Dear GAA Families,

Welcome back to the second semester of the 2022-23 school year and Happy New Year!

As students return to school, we are aware that beginning classes again after a long break can cause mixed emotions in students. While most students are happy to see and re-unite with teachers and friends, there also may be some anxiety or apprehension with returning to the responsibilities associated with school. Both are normal reactions and as teachers and parents we can encourage our children to voice their feelings, and then listen with patience and empathy. Getting plenty of rest, a focus on time management, and creating goals are ways that will help us to get back into our school routines.

This semester is full of a number of exciting academic, athletic, and artistic activities. The school calendar includes class projects, sports tournament participation, school musicals at each division, and community building events planned by students and parents, such as GAA TEDx and GAAPA’s International Food Festival. All are opportunities that will contribute to our school wide goal of developing empathetic lifelong learners that positively contribute to their communities.

As always, I encourage you to take part in school activities and reach out as needed to strengthen the important home/school partnership. I look forward to seeing you soon on campus.

Warm regards for a successful second semester,

Regards,

Robert Rinaldo

Head of School

Dear Parents,

I hope this finds you and your family well as we enter the new year. I wanted to share our students' excitement about returning to school after the winter break.

After spending a week working together to review what we have learned, our students have been eager to share stories of their experiences and adventures over the holidays. They have returned with a new enthusiasm for learning and a fresh outlook on the year ahead.

I am also pleased to report that our students have been productive and engaged during this first week back in school. They are already feeling the excitement of the upcoming semester and the opportunities ahead. Our teachers and staff have been working hard to ensure that our students have a successful and enjoyable experience as they begin the new year.

We understand that learning can be challenging and sometimes overwhelming, but we also recognize that it is crucial to take the time to celebrate our successes and recognize the hard work we have put in.

Please join us in helping to motivate and encourage our students as we head into the coming months.

Sincerely,

Samah Awad

Assistant Principal to Head of School

أولياء الأمور الكرام،

تحية طيبة وبعد،

نرجو من الله عزّوجلّ سنة مليئة بالإنجازات والتجارب المميزة، ؤزن تكونوا جميعًا بصحة وعافية.

أردت أن أشارككم فرحة طلابنا وحماسهم بخصوص عودتهم إلى المدرسة بعد إجازة فصل الشتاء. بعد أسبوع من العمل معا لمراجعة ما تمّ تعلمهم ومشاركتنا ما فعلوه خلال إجازتهم وقصص تجاربهم ومغامراتهم مع عائلاتهم، فقد كانت ضحكاتهم تعمّ المكان بالأمل، وحركاتهم تبشر بالنشاط والحيوية والإصرار على الإنجاز وتحقيق أحلامهم.

أشعر بفرحة عارمة لمشاركتكم بأن طلابنا أمضوا أسبوعهم بحماس وفاعلية منتظرين الفصل الدراسي لقادم لتقديم أفضل ما لديهم. كما عمل طاقمنا بكل طاقاتهم للتأكد من أن يستمتع طلابنا بعودتهم للمدرسة مع بداية السنة الجديدة.

نتفهم جميعا أن رحلة التعليم والتّعلّم قد تواجه بعض الصعوبات والتحديات، ولكن ما علينا التركيز عليه في هذه الرحلة هو الاحتفاد بالنجاحات والإنجازات وتقديرنا لكافة الجهود المبذولة من جميع الأطراف.

يرجى الانضمام إلينا في تحفيز وتشجيع طلابنا على بذل أقصى ما لديهم للاستمرار في تحقيق أهدافهم وطموحاتهم.

طاب يومكم

سماح عوض

نائب مدير المدرسة

Culture of Kindness – Positive and Caring

GEMS American Academy prides itself on our Culture of Kindness. But did you know that the research is there to indicate that academic success is tied to a positive and caring culture?

Positive and caring actions are essential components of academic success. Research has shown that when students feel supported by a caring and positive environment, they are more likely to succeed academically. This is because such an environment fosters a sense of belonging, enhances motivation, and encourages healthy habits.

One way in which positive and caring actions lead to academic success is by providing a sense of belonging. A study from 2015 found that students who felt connected to their school environment were more likely to achieve higher grades, be more engaged in their studies, and have better attendance (D’Amato & Finley, 2015). This is because students who feel accepted, supported, and valued are more likely to take pride in their academic performance.

Positive and caring actions can also enhance motivation in the classroom. According to a study from 2017, students who receive recognition and praise for their efforts are more likely to persist in their studies and succeed academically (Chen & Chiu, 2017). This is because when students are acknowledged and appreciated for their work, they are more likely to be motivated and set higher goals.

Finally, positive and caring actions can help foster healthy habits that lead to academic success. A study from 2016 found that when students are given positive reinforcement and are encouraged to take care of their physical wellbeing, they are more likely to practice healthy behaviors that can improve their academic performance (Merritt & Booth, 2016). This includes eating healthy meals, exercising regularly, and getting adequate sleep.

In conclusion, positive and caring actions are essential for academic success. They provide a sense of belonging, enhance motivation, and encourage healthy habits. With the right support, students can reach their academic potential and achieve their goals.

References:

• Chen, J. K., & Chiu, Y. H. (2017). The effects of teacher caring behaviors on student learning motivation. International Journal of Educational Research, 85, 1-9.

• D'Amato, R., & Finley, A. (2015). Sense of belonging and academic outcomes among college students. Journal of College Student Development, 56(6), 576-589.

• Merritt, A. C., & Booth, A. (2016). Positive reinforcement and health promotion among college students: a comprehensive literature review. The Journal of Primary Prevention, 37(3), 179-192.

Justin Kirby

K-12 Director of Curriculum and Instruction

Congratulations to Hyeonjun Kim from Grade 5E participating to KenKen International Competition on December 17th and getting rank 4 in Junior Category! Well done!

• January 10: GAAPA Parent Coffee for Elementary (PreK-Grade 5) Parents @8-10am, Parent Cafe

• January 11: GAAPA Parent Coffee for Middle School (Grades 6-8) Parents @8-10am, Parent Cafe

• January 12: GAAPA Parent Coffee for High School (Grades 9-12) Parents @8-10am, Parent Cafe

• January 13: Book into Movies event @GAA Planetarium

• January 14: Grade 12 Cap and Gown Photoshoot (including family pics)

• January 17: Positive Discipline in Everyday Parenting Program starts

• January 21: Grade 12 Cap and Gown Photoshoot (including family pics)

• January 26-27: Aladdin Elementary Musical at GAA Auditorium @6-8pm

• January 27: GAAPA Used Uniform Sale

• January 27: Pizza Day by GAAPA

• February 13-14: Mid-term break (no school)

• February 25: International Food Festival