Dear Parents and Students,

Thank you for a great back to school night. I hope you all enjoyed roaming the hallways and finding classes. 

Next week we will begin our MAP testing. This year we are working on doing it in one week so we do not disturb or take away from anymore learning time than we need. We are testing the kids twice for MAPS this year and twice for NGRT (New Group Reading Test). The students are also taking the Arabic Benchmark Test and we have now started baseline, mid-term and final assessments to align with ADEK. Lots of testing, so every minute counts!

Updates:

• Monday is an EFGHA day.

• Book Fair Next week- Parent Consent is Required

• MAP Testing September 29th- October 3rd

Have a great weekend!

Ms. Williams

The Power of Reading at Home: Building Stronger Students, Stronger Futures

By Sirina Poole,  Head of English Department

At GEMS American Academy, we know that success in school goes far beyond memorizing facts. True academic growth comes from developing habits that strengthen the mind, nurture curiosity, and broaden horizons. One of the most effective ways high school students can achieve this is by dedicating time each day to reading at home.

Research consistently shows that students who read regularly - whether novels, poetry, or nonfiction - improve not only in English but also in science, history, and mathematics. Reading enhances vocabulary, sharpens comprehension, and develops critical thinking skills that are transferable to every subject. When students engage with complex texts, they practice making connections, identifying patterns, and thinking deeply - skills that directly improve academic outcomes across the board.

What Our Students Are Reading

At GAA, we are proud of the texts our middle and high school students are exploring:

Middle School

• Grade 6: New Kid by Jerry Craft and a selection of poetry

• Grade 7:  a collection of short stories 

• Grade 8 : The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

High School

• Grade 9: A collection of short stories

• Grade 10: The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen

• Grades 11 & 12: A collection of short stories

IB Language and Literature: 

• Odyssey by Homer translated by Emily Wilson and 

• The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

These works provide opportunities not just for academic growth, but also for personal development. Through diverse voices and perspectives, our students are invited to reflect on resilience, dreams, justice, and the human condition.

Global Citizens Through Reading

Reading about diverse cultures, histories, and perspectives allows students to see beyond their immediate surroundings. It fosters empathy, builds cultural awareness, and opens doors to new ideas. This directly connects to our school’s mission of “developing global citizens who have the confidence and conviction to pursue their dreams and impact the world.” By reading deeply and widely, students build both the academic skills and the worldview necessary to become future leaders, innovators, and changemakers.

How Parents Can Help

As families, you play an important role in encouraging reading at home. Set aside time each evening for reading, ask questions about what your child is learning, and share your own reading experiences. Just 20–30 minutes a day can make a remarkable difference in academic achievement and lifelong learning.

Key Benefits of Reading at Home

• Builds stronger vocabulary

• Improves comprehension and focus

• Strengthens writing and communication skills

• Encourages empathy and cultural awareness

• Boosts performance in all courses

Every page counts. Every book opens a door.

Grade 12 Parent Meeting 

On behalf of the High School Counseling Team, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for joining us at Senior Parent Night yesterday evening. We were humbled and encouraged by the large turnout, and we are truly grateful for your partnership and support as we walk with your students through this pivotal year.

For your reference, we are sharing the presentation from last night as well as a short parent survey. We would greatly appreciate your feedback, as it will help us better understand how we can continue to support both you and your student.

Thank you once again for your commitment and partnership. We look forward to working together to make this a meaningful and successful senior year for your student.

University Fairs/Visits

• October 1: Canadian Universities (McGill University, Concordia University, Lakehead University, York University, Carleton University, Dalhousie University, University of Alberta, University of Victoria.) @Secondary Library

• October 2: Lynn University @Secondary Library

• November 8: Get into Medicine UAE @GEMS Wellington Academy Silicon Oasis (Click LINK for more info)

• September 29 - October 3 - MAP Testing for Grades 6-10

• October 3 - GAA Parent Association Board Meeting

• October 6-10 - Book Fair

• October 13-17 - Mid-term Break (no school in session)

• October 29-31 - Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences (no classes in session)