Singapore American School Open House Quick Start Guide 2013-14

singapore american school

2013-14 quick start guide

editor's note important dates AUG 10 - SAS OPEN HOUSE AUG 12 - FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL JUN 5 - LAST DAY FOR STUDENTS Dismissal at 11:30 a.m.

- LAST DAY FOR FACULTY LATE START DAY FOR STUDENTS - OCT 2, FEB 12, MAR 15, APR 19

holidays & school vacations Aug 8 - Hari Raya Puasa

CREATING MEMORIES RIGHT HERE AT HOME Vanessa Spier

Aug 9 - National Day Oct 15 - Hari Raya Haji

Director of Communications

Nov 2 - Deepavali (No school on Nov 4)

I have heard fellow nomads say that a first foreign post is like a first love...always sweet in memory and not easily forgotten.

NOV 4-8 - FALL Break

I have now lived fifteen years as an expatriate. As I look back on the experience that took me out of North America for the first time, I am filled with gratitude at the gift that we expats receive in our ability to explore this amazing world.

Nov 28 & 29 - Thanksgiving Dec 23-Jan 10 - Winter Break Dec 25 - Christmas Day Jan 1 - New Year's day JAN 30 & 31 - Chinese New Year Mar 24-28 - Spring Break

On that first flight so many years ago into my new home country of Egypt, descending into a sand-colored sky that hovered over sand-colored buildings amongst sandcolored landscape, I entered into a world that would forever steal a part of my heart. The chaos of the city, the collision of ancient and modern, the vibrancy of the music, the incredible food, and most of all, the hospitality and humor of the people, are all pieces that, even now as I think back, make my heart beat a little faster, a little stronger. I can’t help but smile at the memories.

apr 18 - Good Friday

Fast-forward ten years, and after postings in Egypt and the Philippines, I wondered if Singapore would be an exciting place to live; but Singapore, too, is a truly vibrant place that calls out to be explored by anyone that loves nature, history, architecture, culture, food, or shopping. Not long after I arrived here, a group of fellow SAS moms joined together with the goal of exploring all the adventure that Singapore has to offer.

As each of us planned outings, we made our way through the famous landmarks and more than a few off-the-beaten-track locales. Every outing concluded with the best local dishes nearby, hours of laughter, and the beginnings of life-long friendship.

What else do I really love about Singapore? In a nutshell, I love SAS. I, like so many other families in our community, desire to stay here in large part so that my children can continue their own adventure in our extraordinary school. Our kids are part of much more than just a school at SAS, and their journey here will contribute to the Singapore story that they eventually tell.

Whether this is also your fifteenth year overseas, or your first international experience ever, I hope that this community will lead you to new places you’ve yet to explore. There are great things ahead this year. Jump in. Get involved. Trust that as you seek out adventure right here at home, there is an experience waiting that will leave you with memories so fond, you won’t be able to look back on it without smiling.

2 quick start guide / singapore american school

May 1 - Labor Day May 13 - Vesak Day

table of contents OPEN HOUSE ESSENTIALS

PaGe 4

OPEN HOUSE MAP

PaGe 8

PTA

PaGe 15

BOOSTER CLUB

PaGe 14

editorial EDITOR Vanessa Spier Director of Communications DESIGN Lina Wee Communications and Media Specialist

GENERAL INQUIRIES 40 Woodlands Street 41, Singapore 738547 communications@sas.edu.sg +65 6363 3403

Singapore American School CPE Registration Number: 196400340R Registration Period: 22 June 2011 to 21 June 2017 Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

from the superintendent

Welcome to Singapore American School, and to another exciting year of learning!

This month we will welcome over 3,900 students and their families to SAS. Our annual Open House is a wonderful opportunity for students and parents to connect with friends, meet classroom teachers and administrators, purchase uniforms, and prepare for a successful start to the year.

The information in this Quick Start Guide is designed to help you make the most out of Open House.

Whether you are new to Singapore American School or have been a part of our community for some time, I encourage you to make a day of it and visit the community organizations in the Elementary Theater, connect with the PTA and Booster Club, and of course, enjoy the PTA ice cream social!

Our campus is large, but if you need help finding your way around, look for SAS team members with red “Ask me!� badges. We are all happy to help and want to make sure that you have the information you need to get ready for the first day of school.

I am truly inspired by the possibilities that lay before our school this year. Our staff will be working hard to create global and real world experiences for our students through challenging academics, broad opportunities for co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and individual learning in areas of passion. We are committed to ensuring that every day, each and every student receives the extraordinary care that is the hallmark of Singapore American School.

Have a great day, and welcome to SAS!

Dr. Chip Kimball

Superintendent of Schools

quick start guide / singapore american school 3

open house essentials directions to sas By mrt

The MRT station nearest to SAS is Marsiling (NS8). The campus is a brisk 10-minute walk away or you can take the free shuttle bus provided during Open House by Yeap Transport. The shuttle bus will run at 20-minute intervals from 8:40 a.m. to 1:20 p.m. Just look for the big yellow bus outside the MRT station at the curb.

By BUS

Public bus 912 stops at bus stop number 46369, which is about a 5-minute walk from the SAS main gate.

By Car

Driving Directions • Take Bukit Timah Expressway (BKE) north to exit 10A. Turn right to Woodlands Avenue 3.

Turn right to Avenue 1. Turn right to Woodlands Street 41. Continue to SAS main entrance. OR • Take Seletar Expressway (SLE) north to exit 10. Turn slight left at Woodlands Avenue 1.

Turn left to Woodlands Street 41. Continue to SAS main entrance.

For detailed driving directions, visit http://www.gothere.com.sg.

Parking Information (MORE INFO ON PAGE 10) • During Open House, vehicular access will be from the front gate only. Parking will be available in front of the PS/IS, in the elementary covered car park, in the basement car park, and along the Middle and High School driveway. Once campus parking is full, a “Car Park Full Sign” will be displayed at the front gate. You will find additional parking at the HDB Car Park at Block 426A. If parking in the HDB Car Park, please display hourly parking coupons. From the HDB car park you can access the campus via the Middle School pedestrian gate. See the map on page 10 for more information regarding parking.

THINGS TO DO AT OPEN HOUSE log on to the sas campus wi-fi Username: wifiguest Password: saswifi purchase Uniforms Uniform Pre-Sales and Open House Sales (MORE INFO ON PAGE 7) Opening dates: August 6, 7, 10 (Closed August 8 and 9 for public holidays) Opening hours: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Payment: Accepted methods of payment include SASCard, cash, and Singapore bank check. Credit cards will not be accepted for payment but may be used to top up SASCards online. In addition, a DBS bank ATM is located on the second floor of the High School.

PS/IS/MS (PreSchool-Grade 8) Venue: Elementary Gyms C and D

HS (Grades 9-12) Venue: Booster Booth on the HS Second Floor

learn YOUR WAY AROUND campus OPEN HOUSE Map (PAGE 8) SAS Campus map (PAGE 10) locate your Class assignments Class assignments will be posted by the divisions beginning at the following dates and times at the locations listed below and will remain posted for the duration of Open House.

ECC Venue: Lobby in front of ECC office

August 9 Friday

3:00 p.m.

PS Venue: Lobby in front of PS office

August 9 Friday

3:00 p.m.

IS Venue: Lobby in front of IS office

August 10 Saturday

9:00 a.m.

MS Venue: Outside MS office

August 10 Saturday

9:00 a.m.

HS Venue: Outside HS office

August 10 Saturday

9:00 a.m.

4 quick start guide / singapore american school

Enjoy the PTA Ice Cream Social IS/MS Cafeteria GET YOUR sascard READY new and replacement SASCards (MORE INFO ON PAGE 11) SASCards for New Students

Replacement SASCards for Returning Students

• New PS families should visit the SASCard Help Kiosk located in the IS Lobby to receive important information regarding SASCard registration, low balance reminder set up, and SASCard top up options.

• Returning IS students without an SASCard should visit the IS Office to receive a replacement card.

• Returning MS/HS students without an SASCard should visit the SASCard Office (A109) to receive a replacement card.

• New IS/MS/HS students should have received their SASCard at the new student orientation. If your child does not have an SASCard, please visit the IS Office or SASCard Office (A109).

• The fee for replacement cards is $20 with a $10 credit if the original card is found and returned.

SASCard Top Up Stations PS

IS

MS

HS

Online with a Credit Card • webcard.sas.edu.sg

IS

•

•

MS

HS

Cash •

•

•

•

Singapore Bank Check • Student Store (M103)

PS

• IS Lobby • IS/MS Cateteria

•

•

•

•

•

• •

• HS Atrium • Student Store (M103)

•

•

•

Parent SASCARDS and Vehicle Passes (MORE INFO ON PAGE 12) For security reasons, all parents, family members, and household help who plan to visit the SAS campus on a regular basis will need an SASCard. In addition, a vehicle pass will be required of all vehicles entering campus. More information as well as an SASCard and Vehicle Pass application can be found beginning on page 12.

LEARN MORE ABOUT COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Venue: Elementary Theater, Second Floor, IS • American Association of Singapore • American Chamber of Commerce • American Club • American Women's Association • ANZA Soccer • Boy Scouts Troop 07 • Cub Scouts • Caring for Cambodia • Democrats Abroad • Fast Break Basketball • The Hit Factory Pte Ltd • Hollandse Club • Navy League • Republicans Abroad • SAVE Club • SAS Student Council

• Singapore Oilwomen’s Club (SOC) • Tabitha • USA Girl Scouts Overseas • US Embassy • Young Life Singapore • Temple University Venue: Elementary Gym B, Second Floor, IS • SACAC • Savitar Tennis • Speed Institute Venue: Outside EASA Office • Elementary After School Activities (EASA) Venue: Outside HS Cafeteria • The Network Hub Pte Ltd

FOOD and BEVERAGE outlets You may purchase food and beverages during Open House at the following locations: IS/MS Cafeteria: Hoe Brothers Catering HS Cafeteria: Hoe Brothers Catering, Subway, Food Haven Outside HS Library: Eagle Zone, Crepes de France quick start guide / singapore american school 5

open house essentials TIPS and more information about open house 2013 DRESS COMFORTABLY The SAS campus spans 37 acres. This means that families­— and especially those with students in more than one school division—will be travelling over a large area. Please dress comfortably for the tropical weather.

MIDDLE School Technology New Grade 8 Students - Collect your Laptop at 10:30 a.m.!

New students in Grade 8 must attend a mini Laptop BootCamp where they will be trained in connecting to the SAS network and other services, Digital Citizenship, and general procedures relating to the laptop program. Students will leave this session with their school assigned laptop and will be prepared to use it on the first day of school.

Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (please arrive on time to begin at 10:30 a.m.)

Venue: MS Library New Grade 6 and 7 Students All new students must drop by the MS Tech Help Center (located in the MS Library) during Open House to get configured for SAS wifi, set their SAS password, and set a Google account password.

New students in grades 6 and 7 will receive their laptops during their designated Laptop BootCamp in the first weeks of school.

Returning Students Passwords for returning students have not changed. If a student cannot remember his/her password or needs to have a password reset, please stop by the MS Tech Help Center.

HIGH SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY New High School Students All new students must take their laptops and stop by the HS Tech Help Center (H308) on Open House or during the first two days of school so that they can get configured to the SAS wifi, set an SAS password, and set a Gmail password.

Returning High School Students • Returning students with new laptops must take the computers to H308 to get configured to the SAS wifi.

• Passwords for returning students have not changed. If a student cannot remember his/her password or need to have a password reset, please stop by H308 Tech Help Center.

For information about High School technology including purchasing information, go to http://www. sas.edu.sg/page.cfm?p=594.

Insurance Coverage The school maintains commercial insurance coverage for customary risks, including comprehensive liability, loss of school-owned property and fire insurance. The school does not maintain medical or accident insurance for students, parents or guests or for theft or loss of personal property, such as laptops and mobile phones. You are encouraged to arrange coverage with one of the many Singapore carriers.

UPDATING YOUR CONTACT INFORMAtion If you moved over the summer and need to update your contact information, please complete the online form at https://www.sas.edu.sg/page.cfm?p=676. If you have any questions about the form or would like to contact us directly with your updated contact information, please email sasinfo@ sas.edu.sg.

Visiting Teachers and Classrooms Class lists will be posted at the foyer of each division. We hope you enjoy meeting your children’s teachers and visiting various classrooms, libraries, and other facilities. If you wish to discuss your child’s individual needs with a teacher or counselor, we ask that you schedule a time to do so outside of Open House.

6 quick start guide / singapore american school

SAS STUDENT UNIFORMS Uniform Pre-Sales and Open House Sales Dates: August 6, 7, 10 (Closed August 8 and 9 for public holidays) Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

PS/IS/MS (PreSchool - Grade 8) Venue: Elementary Gyms C and D, Second Floor in Intermediate School

HS (Grades 9 - 12) Venue: Booster Booth, Second Floor in High School See map on page 9

See map on page 8

The SAS student uniform consists of a white polo shirt with an embroidered logo and navy bottoms, also with an embroidered logo. The shirts for preschool through Grade 8 have a specific logo while the shirts for Grades 9 to 12 have a different logo. Please note that students will require both regular uniforms and PE uniforms.

A Sampling of Uniform Options • Uniform Polo Shirts

• Uniform Shorts

• Uniform Trousers

• Uniform Yoga Pants

• PE Shirts

• PE Shorts

• Sweatshirts

(Preschool through Grade 8)

• Uniform Skorts

(Preschool through Grade 8)

SINGAPORE

SINGAPORE

AMERICAN

AMERICAN

SCHOOL

SCHOOL

Front

Front

SINGAPORE

SINGAPORE

AMERICAN

AMERICAN

SCHOOL

SCHOOL

Methods of Payment Accepted at PTA Sales and Booster Booth SASCard, cash, and Singapore bank checks *Credit cards will not be accepted for payment of uniforms. However, you may use your credit card to top up your SASCard online at webcard.sas.edu.sg and then use your SASCard to pay for uniforms. In addition, a DBS bank ATM is located on the second floor outside the High School office.

ONLINE Uniform Sales Beginning Friday, August 5, you may purchase uniforms at the websites listed below.

Uniform Sales During the School Year Beginning Monday, August 12, you may purchase uniforms at the venues listed below.

ECC/PS/IS/MS (PreSchool–Grade 8) PTA Online Store http://sasptastore.myshopify.com Order and pay via credit card. Pick up at the Elementary Gym during Open House.

ECC/PS/IS/MS (PreSchool–Grade 8) Venue: PTA Office (See Map) Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Days: Monday through Friday on regularly scheduled school days

HS (Grades 9–12) Booster Booth Online Store http://sasboosterstore.myshopify.com Order online and pay via credit card. Pick up at the Booster Booth or deliver to your home.

HS (Grades 9–12) Venue: Booster Booth on the second floor (See Map) Hours: 7:45 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Days: Monday through Friday on regularly scheduled school days

quick start guide / singapore american school 7

open house map 2013

8 quick start guide / singapore american school

quick start guide / singapore american school 9

campus open house maps singapore american school campus map

Parking at sas Vehicular access will be from the front gate only. Parking will be available at the following locations: • In front of the Primary School • In front of the Intermediate School • In the elementary covered car park located behind the PTA office • Basement car park at the High School • Along the Middle and High School driveway

STADIUM

FIELDS

Once campus parking is full, a "Car Park Full Sign" will be displayed at the Front Gate. You will find additional parking at the HDB Car Park at Block 426A. If parking in the HDB Car Park, please display hourly parking coupons. You may then access the school via the Middle School (MS) pedestrian gate.

MS

BASEMENT CAR PARK: 170 LOTS + 1 HANDICAP LOT

HS

COVERED CAR PARK: 40 LOTS + 1 HANDICAP LOT OPEN AREA: 90 LOTS

PS

IS

STRICTLY NO PARKING AREA

HDB CAR PARK BLOCK 426A

OPEN AREA: 130 LOTS

Hourly parking coupons are required.

MAIN SECURITY POST

Car park Parking spaces

FRONT GATE

REAR GATE

WOODLANDS STREET 41

Pedestrian crossing

10 quick start guide / singapore american school

sascard and vehicle pass

All SAS students are required to have an SASCard for identification purposes.

The SASCard, however, is much more than just an ID card. In fact, it offers many conveniences to SAS students and their families including: • • • • • • •

Cashless purchases at campus food and beverage outlets PTA sales purchases Booster Booth purchases Student store purchases Check out of materials from libraries Yeap Transportation bus access for Grades 3 and up Printing and copying on campus

NETS FlashPay Features of your SAScard In addition to campus-based features, the SASCard can also serve as a NETS FlashPay card with a separate account that allows cardholders to use their SASCard off campus with NETS FlashPay merchants on the MRT, LRT, public buses, in many taxis, and at more than 8,000 merchants island-wide.

The NETS FlashPay account can be topped up at the DBS ATM machine in the High School atrium or at offcampus top up points such as 7-Eleven, Cheers, and bank ATMs. However, the NETS funds, unlike the SASCard funds, are stored directly on the card. Therefore, if the card is lost, the NETS money is also lost and cannot be recovered.

Register and Top Up Your SASCard Once you receive your SASCard, you can add funds to your account and begin using your card on campus.

Create an Online SASCard Account •

Visit webcard.sas.edu.sg and complete the simple form.

If you have already set up an SASCard account, you can log into your account using the same link. If you have multiple children at the school, you may use this login and password to register each SASCard holder in your family. Simply complete an online form for each child, using the same login (email address) and password for each individual.

Customize Your Low Balance Email Reminder • •

Once you have created and logged in to your SASCard account, you may click the Preferences link to the right of the card balance amount to customize the low-balance email reminder feature.

From there, enter the email address at which you wish to receive the low-balance reminder.

If you wish to change your low-balance amount, you may customize it to your preference. All student accounts have an automatic default low-balance amount of $20.

important points to note • •

If you have multiple accounts under a single login, you may customize a low-balance email reminder for each account individually.

If you are using an iPad or another type of tablet to access your SASCard account, you must click on the Full Site link in order to login, top up using a credit card, and update your preferences.

SASCards and Vehicle Passes for Parents, Family Members, and Household Help For security reasons, all parents, family members, and household help who plan to visit the SAS campus on a regular basis will need a SASCard. In addition, a vehicle pass will be required of all vehicles entering campus.

You will receive an email from the SASCard Office notifying you when your SASCard and/or vehicle pass is ready. When your pass is ready, you may collect it from the SASCard Office (A109). If you have not yet completed an application for your SASCards and/or vehicle passes, you may pick up an application or drop off a completed application (found on the following page) at the SASCard Office (A109). Please note that applications submitted at Open House will take three weeks to process.

For more information, visit www.sas.edu.sg/SASCard or contact the SASCard Office at sascard@sas.edu.sg or 6360 6075.

quick start guide / singapore american school 11

SAS Campus Access Application

(ver. 2013.03.19)

Parent SASCard | Household Staff SASCard | Vehicular Access

Completing the SAS Campus Access Application process is as easy at 1, 2, 3!

For security reasons, the SASCard Office may only release the documents to a Parent of the family.

For unregistered Family members, Visitors and Household Staff, they will be able to get onto the campus after exchanging an official photo ID at the Main Security Post for a Visitor Pass during their visits to the SAS.

Employee’s ID / Name (if applicable):

1

Complete

A.

(Required) Parents and registered guardians of SAS students. Optional for Family members

System / Administrative Charges

Parent (New) Complimentary

Family (Optional) $ 20.00

Replacement application $ 20.00

Applicant’s Given Name (First + Middle)

Relationship to SAS (e.g. Legal Guardian / Parent)

Applicant’s SAS ID (if known)

1 2 3 4

Applicant’s Last Name

B.

(Optional) Household staff – If your household staff requires frequent access to the SAS campus, you may also apply for their easy access by completing the section below and submit the required documents and photos accordingly.

System / Administrative Charges

New application $ 20.00

Replacement application $ 20.00

Household Staff Applicant’s Last Name

1 2 3 4

Applicant’s Given Name

Appointment (e.g. Helper, Driver)

Fees

C.

(Optional) Vehicular access – If you need to drive your vehicle regularly onto the SAS campus, please complete the necessary information below for each vehicle.

1st & 2nd Family Vehicle

System / Administrative Charges

Complimentary

Additional Vehicles (3rd vehicle onwards) $ 20.00

Replacement $ 20.00

1 2 3 4

Vehicle License Number

Vehicle IU Number

Brand/Make

Fees

Pass Number (Internal Use)

Note.

Where applicable, payment is due when you collect your SASCards and/or Vehicle Passes. For payment made by checks, please ensure that your check is crossed and made payable to “Singapore American School Ltd” in SGD. Please note that SAS does not accept post‐dated checks.

For security reasons, the SASCard Office may only release the documents to a Parent of the family.

2

provide copies

A.

Provide a copy of the following required documents for each applicant:

 Valid Passport (page showing the applicant’s information)  Current passport‐sized photo (digital or scanned photo should have a minimum resolution of 300 dpi and measures 400x514)  Employment Pass / Work Permit / Dependent Pass / NRIC (front and back)

3

return

A.

Return by email Step 1) Verify and/or Complete the application form Step 2) Prepare soft copies of the required documents Step 3) Email both the updated form and soft copies of the required documents to SASCard@sas.edu.sg

OR B.

Alternatively, you may return by post or by hand. You may mail in your completed application form together with the required documents and passport‐sized pictures to: SASCard Office Singapore American School 40 Woodlands Street 41 Singapore 738547 Should you find it more convenient to return the documents by hand, please visit the SASCard Office on (school days) Mondays – Fridays, between 8.00am to 4.00pm.

More information on the SASCard can be found at the FAQs section at www.sas.edu.sg.

For record matching purposes please provide the following:

Name of child enrolled at SAS. If more than one child is enrolled at SAS, please provide details for your youngest child.

Child’s Full Legal Name: ________________________________ Child’s Student ID / Current Grade: ____________________

For security reasons, the SASCard Office may only release the documents to a Parent of the family.

4. SASCard Office Use

Checked by: ____________________

Amount collected: ________________

Date: ______________ Date: ______________

Processed by: ____________________________

booster club The Booster Club would like to extend a warm welcome to SAS families. The Booster Club is a volunteer organization for all high school parents.

We are involved with the school and student body in numerous ways throughout the year. Our main goal is to support extra-curricular programs as well as provide opportunities to bring our community together.

Throughout the school year, we raise money through sales at our Booster Booth store, our BBQs, and several social events. In the past, these events have included: Trivia Night, Home Tour, Singapore Art in Transit, and Race Night. As an organization, we are always looking for new ideas to raise money for our high school students. All the funds raised by the Booster Club go entirely to our Athletic Department, Visual and Performing Arts Department, Interim Scholarships, Senior Awards, campus clubs, hospitality, and IASAS events.

Crucial to our success, our parent volunteers are the backbone of this organization. Not only do they put in the countless hours behind the scenes but they also actively work on campus during school events. We are particularly busy during our tournaments and academic competitions where we welcome visiting athletes, students, and many parents to our campus. Booster Club meetings are held once a month and are open to all high school parents. It is a great way to know what is going on at the high school as well as an excellent opportunity to get involved. booster club Welcome Coffee For more information on how to get involved, please join us at our Welcome Coffee on September 10 at 10:00 a.m. in room H301. Mark your calendars. We look forward to see you there! If you have any questions, please feel free to stop by the Booster Booth or email me at sasboosterpres@gmail.com.

Best wishes for a successful school year!

Lan Fisher Booster Club President

High School Activities and Athletics During the First Week of School Date/Day

Time

Venue

Activity

August 14 Wednesday

3:15 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Auditorium

Drama informational meeting and auditions

4:15 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Track, fields and gyms

Cross Country, soccer and volleyball try-outs

August 16 Friday

3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.

Room H301

Model United Nations informational meeting

August 22 Thursday

11:25 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Town Center

Service Club Fair

August 23 Friday

11:25 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Room H211

Student Council Election meeting

3:15 p.m - 6:00 p.m.

Room H301

Model United Nations try-outs

August 27 Tuesday

11:25 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Town Center

General Club Fair

August 28 Wednesday

11:35 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Room H301

Student Forum

August 30 Friday

7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Riady Performing Arts Center

Welcome Back Dance

14 quick start guide / singapore american school

pta Welcome to a new school year at SAS. I would especially like to welcome those families who are new to the SAS community. I hope everyone has a successful and happy transition. By enrolling your child in SAS, you are automatically a member of the PTA and we hope you will use us as a resource in settling in. We are fortunate to be in a community where active parental involvement enriches the educational experiences of our children.

Because of this, I hope you will consider volunteering with the PTA in one of the many committees. There are a large variety of opportunities for helping. The PTA has service and event committees dedicated to building community, as well as fundraising to support academic and extracurricular programs on campus. Becoming an active PTA volunteer will enable you to establish yourself within a network of information, and will afford you the opportunity to play a meaningful part your child’s school life.

PTA at OPEN HOUSE August 10, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

What better way to start the year than with free ice cream sundaes and popsicles! I would like to invite you to the PTA Ice Cream Social at the Open House on Saturday, August 10 in the Intermediate/Middle School Cafeteria. Coffee and tea will also be served.

Also, if you are new to SAS, please stop by the PTA Office to pick up your Welcome Packet and meet a few of the PTA board members. We will there to answer questions or just say hello. The PTA Office is located in the half-moon building, just inside the main gate.

PTA New Parent Welcome Coffees The PTA hosts new parent coffees in the first week of school. These coffees are by school division and take place in the PTA Office. The purpose of these coffees is to help newcomers meet other parents and get to know the school a little better.

• ECC & Primary School: Thursday, August 15, 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

• Intermediate School: Thursday, August 15, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

• Middle School: Wednesday, August 14, 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

PTA Welcome Back Coffee and General Meeting Wednesday, August 28, 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Drama Theater I would like to invite everyone to the PTA Welcome Coffee and General Meeting on August 28, in the Drama Theater. At this meeting, Superintendent Chip Kimball will introduce the school leadership team. There will also be an overview of PTA activities throughout the coming year. You will also have the opportunity to sign up for volunteer opportunities, both in your child’s classroom and with the various service and event committees.

There will also be representatives from other school organizations, such as Boosters and Community Library, as well as organizations from the community at large. These include Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Caring for Cambodia, the American Women’s Associations and more.

You are welcome to contact us with any questions or concerns you might have about PTA or our wonderful community. During the first few weeks of school, you’ll see many PTA board members wearing badges. Feel free to stop any of us to introduce yourself or to ask a question. Or you can always contact us at pta@sas.edu.sg or call a board member. You can find contact information on the PTA website: http://www.sas.edu.sg/pta .

I look forward to seeing you on campus, and I wish everyone has a great school year.

Becky Moseley PTA President saspta.president@gmail.com For more information, please visit the PTA website at http://pta.sas.edu.sg.

To contact the PTA, please email us at pta@sas.edu.sg. We’d love to hear from you!

quick start guide / singapore american school 15

SaS School calenDar 2013-14 40 Woodlands Street 41, Singapore 738457 • +65 6363 3403 • www.sas.edu.sg

July 2013 S

auguST 2013

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

M

T

F

S

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

2

3

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

28

29

30

31

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

29

30

ocTober 2013 S

M

T

W

SepTeMber 2013 S

M

noveMber 2013

T

W

T

F

S

1

2

3

4

5

S

M

T

W

T

T

W

T

F

S

DeceMber 2013 F

S

S

M

T

W

T

F

S

1

2

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

27

28

29

30

31

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

29

30

31

F

S

January 2014 S

M

T

February 2014

W

T

F

S

1

2

3

4

S

M

T

W

T

March 2014 F

S

S

M

T

W

T

1

1

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

26

27

28

29

30

31

23

24

25

26

27

28

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

april 2014 S

M

May 2014

T

W

T

F

S

1

2

3

4

5

S

M

T

W

June 2014

T

F

S

S

M

T

W

T

F

S

1

2

3

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

27

28

29

30

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

29

30

public holiDayS For STuDenTS, FaciliTy anD STaFF Aug 8 Aug 9 Oct 15 Nov 2 Nov 28 & 29 Dec 25 Jan 1 Jan 30 & 31 Apr 18 May 1 May 13

Hari Raya Puasa National Day Hari Raya Haji Deepavali (No School on Nov 4) Thanksgiving Christmas Day New Year Chinese New Year Good Friday Labor Day Vesak Day

School vacaTion (No School for Faculty, Students and Instructional Assistants)

Jul 22-Aug 2

New Faculty Orientation

Aug 5

First Day for all Faculty

Nov 4-8

Fall Break

Aug 5-7

Faculty In-service Days

Dec 23-Jan 10

Winter Break

Aug 10

SAS Open House

Mar 24-28

Spring Break

Aug 12

First Day for Students

Sep 19 & 20

Faculty In-service Days

Elementary P/T Conference

Oct 11 & 14, Mar 20 & 21

Professional Development

Late start for students:

Jun 5

For Public Holidays occurring on a Saturday or Sunday, the Monday after shall be a holiday.

Last Day for Students

(11:30 a.m. Dismissal)

Last Day for Faculty

quarTer/SeMeSTer ScheDule Oct 18

End of 1st Quarter

Oct 16

PSAT

Dec 20

End of 2nd Quarter/1st Semester

May 5-16

AP

Mar 21

End of 3rd Quarter

Jun 5

End of 4th Quarter/2nd Semester

boarD approveD: DeceMber 10, 2012 upDaTeD: april 16, 2013

Oct 2, Feb 12, Mar 5, Apr 9