THE HUSKY HERALD
THE GOLD STANDARD OF EDUCATION
ISM RANKED GOLD IN ALL CATEGORIES IN 2024
FROM THE DIRECTOR
Thank you so much for a great start to the school year! Students are settling into routines and learning is well underway. Morning greetings and lunchtime check-in with each student have become the highlight of my day! As a professional challenge, I plan to memorize all student names by September 30th. These one on one times help me get to know each ISM Husky. Stay tuned as we monitor my progress toward achieving this goal.
ISM Fall Highschool sports teams have started their competitive seasons with girls volleyball and boys soccer hosting home openers. All ISM families are welcome to attend these events to support our Husky scholar athletes. Please see the September calendar for the event dates, times and locations.
Please feel free to sign-up for Director drop in sessions via BlackBaud. I look forward to partnering with each family to help each student learn and grow!
Jeana Carrasco
Jeana Carrasco
ISM School Director
On August 13, 2024, the Star Tribune announced Minnesota’s Best Award winners for 2024. After winning both gold and silver awards in 2023, we are thrilled to reveal that in 2024 ISM swept the awards winning all gold, ranking #1 across six different educational categories! Mrs. Jeana Carrasco says, “We are grateful and honored to be considered #1 statewide. This achievement comes as we reflect on our school’s history and prepare for our 40th year in operation. As we celebrate both milestones, we intend to continue to showcase why ISM ranks as the #1 private school from preschool through 12th grade.” To ensure students’ passions are fostered both in and outside of the classroom, ISM offers an array of arts, STEM, athletic programs, and club opportunities. Students receive a premier education in a nurturing environment that will equip them with the tools they need in their pursuit of excellence in college and beyond. Thank you to all who voted for ISM, we are grateful for the recognition from our community. We are just as committed to our mission today as we were 40 years ago– to deliver a top-quality, educational experience that ensures the college success and future work readiness of every student. We intend to continue to live up to our reputation of academic excellence, which is due in part to our dedicated ISM staff, students, and families who make up our unique and close-knit community.
HISPANIC/LATINO HERITAGE MONTH
PIONEERS OF CHANGE: SHAPING THE FUTURE TOGETHER
At ISM, both staff and students will come together to celebrate and raise awareness during the month of September, which is nationally recognized as Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month. This important month honors the rich cultural contributions and vibrant history of Hispanic and Latino communities across the nation. ISM’s Student Life Organization, in collaboration with our Spanish Department, has organized fun and exciting events and activities for everyone to enjoy. From educational workshops to cuisine tastings, there will be something for everyone to participate in and learn from. We encourage all students and staff to join in these celebrations as we embrace the diversity that enriches our school community.
The celebration began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan expanded the celebration to a month-long event. This event will be celebrated Nationally September 15 to October 15. The celebration begins on September 15, the anniversary of
independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. It also recognizes the independence days of Mexico (September 16) and Chile (September 18). The celebration recognizes the achievements and contributions of Hispanic Americans and educates society on the benefits of a diverse and inclusive world.
WELCOMING NEW FACES & ROLES
STAFFING UPDATES AT ISM
Ms. Syrine Mosbahi is passionate about ECE. She has over 9 years of working with our youngest learner age groups and now leads are preschool room. She knows 4 languages: English, French, Portuguese and Arabic. She is also the Activity Lead for after-school Arabic! Mrs. Mosbahi holds a Bachelors of English Literature and American Civilization and a TEFL certificate. She is a compassionate teacher who we are thrilled to be a part of the ISM community.
Mrs. Marina Johnson has accepted the role of in our Preschool as Teacher Assistant. She holds and Associates in Child Development and has been working within youth learning for 10+ years. Mrs. Johnson assists in the Preschool room for optimal learning and encouragement for our youngest learners. She accomplishes this through patience and care.
Mrs. Meredith Kramer has accepted the role of Teacher Assistant in our Pre-Kindergarten B class. Mrs. Kramer is passionate about child development. She is greatly committed to supporting families through Family Education. Mrs. Kramer holds a Bachelors in Family Studies and Psychology and is presently pursuing additional education in Family Education.
Mr. Noah Bruce has taken on the responsibility of leading the dormitory as our Lead Dorm Parent.
Mr. Bruce holds a Bachelors in German with a minor in Business. He has experience as a teacher as well as past experience as a Houseparent.
Responsible for our students in the dormitory in partnership with Sra. Sanchez, Dorm Parent, we are pleased to have Mr. Bruce as part of our ISM community.
Mr. Brian Nagle is our Student Management Assistant working with Mr. Tannous. After years of supporting ISM students learn how to swim with FoxJets, we are pleased that Mr. Nagle has accepted ISM as his full time employer. He will remain a swim coach for FoxJets after school. Mr. Nagle holds a Bachelors of Arts and Associates of Arts in Business Management.
Ms. Erica Landers joins us from Hopkins School District as our School Counselor. Ms. Landers is a licensed K-12 School Counselor. She seeks to promote student engagement and foster and equitable learning environment. Her mission as a school counselor is to create a comprehensive program that empower students. She ensures all students develop the skills necessary for academic success, personal growth, positive interpersonal relationships, and health choices. She will be with us most Monday mornings and Wednesday afternoons.
Ms. Htay Htay has joined our dining service as a referral from a current employee. We are pleased to welcome Hthay who is eager to join our team with providing an international experience through cuisine. Welcome Htay!
Ms. Tajae Wilson recently relocated to Minnesota from Georgia and has joined ISM as our Line Cook. She has a bachelors in the Culinary Arts. Tajae is passionate about good food and the nourishment necessary for learning. We look forward to spotlighting future dishes highlighting Tajae’s cuisine of choice. Welcome Tajae!
STUDENT & STAFF SPOTLIGHT
September 25 6:00 PM
Staff and Student Spotlight is ISM’s Talent show!
Do you have a hidden talent?
Do you like to sing, dance, or play an instrument? Maybe you can juggle?! Sign ups are open to students in Grade 6 and up.
Message Ms. Wilberg or Mr. Lee with questions
ISM STUDENTS IN THE COMMUNITY
Celebration of Life, Honor, and Pride – The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Wacipi
(Information for article noted directly from literature on (Information for article noted directly from literature on ISM Students IN the community and www.smscwacipi.org) and www.smscwacipi.org)
Wacipi – or powwow – is a traditional Native American gathering, a celebration of life, pride, and honor. Meaning “they dance” in the Dakota language, the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community’s (SMSC) annual wacipi brings together for a cultural and social celebration of dancing, singing, and visiting with one another. This happens in mid-August each year. Dance has always been an important part of the ancestral ceremonial practice of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. It is a time for preserving a rich heritage, while reconnecting with old friends and making new friends. It was originally a gathering held at the end of a season to celebrate a good hunt or recognize a positive event. There, Native Americans would dance to entertain, but the dancing was originally part of ceremonial practices and used to tell tribal stories.
The SMSC Wacipi begins with a blessing of the dance circle. This is followed by the Grand Entry with Veterans Color Guard carrying in the flags and eagle staff, followed by visiting dignitaries, tribal royalty, and the dancers. Once the dancers have entered the circle, a prayer is said, and attendees are asked to stand and remove their hats as the drum group sings songs to honor the flag and veterans. The SMSC Wacipi is a contest powwow, where dancers compete in dance categories and age groups.There are exhibitions and contests throughout the three days, including categories such as Men’s Fancy, Jingle Dress, Fancy Shawl, and Golden Age, among others. Drum groups are invited to participate and perform as part of the wacipi as well creating a rich heritage experience for all that attend.
Three of ISM’s students participated in SMSC’s annual wacipi: Emma Saba (ISM ‘31), Logan Saba (ISM ’29), and Tyler Lafferty (ISM ’26). Emma, Logan, and Tyler were all happy to share their experiences, insights, and facts about their engagement in the SMSC Wacipi.
Emma (ISM ’31):
Tyler (ISM ’26):
This was the first year that I danced in the wacipi. I wanted to try on my Regalia and danced Men’s Traditional (also known as the Warrior’s Dance). My regalia consists of aprons, a button down shirt with an ascot tie that has a shiny medallion clip, a pair of beaded moccasins, a top hat with two feathers and a beaded medallion on the back. Also, it has a breastplate which historically is made of bone, a bandolier which was to hold bullets, a shield with a design of an elk in the forest with four feathers and animal skin. I hold a fan of feathers with a beaded medallion of a buffalo.I carry a painted dance stick in the shape of a horse with two feathers on the front end and an animal skin on the other end. Lastly, I wear a bustle which is a circle of feathers on my back with a beaded medallion of a buffalo in the middle. This means a lot to me because I feel more connected to my culture.
Logan (ISM ’29):
Wacipi is a time where I go and see friends and family. I get to talk with them and eat delicious food The main aspect of wacipi for me is that I just get to hang out with people that I love and take pride in my culture by dancing. I dance Men’s Tradition and my regalia means a lot to me. It is made of all of my favorite colors from my moccasins to my beaded vest to my headband. A fun fact I can tell you about wacipi grounds is that when we didn’t have the wacipi grounds, it would be held at somebody’s house and they used car headlights as stage lights when the sun went down.
I dance every year and I dance Jingle Dress. My regalia is a jingle dress or a medicine dress. Thee jingles on a dress represents the prayers of people because it’s a healing dress.It also represents the days of the year because when people first started creating jingle dresses they would put 365 jingles on them. I have blue fabric on my dress because that’s my favorite color. I also have dragonflies on the dress to represent the medicine in them. A fun fact I can tell you is that the SMSC Wacipi is one of the biggest in the country.
Overall, the annual SMSC Wacipi is completely free to the public. It happens annually in mid-August at the SMSC Wacipi Grounds at 3212 Dakota Parkway in Shakopee, MN. ISM would like to thank Emma and Logan Saba and Tyler Lafferty for sharing their insights on what the SMSC Wacipi means to each of them. To learn more about this annual community cultural event, visit SMSC WACIPI (www.smscwacipi.org/about/) to learn more.
ISM STUDENT SUMMER TRAVEL
I am incredibly grateful to have been selected to attend Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) this summer, one of the most prestigious and competitive academic summer programs in the world. This year's application process was especially competitive, with over 10,000 applicants from across the globe. Being chosen for such a highly selective program is an honor, and I am grateful for the opportunity to participate. During my two weeks in the Literature, Philosophy, and Culture track, I had the opportunity to engage in intellectually stimulating lectures, seminars, and discussions that expanded my way of thinking. Two of my favorite topics were the Trolley Problem, which challenged me to consider ethical dilemmas, and Honesty & Discretion, which sparked thoughtprovoking discussions on moral decision-making. YYGS also lit my passion for film through the creative and motivating capstone projects shared by my peers. Beyond academics, I built lasting connections and precious memories with brilliant students from diverse backgrounds, including my amazing suitemates that I still remain in touch with today. This experience was one of the most unforgettable summers I have had as it deeply inspired me. Today, I am determined to collaborate with others, pursue impactful initiatives, and carry forward the lessons I learned at YYGS into my future.
-Yewon Jang, ISM ‘26
This summer, I was given the opportunity to be an Assistant at Friends of the Mississippi River for their Environmental Stewardship Institute. I was able to work alongside the ESI Program Associate, as well as the Youth Program Manager. The Environmental Stewardship Institute allows young people to explore the topic of the environment, through both education, research, and career exploration. Last summer, I was accepted as a fellow into their program, and this summer, I was able to help organize the program and guide fellows with their research. At FMR, I not only learned a lot about leadership and communication, but also was able to experience Minnesota’s natural areas, such as kayaking and canoeing the Mississippi River and Minnesota River. The experiences that I have had at FMR have helped me discover my passion for the environment, and I hope to continue to grow and expand upon what I’ve learned in my initiatives at ISM this year, as well as in college.
-Kaia Frazier, ISM ‘25
This summer, I was accepted at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's PREFACE Program! The program aims to spotlight students whose demographics are historically under-represented in the engineering field. While there, we participated in the discourse surrounding the Department of Energy's Consent-Based Siting Process for Federal Consolidated Interim Storage of Spent Nuclear Fuel. Throughout the two-week program, our professor guided my us in developing our own statements on the topic of spent nuclear fuel storage. Our programming also exposed us to various specialty fields in engineering such as aeronautical, civil, mechanical, electrochemical, and computer engineering. We attended lectures with professors of different specialties and discussed topics ranging from microbiology to quantum computing. During the two-week program, I lived on campus along with the other PREFACE participants. In just two short weeks, we were like family to each other. After long days of lectures, we would entertain ourselves with cooking competitions and movie nights! The PREFACE program was a remarkable experience and I would highly recommend that other high schoolers apply
ISM STUDENT SUMMER TRAVEL
This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to attend Harvard Pre-College, where I enrolled in an intriguing course titled "Math and Social Justice." Under the guidance of Professor Matthew Cavallo, I explored the intersections of mathematical theory and societal issues, delving into topics like inequality, resource distribution, and policy analysis through a quantitative lens. This course not only enhanced my mathematical skills but also deepened my understanding of how math can be a powerful tool in advocating for social justice. The experience was both academically fulfilling and personally transformative, leaving me with new perspectives on the role of mathematics in building a more equitable world.
-Minjun Jang, ISM ‘26
This summer, I went to the University of Michigan for an engineering summer course where I engrossed myself in social learning opportunities such as CHEPS (Center for Healthcare Engineering and Patient Safety), worked with the UMich robotics department to build drones, gliders, RC cars, RC boats, engines, wind turbines, lidar sensors, trusses, electronics, solar cells, and learned new applicable expertise in arduino programming and CAD on solidworks. When I wasn't on campus, I was getting hands-on experience at places like General Motors, Ford and Marathon Petroleum. It was extremely eye-opening experiencing their engineering process, their newest technology and even their meetings as well as seeing how engineers with different backgrounds work together professionally. In my peer group I learned listening, speaking and leadership skills that made me a better and more dependable team player. Furthermore, I met other like-minded and curious peers who all have similar aspirations as me which reaffirmed my own love for science and problem-solving. My biggest growth from this experience is that I have gained more confidence in myself. By meeting and discussing intricate topics with these new talented yet pragmatic people, I have understood my real personality better in fight or flight situations, what my strengths and weaknesses are, and how to manage them appropriately. Finally I will use my experiences of collaboration and technical skills to be a supportive, encouraging and adept student at ISM and onwards.
This summer, I attended the Georgetown University Law Academy, a program designed for high school students aspiring to pursue a career in law. This incredible opportunity allowed me to gain valuable insights into various areas of law that interest me. I had the privilege of learning from experienced attorneys who are alumni of Georgetown Law School. Some highlights of my trip included visiting the U.S. Capitol and the Superior Court in Washington, D.C. At the Capitol, students were given the opportunity to explore independently and visit both the Senate and House chambers. At the Superior Court, we observed real-life court cases, including those involving homicides, drug offenses, and manslaughter. Witnessing these proceedings firsthand was truly an eye-opening experience.
During the week at the academy, we also completed a capstone project that involved conducting a mock trial. On the final day, we had the extraordinary
opportunity to hold our mock trial at the Superior Court in a courtroom, which was a one-in-a-lifetime experience. This program provided me with a clearer vision of my future, enhanced my understanding through lectures, and sharpened my trial skills, ultimately leading to me being named "Best Attorney" by the presiding judge at the end of our mock trial. I am incredibly grateful for this experience and excited
My name is Saher Iqbal, I am a junior at ISM this year. This summer, I spent 2 weeks at Johns Hopkins University through their Summer at Hopkins Pre-College Program, in their Introduction to Lab Research course. During those 2 weeks, I genetically modified E. coli to fluoresce under UV light, ran a DNA fingerprinting experiment, identified GMO products using PCR and gel electrophoresis, and more! I kept a lab notebook detailing each experiment, which helped me think through each step and navigate the lab with more confidence.
My experience at Summer at Hopkins taught me to always remain curious and ambitious. It also introduced me to people from all over the world - China, Australia, and Bulgaria to name a few! I'm re-entering ISM with a larger network and the hope to inspire others to honor their curiosity and follow it to new destinations.
-Saher Iqbal, ISM ‘26
-Zijin Wu, ISM ‘25
-Malaika Bajwa, ISM ‘25
IMPORTANT UPDATES AND REMINDERS
Picture Day is Coming Up!
Friday, September 13 - All School Photo
Students need to be in uniform for the all-school photo.
Monday, September 16 - Individual/Class Photos
Students can be in Non-Uniform (please adhere to Non-Uniform Day guidelines on pg. 17 of the Student Handbook)
Pre-order your pictures online: Go to http://mylifetouch.com
1. Type in the Picture Day ID: EVT72H9FN 2. Follow the instructions to associate your child with this picture ID.
3. Review options and order packages.
5.
4. Packages will be delivered a few weeks after picture day.
Friends of ISM Fundraiser
Hello Friends! Looking for a solution to labeling your kids uniforms, water bottles, lunch boxes and more? Check out our first fundraiser of the year!
Use the code: FRIENDSOFISMEPMN for 15% off PLUS 20% of all purchases using our link goes back to Friends of ISM. PLEASE USE QR CODE.
Please share with your family and friends! You don't need to go to ISM to participate.
Thank you,
Mandi Karulf
If your student is absent or tardy please notify ISM via
All School Attendance Hotline: (952) 918-1802 All School Attendance Email: attendance@ism-sabis.net
ISM Homecoming Spirit Week
Sept. 30 - Oct. 4
Monday: Sports Jersey Day
Tuesday: ISM Spirit DayDress in Red & White
Pep Fest & Homecoming Soccer Game
Wednesday: Crazy Hair Day
Thursday: Neon Day
Friday: House System Color Day- The Big Reveal (stay tuned for specific details)
Saturday: Homecoming Dance (Grades 9-12)
7:30-10:30pm at ISM
Morning Drop-off Reminder
Grades 1-12 students/families:
This is a friendly reminder to make sure that students are in their classrooms promptly at 8:00 AM daily for their first class of the day. Parents/Guardians must be clear of the hallways when class begins at 8:00 AM to avoid any distractions or interruptions.
Preschool- Kindergarten students/families:
Please walk your students to their classroom door in the mornings. Preschool and Pre-K students need to be walked to their classes by an adult per ECE program guidelines. Parents/Guardians must be clear of the hallways when class begins at 8:00 AM to avoid any distractions or interruptions.
