SY2024-2025
LEADERSHIPTEAM
MeganRoe
SarahTurner
DanPallmann
BradSkarin
SosroKarsosoemo
NickMcQuillin
CONTRIBUTINGWRITERS
AndyRoe
DavidKim
MelisaFlores
NorahLopez
PHOTOGRAPHER/PHOTOCONTRIBUTORS
CassieFrazier
EricaHeisey
MikiMasuda
KeikoMizoguchi
BobReed
LisaSorley
EditorialInquires
info@ocsi.org
Aswebeginanewacademicyear, we’reexcitedtoembraceourvalue fortheyear:Excellence AtOCSI, excellenceisaboutsettinghigh standardsandworkingdiligentlyto achievethem
Thisyear,we’reespeciallyfocused onstartingstrong layinga foundationofintentionalityand commitmentthatwillpropelus througheverychallengeand opportunityahead Assuch,our schoolimprovementgoalsreflect ourpursuitofexcellenceandalign withourmissiontoequipstudentsto walkwithJesusandimpactthe worldforHim
InspiringCampus:We’re transformingourcampusintoa secureandinspiringhuboflearning andcommunityengagement Throughstrategicfacilitiesplanning, enhancedsafetymeasures,financial health,anddata-informeddecisionmaking,weaimtofosterspiritual, academic,andpersonalgrowth
ImpactfulCommunity:We’re deepeningourimpact,providing OCSIstudentswithopportunitiesto engagemeaningfullywithlocal, national,andglobalcommunities Ourgoalisforeachstudenttogrow incharacterandskill,leavinga positivemarkforJesuswherever theygo
IntentionalCollaboration:
Excellenceineducationinvolves teamwork Byfosteringacultureof intentionalcollaborationamongour staff,students,andparents,we’re buildingastrongsupportnetwork Throughongoingprofessional developmentanddata-driven practices,we’recommittedto helpingstudentsachievetheirbest
Aswelaunchintothisyearwith excellence,let’sworktogetherto makethesegoalsareality We’re gratefulforyourpartnershipand prayersaswejourneytogetherin equippingourstudentstoserveand impacttheworldforHim
Thankyouforjoiningusinprayerfor awonderful2024-2025schoolyear!
WearealwaysexcitedtofeatureaMessagefrom Alumni.
Ifyoucouldsharewithuswhatyouhavebeenup to,pleasecontactusatinfo@ocsiorgwithyour yearofgraduationfromOCSIandarecentphoto!
Whether you graduated five years ago or fiftyfive years ago, we want OCSI to be a continuing partofyourlife ConnectwithOCSI!
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EasilyaccesstheOCSIParentPortalonthego withourdedicatedapp!Thismobile-friendly applicationprovidesaseamlesslinktothe Veracross-ParentPortal,givingyouinstant accesstovitalinformationaboutyourchild's education
Ms SarahTurner
ElementaryPrincipal
Wehadagreat1stQuarterinElementary!
Thebeginningpartof1stQuarterisgettingbackinto theroutineofschool Teachersspendalotoftime goingoverroutinesandprocedures Goodroutinesand proceduresallowforclassroomstorunsmoothlyso thatlotsoflearningcantakeplace
In1stQuarter,Iwentintoeachoftheclassroomsweekly toreadastory Moststoriescoveredthethemeof Kindness-kindnesswithourwords,kindnessinour actions,andkindnessontheplayground Wetalked abouthowwearemandatedreportersandneedto reportifweseesomewhoisunsafeorbeingharmed
Ourschoolcounselor,Mrs Lopez,hasalsogoneintothe elementaryclassroomsthisquartertotalkabouthow tobeagoodfriendandconflictresolution Shewill continuetohelpsupporttheelementarystudentsin theirsocialandemotionaldevelopmentthroughoutthe schoolyear
Theendof1stquarterishereandreportcardswillbe comingoutsoon Continuetoencourageourson and/ordaughtertotrytheirbest Welookforwardto seeingyouallonMonday,November4forparentteacherconferencesandtheOCSIInternational CollegeandCareerFair
3rdgradeLearningTrip
Since 1st Quarter, much of classroom time is spent on learning procedures and getting into the routine, there are not as many events as the other quarters, but a few classes did get to go on some fun learning trips!
3rd grade went to the Southeast Botanical Gardens where they got to feed some animals and ride a boat around the lake
4th grade went to Kin town to learn about the mangroves and have a picnic lunch at a park
2nd Quarter will bring lots more exploring about this world God created through learning trips and learning in the classroom
4thgradeLearningTrip
Here are some important events taking place in the 2nd Quarter:
PreK and K Sweet Potato Digging - 10/25
5th Grade Ice Skating - 11/1
Parent/Teacher Conference - 11/4
2nd Grade Learning Trip - 11/8
Kindergarten Family Picnic Day - 11/15
Picture Day - 11/25-11/26
Harvest Festival (G1&2) 11/27
Thanksgiving Break - 11/28-11/29
1-5th Christmas Program - 12/12
PreK and K Christmas Program - 12/18
Christmas Break - 12/19-1/6
Kite Day and Parent Observation - 1/13
End of 2nd Quarter - 1/22
SmartReads Book Club
This Quarter, elementary joined SmartReads Book Club, a company based in Tokyo, where parents can order English books and OCSI can get points to get free books We are excited for this new opportunity and are looking forward to continuing the book drive two or three times a year!
Dr.BradSkarin MiddleSchoolPrincipal
Weareexcitedtowelcomenewmemberstothe MiddleSchoolteachingteam.Mr.Kimhasjoined ustoteachGeography,Mrs.Johnsonhas transitionedfromelementarytomiddleschool andisteaching6th-gradeMathandSocial Studies,andMr.Silvaisteaching7thand8thgradeEnglish.Theseteachersbringfreshenergy andperspectivestotheclassroom,helpingus fulfillourmissionto"excelinacademics"while creatinganurturing,Christ-centered environment.Theircommitmenttoacademic andspiritualgrowthsupportsourschool’sgoalto equipstudentsto"walkwithJesusandimpact theworldforHim."
Aswereflectonthestartofthisschoolyearin OCSIMiddleSchool,it’sclearthatGodismoving inpowerfulways.Fromnewclassesandteachers toexcitingeventsandactivities,ourstudentsare beingchallengedtogrowbothacademically andspiritually Eachoftheseexperiencesis intentionallydesignedtoalignwithourmissionof equippingstudentstowalkwithJesusand impacttheworldforHim
AtOCSIwearecommittedtobuildaChristcenteredcommunityfosteringanenvironment wherestudentscandeveloptheirgifts,build meaningfulrelationships,anddeepentheirfaith
Thisyear,wearethrilledtointroducetheMiddleSchoolDramaclass, ledbyMrs CindyCloud Throughthisclass,studentsaregaining valuableskillsintheatre,includingstagedirection,acting,and scriptwriting.ThisalignsperfectlywithOCSI’sExpectedStudent Outcome(ESO)to"developeffectivecommunicationskills"as studentslearnhowtoexpressthemselvesconfidently The collaborativenatureofdramaalsotiesintoourschoolvalueof "buildingChrist-centeredcommunitythroughhonestandkind collaboration,"asstudentsworktogethertocreateandperform
OurschoolyearstartedonahighnotewithMiddleSchoolFriendship Friday,atimededicatedtowelcomingnewstudentsandincoming 6thgraders.Throughfunwatergamesandfriendlycompetitions, studentshadtheopportunitytobondandbuildlastingfriendships Thiseventisanembodimentofourvalueto"buildChrist-centered community"andourmissiontohelpstudents"valueandmaintain social,emotional,moral,andspiritualhealth."FriendshipFriday encouragescollaboration,kindness,andrespectamongpeers, settingapositivetonefortheyear
Recently,weheldourMiddleSchoolcampatayouthcenter inNago,wherestudentsenjoyedgames,alipsync competition,hiking,deliciousfood,andevenarapconcert! Butmoreimportantly,thecampcenteredaroundthe messagethateachofusis"lovedandcalledbyGod,"which beautifullytiesintoourcorebeliefthatallstudentsshould "growaslearners"and"demonstrateChrist-likecharacter."
Thechapelsessionsanddiscussionsremindedstudentsof theirvalueandpurpose,emphasizingtheimportanceof spiritualgrowthastheylearnto"thinkcriticallyand Biblically."Thecampnotonlyfosteredstrongfriendships butalsostrengthenedthestudents’faithandcommitment toservingothers
Aswecontinuetheschoolyear,welookforwardtoseeing theseexperiencesandvaluesshapeourstudentsasthey growacademically,spiritually,andsocially preparing themtoimpacttheworldforChrist
Mr DanielPallmann HighSchoolPrincipal
WhileweallhopefullyenjoyedaniceSummer Break,itisgoodtobebackinschoolagain Studentshavebeengettingusedtonewclasses andclassmates--thereareafewnewteachers aswell!
ParentTeacherConferenceappointmentsare availablethroughVeracrossthisyear.Please signupthroughyourParentPortal
Weareexcitedtohavethefollowingteachers joinourHighSchoolteachingstaff:
Mr Groves-ComputerScience
Mr Hamline-Math&Science
Mr.John-English
Theotherbigchangethisyearisthetransition fromJupitertoVeracross Aswealladjusttothe variouschallengesandopportunitiesthisyear willbring,Ipraythatitwouldbeagreattimeof growthandblessing
Herearesomeimportanteventstaking placeinthe2ndQuarter:
DeadlineforaddingAPExams-11/1
College&CareerFair-11/4
Parent/TeacherConferences-11/4
PictureDay-11/25-11/26
ThanksgivingBreak-11/28-11/29
MidtermExams-12/13-12/18
ChristmasBreak-12/19-1/6
SpiritWeek-1/13-1/17
EndofQuarter-1/22
WE HAVE HAD A BUSY START TO THE YEAR; HERE ARE A COUPLE HIGHLIGHTS:
Highschoolstartedofftheyearwiththeir "FriendshipFriday"activities.Theseevents servetonotonlywelcomenewstudentsto ourfamily,buttohelpstudentsgettoknow eachotherbetter
MAPtesttookplaceinSeptemberforall3rd11thgraders Checkoutourwhole-school resultsintheMAPTestingsection FallSportsarefinishingupthisweek Bothour CrossCountryteamandourGirl’sVolleyball teamhave beenworkinghardandhave earnedaninvitetotournaments Checkout thedetailsintheAthleticssection
OnOctober16,studentsingrades9-11tookeither thePSATortheNMSQT.9thgraderstakethe PSAT,orPreliminarySAT 10th&11thgraderstake theNMSQT,orNationalMeritScholarship QualifyingTest Thisexamhelpsstudentswho areUScitizensbecomeeligiblefortheNational MeritScholarship.
ThisyearoneofourstudentsreceivedaLetterof Commendation.
Bothofthesetestshelptopreparestudentsfor takingtheSAT WhiletheSATisnotalways required(checkuniversityrequirements),itis highlyrecommendedforstudentstotake.
MAP(MeasuresofAcademicProgress)Testingisacomputer-adaptivetestthatevaluatesstudents' progressincoreacademicsubjectssuchasreading,math,andlanguageusage MAPTestingisconducted3timesthroughouttheyear,allowingustotrackstudents'academic progressovertimeandadjustinstructionbasedontheircurrentneeds
StudentMAPreportscanbeaccessviatheVeracrossParentPortalundertheFilestab.Thisreport caninitiallyseemoverwhelming,buthere’sasimplebreakdownofitsmainsections: RITScore:MAPusesascalecalledtheRIT(RaschUnit)scoretomeasureastudent’sacademic level It’snottiedtogradelevelbutreflectstheirlearningprogress HigherRITscoresrepresent higherachievementlevels.Comparethescoretonationalordistrictaveragestoseewhereyour childstandsinrelationtopeers
2
1 PercentileRank:Thisshowshowyourchildperformedcomparedtootherstudentsacrossthe country Forexample,apercentilerankof75meansyourchildscoredbetterthan75%ofstudents inthesamegradenationwide.
3 GoalAreas:Thereportbreaksdownperformanceintospecificgoalareas,suchas"Algebraic Thinking"or"ReadingComprehension"Thesesectionshelphighlightyourchild’sspecific strengthsandopportunitiesforimprovement
GrowthInformation:MAPtestsaredesignedtomeasuregrowthovertime Yourreportwillinclude agrowthprojection howmuchimprovementisexpectedbasedonnationalnorms Italsoshows whetheryourchildmet/exceededtheseprojectionsinthelatesttest
4. SUGGESTIONSFORUSINGMAPDATAATHOME
Understandingyourchild’sMAPtestresultsisagreatstart,butyoucanalsousetheinformationto supporttheirlearningathome HerearesomewaystouseMAPdataeffectively: CelebrateStrengths:First,recognizeandcelebrateyourchild’sacademicstrengths Acknowledgingwhattheydowellbuildsconfidenceandmotivation.
1
2
SetGoalsTogether:Reviewareasthatneedimprovementandsetachievablegoals Forexample, ifyourchildisstrugglingwithmathconceptslikegeometry,youcanaimtofocusmoreonthat areaathome
3.
UseAdditionalResources:ManyonlinetoolsandappsalignwiththeskillstestedbyMAP. WebsiteslikeKhanAcademyorIXLofferpersonalizedlessonsthatfocusonareaswhereyour childneedsgrowth Youcanusethesetoolstoreinforceskillsathome
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EncourageReading:Ifyourchild’sreadingscorecoulduseaboost,setasidetimefordaily reading.Encourageavarietyofbookstoexposethemtodifferentgenresandvocabulary.
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5 CollaboratewithTeachers:Don’thesitatetoreachouttoyourchild’steachersforguidanceon howtosupporttheirlearning.Theycanprovideinsightsintospecificstrategiesorresourcesto helpyourchildachievetheirgrowthgoals.
MonitorProgress:KeeptrackoftheirprogressovertheyearbyregularlyreviewingMAPreports withthem Askthemabouttheirlearning,andcelebratetheefforttheyareputtingintoimproving
Elementaryandsecondarystudentsingrade3-11completedtheMAPTestingfortheFall.MapScores areoneofmanymeasuresofstudentsprogress.Overallwewerepleasedtoseesomanystudents exceedingtheprojectedgrowth
*Pleasenote:CurrentdataavailableatthetimeofthispublicationwasFall2023USAandFall2024 Internationalmeans.
ChaplainAndyRoe
AtOCSI,ourchapeltimesaredesignedtonurturestudents'faithandhelpthemgrowintheirrelationship withGod Inmiddleandhighschoolchapel,wearecurrentlyexploringthe"HeroesofFaith"fromHebrews11 Thispassageremindsusthat"withoutfaith,itisimpossibletopleaseGod"
StudentsarelearninghowfigureslikeAbraham,Noah,Moses,andGideontrustedinGod,evenwhenthe roadaheadseemeduncertain Thesestoriesofperseveranceandconvictioninspireourstudentstodeepen theirownfaithandtorelyonGod'spromisesintheirdailylives
Inelementarychapel,wehavebeenstudyingthebookofJudges,focusingonhowGodworksthrough ordinarypeopletoaccomplishextraordinarythings We'velearnedaboutindividualslikeGideon,Ehud, Deborah,andSamson,whowereallchosenbyGodtoleadHispeopledespitetheirweaknessesorfears Throughthesestories,studentsseethatfaithandobediencetoGodcanmakeadifference,andthatHecan useanyonewhoiswillingtotrustHim
AlongsideBibleclassandLifeGroups,thesechapelsserveasan essentialpartofthespiritualeducationweprovideourstudents, equippingthemtowalkwithJesusandimpacttheworldforHim.
Ifyourchildoryourfamilyisinterestedinattendingalocal churchandwouldlikemoreinformationaboutachurchinyour area,pleasedon’thesitatetoreachout.Additionally,yourchildis alwayswelcometostopbymyofficeorreachoutwithany questionsorconcernstheymighthave
AtOCSI,serviceisanimportantpartofthestudents’educationandserviceisoneofourcorevalues. Becauseofthis,allstudentsparticipateinatleastonemajorserviceprojecteachyear.Jesussaidin Mark10:45,“ForeventheSonofMancamenottobeservedbuttoserveothersandtogivehislifeasa ransomformany”
Lastmonth,our6thgradersdidtheirannual“ChristmasinSeptember''serviceproject.Throughalocal churchandincollaborationwithOperationChristmasChild,the6thgradersgatheredavarietyof itemstopackashoebox;thingsliketoiletries,schoolsupplies,toys,andsomecandy Theshoeboxes thestudentspackedwillbegiventoneedychildrenineastAsia,whomaynotreceiveanypresentsfor Christmas.Intotal,thestudentspackedup12boxestosend.Wearesoproudofour6thgraders,and areexcitedtoseetheirjoyinserving!
November 4th, 2024
1:30-4:30 pm@ OCSI gym
Universities&EducationalInstitutions fromNorthAmerica: BiolaUniversity(USA) CollegeoftheCanyons(USA) ColumbiaCollegeChicago(USA) GreenRiverCollege(USA) HopeCollege(USA)
KapiolaniCommunityCollege LeTourneauUniversity(USA) NorthCentralCollege(USA) UniversityofHawaiiatManoa(USA) WheatonCollege(USA) ForeignStudentServicesInc (Canada)
UniversitieswithCampusesWorldwide： LakelandUniversityJapan
TempleUniversityJapanCampus UniversityofMaryland,GlobalCampus
Universities&EducationalInstitutions fromAustralia
TheUniversityofNewSouthWalesFoundation StudiesProgram(Australia)
UniversitiesfromAsia: HoseiUniversity(Japan) InternationalCollegeofLiberalArts(Japan) KeioUniversitySFC(Japan) KyotoInternationalUniversity(Japan) KyotoUniversityofAdvancedScience(Japan) NagoyaUniversity(Japan)
NagoyaUniversityofCommerceandBusiness(Japan) RitsumeikanUniversity(Japan)
TheChineseUniversityofHongKong(HongKong) TheHongKongPolytechnicUniversity(HongKong) UniversityofTsukuba(Japan)
WasedaUniversity(Japan)
Universities&EducationalInstitutions fromEurope: ArtsUniversityBournemouth(UK) LeCordonBleu(UK/Canada) UniversityofLimerick(Ireland)
StudyAbroadProgram: HelloWorldInc
EmploymentOpportunities: AmericanEngineeringCorporation(AEC) MinistryOpportunities: CalvaryBibleInstituteJapan
OkinawaBoardofEducation USConsulateGeneralNaha NominalSponsorship
GermanAcademicExchangeService OkinawaTimes
GovernmentAgencies: AustralianConsulate-General,Osaka GovernmentofWesternAustralia,JapanOffice NewZealandEmbassy,Tokyo OkinawaInternationalExchangeandHumanResource DevelopmentFoundation UnitedStatesAirForceAcademy USArmyRecruiting
Weareexcitedtoannounceour3rdAnnual InternationalCollegeandCareerFair, scheduledforNovember4th,2024.This eventwillfeatureover40universitiesand organizations,providingvisitorswiththe opportunitytoaskquestionsandlearn moreabouttheirprogramsdirectly! Thisfairisdesignedforstudentsinterested instudyingabroadorpursuingadegreein EnglishhereinJapan Theeventisopento thepublicandadmissionisfree.Lastyear, wewelcomedover450visitors,andwe hopetoseeevenmorethisyear! Weencourageeveryonetoattendandtake advantageofthisfantasticopportunityto exploreeducationaloptionsandconnect withrepresentativesfromvarious institutions Welookforwardtoseeingyouthere!
ToparticipateintheOCSICollegeFair,all visitorsmustcompletetheregistrationprocess Pleasepresentyouronlineticket(QRcode)at theentrance
PREREGISTRATION: Pre-RegistrationForm Pre-Registration
ContactMrs.Sartoreat guidance@ocsiorg ifyouhaveanyquestions. VISITUSONLINE https://ocsiorg/collegefair2024/
Mr.DavidKim AthleticDirector
ThisFallsportsseasonwasoneofsomebigfirstsforOCSIAthletics!
InGirlsVolleyball,ourJVsquadhadtheopportunitytotravelto FukuokaandparticipateintheWJAA(WesternJapanAthletics Association)annualtournamentwithfiveotherteams TheWJAAis anathleticassociationconsistingofinternationalschoolsgenerallyin theKobearea Althoughwearen’tamemberschoolwewere fortunateenoughtoreceiveaninvitationtocreateaunique opportunityforthewholeteam!Wewillcontinuetoreachoutto schoolsintheWJAAandotherassociationstoseekopportunitiesin additiontotheDODEAFarEastTournamentwetraditionally participatein.
OurVarsitysquadconcludedtheirseasonattheFarEastTournament atYokotaAirBase Ofnote,MonamiTamaki(Grade10)wasselected fortheAll-TournamentTeam!
Ahugecongratstoalofthevolleyballplayersthisseasonfrtheir dedicationandhardwork!
InCrossCountry,wewereabletosend representtheschoolattheAPI(AsiaPa TheAPIisanannualhighschoolcross hostedinGuam;thisyeartheybrough Japan,givingourathletestheopportun FreshmanRintaroMurakamiledthetea 20:225!
Aheartfeltthankyoutoourincrediblec selflessnessanddedicationthisseaso
CoachJasperGomessteppeduptoen daughterandthegirlswouldhaveate willingnessanddevotionisinspirationa
CoachDavidLacar,thankyouforansw putonyourheartandreturningtohelp
CoachJamieGarcia,thankyouforsha andleadershipwiththegirls,bothinan classroom.
CoachesThomasMahaffieandDanielClaxton,thank youforopeningtheteamtosomanyparticipantsand gettingthecommunityofparentsinvolved!Your dedicationtoteachingtheboysandgirlsabouteffort andcommitmentwillremainwiththeathletesforyears tocome
AtOCSI,ourStudentCareTeamarededicatedtosupportingstudents' academic,career,andsocial-emotionaldevelopment Through individualcounseling,groupcounseling,andclassroomlessons,we collaboratewithteachers,parents,andadministratorstocreatea positiveenvironmentthatpromotesstudentsuccess Wealso advocateforstudents’well-being,addressingbarrierstolearning, andensuringtheyareontracktomeettheireducationaland personalgoals
Mr AndyRoe
Spiritualandpastoralcounseling andsupporttostudents,parents, staff,andtheOCSIcommunityas wellasweeklychapelservicesfor allstudents
Mrs NorahLopez
SchoolCounselorandChild
SafeguardingLead Providing classroom,smallgroupand individualcounselinglessonsto studentsK-12 Collaboratingwith teachers,admin,andparents Referralservices&child safeguardingresponses
Mrs LibbyHarris MentorProgramCoordinator& Lifegroupcurriculumteam member
Mr DanielClaxton
CoordinationofSATandACT examsCoordinationofAPexams Supportwithinformationabout collegesinJapan
Mrs JessSartore
Offerscollegeandcareer counseling,organizescollege informationsessionsfor studentsandparents, coordinatescollegevisits,and advisesstudentsontheir4-year plans
MentorshipProgram
StudentsarepairedwithanOCSIteacherasamentorMentortimeallows studentstodiscusslife,seekguidance,andreceivesupportthrough encouragement,accountability,andprayer
ClassroomLessons
Topicsincludebrainscience,growthmindset,overcomingthefearoffailure, andstressmanagement
FriendshipClub:Focusingonhealthyfriendshipsandconflictresolution MentalWellnessClub:Aservice-orientedgroupthatpromotesmentalhealth andwell-beingacrosstheschoolcommunity
Addressingissuesrelatedtoattendance,behavior,andsocial-emotionaland spiritualwell-being
AmbassadorProgram
PartneringwithNHS/NJHSstudentleaders,eachnewstudentispairedwithan ambassadortohelpthemadjust,answerquestions,andintroducethemtokey peopleandplacesatOCSI
LifeGroup
Weeklysmallgroupmeetingsforsecondarystudents,offeringencouragement, support,andguidanceonsocial-emotionallearningtopicsThistimeisalso usedtocheckinonstudents'spiritual,academic,andsocial-emotionalgrowth
InrecognitionofSuicideAwareness/MentalHealthMonth,OCSIstaffreceived trainingonresearch-basedsuicidepreventionmethodstobettersupport students'mentalhealth
A G r e a t S t a r t t o t h e Y e a r !
DwightGroves-SecondaryTechnologyTeacher
ImDwightGrovesJr,andI'mthrilledtobeapartofthisvibrantfamily Ihavelivedalloverthe placefrombeingborninNewYorktoJamaicanparents,toGermany,toSouthKorea;andnow callingOkinawahomewithmywonderfulwifeAyaka,lifeisanexcitingblendofcultures, flavors,andstories Asadedicatededucator,IbringnotjustaBiologyspecializationanda Master'sinComputerScience,butalsoapassionforsparkingcuriosityinyoungminds When Imnotunravelingthewondersofscienceintheclassroom,youllfindmeonaculinaryquest, savoringOkinawandelicaciesandexploringthediversefoodscene Ilookforwardtomaking memoriesinthisbeautifulislandcommunity Catchmeinthehallways,wherethescentof goodfoodoragrippingbookisnevertoofaraway Here'stoafantasticjourneyoflearning andlaughteratOCSI!
OriginallyfromPortugal,IwasraisedinBelgiumandlaterpursuedstudiesinDallas,TX Now residinginJapan,Iamaseasonedfreelancegraphicdesignerandvideographerwithover 15yearsofexperience Outsideofwork,Ienjoytraveling,photography,andplayingthe drums
MikaCusumano-ElementaryTA
IhaveawonderfulhusbandwhoisalreadyateacheratOCSIandtwokidswhohaveboth graduatedfromOCSI IhaveworkedinchildcareinAmericaandinelderlydayservicesin Okinawa Ihavealwayslovedbeinginvolvedwithpeople,andOCSIsmissionstatement "EquippingstudentswithJesusandimpacttheworldforHim" Iamgratefulforthe opportunitygiventometoworkhere Iamalsolookingforwardtogrowinginanewfield I amexcitedtoserveatOCSIwithyouall!
RyanLam-ElementaryResourceTeacher
BorninUSA,raisedinToronto,Canada,Ryanfinishedhispost-graduatediplomainEarly ChildhoodEducationatTheEducationUniversityofHongKong Ryancaresdeeplyforpeople ofallstagesinlifethroughtilldeath HavingstudiedFuneralServicesEducation,hetookcare ofthedeceasedandtheirfamily'sneeds Ontheside,hedidweddingvideographyforhis friendsandclients Currentlyheisinvolvedwiththeemotionalregulationofchildreninearly years.In2018hislifewaschangedbyacontestwherehewonthegrandprizeairplanetickets toHongKong Sincethen,hehasbeenpursuinghisgoalofbecomingaprofessionaleducator inHongKongandbeyond
IgraduatedfromMoodyBibleInstitutewithadegreeinTESOLandhavetaughtEnglishin India,Taiwan,andPalestine Ienjoystudyingandplayingmusic,withaspecialinterestin traditionalfolkmusicaroundtheworld Ialsoenjoycookingoutofpassionforeatingand enjoyingfoodwithfriends Ilovelearningnewthingsandencounteringnewchallenges
KayokoChiang-StaffSupportCoordinator
Hi!ImKayokoChiang,andamsoexcitedtostartthisnewseasonofmylifeatOCSI Iwas bornandraisedinthemainlandJapan,andwhileIwasinSanDiego,Californiaformystudy, IencounteredmyLordandSavior,JesusChrist Afewyearsago,theLordgraduallyplaced thedesireinmyhusbandandItoreachouttoJapanese In2019,theLordcalledmy husbandandmetoOkinawatoworkandserveHiminJapan BackintheStates,Ihadbeen servingataninternationalstudentfellowshipformanyyears,andIloveditsomuch Ireally enjoyworkinginanenvironmentwhichishighlydiverseinculturesandnationalities,soIam verythankfulforthisopportunity IamlookingforwardtobeingapartoftheOCSIfamilyto servetheLordandimpactOkinawa,Japan(withmytriplets!)
MicaelNgoma-ICTNetworkManager
First,IamabornagainbelieverinJesusChrist AcitizenoftheUnitedStates,Iwasraisedoverseas inSouthKorea Ispenttheformativeyearsofmylifeimmersedinauniqueblendofcultures GrowingupasthechildofmissionariesfortheInternationalMissionBoard,Ispentafulfilling12 yearsinKoreabeforemyparents retirementledustosettleinTexas Graduatingfromhighschool in2016,IproudlycompletedtheInternationalBaccalaureateprogramwithafocusonPhysics, Chemistry,andMathematics MyacademicjourneycontinuedatTexasStateUniversity,whereI dedicatedmyselftothepursuitofknowledge Afterfouryearsofhardwork,IearnedaBachelorof ScienceinPhysicswithaminorinMathematics Post-graduation,Ichosetomakeadifferencein theeducationsector,teachingataTitle1schoolinthegreaterHoustonArea Asathirdculturekid, myexperienceshaveshapedmeintoawell-roundedindividualwithadeepappreciationfor diverseperspectives Now,Iameagertoreturntotheinternationalcommunity,bringingwithmea wealthofsocial,academic,andspirituallifeskillstosharewithothers
MynameisMicaelNgoma Iamaborn-againChristianandanICTprofessionalwithmore thansevenyearsofexperienceineducation Inmypreviousrole,Iledinitiativesthat transformededucationalpracticesbyimprovingITinfrastructureandintegratingtechnology seamlessly Iampassionateaboutusingtechnologytomakelearningbetter Iamexcited aboutworkingwiththeOCSIcommunitytobringinnovationandempowerbothstudentsand educatorsforsuccessinthedigitalage
B u s i n e s s U p d a t e s
OurPlaySafelyfundraisingprojectisprogressingwell,bringing excitementtoourelementarystudentswiththeconstructionofa newocean-themedplayground Weextendheartfeltthankstothose whohavegenerouslycontributed Yoursupportisinvaluable!
We’reontracktofinishbyChristmas Whilethemainprojectwillbe completedintimefortheholidays,westillwelcomeadditional supporttoenhancethisplayarea
Thisyear,weintroducedtheVeracrosssystem Afteraquarterofuse, wehopeyou'reseeingimprovementsintheparentandstudent portal,newsletters,andthehealthkiosk There’sbeenalearning curve,butwearemakingsteadyprogress
Thinkofitaslearningtopilotaplane it’scomplexandrequires training,butwe’regettingbetter Moretrainingforstaffisunderway Whilewe’renotyeton"autopilot,"improvementsareontheway. Thankyouforyourpatienceaswenavigatethissystem!
Aspartofeffortstoimprovestaffwell-being,wecompletedastress checkforallOCSIstafflastmonth,incompliancewithgovernment regulations
WiththesupportofourIndustrialPhysicianandHealthandSafety Committee,wearereviewingresultstoensurecontinued improvementandahealthyenvironmentatOCSI
SOSROKARSOSOEMO BUSINESSDIRECTOR
Aspartofourcommitmenttoprovidingan excellentlearningenvironment,wecompleted significantindoorfacilitiesrenovationsover thesummer Approximatelytwo-thirdsofour mainbuildingnowfeaturesupdatedflooring, newsolidwallstoaddresssoundproofing issues,andfreshlypaintedceilingsandwalls, givingabrighterandcleanerlooktoeach classroom Wealsoreplacedthewindowseals andaddedsomenewfurniture.Ourscience labreceivedparticularattentionwith upgradesdesignedtoenhanceourstudents’ educationalexperiences
Wehaverecentlyimplementedseveralsignificantchangestoour technologyinfrastructure AlargesuiteofChromebookswasreplacedand assignedtostudents,ensuringtheyhaveaccesstoupdateddevicesfor theirlearning WealsolaunchedtheVeracrossstudentinformation system,whichincludesvariousportalsandadditionalfeaturesthatthe entireteachingandadministrativeteamisactivelylearningtoutilizeand releasethroughouttheyear.Tofurtherenhanceourtechnology management,weexpandedourteambyaddingtwokeyroles:anICT NetworkManagerandanITSystemsManager Thisdivisionof responsibilitieswillsupportfuturedevelopmentsinnetworkexpansion Additionally,thetechnologydepartmentwillassisttheschoolinenabling otherstobetterutilizedataindecision-makingandimproveparent communication,allwhilealigningwiththestandardsofinternational schoolsandeducation
NICKMCQUILLIN
Additionally,constructioniscurrently underwayfortheplaygroundreplacement, furtherenrichingouroutdoorfacilities O p e r a t i o n s U p d a t e s
OPERATIONDIRECTOR
ELEMENTARY MOVIE NIGHT:
ElementarySchoolMovieNightfeaturingInsideOut2willbeonFriday,November1stfrom5:30pmon theOCSIfield(moviestartsat6pm).Bringyourownchairsorblanketstositon,andjoinusonthefield foraneveningoffamilyfun!PTFwillbehandingoutfreepopcornforthechildrenandcoffeeforthe adults,andbakedgoodswillbeavailableforpurchase AllelementaryschoolfamiliesgradesPreKto5 aswellasoldersiblingsandtheirfriendsarewelcome!
Pleasenotethatthisisnotadropoffevent Parentsareresponsibleforthesafetyandwhereaboutsof theirchildrenatalltimesthroughouttheevening Lookingforwardtoseeingyouthere!
OCSIPTFChristmasMarket2024willbeon Saturday,November23from10amto3pm Thiseventwillbeopentothewhole community,andwehopeyouwillinviteallof yournon-OCSIfriendstojoinusforadayof fun,food,andfellowship TheChristmas MarketwillfeatureaChristmasmessage, OCSIelementarychoirperformance,student booths,craftvendors,foodvendors,games, bouncehouse,fleamarket,andraffle More detailscomingsoon!
Inthespiritoftheseason,20%ofthefunds collectedfromthesaleofraffletickets,flea marketsales,andvendorfeeswillbe donatedtoYomitanShakaiFukushiKyogikai tohelplocalYomitanfamiliesinneed;an additional20%willbedonatedtoDeaf MinistryInternationalaninternational Christianministrythattakesthegospel, education,andemploymenttothedeaf aroundtheworld;another10%willbe donatedtoHelpOkialocalvolunteer organizationthatrunsOkinawa’soldestfood bankinanefforttohelpthoselivingin povertyontheisland Theremaining50%of thefundswillbeusedforschool improvementsandtoprovidelearning opportunitiesforthechildrenatOCSI
WeareexcitedtoannounceourPlayground SafetyCampaign,aimedatupdatingand improvingtheplaygroundfacilitiesforour students Ourgoalistocreateasafer,more engagingspacewherechildrencanplay, explore,andgrow Aheartfeltthankyoutothosewhohave alreadycontributed!Yourgenerosityis helpingusmoveclosertomakingthisvision areality Everydonation,bigorsmall,brings usonestepclosertobuildingasaferand happierenvironmentforourstudents Tocontinuethisprogress,weneedyour support!Bydonatingtothiscampaign,you aredirectlycontributingtothewell-being andhappinessofallstudents
Yourgiftisaninvestmentinyourchildren. Thinkofhowfewopportunitiesthereareto makeacharitablegiftthatbenefitsyour ownchildren Unliketuition,yourgiftsare alsotax-deductible.
Youcanviewamenuofdonationsbeing collectednowbytheOCSIFundfortheFuture
OCSIGeneralFund CapitalImprovementFund SpecialClassroomProjectsFund UniversityScholarshipAward TuitionAssistanceFund PlaySafelyFundraisingProject
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1835 Zakimi, Yomitan, Okinawa 904-0301 Japan
www ocsi org | info@ocsi org
TEL 098-958-3000 / +81-98-958-3000 (International)
Fax 098-958-6279 / +81-98-958-6279 (International)
