it to them. eagerly look forward to. It is amazing to watch how these ladies work in a positive environment where “Unity is strength... When there is teamwork and everybody’s opinion matters. The perfect example of collaboration wonderful things can be achieved.” such teamwork was evident in how the Rangoli was - Mattie Stepanek, American Poet.

PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

It is an established fact that the PCA events are popular and well received among the school community. It would not be fair on our part to take credit for all the success and appreciation without recognizing the hard work and dedication rendered by our male support staff. With Mr. Kumar’s focused guidance and support, his team has never failed to exceed our expectations. They have on many occasions also come to the rescue of the PCA Committee when the venue had to be completely changed due to bad weather. During the 2015 floods in Chennai, the Diwali Mela had to be moved from an outdoor venue to indoors at the eleventh hour. Even with last-minute instructions, they were able to execute them flawlessly. Learning from the 2015 episode, the PCA and the support staff always have a Plan B so that they are ready for any eventuality. The nature of their work is not restricted to just prepping the venue but also demands intense physical labour like moving heavy equipment when required. Their support and services are not just limited to events hosted at school but also to events organized outside school premises. In our discussion with them, we discovered that occasionally there have been injuries on the job, but they seem to take it in their stride because they believe, “The show must go on.”

they direct people to safety during calamities likeEst.1995 fire, floods, and so forth. Regulating traffic is not an easy job at AISC, especially in the mornings and on Early Release Days. Due to the heavy traffic flow in the School, our guards have to strike the right balance to maintain the smooth flow of vehicles into the School without hindering the general public’s commute. Parents of kids taking the AISC school bus can rest assured that their kids are safe. Our transport team of drivers’ first and foremost priority is the safety and security of their passengers (kids/parents). Not only are they excellent drivers who comply with traffic rules and regulations, they also have to be aware of the road and route conditions ahead of their journey. They do a route check at 4 a.m. on days when they anticipate weatherrelated problems, such as during the Chennai floods of 2015.

In order to maintain balance, poise, and a sense of security, one needs to be in a safe environment. At AISC there is an overwhelming sense of security that is created by the presence of our very own security and transport personnel. The general perception about security guards in a large organization such as our school is that they are intimidating and unapproachable. Our security staff have proved that wrong within our school community. AISC is not only a school where our kids get their education, Along with their traditional duties, good communication but also a close knit community of parent volunteers. This skills, and the ability to multitask are some of the best Parent Community Association (PCA) plays an integral assets of our guards. They also engage in many proactive part in making this possible by organizing various events initiatives, such as when there is an impending law and that bring together parents, staff, and students. As much order situation they are in constant touch with the local as we take pride and joy in the success of every event, police force and also government admin authorities we would like to acknowledge and appreciate that to ensure the safety of the school and its community. none of this would be possible without the support and Likewise, before there is an overnight travel for kids, help of all our staff. they conduct a thorough investigation of the social, “Whatever we accomplish belongs to our entire group, political, and climatic condition of the region where the a tribute to all your combined effort.” - Walt Disney kids will be going and ensure that it is safe. Our guards at AISC are trained to attend emergency situations and PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

WHERE DO I FIND...

Est.1995

BY ERIN WELLER THIS ARTICLE FIRST APPEARED ON PAGE 59 OF THE 2018–2019 AISCONNECT, EDITION 8

India may be a country with traditions and customs that date back thousands of years, but it is possible to find bits and pieces of home here as well. From foods to crafts to housewares, there is a store that carries it. All you need to know is where to look.

Fruits and Vegetables Indian cuisine relies heavily on onions, garlic, tomatoes, and gourds of all kinds. But it is also possible to find fruits and vegetables to cook your favorite dishes from your home country. ECR Fruit Market A great place to find local as well as “exotic” fruits and vegetables is

PCA Publication - Edition 9

the market at the top of the ECR near the bus depot. This traditional market is lined with stalls selling all sorts of produce. Because it is direct to seller, the prices are lower than the pazhamudirs and grocery stores.

any special dietary needs, this shop is a great resource. There are three outlets throughout the city, but the Neelankarai location is the largest and has the best selection of fresh produce.

Location: Top of the ECR near the Thiruvanmiyur bus depot.

Locations: No. 10 & 11, Singaravelan Salai, Chinna Neelangarai, Chennai 600115. Other locations: Alwarpet and Adyar.

Terra Earthfood Store Organic fruits and vegetables are plentiful throughout Chennai and Terra Earthfood Store has a great selection. In addition to the local vegetables, Terra offers veggies like broccoli, several varieties of lettuce, and Chinese cabbage. The shop also stocks a wide variety of organic products and things like ragi flour and quinoa pasta. If you have

Phone: 044 42821088 / 095519 95512 Green Goblin Green Goblin, an online company with local pickup locations, is a great place to source a variety of greens and hard-to-find fruits like Meyer lemons and avocados. Sign up for

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

the mailing list and place your orders online by Tuesday night for pickup on Friday. Pickups are available at the ECR location in the morning and the Cathedral Road location in the afternoon. They also offer limited delivery service for a fee. Location: 6, 41, Casuarina Drive, Sri Kapaleeswarar Nagar, Neelankarai https://green-goblin.in/ Phone: 087544 80310

Meat Granpa’s Fresh and Frozen It is easy to find chicken and even mutton at most local shops, but it is also possible to find pork and beef if you know where to look. One of the best places for fresh meat of all kinds is Granpa’s Fresh and Frozen Foods. They get fresh deliveries multiple times a week and you can get cuts to order. The freezer cases are also well stocked and they have a small selection of groceries. Get on their WhatsApp mailing list for updates on what meats have been delivered that day. If your cut of meat is not available, they will deliver to you when it arrives. Location: Shop No 1, First Floor, The Corporation Shopping Complex, 3rd Avenue, Indira Nagar, Adyar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600 020 Phone: 098402 81519 The Royal Meat Another option for chicken, mutton, and pork is The Royal Meat. There is a storefront in Teynampet, but the

business is mostly by phone. Call from the School and has just about them to place your order and they everything you need. will usually deliver by the end of the Address: 47, Adyar Bridge Road, day. Terms are cash on delivery. Gandhi Nagar, Adyar, 600 020 Location: 33, Seethammal Rd, Seethammal Colony, Lubdhi Colony, Phone: 072999 66528 Teynampet. Sri Murugan Stores Phone: 098400 55193 A five-minute drive from school, Sri Murugan Stores is a great place Supreme Seafood for plasticware and metal ware. If you don’t want to get up before They have an excellent selection of sunrise to hit the local fish market, stainless steel tiffins as well as spice but still want the best choice of fish, containers. This is a very traditional Supreme Seafood is a great choice. shop, so expect a lot of attention Visit their website to place your from the helpful salesgirls on the order and they will deliver your fish floor. If you don’t see it on the floor, directly to your door. just ask and they’ll track it down for you. Location: Old No.123, New No.255, Linghi Chetty Street, Opposite High Location: 41, LB Rd, Parameshwari Court Road, Parrys, Chennai, Tamil Nagar, Adyar, Chennai 600 020 Nadu 600 001 Phone: 044 2491 7032 Phone: 091710 72896 Rathna Stores https://www.supremeseafood.in/ Located in Pondy Bazaar in T Nagar, Rathna Stores is one of many Housewares housewares shops lining the road. Looking to set up your kitchen or What sets this shop a part is their trying to find a special appliance? excellent selection of copper goods, There are dozens of shops throughout including water bottles, jugs, and town selling housewares of all kinds. mugs perfect for making Moscow These are some of the best in the Mules. city. Location: 15/New No 37, Rathna Complex, Ranganathan Street, T Currimbhoy's With three locations in the city, Nagar, Chennai 600 017 Currimbhoy’s is a cook’s dream. Any Phone: 044 2434 2299 kitchen gadget you can think of is available here, including KitchenAid Dhanalakshmi Stores stand mixers. If they don’t have something in stock, chances are Located in the heart of the ECR in they can order it for you. The shop Neelankarai, Dhanalakshmi Stores in Adyar is less than 15 minutes is a great place to run in to if you PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

need something quickly. Mops, Chintadripet brooms, buckets, and other basics are located right out front, which Phone: 097100 87989 makes it easy to get what you need quickly and be on your way. Itsy Bitsy Location: 4, 23, SH 49, Sri This tiny shop in Mylapore is crammed Kapaleeswarar Nagar, Neelankarai full with every kind of craft supply you can think of. Their specialties are Phone: 044 2449 0733 beads and scrapbook materials. The selection is huge and the prices are reasonable. Fabric and Crafts If you like to sew or craft, there are Location: 6, Bishop Wallers Ave W, several places throughout the city to CIT Colony, Mylapore get what you need to work on any Phone: 044 4231 7374 project you can think of. Cotton Market Some of the finest cottons in the world come from India and we are lucky enough to be able to get them at wholesale prices right here in the city. Located on Pantheon Road in Egmore, the Cotton Market consists of dozens of stalls stacked with cotton fabrics of all kinds. Gorgeous batiks and block prints can be sourced for as little as 80 rupees per meter. Just be sure to wear sunscreen and bring water, as there is virtually no shade along the road.

Odyssey Primarily a bookstore, Odyssey also carries a handful of craft supplies, including scrapbooking materials. The main shop in Adyar has one of the best selections of needleworking floss in the city. Location: No. 45 & 47, 1st Main Rd, Gandhi Nagar, Adyar Phone: 044 2445 3191

Gifts

no-haggle store, but they do accept credit cards. The prices are very reasonable Location: No 45, Ethiraj Road, Egmore Phone: 044 2821 1649 Kalpa Druma While there are a handful of Kalpa Druma boutiques throughout the city, the one on Cathedral Road has a huge selection of local handicrafts, items from across India, and a fabulous selection of fabrics and handwoven sarees. Location: 72, Cathedral Rd, Chokkalingam Nagar, Gopalapuram Phone: 044 2811 7652 Spencer Plaza The oldest mall in the city, the original phase of Spencer Plaza was started in 1863. For many decades, this was the only mall in the city. While it lacks the glitz and flash of Phoenix Market City or Express Avenue, the densely packed corridors have stores selling every kind of ware under the sun. Clothing, shoes, electronics, jewelry, and even rugs are all on offer here. Many of the shops are willing to negotiate, especially if you come with cash.

After you’ve gotten your little fixes Location: Pantheon Rd, Sulaiman from home, it is possible to find all sorts of wonderful gifts to take Zackria Avenue, Egmore back to friends and family in your home country. Many of the best gift Thakurdas Choithram Just about every fabric imaginable shops in town offer a wide range of can be found at Thakurdas Choithram handicrafts all across India. Location: 768–769, Anna Salai on Anna Salai. Sprawling across Cane and Bamboo two huge floors, bolts of fabric and other sewing notions are readily This family-owned shop located available. Again, if you don’t see near Spencer Plaza, offers a wide it, just ask. The salespeople are range of beautiful handmade gifts and jewelry from all over India. One incredibly knowledgeable. of their specialties is handmade Location: 173, Mount Rd, Anna Salai, papers from Auroville. This is a

PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

WORD SEARCH

Est.1995

BY ANITHA SWAMINATHAN AND VARNA RAMASWAMY

• Blue Cross • Turtles • Auto • Raptors • Dosa • Diwali • International • Courage • Compassion • Creativity • Confidence • Heat

Celebrate AISC at Chennai CELEBRATE AISC AT CHENNAI i n e l p m e c d d s s c n u

n q o r s h a t o f s r o g t

t a j i c a u u s u o o u k g

e c c a s r r t a c r t r h w

r d e p t s f e g d c p a d g

n b i l r k a z e c e a g a c

a s e w o d z p r w u r e j m

t s a l a x i e m c l d a a j

i h a r c l a v r o b h s t n

o m b o d t i e e d c a g e p

n r w f i a z s o r l a u t o

a s d v a f m x n a s t a e h

l y i e e f f o c g w i k z i

a t a i s c o n n e c t t h d

y c o n f i d e n c e k r y v

• PCA • Cows • Coffee • Temple • AISConnect • diversity • masala • kolam

aisconnect auto beach bluecross coffee compassion confidence courage cows creativity diversity

diwali dosa heat international kolam madras masala pca raptors saree turtles

• beach • saree • Madras

PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

Past PCA Presidents BY VARNA RAMASWAMY THIS ARTICLE FIRST APPEARED ON PAGE 65 OF THE 2017–2018 AISCONNECT, EDITION 8

Volunteering is a big part of the American School. The commitment our parents make to serve the school is commendable. Each year the Parent Community Association (we evolved from a PTA-PCO-PCA) elects an Executive Team to plan, coordinate, and execute events throughout the year that enrich the lives of the whole community. Each team has a fearless leader, a person who is truly committed to the mission of the school and community, a “go to person” with a vision of bringing people together. We wanted to pay tribute to these part trail blazers, peacemakers, negotiators, architects, pathfinders, consensus builders, and leading lights -- the Presidents. Past PCA Presidents • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

2001–2002 Beth Kegler-Gray (PTA) 2002–2003 Raji Raju 2003–2004 Gloria Watkins/Elizabeth Ben Slama 2004–2006 Sheryl Jensen Pierce 2006–2008 Sejal Wasani 2008–2009 Lakshmi (Adithyan) Venkatachalam 2009–2010 Usha Kannan 2010–2011 Rashmi Basavanahalli 2011–2012 Sharmilee Bach Nielsen 2012–2013 Natalie Brantsma (for 1 month) Lakshmi (Adithyan) Vekatachalam 2013–2014 Sam Datta 2014–2015 Manonmani Sekaran 2015–2016 Viraj Thakore 2016–2017 Laurinda Porter 2017–2018 Sossity Smith

Past KPA Presidents • • • •

2014–15 Jung A Lee 2015–16 Jaeyeon Jang 2016–17 Misun Ko 2017–18 Jaeyeon Lee PCA Publication - Edition 9

We decided to ask each Past President a set of questions. 1. What were your greatest rewards or achievements during your year(s)? 2. Why was it important for you to serve as President? 3. Describe your experience in one word and explain it in one sentence if needed. We also asked them about challenges they faced. We realize that all of the Presidents have challenges, everything from weather, to community discord at times, to trying to create a balance and communication amongst a diverse group of people. These issues rang true across all of the Presidents. We thought it important to show you what uniquely stood out about their respective experiences. Beth Kegler-Gray Achievements I loved working with the School in its early years, and encouraging parental involvement and social interaction. Why Serve? So after we returned to Chennai in 2001, Steve Plisinski asked me to try running for PTA president as the current parent was resigning and moving back to the U.S. I did

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

so only because no one else would, for I did not think I was a leader, or public speaker by any stretch of the imagination. I loved being PTA President after our return to Chennai and AISC. The most fun I had was working with two other very committed parents, Rupa Bhatt and Anjali Kher. We would run around town all year getting companies to support our school so when our annual PTA Ball came around, we had lots of prizes.

wholesome community but in the process I inadvertently helped my kids settle in their new school environment.

One Word Integration. During my year, the other challenge was to move a school community from two campuses to the new school building and the PTA strived to make the move seemingly effortless and smooth in order to help build a strong foundation for growth of this unique school So it was important to me to serve as PTA president community. because it was needed. I wouldn’t trade my PTA experience for anything! I love the School and have such Sheryl Jensen Pierce great memories, and it was such a privilege to be a part Achievements of its history. Overcoming my fear of speaking in front of people One Word while boosting my self confidence were two of my Meaningful greatest achievements on a personal level. I also received several awards presented to me by Barry Raji Raju Clough, Head of the School at the time. Two of which were the Margaret Tebbett School Service award, and Achievements Although I got an acknowledgement by ways of an the European Council of International Schools award for award at the end of my term, my greatest achievement the promotion of international education. has been integrating the community, which was divided Why Serve? between the lower school in RCC Campus and Middle Ever since the day my daughters began their school and High School in the MGR Campus in the office years, I’ve always been an active volunteer in their building there. The PTA Ball that year—called the classrooms and in their schools. Becoming PTA President "Maharaja Maharani Night"—was well received and was a natural progression. well attended by the diverse nationalities in the school for the first time! Moreover the PTA meeting prior to my One Word year saw a diminishing attendance of the “T” in the PTA Rewarding. I made lifelong friends while living in India representation and was revived by including not only the and still keep in contact with many of them, whether “Teachers” but also administrative representation. I must AISC staff or parents. add the Head of School himself made it a point to be there for most PTA meetings as he could experience the Sejal Wasani synergy the meetings provided because my committee (without whose assistance my accomplishments would be Achievements nil) always adhered to structure. And the meetings were During my years as PTA President, I felt that my greatest minuted too! achievement was building a solid community at AISC. Many parents and teachers and teaching assistants Why Serve? became involved in every way. Admin and custodial I love being part of a community and I feel the symbiotic staff were also a very important part of the PTA. We relationships that emerge as a result not only impact me were inclusive and happy to welcome new families and as an individual but also help my children to get a sense new ideas. Language and cultural diversity was not on of security and belonging. With this mindset, I felt I could the agenda. Friendship and unity was the order of the not only impact the school environment, which lacked a day. We became an integral part of the School with PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

Est.1995

AISConnect 2019-2020

any member of staff feeling comfortable and confident Usha Kannan enough to approach me and request whatever they needed... whether volunteers for sports day, SAISA Achievements event hospitality, swim gala organization, and so on. I raised the maximum funds for the PTA until then. I had a wonderful bonding with all the parents involved. We Why serve? had a large number of parent involvement and we had AISC gave so much to my son at a time when he was in a a comfortable relationship with teachers, administrators, foreign country, away from home and all that he knew. and students. I shared resources and my time with the School, but felt that as PTA President I could work harder for the School, Why Serve? I could encourage others to offer their help and support, As a President of the PTA, I felt it is important to bring I could definitely help new families as they joined the together parents from different cultures and languages. us at all times of the school year, and I could make a We were a liaison between the school administration positive impact on the all-round educational experience and parents. of all the kids, not just mine. I wanted to embrace other parents and involve them, so that living away from One word home was not a terrible nightmare. The School and its Awesome experience where I made lifelong friends. incredible campus would be a hub of safety, security, and friendship. Rashmi Basavanhalli One Word Amazing. I met so many amazing people and we did so many amazing things together, which was amazingly satisfying! Lakshmi (Adithyan) Venkatachalam Achievements I had the privilege of being the President for two years. I learned a lot from heading the PTA. We made International Day more elaborate. Earlier it was just lunch and a taste of food from various countries. We thought it would be better to celebrate it by displaying the culture of each country along with food. We had a counter for each country. Communication improved more among the parents. I always believed in working together as a team. We looked at improvising the layout that already existed. We made what was very formal more casual and easier to access. Why Serve?

Achievements Greatest award—within the team the personal challenges couple of us faced brought us closer. We had more fun in helping each other and celebrating each other’s friendship. Other than the regular events, our team started an official PTA newsletter that year. We organized Santa Brunch that year, we assisted Japanese families in keeping busy with creating bracelets, bookmarks, and helped avoid the emotional stress caused by the Tsunami—and also helped them raise money with dignity, initiated health awareness talks, and media awareness talks for parents. Why Serve? I wanted to know more about AISC Families—ßparents, teachers, staff, leadership team. One Word Our PTA team had a lot of Fun volunteering.

Being an active member of the PTA helps you enjoy and Sharmilee Bach Nielsen improvise the environment of your children. Achievements One word that describes my experience is Global For our team, it was launching the AISConnect magazine Experience. and the 2nd edition of the Chennai Chapter, introducing

PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

the Volunteers Appreciation Lunch, and changing the U.N. Day format. The parent contribution for U.N. Day used to be an international lunch. It was changed to the all-day format it is now, to include pavilions with displays, games, and food. The graphic design students designed passports and t-shirts. We had dances by students and parents, including a visiting Scottish cousin who came dressed in a kilt and played the bagpipes. It was a massive logistical challenge, as there were no precedents, but we had incredible support from the administration and the community. The celebration was a remarkable reminder of how fortunate we are to be part of a diverse community!

One Word Teamwork. The PCA committee of 2014–ß15 were all from different cultures and backgrounds but we learned to respect and understood how to work together to achieve our goals as a team. Viraj Thakore Achievements

As a President, we started out without a VP, Treasurer or a Secretary. The team came together within a few days as my friends volunteered for the positions. We ran the PCA without a VP. Given this, I would like to say that the greatest reward for me was to work with the ladies Why Serve? You have to lead by example, right? If you want the who give of themselves for the School. Each one of them kids to be appreciative of other cultures, of their friends, was vehemently independent and had a strong sense of their school, it is important for them to see parents and duty and love for the School. In each undertaking they teachers working together and contributing as well. did, it showed. Each event was planned and executed to Besides, my kids were happy here, so I wanted to give perfection. I wish to just take a moment to state thanks to Vidhu Ajit, Sudheera Reddy, Babitha Pelluru, Pratyusha back. Venapally. Without them, that year would not have been as successful as it was. One Word All-consuming! Our team put together a Diwali Mela—that felt like a true Mela—with Mother Nature kicking off her Chennai rains the Mela day. We had a PCA Ball that consisted of food from around the world and decorations that made Achievements the event shine. We ended the year with a Big Bang, To improve the fundraising, we initiated the air-time with an AISConnect which encompassed the works of so package and platinum level for the sponsorship program. many parent volunteers. We left the year with nearly 8 On Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day, instead of lacs for the next administration to be able to utilize for catered food, we served home-cooked traditional food any event they wanted. from different countries. A way to say "thank you" to the teachers and staff—and also let them taste the students' Why Serve? backgrounds. We printed the “Internationally Minded” That year was the 20th year for the School. A big t-shirt to support and spread our mission. It was a way celebratory year for our school. Initially, I had wanted to get to know the community much better and earn a the events for the 20th year to be a notch above what wonderful memory to cherish. we had done in past years. Thus, I had put my name in the hat. To my pleasant surprise, I had four women who Why Serve? volunteered for the other positions with the same sense I wanted to create and spread the awareness of being of love and duty for the School. I state this because internationally minded as a unified goal and to provide though I held the title of President, the team really was the best for our children and the AISC community. the President. Manonmani Sekaran

PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

One Word I would have to take two words. Challenging and exceptional. Challenging as we all faced Chennai and all her weather conditions. Exceptional, as our team worked so well together that each event was made to be exceptional. Laurinda Porter Achievements My greatest achievement was to bring the community of parents together with the administration. Our team worked very hard to be the bridge between both groups. We were able to work seamlessly to organize relevant speakers for our coffees and work hand-inhand with all-school staff when planning Diwali, UN Day, and the Ball!

new families and talk to them. I vividly remember my first day on campus as a new parent to AISC and the fear and nerves that went along with it. It was so nice to be welcomed by current parents and it makes me happy to now be one of the parents reaching out to the newcomers. It is a reminder to me of how far I have come on my own journey. Why Serve? The previous year (2016–2017), I was lucky enough to be PCA Secretary under Laurinda Porter, and when that term was up, I knew I wanted to do more. This school is my home away from home and it is my place of comfort here in India. I have changed so much since arriving here in 2015 and have gotten to experience things I could never have imagined. Being a part of the PCA helps me to give back with a grateful heart to the community I have come to love. It is a rewarding position and even with the ups and downs or nerves of big events, the sense of accomplishment and purpose I have is tremendous. It is important to me to continue to give to the community that has given so much to me.

Why Serve? I wanted to serve as President to help further the relationship between parents, teachers, and administration. All three groups, when they work together, have the best interest of the whole community One Word at heart! Rewarding! One Word Community! This is the one word I would use to describe my experience! Community also encompasses the joy I felt serving in the position. When I look back at my time at AISC and being a part of the community, I realize these were very memorable years for me! No other place I’ve lived has or ever will be quite the same, nor will I! Sossity Smith Achievements One thing I have really enjoyed about being a part of PCA is the connections I have formed with faculty, staff, and parents. I love coming to school and knowing everyone’s names and just saying hello or chatting in the courtyard. It really is like a big family and I love being a part of that. I also really enjoyed the New Parent Orientation and just being in the group of volunteers that are at the school for the day purposefully to welcome

PCA Publication - Edition 9

d ra Ma

s Café Musings

A warm and welcoming place to meet old friends and make new ones - serving yummy healthy snacks with a smile! Our very own hang out space at AISC.~Mahvash Sait

SEVAI AT AISC: A STUDENT PERSPECTIVE

BY SANGJUN LEE, CLASS OF 2022, JOURNALISM CLUB

The 25th Anniversary of American International School Chennai (AISC) is not only a celebration of its establishment but also of its relationship with the local community. In recent years, one of the ways that most effectively highlighted this has been through service activities, especially on students' part. Currently, AISC engages with several different local and international organizations, those that share AISC’s Mission. Students of varying grades participate in these mandatory SEVAI activities or by volunteering through High School Clubs or Blue Cross (which is offered to both High and Middle Schoolers). It’s hard to point to an explicit date of when service activities began. Most were passion projects driven by teachers or by students for their grade or class, under relatively informal structures in comparison to today. This, however, began to evolve starting from the 2013– 14 school year.

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

Today, the AISC community engages in numerous different service activities, which can largely be categorized into four different, but equally valid groups: compassionoriented, education, inquiry, and environment. Compassion Oriented In such activities, students primarily engage in actions to help those that are less fortunate than themselves. Such an objective is well displayed by one of the oldest service opportunities, being active for over 10 years, offered as a High School Club: Operation Smile. Adapted from an international non-profit organization of the same name, Operation Smile concerns helping children with cleft lips and cleft palates. Initially, students only participated in processes before, during, and after the surgery that enabled the operation to be efficient in managing a larger number of patients. This was soon extended to also include spreading awareness through an annual ULead Conference held on the AISC campus, where local schools are invited to participate while raising funds for operations through such efforts as bake sales. For years, Blue Cross, and most recently the Evergreen Club, has also been active under such objectives, expanding the group and the scale at which students in AISC efforts to help.

Mr. Ryan Mcfarland, Athletic and Activities Director, remarked, “With the hiring of Mr. Balajee, it was the first moment that the School said ‘We see service-learning as important enough to hire an entire person to do.’ ” What followed the inclusion of Mr. Balajee Ginjapalle, the Service Learning Coordinator to the school community was the formalization of service activities offered on campus. Thus, the interactions students were making with Academic Education In terms of education, students work to teach others in the local communities were established. PCA Publication - Edition 9

25 YEARS

AISConnect 2019-2020

Est.1995

the community of various levels to increase awareness on global and local issues or to help students in the matter of academics. Some are oriented towards other students and school communities, while others work with communities outside of the school bubble, which helps to expand AISC students’ connection with Chennai. This helps to positively influence those the AISC students engage with.

Ms. Jayanthi mentioned that an aim for Math Matters was to integrate technology into the current learning experiences that the club offers to local students.

Mr. Ryan has pointed out the need for more continuity, especially for service through High School Clubs, with previous examples of the scale of action taken by clubs and their influences simply being swayed by student interest. Mr. Balajee supported this point, expressing Now in its seventh year, Math Matters has been one hope for more sustainable service activity that is not of the leading clubs that work with the local community swayed by student interest, which would also benefit under educational causes. Founded by former students partners such as local organizations that the students under the guidance of Ms. Kala, and now Ms. Jayanthi, engage with for positive impact. Math Matters works with local students—currently with those from Hope Foundation—with the hopes While all these comments have their unique focus that can of teaching them using AISC’s approach to learning be done to improve the service in AISC as an individual math. It also previously built a Math Lab at one of the opportunity or as a whole, one recurring idea is student schools they collaborated with, with the annual Peepul participation. And as much as the service activities in Conference where students engage in workshops about AISC requires consistent engagement from students, it craft, social and general wellbeing, and leadership and is important where that service should be directed. I know as one of the students and expatriates attending team building. an international school, that it is easy to neglect the local community in favor of an environment that you Environment are more comfortable with. However, it shouldn’t be In environmental services, students work to positively forgotten that there are positive changes that students impact the environment through physical actions, while can make in the importance of engaging with Chennai. also informing the community of the issues that they are This can be observed through AISC’s Mission: courage trying to address and the opportunities at which they can through engaging with unfamiliar or uncomfortable contribute. One popular example is the beach cleanup settings/people, creativity by overcoming such barriers by the National Honor Society (NHS). For the past as language, and compassion by the actions driven to several years, it has been held consistently under the benefit others not oneself. guidance of former AISC parent Virgine Vlaminck, who will sadly be leaving India as of this year. She has not “It's very easy for our [students] to do something with only reduced the amount of trash left out on the beaches UNICEF, for worldwide global action, or for a global but has also encouraged local communities to engage organization. But when you do locally and for your in such actions by working with local students and adult neighborhood, I think that is the most impactful service,” participants. Read Johann’s article on environmental says Mr. Balajee. responsibility here. And, what service learning has proven to do is break However, “significant” does not indicate flawlessness. It the comfortable bubbles that an international school has its area of development; just as within an individual naturally creates, helping international and local club, or as a service activity as a whole. Ms. Kala, the communities be exposed to and integrated with one current leader of Operation Smile, said in a recent another. This will surely help to bring the next greater interview that she hopes for an increase in student 25 years. engagement, with current participation from members being partially diverged with their partaking in other services or extracurricular activities.

PCA Publication - Edition 9

AISConnect 2019-2020

Looking Back to Look Forward The Very first AISConnect Magazine was published during the 2011-2012 school year. The Theme for the magazine that year was Nurturing Global Citizens for a Better World. The PTA Executive Committee for the year included President: Sharmilee B Nielsen, Vice President: Dalina Salcedo, Secretary: Susila J Anand, and Treasurer: Meenaxi Gupta and the Editorial Team for the first edition of the AISConnect Magazine was Nalina Ramalakshmi, Sharmilee B Nielsen, and Susila J Anand. Here are a few photos of items that appeared in that edition, which included articles on everything from United Nations Day, Diwali Mela, AISC Charity Fair, and the PTA Ball. If you would like to check out some of the early editions of the AISConnect, there is a set located in the PCA Office. PCA Publication - Edition 9

AISConnect 2019-2020

PCA Publication - Edition 9