THE HUSKY HERALD
FROM THE DIRECTOR
It is hard to believe that January 2025 has already come to end! The kickoff to 2025 has been great and the performances at the Lower School and Upper School Winter Concert provided an excellent way to wrap up a very successful month at ISM
With my unexpected absence in January, I want to thank the ISM community for your well wishes. I am deeply appreciative of the ISM Administrative Team and Regional Academic Director, Diana Abdel Samad, who stepped in during my absence I am grateful to be back on campus interacting with students,staffandfamilies!
BIG WIN FOR ISM SCIENCE TEAM
ISM PLACES AMONGST TOP 8 IN FIRST YEAR OF COMPETITION
ISM made history with its first-ever participation in the Minnesota Regional Science Bowl, marking a major milestone for our school’s academic teams Competing against other top schools in the state, our team demonstrated exceptional knowledge, maturity, and professionalism This strong debut sets the foundation for ISM to continue growing and competing at an even higher level in the years to come, withtheultimategoalofqualifyingfornationals.
January has been very busy with basketball games, musical rehearsals, and robotics and science competitions As you read this month’s Husky Herald, there is much to celebrate, Huskies. We are fortunate to have so many well-rounded students who are able to make their impact in different ways astheyprovetheirtalentsincompetition!
Warm wishes as we welcome February and concludeTerm2!
Jeana Carrasco
JeanaCarrasco
ISMSchoolDirector
GO HUSKIES GO HUSKIES
The tournament featured 28 teams from both public and private schools across the Twin Cities metro and surrounding area Among them, ISM was the only first-time competitor, entering as an underdog against teams with years of experience and rigorous training However, from the very first round, ISM provedtobeaformidablecontender,quicklygainingareputationasthedarkhorseofthecompetition. ISM'simpressiveperformancemadethemateamtowatchoutforduringtheintensedouble-elimination phase One of the standout moments of the tournament was ISM’s stunning upset against one of Minnetonka High School’s teams in the second round of the double-elimination bracket This victory not only showcased our team ’ s capability, but also highlighted the potential for future success Despite facing stiff competition, ISM secured an impressive seventh-place finish a remarkable achievement givenourlimitedpreparationtimeandlackofpriortournamentexperience.
This milestone would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our talented students CongratulationstoourScienceBowlpioneers:Jinsheng‘Tim’Li('25),KaiaFrazier('25),Laura Odeh ('25), Frixel Bu ('26), and Jinxuan ‘Rocky’ Luan ('26) Your resilience, teamwork, and brilliance havesetahighstandardforISM’sfutureinacademiccompetitions.Wealsowishtoexpressoursincere gratitude to the mentors and educators who played a crucial role in guiding and supporting our team. Special thanks to Mr Bishwa Basnet, Dr Chase Fehr, Mr John Compton, Mrs Janet Mahr, and our dedicated Head of the Science Department, Mr Omar Zouhairy Your encouragement and expertise wereinstrumentalinhelpingourteamcompeteatsuchahighlevel
As we reflect on this outstanding debut, we look forward to building on this success, refining our strategies, and preparing even more rigorously for future competitions. This is just the beginning of an exciting journey, and with the momentum from this year ’ s achievement, ISM is well on its way to becomingaScienceBowlpowerhouse Watchout,Minnesota!
BLACK HISTORY MONTH AT ISM
SHOWCASING THE VOICES THAT SHAPED HISTORY
Black History Month, celebrated every February, is a time to recognize and honor the contributions of African Americansthroughouthistory OriginallyestablishedasNegroHistoryWeekin1926byhistorianCarterG Woodson, it expanded to a full month in 1976 to provide a more comprehensive understanding of Black history, culture, and achievements. This month serves as an opportunity to reflect on the struggles, resilience, and triumphs of African Americans who have shaped history in the fields of literature, science, music, politics, and beyond ISM embraces diversityandinclusion,andwetakethistimetoeducateandinspireourcommunitybycelebratingtherichheritageand lastingimpactofAfricanAmericanpioneersandleaders
Throughout February, ISM students will actively engage in learning and sharing about Black excellence. Advising classeswillhighlightinfluentialBlackauthors,inventors,musicians,innovators,andscientists,allowingstudentstogaina deeper appreciation of their contributions Morning announcements will feature daily Black History Month facts, shedding light on often-overlooked stories and achievements In the library, special book displays will showcase works by Black authors, encouraging studentstoexplorediverseperspectivesandvoices.Byparticipatingintheseactivities,ourcommunityreaffirmsitscommitmenttodiversity,equity,and inclusion,fosteringalearningenvironmentthatvaluesandrespectsallcultures.AfricanAmericanHistoryMonthismorethanjustatimeofremembrance it is a call to action to recognize and uplift the voices that have shaped history and continue to influence our world today By engaging in meaningful discussions,exploringpowerfulliterature,andlearningaboutgroundbreakingachievements,ISMstudentswillgainagreaterappreciationfortheimpactof Blackleadersandchangemakers Throughtheseefforts,wenotonlyhonorthepastbutalsoempowerourstudentstocarryforwardthevaluesofequality, justice,andinnovationintheirownlives.
CONGRATULATIONS HUSKIES
ISM ROBOTICS TEAM RECIEVED 1ST PLACE IN DESIGN AND 2ND PLACE FOR 3D PRINTING!
HUSKY HOWLS: PERSERVERANCE
THE POWER OF DETERMINATION
As you know by now, we have been awarding students monthly with kudos via Husky Howl postcards sent by mail This month, we wanted to recognize students whoshowtrueperseveranceinclassoroutsideoftheclassroom Perseveranceisthe ability to push forward with determination despite challenges or setbacks. It is a crucialingredientforstudentgrowthandsuccess.Itisakeyfactorinachievinglongterm goals and developing resilience Perseverance is important for students because itbuildsconfidenceandself-efficacy,preparesstudentsforreal-worldchallenges,and fosters a growth mindset We wanted to highlight their growth and inspire others in theschoolcommunity Waytogo,Huskies!
JANUARY
HUSKY HOWLS
Zephyr Swenson
Maya Falken
Jiaqi Jessica Xue
Lunis Thomas
Zelin Todd Shi
Chhean Thorng
Jonas Boehle
Mila Nachar
Zijin Wu
Quinn Mark Lenore Roddy
Bo Zaske
Kade Halonen
Estella Dalal
Claire Higgerson
Alexis Lind
Roami
Matta
Christopher Long
Omar Abdihalim
Kaia Frazier
Shreya Chatterjee
Jinxuan Rocky Luan
Alessandro Landoni
Leo Seals
Maxwell Saba
ISM’S AWARD-WINNING YOUNG ARTISTS AND WRITERS
STUDENTS WIN PRESTIGIOUS SCHOLASTIC AWARDS
We are thrilled to share that three ISM students have recently received awards in the ScholasticArt&WritingAwardscontest Thisisaremarkableaccomplishmentforthese youngartistsandwriters,astheseawardsplacethemwithinthetop10%ofallsubmissions a truly prestigious recognition given the volume of entries. Congratulations to Xiyao Frixel Bu ('26), Saher Iqbal ('26), and Kaia Frazier ('25); we are immensely proud of your accomplishments!
GOLDKEYAWARD
Xiyao Frixel Bu (ISM, '26)
Photography-Twilight
Saher Iqbal (ISM, '26)
Film&Animation-"Transperancy"
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards contest is the nation’s longest-running, most prestigious recognition program for creative teens. Teens in grades 7-12 (ages 13 and up) can apply in 28 different categories of art and writing The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards were founded in 1923 and, for more than a century, have inspired bold ideas in creative teens throughout the country The program celebrates creative teens regionally and nationally with awards, exhibitions,publications,andscholarships All entriesarefirstconsideredregionallyforGold Key, Silver Key, and Honorable Mention awards Entries that win a Gold Key are automaticallyconsideredforNationalAwards, including Gold Medal, Silver Medal, and scholarshipawards Jurorslookforworksthat exemplifytheAwards’corevalues:originality, skill,andtheemergenceofapersonalvoiceor vision
BUILDING ISM FUTURES
Saher Iqbal (ISM, '26)
Film&Animation-"vsthemirror(ialwayslose)"
SILVER KEY AWARD
Saher Iqbal (ISM, '26)
Writing:Flash-"singing,biting,surrendering"
HONORABLE MENTION AWARD
Kaia Frazier (ISM, '25)
Drawing&Illustration-WashingCabbage
COLLEGE COUNSELING: SENIOR SUCCESS & JUNIOR JOURNEYS
Itisanexcitingtimeinthecollegecounselingworldasthecollegeapplicationprocessforourseniorswindsdown.Theseniorshavebeeninundatedwith greatnewsthiswinterandareonlymonthsawayfrommakingtheirbigdecisions Wehavestudentswhohavealreadygottenintoandcommittedtotheir top choice schools, students who have been accepted to top mid-western institutes like Macalester and Oberlin, as well as some stellar options on the coastslikeLoyolaMarymountandHowardUniversity Evenwhenstudentshavegottenlessexcitingnews,ourseniorshaveperseveredandcontinuedto demonstratetheirloveoflearningandinterestinschoolsgettingsomeexcitingdecisionsafterinitialdeferments Withseveralstudentsstillwaitingforbig decisions,weareconfidentourseniorshaveanexcitingspringahead.
WhiletheprocessstartstoconcludefortheClassof2025,ourjuniorsarejuststartingtorampuptheircollegesearchprocess InJanuary,wehostedthe Classof2026forourannualcollegekick-offnight Duringthisevent,wediscussedwhatstudentsandfamilieswillneedtodoeachmonthleadingupto andthroughtheirapplicationprocesstomakethemthestrongestapplicantspossible InFebruary,theDirectorofCollegeCounseling,Mr ZachCohen, willbemeetingwitheverystudentandfamilysowecanmakesurethesupporteachrisingseniorreceivesistailoredspecificallytotheirhopesandgoals Whileitisstillearly,itappearsthatnextfallwillbeanotheramazingyeartobeacollegeapplicantfromISM.
A NEW ERA FOR COLLEGE COUNSELING: ISM’S NEW COUNSELING SPACE OPENS SOON
Inthenextfewweeks,wewillofficiallybedonewithconstructiononthenewcounseling spaceinthehighschool.Thisspacewillbemorethanaworkroomforstudents;itsignals ISM’s commitment to supporting students and families through the college application process.Wearesoexcitedtobeginutilizingthecollegecounselingroomforeverythingfrom meetingwithcollegerepresentativestostrengthenourtiestoschoolsthroughoutthecountry, tomeetingwithouramazingISMfamiliesinaspacethatiswarmandwelcoming.Wecannot waittohostoutfirstcollegeeventinthespacesoonandwelookforwardtoseeingyouinthe newroomsoon!
KaiaFrazier(‘25) -WashingCabbage
SPEECH SPOTLIGHT: MORE THAN JUST WORDS
ISM’S COMPETITIVE SPEECH TEAM GEARS UP FOR TOURNAMENT SEASON
WiththeCompetitiveSpeechseasonupandrunning,studentsonISM’sSpeechteamarebusy researchingandcreatingpiecesfortournamentsWithcompetitionsstartinginmid-February,excitement isbuildingasperformancesandpresentationsarepolishedforSaturdaytournamentsWhilemanyofthe studentsontheSpeechteamalsocompeteindebate,theyaretwoverydistinctteams.Competitive Speechismadeupofateamofstudentsenteredinto12differentcontestevents(listedtotheright) StudentsearnpointsforindividualawardsandteamawardsverymuchliketrackmeetsFrompowerful originaloratorypiecestohystericalcomedyperformances,participantsareabletohonetheirpresentation andactingskillswhilehavingfunwiththeirfriendsAfeweventslikeextemporaneousspeakingand discussionhelpdevelopteammemberdeveloptheirabilitytothinkontheirfeetandexpressideasclearly underpressure.
“BeingapartofSpeechhashelpedmebeabletosharemyownideasandstoriesthatareimportanttomeinasafe, respectfulspace,andhasgivenmetheopportunitytohearfromothersaswell.Ascaptain,it’sbeensuchahuge honortobeabletobeapartofeachofmyfellowmembersownstoriesandexperiencestheywishtosharethrough speech;beitthroughoriginaloratory,dramaticinterpretation,oraperformance Ifeellikefrombeinginspeech, I’vegottentoseewhatissuespeoplereallyholdclosetotheirheart Tome,that’smorepreciousthananymedalor award”-CeciliaLundquist(ISM,'25)
“IfirstjoinedSpeechtoimprovemypublicspeakingskills,butIhavegainedsomuchmorefrommyparticipation. BeingonISM’sSpeechteamhashelpedmebecomeabetterresearcherandimprovedmyconfidence.Interacting withmyteammatesandseeingtheirgrowthhasalsobeengreat!Overall,participatinginSpeechhasbeenan incredibleexperience”-LauraOdeh(ISM,'25)
Ifthissoundsinteresting,dropbypracticeonTuesdayorThursdayfrom3:45-5:00afterschooltoobserve andaskquestionsThereisnocaponthesizeofaspeechteam,soallarewelcome!Volunteersare needed;Judgesandchaperonesareneededforcompetitions.Forparentsandcommunitymemberswho havepublicspeakingorperformanceexperience,pleaseemailMrs.Carrasco.
CONTEST EVENTS:
Creative Expression
Discussion
Duo Interpretation
Extemporaneous Reading
Extemporaneous Speaking
Great Speeches
Humorous Interpretation
Informative Speaking
Original Oratory
Serious Drama Interpretation
Serious Poetry Interpretation
Serious Prose Interpretation
Storytelling
DISCOVERY KIDS SUMMER CAMP
JUNE 16
Sumiya Ahmed
sahmed@ism-sabis.net
Office Hours: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
AUGUST 8
MynameisMs.SumiyaandIwillbetheISMSummerCampDirector this year I am really excited to welcome you and your children to a summer of fun, adventure and growth! I can ’ t wait to create a safe and enriching environment for your kiddos to build friendships and make memoriesthatwilllastalifetime!
A little about me: I am from U.A.E., and moved to Minnesota when I was in middle school I currently live in Minnetonka with my husband, 11-year-old daughter, and two cats This is my second summer at ISM and8thyearofteaching IamcurrentlypursuingmyMastersinSpecial Education Iamlookingforwardtoafunfilledsummer!Iencourageyou to stay involved and engaged in your child’s summer camp experience. Pleasedon’thesitatetoreachoutwithanyquestions!
ISM ALUMNI STORIES
AsaproudmemberoftheISMClassof2023,Cheng(Robin)Liuiscurrentlynavigatingtheexciting realmsofElectricalandAerospaceEngineeringatGeorgiaTech.Reflectingonhispastexperiencesat ISM,Robinconfidentlysharesthatthefoundationlaidduringhishighschoolyearsplayedapivotalrole inhissmoothtransitiontocollegelife.OneofthesignificantadvantagesRobingainedfromhistimeat ISMwastherigorousacademicprogram,particularlytheAdvancedPlacement(AP®)classes.Robin graduatedandbroughtaremarkable45collegecreditstoGeorgiaTech.“ISMdefinitelypreparedmefor collegesoIdidn’tneedtotakeGenEdCoursesandwasabletojumpstraightintomymajor-specific classes,”saysRobin,whichalsoinspiredhimtodoublemajor.Thisjumpstartequippedhimwithasolid understandingofcomplextopics,makinghiscollegeexperiencefeelcomparativelyeasierthanthatof manypeerswholackedasimilarbackground.
LeadershipdevelopmentatISMhasalsoshapedRobin’scollegeexperience.AstheChiefEngineerof the Rocket Club at Georgia Tech, he shares that ISM prepared him for leadership through his experiencesasHeadofAcademicsandHeadofManagementintheSABIS®StudentLifeOrganization (SLO®). The skills he developed in high school have translated seamlessly into his current
responsibilitiesandsetthestageforfutureleadershipopportunities WhileatGeorgiaTech,RobinalsospendshistimeservingastheLeadPeerInstructor attheHIVEMarkerspace,hostingworkshopsandteachingstudentshowtodesignelectricalhardwareandwritesoftware.
OneofRobin’sproudestaccomplishmentstodatewasbeingselectedbyGeorgiaTechandinvitedtoNASAKennedySpaceCenterinCapeCanaveral, Florida, to present his published research paper, “Active Control and Guidance-Aided Propulsive Landing Research for Small-Scale Vehicles,” at the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Regional Student Conference in March 2024 (pictured above) Robin's research began in highschool,wherehereceivedfinancialsupportfromFriendsofISM,whichhelpedhimpurchasepartsandequipmentforhisresearch.Hecontinuedhis researchintocollegethroughaprofessor'ssponsorship,anditwasrecentlypublishedbytheAmericanInstituteofAeronauticsandAstronautics,Inc.
Looking ahead, Robin's aspirations post-college are ambitious. After completing his undergraduate studies, he intends to pursue a Ph.D. or enter the tech industry. In the meantime,hehassecuredapromisinginternship “ThissemesterIwillbetrainingwith Apple for a six-month internship program in Austin, Texas, as a part of their development team for Mac computers I’m very excited about this opportunity as I’ll belearningalotandgaininghands-onexperience,”hesays.Thisopportunitypromises toofferext
futurecare
Robin em designedto matchesth beingastudentatISM TheextracurricularsIwasinvolvedin,roboticsandm clubleadershiprole,”hesays(RobinandroboticsteammembersSamPeterso from ISM doesn’t just stop at academics; it extends into real-world exper accomplishmentsthusfar.
RE-ENROLLMENT
ISOPRE-ENROLLM
Transition Nights
If your student is in the following grade level transitions for next academic year 2025-26, please join us for these important information sessions
Feb. 6th
KG Grade 1*
Grade 2 3* Grade 8 9
Feb. 12th Feb. 6th 5:00 - 6:00 PM 3:45 - 4:15 PM 4:00 - 4:30 PM 5:00 - 5:30 PM 4:00 - 4:30 PM 5:00 - 5:30 PM
Feb. 13th
Pre-K KG
*Two sessions
S L O W E L L N E S S W E E K
B o y s �� H O M E 4 : 3 0 P M
L S S h a d o w T e a c h i n g D a y
S L O W E L L N E S S W E E K
P e r f o r m a n c e T e r m 3 A t h l e t i c / A c t i v i t y R e g i s t r a t i o n O P E N S R E V I S I O N 11 2 R E V I S I O N 11 2 R E V I S I O N 11 2 R E V I S I O N 11 2 R E V I S I O N 11 2
v e r t h e M e a d o
B o y s �� H O M E 5 : 3 0 P M P A C K T H E G Y M ! B o y s �� H O M E 5 : 3 0 / 7 P M
T r a n s i t i o n N i g h t G r . 8 ➡ 9 E C E F a m i l y C o n c e r t
T r a n s i t i o n N i g h t P K ➡ K
T u i t i o n A s s t . A p p l i c a t i o n s D u e N H S I n d u c t i o n C e r e m o n y R e d / W h i t e S p i r i t
T r a n s i t i o n N i g h t K ➡ 1 T r a n s i t i o n N i g h t G r . 2 ➡ 3
o y s �� H
M
5 : 3 0 / 7 P