December 7, 2023 - Volume 3 | Issue 18 - Principals' Sahifa

Dear Middle School Parents,

As we approach the upcoming winter break at the American School of Doha, I want to take a moment to congratulate our students on their hard work and dedication throughout the semester.  I encourage our students to maintain their academic focus next week and transition into winter break on a high note. During the three weeks of the break, we encourage students to engage in activities that they enjoy but also to stimulate their minds. Reading for pleasure is an excellent choice, as it not only enhances vocabulary and boosts text comprehension but also provides a healthy break from screens.

Thank you to our parent volunteers, staff, and faculty who contributed to the success of the rescheduled fall social last week. Despite the initial setback from the October 26 rainstorm, the event was a success, and our students had a great time.

I am pleased to share an exciting development in our advisory program, particularly in our 8th-grade classes, where a recurring service component has been incorporated. Beyond intramural and STAR days, our 8th graders are actively participating in service projects at ASD. Whether assisting younger students with reading or contributing to campus gardening, their efforts reflect our values of responsibility and kindness. It's heartening to witness our 8th graders making a positive impact within our school community.

This week, we celebrated our annual International Week, a tradition at ASD. From the parade of flags to the diverse international buffet, our students had the opportunity to explore and appreciate the richness of cultures represented at our school. The week culminated in an all-school assembly featuring a student speaker and a fantastic performance from the MS band and choir!

As we countdown to winter break with just five more days to go, again, I encourage our students to maintain their academic focus. Finishing the semester strong will undoubtedly set them up for success when we return in mid-January.  I hope that our students take time over the break to recharge their batteries and return in January ready to go!

Sincerely,

Dr. Joshua Almy

Middle School Principal 

MS Art Students Help Youth in Colombia

Ms. Hermanek’s Middle School Art and Design students participated in The Memory Project, a charitable nonprofit organization that invites art students to create and donate portraits to youth around the world who have faced substantial challenges, such as loss of parents, violence, or war.  Given that youth in such situations usually have few personal keepsakes, the purpose of the portraits is to provide them with meaningful mementos of their youth. Having artwork given to them that depicts their own face, acknowledges their humanity. This is very meaningful, as these Colombian youth will know that students from Doha are thinking about them and care about their wellbeing. The project also allows art students to practice kindness and global awareness through peaceful communication while enhancing their portraiture skills.  With the help of a grant from the Global Citizenship Fund, these portraits will be delivered to children living in Colombia. To view the portraits created by grade 7 & 8 Art and Design students, click HERE. For more information on the Memory Project, go to: https://www.memoryproject.org/ A video of the Colombian children receiving these portraits will be posted in the new year. Stay tuned!

MS Lost and Found Notice

Any items left unattended will be placed in our designated lost and found area in the grade-level common areas. Please remember to check the lost and found areas for any missing items. All unclaimed items will be donated or discarded after December 10.

Also, don't forget to check the MS/HS Library Lost & Found, as those items will also be donated or discarded after December 10!

ASD DragonCards

Did you know that carrying DragonCard is a practical habit that can benefit your middle schooler? The DragonCard is a valuable tool for various functions, including accessing our campus and purchasing in our cafeteria. We expect all students to carry their DragonCards at all times, as they are the only accepted form of payment in our cafeteria.

To support your child's optimal learning, students must have their DragonCards readily available if they eat at school. In case a DragonCard is ever lost or misplaced, please check in with your child to ensure they have it with them. If a card is lost and still has funds, our IT department can temporarily block it until a replacement is obtained.

Moreover, please remember that funds can be added to the card both physically, using the machines located across our campus, and digitally via the DragonCard Portal.

If you lose your DragonCard, you have two options for obtaining a replacement. You can either pay 50 QR at the main administration building or complete the DragonCard Replacement Form, ensuring that you have 50 QAR on your account for a deduction. We will then provide you with a new card. Once it's ready, you can pick it up at the MS Office.

We appreciate your cooperation in reinforcing this responsibility with your child. By doing so, you're helping them access meals and essential services while also instilling a sense of responsibility.

Student Attendance

If your child cannot attend school, will be tardy, or if there is a change in the regular pick-up arrangement, such as doctor or embassy appointments, kindly send an email to msattendance@asd.edu.qa. For planned absences of more than two days, students should visit the MS Office to collect a Pre-arranged Absence Form. This form must be presented to the respective teachers of the classes that will be missed due to the planned absence in order to inform them appropriately.

Upcoming Dates

• Dec 10 & 11: MS Pre-order Yearbook Sales in the Cafeteria (150 QAR), during lunchtime 11:20 am - 12:00 pm only

• Dec 11 - 13: Booster Club Holiday Market (Elementary Areas)

• Dec 12: MS Parent Coffee with Counselors, 8:00 -am  9:30 am, MSPR

• Dec 15: Winter Break Begins

• Jan 07: School Resumes

• Jan 16: End of Quarter 2 / Semester 1

• Jan 16: MS Parent Coffee with Counselors, 8:00 am - 9:20 am, MSPR

• Jan 17: Start of Quarter 3 / Semester 2

• Jan 23: S1 Report Cards LIVE on PowerSchool

Sun, December 10

• MS/HS Day 1

• MS Pre-order Yearbook Sales, 11:20 am - 12:00 pm only, MS/HS Cafeteria

• JV Soccer Games, 4:00 pm, Boys - Lower Field; Girls - Upper Field

• JV Girls Basketball Game, 4:00 pm, ACS

• JV Boys Basketball Game, 5:00 pm, ACS

Mon, December 11

• MS/HS Day 2

• Booster Club Holiday Market and Store Sale, 8:00 am - 3:30 pm, ES courtyard and in front of Booster Store in HS, parents are welcome anytime

• MS Pre-order Yearbook Sales, 11:20 am - 12:00 pm only, MS/HS Cafeteria

• Varsity Basketball Games, 4:00 pm, Girls - HS Gym; Boys - ES Sports Hall

Tue, December 12

• PACT TUESDAY - dismissal at 12:30 pm

• The MS/HS Cafeteria (including Jazz Cafe and Coffee Beanery) will be CLOSED from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm for a private ASD event. The Elementary School Cafeteria will be open and selling food.

• MS/HS Day 3

• Booster Club Holiday Market and Store Sale, 8:00 am - 1:00 pm, ES courtyard and in front of Booster Store in HS, parents are welcome anytime

Wed, December 13

• MS/HS Day 4 

• Booster Club Holiday Market and Store Sale, 8:00 am - 1:30 pm, ES courtyard and in front of Booster Store in HS, parents are welcome anytime

• Varsity Girls Basketball Games, 4:00 pm, ES Sports Hall

• Varsity Soccer Games - 4pm (Boys - Lower Field, Girls - Upper Field)

Thu, December 14

• LAST DAY OF SCHOOL - classes resume on Sunday, January 7

• MS/HS Day 5

Reminder:

• Empty Bowls 2024 (by MS Art): Chamunda School in Nepal Food Program Fundraiser - Friday, January 12, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm, MS/HS Cafeteria, click here for the poster