7TH GRADE Learning Community

Click here for Quarter One Newsletter

Welcome to 7th Grade LC!

The 7th grade LC teachers have compiled this Newsletter to communicate with the parents of Grade 7 students. In this newsletter, you will find an overview of the topics and themes that will be covered in the core classes this quarter. You will also find pictures of many students working in their core subject areas of Social Studies, Science, English, and Math.

Please note that Ryan Harwood and Stephen Lawrence are the Team Leads for this Learning Community and they will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Please contact them at rharwood@jisedu.or.id and slawrence@jisedu.or.id. You may also contact any teacher directly if the question is specific to their class.

Resources to Access from home:

PowerSchool (Go to JISnet to access) - Attendance and performance grades/comments are recorded here. It is recommended that you and your child check this together to see how they are progressing.

Google Classroom - Teachers use this to support learning in class, this is a tool which students can refer back to for support at home as well. Parents, please ask your child to show you their Google Classroom.

MS Student Handbook

Image Credit: Texas Computer Education Association

Google Classroom Guardian Summaries

Parents are encouraged to sign up for Google Classroom Guardian Summaries. These summaries are emailed to you and inform you of any announcements or assignments that are posted on your child's Google Classroom courses. These summaries are just to keep you informed. If you are confused or would like to see the actual assignment that is posted, please login to Google Classroom with your child.

You might see some Missing Assignments at the top of Guardian Summaries. Before assuming your child is missing work, please make sure they have clicked the Submit button on these assignments. It is common for students to forget this step.

MEET THE TEACHERS

Ryan Harwood - HUM, JIS Studio G7 & Team Lead

I'm excited to be a part of the JIS Studio program her in the middle school . I'm originally from North Carolina (USA) where I earned a History degree from Appalachian State University and a Master's degree in Middle Grades Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. I'm joined here at JIS by my wife who is an ES Counselor at PIE and our two children who are both in high school. We have been teaching internationally for over ten years with stops in Accra, Ghana and Amman, Jordan on our way to Jakarta. I've taught various subjects, from social studies to design tech, and I'm looking forward to combining all my experiences to continue developing the amazing JIS Studio program.

I read, listen to and play music, create art, and goof around with my kids in my spare time. I love to be outside and I'm happy to continue exploring the beaches of Indonesia and surfing with my family.

Stephen Lawrence - Science & Team Lead

Hello, this is my fifth year at JIS, and I am honored to be working for a school filled with such experienced staff and intelligent teachers. The students are amazing here at JIS and they really make teaching feel worthwhile. I have been teaching for over 10 years of teaching in a number of different schools. I have taught in New York, Macau, Kaohsiung, and Seoul. I have taught Seniors 12 graders to Kindergarteners. I have taught a variety of subjects but middle science is by far my favorite subject and age group. My wife, Abigail, and two sons are accompanying me on this amazing journey. To relax, I listen to podcasts, watch movies, weight lift, play video games, and just be in nature. Some of my learning passions are the environment, dyslexia, neuroscience, genetics, and spicy food.

Ramu Indrasimhan - Social Studies

This is my 12th year teaching at JIS, and my 16th year teaching internationally. I'm here with my wife, Renata Dantone who teaches in 2nd grade at PIE. We have two children; our elder son Leonardo (Leo), is almost ten years old and is currently in 4th grade at JIS at the PIE campus. Our younger son Matteo, is almost eight years old and will be starting 2nd grade at the PIE campus. I have my Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Madras and a Master of Secondary Education in social studies from The College of New Jersey. As a third culture kid whose parents taught at international schools throughout my life, I'm very familiar with the high levels of cultural diversity that exist at an international school like JIS. I've lived in a number of countries, but my family and I typically spend our summers at our home in Portland, Oregon, and winters in Kerala, India with my parents.

I'm so excited for the new school year and can’t wait to get it off to a roaring start!

If you have any questions please contact me at: rindrasimhan@jisedu.or.id.

Erin O'Dwyer - English

Hello, everyone! My name is Erin O'Dwyer, and I am thrilled to be a part of your child's reading and writing journey this year in English. This year marks my fifth year at JIS and my fourteenth year as an international teacher. Prior to living in Indonesia, I taught middle school students in Vietnam. I have a degree in Secondary Education from Northern Arizona University and a Master's degree in Education.

I am originally from the USA and lived in California before moving overseas. I love book clubs, dinner with friends, gardening, and listening to podcasts. Although I used to compete in triathlons, I now workout by trying to keep up with my six-year-old daughter.

I am looking forward to another fantastic year at JIS!

Jenny Zenick - Social Studies & Spanish

Hello, my name is Jenny Zenick, and I am excited to begin my third year in the JIS middle school. JIS has a special place in my heart since I was a student here from 7th to 10th grade, way back in the 1980s! It has been great to return to Jakarta with my family and make this country and school my home again.

I attended Emory University, where I earned a BA in English Literature and Anthropology. As part of a Teacher Corps program, I earned an MA in Secondary Education from the University of Mississippi. Since then, I have taught for 25 years in a variety of places in the US and overseas (Nepal, Ecuador, UAE, and Switzerland). I love reading, hiking, and learning about new cultures. I look forward to a great school year! Please feel free to contact me at jzenick@jisedu.or.id

Dean Mossop - PE

Kia Ora, My name is Dean Mossop and I'm from Tauranga, New Zealand. This is my first year at JIS where I will be teaching Physical Education. I have taught in many different educational roles and settings, from New Zealand to Japan, Tunisia to Ghana, I just love engaging students in a variety of physical activities and pursuits. In my free time I can be found with my two boys, playing touch rugby, diving, surfing, and traveling. I am very much looking forward to being part of the Dragon community.

Tim Garrett - Math

Hello everyone! My name is Tim Garrett. I will be teaching 7th-grade Mathematics in addition to Advisory and coaching Cross Country. This is my 20th year teaching internationally and my fifth year at JIS. My family and I are originally from Colorado and we have also lived in China, Thailand, and Russia. I love running, snowboarding, scuba, and other outdoor activities. I'm looking forward to another great year!

Adam Douglas - Robotics

This is my seventh year working at JIS in the Design Technology department. This year I'll be teaching robotics and coding. I am from Iowa where I worked for many years and obtained my degree in Computer Information Systems. I have been teaching internationally for eleven years and moved to Jakarta after teaching in Bogota, Colombia. Outside the classroom, I enjoy biking, table tennis, cooking, and reading.

Liam Claydon - PE

Hi! My name is Liam Claydon, and this is my 8th year at JIS, and 5th year teaching middle school PE here. I am in Jakarta with my wife, Arma, and daughter, Allegra, who is a future dragon!

I am from the UK and have had the pleasure of teaching in London, Yokohama, and Jakarta. I studied Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Essex, and I have since completed a Masters degree at Endicott College.

Alongside teaching in the middle school, I will be coaching volleyball to MS and HS students. When I am not teaching, I love to read, play chess and sports - including soccer, which I play competitively in Jakarta.

If you ever have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at: lclaydon@jisedu.or.id.

Ignatius Soedjadi (Ai) - Band

Hello! My name is Ignatius Soedjadi, and you may refer to me as Pak Ai. I am one of the band teachers here in middle school. This is my 10th year at JIS and my 18th year teaching music overall. I am from Indonesia and taught music at two local schools in Jakarta before coming to JIS. I graduated from the University of Indonesia in 1999 and Suling Bambu Educator's College with my degree in music education in 2014.

Outside of school, I am a professional bass player. I have been playing at many places in Jakarta since 2001. Besides music, I enjoy sports, particularly soccer. I am a happy husband with a lovely wife and a daughter.

I am looking forward to another great year in 2025-2026 and making some memorable moments with the middle school students. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at isoedjadi@jisedu.or.id.

Michelle Luna Matias - Coding & Design, Robotics and MS Technology Coach

Mabuhay! My name is Miss Michelle, and I am currently the Coding & Design teacher and MS Technology Coach. I am originally from the Philippines. I’ve been teaching overseas for 21 years and have taught in the Philippines, Bahrain, Vietnam, South Africa and for the past 6 years, here in Indonesia. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Science and a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership. I am passionate about learning, and I love finding creative and effective ways to use technology in the classroom. I also enjoy helping students to feel more empowered with tech in their learning.

Outside of school, I like martial arts, rock climbing, reading, and tinkering with devices. When I am not busy with those, you can find me looking for the next food adventure or traveling, usually with my bicycle in tow. 🚴

Jason Maddock - Visual Art

Hello everyone! My name is Jason Maddock, one of the visual art teachers for grades 6th through 8th. This is my 10th year at JIS and my 21st year of teaching abroad. I am originally from a farm in Ohio, and my international teaching experiences include stints in Italy, Spain, and China. I received my Master's in Studio Art through New York University's global program in Venice, Italy. Carrying my large paintings over all those beautiful bridges was an amazing, unique experience. One of my passions is ceramics, and I have had the pleasure of working with porcelain in its birthplace of Jingdezhen, China.

Fostering the creation, curation, and showing of art with the community of JIS has been a wonderful experience. I look forward to all the exciting ideas and artwork that will emerge with every new school year.

If you have any questions about our MS art program, please feel free to contact me at jmaddock@jisedu.or.id

Laura Neagos - French & Spanish

Hello! My name is Laura Neagos, and this will be my first year at JIS. As their French or Spanish teacher, I am excited to support your children in discovering their love for World Languages.

Although this is my first year at JIS, I have been an International School teacher for the past 15 years, teaching Spanish, French, Math, and Science to students in grades 3 through 12.

I hold a Master's Degree in Special Needs Education, a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics, and a Specialisation in Teaching Modern and Heritage Languages.

I am joining the Dragon community with my husband, who is also a teacher, and my two children, who are in Grades 2 and 4 this year.

If you have any questions, please contact me at: lneagos@jisedu.or.id.

I look forward to meeting you all this year.

Morgan Banino- Vocal Music

Hello! I'm Morgan Russell Banino and this is my 9th year at JIS, where I teach 6th - 8th grade Vocal Music and serve as MS department lead for Performing Arts. Previously, I taught Choir at Shanghai American School and in the New York City area. I grew up in Upstate New York and hold degrees from Wellesley College (BA) and New York University (MA). I have sung in many types of vocal ensembles and love to musically direct shows. I also currently serve on the board of the Association for Music in International Schools (AMIS).

It is such a joy to be involved with the vibrant JIS community, where students are filled with curiosity and love collaborating to make beautiful music together. I firmly believe that ensemble singing makes for healthier individuals and communities, and that the skills we learn through ensemble music making help us make positive strides toward a healthier world.

If you have questions, you are always welcome to reach out to me at mobanino@jisedu.or.id.

Hani Herawati - Bahasa Indonesia and Civics

Halo! My name is Hani Herawati, and I teach Bahasa Indonesia & Civics and Indonesian Studies for Grades 6 to 8. This is my 13th year at JIS. I completed my Bachelor's degree in Indonesian Literature at the University of Indonesia and my Master of Teaching degree at the University of Indraprasta Jakarta. I have taught for 7 years at PEL and 6 years at JIS Middle School.

Outside of school, I enjoy reading, walking, trekking, and spending time with family and friends. I look forward to meeting everyone and having a fantastic year. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at: hherawati@jisedu.or.id

Jessica Davis - Learning Support

I am starting my second year at JIS with my three kids, and we are all very excited to be part of the JIS community. Originally from the Pacific Northwest,I have lived and worked in international schools for almost 20 years in Burma, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and previously in Indonesia on the island of Sumatra. I love working in international schools because they are more than a place of learning; they are also a community.

I will be working with grade 7 students this year, co-teaching math and English and serving as a learning support specialist. I look forward to meeting everyone this school year and celebrating our learners' successes.

Valentina Munro - EAL & Learning Support

Hi! My name is Valentina Munro, and I am very excited to join the G7 team at JIS this year.

I will be G7 Learning support and EAL teacher, but you will also see me in your English and Math classes.

I am originally from Moscow, Russia, and I have been teaching for the past 10 years. I have a degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Education with a focus in Special Education. I was lucky to have an opportunity to travel the world, living in the USA, Australia, Switzerland, and the UK before returning home to Russia.

Outside of work, I enjoy CrossFit, scuba diving, swimming, hiking, mountains, and traveling. I am very excited to be a part of the G7 team this year.

Sara Burke - Counselor

I'm Sara Burke! I am the counselor for half of 7th grade and 8th grade. I'm from Northern Virginia, but spent the last 6 years teaching in South Korea. I have a master's degree in counseling and am so happy to be able to use it at JIS to support our students. Before coming to the middle school, I helped with counseling and learning support in the high school, and was the grade level coordinator for 9th grade. I'm excited to join all the fun that middle school has to offer and I love friendly competition (go team Rinjani!).

I enjoy cooking and eating spicy food, and I like to exercise, and play card games. Since coming to Indonesia with my husband, Ryan, I've started to learn how to scuba dive and can't wait to make it to Raja Ampat and Flores. We have a lot of Indonesia to explore and welcome any recommendations you may have.

Kristin Wegner - Counselor

Hello! I am Kristin Wegner and I am from Wisconsin, USA - the land of cheese! I have been a school counselor for over 20 years, working with both elementary and middle school students. I have taught in the US, Qatar, Malta and Vietnam.

I have a husband, Todd, who teaches Theatre Arts in the States. We have a 26-year-old son, Will, who lives in NYC and is a musical lyricist. Here in Indonesia, I live with 2 rescue dogs - George and Gracie.

In my spare time, you can find me watching videos of dogs being adorable, reading, singing show tunes, travelling, or costuming theatre productions.

Kris Carlson-School Therapist

My name is Kris Carlson and I am the school therapist for the middle and high school. As a part of the Student Support Services team, I work to support the social, emotional and psychological well being of JIS students and their families by offering individual, group and family therapeutic interventions to those in need. I am originally from the United States, but I spent eleven years living and working in Taipei, Taiwan and am now in my eleventh year at JIS along with my husband, who works in the high school and my two children who are attending the HS . I feel grateful to be a part of this vibrant and supportive parental community and look forward to meeting you and your children. My door is always open so please feel free to contact me at any point in time at kcarlson@jisedu.or.id.

Dates on the Horizon 2025-26

Back to School Night 21 August
Clubs Fair 22 August
MAP testing 1 - 3 September
Clubs start 9 Sept
School Photos 10-11 Sept
Student Parent Teacher Conference 1-2 Oct.
Jumpstart Day Sept 4

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