Dear Families,

Happy Book Week! Ms. Anna Parente and the Library team put on an amazing week for our students to celebrate the love of reading. 

We begin our MAP testing as soon as we get back on Monday. Our first test will be Math and we will do it in the first two blocks of the day. 

• The week we return is a blue week. GHEF on Monday.

• Eid Holiday May 25-29th, no school. 

• MAP Testing June 1-4

Have a great weekend!

Ms. Williams

email: m.williams3_gaa@gemsedu.com 

As we come to the Eid Break, we wanted to take a moment to share our heartfelt thanks with the GAA community.

From Ms. Bhatty, GAA has been my home for the past nine years. During that time, I have worn many hats; including Psychology Teacher, Head of Social Studies, Head of Grade, Dean of Students, and Assistant Vice Principal. Across each of these roles, what has remained most meaningful has been the opportunity to work with such wonderful students, families, and colleagues.

For Mr. Elliot, joining GAA two years ago as IBDP Coordinator has been a truly rewarding experience. It has been a pleasure getting to know the students, working alongside dedicated staff, and experiencing the warmth and support of the parent community. From the very beginning, the students and families of GAA made the school feel like home.

GAA has also been a very special place for us personally. During our time here, we began our family and welcomed our lovely baby Nova. For that reason, our connection to this community will always be more than professional; it will always be part of our family story.

While we are excited for our next chapter as we move to Taiwan, we leave with deep gratitude and many cherished memories. GAA will always hold a very special place in our hearts.

Thank you for the kindness, support, and warmth you have shown us. We wish the entire GAA community continued happiness and success in the years ahead.

With warmest wishes,

Ms. Zahra Bhatty and Mr. Elliot

Building the Future of AI Through Hands-On Innovation

High School Computer Science students at GEMS American Academy Abu Dhabi recently explored the real-world power of Artificial Intelligence through engaging, project-based learning experiences using Google Teachable Machine, CodeHS, and IBM Watson Assistant.

AI Gesture Recognition with Teachable Machine

Students began by exploring how AI models are trained using image classification and machine learning concepts. Using Google Teachable Machine and CodeHS, students trained AI models to recognize hand gestures representing “On” and “Off.”

After collecting and training image data, students integrated their trained models into interactive programs that simulated a smart lighting system. The program displayed a “light on” or “light off” image based on the hand gesture detected by the AI model in real time.

This activity helped students understand:

• How AI models learn from data

• Image classification and training processes

• Real-time AI applications

• Human-computer interaction through gesture recognition

The lesson transformed students from passive technology users into active AI creators, giving them practical exposure to machine learning concepts in an engaging and accessible way.

Designing AI Chatbots with IBM Watson Assistant

Students also explored conversational AI by building their own chatbots using IBM Watson Assistant on IBM Cloud.

Through this project, students learned how AI chatbots use:

• Intents

• Entities

• Dialog skills

• Conversation flows

Students designed and developed chatbots focused on GAA Library support services, creating AI assistants capable of answering common library-related questions and guiding users through information requests.

The project introduced students to real-world AI development workflows while strengthening problem-solving, design thinking, and computational thinking skills.

Empowering Future Innovators

These hands-on AI projects reflect GAA’s commitment to innovation, future-ready learning, and authentic technology integration. By engaging with industry-relevant AI tools and platforms, students are not only learning how technology works, but also how to design meaningful solutions for real-world challenges.

Under the guidance of Computer Science Facilitator Mr. Muhammad Qureshi, students continue to explore emerging technologies through creativity, collaboration, and innovation.

• CS Library Chatbot.mov 

• 1777992802410-1.jpg 

• June 3: Class of 2026 Decision Day 

• June 3: High School Sports Awards Night

• June 4: Senior Walk

• June 7: Graduation Ceremony Class of 2026

• June 10-11: Alice in Wonderland Middle School Musical

• July 2: Grade 8 Promotion Ceremony

• July 3: Last Day of School