AISC

© Follow school procedures that ensure a student has a maximum of two major assignments or tests for any given day.

© Refrain from assigning weekend homework to prioritize family time.

© Refrain from giving assignments over the Winter Break, Spring Break, and the summer vacation.

Parent Responsibilities

© Provide access to a printer or basic school supplies as appropriate.

© Provide encouragement and support.

© Provide assistance, as suggested by the teachers, when necessary.

© Ensure independent habits by refraining from “over-correction” or too much assistance.

© Provide a quiet well-lit place for study and to limit distractions.

© Limit commitments during study time (e.g. extra classes, television or video games, social engagements).

© Contact teachers about problems or concerns with homework.

© Log into Schoology to monitor progress on assignments as needed.

Homework Guidelines

Homework guidelines increase as students progress through the grades, although the amount and nature of the homework will vary according to the age and grade of a student. It will also vary with the time of year, test schedule, and school calendar.

A guide to the average time expected to be spent on regular homework assignments is:

© Grade 6: An average of one hour a night

© Grade 7: An average of one and a half hours a night

© Grade 8: An average of one and a half to two hours a night

Experiential Learning

The purpose of experiential learning in the Middle School is to provide opportunities beyond the classroom that promote connections to our community, the environment, and local culture, and nurture students’ selfmanagement, self-awareness and positive relationships through applied learning and reflection. Week Without Walls, Sevai, VFL Days and curricular connections (field trips) incorporate experiential learning into our program. Experiential learning opportunities are not optional activities. Students are expected to participate in the activities as a whole grade level, through courses, or through interest groups. Events are a part of our school calendar. Experiences are integral for our program to further live our mission and develop Vision for a Learner (VfL) attributes.

Field Trips

Field trips enhance learning and apply concepts through practical experiences and curricular connections. Sometimes field trips are used to introduce lessons and sometimes as culminating activities. Field trips offer opportunities for integrating learning between subject areas. Parents grant permission for students to attend field trips as part of the process when applying for admission to AISC. Teachers notify parents and parents complete and submit permission slips prior to students participating on a field trip.

Excursions refer to overnight field trips. These trips offer similar experiences as field trips. Excursions require specific parental authorization and require that the student’s visa is current. Both school-sponsored field trips and excursions require students to follow school rules and display proper conduct.

Week Without Walls

The Week Without Walls (WWW) program is embedded in our Middle School culture and it is expected that all students participate in this program. In the WWW program, students are out of the regular classroom setting. Costs for WWW are covered by the School.

The aim of WWW is to provide students with opportunities to:

© Participate in experiences that promote both development and reflection on the attributes of our Vision for a Learner (VfL).

© Nurture a better understanding and appreciation of Indian culture through exposure to India

© Develop relationships with peers and build community within grade levels

© Promote personal independence and responsibility

© Challenge students physically and mentally.

© Promote respect for the environment through exposure to diverse ecosystems.

© See the Middle School Curriculum Guide for more information about the WWW learning experience. Scan the QR code on Page 2 to read the Curriculum Guide

Sevai

The word Sevai stands for service in Tamil. AISC has adopted the word Sevai to represent our overall Service Learning program. Service Learning links teaching and learning to an increasingly interconnected world. Assessing genuine needs, developing and implementing sustainable solutions, and reflecting on personal growth and the impact of contributions are key steps of the process.

The aims of Sevai are to develop:

© Socially aware, empathetic individuals;