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THE HUSKY HERALD

BULLYING PREVENTION MONTH

UNITY DAY AT ISM

October is National Bullying Prevention Month, a campaign in the United States founded in 2006 by PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center The campaign unites communities nationwide to educate and raise awareness of bullying prevention. At ISM, our goal is to create a safe and supportive environment for our students Dyma Nyzhnyk, (ISM '25) SLO® Deputy Head of Discipline says, “I am planning on getting students involved in our bullying prevention activities because the more students that are involved, the more we can conquer bullying to promote kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.”

FROM THE DIRECTOR

AswecloseoutSeptember,Iamverypleased with the progress already demonstrated by so manyofourstudents Iamhappytoreportthat I was able to correctly identify 100% of our studentsatlunchSeptember30th!

With students now familiar with routines and settlingintotestingschedules,wearereadyto beginawardingHuskyHowls WhatisaHusky Howl? It’s a postcard from ISM staff complimenting outstanding conduct by students Twice a month, staff will mail these home to families The students selected for a HuskyHowlwillbeenteredinadrawingatthe end of the month Winners of the monthly drawingareabletoselectadress-downdayora speciallunchwiththedirector

The goal of the Husky Howl initiative is to recognize and celebrate great citizenship that complementsourexcellentacademicprogramat ISM DuringthemonthofOctoberwewillbe highlighting anti-bullying efforts on campus ISM staff will be on the lookout for acts of kindnessandinclusionfromstudents

Thank you for partnering with ISM for the educationofyourchild(ren).

Jeana Carrasco

JeanaCarrasco

ISMSchoolDirector

ISM will be holding our annual celebration of Unity Day on October 16th This is a nationally recognized day to show support in promoting kindness, care, acceptance, and inclusion in our school and greater community. The Unity Day signature activity is wearing the color orange, expressing maximum support for those who have ever felt bullied Therefore, we encourage you to wear orange clothes on

October16th.“ThroughoutthemonthofOctober,mydepartmentwillbe hostingafewbullyingpreventionefforts,andwehopethatasaschool,we candefineanddefeatbullying,"saysDyma Let’sunitetomakeISMa placewhereeveryonefeelsvaluedandrespected Together,wecanfight bullying.GoHuskies!

We are also providing you with the opportunity to purchase Unity Day tshirts designed by Pacer's National Bullying Prevention Center We will be doing a large group order as a school, so if you'd like to order a t-shirt for your child, please scan the QR code and complete the form by Friday, Oct. 4. T-shirts are $15 (charged to your student's account).

HONORING HERITAGE

CELEBRATING INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY AT ISM

Indigenous Peoples’ Day at ISM, celebrated on October 14th, is a time for our community to come together in recognition of the rich cultures, histories, and traditions of Native American students and families who are an integral part of our school As we observe this important day, we honor the many contributions of indigenous peoples, not only in shaping the fabric of our school, but also in influencing the broader history of our region and country. This day provides a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the importance of acknowledging and respecting the diverse cultural backgrounds that enrich our learning environment.

At ISM, where a significant portion of our student body proudly identifies as Native American, Indigenous Peoples’ Day is not just a day of observance but a celebration of heritage and identity This day also serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of indigenous peoples, both past and present As we celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we are reminded of the importance of preserving and uplifting indigenous voices in our community It is a time for all of us to come together in recognition of the shared values of respect, unity, and understanding that form the foundation of ISM’s diverse and inclusive environment. Through this celebration, we continue to foster a sense of belonging and pride for all students, honoring the heritage that so deeply enriches our school community.

ISM ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

OurAthleticsandActivitiesprogramcontinuestogrowasourregistration numbersforclubs,sports,andactivitieshaveskyrocketedin2024!Ithas beenaverythrillingandvibrantstarttothefirstterm,andwearenoticing lotsofsmilingfacesandhard-workingstudents,coaches,andadvisors.

Highschoolsoccerhasover60participatingplayersincooperationwith ourpartnerschool Bothgirlsandboysprogramscontinuetobattlesome toughopponents,andtheyarelookingforwardtoourplayoffsstartingin earlyOctober.Girlsvolleyballhaswonacoupleofmatchesinthelasttwo weeks, and they are growing daily! You can find all team standings, rosters, schedules, and more by viewing ISM’s Sports and Activities sectiononourmainschoolwebsite

Our high school activities are underway and the enthusiasm from Robotics,CompetitiveMath,Debate,andtheFallPlayparticipantshave thehallwaysglowingwithexcitement Competitionsandplaysbeginthis month Make sure you check out the schedules and come support our programs!!

ISMMiddleSchoolSoccerhadtheirfirstofficialmatchinoveradecade! WearethrilledtohaveISMMiddleSchoolsportsback Thisrevivalof

HUSKY HALL OF HONOR

YEHVEN LAZOR (10TH)

YEHVEN LAZOR (10TH) – ISM has been extremely lucky to have YevhenLazor(‘27)asastudent,leader,andgamedaysupporterforallof

ourprograms.Heisalwayswillingtohelp and his selfless personality is what it’s all about in activities and athletics Yevhen, ISM wants you to know we are proud of you! “I couldn’t operate any of our afterschool programs or athletics without Yevhen Hecontinuestoamazemewithhis leadershipandstrengthforoperations”–De Hanuman, Activities and Athletics Director.

IAN

LOOSER

(12TH)

IANLOOSER(12TH)–IanLooser('25),holdstheprestigiousrankof second-degreeblackbeltinNationalKarate,atestamenttohisdedication

andskill Remarkably,hiskarate journey began right here in ISM’sExtendedDayclasswhen hewasinKindergarten,12years ago What started as a young child'sfirststepsintomartialarts hasblossomedintoaninspiring story of growth and achievement Now, Ian has come full circle By helping to instruct Extended Day karate, Ian gives back to the very programthathelpedshapehim,guidingyoungerstudentswiththesame excitementanddedicationthatfirstsparkedhisownjourney. thesportsprogramisnotjust about the present, but also sets the foundation for the future of our Huskies As theseyoungathletesgrow,so will their passion for the game, their leadership abilities, and their sense of camaraderie.Wecouldn’tbe more proud of our Middle School soccer team for their hard work, dedication,andsportsmanship Here'stothebeginningofanewchapterin ISMsports,andtomanymorematchesandvictoriesahead.GoHuskies!

SLO® ANNUAL HIGH SCHOOL RETREAT

TWO DAYS OF FUN AND COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERING

Thehighschoolstudentsattendedtheannual,off-campusretreatontheeveningofThursday,September19,andalldayon Friday,September20 ZyvaIqbal(ISM'26),DeputyHeadofActivities,plannedafuntripthatincludedactivitiestoengage studentsinteambuilding,socialresponsibility,andoverallpeerconnection.Studentsbegantheretreatbygatheringfora movieanddinnerbeforegoingtoahoteltostayovernight.SophieZhao(IS thehighschoolretreat.Ihadfunontheentiretrip,butmyfavoritepartw hotel."Overall,itwasawonderfulbondingexperienceforallofthehighsc inateam-buildingactivitythatintroducedthe2024-2025school-wideh groupswhichrepresenttheannualinitiativeforteambuildingandbonding studentsthroughouttheschoolyearthroughactivitiesandevents

OnFridaymorning,studentsvolunteeredatFeedMyStarvingChildren,a local non-profit organization dedicated to packing meals for distribution to food-insecure communities around the world Their hope is that by distributing food to partners all over the world, communities can be empoweredtomovefromrelieftodevelopmentthroughnutrition,allowing themtogrow,thrive,anddeveloptotheirfullpotential.ISMstudentspacked 95 boxes holding 54,720 meals that will feed 149 kids for an entire year. ChheanThorng(ISM'26)stated,"IncludingFeedMyStarvingChildren,the retreatbringsfunandpurposeand,therefore,becomesworthdoingforthestudents Workingsidebyside withyourclassmatesenablesthemtoconnectfurther,whileitremindsthemofthevaluesofgratitudeand kindness Theresultcanbeastrongsenseofempathyandpossiblyseedsbeinglaidforalifetimeofservice and giving back Students will leave with hearts full of gratitude, for the difference they can make together" Greta Reich (ISM '28) reflected, "It is important to include a social responsibility activity becauseitallowsstudentstogetinvolvedwiththecommunityaroundusandlearnnewskillstogether" Aftervolunteering,thestudentsweresplitintoseventeamstoparticipateinTheEscapeGameescape roomsattheMallofAmerica.Thisisateam-building,clue-drivenactivitywherestudentsarefacedwith solvingapuzzletoescapefromaroom.Eachteamofplayersdiscoveredclues,solvedpuzzles,and accomplishedtasksinoneormoreroomsinordertoaccomplishaspecificgoalinalimitedamountoftime Fiveoutofthesevenroomsescapedbefore timeranout Thisprovedtobeafunandintenseactivity,drivingstudentstocommunicateandworktogethertoreachafinalgoal NewISMstudent BaikawThumprada(ISM'27)said,"Myfavoritepartoftheretreatwaseverything!Thisretreathelpedcreateabetterbondingexperiencewithothers, connectwithfriends,andotherswhoIhaven’ttalkedtoorproperlymetyet Ihadagreattimetalkingandgettingtoknowothersmore"Staytunedfor moreSLO®retreatsthroughouttheschoolyear Middleschoolstudentsingrades6-8willattendtheirretreatonJanuary16-17,andLowerschool studentsingrades4-5willattendtheirretreatMarch20-21.

SCIENCE BOWL COMPETITION

A BATTLE OF BRAINS AND TEAMWORK

In collaboration with the SLO® Department, ISM’s Science Department is preparing for their first big event this year. The ISM Science Bowl Competition will be held during Homecoming Week (Sept 30 – Oct 4) Ten high school students will be competing in a speed Q&A Science tournamentthatteststheirknowledgein6subjects(Math,Physics,Chemistry,Biology,EarthandSpace,andEnergy) Mr OmarZouhairy,Headof ISM’s Science Department notes, “I am very excited about the ISM Science Bowl competition, because the idea for it came from the students themselves,anditwillbeagreatopportunityforthemtodemonstratetheirknowledgeandmasteryofchallengingconceptsinthedifferentdisciplinesof ScienceandMath”ThetoptwoteamswillhavethechancetoparticipateintheRegionalScienceBowlwhichwillbeheldonthe25thofJanuary2025 ThewinningteamfromtheRegionalMinnesotaScienceBowlforHighSchoolStudentswillreceiveanall-expense-paidtriptocompeteintheNational ScienceBowlnearWashington,DC (providedtheeventisheldinperson) Thisincludesfiveteammembersandonecoach TheNationalScienceBowl isaprogramoftheUS DepartmentofEnergy Thein-personeventincludesseveraldaysofscienceactivities,sightseeing,andcompetitions It'saminiconferencethatincludescutting-edgescienceseminarsandhands-onscienceactivities Theteamswhoadvancetotheeliminationroundswillearna monetaryprizefortheirschool Topteamsalsoreceivetrophiesandotherawards,includingsciencetripsforthehighschoolteams Staytunedtoseehow farourHuskieswillgo!