2010 Spring-Summer Globetrotter

Spring 2010

The Newsletter of Atlanta International School

Globetrotter

In This Issue

AIS Sweeps Shuler Hensley Awards for Second Year

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THIMUN Delegation Receives Honors

By Courtney Fowler, Globetrotter Editor

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Spring Benefit 2010

10

AIS Sports Report

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Music Department “Notes”

The AIS theatre program was recognized for “Best Overall Production” for the second year in a row at a Tony Awards-style ceremony for the 2010 Shuler Hensley Awards for Excellence in High School Musical Theatre. Over 250 supporters from the AIS community attended the April 13 event at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, where the school won awards in six of the nine categories for which it was nominated: Overall Production: Oliver! Cast & Crew Best Leading Actor: Arsalan Akhavan, Grade 11 Best Director: Rob Warren Best Supporting Actor: Lorenzo Gonzalez-Lamassonne, Grade 9 Best Costume Design: Sherry Weeks Best Scenic Design: Arsalan Akhavan, Grade 11

Atlanta International School (AIS) offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) to all its students from four-year-old kindergarten through grade 12.

By delivering a rigorous academic program combined with world-class standards in language acquisition within an open-minded, intercultural environment, AIS prepares its students to succeed in a globally connected world.

For more information, please contact us at 404.841.3840 or visit us online at www.aischool.org.

“After last year’s success at the Shuler Hensley Awards, we couldn’t imagine our group walking away this year with six awards,” said Rob Warren, Head of Arts and Sherry Weeks, Secondary School drama teacher. “It was a privilege to even be nominated this year, since the number of schools participating had increased from twelve to thirty-nine. The success this year reinforces that AIS truly has a remarkable theatre program, one that embraces the nature of an ensemble by involving the whole of the AIS community. We were overwhelmed by the turnout at the awards ceremony by the students, parents, faculty, administration, alumni, board of trustees and friends of Atlanta International School. The theatre program does not just focus on performance but gives opportunities to students in every aspect of theatre, which strengthens their ability to create, perform and develop as young artists. We are very proud of our students and wish to thank again everyone who was involved in making the production of Oliver! a success.”

The school’s original production of Oliver! ran for seven sold-out performances last November.

Tony Award-winning Broadway actor Shuler Hensley himself served as the co-host of the spectacular, joined by Jovita Moore and Justin Farmer, WSB-TV Channel 2 news anchors. In addition to the awards, the show featured ten production numbers, including performances by the six schools nominated for best overall production. Best Leading Actor Arsalan Akhavan performed in a medley with the other leading actor nominees, and seniors Rosalind Santos and Romana Soutus performed in the Shuler Hensley Awards Ensemble that opened and closed the ceremony.

The awards program is an initiative of the Cobb Energy Centre educational outreach program, ARTSBRIDGE. The entire program involved more than 3,600 students, teachers and parents from 39 high schools. Starting in September, a group of 25 Atlanta-based professionals from the arts community personally evaluated performances at high schools across metro Atlanta and offered their professional feedback.

As the recipient of the Best Actor award, Arsalan Akhavan will now go on to represent Georgia in the National High School Musical Theater Awards, known as “The Jimmy’s.” These awards, given in June, will go to a Best Actor and Best Actress from a group of student performers selected by 16 participating theaters, all of which are members of the National Alliance for Musical Theatre, Consortium of Eastern Regional Theaters, Theatre Communications Group or the Broadway League.

THIMUN Delegation Receives Honors, Makes a Presidential Visit

By Sandy Ferko, Head of Counseling On January 22, Darren Rollins and Sandy Ferko flew to The Netherlands with 28 AIS students to participate in The Hague International Model United Nations. The almost 4,000 students participating came from approximately 170 schools all over the world – only 11 schools in the US were invited to participate.

Students served under Malaysian Ambassador Emmaline Campbell and Zambian Ambassador India Duranthon on a variety of UN committees and were heavily engaged in developing solutions to a variety of problems confronting the nations of the world.

Seniors Dylan Baker and Ian Hill were selected to serve on the Advisory Panel on the Question of the Arctic Region, and for the first time in AIS-THIMUN history, two students – Brian Pettitt-Schieber and Kareem Rosshandler – were selected to serve as advocates before the International Court of Justice representing Belgium in the Belgium-Senegal dispute. They learned at the end of the conference that ICJ judges voted 13-6 to award the victory to Belgium. Thanks goes to attorneys with Jones-Day for guiding the boys in the development of their case.

At the completion of a successful THIMUN experience, the travelers journeyed to Warsaw, where they were the first student group invited to visit the Presidential Palace as part of an official international exchange program. The students met the President’s Chief of Staff, enjoyed discussions with a professor on staff about Poland’s geo-political role in the world and were treated to lunch in the palace. Emmaline and India presented the Chief of Staff with a gift from AIS; the hosts presented each student with a gift bag which contained a book on modern Poland and a five-disc set of Chopin’s music. Students also visited the new Museum of the Warsaw Uprising and Majdanek Concentration Camp. They enjoyed a wonderful performance by the Polish National Symphony and a lovely dinner at La Boheme. Thanks to Renata Kulpa whose friends in Poland arranged much of the wonderful visit (but not the two snowball fights) for our students.

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Globetrotter • Atlanta International School Newsletter / Spring 2010

Joie de Vivre Experienced by All at This Year’s Spring Benefit

Chair Lynn-Anne Huck Chair-Elect Marcelle Decuir

By Kathryn Banks, Development Staff The sights and sounds of a Paris theatre were everywhere at the 2010 Spring Benefit: Passage to France, which took place on Saturday, April 17.

The annual black-tie gala, organized by the Development Office and headed by parent volunteers, included a lively silent auction and cocktail reception followed by a seated dinner featuring French cuisine and exciting live auction. The unique decor, with the theme of “backstage at a Parisian theatre” in the ballroom, paid homage to a country with a long and rich history.

The Spring Benefit started in the late 1980’s to support AIS’s mission of providing the increasingly global Atlanta community with an outstanding independent school. All proceeds from this benefit contribute towards financial aid scholarships, faculty development programs and continued preservation of the historic campus buildings.

Chaired by Lynn-Anne Huck, this year’s Spring Benefit was a sold-out event attended by over 500 of the school’s community.The honorary chairs of this year’s Benefit were longtime friends of Atlanta International School, Anne Cox Chambers and Gerry Hull. Mrs. Chambers grew up in a house on Sheridan Road, just down the street from the AIS campus.

Advisory Committee Beatrice Anquez Edith Dehem Rose Ferguson Aisha Malik Jean-Christophe Pandolfi Pascale Viala Auction Chairs Peyton Nunez Jennifer Rudderman Auction Set-Up Chairs Linda Bruner Traci Slosberg Corporate Sponsorship Chair Eleanor Ratchford Newsletter Astrid Fontaine Student Art & Auction Preview Cynthia Normark Graphic Design Lisa Cannon Taylor Student Art Chair Betsy Carpenter Video Production John Mcafee Parent Baskets Bengu Sezer, Coordinator Elizabeth Azani Lois Beserra Lorraine Charman Verna Jennings Cleveland Christina Crawford Roxanna Dan Michelle Decoufle Robin Francis Zeynep Guenther Janice Howell Marie-Louise Kirchner Christine Le Corvec-Lefort Corinna Matthies Owen Caroline Pardy Susannah Parker Eleanor Ratchford Eileen Rose Sabine Sprott Jena Toledano Sylvia Williams Latife Yazmanoglu Committee Volunteers Emmanuelle Badarani Stephanie Bell Nadine Chamseddine Jennene Cheshire-Rea Isabel Coto Jennifer Culley

Mary Kay Darradji Nicci Mackey Dozier Farhad Eghtesadi Stefani Glass Dorothee Guimbal Dawn Hawkins Linda Heaviside Cherry Hymes Nathalie Israelite Roane Loudermilk Laurie Marion Kimberly Mitchem Rasmussen Cecile Noziere Silvia Nystrom Catherine Pandolfi Shefali Patel Mylene Petre Laura Poffenberger Deslie Quinby Beth Reeves Maschanika Richardson-Joseph Kathy Sanghani Amelia Schaffner Birgit Schwade Adi Selimovic Sonia Simon Jennifer Terwindt Stefan Terwindt Leslie Thomas Heather Triea Amparo Mantilla Vickers Patty Webb Marijan Yavari Special Thanks for Committee Cultivation Lisa Cannon Taylor Millennium Gate Museum, Atlantic Station Anis Bistro & Café Wine Styles Linda Bruner Lorraine Charman Verna Jennings Cleveland Eileen & Damon Rose Andrew Whitney Pascal Le-Deunff, French Consul Carole Scipion, “Attachée Culturelle,” French Consulate Michèle Oliveres, French American Chamber of Commerce Laura Murvartian Arnaud Michel AIS Faculty & Staff Volunteers AIS Development Department Event Volunteers

Atlanta International School Newsletter / Spring 2010 • Globetrotter

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Letter from the President

By Diane Dear, PS Teacher Before the holidays, grade 5 students worked on a unit of inquiry entitled “A Place at the Table,” which addresses the causes and effects of poverty and world hunger. Over the course of about six weeks, the students learned about these issues both in the United States and overseas. A number of speakers presented to the children about the issues, including the Atlanta Food Bank and other local non-profit agencies. The students also heard personal accounts from two AIS graduates who have worked for organizations in Africa.

As their final assessment, students were required to write a letter to a person or organization of their choice that could possibly affect change in the world. Our students chose many interesting recipients of their letters! They were required to understand the recipient’s role, identify and accurately describe a problem and offer specific suggestions for helping. All the while, they had to support their arguments with factual researched information.

The letters were mailed just before the holidays and the students anxiously awaited responses.

One of the first responses was a personally written note from President Jimmy Carter. Helen Audrey Williams wrote to him acknowledging his good worlds worldwide but wondering if he could do more for people in Georgia. Other responses have been received from a representative of United Nations SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-Moon, the Coca-Cola Company and Publix.

Award-Winning Filmmakers Screen Prom Night in Mississippi for AIS Community

By Courtney Fowler, Globetrotter Editor Acclaimed filmmakers Paul Saltzman and Patricia Aquino visited AIS in March for a day of programming around their award-winning documentary, Prom Night in Mississippi. The film tells the story of the first-ever racially integrated senior prom at Charleston High School in Mississippi 2008… even though the school had been desegregated for decades. Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman, a resident of Mississippi, paid for the school’s event.

Patrick Hurworth, Head of Secondary School, arranged the visit and organized the filmmaker/student screenings and discussion groups after seeing the film on the recommendation of a parent. “It was clear that the film has tremendous resonance in our community and relates markedly to many of the aspects of our mission,” said Hurworth.

“An effective international education will broaden students’ knowledge of not only global issues, but more local issues as well.”

The filmmakers’ visit concluded with an evening screening of the documentary for parents and the community, which was co-sponsored and organized by the Black Parents Harambee Cultural Club. The event included a reception and panel discussion with several children of Civil Rights Movement leaders, who shared their thoughts on the legacy of the Movement in today’s world, particularly illustrated by this film. The panelists included Andrea Young, Executive Director of the Andrew Young Foundation, daughter of Ambassador Andrew Young; Michael Julian Bond, Atlanta City Council Member, son of Julian Bond, former Chairman of the NAACP; Kwanza Hall, Atlanta City Council Member, son of Leon Hall, active in the organization of the historic 1965 Selma to Montgomery March; and special guest, Martin L. King, III. Councilman Hall said of the film, “When it comes to measuring progress, it reminds us how important the little steps forward can be and how hungry individuals are to do the right thing, if they have a safe space to follow their hearts.”

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Globetrotter • Atlanta International School Newsletter / Spring 2010

The Gift of a “Real World” Experience

By Laurie Marion, Spring Benefit Committee Parent Volunteer In 2009, the Spring Benefit Committee launched a new initiative to raise funds for AIS. During the week preceding the annual gala, an online auction of about 35 “Real World Experiences” raised nearly $10,000 and created opportunities for AIS students to spend a day shadowing professionals at work. Students who have participated in these experiences have gotten a glimpse into the daily life of a professional, actually seeing for themselves what it is like to work in these various fields.

AIS parent and board member Emily Willingham is convinced that these types of experiences are “a uniquely effective way to get students to think about professions.”

She was impressed by the generosity of donors to offer their time to help a student learn something beyond what is offered in the classroom. The value of Real World Experiences, she says, is that they “open a perspective on professional experience that a student would not get any other way.”

By witnessing firsthand what goes on in a day’s work, a student can begin to develop a better idea of the types of victories and challenges one can expect from a profession.

This kind of behind-the-scenes information can be very helpful in deciding what sort of career one wants to pursue.

AIS senior Emmaline Campbell spent her “Real World” day with Norcross Mayor Bucky Johnson at City Hall, where she learned about the various facets of local government in a suburban town.

AIS senior Dixon Adair visited the studio of The Clark Howard Show last summer. An important part of the experience was sitting in on the meeting when it was decided which four of ten possible issues would be the focus of the show. There was a certain amount of debate about the priority that should be given to each issue, and a process whereby some issues were eliminated and consensus was reached. Then it was time to start taping the show. Dixon admired Clark Howard for his “amazingly detailed knowledge about a host of issues and his ability to explain complex solutions in simple ways.”

His younger sister, Claire, who is in 8th grade, participated in a Real World Experience with a friend at radio station STAR 94.

Rick Mack, the general manager, introduced them to many people on the staff, and they were also able to meet Ryan Star, Lady GaGa, and Charles Barkley that day. The two girls actually spoke on the Cindy & Ray show, and another friend called in while they were on the show. Finally, they received goody bags from the station, including CD’s, a DVD, and STAR 94 T-shirts, cups and pens.

Even primary school students have been able to participate in Real World Experiences. Third grader Foster Barnard and his younger brother, Harrison, visited the studios of Cartoon Network. They were given a guided tour of the Cartoon Network campus, where they met artists who create cartoons, watched a Ben 10 video game being produced, and enjoyed the video room that the creative staff use. Their goody bags included backpacks, clothes and toys of various Cartoon Network characters.

Their mother, Lael Bellamy, commented that this experience “really made a lasting impression.”

Many of the same experiences were offered at the 2010 Spring Benefit, as well as some exciting new ones at the French Consulate, the Wall Street Journal, the Fulton County Public Defender’s Office and Theater of the Stars. We look forward to hearing about these interesting Real World Experiences in the months ahead!

Atlanta International School Newsletter / Spring 2010 • Globetrotter

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Class of 2009 Awards Legacy Scholarship to Rising Senior

By Whitney Curtis, Development Staff Many thanks to the Class of 2009, who established the Educational Advancement Legacy Scholarship, an opportunity for AIS students who are rising seniors to apply for scholarship money towards an educational summer trip or experience.

The Educational Advancement Legacy Scholarship was started by the Class of 2009 in an effort to create a “true” legacy gift.

The scholarship awards one distinctly talented member of the junior class the opportunity to pursue an academic or artistic summer program before their senior year. A potential recipient must demonstrate the following attributes: exceptional academic standards, a deep commitment to their passion, a desire to push the limits of their knowledge and understanding of the academic field or activity and unbridled enthusiasm. The Class of 2009 believes that these criteria are in line with the core values of AIS and in accordance with their personal experiences at AIS. Congratulations to Parisa Frost, 11th grade student at AIS, who is the recipient of the Scholarship from the Class of 2009! This summer, Parisa will participate in a two-week journalism internship in Brasov, Romania through the organization Projects Abroad.

AIS Primary PE & Athletics Program Honored by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

By Tracy Ballot, Senior Manager, Auxiliary Services Remember to Support the Annual Fund!

By Ashley Howze, Associate Director of Development As the 2009/2010 school year quickly draws to a close, we would like to thank those families who have already participated in the Annual Fund campaign for AIS this year. We ask that every family join in to show support for AIS. The Annual Fund enhances the quality of your child’s education all year long!

Currently, more than 60% of AIS parents have given to the Annual Fund, compared to an impressive 100% of our staff and teachers.

Eight families need to give for each percentage point increase in participation. Gifts of all sizes are appreciated and needed.

Other local independent schools averaged 85-90 in parent participation last year, and we need to make sure we have comparable support. If you have not yet had the chance to participate, please do so today. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the Development Office at 404-841-3869.

You can also donate on on-line by clicking the “Donate Now” button at www.aischool.org.

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Globetrotter • Atlanta International School Newsletter / Spring 2010

The Primary School PE & Athletics department was recently recognized for one of “the most outstanding efforts in school health and wellness from around the state” by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The staff will be featured in the upcoming 2010-2011 Building Bridges Calendar, distributed through the Kohl’s Cares program at Children’s Healthcare.

In a time when childhood obesity and Type II diabetes are rampant among school-age children, AIS has continued to demonstrate a commitment to physical fitness, during the school day and after school, especially for our Primary aged school children. During the school week, students in Grades 4K-5K have 30 minutes and Grades 1-5 have 45 minutes of physical education, every other day. In addition, Grades 5K - 5 students have a morning and afternoon recess for at least 25 minutes, while Grade 4K get recess 3 times a day.

The Primary School Athletics Program was established a few years ago in response to parent feedback requesting more after-school physical activities for Primary School students. The Primary School Athletics Program is an opportunity for students in grades first through fifth-, to participate in a variety of activities, for an hour, at least once a week (depending on grade), after-school, free of charge. Activities change by semester. So far this year we have offered Soccer, Basketball, Golf, Track & Field and Capoeira. When golf was offered this year, we had over 100 students sign up! The average attendance is around 50 students.

AIS has always put academics first. Nevertheless, we are committed to balancing rigorous academic standards with physical activity. Our teachers find it to be a fun and unique opportunity to interact with students in a different way outside the classroom as well as continue relationships with students who have moved on to older grades. The program’s result: more-than-satisfied parents and happy & healthy children!

The Black Parents Harambee Cultural Club Year in Review

By John Hurley, President, Black Parents Harambee Cultural Club It has been a fast-paced and fun -filled year of BPH – sponsored activities and partnerships with the various organizations at AIS. The year began with a social gathering to welcome new families joining our cultural club and reacquaint existing members following the summer break.

By early fall, we were busy assisting the 9th grade with design and coordination of a dynamic field trip that supported the unit of inquiry on the Civil Rights Movement, with film presentations, coordination of historic site visits, national exhibits and a wrap-up presentation by Dr. Jelani Cobb of Spelman College, arranged by the BPH Speakers Series. The early fall also included preparing for Worldfest, an annual AIS celebration of food, art and craft from cultures around the world represented in our AIS family. BPH coordinated foods and art and crafts for the African-American, Caribbean and African cultures portion of Taste of Nations.

As 2010 approached, preparations were underway for the February celebration of Black History Month, a month designed to highlight the contributions and culture of Blacks from around the world. During the month of February, school-wide display cabinets showcased Blacks in ancient history, education, literature, politics, theatre, the arts, science, sports, engineering, medicine and pop culture. The BPH Speakers Series organized an event for US and MS students to highlight a personal perspective on the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the legacy and importance of continued involvement in the Civil Rights movement. Participants were Mr. Tom Houck, driver and personal assistant to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Ms. Beni Ivey, Executive Director of the Center for Democratic Renewal, and Ms Andrea Young, daughter of former U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young.

Black History Month concluded with the BPH signature gala, Jazz in Black and White. This year’s theme was “The Harlem Renaissance Experience.” Hosting approximately 220 guests, the evening offered something to stimulate the mind, the imagination, the palate, the spirit and the body, as it was filled with guests “dressed to the Nines” in period attire, professional swing dancers, cameo appearances by notable personalities of the past representing the literary, entertainment and politics of the era, live entertainment by the Theresa Hightower and the dynamic and versatile Mose Davis Band, and DJ extraordinaire, Mr. Frank Thomas, who brought down the house with a mix of dance tunes that kept the party in full swing. The evening was enhanced by the delicious cuisine of the 20’s and 30’s provided by Grand Gatherings Catering, Veta Victorian, Proprietor, and by the International Society of African Wines – Stephen Satterfield, founder, who provided a tremendous selection of South African wines produced by Black vintners of the Cape Town, South Africa region. The event also featured a silent art auction showcasing the works of nationally known artist on the theme of Jazz in a variety of media to include print, original, craft and sculpture. Thanks to the participation of AIS family and friends, the event was a success with all proceeds going to support the AIS Music Department Programs.

The month of March brought the winter activities to a close with a co-sponsored screening of the award winning film “Prom Night in Mississippi.” April saw the Annual Spring Benefit and participation in the Annual Giving Campaign which directly enhances the education and learning environment for our children. Each cultural club, grade and other AIS organizations create theme baskets to support the Spring Benefit Silent Auction. This years’ BPH contribution was the “Student Musical Basket.”

The end of the school year is rapidly approaching, and our final activities include selection of materials to contribute to the AIS library. Using dollars provided by the P.O. Library Stipend fund, BPH is working in partnership with the Auburn Avenue Project to identify books and other media that will enhance our library’s collection of cultural materials. The BPH End of Year Gathering brings together new and old families at the end of the year to socialize before friend’s part for summer vacations in various parts of the world. However, while the kids are away, planning activities for the upcoming year continue as our committee works with curriculum coordinators to plan for activities for the upcoming school year. Also, through the efforts of our Speakers Series’ work with the Public Outreach program of the Atlanta Fire Department, we provide CPR and CERT training for staff and administrators.

A busy year indeed but filled with significant accomplishment, and most of all the feeling that BPH is making a difference and is contributing to enhancing the educational experience of all AIS children. We are looking forward to next year.

Atlanta International School Newsletter / Spring 2010 • Globetrotter

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4K Students Get to the Heart of “Who We Are”

By Jennifer Lagrange, PS Teacher Children in 4K were recently treated to a variety of presentations given by parents during their Unit of Inquiry on “Who We Are,” which focuses on how we look, our body parts and functions, and the basic needs of our body. Thanks to our parents in the medical profession, we learned a lot about our bones, our hearts, our teeth, our skin and babies in the womb. Students were thrilled to handle replicas of bones and learn how a cast is applied on a broken arm.

They discovered the important work our heart performs and heard the distinctive sound of the heart’s beat. Proper care of our teeth and healthy eating were taught by two dentist parents.

Christmas Market 2009: A Frosty and Festive Success

By Deniz Oktar-Giray, Christmas Market Co-chair Every year in December, European town squares are transformed into Christmas Markets with sounds, scents, tastes and visual displays unique to the German culture. Those who couldn’t make it to Europe ignored the VERY cold weather and came to AIS to find the Plaut Plaza transformed into a German Christmas Market!

Visitors shopped for a wide variety of gift items, like lace tablecloths, handmade wooden figurines, silk scarves, glass art and jewelry, while enjoying traditional food like Bratwurst, homemade German Christmas cookies, waffles and pretzel. The cold weather was soon forgotten with the help of the hot Christmas cider and the continuous live music performances on the center stage.

Also during the market, AIS received the “Schools: Partners for the Future” (PASCH) designation from visiting officials representing the Federal Republic of Germany.

The Christmas Market, attended by about 1,200 visitors, owed its success to all the volunteers who stepped in and worked hard in great team spirit. Thank you to all volunteers!

Very special thanks go to my co-chair Werner Richter for all the tireless work, support and for getting those tents to stand tall; and of course to our core group: Sabine Cooney and Eva Csipkes for creating the beautiful advent wreaths and door hangers, Vinay Chandra for feeding everyone with delicious Bratwursts, Mark Stevens and Regina Ovenden for warming us all up with the Christmas Cider, Christel Fichtmüller for the complicated scheduling and bringing all the music performers to the market, Axel Weichert for the stage design and smooth running of music, Brook Friedrich for being host to all the vendors, Barbara Chromec and deLille Anthony for spreading the German baking tradition and all those scrumptious cookies, Maria Goodall of Visualiti, Inc. for the outstanding look of our Christmas Market logo and the design of all the printed materials and for her work with Tom Schmitt to bring the Kristkindl to the market, Mikel Manitius of Trancemist.com for taking the photos with the Kristkindl, Eileen Rose for taking very good care of and entertaining children with arts and crafts, Philip and Esther Doele for the hard work at set-up and clean-up, Anke Fischer for organizing the raffle, Monika Müller for the Brezels, Tijen Cirig for scheduling and managing all the volunteers, Nandini Naidu for managing our budget, Brigitte Langevin-Tache for resisting the smell of sizzling Bratwursts and counting our monies, Stacey Balestrieri for managing the soft drinks, Jermaine Bethea for his behind-the-scene work in the kitchen and the Maintenance Team for their support.

Special thanks to Siemens, Germandeli.com and GoodToYourPC.com for their generous raffle gifts.

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Globetrotter • Atlanta International School Newsletter / Spring 2010

Primary Students Graduate to Upper School (For a Day)

By Mary McCarney, PS Teacher There was great excitement in grade 1 when Mrs. McCarney’s English class experienced a Geography lesson at “the big school” this year. This visit was planned with Mrs. Stephenson (SS Geography teacher) as part of an initiative to strengthen primary/secondary student links.

As part of their ‘Sharing the Planet’ unit of inquiry, the first graders had each chosen a different endangered animal to research. Working closely with Mrs. McCarney, Mrs. Stephenson organized hands-on map work activities which enabled the students to explore the natural habitats of their chosen animals. Matthew Hogan said, “I got to see where my tiger comes from.

Bengal tigers in India are far away from the red wolf, which lives in the USA.” The students also acted out a scenario about how species become extinct, using the visual aid of a large umbrella to help illustrate that some animals need protection. The lesson also included a multi-media PowerPoint presentation, and ended with the students using the SMART Board to play a computer game about endangered animals. This game was added to the grade 1 page on Moodle, allowing students easy access to play again at home or in the primary school computer lab. “I enjoyed watching the movie, and I learned that some animals really need our help”, commented student Macy Rose.

This lesson was the first of a number of PYP/MYP activities planned to strengthen student links across the two programs. Ms. Turner’s grade 4 classes also visited the secondary school to learn about longitude, latitude and time zones during Geography Awareness Week. Future collaborations will include Mrs. McCarney’s students sharing their completed animal projects with Mrs. Stephenson, whose 7th grade students are also very excited at the prospect of making presentations in the primary school.

“This was my first time in that part of the school,” said first grader Sativa Patel.

“I felt really grown-up going to the Upper School!”

Upper School Supports Relief Efforts to Haiti

By Robert Shaw-Smith, Head of Grade 9 On January 22nd, the students of 8th – 12th grade, faculty, staff and friends gathered in the auditorium just days after the earthquake which struck the nation of Haiti.

As part of the response from our community to the crisis, we decided to hold a mass text, the like of which we have not done before. Every one attending was invited to text our partner organization CARE Atlanta. Each text would generate a $10 donation for the relief effort.

Below are some of the words addressed to the meeting: We are gathered here to add meaning to our lives by considering the lives of others.

We are all lucky. We know this.

There is no guilt in this. But there is dishonor in not reaching out to the unlucky. We are taking just a moment to reach out beyond ourselves.

When you do this alone, it is a powerful act of private courage.

But we’re doing this together, because when we do this together, it creates community. Community isn’t people being together in the same room. Community is people acting together, and acting together to make change happen.

If you text, stand up and be proud.

It is estimated that well over $2,000 was raised during the text event for relief for the people of Haiti. Thanks to all who contributed.

(Editor’s note: AIS community members also supported CARE’s relief work in Haiti by online donations through www.atlantaCARES.org.)

Atlanta International School Newsletter / Spring 2010 • Globetrotter

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AIS Sports Report AIS Athletics Wrap-Up

By Gregg Albright, Athletics Director and Mark McDaniel, Athletics Coordinator The 2009-2010 school year has been a very successful one overall for the school’s athletics program. Three teams qualified for the state playoffs: girls varsity volleyball, boys varsity soccer and for the first time in school history, boys varsity tennis. Individual success was achieved by several AIS athletes as well. Nadine Marfurt qualified for the State Swimming Championship in the 50-meter freestyle, and junior Lindsey Sanborn had a record-setting year, placing second in the State Cross Country Finals in the fall and second in the 3200 meter and third in the 1600 meter events at the State Track and Field Championships in the spring.

Madison Scott received a full athletic scholarship for basketball to Jacksonville University and an All-Region Selection. Other All-Area or All-Region winners were Stazi Owen (volleyball), Amy O’Halloran, Julia Lancaster, Dumela Thomas, Will Silva (soccer) and Christoph Koehler (golf).

Our boys and girls track athletes performed well this year, with most of the team returning for next year. Our Ultimate Frisbee Team had its best year ever, with our girls teaming up with Grady High School to compete in the Girls’ Ultimate State Competition. Congratulations to all of our student athletes for an unforgettable year! Please visit the athletics section of the school’s website for more in-depth information on all our teams.

Exchange Students from Dresden Get a Taste of Southern Hospitality

By Christiane Box, German Department Chair Four exchange students from a college preparatory school in Dresden, Germany, visited Atlanta for seven weeks this winter and wrote the following article about their experiences: “Welcome to America, Sweethearts!” Those were the first words we heard when we landed in Atlanta, Georgia, on January 15. After 19 hours of roaming around at airports and in planes, we were exhausted but still absolutely excited to meet our host families.

Since we had no jet-lag, the first weekend began with a visit to the Coca-Cola-Museum and the Hard Rock Cafe. Over the following seven weeks we were shown nearly all of Atlanta’s famous sights. We also had a lot of fun as a group of exchange students: we went to the movies and had ome get-togethers.

The first day we came to AIS we were overwhelmed by all these friendly, helpful and funny people – students as well as teachers.We enjoyed our time at this school, learning new things, improving our English, and getting a sense of what it means to live in the US.We would like to thank all the 10th grade teachers and our classmates for making us feel so very welcome and integrating us into their classes and this community!

We found out that there are certain differences between Germany and the USA - the two main things are: Everything is bigger (especially the portions at restaurants!) and in general the people are much more polite.

The whole journey has been a great adventure for us, and we truly cannot say what we liked most, since we had so many extraordinary experiences, and it would be hard to choose.

We would also like to thank our wonderful host families, the Mitchells, the ten Lohuis’, the Fischer’s, the Kiessling’s (and for a short time the Sandmeier’s) for providing us with a “home away from home”. We will never forget their kindness, and we can’t wait to welcome our “host-brothers” in Dresden.

– Elizabeth Avila Gonzalez, Sabine Gechter, Friederike Huenting, Laura Oelmann 10 Globetrotter • Atlanta International School Newsletter / Spring 2010

Globetrotter’s

Grammar Guru Liking Like Less Is Likely Less Easy Than One Would Like

By Globetrotter’s Grammar Guru In use for more than 800 years with roots in Old English, Old Saxon, Old High German, and Old Norse, the modern word like is exceedingly well-liked and likely to remain so. Today’s column is not so much about misusage as over-usage. After all, what’s there not to like?

In meaning, it is positive: He likes her. I would like hot chocolate. The plant likes wet soil.

Leave when you like.

In import, it is connective: She smelled like a rose. Like father, like son. At last, in college he found a like-minded eccentric friend.

In usage, it is flexible: My teacher likes me. (verb) The witness testified, “I’ve never seen the likes of him before.” (noun) It was just like her to say that! (preposition) She was so like her sister that I did a double-take. (adjective) The actual interest is more like 25%. (adverb) He looked like he might be out on his first date ever. (conjunction, considered colloquial usage, more acceptable in speech and casual writing than in formal writing) In formation, it is myriad: The poet likened her to a saint. We will likely be late. The likelihood of that happening is slim. The servant was notably ladylike in her speech and manners. The portrait was an excellent likeness of him. Theirs was such a likeable family. ***** Grammar book entries on like traditionally have questioned its use as a conjunction in place of as. In the 60s, ads shouted, “Winston tastes good like a cigarette should,” only to have grammarians shout back, “Winston tastes good AS a cigarette should.” The Winston writers shrugged. “What do you want?” they rejoined. “Good grammar? Or Good Taste?” The grammarians looked rigid and stuffy. Winston probably sold more cigarettes than before their alleged grammar gaffe. Indeed, the Oxford English Dictionary, which devotes almost eight full pages to like in all its forms offers many instances of like as a conjunction from the likes of Spenser and Shakespeare and Darwin. Their track records outweigh modern pedantry.

But in the early 80s, like began to appear as an interjection, like a mark of punctuation announcing a quote or thought or dramatic rendering. She was like, “What do you care?’” “I was like, ‘how can you know?’” “He was like,” and the speaker’s face turns dramatically sarcastic to show how he was. Esteemed linguists Patricia O’Conner and Jennifer Dailey-O’Cain defend this usage as wholly legitimate. They say that like used in this way is a “quotative.”

One can acknowledge their points that English is always morphing and innovating; that prose peppered with like has youthful attraction and verve; and that we all catch ourselves using like in this way. Perhaps alarm about this new avatar of like is an over-reaction. After all, most people are more sparing with like in their writing, when more formality is in order, than they are in their speech.

Sparing is the key word here. Like’s likeability makes enamored users scatter it indiscriminately throughout their speech. Doing so makes them sound like the Valley Girl in Frank Zappa’s 1982 song of that name, which parodied the way affluent girls in the San Fernando Valley of California talked. It dripped with vapid, dismissive, nonchalant, cool high drama about the shopping sprees and love life of what came to be known as a kind of teen, a “Valley Girl”: “… There’s like the Galleria, And like all these like really great shoe stores, I love going into like clothing stores and stuff, I like buying the neatest mini-skirts and stuff… ” The lyrics capture perfectly a culture that persists, but Valley Girls and the 1983 film about them that followed hardly warrant a shield of grammatical defense, with all due respect to O’Conner and Dailey-O’-Cain. They remind one of the all-too-common, painful experience of listening to an insecure young person—and sometimes a not-so-young person—struggle to articulate thoughts about something important, thoughts so riddled with like that seeming cries out for being, for precision.

Oh, do like like less. If it riddles your every sentence, admit your addiction and struggle to extricate it from your speech and yourself from its likeable grip. Emerge from the Valley, Girl!

The Globetrotter’s Grammar Guru column grapples with an “educated error” common among native English speakers. Readers are welcome to suggest topics for future columns or to catch errors in this column. Please write to “Globetrotter’s Grammar Guru,” globetrotter@aischool.org.

Atlanta International School Newsletter / Spring 2010 • Globetrotter

11

Contributions That Make a Difference

By Chloe Colberg, Grade 10, President of Aprendiendo Inglés Sólido

Tutoring, fundraising, and giving are all activities that the Atlanta International School CAS group Aprendiendo Inglés Sólido has been busy doing. Aprendiendo Inglés Sólido, Spanish for “Learn Solid English” is a CAS group that was founded at AIS back in 2001.

Since then, the group has greatly expanded and continues to thrive. This year, members of the group have been working trying to make positive contributions to the community in a variety of ways.

At the beginning of the school year, several members of the group visited The Solidarity School and provided scholarships to two well-deserving children to attend the school for a year. We have been working with this school since the founding of the group, thus it was a great honor to be able to financially support two of their students.

Members of the group have also been able to help as translators in Parent/Teacher conferences at High Point Elementary where more than 50% of the students come from Hispanic families. In this way, we have continued to fulfill our goal: be of aid to the Hispanic community in Atlanta.

We have carried on the tutoring of young students at Garden Hills Elementary School on a weekly basis, forging friendships along the way. Reading, math and homework help are usually at the center of our sessions. However, before winter break, we organized a special afternoon and provided them with an arts & craft afternoon in which they created Holiday Cards for their families and friends.

As well, Aprendiendo Inglés Sólido has hosted two successful fundraising events this year. For El Día de los Muertos or The Day of The Dead, we hosted a bake sale in which, among other food, we sold the traditional Pan de Muerto Bread of the Dead. It was our first fundraising of the year, and we had a great response from the community.

Later in the year, the group planned a holiday gift sale. The members of the group based our campaign on the slogan: “Don´t be naughty, be nice… giving a gift, you will be giving twice” in order to be true to our mission and to communicate to the community that when buying a gift to be delivered to someone, people were also contributing to raise money for a greater purpose. This was a very successful event, not only regarding the amount of money raised, but also because of everyone’s smiles during the last day of school when the group’s little elves were delivering the gifts.

The group hopes to continue contributing in any way that we can and we would like to express our gratitude to all the parents, students and in general to all the members of this wonderful community.

12 Globetrotter • Atlanta International School Newsletter / Spring 2010

The Young American’s Challenge: (YAC) CAS Group

Primary Students Give Thanks

By Nicci Mackey Dozier, Parent Volunteer In keeping with the traditional Thanksgiving holiday fare, the Primary School students and faculty were treated to a wonderful lunch of turkey with green beans, stuffing, and mashed potatoes on Tuesday, November 24th. And, of course, they saved room for the apple and pumpkin pie that brought many squeals of delight. Many thanks to the AIS cafeteria and catering service Sodexho for providing such delicious food.

In the days prior, all grades were able to get into the spirit of giving first hand by donating canned goods in bins that were placed in front of the school. They were later delivered to the Fulton County Department of Child and Family Services. Thank you to all the parent volunteers that made that endeavor a success.

You could really feel a sense of community in the room with the parent volunteers working hard to make sure that the students and teachers had everything they needed.

Small groups from Grades 4 and 5 performed songs of gratitude while everyone ate.

Laughter and playful banter filled the auditorium throughout the lunch. As the children filed out back to their classrooms, the smiles on their faces was truly a great way to start the holiday season.

By Kesha Kanakiya, Grade 8, Student Leader of YAC At AIS, the idea of the YAC was introduced by Mrs. Stephenson. Based on The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award from the United Kingdom, there are three levels of achievement for students: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Last year, Mrs. Stephenson and I put together a team of six students who researched and planned out the proposal for running it. Finally, on getting approval, we started this year. We are currently working on our Bronze.

Our group consists of Elizabeth Sandlin (Grade 8), Marina Brand (Grade 8), Anna Benkeser (Grade 8), Christina Lanier (Grade 10), and the student leader, Kesha Kanakiya (Grade 8).

To achieve the Bronze Level, we must complete an hour of volunteer, physical, and skills per week for three months and another three months in any category.

These fit well into the CAS program of activities. We must also plan and carry out a two-day, one-night expedition in which we hike for 15 miles. While Bronze is usually awarded to students at a local venue, it is the aim of this group of students is to aspire to Silver or Gold where latter participants are invited to a garden party at Buckingham Palace London or, if the program continues to rise in the United States, the White House.

We are currently in training for our expedition to the Appalachians, like learning how to cook on a Trangia mess kit stove, while we complete our other service requirements. Hiking an expedition means that you have to be able to plan and read route cards and maps, set up a tent, cook food, apply first aid (if necessary!), make a fire, and know survival skills.

Atlanta International School Newsletter / Spring 2010 • Globetrotter

13

Music Department “Notes”

By Dr. Ronald L. Howard, Special to the Globetrotter The AIS Department of Music presented three public programs in December, featuring nine musical organizations, four conductors, and over 200 students. Audiences were able to hear all of our Primary, Middle and Upper School choirs, bands, jazz, and string ensembles. The second of five Chamber Music Society recitals occurred in January, involving 32 students and eight faculty/staff members performing 37 works ranging from the Renaissance to the present day.

Also in January, seven AIS band students participated in the University of Georgia High School Honor Band Festival, “JanFest,” on the UGA campus in Athens. Participating in this special event were Anneliese Hermann, Jonathan Olens, Fernando Echeverry, Marvin Fichtmueller, Simon Kirk, Grant Andujar and James Wray.

In February, winter concerts were presented by our Primary School and Middle School bands, choirs and strings. March events included the annual IB Music Senior Recital, presenting the eight IB diploma candidates in recital as partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Music programme. Seniors Jessica Sachsenmaier, Janie Goss, Joanna Palmer, Trisha James, Marvin Fichtmueller, Colin Shore, Grayling Bauer and Mary Doyle were presented in this free 75-minute program open to the public, which was followed by a reception sponsored by the AIS Arts Alliance.

Two AIS music students recently achieved highest honors after intense competition for a position in one of the Georgia All-State groups. Lisa Levine was selected to the Senior Women’s Chorus, and Marvin Fichtmueller was selected to the 11-12 Symphonic Band. Congratulations, Lisa and Marvin!

Atlanta International School Holds First Annual Contemporary Music Festival and Composers Forum

By Dr. Ronald L. Howard, Special to the Globetrotter On March 18, students in the International Baccalaureate Music Program, engaged in the department’s first annual Contemporary Music Festival. An afternoon session for students and student composers in 11th and 12th grades occurred, followed by an evening recital program. The guest composer for the event was Ed Barr, Valdosta native and former professor at Valdosta State University. Mr. Barr has also taught in various high schools in Georgia throughout his 40-year career.

Several student works were performed, including a piano student by junior Cecilia Winter, and a string/wind ensemble composition of senior Marvin Fichtmueller. The highlight of the festival was a work written especially for the AIS students by Mr. Barr, his new “Dancing on the Edge of a Dream,” for woodwind trio. AIS students Anneliese Hermann (flute), Janie Goss (oboe), and Marvin Fichtmueller (clarinet) rehearsed the work with Mr. Barr, followed by a lecture demonstration on the creative aspects of the work and finishing off with a premiere full performance. A slightly modified version of the afternoon workshop was presented in the evening, again featuring the commissioned work of Mr. Barr, followed by a performance of the String Quartet No. 8 of Dmitri Shostakovich, performed by a student quartet from nearby Emory University.

14 Globetrotter • Atlanta International School Newsletter / Spring 2010

AIS Makes Annual Pilgrimage to Georgia State Model United Nations

By Simon Underhill, MUN Advisor On November 11 and 12, 30 students from grades 9-11 navigated their way on MARTA down to the Georgia State University campus for the GSU Model United Nations Conference. As a smaller conference, it provided an excellent opportunity for students new to MUN to get acquainted with the program. It also provided a great chance for our older and more experienced students to demonstrate leadership as ambassadors and assistant ambassadors.

AIS represented the countries of Haiti, Iraq, Congo and Zambia.

Our students grappled with such weighty topics as “reexamining disaster response policies and capabilities within the UN system”; “ensuring secured access to clean water across borders” and “addressing the spread of nuclear technology and information into unstable regions”, while serving on committees such as the World Health Organisation, the International Atomic Energy Association and the International Maritime Organisation. As a more locally-oriented conference, it allowed our students to debate with students from public and private schools from the Atlanta region and of course, to socialize with them between sessions.

After the two-day conference was over, AIS distinguished itself with a number of awards. These included: Honorable Mention for a Delegation, HAITI – Amy O’Halloran and Owen Hill Honorable Mention for a Delegation, IRAQ – Shakeem Grohmann and Simon Kirk Honorable Mention for a Delegation HAITI – Will Silva Honorable Mention for a Delegation, IRAQ – Ivana Lucic Outstanding Delegation, HAITI – Arianne Kaldeway Honorable Mention for a Delegation, IRAQ – Alex Thomas and Andrew Wooster Overall Outstanding Delegation at GSUMUN went to HAITI – Amy O’Halloran (Ambassador), Arianne Kaldeway (Assistant Ambassador), Alan Beserra, Dillon Bostwick, Gisele Ferandel, Kieran Kristensen, Giuliana Mazzetta, Will Silva, and Liam Sohi.

All students can be proud of their efforts and they represented their school with pride and distinction. We look forward to many of our new MUN students “graduating” to the New York and International MUN programs at AIS and hope that the experience has only increased their desire to participate in this program.

Geography Students Get Unique Lesson on Kenya

By Anthony Gillett, Secondary School Teacher Grade 11 geographers were visited by Leon Ndungu in November and were given an interesting and thoughtful presentation concerning the socio-economic development of Kenya and the present day issues that Kenya faces. Leon is part of the Kikuyu tribe, and he was able to supplement knowledge acquired in Geography lessons with his own personal experiences of growing up in Kenya. He also discussed the links between ethnic groups and the preferential treatment that some receive in Kenya as well as the amount of corruption that exists. Students asked questions throughout the presentation, and grade 8 students also took part with some impressive and relevant questions.

Atlanta International School Newsletter / Spring 2010 • Globetrotter

15

PS Chorus Celebrates Spring at Dogwood Festival

By Karen Peters, PS Music Teacher The AIS Primary School Chorus welcomed spring in five languages at a performance at one of Atlanta’s favorite events, the Dogwood Festival in Piedmont Park, on Sunday, April 18.

Performing on the international music stage, the students offered greetings to the audience in German, French, Spanish, and English.

The thirty 4th and 5th graders sang in five languages and incorporated dance into two numbers: a Maori Tribe stick dance, Hava Nagila, and the classic Puttin’ On the Ritz.

Constance Heery, Director of Communications for the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany and AIS parent, also greeted the crowd and introduced the AIS chorus. The German Consulate was a sponsor of the festival. The students were pleased to be invited to perform for the second year in a row and represented our school beautifully!

Grade 10 Students Get Personal (Projects)

By Jennifer Weyburn, IBMYP Coordinator The Grade 10 students presented their Personal Projects in a culminating exhibition on Wednesday evening, April 28. The Personal Project is the capstone experience of the IB Middle Years Program, requiring students to engage in a project of their choice over a number of months. This grade 10 is the first class at AIS to have successfully completed the project, which will now be a feature of every grade 10 experience going forward. The exhibition revealed the students’ great variety of interests and skills. Pieces included stories, food, magic tricks, dances, videos, pamphlets, engines, experiments, musical compositions, clothing, business plans, and jewelry, to name a few.

The Project stipulates a focus on one or more Areas of Interaction, thematic lenses which provide a connection to real-world issues. These allow students to develop the project thoroughly and reflect upon their process. The Personal Project also serves as a bridge to the IB Diploma Program, developing organizational, research, and writing skills necessary for success in grades 11 and 12.

The Asian Cultural Club, along with many AIS parents, students and faculty, celebrated the “Year of the Tiger” at their popular annual event in February. Live performances and the faculty/student fashion show, featuring traditional garb, were highlights of the afternoon, which also featured delicious dishes provided by parents and area restaurants.

16 Globetrotter • Atlanta International School Newsletter / Spring 2010

A Note From Kaleidoscope….

By Corinne Gersten, Kaleidoscope Coordinator It’s hard to believe almost another school year has passed. And what a great year we had in Kaleidoscope. This year’s program is the biggest Kaleidoscope group AIS has ever had!

So far we have learned the dance to Michael Jackson’s Thriller, participated in the Indian Diwali and Chinese New Moon Festival, visited the Etowah Indian Mounds, and have gone to the Fabulous Fox Theater to see The Nutcracker, among other things. Remember, the Kaleidoscope fun continues into the summer with Kaleidoscope Day Camp! For questions regarding the Kaleidoscope After School or Summer Camp program, please contact Corinne Gersten, Kaleidoscope Coordinator at cgersten@aischool.org or 404.841.3840 extension 137.

The 5K French class this year learned how to write a poem copying “Dans Paris” de Paul Eluard. It was their first attempt to write in French by themselves. The students played with the sentences and the words orally before they wrote their own poetry, which they composed based on the picture of their choice.

Grade 7 MYP Interdisciplinary Project: Crisis in Darfur MUN

By Jon McKenney, Grade 7

The seventh grade recently did an MYP interdisciplinary project which was a Model United Nations simulation. It was a smashing success this year as it has been in years before. The subject matter was the Crisis in Darfur, and we represented a variety of countries to debate this topic in four sub-categories: Environment, Community and Service, Health and Social Education, and Technology.

Six countries were represented, each by one advisory: Chad, USA, Russia, Egypt, China, and Sudan itself. The Sudanese delegation, Mr. Gillet’s advisory, had a very tough time because they had to think from the point of view of their country, even when it required arguing for positions counter to a personal sense of morality. The entire project lasted for four days, the fourth being our final debate. It was quite interesting to see our peers dressed up speaking in third person!

All in all, MUN was great fun for the seventh graders, and some are even looking forward to high school, where they’ll get a chance to participate in real MUNs.

–Marie-Luce Van Asten-Lerat, PS Teacher Atlanta International School Newsletter / Spring 2010 • Globetrotter

17

French Students Send Goodwill to Young Atlanta Refugees

By Mme Francoise Monier, Upper School French Teacher

More than 50 students from AIS, in French levels 1 through 5, including an 11th French B class in the diploma program, sent new year greetings of “Bonne Année” to young refugees relocated to the Atlanta area. The students created their own cards and wrote a message of goodwill in French, “bien sûr”, to groups of children who are being tutored after school at the Refugee Family Services in Stone Mountain. Although the children come from a diverse linguistic background, there are many who come from French-speaking countries.

The classes of Mme Monier, Mme Wunder, and M Darlis participated in the project, which was a good example of the “think globally, act locally” approach to community service. The exercise also encouraged the students to produce work of high quality, as their cards were going to be read by someone other than their respective teachers.

This effort to reach outside of our school community also helps our students become better IB students and citizens of the world. All involved hope that this project will continue as a regular exchange between this organization and AIS.

This year the Arts Alliance group raised a sizeable donation to the Visual Arts department with the sale of the first annual holiday “Peace” card. The original artwork for the peace card, designed by Ms. Joyce O’Brien and her PS art students, was framed and later included in the silent auction at this year’s Spring Benefit.

AIS welcomed children’s book author, Jane Kurtz, in February for her second visit to the school. Ms. Kurtz is the author of the popular “Lanie” series in the American Girl book collection. The writer, who grew up in Ethiopia, speaks frequently at international schools; many of her books for children have a connection to her childhood.

18 Globetrotter • Atlanta International School Newsletter / Spring 2010

PS Students Promote Peace Through Poetry

By Courtney Fowler, Globetrotter Editor

By Sofia Sarmiento

For the fourth year in a row, Atlanta International School primary students were invited to participate in the “International Messages of Peace” contest, sponsored by International World Peace Rose Gardens and the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site. International World Peace Rose Gardens was founded in 1988 for the purpose of advancing “peace and understanding amongst all the nations, cultures and religions of the world through the creation of rose gardens that become centers for community activities.” Since then, rose gardens have been created in Pacific Palisades, California; Mexico City, Mexico; Assisi, Italy; Sacramento, California; and Atlanta.

The Atlanta location, called the Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King “I Have a Dream” World Peace Rose Garden, is dedicated to promoting peace through nonviolence.

For the contest, students were instructed to write a short, poetic thought of approximately 35 words or less about peace, Martin Luther King, Jr., Coretta Scott King or the special meaning of the rose garden to them.10 finalists were selected from all of the PS poets:

Peace

Josie Clark, 5K Ruby Wright, 1 Lianne Albright, 2 Christianna Doele, 2 Ben Lonial, 3 Sofia Sarmiento, 3 Ella Hurworth, 4 Adelaide Cronin, 5 Leah Towery, 5 Helen Audrey Williams, 5

Peace is the ocean waves Crashing on the sand.

Peace is families Walking hand in hand.

Peace is helping a friend When he is hurt.

Peace is a puppy Digging in the dirt.

Peace is when your Heart does not shatter.

Peace is different people Uniting for what matters.

Peace!

By Ella Hurworth We have eyes. Open them and look for peace.

We have mouths. Open them and sing for peace.

We have minds. Open them and make peace.

We have hearts. Open them and receive peace.

Peace Maker

By Helen Audrey Williams

Out of the 10 finalists, three poems were chosen to be engraved on plaques for a one-year display in the “I Have a Dream” World Peace Rose Garden. Congratulations to AIS’s three winners: Sofia Sarmiento, Ella Hurworth and Helen Audrey Williams!

He joined their hands, He set them free.

He led them all in harmony.

Without a fight, He made it right, And now all people Can unite.

Atlanta International School Newsletter / Spring 2010 • Globetrotter

19

2010 Summer Camps at AIS – A Cool Deal for All

By Charity Changa, 4K Kaleidoscope Teacher I never went to summer camp as a child. I grew up in Zimbabwe, where we had three school terms, spaced out by month long schoolholidays. In short, I spent all my summers sweating away in a classroom. Parents, don’t let that happen to your children! The perfect solution for a three month school-holiday in the new decade of a fresh millennium, unlike the twentieth century when I grew up, is Summer Camp 2010 at Atlanta International School. Our week long, non-stop-excitement-every-minute adventures will brighten any child’s summer.

In case you are still in any doubt, may I present: The Top Ten Reasons to Attend AIS Summer Camp 2010: 10. Kaleidoscope Day Camp’s Escape to Africa Camp Quite literally, escape to Africa, with me, Miss Charity! I’ll pack you in my suitcase and we’ll go on safari, hunt for lions in the bush, learn some killer dance moves, and eat the kinds of foods Anthony Bourdain only dreams of!

9. Tae Kwon Do Camp with Master Pius Martial Arts This exciting Korean martial art is offered for two action packed weeks with a Master instructor. Parents be warned— the Tae Kwon Do camper that comes home every night will have amazing ninja skills!

8. Camp Stardust If you become a SUPERSTAR with us at Camp Stardust, you’ll probably donate your television to another family— an unfortunate family without a talented and entertaining performer in their home.

7. Video Programming and Lego Robotics Camp Boring does not compute! A week of video programming AND a week of Lego robotics? Need I say more?

6. Kaleidoscope Day Camp So You Think You Can Cook?

Parents often dream of the day when their children will whip up gourmet, nutritionally balanced, beautifully plated meals.

Unless your kiddies come cook with us, parents, your dreams may never come true!

5. Multicultural Checkmate (Chess Camp) Where else can your children shout “check mate!” over a giant chess set AND play against International Chess Master Carolina Blanco?

4. Peace and quiet around the house The amount of peace and quiet is exponential to the number of weeks your child attends camp.

3. Summer Language Camp Bienvenue! Willkommen! Bienvendio! Huán Yíng! Come and learn with us and improve your choice of French, German, Spanish or Chinese. Also offered is English as a Second Language Camp, which builds confidence in bilingual children. International fun included at no extra charge.

2. Drop off is free!

That’s right; not only can you drop off your children at 8 am for no extra charge, but we feed them healthy, delicious snacks and lunches too.

1. Sports! AIS and Future Stars Soccer Academy’s Soccer Camp, and AIS Champ Basketball Camp, and Serve! Pass! Set! Attack!

Block! Dig! AIS Volleyball Camp If you aren’t lucky enough to go to FIFA World Cup Football 2010 in South Africa this summer, our soccer camp is the next best thing. I can’t guarantee that Italy will win again, (GO ITALIA!) but I do know our future soccer stars are all winners. Oh, and there’s Basketball and Volleyball camp too. I’m told these sports are also fun.

There you have them—ten top reasons to attend summer camp 2010. This was but a taste; for more information please click on our link at www.aischool.org or visit us in the Kaleidoscope office located in the SAC Building, office M3.

Summer camp is a GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!

Globetrotter The Globetrotter is the newsletter of Atlanta International School. Letters to the Editor should be sent to: Courtney Fowler Globetrotter Editor Atlanta International School 2890 North Fulton Drive • Atlanta, GA 30305 404.841.3879 • globetrotter@aischool.org Submissions may be edited for length or content prior to publishing.

Visit us on the web at www.aischool.org

Mission

Our new century needs and will be shaped

by extraordinary individuals. Meeting the

challenges and opportunities of an interdependent world will require versatile intellectual competence and uncompromising commitment. Those who thrive in and contribute to this world will have a solid sense of who they are, and respect for who others are, as individuals, as members of a group, as citizens of their nation, and as members of a global community. They will have a rigorous academic preparation and a passion to become the best they can be and to help others achieve their best. The mission of Atlanta International School is to develop such individuals.