Dear parents,

Congratulations to all of our J4 learners, J4 class of 2022, and to the Tut 4 class of 2030. 

Your teachers and I could not be more proud of you, and together we have written these words that I will now read to you. 

Graduation ceremonies like this one are amazing opportunities to reflect and look back at what you have achieved, and celebrate all the positives you have brought into the world, not only for yourself but for your teachers, classmates and families as well. At your Middle School, High School and even college graduations, you will inevitably think back to your J4 graduation and your time in the Junior School. During those moments of reflection, your mind should fill with all the amazing things that were said about you and your classmates, and the joy we had together. We hope you will also remember to celebrate the kindness, open-mindedness, resilience, persistence, and willingness to take risks that have brought you to that moment. 

I invite you now to reflect and acknowledge our time together here at UNIS. Please take ten seconds to silently think about what brought you joy in the Junior School. I will watch the time.  

Welcome back!  

When we reflect on your time in the Junior School it would be remiss of us to not acknowledge that as Grade 2 learners your schooling changed mid-year, and suddenly connecting to your teachers and classmates happened on Zoom. This was a big transition. In Third Grade, some of you Zoomed into school from home, whether that be in New York, in other cities and states across the country, or even from abroad. Some learners were also part of our hybrid model of schooling where students came in on a yellow or blue day. Remember that? Another big transition. This year we have thankfully, mostly been able to learn and be together at school, with some remote learning days sprinkled in. Another transition. But through it all, perseverance, creativity, humor, digital literacy, critical thinking, and a problem-solving mindset have been needed to help us all adapt, grow, learn and collaborate successfully. These transitions haven’t been easy, but as a result, your learning has continued to stretch beyond the curriculum and you haven't stopped growing and doing your best. All of these skills will be an asset to you in Middle School. 

Beyond the impact of Covid, your time in Junior School has also been shaped by many memorable moments, some of which were unexpected, and others that are traditions we cherish year after year as a UNIS community. The memories you’ve collected this year are precious, and the older you get, and the farther from J4 you get, the more these memories will mean to you. 

For the UNIS community, two of the most important days on our school calendar are the celebration of the International Day of Peace and UN Day. Both events are special and firmly grounded in our mission. UN Day highlights and celebrates our differences while bringing us together under the values of the United Nations and our school. The International Day of Peace is a moment to pause and strengthen our ideals and commitment to living, playing and working in a peaceful and nonviolent school and world. 

In February, for Friendship Day, do you remember coming to school dressed in your cozy clothes? On this day we celebrated and reminded ourselves of the warmth and joy that good friendships and a strong community can bring. I hope the past two years have taught you that community cannot be underestimated. 

A community that is built on trust, mutual respect, and common values and principles has the ability to warm our souls and help us through even the most challenging of times and transitions. UNIS has always celebrated these strong values, principles, and character through its community and the IB learner attributes. As you know, the United Nations International School (UNIS) is one of the founding schools of the International Baccalaureate (known as the IB) which seeks to create a better, more peaceful world through cross-cultural education and respect for the dignity of the individual and groups. Throughout your Junior School academic career you have been encouraged to develop an inquiring mind, embrace knowledge over ignorance, and care for others without expecting anything in return. Additionally, you have explored what it means to be a principled person, who acts with compassion and integrity, especially when no one's looking. 

What does it mean to stand up for your principles? This is a question that we hope you will ask yourselves and reflect on this summer as you embark on the next chapter of your young lives. In short, we want you to remember, that as Roald Dahl’s character Matilda taught us, resilience is key: “It doesn’t matter if you fall down, it’s whether you get back up.” Maya Angelou, an African ​​American author, poet, and civil rights activist tell us what qualities can help us get back up,​​"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” Fourth graders, your teachers and I have seen you live out these meaningful words, and we know that with peace in your hearts, a firm belief in yourself and who you are, and being surrounded by a supportive community and positive role models you will continue to thrive and be successful in whatever happens next.

But as new beginnings make you wonder about what the future will be like, we encourage you not to be so concerned with the outcome, but rather stay connected to the process and take that step forward, even if it means taking the paths less traveled. You may not know how to do some things yet, but be reassured that you have all it takes to achieve anything you care deeply about. ​​We hope you will be courageous in Middle School and beyond, and do hard things like stand up for others who may not be able to stand up for themselves. Remember, time does not change things. Time is neutral. Only good leaders - people with the combination of courage, humility, and other gifts - can heal apathy, hate, and indifference. Additionally, when we feel connected with others, we can rely on each other’s support, dare to take safe risks to reach higher, and even make mistakes. 

I will end with a request. A request that I ask from everyone in this room whether you are a Grade 4 graduate, a community member, or anyone streaming in from their device at home.

Continue to be an upstander when what you witness does not seem right. Aligned to the mission of our school, be bold to step forward, make your voices heard peacefully, and continue marching towards the beat of your own drum. Embrace your commitment to being kind role models who positively influence collaboration to bring forth the best in yourself and others. Continue to be learners who are aware and tolerant, who celebrate the beauty of diversity, and who participate and take action. Touch the hearts of many in your communities and be the change that brings an ever more inclusive tomorrow. Thank you for being a part of the journey-and most importantly thank you for being you.

Warmest congratulations! Enjoy your summer, and new adventure as Middle Schoolers!

Written by the J4 Team and read aloud by Jessica Hiebl-McArdle, Grade 4 Team Leader, at the 2022 J4 Graduation

• Thursday, June 16 | Return School-Issued iPad or Chromebook to Homeroom Teacher (details in this newsletter)

• Friday, June 17 | Last Day of School for JS Students (11:30 dismissal for all JS students / details in this newsletter / Yellow Bus departs at 12:00)

• Friday, June 17 | 2nd Semester Report Cards Available 5:00pm (details in this newsletter)

• Tuesday, June 21 | Deadline to request Report Card corrections  (details in this newsletter)

REMINDER:

Arrive no later then 8:20 and

Update School Dismissal Manager (SDM) 

with your child's dismissal instructions for Athletics, After School, Language, Care Program & Bus

• Friday, September 2 | Orientation for New to UNIS J1 - J4 Students 

• Tuesday, September 6 | 1st Day of School 2022-2023

• Wednesday, September 28 | Back to School Night for Parents

JS Dismissal at 11:30am on Friday, June 17 

• Friday, June 17, the last day of JS classes, is a half day. Please mark your calendars.

• All JS students will be dismissed at 11:30 am. 

• Yellow Buses will depart at around 12:00 (details below)

• Note that the Care Program is not available on that last day of school. 

• Please alert your caregivers about the June 17 11:30 dismissal time.

All JS students and their caregivers are expected to 

depart campus promptly at the 11:30 dismissal.

Student Chromebooks & iPads Must be Returned no Later than June 17

Students who are returning to UNIS next year:

Please bring in all iPads, Chromebooks, and corresponding chargers to school as soon as possible this week, and no later than Friday, June 17. They will be collected and left in your child's current homeroom for redistribution next academic year.

Students who are leaving UNIS:

Students who are leaving UNIS will be required to return their iPads and or Chromebooks and chargers that belong to the school. The equipment will be left in the homerooms. Please remind your child to bring both the iPads, Chromebook and the Chargers to school any day this week in order to return it. 

If your child is fully remote or if you have already left the NYC area, you can also ship the iPads and / or Chromebook and Charger to UNIS or drop them off at the school. Please email tech.support@unis.org if you need this option and our IT department will follow up with specific mailing or drop off instructions. Chromebooks that are not returned to UNIS will be locked for use following the last day of school.

Semester 2 Report Cards for Junior School students will be published at 5:00pm on Friday, June 17 on the Veracross Parent Portal. 

We encourage you to save and review this report card with your child over the weekend to celebrate his/her achievements during this past semester, and year, and engage in conversation about their growth.

The deadline for requesting a correction for a typographical error will be Tuesday, June 21. Please contact jsoffice@unis.org by email no later than June 21 to request a correction.

If you do not have access to the Veracross portal and need instructions on how to do so, please contact veracross@unis.org to get information.

Your child’s academic achievement for each individual subject is reported separately from his/her learning skills. The descriptors for academic achievement levels have been reviewed starting last year to ensure a greater JA-T4 alignment and to provide clarity in the transition between the word-based scale used in JA to M2 and the numeric scale used from M3 to T4. The previous Learning to Learn Skills have been replaced by the IB Approaches to Learning Skills. The skills selected for a K-12 progression (Social Skills, Communication Skills, Self-Management Skills, Thinking Skills) are developmentally defined and will be assessed from a frequency of observable behavior.

What is the purpose of the report cards?

The purpose of the report card is to communicate your student’s achievement and learning goals. It is designed to provide you with clear and specific information about your child’s academic progress and the development of behaviors that support lifelong learning. This information includes identifying your child’s level of progress; areas of strength; areas needing additional time, effort, and/or support; and opportunities for growth, based on assessments that demonstrate evidence of learning and teachers’ evaluation.

What grade descriptors are used (JA-M2 Descriptors)

• MASTERING: The student is mastering the required grade level concepts, knowledge and skills by applying and extending these in a wide range of complex situations independently.

• PROFICIENT: The student is proficient in demonstrating understanding of the required grade level concepts, knowledge and skills with minimal or no teacher support needed to transfer learning to new situations.

• PROGRESSING: The student is progressing in demonstrating, with some gaps, understanding of the required grade level concepts, knowledge and skills by applying them in familiar situations with occasional teacher support.

• EMERGING: The student demonstrates emerging understanding of the required grade level concepts. The student is beginning to apply related knowledge and skills but needs a high level of teacher support.

How do I access my child’s report cards?

The Report Cards are published on the Parent Portal of Veracross. To view them, access the Parent Portal of Veracross (link found on the Parent Portal from the UNIS Website). After logging in to Veracross, simply click on "Classes & Reports", and then on "Report Card" (see screenshot). 

If you do not yet have access to the Veracross portal and need instructions on how to do so, please contact veracross@unis.org to get information. 

1. From UNIS website, select “Parent Portal”

2. Click on "Veracross Parent Portal"

3. Select “Classes & Reports”

4. Under PROGRESS REPORT, select the required report card

Again, if you do not have access to the Veracross portal and need instructions or support, please contact veracross@unis.org to get information.

For current J4 families who may have missed the transition to M1 meeting hosted by Middle School on June 1, and for those who would like another opportunity to hear the information, here is the link to a recording of the event:

Please take the time to review your family profile and contact information to ensure that your cell phone numbers, email addresses and home address are correct and are entered in the correct fields. You may update your information at any point throughout the year, but if you have not reviewed your information recently, we encourage you to do it now so that you can stay informed over the summer and as the new school year begins.

All departments at UNIS rely on the information that you provide in the Veracross Parent Portal to contact you. The only way you can be reached in an emergency, or when there are school wide announcements, is through the information that you, the family, has entered in the Portal. 

After logging into the Portal at myunis.vc , you may review and update all of your family contact information by:

• Going to Veracross

• Clicking on Household Information

• Updating Household Profile -> Contacts

If you need support in order to make your updates, please email veracross@unis.org

Two thumbs up for our PE teachers and the Sports Days they organized! You will find hundreds of pictures by navigating the albums below! Enjoy and thanks again Mr. Salé and Mr. de Rosa for an outstanding week of activities! With apologies, we are missing J3 photos because, due to the rain that morning the team redesigned the activities for indoors and photos could not be taken. 

Thank you to all of the parents who supported us throughout the 2021-22 school year! We want to especially acknowledge the dedication of the Class Parents who connected with the Principals to share parent feedback and offer their support. 

For the second year, the extraordinary dedication, collaboration and strong leadership of our JS PA Reps, Jen Fiorese, Melissa Hernandez and Erin Russell should be celebrated by all! They have worked tirelessly for the good of everyone in Junior School and they have our deepest gratitude.

Please join us in thanking them!

To help you get organized for the 2022-2023 school year, you will find valuable information and a supply list for your child's next grade. We encourage you to spend time reviewing this information now.  

We hope that this digital padlet will be fun and engaging. It was created for UNIS students to remember what they’ve learned and to help them prepare for the next school year! 

Our heartiest  congratulations to the following UNIS Manhattan JS students who participated in the NYSSMA exams this spring (and kudos as well as their private teachers!). 

Students prepared repertoire, scales and sight-read for an adjudicator who evaluated the students based on their NYSSMA grade level. These students practiced diligently and rose to the challenge very successfully. Well done!

Sanaya Shah Voice J1

Oriana Sizaret Voice J2

Zuela Besmertnik Voice J4

Selene Goettlich Flute J4

Ivan Tolstukhin Guitar J4

Sayan Munoz-Chao Piano J4

The 2022-23 Theatre season, themed These Monstrous Delights, will challenge and inspire audiences with theatre that asks us to uncover and grapple with the monsters in our world and ourselves. What are the myths that made us? What legends do we choose to believe? What monstrous acts are we responsible for? Are you afraid of what's under the bed, or is what's hiding under the bed afraid of you? 

THESE MONSTROUS DELIGHTS

the complete season

THE 24 HOUR PLAY FESTIVAL

October 8

All community night of world premier productions!

Open by application to any student in J4 and above, any faculty member, any staff member, or any parent. 24 Hour Play Festivals are popular fundraising events around the world. A group of new playwrights meet at 7pm on a Friday night to begin writing brand new ten minute plays, and 24 hours later those plays open in a full production complete with lights, sound, costumes, set! There will be numerous opportunities for acting, directing, writing, and working backstage. Kick off the theatre season with a night of world premier productions!

Applications will open in early September and close September 30. 

FRANKENSTEIN adapted from the novel by Mary Shelley

November 17-19

Tut House production directed by Simon Bell. 

Adapted from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, this captivating physical retelling of the classic tale awakens new questions about moral responsibility. As Frankenstein prepares to right his greatest wrong by confronting the Creature, scenes from their past are replayed and the line between good and evil is debated, revealing a powerful and agonizing question about the ethical limits of science and human imagination.

Auditions: September 7 & 8.

MOANA by Opetaia Foa'i, Mark Mancina, and Lin-Manuel Miranda 

February 9-11

Middle School production directed by Tim Hall.

This thrilling and heartwarming coming-of-age story follows the strong-willed Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific to save her village and discover the truth about her heritage. Moana and the legendary demigod Maui embark on an epic journey of self-discovery and camaraderie as both learn to harness the power that lies within. With empowering messages of bravery and selflessness, Moana JR. is sure to bring out the hero within each of us.

Auditions: September 19-22.

SHE KILLS MONSTERS by Qui Nguyen

March 9-11

Tut House production directed by Jack Dod.

Is it possible to connect deeply with your family after they've died in a tragic accident, even more deeply than when they were alive? This wildly funny adventure dramedy takes place in both our world and in the world of Dungeons & Dragons. Full of mysteries, high octane action, terrible monsters, and more than a few references to Lord of the Rings, She Kills Monsters confronts questions of loss, heroism, and adopted families. 

Auditions: December 5-7.

NEWSIES by Alen Menken, Jack Feldman, and Harvey Fierstein

May 11-13

Junior School production directed by Madeline McBroom.

Based on the real newsboy strike of 1899, this inspiring and heartfelt musical tells the story of Jack Kelly, a rebellious newsboy that has big dreams to leave the life he knows and start over as an artist away from the hustle and bustle of New York City. Our tale follows Kelly and the newsboys' call to action when newspaper prices start to rise at the newsboys expense. Can a group of scrappy newsboys defeat a foe as powerful as acclaimed publisher Joseph Pulitzer? Dancing and singing their way through all the ups and downs, Newsies addresses the importance of community, fighting for what is right, and the belief that any dream big or small can become your reality.

Auditions: December 5-8.

Open to all J3-M4 students 

Sign Up Today!

June 20 - 24, 2022

Morning Session 9:00am - 12:00pm | Afternoon Session 12:30pm - 3:30pm

Blackbox Studio 

$400 per student / morning session only

$700 per student / full-day 

ENROLL HERE 

Instructors: 

Madeline McBroom       mmbroom@unis.org

                      Jake Elvig                   jelvig@unis.org        

Camp Description 

This camp is designed for students with a desire to strengthen and broaden their general dance knowledge and technique as well as improve their performance skills and physical health. This intensive course is for beginner/intermediate level students. Skills learned here will set students up for success in musical theatre and dance performance, especially in UNIS’s theatre department.  Each day begins with a daily warm up that includes stretching and strengthening, after which students will complete a beginner dance class in various styles  - learning proper and safe technique and history/style. This culminates in a final showcase performance, where students will be able to present their new performance abilities. For the afternoon session, we will dive deeper into the art, intelligence, and cultural value of dance. Students will complete movement research and develop and choreograph their own dance piece to be presented in the showcase performance. Afternoon students will also learn contemporary world choreography and breakdown the origins and culture of these dances. Each day will conclude with yoga cool down exercises and of course, an open dance party.

SAMPLE SCHEDULE: 

Morning Session

9:00am – 9:30am  Warm up, Stretching, & Strengthening  

9:30am – 10:45am  Technique class (Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, or Musical Theatre)

-15 Minute Break- 

11:00am – 12:00pm  Rehearsal for Showcase  

Afternoon Session 

12:30 pm – 1:30pm World Dance: (Latin, Polynesian, or West African)

1:30pm – 2:00pm Intro to Creative Movement Improvisation   

2:00pm – 3:00pm Development and Choreography 101 

3:00pm – 3:20pm Beginner Restorative Yoga  

3:20pm – 3:30pm  Dance Party 

For more information please contact 

Madeline McBroom (mmcbroom@unis.org) or 

Tim Hall (thall@unis.org)

When Your Child is Sick

When your child is sick with runny nose, cough, stomach ache, fever, headache, etc. there is no expectation from the school that they should attend school in person or attempt to learn remotely. 

If your child has symptoms that would normally have kept them at home prior to COVID-19, we ask that families not send their children to school or request to join classes remotely. 

We hope that time will be taken for your child to rest and recover at home as the school believes that children recover more quickly when they are permitted to disconnect and rest, and when care is taken by everyone to avoid spreading communicable illnesses.

STUDENTS WHO MAY CONNECT TO CLASS REMOTELY

Following Dr. Brenner's direction, access to fully remote learning is an option offered only to students from PK to T4 who have opted in for fully remote for a full marking period, or those who need to quarantine due to direct contact with a positive case, or in the case of a student who tested positive and is asymptomatic. Online learning may also be offered in exceptional or medical circumstances. 

Students who have returned from an international trip and are required to quarantine due to travel, do not have access to fully remote learning. Thank you for your understanding. 

For families with a JS child connecting remotely to class while under quarantine, a daily Academic Tech Support session has been scheduled.

Junior School Remote Student Live Support for ACADEMIC TECH

Monday - Friday from 8:20 - 8:40am

Join Zoom Meeting

https://unis.zoom.us/j/9673245905

Meeting ID: 967 324 5905 

Francesca Zammarano & Javier Alvez, JS Design Engineering Teachers, and/or a member of the JS office, will be available for the support or guidance that you and your child may need regarding connecting to the JS academic technology learning tools such as Seesaw, Dreambox, etc. 

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: If you want your JS child to be masked at school, 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. 

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. If it is necessary for your child to attend an appointment during school hours, the expectation is that they are absent for that full day. 

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.

This means that students, families, faculty and staff are respectfully asked to refrain from bringing peanuts, nuts, and seeds of any kind or foods processed with these items or their by products, such as oils, into the school. This includes products which state "may contain traces of nuts/peanuts/tree nuts” or "manufactured in a facility which processes" nuts/peanuts/tree nuts.

For example, tree nuts (such as almonds, pistachios, pine nuts, cashews, brazil nuts, pecans, walnuts, etc.) and foods associated with them (such as nutella, pesto, granola bars, marzipan, macaroons, hummus (containing sesame), etc.) may present a risk to others.