THE HUSKY HERALD
FROM THE DIRECTOR
Withsignsofspringandthestartofrevision,we welcomeMarchandTerm3ofthe24-25academic year! With finals week upon us, I encourage all studentsingrades1-12tocometoschoolwell-rested andpreparedfortheirexams Finalexamschedules have been shared with families If you have questions,pleasedonothesitatetoreachoutto DeputyDirectorofAcademics,MrNachar Wehadanamazingtimesharingkindnessandlove throughouttheISMcommunity!Ahugethankyou toFriendsofISMfororganizingthedistributionof sweettreatsandwellwishestobrightenourmonth Competitiononthebasketballcourthasprovided excitementandaboostofISMschoolspirit.Our SLO Deputy Head of Sports, Minjun Jang ’26, coordinatedtwoamazingpack-the-gymeventsand apepfesttosupportourathletes Springsportsare justaroundthecorner Studentsinterestedintrack orboy’svolleyballshouldcontactMr Hanumanto registeriftheyhavenotdonesoalready
OurPerformingArtsdepartmentisworkinghardto prepareforthespringmusical,MatildaJr Show datesareApril4th-6th. Besuretosavetimetosee ourtalentedISMactorsandcrewinaction. The Spring Music Concert and Art Extravaganza is scheduled for April 30th This evening promises great entertainment and amazing art pieces from ISMstudents!
Jeana Carrasco
JeanaCarrasco
ISMSchoolDirector
THE POWER OF BEING KIND
HIGHLIGHTS FROM ISM’S KINDNESS WEEK
Inmid-February,ISMcelebratedKindnessWeek,atimetoreflectonkindnessandpositivityasaschool community. The week's activities were designed to spread compassion while reinforcing the school's commitmenttokindness,social-emotionalwell-being,andbullyingprevention.ECEandLowerSchool studentsproudlytookandsignedtheKindnessPledgeasmembersofISM’sKindKidClub Studentsin grades 3-5 filled each other’s Kindness Jars with heartfelt compliments, posting them on their lockers as daily reminders of positivity Meanwhile, Upper School students expressed their gratitude by writing thank-you letters to teachers and staff, delivering messages of appreciation across campus ISM takes greatprideinfosteringacommunitybuiltonrespectandkindness.Asthesayinggoes,“Kindnessisfree togive,butpricelesstoreceive.”
IfyouwanttotaketheKindnessPledgetoo,pleaserepeatthebelowoutloud:
Ipledgetomyselfonthisveryday, Totrytobekindineveryway Toeverypersonbigorsmall, Iwillhelpthemiftheyfall.
WhenIlovemyselfandotherstoo, ThatistheverybestthatIcando!
MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT
WELLNESS WEEK BRINGS BALANCE BEFORE EXAMS
The Wellness Department ran Wellness Week during revision for final exams Wellness Week is an opportunity for students to focus on the different aspects of wellness (mental, emotional, and physical) throughfunactivities.On“MindfulMonday”,wehostedmeditationandyogatoremindstudentstotake a mental break and learn ways to improve their mental wellness “Together Tuesday” encouraged studentstoletcreativityflowbypaintinganddecoratingrocks On“WorkoutWednesday”,theFitness room was open to help students work on their physical wellness and take a break from academics “ThankfulThursday”wasachanceforstudentstoreflectonthepasttermandwritethankyounotesto their peers and staff who helped them. On the last day before finals, “Fun Friday”, the Wellness Departmentprovidedicecreamtreatstogiveeveryoneaboost Thewholeweekwasanopportunityfor studentstorefocusontheirwell-being beforeastressfulweekofexams
- Quinn Mark (ISM '26)
ISM HUSKIES BASKETBALL
TEAMWORK, GROWTH, AND MILESTONES: ISM GIRLS’ BASKETBALL MAKES STRIDES
As the ISM girls' basketball season comes to a close, the team reflects on a year of incredible progress, teamwork,andexcitement.Thismarksthesecondyearoftheco-opprogramwithChestertonAcademy,and thestridesmadebytheplayersandcoachesareevidentineverygametheyplayed.Undertheleadershipof HeadCoachChristopherOlleyandAssistantCoachJeffMitchell,theteamhasembraceda“brickbybrick” approachtobuildingtheprogram Withover40yearsofcoachingexperienceatboththecollegeandhigh schoollevels,CoachOlleyhasinstilledastrongfoundationinthegirls,focusingonskilldevelopment,game IQ,andtheimportanceofcompetingratherthanjustparticipating “Thisseasonhasbeensorewarding Ijust lovecoachingthesegirls Theyareslowlyimprovingwitheachpracticeandgame Wearelearninghowto competeratherthanjustparticipate,”CoachOlleyshared
Lastyear,thegirlsplayedninegames,whilethisseason,theynearlydoubledthatwith18gamesontheir schedule Next year, the competition will get even tougher, with the team set to play 24 games, further pushingthemtowardtheirgoalofestablishingastrongvarsityprogram Oneofthemajorhighlightsofthe seasonwastheup-tempostyleofplaytheteamadopted Eachpracticebroughtnewlessonsandopportunities for the girls to grow as players Looking ahead, next season will feature dedicated junior varsity games, ensuringthatyoungerandlessexperiencedplayersgetvaluabletimeonthecourttodeveloptheirskills
Forsomeoftheplayers,thisseasonhasbeenaboutmuchmorethanjustbasketball.AbyssiniaFair(ISM'29) reflectedonapersonalmilestone:“Mybestmemoryfromthisseasonsofarwasscoringmyfirstpointsforthe
team Itwasexhilarating!Thishasbeenmyfirstyearplayingonabasketballteam,andithasbeenreallyfungettingtoknowtheothergirlsontheteamon thecourt.”AmiraDavis(ISM'28)alsosharedherexperience:“PlayingontheISMbasketballteamhasbeengreat!Iusedtoplayinelementaryschool,and it has been nice getting back on a team. ” As the season concludes, the program is already looking ahead to the future. A summer skills program will be availableforanygirlswhoarenewtothegameandwanttolearn InterestedplayerscanreachouttoCoachOlleyatchristopherolley2010@gmailcomto joininthesummerfunandpreparefornextseason TheISMgirls’basketballteamisontherise,andwithcontinueddedicationandhardwork,thefuture looksincrediblybrightforthisgrowingprogram
THE COMEBACK SEASON: ISM BOYS’ BASKETBALL RETURNS WITH DETERMINATION
It has been a great season for the ISM Huskies boys’ basketball team, as the players embraced the opportunitytobuildchemistryandcohesiononthecourt,pushingeachothertonewheights.LedbyHead CoachDougSabersandAssistantCoachDaveSpanton,theteamworkedtirelesslytorefinetheirskillsand competeatahighlevel CoachSabers’leadership,combinedwiththeplayers’relentlessdedication,created an environment of growth and perseverance With a challenging schedule, the team faced tough competitionbutmadesignificantstridesindevelopingtheirgame Theybattledthroughintensematchups, demonstrating resilience and a commitment to playing as a unit. Whether in practice or under the bright lights of game day, the Huskies focused on execution, teamwork, and elevating their performance. Each gameprovidedvaluablelessons,andtheplayersseizedeveryopportunitytocreateastrongfoundationfor futureseasons
For many of the athletes, this season has been a testament to the power of determination Ruhaan Singh (ISM '25) summed up the team ’ s mindset perfectly: “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”Thismentalitywasevidentineverypractice,everydrill,andeverygame,astheHuskiesgavetheir allonthecourt Fromclutchperformancesincloseconteststorelentlessdefensivestands,theteamshowed heartandgriteverystepoftheway
Lookingahead,theteamiseagertocontinuebuildingupontheprogressmadethisyear.Thecoachingstaffhashighexpectationsforthenextseason, withafocusonstrengtheningbothindividualandteamperformance Offseasontraining,skilldevelopment,andteambondingwillbekeycomponentsas theyprepareforthenextchallenge Witharenewedsenseofcommitmentandastrongworkethic,theISMboys’basketballteamispoisedforan excitingfuture Thehardworkanddedicationdisplayedthisseasonwillundoubtedlyserveasthefoundationforevengreatersuccessintheyearsto come AstheHuskiesreflectonthismemorableseason,theydosowithprideandahungerformore Withthelessonslearned,bondsformed,andthe drivetoimprove,thefutureofISMbasketballlooksbrighterthanever
WOMENS HISTORY MONTH AT ISM
WOMEN WHO INSPIRE: STORIES OF STRENGTH, COURAGE, AND CHANGE
Women’s History Month, observed every March, is a time to honor the immeasurable impacts women have made throughout history Established nationallyin1987,itsoriginstracebacktoa1978celebrationinSantaRosa,California,whichcoincidedwithInternationalWomen’sDayonMarch8th Itisimportanttorecognizethesecontributions,becauseitshowsthekeyroleswomenhaveplayed,andcontinuetoplay,inmanyareasoflife.
Tohighlightthesecontributions,weaskedafewteachersthisquestion:“Inhistory,whoisawomanthatyouthinkimpactedhistory,society,orculture?” Dr Žigonsaid,“Therearesomanywomenwhohaveimpactedoursocietyinapositiveway OneofthemisHarriettTubman Sheescapedfromslavery andthenselflesslyhelpeddozensofothersescapetofreedomviatheUndergroundRailroad Shewasnotonlyafierceabolitionistbutalsoasuffragist I greatlyadmireherandhercouragetostandupagainstinjustice.”MrsReichshared,“IreallyadmireMacKenzieScott,whohasgivenawaymorethan19 billiondollarsthroughherYieldGivingorganization.Ms.Scottisundeniablyverywealthy,butIfeellikeittakesageneroushearttogiveawaysomuch. ThroughYieldGivingsheisabletomakereal-time,life-changingopportunitiesforsomanypeople”Ms Grossmanadded,“I'mgoingtochooseagroupof women:thesuffragists Thewomenthatfoughtfortherighttovote”Sra SuarezreflectedonMotherTeresa’swords:“Dosmallthingswithgreatlove” BycelebratingWomen’sHistoryMonth,wereflectonthepositiveimpactthesewomen(andmanymore)havehadonsociety,ourlives,andourfutures DuringthemonthofMarch,ISMwillbecelebratingthesewomenandmanymore!
SCHOLASTIC ART & WRITING AWARDS
(CONTINUED FROM FEB. HUSKY HERALD)
Yunfei Sophie Zhang (ISM, '28)
Writing : “The Homecooked Meal of Growing Up” SILVER KEY AWARD
Congratulations to Yunfei Sophie Zhang who was also awarded the Silver Key AwardforherindependentsubmissiontotheScholasticArt&WritingAwards!
LEADING WITH RESPONSIBILITY
FEBRUARY HUSKY HOWL RECIPIENTS
Each month, we celebrate students who exemplify important values through our Husky Howl postcards For February, we are recognizing students who demonstrate outstanding responsibility in both their classwork and character Responsible students take ownership of their actions, follow through on commitments, and show diligence in their studies. They are reliable, trustworthy, and make choices that positively impact their community. Responsibility is a key traitthatfostersindependence,integrity,andsuccess bothinschoolandbeyond Byhonoringthesestudents,wehopetoencourageotherstoembraceresponsibility intheirdailylives Keepupthegreatwork,Huskies!
FEBRUARY
HUSKY HOWLS
Devin Zaske
Chhean Thorng
Julia Buttry
Elliott Karlsson
Bella Brewer-Salupo
Alex Carlson
Tyler Lafferty
Isabel Kansou
Amara Agunwamba
Alliyah Usher
Madeleine Hanley
Yoanda Dlamini
Mina Laube
Arsal Chaudhry
Aafia Deane
Adrian Zaske
Owen Karulf
Michael Song
Quinn Mark
Haowen Bai
Dmytro Nyzhnyk
Minjun Yang
Jiaqi Jessica Xue
Jinxuan Rocky Luan
- Laura Odeh (ISM '25)
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM: IMMERSED IN POLITICS
ISM JUNIORS, ZYVA AND SAHER IQBAL ('26) TAKE PART IN PRESTIGIOUS PAGE PROGRAM
The Minnesota House of Representatives Page Program is an opportunity for grade 11 students to witness the legislative process firsthand as well as the interactions across the three branches of government,onthestatelevel.Inaweek-longsession,studentsworkaspagesduringtheHousefloor sessions, meet with their representatives, and learn about the history of the Minnesota Capitol building During the week of February 3-7, Zyva and Saher Iqbal (ISM '26) attended this program after applying last fall Zyva stated, “My curiosity about the interactions between caucuses in governmentdrewmetoapplyforthePageProgram IwasinterestedinthebehaviorofCongressand any shifts in said behavior in accordance with its makeup at a given time.” While there, Zyva and Saher fulfilled duties as pages on the House floor, witnessed the return of the DFL to office after 23 days, learned about the intricacies of the Capitol's art and architecture, and met with various representatives and House officials throughout the week In preparation for the mock committee, they researched past bills and crafted arguments defending our stance on a particular bill introduced ontheHousefloor,earlyinJanuary
TheIqbal’sbothstatedthatthemostvaluablepartoftheexperiencewastheimmersiveaspectoftheprogram Aspages,theyengagedinactivediscussion regarding immigration, government spending, and the interaction between Minnesota’s state and federal government Further, they were able to attend Supreme Court hearings and Senate Committee hearings The ability to observe the judicial and legislative bodies in action and develop their own commentaries on current matters was both enriching and challenging in its own right Additionally, they primarily interacted with Republican representatives, given that the Democratic Representatives were absent for the majority of the week. They met with Representative Andrew Myers (District 49A), with whom they discussed the matter of balancing one ' s personal values with those of one ' s constituents. Throughout their various interactionswithrepresentatives,theydiscussedissueslikeofAffirmativeActionandDEI,thefightagainstopioids,andtheincreasingpolarizationacross legislative bodies In addition to meeting with members of the House, they also had the opportunity to sit down with Minnesota Supreme Justice Carl Procaccini to discuss the DFL strike and how the conflict sparked debate over the verbiage of the Minnesota Constitution on two occasions in 2025 Overall, the unique circumstances in the House allowed them to gain a particular insight into the manner in which disputes are settled within the state governmentandseeallthreebranchesofgovernmentinaction.Inclosing,Zyvanotedthatshe’dbehappytogiveapresentationtothisyear'ssophomores abouttheexperiencessothey,too,canlearnaboutvaluableextracurricularssuchasthisexperience.
- Zyva Iqbal (ISM '26)
FROM POETRY TO PROSE
ISM ENGLISH DEPARTMENT FOSTERS A LOVE FOR CREATIVE WRITING
Thisyear,theEnglishDepartmentatISMhasincorporatedcreativewritingintothecurriculumwithaclub,events,andacontestforstudents.Dr.David HadbawnikbeganhostingaCreativeWritingClubforMiddleandHighSchoolstudentslastfall,whichmeetseveryThursdayduringSLOperiod.The EnglishDepartmentalsosponsoredavisitfromthePoetryFox.ChrisVitiello,therecentlynamedPoetLaureateofDurham,NorthCarolina,traveledto theMinneapolisareaandvisitedISMonOctober15.HespentthedayinhisPoetryFoxcostume,engagingwithstudentsduringseveralclasses,giving themwritingexercisestotry,andcomposinginstantpoemsforstudentsandstaffinthelibrary,writingalmost100poemsduringhistimeattheschool
In Creative Writing Club, students have had fun challenging themselves with experiments in fiction, poetry, and “world building,” in which they collaborate to develop and shape details about an imaginary world Asked in a mid-year survey what she’s enjoyed most about the club, Amara Agunwamba(grade6)writes,“Beingcreativeaboutyourwritinganddoingfunexercisesthatmakeyouthinkaboutwhatyou’rewriting Ithasmademe thinkmorein-depthaboutwritingskillsthatIneverwouldhaveknownifIhadn’tjoined”ElizabethMark(grade8)adds,“ItmademerealizewhatIneed toworkonandexpandmystyle”
InTerm2,theEnglishDepartmentsponsoredaCreativeWritingContest,whichwehopetocontinueasanannual event Studentswereinvitedtosubmitpiecesincategoriesincludingpoetry,fiction(upto1500words),and“flash fiction”(upto500words).FamilieswillbeinvitedtoattendaneventintheISMLibraryonMonday, April14,atwhichwinnerswillreadfromtheirworkandbehonoredwithprizes Nextyear,ISMwill buildonthemomentumwithaCreativeWritingClassofferedtohighschoolers Theclasswilldelve deeperintovariousformsandgenresofcreativewriting,andhelpstudentsprepare strongapplicationsfortheSABISStarseventtobeheldinSpring2026.
ISM ALUMNI STORIES
ALIREZA BASIRI ('20): A TESTAMENT TO ISM’S LASTING IMPACT
AtISM,ourgoalistoprovidestudentswithawell-roundededucationthathelpsthemsucceednotonly academicallybutalsointheirpersonalgrowthandfuturecareers.AliRezaBasiri,amemberoftheClassof 2020, is a prime example of how the unique experiences offered at ISM set students up for long-term success.
OriginallyfromDubai,UAE,AliRezamovedtoMinnesotain2015andattendedISMthroughhishigh school years. Reflecting on his time at ISM, he shares how the school shaped his foundation, both academically and personally, and prepared him for his career "My time at ISM truly shaped who I am today Iwasexposedtoavarietyofculturesandperspectives,whichwasahugepartofmygrowth This exposurehelpedmebuildtheskillsneededforteamwork,leadership,andadaptability,"AliRezasays
During his time at ISM, AliReza not only excelled academically but also became an active leader on campus HeservedastheDeputyHeadofSportsintheSABIS®StudentLifeOrganization(SLO)inhis senioryear,wherehegainedleadershipexperiencethathasbeenvaluableinhisprofessionallife "Beinga
partofSLOhelpedmewithleadership,timemanagement,andunderstandingtheimportanceofteamwork skillsthathavebeenessentialinmycareer journey,"AliRezareflects AmajorfactorinAliReza’sdecisiontoattendISMwastheschool'sinternationalcommunity,whichmirroredhisexperiencein Dubai "ISMfeltliketherightfitforme Theinternationalenvironmentmademefeelwelcomed,andtheschool’sofferingsstoodoutcomparedtoother optionsinMinnesota,"heexplains
His journey didn’t stop after graduation. AliReza went on to study marketing at the College of St. Scholastica, where he also played soccer. While completinghisstudies,AliReza’scareertookoffinthemarketingfield.HesecuredaninternshipwithMysticLakeCasino’smarketingdepartment,which turnedintoalong-termopportunity,allowinghimtoworkremotelywhilefinishinghiscollegedegree.Hisabilitytoadaptandbalancemultipleroleswasa directresultofhistimeatISM.“TheleadershipandteamworkIlearnedatISMhelpedmehandlevariousresponsibilitiesinmyinternships.Ihadalready builtuptheskillsneededtomanageahighvolumeofworkwhilestayingorganized,”heexplains.
Inadditiontohismarketingexperience,AliRezaalsocultivatedapassionforphotographyandvideography,whichhelearnedonhisown Heappliedthis newskillsetbymanagingtheCollegeofSt Scholastica’sathleticsmedia,overseeingeverythingfromgamedayphotostosocialmediaupdates “ISM encouragedmetothinkcreativelyandstepoutsidemycomfortzone,whichhelpedmeinmycollegeinternshipsandinbuildingmyprofessionalportfolio,” heshares AliRezarecentlyacceptedafull-timeMarketingCoordinatorpositionatMysticLakeCasinoHotel Lookingahead,hehasambitiousgoalsfor bothhiscareerandpersonalgrowth Professionally,heplanstocontinueadvancinginthemarketingindustryandisexcitedtokeeplearningaboutthe
AliReza,thirdfromtheright,2019SLOLeadershipRetreat
S C H O O L : S P R I N G B R E A K N O S C H O O L : S P R I N G B R E A K
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