Dear parents,

Dorothy Wordsworth (1771 – 1855) was an English author, poet, and diarist. She was the sister of the Romantic poet William Wordsworth. She was fascinated by nature and kept notes in her diary about encounters with her majestic surroundings. She never expected them to be published. However, the exceptional descriptions of nature through the filters of her experiences and emotions could not be kept for herself.

In her notes, she consistently emphasized the importance of nature for our spiritual and intellectual development. And her talent as a writer allows all of us to experience this relationship with nature, by immersing ourselves in her words, closing our eyes, and visualizing through her eyes those ecstatic landscapes she captured for eternity.

But, my intention in today's newsletter is not to praise nature, but to reflect on the art of description.

Noting his own difficulty in describing the abundant nature of Borneo, Romain Bertrand, a French historian, looked at "The detail of the world: The lost art of describing nature". He realized that words failed him as a tried to describe even the banalest of landscapes.  Quickly running out of adequate words, I am myself now not sure how to portray an edge, a pencil falling and bouncing on the ground, a student's eyes sparkling as they discovered the beautiful complexity of numbers. Describing is a difficult art. Bertrand goes back in time, to the time of Goethe and Humboldt, when the dream of a "natural history" attentive to all beings, without restriction or distinction, allowed itself to the combined forces of science and literature to elevate "landscape painting"  to the rank of crucial knowledge.  The galaxy and the lichen, the child and the butterfly, then neighbors in peace in the same story. From Alfred Wallace's sketches to Francis Ponge's "proems" - prose poems in which he contemplates and conjures ordinary objects - from William Swainson's bestiaries to Rainer Maria Rilke's sonnets, Romain Bertrand brings to mind the song of very ancient knowledge of the world: the art of describing it.

I still remember the images I created in my mind while reading Salammbô, an epic historical novel by Gustave Flaubert, in 10th grade. I felt like a fly on the wall then, observing the Feast, at Megara, a suburb of Carthage, in the gardens of Hamilcar.

You may be surprised to learn that one of my greatest aspirations is... to be a fly on the wall. Yes, being a fly on the wall could be the secret wish for many Principals. Think about it: not only can a fly fly - which is awesome - but a fly, with a minimum of interference, can witness first hand the mesmerizing achievements of our students. Once the teacher and the students note that the buzzing they hear is not a hornet but an inoffensive fly, they can continue, with homage to Albert Einstein, on their lifelong journey to acquiring wisdom without paying any more attention to the fly on the wall.

In today's Newsletter, I invite you to be, with me, a fly on the wall in Ms. Nicholson's and Mr. Duval's Pre-K classroom. We invite you to watch the first episode of "a fly on the wall" dedicated to our Pre-K students and, as the fly would, step aside and just let the protagonists be...

Pascal Vallet, Junior School Principal 

Alessandra Camilo, Junior School Assistant Principal

• Monday, October 11 | No OPT Yellow Bus Service 

• Monday, October 11 | PK - J2 Picture Day with Stomping Ground (details in this newsletter) | Stomping Ground Link

• Tuesday, October 12 | J3 - J4 Picture Day with Stomping Ground (details in this newsletter) | Stomping Ground Link

• Thursday, October 14 & Friday, October 15 | MAP Make Up Testing

REMINDER:

Update School Dismissal Manager (SDM)

with instructions for After School classes & changes in Bus ridership 

• • Tuesday, October 19 | Deadline to Opt in for Marking Period #2 Remote Learning | Marking Period #2 Remote Learning Opt In (details in this newsletter)

  • Wednesday, October 20 | PA Meeting 7:00pm Webinar | Link

  • Friday, October 22 | UN Day Celebrated / Parade of Nations (details in this newsletter)

  • October 25 - October 29 | October Break - No Classes for Students

  • Monday, November 1 | Halloween Dress Up Day (optional / more info to follow)

  • Wednesday, November 3 | JS Parent Coffee Webinar 7:00pm (save the date)

  • November 10 - November 12 | Parent Teacher Conferences (details to follow / no classes held on Thursday, November 11 & Friday, November 12)

  • November 10 - November 12 | After School Programs are Cancelled during Parent Teacher Conferences (Wednesday through Friday):

    • • • JS After School Program Classes

        • JS Francophone, Portuguese and Mandarin Classes

        • After School Athletics for JS students

        • On Campus Private Music Lessons for JS students

        • Note: Care Program will be available from 3-6pm Wednesday, Nov 10 only

  • November 24 - November 26 | Thanksgiving Break - School Closed

  • December 20 - December 31 | Winter Break - No Classes for Students

  • Monday, January 3 | Classes Resume

As we move toward the completion of the marking period #1, we want to remind you of the option to select fully remote instruction for your child(ren). 

To opt into the remote learning model for marking period #2, from November 1 - January 21 (returning to campus on Monday, January 24), please respond to this survey by October 19.

Please note, students may not transition between remote and in person learning during a marking period.  At the end of each marking period families may choose to continue with remote learning, or choose to have their child return to in class instruction. 

*This form is mandatory to opt in for remote learning for the 2nd marking period, despite your child's current learning model* 

Deadline: October 19

By not opting for remote learning by October 19, your child(ren) will be expected on campus on November 1.

On Friday, October 22, UN Day will be celebrated at UNIS. 

More information about the events to be held that day will follow, but to help families plan ahead, all JS students are invited to come to school that day wearing traditional dress to celebrate the country of their choice, or their country of origin. This dress up is, of course, optional.

The goals of UN Day are to:

• Celebrate our connection with the United Nations.

• Enhance UN Studies at all levels.

• Engage students in the work of the UN and inspire them to live their lives guided by the principles of the UN Charter.

The Flags are up for UN Day!

Did you know that the symbols used on flags often have the same meaning all over the world? As your children to look for these symbols and their meanings on flags:

• The Sun: The circle of the sun symbolizes unity and energy.

• The Moon: The moon is usually displayed in crescent shape to distinguish it from the symbol of the sun.

• The Stars: Constellations of stars often represent energy, especially when depicting the night sky.

• A Square: The four even lengths of the square symbolize balance and equal opposites.

This year, the 193 flags of the United Nations Member states have been hung all over the building in preparation for UN Day. Just like in the General Assembly Hall, the flags follow the order of the country seating. This year, Iceland was the first country seated in the GA Hall.

Where can I find my flag?

Suriname - Venezuela:  Lobby

Vietnam - Democratic Republic of Korea:  Cafeteria

Democratic Republic of the Congo - Guatemala:  2nd Floor

Guinea - Latvia:  3rd Floor

Lebanon - Namibia:  4th Floor Middle School

Nauru - Saudi Arabia:  4th Floor

Senegal - Sudan:  5th Floor

For J3 and J4 students who were absent on Tuesday, October 5 and/or Wednesday, October 6, MAP make up tests will be held on Thursday, October 14 and Friday, October 15.

Because MAP measures growth between two data points, October 2021 MAP results will be shared with families after the 2nd round of assessments in January 2022. At that point, information will be shared for parents to read, understand and interpret the MAP data for their JS child. 

Reminder from Daniel O'Connor, Director of Athletics and Physical Education

Dear Parents,

I am writing to you to inform you of a change of date to the After School Sports Program. Unfortunately, due to extenuating circumstances, we must postpone the program’s start date. 

Our former coordinator of the program has just taken a full-time job closer to home. While we are happy for him, we now have a void to fill in order to prepare a strong program for our students. We are not in a position where we can start the program on Monday and need to postpone the start date. We hope to be able to start the program after the October break.

The cost of the program will be reevaluated due to the change of start date. 

We apologize for the late notice and the inconvenience that this may cause.

Please let me know if you have any questions at doconnor@unis.org

Please mark your calendars at home to note the dates when Semester 1 JS After School Classes will be held, and when they will not.

Your JS child's School Dismissal Manager (SDM) account should be updated to authorize dismissal to the After School Classes you have registered your child for, as well as your alternate dismissal plans for days when the class will not be in session (i.e. Bus or Pick Up).

For questions regarding the After School Program, or this calendar, please reach out to Dr. Lidana Jalilvand at ljalilvand@unis.org

CALENDAR FOR AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM - 1st Semester 2021 

Mondays: 

October            4, 11, 18, ---   (No class Oct. 25)

November        1, 8, 15, 22, 29

December        6, 13

January            3, 10

Tuesdays 

October            5, 12, 19, ---   (No class Oct. 26)

November        2, 9, 16, 23, 30

December        7, 14

January            4, 11

Wednesdays 

October            6, 13, 20, ---   (No class Oct. 27)

November        3, ---, ---, 17   (No classes Nov.10 & 24)

December        1, 8, 15

January            5, 12, 19, 26

Thursdays 

October            7, 14, 21, ---   (No class Oct. 28)

November        4, 18, ---  (No class Nov. 25)

December        2, 9, 16 

January            6, 13, 20, 27

Fridays

October            8, 15, 22, ---   (No class Oct. 29)

November        5, ---, 19, ---  (No classes Nov.12 & 26)

December        3, 10, 17

January            7, 14, 21, 28 

JS PICTURE DAYS:

• Monday, October 11 for PK, JA, J1, J2

• Tuesday, October 12 for J3, J4

TIMELINE

• PICTURES ONLINE & READY TO VIEW: Friday, October 29

• 1ST ORDER DEADLINE: Tuesday, November 23

• MAKEUPS & RETAKES: Thursday, November 18

• MAKEUPS & RETAKES READY TO VIEW: Thursday, December 2

• 2ND ORDER DEADLINE: Friday, December 17

PICTURE DAY DETAILS - CLICK HERE

Stomping Ground Photo Support: help@stompinggroundphoto.com

Note for Remote Students: Families have the opportunity to "self-submit" a photo of their child that Stomping Ground can edit to match the background of the in person photos. There will be a link for families to follow to submit their photos. Contact Stomping Ground directly for support as needed help@stompinggroundphoto.com

For those of you not able to join us last Tuesday, October 5 for the JS Parent Coffee focused on Student Support in the Junior School, a recording of the webinar can be found below.

The Junior School Student Support Team is made up of the following faculty members:

• JS Psychologist: Dr. Dana Marnin (also PK & JA Counselor)

• Counselor: Amy Iamundo (J1 & J3) 

• Counselor: Alyssa Frost (J2 & J4)

• ELL Teacher: Sidney Maas 

• ELL Teacher: Janine Pelegano

• Learning Support Teacher: Karen Ager

• Learning Support Teacher: Carmen Escobar

You can learn more about them by clicking on the videos and bios link below.

The JS PA is seeking parent input regarding Back to School Night and Arrival/Dismissal. 

If you haven't already, please use the link below to add your feedback. Thank you! 

All JS students are expected to arrive at the front gate no later than 8:20.

The JS gates should be closed no later than 8:30am.

The late arrival of students in the morning delay our faculty and staff moving back to their positions and disrupts the Morning Meeting being held in your child's homeroom. A late student loses valuable time and instruction from their teacher.

Please support the Junior School, and your child, by arriving on time.

When Your Child is Sick

When your child is sick with stomach ache, fever, headache, etc. there is no expectation from the school that they should attempt to learn remotely. If your child has symptoms that would normally have kept them at home prior to COVID-19, parents should not request to join classes remotely. We hope that time will be taken for your child to rest and recover as the school believes that children recover more quickly when they are permitted to disconnect and rest.

Learning Model Consistency

The expectation is that Junior School students attend school consistently, through the end of this marking period, in accordance with the learning model the family has opted for at this time (either fully in person or fully remote). Inconsistent in person attendance is disruptive for the class as a whole and for the individual student. The school believes that a consistent schedule reinforces learning and appropriate classroom behavior, and reduces anxiety.

Dismissal for Parents and Guardians

At dismissal please stay in motion, circling through the tents as you wait to pick up your children, or wait outside the main gate between pick ups. The school has not relaxed it's policies regarding gatherings. Please do not linger or sit down in the tents to wait for a second child, or gather within the school gates to speak with other parents or teachers. At dismissal our goal is to have as few people on campus for the shortest time possible, and always in motion. Thank you for understanding and support as we work to keep our community safe. 

1. Arrival: To speed arrival for everyone, please have your child take possession of their backpack and lunch before they approach the entry gate in the morning and check to see that their mask is on, fits well, and is covering their nose.

2. Late Arrival: The late arrival of students in the morning delay our faculty and staff moving back to their positions. JS students are expected to arrive no later than 8:20 and the front gates should be closing no later than 8:30. Please ensure that you arrive at the time assigned for your child's grade.

3. Masks: Be sure you have packed 2 or 3 spare masks in a clean bag in your child's backpack, as well as an extra bag to hold used ones. For the safety and peace of mind of all, do not send your child to school in a vented mask. We understand that many of you use vented masks with filters inserted. But our teachers cannot be certain that every vented mask has the filter necessary to keep them safe. Please respect our community and do not send your child to school in a vented mask.

4. Days with Appointments or Travel:

Because parents and caregivers are not permitted inside the school gate, a request for either late arrival or early dismissal for a JS student requires that school personnel leave their work in order to escort your child. 

Please support the school by arranging appointments and travel outside of school hours.

Of course, if your child falls ill during the school day, the nurse's office will coordinate an early pick plan with families.

5. Returning to Campus After Illness:  

We appreciate your cooperation in keeping the community safe!  

Please use the guidance shared by our Nursing Staff in this newsletter in coordination with your physician to address any illness.

For health related questions please email: schoolnurse@unis.org and mrivera@unis.org

6. Social Distancing Outside of UNIS: Exercise caution and, whenever possible, to stay clear of gatherings where social distancing or face masks might not be the norm. We advise students and families to be particularly vigilant on playgrounds and during play dates, keeping in mind the impact they may have on the safety of everyone in our community.

7. COVID Testing: We recommend that students be tested at least ONCE a month, preferably every two weeks. All UNIS Faculty and Staff will be pool-tested regularly on campus.

Thank you for your support.

• • Instruction begins at 8:40 each morning. Remote learners are expected to connect with their homeroom no later than 8:40 to participate in Morning Meeting. Students who try to connect after that time disrupt the class and pull the teacher away from the rest who are already engaged in person or remotely. It is tremendously important that students are ready to join at 8:40. Meanwhile, we recognize that due to technical glitches or late arrivals, not all teachers will always be able to start at 8:40. We thank you for your patience. But, once the class begins, students who join between 8:40 and 9:00 are missing important direction and are inevitably disrupting the class. Let's try our best together!

  • Question related to technology should be addressed by email to tech.support@unis.org and fzammarano@unis.org only. Tech Support will need your child's full name, teacher name and grade in order to assist you quickly. Please do not disrupt your teacher's instruction time to address tech support issues for your family. We understand it can be frustrating sometimes; we recognize it and work hard to address the glitches we face. But we have noticed teachers trying to troubleshoot a system while teaching, a system that really requires technician intervention. They do it out of caring and concern about their students not being able to connect. Please help them by reaching out to our Tech Department for support instead. 

  • All families should check their internet connection. The audio when your child connects from home should never be distorted - it is disruptive to the class when that happens and is likely the result from a poor connection at home. You should have at least 3mbps up and download. A 5mbps up and download will ensure optimal quality. You can check your bandwidth here: fast.com 

Our homeroom teachers follow the instructions entered by parents in School Dismissal Manager (SDM) each day. Please update your SDM account to regularly indicate what the plans are for your child each day of the week. SDM is always mandatory for Dismissal but can easily be used for Attendance as well. 

On days when your child will not engage in classes, either remotely or in person, please use SDM to mark your child "Absent".

SDM is the only way of letting the dismissing teacher know where your child should go at dismissal. In addition to indicating that your child has an After School Activity, you must enter a description of the activity in the box below. If the activity name is not entered in SDM your child may be placed in the Care Program instead.

No student will be placed on a bus at dismissal if their SDM account does not authorize their ridership on that date.  They will be placed in the Care Program instead.