Upper Elementary School

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

Dear Upper Elementary School Parents,

The school and community came together during International Week to welcome the world into our campus and classrooms, celebrating and acknowledging the richness that diversity brings. Throughout the week, we not only raised awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity but also showcased incredible exhibits of cultural variety, featuring performances and delectable cuisine. Our annual International Week, a success thanks to the collaboration with AMA (Arabic Mother Association), PTA, Booster Club, BFHA (Black Family Heritage Association), numerous community stakeholders, students, parents, volunteers, and staff members. A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved for their exceptional efforts and contributions in bringing the cultures and traditions of the world to the American School of Doha during the 2023 International Week celebration!

UES Effect Club Bring A Plate

UES Effect Club ran a successful campaign to encourage students (and teachers) to bring in their own plates and silverware for the International Buffet. We had widespread participation and saved at least 100 plates and silverware from going to the landfill or incinerator. That made our wonderful PTA International Buffet even more enjoyable!

Terry Fox Run

A heartfelt thank you extends to our dedicated UES Counselor, Sarah MacDonald, UES Student Council, enthusiastic students, committed teachers, and supportive families for wholeheartedly supporting the Terry Fox Run. Your collective efforts have turned this event into a success. The Student Council's leadership, students' active participation, teachers' guidance, and families' unwavering support have truly made a significant impact. Your contributions have not only raised awareness for cancer research but have also showcased the strength of our school community when we come together for a noble cause. Your involvement in the Terry Fox Run exemplifies the spirit of unity and compassion, making a meaningful difference. Thank you for embodying the values of empathy and solidarity, creating a positive and impactful experience for us all.

Learning Focus: UES Exploring Poetry

Learning about poetry in the UES is a valuable and enriching experience that contributes to the overall development of our students’ minds. Through the exploration of various poetic forms, students not only enhance their language and literacy skills but also cultivate a deep appreciation for self-expression and creativity. Poetry exposes them to diverse literary elements, such as rhyme, rhythm, and metaphor, fostering a nuanced understanding of language. Additionally, the study of poetry encourages students to express their thoughts and emotions in a concise and imaginative manner, promoting effective communication.

Beyond academic benefits, poetry serves as a gateway to cultural awareness, introducing students to different poetic traditions and perspectives from around the world. It nurtures empathy and emotional intelligence by allowing students to connect with the feelings and experiences conveyed in poems. Furthermore, engaging with poetry in UES can contribute to the development of critical thinking skills as students analyze and interpret various poetic works.

MTSS: Multi Tier Systems of Support

This past week, our UES Faculty engaged in professional development that provided an overview of our Multi Tier Systems of Support program which is designed to assist all learners in the UES achieve at high levels. As an educational framework, students receive differentiated instruction at the Tier One Level (in the classroom) and based on going assessment will receive additional support, strategies, and interventions provided by the classroom teacher, assistants, or Learning Support Specialist teachers at the Tier Two and Three levels. In our MTSS program, teachers collaborate with one another regarding student performance and devise supports to assist all students achieve their potential. When students need additional support, strategies are then implemented to assist students with their learning. We are excited about implementing MTSS in the UES as we believe all students can achieve at high levels.

Campus Access

Parents, relatives, and household help are required to show identification to pick up students during the school day and during dismissal. A DragonCard will be required for caregivers picking students up on a frequent or everyday basis. This is enforced to make sure students leave school only with those permitted to care for them. In addition, ASD has implemented a mandatory wearing of an ID card to serve as a primary form of identification for all individuals entering the school campus. ASD ID cards are required of all faculty / staff, parents as well as families' household help, regular contractors, visitors and organizations that enter and / or use our facilities. In addition, students are required to use their Dragons Cards to enter and exit our campus and to purchase lunch.

If parents desire to permit additional authorized adults to pick up their children at dismissal, this must be communicated to the Security Office security@asd.edu.qa and ES Office via email or phone call prior, preferably 24 hours. We understand that emergencies occur, however providing us with ample notice is preferred. DragonCards may be created by applying directly to ASD Reception reception@asd.edu.qa and then a confirmation email will be sent thereafter.

Lunch, DragonCards Portals and Pre - Ordering

Have you tried pre-ordering your child’s meal? You can do this through the ASD DragonCard Portal. Avoid lines and your child will have more time to eat and socialize!

In an effort to keep you all aware of upcoming events and to further streamline communication, the ES Office will be sharing a “What is On UES” communication via email during the weeks on a rotational basis when the Principal’s Sahifa is not featured. This additional correspondence will highlight upcoming events and specify dates which will support students with preparedness.

Thank you for your consistent support of our students, teachers and our school community. We appreciate your support as we start the school year strong. As always, we thank you for partnering in the education of your child/our students. If you have any questions about items in this Sahifa or anything else, please feel free to reach out to our UES Office (4459-1550) during office hours, 7:30 am - 3:30 pm, Sunday - Thursday or email us at asduesoffice@asd.edu.qa. Need information from a prior Principal Sahifa? Check out our Sahifa’s here.

Best regards,

Brian Donaldson & Melissa Edme

UES Principal & Associate Principal

Upcoming Dates

Monday, December 11 - Tuesday, December 12: Holiday Market (ES Courtyard Area)

Thursday, December 14 - ES Pajama Day

UES 2023-2024 Supply Lists

Grade 3

Grade 4

Grade 5

Upper Elementary School Pre-Arranged Absence Request Form

WHAT'S ON UES

Sun, December 10

ES Track & Field and Cricket start this week!

Mon, December 11

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

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.
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

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

Thu, December 14

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

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

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTs

Empty Bowls is back! For a donation of QAR 100, on Friday, January 12th, you can join us for an evening of home made soups, entertainment and the chance to purchase your choice of extra handmade ceramic bowls in the MS/HS ASD Cafeteria. All proceeds go towards funding a hot lunch program at ASD's partner school in Nepal, the Chamunda School. We hope to see you there.