Singapore American School Newsflash, March 2007

MICA (P) 195/08/2006

Volume 9, Issue 7-06/07 - March 2007

A Singapore American School community service publication

NewsFlash

Join us!

April 19th to 21st 25th Anniversary

I A S A S

Content Page

3 6 13 27 Robert Gross Superintendent of Schools

Mark Boyer Asst. Superintendent Curriculum and Instruction

Rhonda Norris Asst. Superintendent Business

David Hoss Principal Primary School

Marian DeGroot Principal Intermediate School

Regulars Superintendent’s Message Booster News SAS PTA President Letter Calendar Highlights

SAS Highlights 4 - 25th Anniversary of IASAS 7 - IASAS Schedules 9 - 2nd Season IASAS Sports 10 - SACAC Sport 11 - Pistons Passion Pays Off 12 - PTA Gala Wine Dinner and Auction 14 - Star Appeal Dinner 16 - Chris Crutcher Speaks to SAS Students - 4th Grade Class Supports the SPCA 17 - Together We’re all Stars 18 - Book Buddies Present...

19 - Junior International Honor Orchestra Trip 20 - Modern Languages at SAS 22 - Mathematics at SAS 24 - AP Guidelines 22 - HS Book Club 26 - Thaipusam

Are You Receiving What’s Happening at SAS?

Robert Godley Principal Middle School

David Norcott Principal High School

NEWSFLASH is published monthly by the Communications Office of the Singapore American School.

It is distributed free of charge to the parents, faculty members and organizations served by the school.

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE Singapore American School 40 Woodlands Street 41 Singapore 738547 Tel: 6360-6303 SAS Website: http://www.sas.edu.sg Editor: Ms. Beth Gribbon Staff Editor: Mr. Scott Duncan Layout Design: Ms. Joey Lew

SAS NewsFlash – March 2007

We are sending all parents and guardians a regular weekly What’s Happening at SAS newsletter by email.

If you have not been receiving the weekly email, probably we do not have your correct email address. Send us an email at communications@sas. edu.sg to give us your current email address. The distribution can include both parent email addresses. The weekly What’s Happening at SAS will also be posted on the website at http://www.sas.edu.sg.

We welcome input from the community associated with Singapore American School April NewsFlash Deadline: April 5, 2007 Publication Date: April 23, 2007 May NewsFlash Deadline: May 4, 2007 Publication Date: May 21, 2007 Email Community News Input to bgribbon@sas.edu.sg Email Trading Post Input to trade@sas.edu.sg Trading Post advertising is restricted to non-commercial items only from SAS students, parents and staff

Message from the Superintendent of Singapore American School

School Admissions and Enrollment

I

n the 2000-01 school year, when we were beginning to reach enrollment capacity on the current school site, with an enrollment of 2900, the Board of Governors approved an extensive expansion and remodeling project. The expansion of the facility resulted in a building capacity of approximately 3800 students and complied with the lease requirement stipulating an enrollment of 3700 students before a wait list can be established.

Using historical data, and information we were able to obtain from other sources, it suggested that a reasonable projection of enrollment would be an additional 75 students per year. A growth rate of 75 students per year would take us until 2014 before we would reach capacity at the school. We all know that the enrollment growth has significantly exceeded projections and we now have an enrollment of 3760 students.

In establishing building capacity, we assume every teacher has a classroom, that doesn’t need to be shared with others, and that class size will be kept at a maximum of 22 students per class. Next school year we will add another class at first grade and that will complete the growth on this campus.

Every attempt is made to maintain a class size of 22 students per class, but on occasion circumstances simply suggest that placing an additional student in a classroom makes sense. During the second semester this year, we exceeded the 22 students per class by placing one additional student in five of the fifth grade classrooms. These students would have been admitted in August, 2007. It spared the families from having to enroll their child in another school for a few months. In a couple of those cases other siblings had already been admitted in another grade.

In looking forward, considering the fact that we are virtually at enrollment capacity, we will continue to maintain the maximum class size limit at 22 students per class in K-12 and 16 students per class in pre-school and pre-kindergarten.

We will also strive to have a classroom available to each teacher for the full school day. The exceptions to this guideline generally take place when part time teachers are employed.

The Memorandum of Association of the American School Trust Limited (Singapore American School) stipulates that priority for admissions shall be given to US passport holders. In considering our admissions for the 2007-08 school year, we will be giving priority to US passport holders and second priority will be given to non-American applicants employed by a company headquartered in the United States or established under the laws of one of the US states. Third priority will be given to non-American applicants who seek to transfer from any other school in which instruction is conducted primarily in English.

Following the April 1st deadline for re-enrollment, we will be in a much better position to know how many of the new applicants we will be able to admit for next school year. Again, admission and enrollment capacity will be based on the criteria outlined above.

The Board of Governors is also studying the possibility of opening another campus. Prior to any decision on this issue, numerous conditions will have to be met and input will be gathered from the various constituencies at SAS. Some of the considerations include: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6)

Suitable property available in Singapore Favorable financing arrangements Projected need for a second campus What grade levels would be included in the new campus What type of program would be implemented Economic outlook for Singapore in the next five to ten years.

The Board is purposely taking a very cautious approach on this issue. Now that our obligation on the lease has been met, there is ample time to study this issue carefully. Please feel free to give me a call at 6360-6315 or e-mail bgross@ sas.edu.sg should you have any comments or questions regarding admissions, enrollment and the future of SAS. Bob Gross Superintendent of Schools SAS NewsFlash – March 2007

Join us at the 25th Anniversary of IASAS!

By Michelle Brunoehler, Booster Club President

T

his year the Interscholastic Association of Southeast Asian Schools (IASAS) celebrates its 25th anniversary. April 19th to 21st will find Singapore American School hosting all the third season IASAS tournaments, welcoming over 420 athletes and 100 coaches from all the six IASAS schools for tournaments in badminton, softball and track and field. This is the only time in IASAS history that one school has hosted all the games in a season! This momentous occasion marks the evolution of a program of athletic competition, fine arts exchange and forensics that have grown to be a major influence in the lives of hundreds of high school students spread across six different countries and international schools.

Established in1982 by Singapore American School (SAS), International School of Bangkok (ISB), Jakarta International School (JIS) and International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL), the Interscholastic Association of Southeast Asian Schools (IASAS) was organized to facilitate student athletic competition in a league format. The International School of Manila (ISM) joined the league in 1985 and Taipei American School (TAS) followed in 1986.

Student athletes in the high school strive for the opportunity to be selected to participate in the IASAS tournament each year in one of ten different sports. The first season sports are: cross country, soccer and volleyball. The second sports season is the largest and, because of the holidays, spans the longest time period; the second season sports are basketball, rugby/touch rugby, swimming and tennis. Cheerleading is also a second season sport but not an IASAS event. The third season consists of badminton, softball, and track and field. There are girls and boys teams for all IASAS sports.

A few facts about third season sports teams: • Varsity Badminton is one of the most difficult teams to make given the large number of students who try out for the team and the limited 12 player roster.

• The PE/Health Department Chairs, Chuck Shriner and Gordon Cyr have been coaching the girls and boys badminton teams for seven years.

• Returning IASAS badminton players are: for the boys’ team - Wilson Hasan (captain), Marcus Bech, Dan Tsukuda, Brian Riady, Jack Pitfield and Ivan Pesik, for the girls team – Neha Sethi and Winnie Tan (captain).

• The girls’ softball coaches are Stacey Jensen, Jim Ruhter and Mark Swarstad.

• Returning IASAS girls softball players are: Keri Dixon (co-captain), Sophie Greene, Michelle Lee, Gaby Linnard, Barb Lodwick (co-captain), Gaby Loscalzo, Alex Shaulis and Vanessa Peck.

• The nine returning IASAS boys softball players are: Clay Crawford (cocaptain), Ian Gillis, Jeff Kreutter, Russel Kreutter, Brandon McArthur (co-captain), Daichi Moriyama, Sandy Morris, Mitch Samson and Adam Schwarz (co-captain).

• The boys’ softball team will be going for its third consecutive gold medal!

• The boys’ softball coaches are Will Norris and Kent Knipmeyer. Will has coached softball for six years at SAS, while Kent is new to the SAS program; he brings experience from his previous school.

• SAS has been dominant in track and field for many years; the girls’ teams have won gold from 1997 to 2006 and the boys’ teams from 1998-2006.

SAS NewsFlash – March 2007

Join us at the 25th Anniversary of IASAS! (cont’)

By Michelle Brunoehler, Booster Club President

• The track and field coaches have an impressive 75 years of coaching experience between them at various schools.

While at SAS, Jim Baker has coached for 26 years; Brian Donalson has coached for 15 years and Dale Smith for 5 years.

• Returning IASAS track and field team members are: Adam Anderson (co-captain), Gonzalo Carral (co-captain), Alex Finch, Sunny Han, Warren Ho, Sam Lloyd (co-captain), Brian Maissen, David McNicol, Barron Witherspoon, Renuka Agarwal, Nicole Bannister, Sara DeNoma, Nora Hanagan, Chi Chi Lin, Tolley St. Claire and Sam Tierney.

The organization of the 25th Anniversary of IASAS at SAS has been managed by Athletic Directors Brian Combes and Mimi Molchan. Their planning encompasses housing the 370 visiting athletes and their 80 coaches, organizing the coaches’ hospitality room, setting the game/match schedules, locating officials, organizing the more than 150 student volunteers from Athletic Council and presenting the awards and trophies.

IASAS athletes practice most days after school from 4:15 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Local games/matches usually are at night or on the weekend. Before sending these exceptional athletes to IASAS, they will be recognized in a pep assembly at school and the Booster Club will give each athlete an IASAS sports bag to carry their equipment.

The celebration of IASAS 25th anniversary is a wonderful opportunity to see some amazing athletes from the Southeast Asia area in one location performing at their peak. It’s also a wonderful opportunity for young athletes to witness what their future could be as an IASAS athlete. Please take the opportunity to bring the family out and watch these hard working and gifted athletes.

There will be several locations to purchase food while at these events. SACAC will open up the kiosk on the upper baseball field and inside the high school café Mr. Hoe, Subway and Juice Zone will be open.

On Thursday (April 19) the Booster Club will also hold a bake sale in the high school café. The Booster Booth will remain open till 5:00 p.m. on Thursday and Friday (April 19-20) and will also have a table of merchandise available in the high school café on Saturday (April 21) from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

If you are interested in assisting SAS with housing the visiting athletes please call the Mimi Molchan or Brian Combes in the High School Activities Office: 6360-6598 or 6360-6599. You may also reach them via email: mmolchan@sas.edu.sg or bcombes@sas.edu.sg.

Please join the Eagle mascot in cheering on the SAS teams!

SAS NewsFlash – March 2007

SAS NewsFlash – March 2007

SAS NewsFlash – March 2007

SAS NewsFlash – March 2007

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Thursday, April 19th, 2007

IASAS SOFTBALL SCHEDULE

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Thursday, April 19th, 2007

IASAS BADMINTON SCHEDULE

Second Season IASAS Sports

By Michelle Brunoehler, Booster Club President

T

he IASAS second tournament season was another successful one for SAS swimming, tennis, rugby, touch rugby and basketball teams.

The girls’ and boys’ swim teams continued their IASAS dominance with team gold medals. From 1999 to 2006 the swim teams have won 14 out 16 IASAS team gold medals! This year the following SAS swimmers also won individual gold medals: Boys: Nick Colletti - 100 Freestyle Rod Hesh - 50 Freestyle Girls: Michelle Ong - 50 Freestyle, 100 Freestyle, 50 Butterfly Kristen Johnson - 200 Freestyle Roxy Hesh - 400 and 800 Freestyle Kathy De La Hoz - 100 Backstroke Kirstie Parkinson - 100 Breaststroke, 200 Breaststroke Anna Von Essen - 200 Individual Medley While the individual tennis players improved throughout the season, the boys’ team placed third and the girls’ team fourth during IASAS. Despite the huge improvement in IASAS rugby and touch standards over the past years and injuries to key players, both boys’ rugby and girls’ touch rugby teams received silver medals. Both teams had difficult draws which left them playing two tough games on the final day which highlighted the injury problems. All tournament players for the girls were: Nora Hanagan, Alex Shaulis and Kacey Whitaker and for the boys: Adam Anderson, David McNicol and Adam Schwarz. It is an interesting fact that many students are now going on to play rugby while in college in many countries including the USA. The boys’ basketball team was plagued by injuries but managed an impressive silver medal while the girls’ basketball team fought hard for a bronze medal. All tournament players for the boys were: Clay Crawford and Chris Hussey and for the girls: Nicole Banister and Barbara Lodwick.

Congratulations to our IASAS swimming, tennis, rugby, touch rugby and basketball teams!

SAS NewsFlash – March 2007

“Take me out to the Ballgame”

By Jackie Barry and Lisa Iha of SACAC Sports

T

he Singapore American Community Action Council (SACAC) “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” Charity Baseball Game on February 3, 2007 was a huge success! Excitement filled the air as over $4,000 was raised in support of the SACAC Bowling Program. SACAC sponsors the SAS Bowling Club which provides mentally-challenged teens a weekly afternoon outing of bowling with the companionship of SAS high school students.

According to Christine Popowski, SAS Faculty Bowling Program sponsor: “The SAS high school volunteers guide the bowlers through a session of bowling while acting as a friend to individuals who might otherwise have little or no contact with ‘mainstream people.’ A few of the parents of the bowlers are always on hand at the bowling alley and have remarked that the SACAC Bowling Program has changed the lives of their children.”

The fund-raising event was held at the Singapore American School (SAS) baseball field and was a highly-contested game between the high school elite SEAYBST Seniors and the X-Men – an adult men’s team. With over 400 tickets sold, the bleachers were filled to capacity and spectators spilled over into chairs along the 3rd baseline and onto the hill behind the outfield fence. The festivities began with the teams and coaches being introduced along the baselines by our announcer, Steve Betts. The Boy Scouts of Troop 07 then presented both the American and Singapore flags in preparation for a stirring rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner by Chelsea Curto. SAS Superintendent, Bob Gross, then approached the mound and threw out the first pitch to kick off the game.

Senior Boys’ SEAYBST Team

Fans enjoyed hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn and American candy while some of the younger fans played with inflatable bats and ran around on the lighted field behind the stands. After the 3rd inning, the Chingay Dancers came onto the field and performed a preview of their dance for the Chingay Parade. Both the Seniors and the X-Men played an outstanding game, with homeruns hit over-the-fence by Jeff Kreutter, Brandon McArthur and Billy Fulton of the Seniors and Kim Criens and Ayama-san of the X-Men. In the end, the Seniors pulled out a hard-earned win with a final score of 8 to 4.

The support from the American Community was overwhelming. SACAC is proud to be part of the American Community in Singapore.

SACAC would like to thank the following individuals: • X-Men team with SAS High School teacher, Kim Criens • SEAYBST Seniors baseball team • SAS Middle School teacher, Steve Betts, for announcing the game • Scott Weber and Boy Scouts Troop 07 for performing the flag ceremony • SAS High School student, Chelsea Curto, who performed The Star-Spangled Banner • SAS Superintendent, Bob Gross, for throwing out the first pitch • Plate umpire, SAS Middle School teacher, Mark Forgeron • Field umpire, SAS High School teacher, Will Norris • Tracy van der Linden and Heather Rodocker, SAS dance teachers, and the SAS Chingay Dancers for their performance • SAS students Ian Gillis, Ciera Walker, Dorie Dugard, Michelle Schmitz, Cat Ward, Nicole Schmitz for running concessions • SAS graduate, Sara Small, for running concession • SAS graduate, Paul Reay, for running the scoreboard • SAS facilities team • SAS teachers, Will Norris and Paul Koebnick for the sound system

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SAS NewsFlash – March 2007

Pistons Passion Pays Off

By Donna Hinton, Grade 4 Teacher and Pistons Fan

A

s a lifelong Detroit sports fan my students are well aware of my passion for the Pistons. Our classroom is decorated with posters, banners and memorabilia from all of the Detroit area teams. We call our small classroom community Hintonia, and we refer to the Detroit Pistons as the official basketball team of Hintonia. We cheer loudly for the Pistons and daily keep track of wins and losses on our class scoreboard.

Mrs. Hinton’s 4th Grade Class

It isn’t just about cheering for a great sports team. As fun as that is, and we do have fun, we use our interest in sports to inspire our learning. The Detroit Pistons have become a part of many of our lessons. In Math, we have used Pistons statistics to learn about averages, data, probability and graphing. The Pistons have been a large part of our discussions about teamwork and character. We have also written poetry about the Pistons, our favorite team.

Last May, my students and I decided to send the Pistons a collection of the poems they had written about their team, Detroit, and their favorite players. They also colored some Pistons pictures. It was the end of the school year and the Pistons were once again in the playoffs.

Sending the poems, pictures and a letter to the Pistons telling them about the role they had Mrs. Hinton’s 4th Grade Class from Last Year played in our classroom, was our way of saying thank you to the Pistons for their part in the wonderful grade four year we had all enjoyed together in Hintonia. We sent off our poems to the Palace in Auburn Hills, said our goodbyes to one another and headed off to enjoy the summer and the new adventures that would await us in the new school year.

Imagine our delighted surprise this year, when we arrived back from Christmas holidays, to find a package waiting for us from the Detroit Pistons. Inside were Pistons prizes for me, the classroom and the students, and a kind letter from the Pistons. The Pistons wanted to thank us for our support and for making their team a part of our learning. The Pistons recognized that while I would have a new class they hoped our passion for the team and for learning continued.

What a pleasure it was to gather last year’s class, over lunch one day that week, to share the package. There were player cards and pins for each student. Even more than the excitement of the package, it was a joy to spend a few minutes together again in Hintonia reminiscing about the fun we had had together the year before.

When each year ends and I ask my students what they will remember about grade 4 they most often reply that they will remember the fun we had cheering for the Pistons. I hope they will also remember the lessons we learned between the cheers.

SAS NewsFlash – March 2007

11

PTA Gala Wine Dinner and Auction

By Delaine Whitehead, Wine Committee Chair Photos by Lindsey Iacovino and Paul Chan, SAS Parents

T

he SAS PTA held its annual Gala Wine Dinner on Saturday, February 10 at the Regent Hotel. The evening began with guests sipping champagne and wine, tasting savory canapés and browsing a dazzling array of Silent Auction items. The Silent Auction featured 85 beautifully displayed items ranging from jewelry to fantastic trips, household furnishings, artwork, a photography package and even a Zoom teeth whitening package! There was a buzz and excitement in the air as people were competing for their favorite items. Winning bids ranged from $35 to $4,400, so there was something there for everyone. A prize basket was awarded to the bidder who purchased the largest number of Silent Auction items.

After the Silent Auction, guests proceeded to the gorgeous ballroom, elegantly decorated in shades of crème and gold, with over 1800 wineglasses Some of the exquisite auction items sparkling on the candlelit tables. A delicious gourmet Italian dinner was served.

Each course was accompanied by specially selected wines that were chosen by our Master of Ceremo- The beautifully decorated dinner tables nies himself, Mr. Phil DeFord. As usual, Phil led everyone through a delightful evening of food, fun and wonderful wine. Tables teamed up to answer questions to a wine quiz designed by Phil. The winning table won a fabulous gourmet wine dinner for eight at the Wine Garage, who was also one of our major sponsors. At the beginning and the end of dinner, our Delaine Whitehead (Gala Wine Dinner Chairman), Live Auction offered guests Phil DeFord (Master of Ceremonies), Shukor Abdul with Eastern Carpets and Lindsey Iacovino (Gala the opportunity to bid on an incredible trip to a luxury Wine Dinner Committee and PTA Vice President) resort, superb vintage wines, and exquisite carpets. The fun and lively spirit of the bidding was infectious and led to some very liberal bids all in the name of fun and fundraising for SAS. Bidding on Silent Auction Items

While the Gala Wine Dinner has grown in popularity over the years, this year’s event Enjoying the Silent Auction(L-R): Karen DeBerry was deemed by many to be (Wine Dinner Committee), Maya Roll (SAS Board of the best ever. This sentiment Governor) and Marybeth Shay from Sante Fe was strongly expressed by our guests’ extremely generous bids, allowing the SAS PTA Gala Wine Dinner to nearly double its profits from last year’s event. As with all PTA fundraisers, the funds raised from this event will go back to SAS in the form of equipment, programs and scholarships for our children.

The Silent Auction was a very busy and popular place!

The Gala Wine Dinner Committee wishes to express it’s sincerest thanks to all of our sponsors. We especially wish to recognize our major sponsors: Sante Fe Relocation Services, Wine Garage and Eastern Carpets. Our wine tasting sponsors were Wine Garage, Crystal Wines and Denise Wine Shop. Without their support, the success of this event would not have been possible.

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SAS NewsFlash – March 2007

L

et me begin this month’s letter with a huge ‘Thank You’ to Ann Martino, our 2007 County Fair Chair. Ann and her dedicated committee of volunteers organized a great event that was a success in helping raise funds for the PTA and other organizations. It also provided a fun-filled day for many SAS families, despite the rain. The Fair seems to grow larger each year, and it is only due to the volunteers that we can put on events like this. Someone came up to me during the Fair and said how wonderful it was to see so many SAS families out enjoying the day.

They said we should do this more often. I agree that would be great, but I don’t think many people realize the countless hours that go into organizing a one day event like this. I would also like to thank the many people who spent part of their day helping in the various booths and games. We cannot hold these types of events without your support.

SAS PTA

PTA President Letter

When talking about the various PTA events, parents often ask what the PTA does with the funds raised at events such as County Fair and Food Fest. Let me first start by providing some examples of how we work with various groups to help organize the raising of funds. If you attended County Fair, you most likely noticed that some of the booths selling food or running games were run by High School clubs. Prior to the event, PTA High School Representatives work with these clubs to develop booth ideas and to obtain sponsorship. The students are responsible for setting up and manning the booths, along with their teacher sponsor, during the event. PTA will provide most of the supplies needed, and the proceeds of the booth are split with 75% going to the Club and 25% going back to PTA. As Clubs often find it difficult to raise funds here in Singapore, this provides them an opportunity to gain their much needed financial support, which is then typically channeled back into the local charities that they support.

The funds raised by the PTA are dispersed throughout the school in the form of Fund Spending Requests. In January, each of the division principals is asked to compile a list of requests. Teachers and staff are given the opportunity to request funding to purchase items not covered in their regular budget. This special funding is the ‘icing on the cake’ for our teachers and staff. In 2006, we were able to provide over $120,000 to support these requests. Some examples of items covered by PTA funds include listening centers, a projection screen, Chinese musical instruments, a portable PA system, electronic smart boards, and classrooms books for all divisions. In addition, we have also sponsored visiting authors, guest speakers, High School Interim trips and High School Senior scholarships.

All this good work would not be possible without the support of the local community, either in volunteering to help at events or by attending these functions. We have had a great year so far and appreciate all the hard work our members have done and the support from the SAS community. We look forward to receiving future funding requests from teachers and staff so that we can continue to help improve the quality of education for all our children.

As always, we encourage you to contact us with questions or suggestions that you may have for PTA. Susan Fay PTA President

isoaisjkjkjkjkjkjkjksdsoaidoiodsjddddsajdsajdajdlksajdkasjdasjdklsajdjsajjld PTA Nominating Committee 2007/08 PTA Executive Committee Nominations The PTA Nominating Committee is seeking nominees for the 2007/08 PTA Executive Committee positions – President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary. A slate of candidates will be submitted for election at the PTA Annual General Meeting on May 15. Nominations will be accepted until May 2, two weeks prior to the election.

If you would like to submit your name or nominate someone for consideration please contact one of the following Nominating Committee members: Lindsey Iacovino (iacovino@aol.com), Jacki Dixon (jackiadixon@hotmail.com) or Holly Kreutter (hkreutts@hotmail.com).

The PTA is also seeking volunteers for the 2007/08 academic year to chair or work with the following committees: • PTA Services - PTA Sales, Welcoming, Calendar, Scholastic Books, Directory, Celebration Books • PTA Events - Hospitality, Food Fest, Book Fair, County Fair, Gala Wine Dinner, Sponsorship Detailed descriptions of the committees are available on the PTA webpage http://pta.sas.edu.sg/about/committeestructure.html or by contacting the current committee chairperson indicated. To express an interest in volunteering for one of these committees, please contact PTA President, Susan Fay by email at susanfay@aol.com.

isoaisjkjkjkjkjkjkjksdsoaidoiodsjddddsajdsajdajdlksajdkasjdasjdklsajdjsajjld SAS NewsFlash – March 2007

13

Star Appeal for the SAS Educational Foundation

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n Friday evening, March 2nd, the second annual Star Appeal Dinner was held at the Goodwood Park Hotel, in support of the SAS Educational Foundation. A total of 280 parents, teachers, administrators and friends of SAS gathered to enjoy an evening of friendship, food and specially arranged student entertainment. With the generous support of the Khoo family and the Khoo Teck Puat Foundation, who provided the venue and underwrote the cost of the dinner, the event is destined to become an SAS tradition. This year the evening not only raised $400,000 for the Foundation, but it also offered an opportunity to recognize Bob Gross who will be leaving Singapore in June after eight years as Superintendent of SAS. SAS Superintendent, Bob Gross (standing) with

The SAS Educational Foundation was launched last year with a $100,000 SAS teachers, Jeff and Nanett Devens donation from the SAS PTA. Additionally, another $300,000 was raised last year at the Star Appeal Dinner thanks to the generous support from the corporate and parent community. Last year, like this year, the Foundation was able to retain the full amount of the donations received for the dinner due to the benevolence of the Khoo family.

HS teacher, Ellen White, SAS parent, Amy Lee and HS teacher, Zhu Wenhong

The money raised for the Foundation will be used to fund financial aid and scholarships, athletics and intramural activities, visual and performing arts programs, community service and other special projects. A special project sponsored this year, by the Foundation, is the SAS Parent Speaker Series. The Parent Speaker Series program is designed to identify speakers to address issues of special interest to our parent community. This year we were also able to provide a scholarship to a student from Cambodia. Selected because of her potential and our relationship with her school in Cambodia, this student is enjoying her new life in Singapore and is thriving at SAS. Without the commitment of her host family and the contributions to the Foundation, her attendance at SAS would not be possible.

Thank you to the many generous donors to the SAS Educational Foundation this year. The names of the individual and corporate donors are listed elsewhere in this issue of Newsflash.

Many thanks are also due to the Star Appeal Committee, Khoo Eun Choo, Susanna Wong, Suzie Nam, Bon Sun Park, Janine Byrne and Beth Gribbon without whom this evening would not have been possible. Thank you to the Khoo family for underwriting the dinner, the teachers that directed and choreographed the evening performances, the student musicians and dancers that performed at the dinner, Sean McCabe the MC for the evening, Mark Clemens for producing and editing the video “Bob Gross Remembered,” John Byrne, wine auctioneer extraordinaire, Wendy Yap and Vinum Fine Wine Merchants for donating the Gamelan performance by SAS Intermediate School students wonderful wines for the wine auction and served during dinner and Edan and Bon Sun Park for funding the table arrangements. The large number of individuals and corporations who supported this event, made this a very special evening and helped assure that every dollar contributed went directly to the Foundation and the students at SAS. If you were unable to attend the Star Appeal Dinner and would like to make a contribution to the SAS Educational Foundation, you may do so by sending your donation to the Development office at SAS or by making a donation online on our secure website at http://alumni.sas.edu.sg/?edonations. For more information about the SAS Educational Foundation or about making a donation please contact Beth Gribbon at 6360-6303.

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SAS NewsFlash – March 2007

SAS NewsFlash – March 2007

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Award Winning Author – Chris Crutcher Speaks to Students at SAS

By Ron Starker, MS Librarian

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uring the week of March 12th through the 16th visiting author Chris Crutcher provided presentations to over 1200 students at SAS. Crutcher is known for being a dynamic public speaker and he certainly did not let his audiences down. He provided plenty of humor but also some serious thoughts on intellectual freedom, social issues and on the craft of writing.

“Crutcher is widely regarded as one of the top Young Adult authors in America.

In 2000 he was named the recipient of the ALA’s Margaret A. Edwards Award, in addition he received the National Intellectual Freedom Award, given by the National Council of Teachers of English and in 1998 and he was honored twice by the Assembly on Literature for Adolescents.” Teen Reads.com 2007 Crutcher’s novels address social problems including racism, child abuse, sexuality, drug abuse and eating disorders.

He worked as a teacher and director of an alternative school for many years and he is currently a therapist and child protection advocate. In the twelve novels that he has written, he uses these real life experiences to create stories that deal with the challenges and conflicts that are faced by young adults.

Mr. Crutcher lives in Spokane, Washington. His visit to SAS was sponsored by the SAS PTA. All of Mr. Crutcher’s novels are available in the Middle School and High School Libraries.

Mr. Widel’s Fourth Grade Class Supports the SPCA By a student in Mr. Widel’s class

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he Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals takes in over 10,000 animals per year. Dogs, cats, hamsters, birds and other animals all need new homes.

While in the shelter these pets need to be fed, bathed, and taken care of. Mr. Widel’s fourth grade students decided to raise money to help the SPCA. “How can we do this?” they asked. “We are just kids….”

It all started with a few kids giving their left over lunch money.

Then more students in the class gave some of their allowance.

The coins and small bills came pouring in. At the end of the first week we had collected $56.35. At the end of three weeks the students had contributed a total of $168.70. Everyone in the class donated money. Wow! Two representatives from the class (Morgan Donahue and Madeline Wilson) went to the SPCA on February 19, 2007.

They first took the money to the SPCA office and turned in the class donation. Then they visited the kennel area to see the animals available for adoption. Peering into the eyes of the animals, they knew that the SPCA was a worthwhile cause for the class to support.

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SAS NewsFlash – March 2007

SAS NewsFlash – March 2007

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Book Buddies Present….

By Jeff Hinton, Third Grade Teacher

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or the past four years, Mr. Kershner’s Red Angelfish Kindergarten Class and Mr. Hinton’s Third Grade Gecko Class have paired up for Book Buddies. Children from each class are partnered and work together throughout the year. This is an awesome opportunity for students to become responsible for a peer and to form friendships with children in a different division.

Each week, on Wednesdays, the students get together for a variety of activities. Buddies read to each other and at other times participate in games, create holiday crafts, perform science experiments, have festive celebrations, put on mini skits, play on the playground, do a crazy Mad Lib or munch on snacks together. It is an enriching experience for the students as they learn from their Buddies. At the end of each time together, Buddies walk to the busses, give each other a high five or a hug and say good bye.

Each year, one of the highlights of Buddies has been performing a play together. This past February, the students performed a Bunch of Munsch, which consisted of six short plays based on books by the well known children’s author, Robert Munsch. The plays included Mud Puddle, Moira’s Birthday, Thomas’ Snowsuit, I Have To Go, Andrew’s Loose Tooth and Stephanie’s Ponytail. The children had a fantastic time entertaining the parents, third grade and Kindergarten classes, in the Elementary Theatre. The best part of the play was the excitement that the children had as they supported and encouraged their Buddies. Students worked together to create props and the set, assisted each other with lines, reminded each other of stage positioning and contributed to one another’s costumes. It was truly a team effort and loads of fun, with lots of laughter. The culminating event to celebrate the success of an amazing production was a Cast Pizza Party, to which the students and their parents were invited.

isoaisjjkjkjkjkjkjksdsoaidoiodsjddddsajdsajdajdlksajdkasjdasklsajdjsajld 2007/2008 Budget Presentation

The SAS Board of Governors views the development of an annual budget of revenues and expenditures as one of its most important jobs. The budget process begins in the fall and culminates in early April in an open meeting with parents and faculty to review the proposed budget, after which the Board gives its final consideration and adopts the budget in late April. You are invited to attend the special open meeting when Board members and administrators will present next year’s proposed budget for discussion at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 10th, 2007 in room H301 on the 3rd floor of the High School. A summary of the 2007/2008 budget with proposed revenues and expenditures will be distributed via e-mail and posted on the website on the 2nd of April 2007.

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SAS NewsFlash – March 2007

Junior International Honor Orchestra Trip a Success!

By Darrell Townshend, Middle School Strings Teacher

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rom February 6-11, 2007, eight Middle School students represented SAS at the International Honor Orchestra (IHO) Festival held at the International School of Beijing (ISB).

Violinists Kristy Chong (Principal - Second Violin), Jessica Lin, Preeti Varathan, Yoon Ku Kang, Irene Tung, cellists Lauren Jung and Lena Jung, and bassist Avery Lim (Principal – Bass) all acquitted themselves admirably as they performed a variety of pieces from American Country to Spanish Fireworks.

Janice Lim kindly chaperoned, and we traveled with three high school orchestra students, Catalina Hwang and Isaac Ng (violin) and Francis Yang (cello), High School strings teacher Mr. Bonnette, Middle School strings teacher Darrell Townshend and Intermediate School strings teacher Kristin Solverson.

Our Tuesday flight landed in time for everyone to enjoy both the hotel and a traditional Chinese meal. Wednesday saw us at the ‘Forbidden City’, exploring that famous site of intrigue and finally - revolution, then returning to the hotel to be taken to ISB where our students home-stayed with friendly, helpful parents. Students rehearsed for many hours each day, and learnt a great deal about the music they were to perform. Their conductor, Matthew Spieker from Berlin coached and coaxed some great playing from his Junior Orchestra. Friday evening was set aside for shopping, and Saturday morning was spent exploring the Great Wall. ISB provided pre-concert entertainment via a student acrobat group that showed the excellence in juggling and contortion that our students then showed during their musical concert.

A highlight of the concert was a newly commissioned work that combined Junior and Senior Orchestras with traditional Chinese musical instruments to create a beautiful collage of east and west; such an appropriate idea for an international festival set in China!

Our students enjoyed making and refreshing friendships, performing exciting music and visiting a foreign culture on this, our third, IHO trip. Our 6th and 7th grade students are looking forward to next year when the IHO will be held in Belgium.

Our thanks go to Robert Godley, Franke Thomas, Mark Boyer, Marian DeGroot and Marc L’Heureux (for Ms. Solverson’s school release and PD funding), Janice Lim and the parents of these lucky students for making the trip happen!

SAS NewsFlash – March 2007

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Modern Languages at SAS

Modern Languages at SAS

By Dr. Helena Curtain

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• • • • • • • • • •

t is a pleasure to work with Singapore American School in the area of Modern Languages: Chinese, French, Japanese and Spanish.

SAS is to be commended for: Dedication for “continuous improvement” among teachers and administrators to continually upgrade and refine the modern languages program, so that it can best serve the diverse needs of the SAS student population.

Commitment and involvement of faculty for ongoing staff developDr. Helena Curtain conducting one of the workshops in SAS. ment to ensure that best practices are in place in all classrooms.

Offering a program with such a wide array of language programs at so many levels.

Dr. Helena Curtain, Modern Language Offering a program in which students are able to study Chinese in every Consultant for SAS division starting in primary school and continuing all the way through high school.

Dr. Helena Curtain is serving as a consultInvolvement of the majority of students in middle school and high school ant with SAS for a total of 70 days during modern language courses beyond SAS requirements. this school year. Dr. Curtain is an internaProviding a modern languages curriculum based on best practices in the tionally known consultant for world lanlanguage profession. guages and English for Speakers of Other Offering Advanced Placement programs at the high school level that proLanguages. She is the author of various vide outstanding results year after year. articles dealing with language instrucOffering not one, but two Asian languages as part of the curriculum. tion and the co-author (with Carol Ann Dahlberg) of Languages and Children: Offering a language program that starts with the very youngest learners in Making the Match, now in its third edition.

Pre-school so that they will be exposed to another language at a time when She has broad experience working with they can acquire it relatively easily. schools and school districts, teaching Positive support and commitment of parents for language learning experiand conducting workshops throughout ences for their children. the United States and internationally.

Continuing to expand the after-school and out-of-school language opportunities for students.

During the past two years there has been a dedicated focus on continuing development in the modern language program. Four areas are undergoing exciting improvement at SAS: Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment, and Organizational Development.

Curriculum The curriculum which outlines the goals for each language and each level of language study has been revised and updated, and is available on the SAS website under Curriculum. The curriculum reflects the latest modern language research and pedagogy, and is based on the Standards for Foreign Language Learning of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. These standards contain the same basic concepts and require the same types of language outcomes as the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The curriculum contains a mixture of communication goals based on listening, speaking, reading and writing. Here are samples of the types of tasks required of students at beginning levels and at more advanced levels: Sample Beginning Level Tasks for all SAS Languages • Give and follow simple instructions • Ask and answer questions about family, school events • Share likes and dislikes with each other and the class Sample Advanced Level Tasks for SAS French and Spanish • Discuss roles in society based on age, gender, family • Identify and discuss stereotypes

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SAS NewsFlash – March 2007

The SAS modern language curriculum is examined each year to insure that it is a “living document” that provides the needed guidance for course objectives and for articulated course sequences.

Creating this articulated curriculum has been especially complex for the Chinese language program for several reasons. First of all, Chinese has the longest sequence extending from pre-school through high School. French and Spanish are offered in grades 6-12 and Japanese is offered in grades 9-12. This means that the Chinese language program must be carefully articulated across four divisions.

The Chinese curriculum is also challenging in that the focus of most of the materials commercially available for Chinese have not been updated to reflect language teaching and learning based on communication, particularly oral language proficiency. Rather the commercially available materials tend to be geared more toward reading and writing. Also there are not widely recognized K-12 Chinese standards and curricula available. Therefore SAS is clearly becoming a leader in the area of curriculum development and effective use of resources in the classroom.

An interesting and important fact about Chinese is that it takes four times as long to reach the same proficiency in Chinese as it

Heritage A large part of the modern language curriculum work this past year has been focused on the articulation of programs from level to level, beginning in the primary school and continuing through high school. For the Chinese program it has meant adding or planning to add a Heritage track in the primary, intermediate and middle school divisions. The Heritage track is designed for students who pass a placement examination and who have one or more of the following characteristics: 1) Native – students for whom Chinese is a first language or for whom it is one of their first languages, and in which they received formal Chinese language education in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

2) Heritage – students who have grown up or lived extensively in Asian culture, and who have had exposure to the language through non-formal education means. These students generally lack one or more abilities in reading, writing, speaking, and listening; in many cases students lack ability in writing.

3) Non-native, non-heritage – students who have learned Chinese extensively outside of school, through experiences with native-speakers and cultures and/or through intensive tutoring.

Instruction Under the heading of instruction, workshops have been held for the modern language staff on such topics as K-12 curriculum development, teaching strategies with a special focus on using the target language for teaching, teaching thematically, and performance assessment. A list of “essential agreements” on best practices in modern language instruction has been prominent in discussions among all modern language faculty.

The agreed upon instructional goal for all languages is oral proficiency accompanied by appropriate reading and writing skills.

Since Chinese is in the group of languages that takes the longest to learn, due to the difficulty of the literacy aspects, the emphasis of time and attention in the primary, intermediate and middle school Chinese programs is now on oral language proficiency. The goal is for SAS students in Chinese programs to develop speaking skills that they can use for “real life” communication. Of course, these communication skills will fall within the guidelines for how much can be accomplished within the program time limits.

Assessment The Modern language staff is currently working on performance

assessments which will be used as part of the information for placement in language courses for the next school year so that there will be a smooth transition from level to level.

Performance assessments will also be used to guide appropriate levels of instruction to better insure challenge and success.

Organizational Development In the area of organizational development many projects are underway. Among them are: • development of a parent handbook that will provide enhanced communication on the SAS language programs and also how to support language acquisition for your children • development of a language program handbook for teachers and administrators that will reinforce “essential agreements,” support continuous progress of the language programs, and enhance communications among faculty and administrators related to various language issues • development of a website with language links for teachers • development of a website with language links for parents • development of guidelines for articulation patterns and placement procedures

Modern Languages at SAS

does in French or Spanish. The United States Government has identified language learning difficulty for adult English speakers, and has classified them according to how long it takes adults who are studying in intensive programs of five hours a day with three to four hours of homework daily (http://www.nvtc.gov/lotw/ months/november/learningExpectations.html). Arabic, Chinese, Japanese and Korean are in the most difficult category. This means that although the teaching methodologies are the same, students who are learning Chinese or Japanese are not expected to achieve the same proficiency levels in the same amount of time as those in French and Spanish programs. Therefore the learning of Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and Korean require more patience and persistence to become proficient.

Conclusion The modern language programs at SAS are exemplary in that they provide for language instruction at every level, and are well on their way to utilizing best practices related to curriculum, instruction, assessment, and organizational development. Increased out-of-school language immersion and experiential opportunities continue to be made available for students at SAS. This summer, SAS has been selected as the regional host for the Third Annual Chinese Language Teaching Institute, which is a distinction held

by Beijing for the past two years. Schools throughout the world are reviewing the preschool through high school curriculum that SAS has established, since it provides the structures that are recognized as the “gold standard” for best practices in language acquisition. There is still much to be done to enhance the programs in Chinese, French, Spanish, and Japanese, but the commitment of the SAS Modern Language faculty has been exemplary. All of these efforts translate into direct improvements for student learning in languages. The goals of the Modern Language program at SAS are to develop proficiency in another language and to also create a love for learning another language and culture. These important goals are the focus of all the improvements at SAS. It has been a pleasure and an honor to work with such a talented and committed group of Modern Language faculty.

For a more detailed report on Modern Language at Singapore American School, see Dr. Helena Curtain’s article on the SAS website under Curriculum in the Modern Language section (http://www.sas.edu.sg/curriculum/curriculumonline.html).”

SAS NewsFlash – March 2007

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Mathematics at SAS

Mathematics at SAS

By Mark Boyer, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction

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he SAS Curriculum Committee and SAS Board have reviewed a revised preschool through high school mathematics curriculum for Singapore American School, and this new curriculum was formally approved by the Board on January 30, 2007 and will be fully implemented for the 2007-2008 school year. This adopted curriculum has recently been posted on the SAS web site (http://www.sas.edu.sg/curriculum/curriculumonline.html).

The intent of the revised math curriculum, purchase of new classroom math resources, and additional program support are intended to further enhance student learning in mathematics for all students (with increased recognition and support for varying student abilities). Mathematics has been on the regular cycle of curriculum review and development for the past two years.

The enhanced preschool through high school math curriculum accomplishes the following: 1. Establishes a school-wide philosophy and vision for understanding the conditions for success in mathematics, which was further used in the development of mathematics curriculum for all grade levels and courses 2. Retains what worked from the previous curriculum 3. Establishes stronger focus for what is most important for students to know, understand, and be able to do – referenced by the recent National Council of Teachers of Mathematics document “Curriculum Focal Points” 4. Establishes more precision and specificity (less general and vague) for student learning expectations – referenced by the recent National Council of Teachers of Mathematics document “Curriculum Focal Points” 5. Provides improved articulation of knowledge and skills from grade level to grade level and course to course (across divisions) within a consistent set of mathematics goals – referenced by the recent National Council of Teachers of Mathematics document “Curriculum Focal Points” 6. Tightens the match between the written curriculum and the taught curriculum, which provides both a challenging and approachable curriculum for students and teachers Accompanying this article is a response from Shirley Frye, international mathematics consultant and Past President of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, as to the validity that this improved curriculum provides.

Changes that have already been put into place to further support mathematics education at Singapore American School include: 1. Increased Resource Teacher support in the Primary and Intermediate Divisions to provide additional attention for students who struggle with mathematics 2. In addition to the one-year Algebra I course in the high school, there is now also a two-year Algebra I course for students who need additional time to develop competency with algebra – many students are capable of learning, but simply need additional time for learning 3. Additional mathematics support in the Intermediate Division for students who are “gifted in mathematics” via the Gifted And Talented Enrichment program (GATE) 4. Increased attention on placement procedures of students in middle school and high school courses to better ensure that students are appropriately challenged and successful 5. Off-cycle purchase of some math resource materials to provide advance support 6. Family Math Night offered in the Primary Division to better familiarize parents with the math program and to offer further parent support

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SAS NewsFlash – March 2007

Singapore American School has established a strong reputation in mathematics instruction as demonstrated by the following: * Support is provided for individual students and groups of students who demonstrate particular strengths in specific math skill areas through a structured pull-out program in Primary and Intermediate Divisions * Regular and Accelerated Tracks are provided for students in Middle School and High School * Additional support is provided in Primary, Intermediate, Middle School, and High School for students who struggle in mathematics * After-School programs and/or clubs are available in mathematics in Primary, Intermediate, Middle School, and High School * 40+ Intermediate Division students are participating in the after-school Math Olympiads program this school year, which provides five competitions between November and March. Last year’s results placed the SAS fifth grade team in the top 20% of all teams competing nationally and internationally, and so far this year’s team has 20% more correct answers than last year at the same point * The SAS norm score for students in grades 3-5 for mathematics was in the 87th-88th percentile on the Iowa Test for Basic Skills, which means that the norm score for all SAS intermediate students is significantly higher in math than students in the U.S. * 16% of 3rd grade students, 23% of 4th grade students, and 23% of 5th grade students had a Math total score at the 98th-99th percentile on the Iowa Test for Basic Skills (99th percentile is top possible score) * 41% of sixth grade students are in an accelerated math course and scored an 88th percentile or higher on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills in Mathematics * 64% of seventh grade students are in an accelerated math course and scored an 88thth percentile or higher on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills in Mathematics * 56% of eighth grade students are in an accelerated math course and scored an 88th percentile or higher on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills in Mathematics continue next page...

After extensive review of mathematics resources for use at SAS next school year, the following resources have been approved for purchase (use will start at the beginning of the 2007-2008 school year): • The new 2007 edition of Everyday Math will be used for students in preschool through 5th grade • The McDougal Littell series will largely be used for students in grades 6-12 These approved resources are significant for the following reasons: 1. Two different math resources have been previously used in elementary school, and this new adoption will provide enhanced coherence for preschool through 5th grade mathematics teaching and learning.

2. Different math resources have been previously used in middle school and high school, and this new adoption will provide enhanced coherence for secondary level mathematics teaching and learning.

3. The previous edition of Everyday Math was supported by the majority of parents and faculty (checked through parent and surveys), and the new 2007 edition of Everyday Math provides significant upgrades in areas where more attention was needed (e.g., access to online games at school and home to further support math enrichment, improved and expanded assessments to better understand student needs, guidance for differentiated instruction to better ensure that students are appropriately challenged, suggestions on communications and involvement with parents through Home Links, vastly improved kindergarten edition, additional computation instruction and practice opportunities to reinforce student learning, increased “real world” applications and projects to help students better understand the relevance of mathematics, increased “hands on” mathematics activities to better promote understanding and enjoyment for mathematics, enhanced guidance in organizing and pacing student learning, more robust approaches to problem solving and mathematical thinking).

4. The new McDougal Littell edition for middle school and high school also includes several upgrades from its previous edition (e.g., activity generator, test generator, animated math, online assessment, Home Tutor CD ROM, enhanced sections for teaching and learning throughout the series).

5. It is worth noting that the curriculum is the main guide for teaching and learning in mathematics, and essentially identifies the school’s contract with the community as to our intentions and expectations for student learning. Therefore adopted resource materials are intended to offer support for the curriculum, along with other relevant and supportive approaches.

Mathematics at SAS

* 27% of 6th grade students, 27% of 7th grade students, and 23% of 8th grade students had a Math total score at the 98th-99th percentile on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills * Nearly 10% of all 8th grade students participate in the after-school Math Counts program * For the current seniors in high school, 76 seniors completed the SAT Math Level II test, and received a mean score of 713 (out of 800) * Last year’s enrollment for AP Statistics was 78 students, and 70 students scored at least a “3” on the AP Test at the end of the school year. This year’s enrollment for AP Statistics is more than 100 students. A score of “3” is accepted by many universities as the equivalent of a university freshman math course * 136 students participated in the AP Calculus Exam last year, and 127 students scored a “4” or “5” (5 is top score), which frequently provides completion of a university credit at most universities * There has been a continual increase in the percentage of students taking honors level mathematics in the high school. For example, 60% of the students enrolled in Algebra II are in the honors level. * On the most recent survey of SAS alumni, college students rated their high school preparation in mathematics very high (4.2 on a scale of 1 to 5) * The high school provides extensive opportunities for students to participate in extra-curricular programs in mathematics:  IASAS Math Competition -- SAS finished in 1st place in 2006  South East Asia Mathematics Competition (SEAMC) – an SAS team finished in 2nd place, and an SAS student (Eng Seng Ng) was the overall individual winner  High School sponsors a Math Club that meets once a week after school, and prepares students to compete in two prestigious competitions that involve the top private schools throughout the United States. In the Mandelbrot Competition (involves students solving problems both individually and as part of a team), SAS finished in 9th place overall. This provided world recognition for the SAS high school math team  In addition to textbook support, supplemental materials are used throughout SAS to meet curriculum and student needs

Next Steps: • Continue to develop mathematics approaches to augment/supplement the adopted resources to most effectively support the new curriculum • Enhance approaches for assessment and reporting student progress • Continue to upgrade enrichment opportunities • Learn effective and efficient use of new resources for classrooms • Continue to develop instructional strategies that best support the differentiated learning needs of students in mathematics • Continue to support articulation across grade levels and divisions related to philosophy and best practices in mathematics Thanks are extended to our parent community, faculty, and students who have provided insightful and helpful input and support throughout this process. As a school, we look forward to continued improvement within the opportunities for student learning in mathematics at SAS. This article with expanded notes on the two-year process for mathematics development appears in the curriculum math section on the SAS website.

SAS NewsFlash – March 2007

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Commendation for SAS Mathematics Development It was gratifying to read the final preschool through 12th grade mathematics curriculum document after the exemplary interactions of SAS faculty devoted to community and school feedback, research, school-wide review and discussion, writing, and editing. One special feature that I found was the focus on the key objectives for the grade levels rather than a repetitive list of objectives in each level. This will indeed assist teachers in knowing where the emphasis should be placed and where time should be spent exploring the concepts and procedures in depth. Teachers will be able to study the strands across the grade levels to meet the needs of students who require additional introductory work on some objectives or who are ready for extensions of the topics.

From my interactions with teachers at Singapore American School, I have found that teachers know how important this attention to the grade level content is to student growth from grade to grade and from course to course. As a result, I am also pleased to see that this curriculum is well-articulated, clear, and precise, and also addresses the interests recently published by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics in their document on Curriculum Focal Points.

In all grades and courses, the attention to vocabulary, the properties of operations, equations, and inequalities gives students the tools that are used consistently in mathematics. The objectives in the strands are written with specificity of content. For example, in third grade, an objective clearly states: “Compare and order fractions (halves, thirds, fourths, sixths, eighths) using models and benchmark numbers.” I found this to be the norm for the objectives throughout the Curriculum.

Topics that had been “slighted” in the first versions are now included. For example, the topic of conics is treated in Geometry and also in the Analytic Geometry Strand in PreCalculus. Again and again, I saw the development of topics, concepts, and procedures through the grade levels and courses.

Please congratulate your teachers for the excellent work they have done in preparing an internationally strong and challenging mathematics scope and sequence for the students of Singapore American School. I am proud to have had the opportunity to work with you and with them and to have had a small part in this project.

The SAS MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM, with the much enhanced consistency of the new selected texts and resources, is a strong tool for teachers and students. Of highest importance are the dedicated and well-prepared teachers who creatively teach the content and nurture the students as they learn in their individual styles.

Best wishes for a successful implementation of the Mathematics Curriculum and the new texts!

– Shirley M. Frye, international mathematics consultant and Past President of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

AP Guidelines

By Ellen White, HS Social Studies Teacher

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bout 570 high school students are scheduled to take 27 different subject orientated Advanced Placement (AP) exams in May this year. As the exams approach, everyone feels the tension. Teachers are under pressure to complete coursework in time and students face the challenge of meeting homework deadlines and preparing for exams.

Some exam preparation takes place outside of class. After school and on the week-ends, teachers hold review sessions and conduct mock exams.

In the past this has led to scheduling conflicts. To solve this problem, a committee of high school teachers met last fall and worked out guidelines for AP teachers to follow.

After April 1, teachers will be allowed to hold either one mock exam or review session outside of class for each AP course. They must follow a schedule drawn up by AP Coordinator Mark Devine. Commenting on the guidelines, Devine notes “We were concerned because students would have to go to school all day and then take a mock exam after school. Sometimes the mock exams overlapped with other SAS activities. It was difficult to find a time students could count on so they could be available and ready to do their best on their mock exams. We now have a schedule that all students and teachers can adhere to which is really great for student preparation and less stress.”

The first AP exam is scheduled for May 7 and the last May 18. Many students enrolled in several AP classes are sitting for more than one exam. However, the pressure begins in mid-April when mock exams are held. The goal of mock exams is to familiarize students with exam formats and get them used to working under pressure. In many classes, the mock exam counts as the final exam grade. This means students study for two exams. To help ease student stress, the week-end before AP exams begin is activity-free.

The guidelines are now in effect and have been distributed to all high school AP teachers. Parents who want more information should look on the SAS High School website and/or contact the Counseling Office or Mark Devine at mdevine@sas.edu.sg.

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SAS NewsFlash – March 2007

High School Book Club

By Erik Torjesen, HS Social Studies Teacher

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P World History students spent a Monday afternoon last month snacking, chatting, and arguing over three recent, popular macro-histories: Collapse by Jared Diamond, Salt by Mark Kurlansky, and The Wealth and Poverty of Nations by David Landes.

The book club allowed students to read beyond the curriculum, explore recent historiography in World History, and debate and discuss meaningful issues in a collegial environment. After reading over winter break and early January, and participating in online discussion boards, the book club was a great way to share ideas face-to-face.

In the context of a busy, content-rich year preparing for the AP exam in May, this was a nice side trip exploring big-picture connections and ideas.

Student readers included Spencer Anderson, Kyle Carbon, Charlotte Cheng, Tiffany Cheng, Alex Hoffer, Sharon Lau, Ashley McClelland, Jeremy Nguyen-Phuong, Andrew Ni, Chris Seet, Victor Seet, Tung Yang, Aishwarrya Balaji, Amber Bang, Victoria Chen, Eric Comstock, Casey Fussner, Brit Hvide, Judy Kim, Helen Knight, Connor Liu, Devon Morris, Hyeong Seok Oh, Maya Ranganath, Esha Sondhi, Nihal Vakrey, Thomas Whalen-Bridge, and Cindy Zu.

◄ Book club groups: AP World History students discussing Collapse, Salt, and The Wealth and Poverty of Nations.

◄ L-R: Aishwarrya, Esha, Thomas, Chris, and Devon discuss Salt.

◄ L-R: Tung, Spencer, Alex, Victor, Jeremy, and Sharon discuss The Wealth and Poverty of Nations.

◄ L-R: Tiffany, Judy, and Cindy discuss Salt.

SAS Dancers at the Chingay Parade 2007

Under the direction of SAS dance teachers, Tracy van der Linden and Heather Rodocker, 96 MS and HS dance students performed at the Chingay Parade on February 24th.

SAS NewsFlash – March 2007

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Thaipusam

By Erik Torjesen, HS Social Studies Teacher â—„ L-R: Tung Yang, Nihal Vakrey, Jeremy NguyenPhuong, Chris Seet, Brit Hvide, Judy Kim, Maya, Ranganath, Helen Knight, and Cindy Zu.

H

igh School Social Studies students visited two temples on February 1 to observe the Hindu festival of Thaipusam. During the festival devotees to Lord Murugan honor the deity by carrying milk from one temple to another, often with elaborate kavadis or piercings.

L-R: Stacy Huang, Levin Huang, and Pei Zhu.

The visit supported earlier study of Hinduism and Singapore culture in the World History, Malaysia/Singapore, India, Art History, Digital Photography and Asian Literature courses.

Students of Mr. Torjesen, Ms. White, Mr. Rives, Mr. Knipmeyer, Mr. Welsh, and Dr. Dewan participated in the trip.

A devotee preparing for his walk.

A devotee preparing for his walk.

Luke Ettensperger and Mariko Thomas.

SAS students watch intently as devotees prepare.

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SAS NewsFlash – March 2007

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* Campus Mosquito Fogging, every Sunday 5:00pm – 7:00pm

Booster Club Meeting 9:30am (H301) Parent Teacher Conferences for Pre-Sch No School for Pre-Sch HS NHS Inductions 3:15pm (H301) MS Choir Concert 7:00pm (Drama Theater) Parent Teacher Conferences for Pre-Sch – Grade 5 No School for Pre-Sch Early Dismissal for Pre-K – Grade 5 11:30am (No Lunch) HS Cultural Convention Awards Night 7:00pm (Auditorium/Drama Theater)

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Parent Teacher Conferences for Pre-Sch – Grade 5 No School for Pre-Sch – Grade 5 Faculty In-Service Day (No School for Students) SPRING BREAK (NO SCHOOL)

* Campus Mosquito Fogging, every Sunday 5:00pm – 7:00pm 1 2 3-5 4

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SPRING BREAK (NO SCHOOL) MS Parent Coffee 10:00am (M301) HS Asian Film Festival 3:15pm (H301) HS French Honor Society Inductions 3:30pm (HS Library) GOOD FRIDAY (NO SCHOOL) HS Eagle Invitation Track & Field Meet HS Eagle Invitation Track & Field Meet (Back-up) PS Parent Coffee 8:30am (P220/221 - PS Faculty Lounge) HS PTA Coffee 10:00am (H301) ITBS Testing Grades 3-8 2007-08 Budget Presentation 7:00pm (H301) PTA Staff Appreciation Day Alternate Dress Day HS Spanish Honor Society Induction 3:30pm (HS Library) MS Strings Concert 7:00pm (Auditorium) HS Booster Honor Roll Recognition 11:25am – 12:05pm (Walkway between HS Theaters) Jazz Night 7:00pm (American Club) Booster Bake Sale 9:30am (HS Cafe) MS Dance 7:00pm (MS Cafeteria) HS Junior/Senior Prom 9:00pm – 1:00am

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Calendar Highlights

March 2007

April 2007

HS Mock Admission Simulation Parent Program 9:00am - 11:00am (H301) Booster Club Meeting 9:30am (H301) PTA Board Meeting 9:30am (PTA Office) HS National Art Honor Society 3:15pm – 4:30pm (Art Room & Gallery) Grade 5 Parent Orientation 7:00pm (Elementary Theater) IASAS Bake Sale 11:00am – 1:00pm (HS Cafe) IASAS 25th Anniversary IASAS Badminton in Singapore IASAS Softball in Singapore IASAS Track & Field in Singapore MS/HS Riau Island Service trip Meeting 3:15pm Alternate Dress Day HS Dance Showcase Preview 3:45pm (Auditorium) SACAC Gym Festival Show 1:30pm (HS Gym) HS Dance Showcase 7:00pm (Auditorum) AMIS Choir Concert 7:00pm (Drama Theater) SACAC Gym Festival 8:00am – 5:00pm (HS/MS Gyms) HS Third Season Awards Night 7:00pm (Auditorium/Drama Theater/Theater Studio) SAS NewsFlash – March 2007

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Staff Appreciation Day Tuesday • April 10, 2007 This annual PTA event gives parents the opportunity to thank SAS teachers and staff for all that they do, by providing them breakfast and lunch. The PTA has purchased gifts for all staff members so parents do not need to buy anything.

Please show your appreciation by donating food, money, or by volunteering your time to help set-up and serve.

You will soon receive information from your Division Representatives. We encourage everyone to respond. We cannot make this special event a success without lots of help! Should you have any questions, please contact your Division Representative or one of us.

Thanks in advance for your support!

Denise Leonard 9151 - 4220

Dianna Stamp 9111 - 8130