early childhood / elementary school

Dear Parents,

Happy Friday! At the publication of this newsletter, Dr. Areias and I will be close to landing in Lagos. We have had a successful two weeks engaging in recruiting and filling our final open spots, as well as spending time with international colleagues addressing key issues in our schools. At the conference hosted by the Association for the Advancement of International Education (AAIE), the theme “Diverse on Purpose, Different by Design” allowed us many opportunities to discuss and learn from each other about international schools expanding their efforts to ensure and provide for diversity, as well as advance systems, programs and training for child safety and protection. The alumni reunion was an incredible opportunity to see the impact on AISL on individuals after graduation or departure. There were over 70 people who joined. The buzz of joy, reconnection and pride in the room was extraordinary.

I am very much looking forward to being back home and returning to our elementary family! A great big THANK YOU to my team, including John Powell, who was stellar in keeping all sailing smoothly.

A great big THANK YOU to the parents who shared in the World Read Aloud Day! Photos were shared with me of students highly engaged in that wonderful opportunity to listen to a story. It is always made more special when done by a visitor, especially a parent visitor! Thank you!

Monday Assembly

Our assembly on Monday, February 10th, will be hosted by 1T, who will focus their current learning and message on "Single-Use Plastic in AISL," showcasing the problems and potential solutions of which our community can be made aware. You are welcome to join us as we start a new and exciting week.

Candy Grams for Valentine's Day

Candy Grams for those of you who purchased them will be distributed to the children on Wednesday afternoon. Thank you to all who participated!!

Grades 1 and 2 Concerts - February 12

We are excited to invite you to the upcoming concerts that will take place on Wednesday, February 12 at 1:30pm. The gym will be open for you beginning at 1:15 to enter and find a seat. The concert ends just before 2:30, so students will return to their classrooms to drop off any costume items that belong to the school, pick up their bags and then will be dismissed. Please collect your child from his/her classroom. We look forward to engaging in this opportunity to watch students share their learning through this special performance.

School Closed February 14 to February 17

Please note that we do not have school on Friday, February 14th and Monday, February 17th. The school will be closed on both of these days. Enjoy the long weekend.

PTO Events - Reading Month - February 11-26

“Save Our Earth” Book Fair/Student Engagement

Please join in the annual book fair designed to offer new and exciting books to our community. Books will be available in the library from 7:30 -3:00 pm from February 24 - 26.

Book Swap

Students are encouraged to engage in a book to swap on Tuesday, February 11th. They can bring in any book from home that is in good condition and at the appropriate grade level. They will drop them at the book swap table near the school office in the morning and get a color stamp. At dismissal time, they will show their stamp and choose a book!

Pencil Case Competition

Students are invited to make a pencil case/pouch/box by using only recycled materials from home. They will submit it to their teachers or drop it in the library before Tuesday, February 18th. One winner will be chosen from each grade. Competition winners will be announced on March 2nd.

Pick Up Times

Child safety is our number one priority. Please note that it is important for our students to be picked up according to their specific dismissal time. Beyond these times, we do not have teachers or IAs in place for supervision. All students in K-4 are dismissed at 2:30pm. Should a student be in afterschool activities, the dismissal time is at 3:30 pm. Students should not be on campus unattended by a parent or guardian after this time. A middle or high school sibling does not count as a guardian. For students with siblings in middle and high school, we do offer after school care from 2:30 to 3:00 pm. If you are interested in having your child attend this option, or you foresee any late pick up, please contact Ms. Tosin Jegede at tjegede@aislagos.org.

Wishing all of you a wonderful weekend ahead!

Warm regards,

Melissa Schaub

Interim Elementary Principal

mschaub@aislagos.org