AISB Annual Report 2016-2017

ANNUAL REPORT

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2016 2017

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ABOUT THE ANNUAL REPORT This report is produced by AISB’s Admissions & External Relations Department.

To find out more about the school’s current activities, please visit www.aisb.ro The Annual Report is also available online at www.aisb.ro/about us For further information, please contact: Manager of Admissions & External Relations Mrs. Catalina Gardescu catalina@aisb.ro © The American International School of Bucharest Designed by Mario Zamfir Produced by SchoolBrand LLC, www.schoolbrand.com Photography by Bogdan Greavu, www.bogdangreavu.com

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AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST Annual Report 2017

CONTENTS 05

Message from the Board Chair

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Alumni Report

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AISB Leadership Team

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Fundraising

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PYP Report

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Facilities Report

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Secondary School Report

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Finance Report

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Parent Survey

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Parent Community Report

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Admission & Advancement

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PTO Grants

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Communications

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BOARD OF TRUSTEES Voting Members 2016-2017

Jane Thompson

George Mucibabici

Bryan Jardine

Russell Ashenden

Board Chair Governance Committee Chair Policy Committee Chair Advisory Committee Member Next Step Early Intervention Educational Consulting

Board Member Advisory Committee Chair Governance Committee Member Managing Partner Wolf Theiss Attorneys at Law

Gabriel Zbârcea

Board Member Advancement Committee Chair Advisory Committee Member Managing Partner Tuca Zbârcea & Asociatii

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Board Vice Chair Finance Committee Member Policy Committee Member Chairman Deloitte Romania

Board Member Advisory Committee Member Legal Attache US Embassy

Iosif Szavuj

Board Member Facilities Committee Member Governance Committee Member Executive Director iNES

James Stewart

Board Member Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair Vice President Raiffeisen Bank

Peter Schretzmeir

Board Member Facilities Committee Chair Managing Director Liebherr Romania

Kim Vranceanu

Board Member Policy Committee Member Advancement Committee Member Bucharest Properties, REIT

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST Annual Report 2017

FOREWORD Warm greetings to the incredible community at the American International School of Bucharest (AISB). It is a privilege to send you all one last fond message as the Chair of the Board of Trustees, and to present the school’s 2016-17 Annual Report.

AISB is a truly dynamic and vibrant environment that engages, prepares and inspires our students to take their place in our global society. AISB’s commitment to academic excellence, character development and social responsibility provides the foundation our students will need to contribute to the demands of our rapidly changing world In 2016-17 AISB opened its doors to 830 students. The student body represented 57 nationalities and spoke 33 languages. Our children were taught and supported by 230 committed faculty and staff that hail from all corners of the globe. Our diligent and hardworking administrators, teachers, support staff, trustees, PTO and alumni volunteers kept our complex learning environment running smoothly throughout the school year.

AISB saw many changes and new initiatives in the 2016-17 school year. The work on our new state of the art Early Childhood Center was completed in time to open the doors to our little ones in the Fall of 2017. The campaign for our cutting-edge Design Center was rolled out and met with much enthusiasm. I urge you to find an opportunity to participate in this exciting venture. Our new and improved website design improved information flow and communication. The school store brought not only appealing, but responsibly manufactured, high quality gear for us to wear and utilize. Our music, theater, and visual art students continued to impress audiences and grow in competency with stirring concerts, magnificent performances, and stunning exhibits across the grade levels. Our athletic teams not only performed with skill and excellence but with character and good sportsmanship. Each of our students experienced the satisfaction of helping others and contributing to their community through our service learning opportunities.

I have truly enjoyed my tenure with the AISB Board of Trustees and will miss being a part of such a vibrant environment. I look forward to keeping in touch and watching our school continue to grow and thrive. I appreciate the contributions of every member of this community, and I wish you all a productive and joy filled school year.

Sincerely,

Jane Krill Thompson Chair, Board of Trustees

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AISB LEADERSHIP TEAM

Alba Carollo, MS Principal; Lia Comanescu, Business Manager; Elyane Ruel, ES Principal; Robert Brindley, Director; Andrei Vacarus, Facilities Director; Jon Cain, HS Principal; Roxana Lungu, HR Manager; Rosella Diliberto, EC Principal; Catalina Gardescu, Manager of Admissions & External Relations; Doina Andrian, Assistant to the Director

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AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST Annual Report 2017

ACADEMIC REPORT

PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAM

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AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST Annual Report 2017

We are passionate about creating foundational experiences for children that value childhood, promote an enduring, lifelong love of learning and instill a sense of responsible citizenship in the world of tomorrow Rosella Diliberto Early Learning Principal

INFRASTRUCTURE • Planning for and construction of EC building • Relocation of the ES library

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT • Anne van Dam - working with EC team on learning environment • Reggio team - working with the EC team on child centered learning • CEESA PE workshop - inquiry, movement, documentation in PE • CEESA Assessment summit

• Fran Prolman leadership skills for faculty members • ABA therapy training - Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy for SEN team • International workshops for teachers: photography, visual literacy, looking at NETs standards, technology integration, mathematics, image of the child, etc

CURRICULAR INITIATIVES • Review of PoI to allow for more student inquiry and deeper conceptual understandings

• Tobans math screener to help identify students that may need help with operational math • Grade 4 overnight trip first year of an overnight trip in this grade • Vampy’s Choice - conflict resolution strategies for ES students • Child protection program - in class prevention lessons

framework of the Early Childhood • Implementing documentation as a means of assessing, making learning visible and improving instructional practice in the Early Childhood • Focus on Gender Roles - Pedagogical Leaders presented in-house and in the Bucharest network

• Parenting matters workshop for parents by the counsellors • Created a new conceptual focus for the PYP Exhibition for 17/18 • Embedded principles from the Reggio Emilia philosophy in the

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AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST Annual Report 2017

LIBRARIES & TECHNOLOGY

to all students (with support of PTO grant)

• Library hosted visitors (storytellers-Niall de Burca & Baba the Storyteller; authorsMarsha Skrypuch & Shamini Flint, Romanian authors)

• Collaborative creation and publishing of G3 Migration books with Art teacher

• Library Family Events (storytellers- Niall de Burca & Baba the Storyteller)

• Creation of PYP choir and PYP orchestra

• Joint Library/PTO hosted event for parents with author Shamini Flint • Library hosted book fairs (winter & spring) • Thirsty Vampire bookmarks, with winning designs, professionally printed and distributed

MUSIC DEPARTMENT

• Increase participation musical (show) numbers • Community choir • Buskers corner • Whole school talent show- BISI’s Got Talent • Improved student voice through technology integration

ART DEPARTMENT • Artwork for PTO Gala Auction • 50 artworks for Avenor College juried exhibit (showcasing artwork from many Bucharest schools on the theme: Urban) • End of Year art show in AISB Atrium • Continuous art displays on bulletin boards in EC/ ES hallways • Publication of Migration books in grade 3 integrating Library/HR Migration UoI & Art

ADDITIONAL SPECIAL EVENTS • Summer Camp - The Vampires Summer Camp engaged over 60 elementary kids in various athletic, educational, and artistic weekly activities as well as field trips into the community.

Summer Camp also allowed for the student volunteer program that allowed 19 high-school students and 3 Alumni to work with younger kids, learning to lead activities and role-model outstanding leadership.

• Participation in ArtSafari

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AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST Annual Report 2017

We believe that it is our duty to engage our students in meaningful learning that will last a lifetime, to prepare them to move into a world where they will have positive impact, and to inspire each of them to realize their own potential as responsible, internationallyminded citizens in an ever-growing global community.

Elyane Ruel Elementary School Principal

STAFFING POSITIONS • ELC TeacherLibrarian/Technology Integrationist • Second counsellor • Full time Extended Learning (previously part-time)

PE DEPARTMENT • Hosting ES Football Tournaments - Vampires Autumn Classic & Vampires Cupa Primaverii • Participating in BSB’s Autumn Cup & ISB’s Lumina Cup ES football tournaments • Lunchtime Leagues Student run intramural competitions (football & basketball) • Beat Your Teacher challenges - Students take on the teachers • Field Day - whole school sporting activities • Electronic Fitness & Health Journals (G5)

• Implementation of technology and student voice using iTime (G4) • Creating our own invasion game and teaching it to younger grade levels (G3) • Parents as guest presenters of cultural dances (G2) • Creating a gradelevel documentation report for KG in their Transportation unit • Implementation of the Conflict Corner

AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES • Over 40 activities to choose from • 3 seasons of activities: Autumn, Winter, Spring

LEARNING SUPPORT • Parenting Matters Support in EC • Updated Learning Support Documentation • Worked closely with families and teachers to support students • 19% of the student population received some type of learning support from the SEN team

EAL • Assessed ES students using the WIDA Screener and WIDA MODEL to determine placement during language rotation • 56 students received direct support during the language rotation.

• The EAL teachers were part of the weekly collaboration meetings with the PYP coordinator and actively supported the development of all students’ Academic Language Learning.

MOTHER TONGUE PROGRAM 12 languages: Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Russian, Urdu More than 100 students took part in the program

COUNSELING • Vampire Values and Catch Em Bats • Whole Brain Child Parent Book Group • Child Protection Curriculum for students • Child Protection training for parents and school professionals • Parenting Matters discussion groups and workshops • Transition support activities for newcomers and leavers • Movement and mindfulness for EL students

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AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST Annual Report 2017

ACADEMIC REPORT

SECONDARY SCHOOL

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AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST Annual Report 2017

Simply trying out for a role in a theatre production can be as great a success as getting the lead. Our main goal as a school is to have each student achieve his or her best Jonathan Cain Secondary School Principal

INFRASTRUCTURE • Planning for expansion of the secondary building • Planning for summer upgrade of facilities • Art Room, • SEN Suite, • New Science Lab, • Changing Room upgrade for Child Protection, • Portable staff lounge • Opening of Secondary Library

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT • CEESA Adaptive SchoolsLeadership training for mid level leaders • CEESA PE workshop - inquiry, movement, documentation in PE • Child Protection Workshops and professional development

• Importance of Predicted Grades (Use of Data)

CURRICULAR INITIATIVES • Leadership • Approaches to Learning (for adoption in 20172018 • Consolidate MS / HS into Secondary

• CEESA Assessment summit

• Pilot for Google (for adoption in 2017-2018)

• ABA therapy training - Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy for SEN team

ADDITIONAL STAFFING POSITIONS

• IB and MYP Updated Training

• SEN Teacher Assistant

• SEN Math Specialist

SPECIAL EVENTS • Grade Level Trips- Each grade in the secondary participated in Trips Week during the 2nd week of September.

The trips provided opportunities for students and teachers to interact with each other and form bonds outside of the classroom environment.

• Freedom From Chemical Dependency (FCD)Workshops for students, and parents. (PTO Grant) • Student Leadership Training with Third Millennium Group (PTO Grant)

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AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST Annual Report 2017

LIBRARIES AND TECHNOLOGY

AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

GRADE 12 DATA AND IB RESULTS

• Library hosted visitors (storytellers-Niall de Burca & Baba the Storyteller; authorsMarsha Skrypuch & Shamini Flint, Romanian authors)

• Over 40 activities to choose from

50 Students 42 Full Diploma Candidates 38 Diplomas Awarded

• Library Family Events (storytellers- Niall de Burca & Baba the Storyteller) • Joint Library/PTO hosted event for parents with author Shamini Flint • Library hosted book fairs and Literacy Workshops

• CEESA Events hosted 500 students.

• 3 seasons of activities: Autumn, Winter, Spring

LEARNING SUPPORT • Math Analysis and intervention using MAP and other assessment data for students 3 grade levels or below (6th -8th grade)

ANALYSIS Grade 12 this year saw a total of 50 students with 4 students being newly admitted as grade 12 transfers. Four additional students opted not to pursue the diploma for variety of reasons including special educational needs and a student taking more courses then the DP allowed. Forty-two candidates attempted the diploma with an average pass rate of 33 points.

Out of the four students that did not receive the diploma three were predicted not to pass and the 4th scored significantly under the predicted in all subjects. Plans were in place for each of these students to continue their university education despite not obtaining the Diploma.

This year the DP Coordinator along with the Secondary Counselors spent a considerable amount of time and effort educating teachers on the importance of accurate predictions.

The data on pages 20, 21 show a four year trend in the accuracy of predictions at AISB.

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MEAN DIPLOMA POINTS 2013-2017

2014-2017 PREDICTED TREND 2014: 56 % 2015: 38% 2016: 58% 2017: 81%

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AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST Annual Report 2017

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We strive to provide our students with the best in coaching, facilities and equipment, all of which are based on the core values of our program: excellence in effort, sportsmanship, teamwork, self discipline and dedication.

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AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST Annual Report 2017

PARENT SURVEY

On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the best, how would you rank the education provided at AISB?

On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the best, how would you rank STUDENT SAFETY at AISB?

On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the best, how would you rank the LEADERSHIP TEAM’s performance at AISB?

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2014-2015

I believe the CAMPUS BUILDINGS & FACILITIES are adequate for students’ needs

2015-2016

2016-2017

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AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST Annual Report 2017

ADMISSIONS & ADVANCEMENT

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AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST Annual Report 2017

We are here to help you get to know our community, walk you through our beautiful campus, answer your questions and address your comments, and successfully paint the picture of how AISB engages, prepares and inspires its students.

Catalina Gardescu Manager of Admissions and External Relations

ENROLLMENT POLICY As guided by the Mission of the School, The American International School of Bucharest (AISB) engages learners in a rigorous and balanced international education, prepares them to realize their full potential, and inspires them to be successful and responsible global citizens.

AISB is a diverse and challenging learning environment for students aged 2–19, who can benefit from an international, English language education.

AISB CHILD PROTECTION POLICY CEESA Safeguarding and Child Protection Statement

All CEESA schools will:

Safeguarding and Child Protection is a priority for every CEESA School.

1. Actively uphold the CEESA Safeguarding and Child Protection Statement

CEESA commits to supporting school environments that safeguard children through both prevention and intervention.

2. Implement School based Safeguarding and Child Protection Policies and Procedures that includes regular onsite training

CEESA works in cooperation with international agencies to ensure standards associated with best practices are regularly reviewed, revised, and applied in all operations, activities, and events.

3. Employ Safe Recruitment Practices consistent with Safeguarding and Child Protection Policies

CEESA leaders honor and uphold child protection guidelines and procedures, in partnership with all stakeholders in their respective school communities.

4. Educate students and adults on Safeguarding and Child Protection For further information, please review the AISB SAFE COMMUNITY document.

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ADMISSIONS

TOP FIVE NATIONALITIES

In August 2016, the school opened to 827 students - meeting the set projections. By the end of the school year, enrollment was at 833 students - a very slight increase from the start of the year.

Romania: 33% / 261 students USA: 14% / 106 students Israel: 5% / 38 students Turkey: 4% / 35 students

AISB remained a diverse learning environment educating students from 56 countries who spoke 32 native languages.

Germany: 4% / 32 students

TOP FIVE LANGUAGES Romanian: 37% / 287 students English: 23% / 181 students Spanish: 5% / 37 students Hebrew: 4% / 35 students Turkish: 4% / 35 students

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The diplomatic missions, oil companies as well as other multinational organizations residing in Bucharest continued to bring the majority of student population at AISB. The AISB Admissions Office worked to create a better admissions experience for all families interested in learning about the school.

From a reliable and easy to use online application system to Skype tours and interviews and to remote testing, AISB admissions is giving parents worldwide more and more access to our facilities.

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST Annual Report 2017

COMMUNICATIONS We continue to pay attention to the various communications needs of the growing AISB community.

Taking into account the ages, location and interests the means are diverse and require different kinds of messages:

THE ALUMNI WORLD MAGAZINE • Continues to be the most successful AISB publication • Relevant content and growing interest within the online and in print community • Currently featured in the National Library

WEEKLY & MONTHLY NEWSLETTERS • Means to keep the AISB community in touch with all of the important announcements and news from the school • Emailed to all parents every Friday and at the end of the month • The Monthly edition is public

THE AISB WEBSITE • Updated to reflect the realities of the 2016 - 2017 school year • Continued auditing to guarantee effectiveness • New school video

AISB YEARBOOK • First one to be put together using augmented reality - enabling parents and students to see videos on events using the yearbook and their devices • Increased readership

DIRECTOR’S BLOG • Opportunity to delve into the educational philosophies developed after years in international education • A great way to learn about AISB’s educational and facilities development plans

AISB FACEBOOK PAGE; INSTAGRAM; LINKEDIN; TWITTER • Social media tools used to broadcast school news • A tool used by current and former parents as well as people not affiliated with AISB to keep in touch with our community

• Communicating with the school Director

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AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST Annual Report 2017

ALUMNI RELATIONS The Alumni Association has seen continued growth and development.

The Executive Team put together many successful events that strengthened the relationship between the Association and the school and brought together alumni from many generations. The Association is making plans to further involve alumni and grow engagement for next year.

Alumni Association Strategy: We consolidated our strategy to serve the needs of our key interest holders: alumni, current students and parents, AISB, and the alumni team and delegates.

AISB Connect: Our online private network continues to grow, however not at the rate at which we’d like. Our database is growing and most importantly, contains

accurate information.

AISBconnect.com sees an active users list of 277 users and a network size of 440. We are researching new providers who might be able to offer us better integration and engagement.

Events Hosted at AISB: Our annual events continued successfully; University Search and Application, Career Speed Networking, Letting Go, and the Senior Brunch brought positive value to the current students and parents of AISB. Alumni engagement was at an all-time high this year and the events ran even more smoothly this year since we were able to learn from past experiences.

Reunions: We held our 5 Year Anniversary Event in Bucharest at Fish House on September 12th. We started early promotions of

the event and welcomed 40 alumni to the event.

As in previous years, we brought school yearbooks, WORLD magazines, school marketing collaterals, and, new this year, school store merchandise. We have also supported mini-reunions initiated by alumni across the globe.

WORLD Magazine: We successfully launched two issues of our magazine.

The quality of the content continues to improve and our entire executive team continues to be heavily invested in this project.

We obtained ISSN codes for the magazine from the Romanian National Library and send magazines to be catalogued and displayed within the American Corners of five libraries across the country.

Social Media: We have invested resources in our Facebook page which has

grown to an audience of over 7,000 likes. This will support our next phase of growth. Our AISB Alumns private group has also grown on Facebook.

Future Expansion Plans: For the next academic year, we will be planning an event with an alumna from 1996 to further expand the events offered to the AISB Community.

Dr. Regine Muradian, clinical psychologist and mental health expert, will host a seminar on Cyberbullying for parents.

Furthermore, we are looking to expand our strategy and networking capabilities for alumni with the inauguration of the Alumni Business Communities and set the foundations for alumni involvement in AISB’s Design and Engineering Center.

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AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST Annual Report 2017

LEGACY OF GIVING To keep ahead of the times AISB must position itself as a state of the art school in which students engage

FUNDRAISING Based on the fundraising policy revised and passed

in learning, are inspired by motivated teachers and are thus prepared to not only meet the challenges of the world ahead but to create the future.

Thank you to all of the donors who contributed in cash and in kind to make our every dream possible.

The Legacy of Giving wall prominently displayed

in the main lobby of the school tells the story of this ever increasing support system.

by the AISB School Board during the 2015 - 2016 school year, this year brought an increase in

the fundraising efforts at AISB, culminating with the development of the Step Into the Extraordinary

Capital Campaign for the building and outfitting of the first ever AISB Design & Engineering Center.

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AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST Annual Report 2017

FACILITIES REPORT

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MAJOR INITIATIVES By almost any measure, this was another successful year for the Facilities Department.

Using our extensive knowledge of the campus and focus on operations, we continued to support our students, faculty, and staff.

In the pages that follow, we present a short list of projects that were successfully completed during this reporting period.

06 02 LIBRARY

04 • Computer Lab Reconfiguration

03 01 EXTERIOR WORKS

• Multisport Rubber Field near existing Gym • Returfing under the ES Portable • Elevated Rock Garden Cafeteria exit towards Central Park (HS Bldg.)

• Covered Walk way between Cafeteria and HS Bldg.

• TRAFO STATION Upgrading • New Power Generator addition • Pedestrian Crossings in the school Parking Lot

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AUDITORIUM

ELC NEW BUILDING

• Turfing areas afected by the ELC construction site • General cleaning after construction • Furnishing and setting up of the entire building • EC wooden Toy Relocation in the New EC Building • New ELC Building Fencing • New ELC Building Access Road Fencing • ELC Reception Security Improvements • New ELC Bldg.

Lanscaping and Playground • New ELC Building Guard House

• New Slide installation

HIGH SCHOOL

07 • Art Room/Floor Reconfiguration • Under the stairs storage freeing up and renovation • Furnishing and setting up

• Concrete Farm Fence Renovation

• Replace Button Door Opener with ID Card Reader

05 DESIGN CENTER (FORMER KINDERGARTEN)

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BUILDING

• Dismantling wall between rooms #43 and 43B • Teacher’s Restroom Reconfiguration (2 spaces) • ES Principal’s and Secretary Offices Construction in the ES Hallway • ES Portables removal • Hallway door re-installed and returfing the ground underneath

• Reconfiguration of rooms 1 - 5 and room # 9 (Glass doors, wall glassed hole in each

• New carpet installation in Community Room #13

• classroom 1,5 m wide/2,4 m tall, bathroom demolition, floors covered with Gerfloor)

• Building 3 Rehearsal Rooms in room # 11

• Hallway renovation/ repainting (ash)

• Rest Room demolition in room #9

• Furnishing and setting up of the entire building

• Rest Room demolition in work room # 8

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST Annual Report 2017

• Rest Room reconfiguration in room #11

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PORTABLES

GYM

DRAMA / BACKSTAGE & HALLWAY

ADMINISTRATIVE AREA - 1ST FLOOR

• 3 Classrooms added, behind the HS Portables

• Repartitioning the Girls Changing rooms

• Fine Arts Office in the Backstage Hallway

• Connecting the two offices leading out of the Director’s office

• 1 Teacher’s Lounge + restrooms added behind the Gym

• Repartitioning the Boys Changing rooms • Additional Automated Irrigation on sport fields

• Ramp filling in to increase the hallway width (on the Band room side)

• Board Room storage enlargement and soundproofing; reinforced wall relocation

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James Stewart

Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair

TREASURER’S FINANCIAL REPORT On behalf of the AISB Board of Trustees, I am pleased to report that for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017, the school continued to operate on a sound financial basis, supported by a steady enrollment and maintaining a healthy cash surplus.

The major accomplishments of last year were: 1. Concluding the construction of the Early Learning Center in August 2017 for the beginning of the 2017-2018 academic year 2. A higher than anticipated enrollment: 843 students as opposed to 835 3. The raise in cash for the 2016-2017 academic year was used in addition to the drawdowns for the Early Learning Center construction and for the capital acquisitions AISB has also continued in its support for the local community by maintaining its commitment to the funding of twelve scholarships for deserving Romanian students.

I wish you and your families a prosperous and successful 2017-2018 school year.

James Stewart Board Treasurer

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AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST Annual Report 2017

PTO REPORT

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AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST Annual Report 2017

Our community is blessed with a very enthusiastic and handson PTO organization that believes our children are our greatest investment in life! Our Organization supports the education of AISB students by fostering relationships among the school, parents, and teachers, activities and communication between different parts of our community.

On behalf of our Parent Teacher Organization, I would like to thank you all for your hard work, involvement and dedication, and to congratulate you for all your accomplishments during the 2016-2017 school year!

Thank you all for joining our efforts over the years to enrich students’ learning experiences, to support the international and local community, and to make the community spirit thrive here, at AISB. The AISB PTO - Parent Teacher Organization - is a non-profit, volunteer based organization, actively involved in the school’s programs and

activities, supporting the teachers, specialists, school administration and staff in all efforts to provide a positive and safe learning and living environment for our children.

Our PTO Executive Team, together with the many generous, dedicated parents, were able to assist the teachers and students, focusing on the effectiveness of positive communication between families and school.

Together, we have contributed to creating and implementing the extensive parent meetings and workshop program here, at AISB. We have generated more opportunities for

the community to come together, stay informed and connected, and learn how to better support the students.

The support received through the AISB PTO Annual Gala for the Scholarship Fund has placed the Parent and Teacher Organization at the top of the Legacy of Giving list. Since the program began in 1997, with the support of its amazing community, AISB has been able to fund scholarships for over 40 highly qualified students.

Our World of Excellence, the 20th edition of the AISB PTO AUCTION GALA generated funds of 48.000 euro from all the

generous donations of our community members and friends of AISB. The Auction Gala is an outstanding tradition in this international community, and it makes a difference in the lives of young students worldwide.

Due to your generosity, the AISB Scholarship Fund is now 15,000 euro richer, enabling the school to continue to offer highly qualified students from the local community, students who would otherwise be unable to afford our tuition and fees, the opportunity to study at AISB and earn the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma.

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SUPPORTING THE NEW AISB DESIGN & ENGINEERING CENTER We have the pleasure the announce that the Parent Teacher Organization was able this year to integrally fund the new Materials Room within the AISB Design and Engineering Center, with the amount of 25.000 euro.

DESIGN CENTER

A uniquely designed, innovative space with a new way of teaching and learning, this center will offer students a fully immersive experience. One of its kind in Europe, this will be a state of the art learning hub that will combine academics and creativity with the power of doing.

We take this opportunity to express our appreciation to the School Administration and the AISB Board of Trustees for envisioning, initiating and creating this new, modern learning center, with the future in mind.

Thank you all who are joining the “Step into the Extraordinary” campaign and for promoting this amazing project.

OUR PTO EDUCATIONAL GRANTS PROGRAM WAS SUCCESSFULLY ENHANCED THIS YEAR.

PTO GRANTS APPROVED DURING THE 2016 – 2017 SCHOOL YEAR INCLUDE: 500 euro

„Reading for Pleasure” project - Romanian Books (for Secondary School)

300 euro

Romanian Authors Visits - Elementary School

500 euro

Author Shamini Flint Visit – Elementary and Secondary School

500 euro

Romanian Week at AISB

500 euro

„Battle of the Books” Reading Competition

500 euro

„Interactive Spaces” - Epson Projector for the Early Childhood

140 euro

Photo Competition

180 euro

Bookmarks - Primary Years Program Library

360 euro

Books for Primary Years Program students attending Bookfest

1370 euro

Stem Tools in Primary Years Program (including Lego Education WeDo 2.0) - EC - Grade 5

1650 euro

Digital Piano Yamaha YDP-V240 for Early Childhood

3500 euro

Leadership Program for Secondary School Students - 2017/2018

5000 euro

Freedom from Chemical Dependancy specialists visit (for Drug & Alcohol Awareness program - 2017/2018)

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AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST Annual Report 2017

CULTURAL CELEBRATIONS UNIQUE LEARNING EXPERIENCES AT AISB As every year, the PTO has supported the school by organizing the annual community cultural events and activities, bringing families together and celebrating our cultural diversity.

It was a great pleasure to partner with you all, hundreds of parents, teachers, students and friends for the making of the annual charity event Terry Fox Run & PTO Welcome Back BBQ, the abundantly delicious Harvest Festival, the spooky

Halloween celebration in the Primary Years Program, the winter magical Festival of Lights, the Artisans Fairs, the AISB community’s largest multicultural celebration International Day Festival, as well as the above-mentioned elegant fundraising event PTO Auction Gala, and more.

All events and activities also involved AISB students in the planning and organizing, and all the funds raised by the PTO on the occasions benefitted the AISB students and created more opportunities and unique learning experiences for them.

PARENT MEETINGS AND WORKSHOPS We engaged parents in valuable discussions during the school’s parent meetings and workshops on various topics, such as: • Introduction to the IB Program • Dynamics of Social Integration • How Do Our Kids Learn • IB Assessment / Understanding Your Child’s Report Card

We organized monthly community meetings (PTO General) during the school year, as well as periodic parent meetings with the Principals, Secondary School Counselors ‘ Corner and many other specialists presentations and discussions.

Together with the school, we’ve created and are managing an extensive program of parent meetings and workshops, with over 75 sessions.

• Cyber Safety • Learning Resources & Information • Literacy – How to Support Your Child, and many more.

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ONGOING PARENT SUPPORT Parents and families at AISB continue to be very much involved in all aspects of our children’s school life.

We provide help for the school-hosted CEESA tournaments, and other cultural and sports activities. We support Student Councils and students’ Service Learning Groups with their events and activities, create occasions for them to have an impact, as well as support them financially.

Parents are much involved in the Promotions and Graduation organizing

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teams, supporting students and teachers to celebrate their success.

During the 2016 – 2017 school year, the PTO also allocated the following funds: • 750 euro Senior Service Learning Award • 250 euro Grade 5 Promotion Ceremony • 250 euro Grade 8 Promotion Ceremony • 900 euro Graduation, Gifts for Seniors • 700 euro Teachers’ Appreciation

We created the Nationalities Liaisons program, a great addition to our welcoming efforts to help integrate the new families, also the Class Parent Representatives program in the PYP School, which involves many parents in the class related activities and provide relevant support in school communication.

THANK YOU to all teachers and school specialists, teacher assistants, substitute teachers, all educators and all administrative staff, management and business offices, support staff, maintenance, security and

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST Annual Report 2017

cleaning staff and all for the hard work, for keeping the school safe and beautiful, for keeping our dreams high and make them happen at AISB! We are all, together, partners in our children’s education. THANK YOU! Sorina Mureşan-Tulea PTO President

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Blvd. Pipera 196 Voluntari, Jud. Ilfov 077190, Romania Tel: (40-21) 204-4300 Fax: (40-21) 204-4384 office@aisb.ro www.aisb.ro

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AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST Annual Report 2017

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