Study Block: Useful or Waste of Time? - Valentina Millet
Empowering the Next Generation: AISA GISS 2025 in Kampala, Uganda - Michela Samaha
Your Ultimate Guide to Picking Next Year’s Classes - Aarav Valrani & Tarek Kabbani
MATh, Competitions, and Creativity - Gyuwon (Olivia) Byun
Senior Secrets: Advice for Mocks, SAT, and AP Classes from Those Who’ve Been There - Gianna Said
Arts
Spotlight on Students Musicians: Celebrating the Talent in Our School - Dia Dsilva
Bringing History to Life: How ASD is Reimagining Hamilton in 10 Minutes - Alexandra Delvaux
Sports
Season 2 Recognition Night 2025 - Jida El Zein
SENIOR EDITOR’S LETTER
Welcome to Issue Four of TheAkhbar!
This semester has been all about community, from the energy of our MESAC season 2 Basketball players to welcoming artists, musicians, and actors from around the world in Senior Fine Arts. Shout out to our Varsity Girls Soccer Team for their first-place win in MESAC! We have a lot of exciting new content, updates, and stories to share in this latest issue.
In this issue, you will notice the advanced writing and design skills of many ofAkhbar's writers, who have become incredibly familiarwith Affinity Publisher, transforming our magazine into looking more professional and amicable. Furthermore, you will see many new articles and information about our diverse, close-knit community that you may have never heard about before.
The editing team has been staying updated with all the school events and is heavily involved in ensuring that everything published in the Akhbar is nothing short of excellent. We are excited to share all the hard work our team has made with everyone. We hope you enjoy issue four.
Thank You & Go Falcons!
ImanAhmad ‘25
ACADEMICS
“Education is the premise of progress, In every society, in every family”
- Kof Annan
Study Block: Useful or Waste of Time?
By: Valentina Millet
At ASD, all highschool students have the option of adding a Supervised/ Unsupervised study block into their schedule. Study block is a class in which students can take time to work on schoolwork, such as course work or homework. But is this block helpful or just a waste of time?
“It helps, but only if you know how to use it right.” - Karma Kobeissi
Supervised study block is recommended to 9th graders to help with their transition from middle school to high school as they might have trouble managing their time with homework and a new environment. “I feel like at times I have trouble managing my work since I'm still getting used to the workload of highschool,” stated 9th grader Olivia Williams. Teachers supervise the 9th grade and some 10th grade classes, depending on the block, but students are expected to work independently on their own work. One of the main reasons study block is seen as useful is for the opportunity to get better at managing time. Highschool is a busy time since students have a 8 block schedule, and on top of that, most students have extracurricular activities including sports and clubs. Despite that, students have a social life to balance while also having homework for their classes.“Being a season 1 and 2 athlete, it's hard to keep up with school work since I have practice on top of other things as well, so it gets piled up.” - 11th grader Irini Myers. Without enough time put aside to tackle the workload highschool comes with, it can be very easy to fall behind and accumulate homework overtime.
Source: asdubai.org
Source: asdubai.org
Having extra study time throughout the day helps students also have an opportunity to ask help from their teachers right away, as needed. On top of that, if students run into any problems during the study block, they can easily ask their supervisor for help on whatever might be the problem, which students cannot do when working alone. “I found taking study block helped me have an easier transition into highschool, since I had more time to work on my homework and ask questions,” explained Dalia Farra. However, not all ASD students feel the same way about taking study block, as some students believe it's not a good use of their time. Many students argue that the time used for study block could be used for something more ‘productive’ or ‘useful’. This can mean AP classes, additional courses, or extracurricular activities.“I thought about taking a study block this year,” says Omar Lootah, a 10th grade student.“But instead I decided to take an AP class to keep up my GPA and use my extra time better”.
Source: Canva.com
“Im not sure if id take study block next year, I would loose focus after a while”Sireen Dajani
Source: asdubai.org
Another possible downside to taking a Study block is maintaining the focus throughout the 75 minute period. Many students are known to struggle keeping focus during a regular 75 minute class at ASD. This means that during a free study block, specifically for unsupervised study blocks, it is a given that students could quickly lose focus and be off task rather than using the study block as something productive and useful. Distractions from friends or even devices can be tempting while alone. “When I took study block last year in grade 9, I Honestly didn't really use it wisely and i didnt get any more work done than I would've without it,” explained sophomore Omar Abughazaleh. “I was easily distracted by friends in the class so I couldn't get any work done.” Study block requires motivation to do the work and without the student's motivation, it's hard to use it in a positive way. The decision to take it involves finding a good balance between schoolwork, outside of school activities and personal life as well. Each student has to set out what is most important to them in order for the study block to be successful for them.
Overall, the effectiveness of a study block in a student's schedule in ASD can change based on individual students being asked the question of the effectiveness for a study period. If a student is struggling to be on time with assignments, it can be quite effective to take it so the student can have more time dedicated to working. However, if a student feels organized and feels like other courses or activities might be more useful, having a schedule with a study block may not be the best option for that student as it would not be worth wasting time on. The decision ultimately is on the individual student's needs and preferences when it comes to choosing whether taking a study block is worth it or not.
ASD recognizes the value of offering a study block as a block for students who will use it well to work on their studies. ASD encourages students to take study blocks more specifically in years 11-12 since these years can be considered the most stressful years of high school. Although it's recommended, it is crucial that students make their schedule choices based on what they feel they really need or they really want in their schedule. Carefully considering their needs when making scheduling choices is key.
AISA GISS 2025 in Kampala, Uganda
organizations and have students perform. The students picked are, Rui Yang, Emery Barkdull, Marai Monds, Ran (Lina) Li, Mina Sariouglu, Anandita Nevrekar, Filippa Carlson, and Jumana Hussein. Rui Yang, an executive team member of GIN at ASD, expresses her gratitude to Mrs. Hurt for providing this opportunity. The International School of Uganda (ISU) hosted the summit and its aim was to provide young leaders with an unforgettable experience, fostering collaboration on pressing global issues, sustainable solutions, and a long lasting impact on the community. The summit took place from February 13-15.
The theme for the summit this year is "Kola Kati," which means "Act Now" in Luganda, one of Uganda's native languages. "Kola Kati" strongly connects with the importance surrounding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations because it highlights the need for immediate action when faced with global challenges like climate change, inequality, and global health crises. Therefore, the theme calls on the youth of today to take responsibility and lead change in the world.
Rui Yang, one of the participants of the conference described it as an “amazing experience. It was incredible because [she] met a lot of people from across the world.” It is the best school trip she has ever been on and she really enjoyed learning about different cultures. At the same time the trip was a down to earth experience because they actually left the school and got to see what Kampala looks like and heard about the keynote speakers' childhood growing up there. Rui Yang, one of the participants of the conference described it as an “amazing experience. It was incredible because [she] met a lot of people from across the world.” It is the best school trip she has ever been on and she really enjoyed learning about different cultures. At the same time the trip was a down to earth experience because they actually left the school and got to see what Kampala
Your Ultimate Guide To Picking Next Year’s Classes
By Aarav Valrani & Tarek Kabbani
Choosing next year’s classes helps shape your academic path. From building a foundation as a freshman to specializing as a junior and preparing for the future as a senior, each stage offers key opportunities. Let’s break it down!
Vocal Media
Explore Advanced Dance, Choir, Band, Theater, and Technical Theatre for performance. Visual arts options include AP Studio Art, CDI 2D Draw, and Mixed Media. Unique courses like Music Technology and Public Speaking enhance skills. These electives develop creativity and career opportunities
Junior Year: Customize your schedule based on interests. Most take Pre-Calculus or Statistics, and AP Language & Composition or other English electives. Social sciences options include AP US History, AP European History, AP Psychology, or AP Economics. In science, choose Physics, Earth & Environmental Science, or AP sciences. Electives like Journalism, Band, Choir, and languages enhance skills.
All photos from ASD go page from now till end
MATh, Competitions, and Creativity
Gyuwon (Olivia) Byun
Tutoring Program
Mu Alpha Theta is a prestigious math honor society that helps high school students improve their math skills, develop leadership, and engage in academic activities. The society focuses on three areas: offering tutoring opportunities to strengthen members' math understanding, providing chances to participate in math competitions such as AMC, COMAP, and RCML, and building a community that fosters leadership and teamwork. Math honor societies like MuAlpha Theta play a key role in both academic growth and personal development, helping students build confidence and critical thinking.
The Mu Alpha Theta tutoring program offers valuable opportunities for both tutors and students.As a member, you’ll have the chance to tutor students from elementary to high school, helping them with math while strengthening your own skills. Tutoring not only boosts your math knowledge but also develops teachingandleadershipabilities.Byassistingstudentsinunderstandingdifficult concepts, you can gain confidence in explaining complex ideas. In return, the students you tutor improve their math skills, build a stronger foundation, and often see significant improvements in their grades and confidence.
Mu Alpha Theta provides students with opportunities to tutor other students in mathematics, which allows them to develop their leadership and service capacities.
“Sometimes, we might think we know how to solve a problem, but then realize we aren't sure why we are doing a procedure until someone else asks," explained Mrs. Chamberlain. "Students who are already excelling in math canpracticetheartofhelpingotherstudentslearn,whichis not as easy as it sounds.” To become an official member, you must complete 7 tutoring hours per semester, either online or in person. Each session must be recorded, and you’ll need to submit an audio recording of it. The tutee's grade level doesn’t matter as long as their math level is below yours, and each hour of tutoring counts as one tutoring point toward your membership requirements.
Source: Mu Alpha Theta
Source:ASD MuAlpha Theta Team
Source:ASD MuAlpha Theta Team
Source: Grissom Math
Source:CoMap
Competition Opportunity
Mu Alpha Theta members have the chance to compete in various math competitions such asAMC, CoMap, and RCML, where they can apply their math knowledge and problemsolving abilities to real-world challenges. Mrs. Chamberlain explains, “Mu Alpha Theta provides students with an opportunity to model mathematics to solve real-world problems, particularly with the CoMap competition. Many people think math is just about finding the right answers, but math was created to address everyday challenges.
This competition allows students to approach math in a creative, real-world way, just like professional mathematicians.” These competitions not only help students sharpen their academic skills but also demonstrate how exciting and engaging math can be. In addition to the major competitions, the Vice President of Competition organizes other events such as Sudoku, Ken Ken, Pi-day, E-day, and Square-day. These provide students with unique and enjoyable opportunities to strengthen their math abilities while earning points toward Mu Alpha Theta membership. To become an official member, you must earn 3 points per semester by participating in these competitions.
Advisor’s Words_
mathematics, and I believe our officer team does this very well!
MuAlphaThetaisasupportivecommunitywheremembers excelinmathanddevelopleadershipskills."Mathcanbeso fun! This organization allows students to join together and enjoy overcoming challenges and solving problems, while also providing an important tutoring service," said Mrs. Chamberlain. "Our mission is to inspire a love of mathematics, and I believe our officer team does this very well!" she added. Mu Alpha Theta helps inspire a love for math and prepares students for future challenges. Joining offers endless opportunities for growth, achievement, and friendship, making it the perfect opportunity for anyone looking to challenge themselves academically.
Source: MAAAMC
Source:ASD MuAlpha Theta Team
Source:ASD MuAlpha Theta Team
Senior Secrets: Advice for Mocks, SAT, and AP Classes from Those Who've Been There
By: Gianna Said
Throughout high school, students find themselves overwhelmed with assignments, exams, and the pressure they have on them to succeed. So, as a 10th grader, I wanted to understand and properly learn how seniors dealt with and managed it all. To do that, I sat down and spoke with three experienced seniors, Sofia Schubert, Ghiya Baalbaki, and Leen Ghoul, and they shared their advice on how they prepared for their mock exams, AP classes, and the SAT, while keeping their stress levels minimized.
Mock exams are critical to the overall grade in AP classes and good practice for the final AP exam in May. According to Sofia Schubert, a senior who has been through multiple AP classes and knows the struggle, she felt that working hard for the mocks and treating it as seriously as it is, it made a significant difference for her. “I used to think that mocks were just practice for the AP exams. I knew it counted as a big deal to my final grade, but I didn’t take it as seriously as it needed to be taken, so when I started to take it seriously and worked hard for it, my scores actually improved,” Sofia stated. “What I did to make sure I succeeded in the exam was I would time
myself properly, use the same strategies that I would on the test day, and once completing that I would review my mistakes in detail afterward.” Leen Ghoul added that one of the biggest mistakes that the underclassmen make is leaving it all to the last minute. “It’s much better and more efficient to space out your studying rather than doing it all the night before. It helps your brain comprehend a lot more information,” she explained.
When the SAT gets brought up to high school students, it feels intimidating. However, these seniors learned how to conquer it. Their biggest advice was to start practicing early and to stay consistent with studying. “The SAT is all about patterns,” Ghiya Baalbaki pointed out. “The more you practice, the easier it becomes to recognize what College Board is asking of you. I took a practice test every weekend leading up to my exam, and with that practice, it helped me get used to the timing and the question styles.” Leen’s recommendation was to use official SAT resources as well as making a study plan. “Khan Academy was a game changer for me. It gave me personalized practice in areasIneededtoworkonmost.Isetagoal to30minutesofSATprepeverydaysothat as the test day came up I wouldn’t have to spend hours studying at once and overwhelm myself.”
ASD Instagram
APs are known for being hard to manage, but it isn’t impossible. Sofia, who has taken multiple APs over the course of high school, says the key is staying ahead. “You cannot afford to fall behind in an AP class. If something doesn’t make sense, ask whoever, whether it’s your teacher, a friend, or even going online and doing some research, like a YouTube video. The longer you wait to ask your questions or anything you're stuck on, the further you fall behind.” Ghiya agreed and also added that not just taking notes but actually comprehending the material that you are being taught is very essential. “Take good notes, listen in class, comprehend your unit, because by the time you are going to take the exam, you don’t have time to go through all the textbooks. I used the Cornell note-taking method, as well as watched Heimler’s YouTube videos for my social science AP classes, which helped me break everything down and make it easier for me to digest.” Don’t just rely on one source, use multiple sources to help guide you and make it easier for you.
Now with all of these different exams, classes, and responsibilities, students’ stress levels are a serious concern. So how did these seniors manage their stress while making sure they are staying productive? “Taking breaks in the midst of your studying for whatever it is; whether it’s just a regular test or an exam, taking breaks is so essential and I can’t stress this enough,” Leen expressed. “There were so many times when I would study for hours without stopping, and by the end of it, I would be exhausted. I now use a method called the Pomodoro method, which is 1 hour and a half of pure focused work then a 15-minute break. It keeps me going and energized for whatever I have to do next.” Sofia, who has
multiple extracurriculars, shared that balancing schoolwork, sports, clubs, and social life is extremely crucial. “I make a schedule and I make sure to stick to it. I plan my study sessions yet also schedule in my downtime, whether that’s watching a show, going out with friends, or just needing to take a moment to reset. I also make sure to balance out and add my extracurricular activities to that schedule and keep it organized, so I don’t feel like I’m over-bombarded with so much to do.” Balancing your schedule and keeping it organized will just help you through your journey in high school.
Final Words from the Seniors
As the conversation was wrapping up, I asked the seniors what they wished they had known as a 10th grader or really as an underclassman. “I wish I had known that it’s more than okay to ask as many questions and to ask for help in general,” Sofia admitted. “I realized that I’m still in high school, and I’m not supposed to figure everything out on my own. There are resources available to you, whether it's your teacher, friends, or even any online resources, they are all there for support.” Ghiya stated, “Don’t ever compare yourself to others, it’s so easy to look at other people and feel as if you are doing something wrong, or you're falling behind. Everyone is in their place with their mindset. Don’t let that set you back.” Lastly, Leen expressed deeply, “Enjoy high school while you have it. Of course, grades matter but so do the memories you make here. Always remember to keep your head up high and to work hard, and you will deserve what you have worked for. Just don’t forget that high school is a one-in-a-lifetime experience. Enjoy it.” Hearing all of this coming from the seniors made me realize that high school shouldn’t be all about stress and exams and studying as hard as you can. It’s about studying smarter, working to your full potential, managing your time wisely, and with all of that, enjoying your time and taking care of yourself. With their advice in mind, I feel much more confident and prepared for what the future holds and the challenges I have yet to face.
ASD Instagram
Spotlight on Student Musicians: Celebrating the Talent in Our School
By: Dia Dsilva
The student community at ASD is full of individuals with a diverse range of passions and interests,and for many,music is a key part of their identity.Several ASD students express themselves through music,and between the various bands and the large chamber orchestra,the school is home to a great amount of instrumental talent.Let’s shine a spotlight on ASD musicians’hard work,talent,and the stories behind their musical journeys.Get ready to meet the rising stars who make our school’s music scene special!
Source: ASD Instagram
Christopher is also the only saxophonist to be selected for the AMIS honor band
Christopher is also the only saxophonist to be selected for the AMIS honor band and jazz festivals across Germany and Scotland,he was first chair for all of them as well. Christopher is proud to see music gaining more recognition within the school.“I’m very happy that music is being more recognized at ASD,”he says,emphasizing how much the program has meant to him throughout his time here.
Source: Adrian Naul
Adrian Naul,another experienced band member and a senior in Wind Ensemble at ASD,has had an inspiring musical journey that began in sixth grade when he was assigned to play the euphonium.Though he had previously played piano,it wasn’t until high school that he truly realized the significance of music in his life.Contemplating quitting band in ninth grade, Adrian instead embraced his passion,eventually reaching the highest instrumental ensemble at ASD and expanding his skills to the tuba and trombone.His love for jazz flourished when he picked up the trombone, earning him a spot at the prestigious AMIS Honor Jazz Festival.Through music, Adrian has traveled to cities across Europe,performed in renowned venues like Dubai Opera and Emirates Palace, and played alongside professional musicians.His experiences in various ensembles,from the National Youth Orchestra to the Emirates Youth Jazz Orchestra,have shaped him as a musician and a person. For Adrian,the arts at ASD have been a defining part of his journey,leaving him with lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories.
Bringing History to Life: How ASD is Reimagining Hamilton in 10 Minutes
By: Alexandra Delvaux
Introduction: The
Enduring Appeal of Hamilton
Since its Broadway debut in 2015, Hamilton has captivated audiences worldwide, becoming a cultural phenomenon that continues to resonate, especially with high school students. LinManuel Miranda’s groundbreaking blend of hip-hop, R&B, and traditional musical theater has redefined how history is told on stage. Beyond its innovative music, Hamilton explores themes of ambition, identity, and revolution—topics that still feel incredibly relevant today.
Now, ASD’s theater is taking on the challenge of bringing this revolutionary musical to life in a unique way: a 10minute adaptation featuring three of Hamilton’s most iconic songs. With limited time, the cast and crew are working to make sure their condensed version captures the main parts of the musical while making it accessible to a school audience.
The Challenge of Condensing a Broadway Hit into 10 Minutes
Translating a full-length Broadway production into a 10-minute performance is not a small task. Hamilton is known for its speedy lyrics, intricate storytelling, and deep character development—so how do you condense such a complex show without losing its impact?
To face this challenge, the director, Ms. Dertian, and the actors worked together to carefully select three songs that highlight key moments of the musical: “My Shot,” “The Schuyler Sisters,” and “Wait For It.” Clearly, these choices were intentional.
One of the biggest hurdles has been ensuring the performance remains engaging while trimming down dialogue and transitions. Cast members have had to adjust quickly, learning how to make their character arcs shine within a short timeframe.
Keeping the Heart of Hamilton While Making It Fit
Even in a condensed format, ASD’s production aims to capture the intensity and emotional depth of Hamilton. The choreography, music, and staging have been carefully planned to reflect the original show’s dynamic energy, even with limited time.
The challenge extends beyond just memorizing lyrics—Hamilton is a fastmoving, emotionally charged production that requires performers to deliver both strong vocals and compelling storytelling. Each
Taken by Alexandra Delvaux
SPORTS
“Great things come from hard work And perseverance. No excuses.”
- Kobe Bryant
Season 2 Recognition Night 2025
By Jida El Zein
The varsity teams this year have had an amazing season, with the majority of teams winning gold and silver at MESAC It is important to recognize these athletes who have been very dedicated to their team, and who have been awarded by their coaches.
Varsity Soccer
With a standout season, the High School Soccer team had several exceptional athletes to honor On the girls' team, Tala Chabara was named MVP, while Karissa received the Most Improved Player award, and Ava Cheh earned the Coach's Award. For the boys' team, Khaled Hajj was recognized as MVP. However, the boys team did not have an MIP, instead awarding two players with a Coach's Pick award, Laith Mussa and Tarek Shoreibah.
High School Cross Country
With a remarkable season, the High School Cross Country team had many amazing athletes to recognize. On the girls' team, Ilze Ozdemir earned MVP, Taylor Nelson was given the Coach's award, and Jenna Al Ghussein received the MIP award. Furthermore, the boys' Coach's award went to Daniel Walsh, Rushdam Shafi was named MVP, and Daniel Applin earned the Most Improved Player award. These athletes were integral to the team's success, as they were highly motivated and committed, making this season one to be proud of.
All images from ASD
High School Tennis
The High School Tennis team had an impressive season, with standout performances from both the girls' and boy's teams. These three senior girls' hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed. the Coach's award was presented to Leah Baroudi, while Sofia Schubert earned the MVP title, and Ghiya Baalbaki was awarded Most Improved. On the boys' team, reflecting their positive attitudes, perseverance, and skill, the awards went to: Samir Abdelfattah for the Coach's award, Reyaan Punj for MVP, and finally, Adrian Null was recognized with the Most Improved Player award
High School Wrestling
The wrestling team has had an amazing season, with lots of wins at every meet. The team is a combined boys and girls high school team, and so there were only three awards. The Coach's award went to Nadir Moudjaber, the MVP was Diego Webb, and the MIP was Kiaan Hiranandani.
Varsity Basketball
The Varsity Basketball Team had several athletes to recognize. The girls team awards were given to Tia Helmy, for MVP, Ayanna Puri, for Most Improved, and finally, Natalie Haddad as the Coach's Pick Unfortunately, the boys team has not yet received their awards, as their coach is currently away.
Once again I would like to thank all the coaches, staff, and parents who made Recognition Night and the award ceremonies possible. It means a lot to all the varsity athletes, especially seniors who completed their final ASD season.
A New Era for Student and TeacherLifeintheF-Block
The opening of the F-Block marks a significant shift in student and teacher experiences by creating an uplifting environment filled with new opportunities.The Akhbar spoke to Dr. Hannah Edgerton, the F-Block department chair and Design and Innovation teacher, to get an inside perspective on the transition.While the move initially sparked mixed reactions, both teachers and students have embraced the space as a hub for creativity and innovation. Dr. Edgerton playedakeyroleinshapingthevisionfor the F-Block,and she sees the new space
as an essential step in redefining art education. She emphasizes that creativity should not be limited to traditional fine arts but integrated into various subjects. The F-Block consists of courses focused on different media and ranges of technology, making this redefinition of art come true. Dr. Edgerton explains that the F-Block fosters a culture where students’ passions creatively intertwine with design and innovation, giving them access to make a meaningful impact on the world through their artwork.
Uma Memon
Mural Made By:“Frenemy” Source: Uma Memon
The Moving Process
The transition to F-Block was a carefully coordinated effort that required the dedication of multiple faculty members working behind the scenes to ensure a successful move. Key contributors include the IT department, faculty members, facilities team, and administration. These members provided vital support in setting up the space, troubleshooting technical challenges, and ensuring that the new space was fully functional from day one.
“
These incredible superheroes
made sure that the move itself was seamless and streamlined.”
Where Passion Meets Purpose
More than just a physical transition,the movewasaboutshapinganenvironment to inspire creativity, encourage diversified collaboration, and support student growth in various areas. Moreover, the move to the F-Block has necessitated changes to both teaching and learning styles.Dr.Edgerton admits that F-Block was not what she initially expected, but she expresses her gratitude,stating,“Such a privileged lens being the F-Block department chair for high school and getting to be a faculty member in this space.” The architects and engineers had a more structured vision to ensure functionality and practicality,but she and her team initially envisioned it as an open and innovative
Instead of making immediate changes, she believes that change should come through experience and modifications should only be made if they genuinely benefit student learning.TheF-Block’sslogan connects with the concept of:“The Center for Design and Innovation for Public Purpose,” implying a purpose that goes beyond personal expression.Dr.Edgerton emphasizes that creating art should be about contributing to the greater good as well as pursuing personal passions. She encourages students to discover how their passions, in any field, can be communicated “creatively to the world.”
The F-Block is intended to facilitate collaboration between middle and high school students, ensuring that creative skills are developed from an early age. PaulinaAlanis, an eleventh-grade student, shared her evolving experience when shifting her class to the F-Block.Initially reluctant to accept the move due to the longer walk and reduced social time,she now prefers F-Block over her previous classrooms because of the many advantages the space offers.
Celebrating the Future of Innovation
Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram
After a month of settling in, on February 7th, 2025, the F-Block had its official opening as the“Center for Design and Innovation for Public Purpose,” during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.Many important speakers shared their insights on the excellence this new space has sparked, ranging from the ASD Superintendent, Dr. Steve Druggan, and members from the Board ofTrustees. This ceremony honored the ASD’s dedication to encouraging creativity and giving students a place to discover and refine their artistic abilities.Looking to the future,the F-Block’s purpose strives to hold endless possibilities of growth that students can achieve. It won’t just be a learning space for all of theASD community,but also for families and future businesses.Dr.Edgerton envisions a future where students return years later, recognizing F-Block as the place that helped them develop the skills to make them successful beyond their time at ASD.
How do the colors bring people together?
The huge gatherings with all sorts of people help bring people together as everyone is here simply to celebrate the same thing. An ASD student Aahna Lal tells us:
“I feel like it truly fosters a community”
How do people celebrate it?
There is no set way to celebrate it but people mostly spend time with their loved ones, eat and make sweets together, enjoying the colorful setup.
“When I was younger (...) everyone would bring their own colors and just run around and play.”
Aahna Lal.
To sum everything up, Holi is a universally loved festivity to recognize good over evil, love, and lastly, the start of spring. The ways to mark it are numerous, like inviting friends and family over, sharing meals and exchanging colors between one another.
All images from Pinterest
Friday Prayer: Building Community at ASD
By Saad Ali
Every Friday, a special event takes place at ASD, which transcends classrooms, age groups, and backgrounds. It’s the weekly Friday prayer, an opportunity for students, teachers, staff, and family members to come together and express their perspectives on faith and core values essential for all of humanity. More than simply a religious obligation, this practice allows students to build their leadership skills and take initiative in leading the community. Dr. Adel Amer, fondly known as Dr. Famer to his students, spearheaded this initiative last year around the holy month of Ramadan.
Since then, he and his students have made sure to keep it going. From the very first lecture with only a handful of students, the Friday prayer has now grown to a large audience. It includes speakers as young as nine years old, those from different religions, and, above all, it has given birth to a new community and generation of leaders.
All photos taken by Saad Ali
In the Islamic tradition, Muslims are obligated to attend Friday (Jummah) prayers weekly. During these prayers, they hear a lecture followed by a congregational prayer. At the ASD Friday prayer, students teach, giving them a hands-on learning experience that allows them to spread and absorb knowledge regarding key human values. The event warmly welcomes all, including people from different faiths or simply those who want to learn more about Islamic teachings. Topics are universal and include subjects like time management, loving one's family, and setting goals. “There’s no barrier to who can attend,” Dr. Famer points out. “Non-Muslim students come every week to simply listen and reflect. That was the goal since we started: creating a space welcoming for all.”
The event follows a structured and engaging format. Beginning at 12:10 in room D122, shortly after school ends on Friday, Dr. Famer starts the event by contextualizing the relevant topic for the week. Then, he introduces the set of students, or leaders of the week (as he calls them), to come to the front of the room and speak about the topic. With printed and prepped papers in hand, students take turns addressing the key ideas regarding the topic of the day: history, application to daily life, and/or Islamic significance. Once completed, the Khatib (lecturer) greets the audience, followed by the call to prayer from the Muezzin (one who calls the prayer), and a brief lecture in Arabic and English further analyzing the topic of the week. Following that, attendees line up in rows and pray behind the Imam (leader of the prayer), who will recite verses from the Quran. Lastly, Dr. Famer completes the session with a closing note, reminding the audience to spread the message.
Being part of this since it first started, I am overjoyed to have seen the Friday prayers grow. Students of different grades, those that I would not have previously encountered, are now close acquaintances whose weekly dialogues I cherish. On top of that, I have seen students, who, initially, were hesitant to present and give speeches, strengthen not only their Islamic knowledge but their public speaking skills as well. Through this observation and my personal experience, I have come to greatly appreciate this special opportunity for growth. Ideas shared weeks ago are consistently put into practice, and many use the information in such lectures as a means of ridding their bad habits. This is perhaps best exemplified in a quote from eighth grader Zabi Ali, who says, “My learning here has been very significant to my everyday life – a good reminder that keeps me on a good path.” I hope for this to be carried on for many years to come as I truly believe that spreading such ideas in this communal setting is integral to the betterment of our school.
Adulting101:Navigating SenioritisWhileAdulting
By:SofiaSchubert
Senior year: the final step of high school, complete with confusing plot twists, questionable decisions, and senioritis sneaking in like a pop quiz you forgot to study for. Planning proms, applying to colleges, and acting interested in group projects are all part of this time. However, you also need to figure out this whole "adulting" thing as you get ready to leave the high school bubble. This is your guide to getting through senior year while getting ready for the real world. or at least successfully pretend to be it.
“Adulting while battling senioritis feels like running a marathon in flipflops, but it’s not impossible. “
MasteringTimeManagement(oratLeast FakingIt)
Let's start by discussing time management, or the topic you've been ignoring while browsing Netflix in excessive amounts. If you're not careful, senioritis will follow you to college or your first job like a terrible habit that you can't get rid of. Senioritis likes procrastination. Start small by using a planner (yes, they still exist), setting alarms, and avoiding the last minute rush to finish that ten-page essay.
Essential Life Skills: Cooking, Laundry, andBudgeting
Next up, life skills. Yes, the stuff you probably thought you’d magically know by the time you turned 18. Spoiler: you won’t. Learn a few simple meals like pasta or stir-fry so you can impress your future roommates… or at least not starve. Laundry is another must. Trust me, throwing everything into one load is a bad idea unless you like wearing pink socks. And then there’s money management. If your idea of budgeting is “I have $20; I can buy tacos,” it’s time to step up.Apps like Mint can help you track spending, so you don’t blow your savings on online shopping binges.
EmbracingtheMessySideofAdulting
And let’s get real: nobody has adulthood all figured out. You’re going to mess up. Maybe you’ll burn dinner, or maybe you’ll accidentally mix your whites and your colors on your first wash (not that I’m speaking from experience…). The important thing is to learn from those mistakes. Surround yourself with supportive people who make you laugh when you’re crying over spilled ramen, and celebrate the small wins.
FinalThoughts:LevelingUpinLife
Adulting while battling senioritis feels like running a marathon in flip-flops, but it’s not impossible. Start small, take it step by step, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Remember, you’re not just finishing high school, you’re leveling up in life. So, let’s trade those pajama days for productive ones.
Ramadan Fridges: Spreading Kindness and Unity
By Bonnery Ahmadi
As the month of Ramadan approaches, ASD has embraced a special tradition of Ramadan fridges that fostersgenerosityanda sense of community across the UAE. This initiative, which started in neighborhood communitieseightyearsago,hasnowbecomea cherished event in our school, allowing students, faculty, teachers, and parents to take part in an act of giving and kindness that extendsbeyondtheclassroom.
The school community’s response to this initiative consistently remains overwhelmingly positive. Though participation starts slowly, it quickly gains momentum, with ASD community members coming together to
Source: Canva
contribute. After interviewing the SEENAH leadershipteam,welearnedthatwhenitcomes totheRamadanfridges,“communicationiskey”, emphasizing the importance of keeping everyone informed and engaged. The enthusiasm surrounding this initiative was best captured by a member who shared, “It’s one of our favourite events. Every year, in one night, our leadership team manages to cook 200 meals!”
The impact of this initiative goes beyond just providing meals; it strengthens the sense of belonging among everyone involved. Ms. Hickeybelieves
it allows everyone to feel like they belong through both giving and receiving. “ ”
From students to security guards, everyone benefitsfromthiscollectiveeffort,ensuringthat meals reach those who need them the most. A chart accumulated by the SEENAH leadership team in 2022, showed 157 people were fed
through this initiative. This includes supervisors, technicians, cleaners, disinfection team, support staff, gardeners, store keepers, security, subway, bus drivers, and bus assistants.
Source: Ms. Hickey
Tokeepthedistribution organized and efficient, there has been an implementation of a sign-up sheet that is emailed to the community, allowing volunteers to schedule their contributions. The SEENAH leadership team works hard to make adjustments in order to balance distributions on heavier days. One important rule is that no one is allowed to bring water bottles, ensuring a more practical and sustainableapproachtostockingthefridges.
Throughthisinitiative,ASDnotonlyprovides essential meals but also creates a culture of kindnessandunity,reinforcingthevaluesthat Ramadan stands for. As we continue this tradition,thespiritofgivingremainstheheart
of our community, creating a meaningful difference for many. We invite everyone to come help us with this initiative and donate food, as it is a wonderful opportunity to connectwiththegenerosityandcommunityof theschool.
Source: Ms. Hickey
"Have fun seeing each other every day!"
"Findawork-lifebalanceandmake memories." Many seniors echoed similar sentiments, urging their peerstomakethemostof theirlast semestertogether.TaymaandLara B both suggested enjoying the time with friends, with Tayma remarking,"Enjoyhavingeveryone together," and Lara B.adding, While some seniors encouraged taking things easy, others advised maintaining a focused mindset. "Lock in for the first semester so you don’t have to lock in for the second semester," Deema said, reminding everyone that staying focused earlier in the year can make the second half easier. Kyle also emphasized the importance of working toward your goals: "Don’t lose track of your goals."
Senioritis, an inevitable part of senior year, surfaced frequently in the responses. Reine seemed to
lean into the spirit of relaxation, suggesting, "Get all F’s!" On the flip side, Noor urged everyone not to give up: "Keep trying,don’t give up," and Ahmed offered a similar sentiment:"Don’ttakeyourfootoff the pedal."
Mental health also made a big impact on the seniors' advice. Leo emphasized focusing on mental well-being, reminding students that "Mental health is important." Karisa and Lexy also provided a strategic approach, saying, "Use your absences wisely," encouraging a balance between work and rest.
Though the tone of the advice varied, the overall message was clear:enjoyyourlastsemester,stay true to yourself, and don’t let senioritis take over. From savoring the last moments with friends and family to remembering to focus on what truly matters, the senior class is offering a wealth of knowledge for the rest of the school year.
As she prepares to leave the school at the end of June,Ms.Carden reflects on her decision,explaining that“it's [her] 11th year and [her] daughter is graduating.She's going to the States and she's a dance performer,so [she doesn’t] want to miss out on those performances.” Furthermore,she says that [her] country is a little bit of a train wreck right now,so [she doesn’t] want to send her there alone So that's why it's a good time to go.”
Ms.Hickey is nothing less than eager to take on this responsibility, expressing her enthusiasm at the opportunity and the ideas she’ll bring to the program.“We do have the new innovation director coming in so that's gonna be that's in the F block and so I'm really excited to work with him and integrate new ideas,”says Ms.Hickey.“I cannot be Ms.Carden as much as I would love to be.So I definitely will be partially filling her shoes,but also be making it my own
in my own special way with whatever vision this school is also going into.”
While Ms. Carden’s positive impact on the school community is
notable,the future is bright,with Ms. Hickey’s promise to make sure all students have that opportunity to belong in the kitchen,the garden, and the bees.
