CAS with its modern and traditional designs is an attractive place to work and study. Currently, we are repairing the Lower School roof/terrace to address the serious water leaks which flooded some of our classrooms and the library below. 

Schools are dynamic, busy places.  Starting around this time of the school year, the pace really picks up.  Why?  

Perhaps it's because we are entering trimester three.  Perhaps we, as educators, are always focused on growth and improvement (of our students, in our practice, and as a division).  Perhaps it's the drive to finish the year off strong, putting us on solid footing for the beginning of the upcoming school year.

Or perhaps simply because it's getting warmer and sunnier and we're coming out of the drolls of winter.

There are many theories...

The Lower School is a happening place, with many events occuring now and others on the horizon.

Virtual Fountas and Pinnell reading assessment

Fountas and Pinnell is a research-based (and widely implemented) reading assessment we typically conduct at least three times a year (Covid, as usual, messed up what is typical).  The assessment provides us with data of students' reading comprehension, fluency, and accuracy.  It enables teachers to gauge where students' reading is in terms of grade level standards.  It helps students choose "just right" books and texts.  It is a means to differentiate (individualize) instruction, targeting skill development.  It allows for teachers and parents to quantify progress.  

Over the past several weeks, teachers have been conducting the one-on-one assessments.  While most students have been assessed, we still have about 15 Lower School students who remain online only and we desperately need data so we can continue to deliver the quality instruction you appreciate at CAS. 

Please be on the lookout for communication from your child's teacher regarding an appointment to conduct the assessment.  To ensure accurate data, it is crucial your child complete the assessment without prompting from a parent, tutor, or other caregiver.

While there is no need to study for these assessments, students can still prepare. Getting a good night's sleep, eating healthy meals and snacks, and taking the assessment seriously are the best methods that you can use to help achieve accurate results.

WIDA testing (World Class Instructional Design and Assessment)

The WIDA is a language proficiency assessment which helps to determine the necessary amount and type of English Language instructional services and support students might receive. We also use the data to track overall trends in student English language development as well as differentiate (individualize) instruction. The results of this assessment do not impact student report card grades. 

There are four parts involved in the test: speaking, listening, writing, and reading. The speaking part involves a 10-15 minute individual interview, which will be administered over the next few weeks.

The WIDA testing long-term plan, established in 2018, is that all students in Grades 1, 3, and 5 are tested each year.  This provides us with longitudinal data.

While there is no need to study for these assessments, students can still prepare. Getting a good night's sleep, eating healthy meals and snacks, and taking the assessment seriously are the best methods that you can use to achieve accurate results.

Spring MAP testing (Measures of Academic Progress)

The week we return from Spring Break, we will be conducting MAP testing in Grades 2-6.  More details will follow in the coming weeks. 

Why is MAP testing important for students (and educators)?

• Enables teachers to differentiate (individualize) instruction

• Provides students and parents an accurate snapshot of student growth over time toward mastery of the grade level standards.

• Students and parents can see how norm-referenced scores compare to students all over the world.

• Teachers can work with individual students to set goals for Math and Language Arts.

• It builds test-taking skills and stamina for high-stakes college entrance exams like the SAT.

• Ensures students are making adequate yearly progress to be ready for the rigor of Upper School, including the IB DP and later, university.

• Scores are often used when making recommendations if you apply to another school or a summer program

The dates for the Lower School Spring MAP testing window:

April 20 = Reading (Green)

April 21 = Reading (Yellow)

April 22 = Math (Green)

April 23 = Math (Yellow)

While there is no need to study for these assessments, students can still prepare. Getting a good night's sleep, eating healthy meals and snacks, and taking the assessment seriously are the best methods that you can use to achieve accurate results.  This is especially important as the testing window is during Ramadan. The results of this assessment do not impact student report card grades.

Upper School CAS Projects

A core requirement of the International Bacculareate's Diploma Program is the CAS (Creativity, Action, Service) Project.  Several students have presented me with proposals for their CAS projects, which engage Lower School.  I question and challenge the Upper School students thoroughly to encourage planning, development, and execution of their plans.  Know that I take their proposals and plans seriously and they must pass discriminating gatekeeping to implement in the Lower School.  Thank you for supporting all CAS students' learning and achievements.

Thank you for your continued support and encouragement of the Lower School efforts!

Thank you for your generosity. To make nice baskets for our workers, following the Director's message above,  these are some samples of the  Ramadan Food Drive items for our dedicated workers. 

For those of you who may not come to campus for multiple reasons (covid restrictions, living in a different city etc...) our white field wall has gotten a little twist to it this past week! We’re honored to have our talented Alum @chamachraibi on campus this week. Two of our IB Art Students are collaborating with Chama Chraibi (class of 2012) on this beautiful project, which has itself stemmed from another project led by three of our seniors for their CAS IB.  The creation of this wall was initiated by our three CAS seniors; Ahmed el Saleh, Hiba Hansali and Sabrine Benzakour who have been working closely with les Amis du Ruban Rose throughout this year. On this Sunday, March 28th, cancer survivors and fighters along with famous Moroccan artists and members of our community (staff, students and parents) have participated in a very special project happening on campus. Chama has agreed to help the cause by helping the students create a beautiful background for this particular project!

We would like to thank several PTC moms: Dia Ibnoussina, Olga Zadaki, Kaoutar Jamei and Sandra Klousseh for giving Chama a hand in painting the mural as well! 

Stay tuned and follow our stories on Instagram to find out more!

On Saturday, March 20th, 2021 our cobras gathered on campus to compete for the final round of the Spelling Bee Contest. Organized by NHS students, Neil Chaoui (GR 11) and Samy Guessous (GR 11) challenged our young spellers (grade 3-6) through two virtual rounds and the final one on campus. Thank you to all the parents and students who were supportive! Congratulations to our winners are: 1st Place, Yuan Choi (GR5), 2nd Place, Tayeoon Kim (GR4), 3rd Place, Ghalia Saoudi (GR4). See you next year for another exciting contest! Swipe Right to see all pictures

A big Shout OUT to all the following People 2 People (Upper School Charity Club) who have sent donations for our Zagora Trip! 

Thank you to: Neil Chaoui, Samy Guessous, Abla Alioui, Dounia Baroudi, Aya Amoudi, Adam Adnani, Aya Oqaidi, Lina Ryadi, Rim El Mafrouhi, Kenza Hafid, Zineb Sebti, Douae Aichour, Rita Bennai, Sofia Ziane, Rim Essagar, Chemsi Lahlou, Sofia Ibnoussina, Kenza El Ouakhchachi, Salim Bennis ,Dany Kanaan, Ms. Alj

If you are interested by Art Cantine services for your child/ children, please contact Ms. Sabrine Sekkat at: artcantine@gmail.com or by phone: 0663 16 49 30. The meals that Art Cantine provides are balanced, well proportioned and healthy. 

To view April's Monthly Menu Click Here. 

Chama Chraibi, Class of 2012. Scroll right to see more pictures of her creations. 

Chama graduated from CAS in 2012 and received her Bachelor's Degree in commerce from Concordia University with an exchange at Université de Nouvelle-Galles du Sud (UNSW Sydney). She later  graduated from I.E University and received her  Master's Degree in Digital Business. Prior to confinement, Chama worked as a financial analyst at Amazon in Paris. 

During confinement, Chama has discovered her love for painting and has participated in Zyne's shoe design contest. All proceeds of the shoe sale were contributed to the association Amies des Ecoles.

Chama's distinctive minimalist style emanates fresh, vibrant energy with aesthetically pleasing strokes and curves. She uses the one-line drawing technique to simplify and represent the complex world around her in one single continuous line.

 Particularly attracted by cubism and abstract expressionism, Chama’s obsession with lines and graphics is evident in her everyday life. She takes joy in experimenting with new techniques and learning by doing.  When the school reached out to Chama to create this project she enthusiastically joined the cause and was ready to tackle this new challenge. It was her first mural!

Since Chama has continued to paint and create new collections collaborating with different people. You can find her beautiful vases at TO Concept store or yet again beautifully scented candles from Côté Bougie. She is currently exposing her art pieces at the Art Gallery ThemA where you will find her paintings using acrylics and mixed media on canvas and abstract wire sculptures.