THE HUSKY HERALD
WELCOME TO OUR FIRST ISSUE OF ISM’S FIRST MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
Welcome to the inaugural issue of The Husky Herald, ISM’s very own monthly newsletter! We’re excited to bring you the latest news, updates, and stories from our vibrant school community. Each month, we’ll spotlight student achievements, share insights from our dedicated staff, and keep you informed about upcoming events. And don’t worry—our weekly Husky Highlights email updates will continue to bring you the latest happenings every week. Whether you’re a student, parent, or faculty member, this newsletter is designed to connect us all and celebrate the unique spirit that makes ISM special. Here’s to a fantastic year ahead!
2024 AP SCORES ARE IN
FROM THE DIRECTOR
Greetings ISM Families!
I am very excited to start the 24-25 school year in my new role as ISM Director this fall. As I begin my 29th year in education, I am proud to lead the amazing staff and students of our school community. As shared in earlier communications this spring, I have been with SABIS®, our parent organization, for twenty years. In my previous roles, I have served as a classroom teacher, special education coordinator, head of department and subject area coordinator for social studies. As an educator, it is my mission to provide an unparalleled educational experience for every student in the building.
On a personal note, my husband Che and I share two adults sons, Matthew 28 and Chase 19. In our spare time we enjoy boating, snowmobiling and camping. I look forward to getting to know ISM students and families more closely as the year unfolds.
Please sign up for a Drop-in with the Director session! You can find the sign up page on your Blackbaud Parent Portal. I look forward to meeting each and every member of the ISM family!
Carrasco
Jeana Carrasco
ISM School Director
94% EARNED 3 OR HIGHER!
We are proud to announce that the 2024 AP Scores have been released and ISM students have amazed us once again! 94% of students earned a 3 or higher, with the average AP score being a 4 amongst all test takers. Way to go Huskies! Currently, 18 AP® courses are offered at ISM, and of those, our students are able to complete up to 13 AP® courses by graduation.
AP SCHOLARS:
Score 3 or higher on 3+ AP Exams
Matthew Eid
Laura Odeh
Ruhaan Singh
Lee Wiltse
AP SCHOLARS WITH HONOR
Average score of 3.25 or higher on all exams, and scores of 3+ on 4+ exams
Karim Abdel Samad
Austin Cho
Tim Li
AP SCHOLARS WITH DISTINCTION
Average score of 3.5 or higher on all exams, and scores of 3+ on 5+ exams
Aarya Batchu
Siena Becchetti
Aayan Iqbal
Ava Kletti
Max Peng
Samuel Peterson
Elsa Swanson
AP INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMA
See College Board website for more info
Aayan Iqbal
UNITY IN DIVERSITY
CELEBRATING HERITAGE/AWARENESS MONTHS AT ISM
ISM is excited to introduce a new initiative focused on celebrating the rich diversity within our school community. Throughout the year, we will be recognizing and honoring various heritage and awareness months, each dedicated to celebrating the cultures, histories, and contributions of different groups. From Hispanic Heritage Month, Women's History Month,
Black History Month, etc., these observances will provide opportunities for our students, staff, and families to engage in meaningful activities, discussions, and learning experiences. By embracing these celebrations, we aim to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the unique backgrounds that make our community so vibrant and inclusive.
Jeana
IMPORTANT UPDATES AND REMINDERS
We are thrilled to welcome you and your family back to ISM's campus for our annual Welcome Back-to-School event, Husky Bash!
When: Thursday, August 15th 5:00-7:30 PM
Where: ISM Campus
Event Schedule:
5:00-6:00 - K-12 Presentation in the PAC (PS/PK in classrooms)
6:15-6:45 - Grade-level Breakout sessions with admin leads/teachers
6:45-7:30 - Locker/desk setup for students, E-books, and Food
Afterschool Clubs & Activities
Registration for Term 1 Actvities/Athletics is open! We're delighted to introduce an exciting lineup of both brand-new and beloved returning programs this year. Our collaborations with top-tier community organizations will bring fresh, diverse opportunities in STEM, Athletics, Music, and Language to continuously enrich your students experience. Remember, space in these programs is limited, so sign up early to secure your spot!
ISM Referral Program
ISM's new Referral Pilot Program will offer current ISM families a $1,500 tuition reduction for each family they refer to ISM. As we aim to continue to grow the ISM community, we recognize the power of word of mouth referrals. Your recommendations help us maintain and expand our presence throughout the Twin Cities area and beyond.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact: Prima Sisinni, Director of Admissions & Outreach P: 952-918-1838 or psisinni@ism-sabis.net.
Student Forms Due!
Please remember to complete ALL student forms by the first day of school. Your student will not be able to attend school without them.
Arrival/Dismissal Changes
To ensure student safety and wellbeing, student arrival and dismissal procedure for the 2024-25 academic year are as follows,
The ISM building opens at 7:30 am. Students are welcome to be on campus by 7:30 am, however, they must be in one of three locations.
PS-Grade 5 Extended Day Program Library
Breakfast in Dining Hall
At 7:45 am, students will be released to head to their classrooms.
Students in PS-Grade 5 are dismissed at 3:30 pm, Grades 6-12 are dismissed at 3:40 pm. After dismissal, if not picked up by parent/guardian, students are welcome in one of three locations...
PS-Gr.5 in Extended Day
Gr. 6-12 in Library (until 4:15 PM)
After-school Activity
Any student on campus after 4:15 MUST be enrolled in a structured program with adult supervision for their safety.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email Student Manager Coordinator (SMC) Mr. Tony Tannous at ttannous@ism-sabis.net
New Family Orientation
This information session will provide new families joining us for the 2024-25 school year, with important information about what families need to know regarding our school and the processes for each student’s learning. It’s also a chance to ask ISM Administration any questions after having one week of school under your belt! Please join us for this great event.
When: Wednesday, August 28th 4:00-6:00 PM
Where: ISM Campus
Join Friends of ISM
Want to make an impact in the ISM community? It’s never too late to be an active member of Friends of ISM!
Join their Facebook page Friends of ISM or join their email list by emailing mnfriendsofism@gmail.com
WELCOMING NEW FACES & ROLES
STAFFING
UPDATES AT ISM
As we are coming close to embarking on our 24-25 journey, we are excited to announce movement within the ISM team to support the continued growth in our students for academic and operational excellence. We look forward to the return of student and team members in our hallways. There has been much done in anticipation of your return.
Ms. Kaitlyn Palmer supported and organized the exam hall after January of last year. She provided exemplary organization and communication of the testing platform. We are pleased that Kaitlyn has accepted the role of Exam Coordinator. She will this year oversee the exam execution with some support.
Mr. Eugene Glukh supported ISM last year as the grades 3, 4, 5 English Teacher from the Registrar position from the year prior. We’re pleased to announce that Mr. Glukh is returning to the Registrar position, supporting the testing with Kaitlyn for KG through grade 5.
Ms. Sheila LaCroix taught math for grades 3, 4, 5 last year. This year, Ms. LaCroix has accepted grades 3, 4, 5 teacher Social Studies and Science. This is subject area that Ms. LaCroix taught in 2223.
Ms. Marianne Pumilia last year taught grades 3, 4, 5 Social Studies and Science as well as performed ELL support for students. Ms. Pumilia will teach 3, 4, 5 English this year as well as ELL for the 2024-25 school year.
INVESTING IN EXCELLENCE:
Retirement Announcement: Randy Steele has served the students and community of ISM since 2007. In his role as Exam Officer and IT Support, he served the ISM community well. We wish a blissful retirement for Randy complete with active family and biking time. Thank you for your years of dedication, Randy!
Mrs. Alyssa Dennis taught Middle and Upper School Social Studies last year. Previously she enjoyed supporting the Kindergarten as her schedule allowed and is licensed within ECE as a Lead Teacher. This year, Ms. Dennis, will be teaching our expansion class in PK which will consist of the middle ages of late 3s and early 4s. We look forward to Ms. Dennis’s contribution to our ECE program and continued positive impact to the ISM community.
Mr. John Mangold has accepted the Physical Education and Activities Coordinator position with ISM! He is an experienced teacher who will be a big part of the ongoing growth of the Athletics and Activities program. Mr. Mangold will also lead Golf this year, a new offering for ISM.
Dr. David Hadbawnik has accepted the transitional opportunity in to the SABIS® Educational Systems Inc.’s corporate structure as the United States’ Regional Subject Coordinator of English. He will continue to serve ISM directly as the Head of the English Department while also supporting our other partnered school. Please congratulate David as he embarks on a new opportunity within the SABIS system.
Mr. Michel Nachar has accepted a combined role with the present grades 1st through 8th to expand his role of Deputy Director of Academics to include KG through 12th grade. Mr. Nachar, along with Melanie Gilles, Family Liaison and Communications Coordinator remain your primary contact regarding your student questions.
ISM STAFF ADVANCE THEIR SKILLS OVER THE SUMMER
AP Summer Institute (Computer Science) - Mr. Steve Song
AP Summer Institute (Human Geography) - Mr. Will Brannon
AP Summer Institute (Physics) - Mr. Bishwa Basnet
SABIS® Global Leadership Conference - Jeana Carrasco
The Association of Boarding Schools, Boston (TABS) - Patricia Suarez
STUDENT INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
SABIS® Stars is, without a doubt, one of the richest opportunities ISM has to offer its students. SABIS® Stars is a SABIS® competition between students our schools in the SABIS® school network. This year's competition took place in Muscat, Oman in April. There were 10 categories of competition. I was immediately enveloped by hundreds of kind, ambitious students from SABIS® schools from all over the world - from Brazil, Bahrain, Azerbaijan, Egypt, and so may more.
I was thrilled to represent ISM and to compete in the Photography competition. I earned a top three finalist position and gained more confidence in my craft through being surrounded by like-minded artists and scholars. The kindness across the SABIS® network is unmatched, any student that participates returns with a fresh outlook and excitement to keep improving.
- Saher Iqbal, ISM '26
conference was held in Athens, Greece. Zyva Iqbal (ISM '26) and I were chosen to represent ISM at this conference in July.
Before I went to SLTC I was expecting a conference with many amazing students with similar ideas to what I had. When I arrived and started discussing with other students,
