OCSI Connections (Spring 2021 version)

OCSI CONNECTIONS

EQUIPPING STUDENTS TO WALK WITH JESUS AND IMPACT THE WORLD FOR HIM

FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL'S DESK MEGAN ROE

Okinawa Christian School International is dually accredited by two agencies from the United States-- Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Every three years, a team comprised of both ACSI and WASC members visits OCSI to affirm our accreditation and school improvement progress.

On February 18th and 19th we were able to participate in a virtual mid-term accreditation visit. Ahead of their visit we reviewed the accreditation standards and prepared videos of the school's campus, classrooms, recess, lunch, and classroom learning. During their visit, the team also met with groups of teachers, support staff, the board, parents, and students. The following is an excerpt from the summary, commendations, and recommendations portion of the findings from the "ACSI/WASC Mid-Term Visit Report".

"In summary, OCSI has made meaningful progress toward the Schoolwide Action Plan. All major recommendations of the previous visiting committee report have been integrated into this plan and addressed in a satisfactory manner at the mid-cycle point".

Commendations: "The entire school community for their commitment toward Christian education and furthering the school's mission."

"The Leadership Team for guiding work toward the Schoolwide Action Plan which supports school improvement."

"The Board for their support of revised financial structures which allows for the hiring and retaining of staff."

"The teachers for the work on curriculum mapping which is helping to build an OCSI specific curriculum based on the needs of students and the Christian mission of the school."

"The Leadership Team for engaging stakeholders in the process of continuous whole school improvement."

"The teachers for creating a caring, supportive environment which supports the overall well-being of students."

Recommendations: "The Leadership Team continue to review, refine, and revise the Schoolwide Action Plan on an annual basis to address the growing needs of the school."

"The Leadership Team to develop and implement a systematic plan for gathering and analyzing data from alumni in order to provide feedback from a meaningful group of stakeholders."

Elementary Principal Update SARAH TURNER

Week of Reading Our Elementary Week of Reading was a HUGE success this year! We kicked off the week with a Reading Challenge where all OCSI Elementary students worked together toward a goal to log 50,000 total elementary minutes of reading at home!

At the end of the two weeks, they totaled up the minutes and it was 92,914 minutes!!!

Wow!!

As a result, I had to ride a tricycle around the school for one day. Good job everyone!

During the week, students also enjoyed a Character Parade, wearing crazy socks, and pajama day.

During the week, we also celebrated with Reading Buddies; each elementary class was matched up with a High School (HS) or Middle School (MS) homeroom.

Students and teachers enjoyed connecting across the divisions. Reading is such a foundational skill across elementary that brings success for students in MS, HS, college and beyond. Thank you for supporting your child at home, encouraging them to read daily, asking them questions and interacting with their books, and modeling reading to them.

As Walt Disney says "There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate's loot on Treasure Island." Thank you for treasuring reading with us.

Secondary Principal Update DANIEL PALLMANN

Thank you for helping to feed many right here in Okinawa!

Rice Drive Our first ever Rice Drive actually began during second Quarter. However, we did not get to total it all up until the beginning of the 3rd Quarter.

OCSI students and families were very generous-- donating almost 1200 kilograms of rice. This rice was donated to the following locations: Second Harvest Food Bank (Naha) Kodomo Cafe Food Bank (Okinawa City) Grace Kitchen (Uruma) Misato Children's Orphanage (Okinawa City)

Spirit Week We also had our annual "Spirit Week" with this year's theme being Hollywood.

This meant each class had to develop a sketch relating to movies.

NHS Induction On March 19 we held our National Honor Society Induction Ceremony.

NHS recognizes high achieving students and promotes service to the school and community. We were excited to have 22 students inducted.

HS Camp Our normal Fall camps were postponed to the Spring. As we were not able to go overnight, we held a day-camp for three days. Many students expressed how fun it was to do something different this year. There were some great experiences both on and off campus.

MS Camp will take place next week.

Literacy Update JULIE WOOLERY

Literacy support class gives students the opportunity for extra English practice and development that will help them in their other classes. Right now the 5th grade Literacy students are reading Peter Brown’s novel The Wild Robot. Students read passages out loud, discuss and review the story, and write reflections that correspond with themes presented in the book. We also take time to expand their knowledge by learning about real robots and other science topics included in the story.

A highlight of our reading experience so far was to visit Mr. Lloyd, the OCSI Computer Science teacher, and see robots he has built. Students prepared questions before we went, and they were so excited to see the computer lab, 3D printers, and ask Mr. Lloyd countless questions about his robots and the process of building them. It was amazing to see students who don’t always feel confident in their English abilities boldly ask questions and discuss the art of inventing and creating with Mr. Lloyd.

I’m so thankful for our school community that provides a place for students to build confidence as they explore and learn about God’s creation and the opportunities He gives us to grow as lifelong learners.

Business Manager Update SOSRO KARSOSOEMO

We are pleased to share that 96% of

With expected enrollment of around

current students plan to continue their

475 students next school year, the OCSI

education at OCSI next school year.

Board of Directors approved the budget

OCSI began the re-enrollment process for 2021-2022 school year in early January 2021. We are very encouraged that 96% of current PreK to Grade 11 students have decided to stay with OCSI. Thank you for your trust and support!

We have been open for new student enrollment since February 2021 and have received many new applications. We are currently in the process of interviewing and testing potential new students. We are grateful for families, both current and prospective, who are partnering with OCSI for their child's education.

for next fiscal year (2021-2022) in March. (OCSI follows the Japanese fiscal year cycle, beginning in April and ending in March of the next year).

One highlight for the budget 2021-2022 is our capital improvement project to repaint the OCSI main building. This projects includes other smaller projects as well that will increase our facility's safety and durability. OCSI's logo and school name will also be added to the front of the school building over the summer of 2021.

Helping Clean Up Classrooms

Character Parade

Elementary Floor Hockey Club

HS Girls Basketball Club

Middle School Class

Okinawa Christian School International www.ocsi.org