LEARNING IN THE MIDDLE SCHOOL: SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING, ADVISORY, ACADEMICS, BREAK REFLECTIONS, AFTER SCHOOL LEARNING

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) & Advisory: 

Our Purpose Statement: SEL at AIS-R is to foster inclusion and belonging by building a culture of empathy and compassion within our diverse international community. 

Social Emotional Learning pedagogy is present in every classroom. However, advisory classes, which meet everyday (Sunday - Thursday) after the first block, provide a dedicated time in our middle school schedule to explicitly teach SEL skills and mindsets. This time is protected to deliver content and carefully designed lessons which are informed by the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL) and the International School Counseling Association Standards (ISCA). Each grade level team meets on a consistent basis to plan and review the SEL Learning Roadmap, a carefully designed sequence of SEL topics that are developmentally appropriate and responsive to students’ social emotional needs. While no home learning is assigned for advisory class, we do encourage parents to speak with students about what they are learning. Parents may also ask to be added to their child’s advisory Google Classroom to learn more about what is being taught.

Academic Courses 

The MS Academic Program focuses on the whole child’s educational experience. Student schedules are balanced between core curriculum (Humanities, Math, Science, PE & Arabic) and electives, which include opportunities to try new experiences or to build on areas of interest. The following electives are offered in the 2024-25 Academic Year: Grade 6 Elective Courses , Grade 7 & 8 Elective Courses.

Student Planner 

Each MS student will purchase a student planner at the beginning of each semester. These planners will be available for purchase in the Eagle’s Nest. It is expected that all students will use their planner every day to record assignments and other important information. 

Parents should check it frequently to ensure that students are being organized and responsible. The planner is a useful communication tool between home and school. As such, parents are expected to sign it at the end of each week to confirm that they are reviewing the weekly assignments and their child’s daily use of the planner. When a student consistently forgets his/her planner, he/she may be assigned a reflection and/or receive a parent email. If a student loses a planner, they can purchase a new one from the Eagle’s Nest.

Drop Everything And Read (DEAR)

At AIS-R’s Middle School, we believe that reading is a fundamental key to lifelong learning and success. That’s why we are excited to celebrate "Drop Everything and Read" (DEAR) time! Every week, for a minimum of 40 minutes, our students will pause all activities to immerse ourselves in the joy of reading. Whether it's a captivating novel, an informative non-fiction book, or an engaging magazine, DEAR time is an opportunity for students, teachers, and staff to experience the wonder of getting lost in a good book. This dedicated reading time not only enhances literacy skills but also fosters a love for reading. Students are also expected to carry their DEAR book with them to their classes, including advisory. 

Break Reflections 

Break Reflections are designed to support the whole learner. These sessions may be used for tardy reflections, behavior reflections or to complete classwork as needed. Grade leaders or teachers will notify the students the day before their assigned reflection date via email. Students are expected to regularly check their emails throughout the day. Break reflections will take place during the first break of the day, which is called “Snack Break”. Students are not allowed to visit the Dining Hall during Snack Break and therefore advised to bring a snack from home on the days they have been assigned a Break Reflection. All students will have a chance to eat during Lunch Break, which is the second break of the day.

After School Learning (ASL)

Teachers offer “After School Learning” (ASL) for students requiring extra support.  ASL is conducted after school from 3:30pm to 4:30pm and is at the discretion of the teacher and Middle School Administration. ASL may be required if a student did not submit an assignment on time or requires additional support in a subject area. If a student is requested to stay for ASL, the parent will be notified. Parents must arrange transportation for their children on these days. If the student can not attend ASL, other times throughout the school day may be allocated and/or the student may lose privileges for ASAs and other extracurricular activities at the discretion of the teacher and the MS Administration.