Thanking Our Sponsors
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Message from the Executive Director
Dear Parents and Families,
As the final bells ring on another remarkable year, I find myself looking back with immense pride at everything we’ve built together. This year wasn't just about lessons learned; it was a testament to the vibrant spirit of our community. From our students to our staff, every person has contributed a unique spark that made this year truly special.
To our parents and volunteers: You are the heart of our school’s success. Your generosity—whether through your time, your energy, or your constant encouragement—has provided the foundation our students need to soar. From organized events to the quiet moments of support behind the scenes, your partnership is a gift we never take for granted. We are better because of you.
To our dedicated faculty and staff: Thank you for pouring your brilliance and your patience into our classrooms every single day. You haven’t just taught subjects; you’ve sparked curiosity and nurtured the character of our future leaders. Your ability to inspire and challenge our students is the reason Kindi continues to thrive, and I am honored to work alongside such a passionate team.
To our incredible students: You have been the stars of the show. This year, we watched you tackle obstacles with a "grit and focus" that was truly inspiring. Whether you were mastering a difficult concept, taking the lead in an extracurricular activity, or showing kindness to a peer, you’ve proven that excellence is a habit. Carry that momentum with you—your journey is just beginning.
To our graduates: Today, you stand at a crossroads between a proud past and a brilliant future. As you head into high school, remember that success is a blend of hard work and heart. Stay committed to your passions, immerse yourselves in new activities to build your college path, and most importantly, enjoy every second of the ride. We are so excited to watch you change the world.
Looking ahead: Our commitment to you remains unwavering. We aren't just satisfied with where we are; we are constantly looking for ways to raise the bar. We are already hard at work innovating our programs and strengthening our community to ensure every student has the tools to reach their highest potential. Together, we will continue to take Kindi to new heights.
As we head into the break, let’s carry the memories of this year with us. Wishing you all a summer of rest, discovery, and fun (be sure to join us at Kindi’s Summer Camp for even more adventure!). To our graduates: go out and shine. To our returning families: we’re already counting the days until we see you this fall!
With heartfelt thanks and best wishes,
Hatem Elagha
Executive Director
Kindi Academy
Message from the Curriculum Director
Greetings Eagles,
I find it unbelievable that we’re in the last month of the school year! Time really flew by…and I attest that to all the successes that we achieved together as a school this year. Teachers, students, and administrators are working hard to finish off the school year and celebrate all our successes together.
Our Kindi Families really outdid themselves this year for Teacher Appreciation Week. I’m still impressed with all the great things they put together for all our faculty and staff members. A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL THE FAMILIES THAT CONTRIBUTED TO THIS WONDERFUL WEEK. I’m the first one to say that the best teachers in the world are among us here at Kindi Academy. I’m blessed to help lead and work with such a dedicated, passionate, and all-around wonderful group of teachers.
Our High School students are taking their AP Exams this month. We are proud to be offering many AP courses this year, including AP Calculus AB, AP Precalculus, AP US History, AP World History, AP Language and Composition, and AP Physics 1. Our students have been working extremely hard, even staying after school or coming in on a Saturday to review with their teachers. I am proud of you all, and I know you’re working hard to strive for a 5!
This school year saw tons of growth from our students, both academically and socially as well. Our school year will close out with the Award Ceremonies, KG Graduation, 3rd Grade Graduation, 8th Grade Graduation, and High School Graduation as well! Congratulations to all our Kindi Graduates, and thank you students for all your hard work and efforts this school year. You’re Kindi Eagles Forever!
None of the work we do is possible without the support of our community. Thank you to all the parents and community members for always supporting our school, our teachers, and our students.
I would also like to thank our faculty for all of their hard work and dedication this year. None of the success our students or the school has had would be possible without your hard work, dedication, and commitment to all our students and the goals of our school.
Let’s end the year on a strong note!
Go Eagles, Go!
Sevim Memisovski
Director of Curriculum
Kindi Academy
I find it unbelievable that we’re in the last month of the school year! Time really flew by…and I attest that to all the successes that we achieved together as a school this year. Teachers, students, and administrators are working hard to finish off the school year and celebrate all our successes together.
Our Kindi Families really outdid themselves this year for Teacher Appreciation Week. I’m still impressed with all the great things they put together for all our faculty and staff members. A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL THE FAMILIES THAT CONTRIBUTED TO THIS WONDERFUL WEEK. I’m the first one to say that the best teachers in the world are among us here at Kindi Academy. I’m blessed to help lead and work with such a dedicated, passionate, and all-around wonderful group of teachers.
Our High School students are taking their AP Exams this month. We are proud to be offering many AP courses this year, including AP Calculus AB, AP Precalculus, AP US History, AP World History, AP Language and Composition, and AP Physics 1. Our students have been working extremely hard, even staying after school or coming in on a Saturday to review with their teachers. I am proud of you all, and I know you’re working hard to strive for a 5!
This school year saw tons of growth from our students, both academically and socially as well. Our school year will close out with the Award Ceremonies, KG Graduation, 3rd Grade Graduation, 8th Grade Graduation, and High School Graduation as well! Congratulations to all our Kindi Graduates, and thank you students for all your hard work and efforts this school year. You’re Kindi Eagles Forever!
None of the work we do is possible without the support of our community. Thank you to all the parents and community members for always supporting our school, our teachers, and our students.
I would also like to thank our faculty for all of their hard work and dedication this year. None of the success our students or the school has had would be possible without your hard work, dedication, and commitment to all our students and the goals of our school.
Let’s end the year on a strong note!
Go Eagles, Go!
Sevim Memisovski
Director of Curriculum
Kindi Academy
Social Counselor's Corner
Dear Kindi Community,
It’s hard to believe we are now in the final stretch of the school year, with just three weeks remaining. This time of year is always a mix of reflection and momentum, as we continue supporting students while also recognizing how much they’ve grown academically, socially, and emotionally.
I would also like to take a moment to sincerely thank you for your kindness and generosity during Teacher Appreciation Week. Your thoughtful gestures meant a great deal to us. The support you show plays a big role in creating such a positive and connected school community.
For the month of May, our focus is on Self-Care and Mental Awareness. As we approach the end of the year, it’s common for students to feel increased pressure, fatigue, or even emotional ups and downs. This makes it an especially important time to slow down and check in with themselves.
In my conversations with students, we’ve been focusing on what self-care looks like in everyday life: getting enough rest, taking breaks, managing stress, and recognizing when they need support. We’ve also been building awareness around emotions, helping students better understand what they’re feeling and how to respond in healthy and constructive ways.
From a psychological perspective, self-care is closely tied to emotional regulation, resilience, and overall well-being. When students learn to take care of their mental and emotional health, they are better able to stay focused, handle challenges, and navigate social situations more effectively. These are lifelong skills that support both academic success and personal growth.
In my continued work with students across all grade levels, it’s always clear that when students feel heard and supported, they are more confident, more engaged, and better equipped to make positive choices.
As we move through these final weeks, our goal is to help students finish strong while also maintaining balance and well-being.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support and partnership.
“The wise one is the one who holds himself accountable and works for what comes after death.” - Prophet Muhammad
Warm regards,
Huda Al Jouda
It’s hard to believe we are now in the final stretch of the school year, with just three weeks remaining. This time of year is always a mix of reflection and momentum, as we continue supporting students while also recognizing how much they’ve grown academically, socially, and emotionally.
I would also like to take a moment to sincerely thank you for your kindness and generosity during Teacher Appreciation Week. Your thoughtful gestures meant a great deal to us. The support you show plays a big role in creating such a positive and connected school community.
For the month of May, our focus is on Self-Care and Mental Awareness. As we approach the end of the year, it’s common for students to feel increased pressure, fatigue, or even emotional ups and downs. This makes it an especially important time to slow down and check in with themselves.
In my conversations with students, we’ve been focusing on what self-care looks like in everyday life: getting enough rest, taking breaks, managing stress, and recognizing when they need support. We’ve also been building awareness around emotions, helping students better understand what they’re feeling and how to respond in healthy and constructive ways.
From a psychological perspective, self-care is closely tied to emotional regulation, resilience, and overall well-being. When students learn to take care of their mental and emotional health, they are better able to stay focused, handle challenges, and navigate social situations more effectively. These are lifelong skills that support both academic success and personal growth.
In my continued work with students across all grade levels, it’s always clear that when students feel heard and supported, they are more confident, more engaged, and better equipped to make positive choices.
As we move through these final weeks, our goal is to help students finish strong while also maintaining balance and well-being.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support and partnership.
“The wise one is the one who holds himself accountable and works for what comes after death.” - Prophet Muhammad
Warm regards,
Huda Al Jouda
Eagles of the Month
Good Morning, Eagles!
It’s time to celebrate our Eagles of the Month for April.
Please join me in congratulating:
6-9 Eagles
R3
G1- Noor Chaudhary and Haytham Samman
G2- Jude Samman
G3- Hasan Ahmed
R4
G1 - Hajra Umair and Ziva Haq
G2- Ayrah Ahmed
G3- Xavier Qureshi
R7
G1- Amelia Durvesh
G2- Saara Nathan
G3- Talia Ballany
R8
G1- Ilias Dia and Nusaybah Zaman
G2- Hussain Hammad
G3-Kinzy Eladwiy
4th Grade
Hani Sufi
Mira Elnajami
Yazan Karzoun
Milana Masionis
Yasin Akhter
Kayla Matin
Harith Talha
Sophia Hussain
Idris Qadri
Luna Noureldin
5th Grade
Yusuf Mitchell
Sana Ahmad
Humzah Ahmed
Emaan Yadullahi
Nadine Farhat
6th Grade
Safura Papa
Ezzeldin Abokifa
7th Grade
Ahmed Chaundry
Aliya Abbas
Amna Umar
8th Grade
Zayd Sufi
Kenzie Kahla
Muzzamil Suhail
High School
Ibrahim Abdul Jaleel
Mariam Mitchell
Amina Shehaj
Fatema Ahsan
Reem Adhami
Thank you for being shining examples of what it means to be a true Eagle.
Keep soaring high! 🦅✨
It’s time to celebrate our Eagles of the Month for April.
Please join me in congratulating:
6-9 Eagles
R3
G1- Noor Chaudhary and Haytham Samman
G2- Jude Samman
G3- Hasan Ahmed
R4
G1 - Hajra Umair and Ziva Haq
G2- Ayrah Ahmed
G3- Xavier Qureshi
R7
G1- Amelia Durvesh
G2- Saara Nathan
G3- Talia Ballany
R8
G1- Ilias Dia and Nusaybah Zaman
G2- Hussain Hammad
G3-Kinzy Eladwiy
4th Grade
Hani Sufi
Mira Elnajami
Yazan Karzoun
Milana Masionis
Yasin Akhter
Kayla Matin
Harith Talha
Sophia Hussain
Idris Qadri
Luna Noureldin
5th Grade
Yusuf Mitchell
Sana Ahmad
Humzah Ahmed
Emaan Yadullahi
Nadine Farhat
6th Grade
Safura Papa
Ezzeldin Abokifa
7th Grade
Ahmed Chaundry
Aliya Abbas
Amna Umar
8th Grade
Zayd Sufi
Kenzie Kahla
Muzzamil Suhail
High School
Ibrahim Abdul Jaleel
Mariam Mitchell
Amina Shehaj
Fatema Ahsan
Reem Adhami
Thank you for being shining examples of what it means to be a true Eagle.
Keep soaring high! 🦅✨
EMERGING LEADERS & SPEAKERS CLUB SHOWCASE
Kindi Academy recently celebrated a milestone moment with the Emerging Leaders & Speakers Club Speaker Showcase, held at Benedictine University’s Goodwin Hall in front of an audience of nearly 200 family members, friends, teachers, and supporters.
Nineteen students took the stage and delivered powerful, TED-style speeches, each approximately five minutes long. But what the audience witnessed that evening was more than a series of speeches. It was the result of months of hard work, courage, coaching, memorization, revision, and personal growth.
The students were coached by Sameer Aleem, Head Coach of the Emerging Leaders & Speakers Club and Founder of Sameer Speaks, who worked closely with them to develop not only their public speaking skills, but also their confidence, self-expression, emotional presence, and ability to communicate a meaningful message.
This showcase was a defining moment for Kindi Academy because it reflected something deeply important about the school’s mission. Kindi is not only preparing students to become strong scholars, but also future leaders. Academic excellence matters, but so does the ability to stand tall, communicate clearly, advocate for ideas, connect with others, and lead with confidence.
The Emerging Leaders & Speakers Club gives students a platform to discover that their voices matter. It teaches them that leadership is not something they have to wait until adulthood to practice. It begins now, in the classroom, on the stage, in the way they express themselves, and in the courage they build each time they speak.
Kindi Academy is proud to celebrate these emerging leaders and looks forward to seeing how they continue to use their voices with confidence, purpose, and impact.
- Sameer A. Aleem
Nineteen students took the stage and delivered powerful, TED-style speeches, each approximately five minutes long. But what the audience witnessed that evening was more than a series of speeches. It was the result of months of hard work, courage, coaching, memorization, revision, and personal growth.
The students were coached by Sameer Aleem, Head Coach of the Emerging Leaders & Speakers Club and Founder of Sameer Speaks, who worked closely with them to develop not only their public speaking skills, but also their confidence, self-expression, emotional presence, and ability to communicate a meaningful message.
This showcase was a defining moment for Kindi Academy because it reflected something deeply important about the school’s mission. Kindi is not only preparing students to become strong scholars, but also future leaders. Academic excellence matters, but so does the ability to stand tall, communicate clearly, advocate for ideas, connect with others, and lead with confidence.
The Emerging Leaders & Speakers Club gives students a platform to discover that their voices matter. It teaches them that leadership is not something they have to wait until adulthood to practice. It begins now, in the classroom, on the stage, in the way they express themselves, and in the courage they build each time they speak.
Kindi Academy is proud to celebrate these emerging leaders and looks forward to seeing how they continue to use their voices with confidence, purpose, and impact.
- Sameer A. Aleem
News from our 3-6 Classrooms
“The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say, ‘The children are now working, as if I did not exist.’” ~ Maria Montessori
April began with our final outdoor field trip of the school year to Brookfield Zoo. The children had a wonderful time exploring and observing animals such as monkeys, orangutans, gorillas, bison, penguins, wolves, and bears, among many others.
In celebration of Earth Day on April 22nd, our classrooms engaged in meaningful discussions about recyclable materials and what happens to them at recycling facilities. The children also explored ways to conserve energy and water, discovering that even small actions can make a big difference in caring for our planet.
Academically, our 3–6 students have made impressive progress, especially in reading. Each child has advanced in either blending or reading comprehension, and we are incredibly proud of their growth. Our kindergartners have been building their understanding of grammar concepts such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, syllables, compound words, and homophones. In math, many students are working on subtraction, multiplication, division, and adding four-digit numbers without regrouping.
With spring in full bloom, the children have also been exploring life cycles in science, including those of bees, butterflies, chickens, frogs, turtles, ladybugs, and plants. Each classroom had the opportunity to observe live caterpillars transform, witnessing the butterfly life cycle firsthand. Once the butterflies emerged from their chrysalises, they were joyfully released outdoors.
As kindergarten graduation approaches at the end of the month, the children have begun practicing their class poems and songs in preparation for the big day. They are excited to perform and take their next big step into first grade!
This year has flown by, and we have truly cherished every moment. We are so proud of our Kindi children and all they have accomplished. They will be greatly missed, and we hope to see them again over the summer and in the fall.
~ The 3–6 Montessori Team
Arabic, Quran & Islamic Studies- Ms Nareman Srour
Our students have been hard at work wrapping up several important Arabic letters. We explored the letters ج، ط، ظ، ه, building strong recognition and pronunciation skills along the way. Next, we’re excited to begin learning ة and ء!
Preschool students are now confidently recognizing letters in the beginning, middle, and end of words, and are practicing pronouncing them with short vowels.
Kindergarten students have taken it a step further—they can recognize, read, and pronounce letters using both short and long vowels, showing wonderful progress!
Islamic Studies
This month, our classes explored inspiring stories of the Prophets, including Prophet Musa (AS), Prophet Isa (AS), and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Students not only listened and discussed but also enjoyed engaging videos that brought these powerful stories to life.
Qur’an Progress
Our students continue to shine in their Qur’an memorization:
Preschool completed Surah Al-Asr and has now begun Surah An-Nasr
Kindergarten proudly completed Surah Al-Qadr and is now working on Surah Al-Qari’ah
Spanish (Ms Maria Herrero)
Students in the 3–6 program have continued working on spring (they learned a song) and reviewed farm animals and what they produce. We did a fun activity where students had to guess which animal was having a birthday. We also worked with the story “Betó y sus amigos” (Beto and His Friends), where students learned the names of sea animals. We began introducing food vocabulary while practicing the expressions “Me gusta” (I like), “No me gusta” (I don’t like), and “Me encanta” (I love). In addition, we started a solar system project, where students learned basic vocabulary, and we celebrated Earth Day by talking about actions that make the Earth feel “feliz” (happy) or “triste” (sad).
April began with our final outdoor field trip of the school year to Brookfield Zoo. The children had a wonderful time exploring and observing animals such as monkeys, orangutans, gorillas, bison, penguins, wolves, and bears, among many others.
In celebration of Earth Day on April 22nd, our classrooms engaged in meaningful discussions about recyclable materials and what happens to them at recycling facilities. The children also explored ways to conserve energy and water, discovering that even small actions can make a big difference in caring for our planet.
Academically, our 3–6 students have made impressive progress, especially in reading. Each child has advanced in either blending or reading comprehension, and we are incredibly proud of their growth. Our kindergartners have been building their understanding of grammar concepts such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, syllables, compound words, and homophones. In math, many students are working on subtraction, multiplication, division, and adding four-digit numbers without regrouping.
With spring in full bloom, the children have also been exploring life cycles in science, including those of bees, butterflies, chickens, frogs, turtles, ladybugs, and plants. Each classroom had the opportunity to observe live caterpillars transform, witnessing the butterfly life cycle firsthand. Once the butterflies emerged from their chrysalises, they were joyfully released outdoors.
As kindergarten graduation approaches at the end of the month, the children have begun practicing their class poems and songs in preparation for the big day. They are excited to perform and take their next big step into first grade!
This year has flown by, and we have truly cherished every moment. We are so proud of our Kindi children and all they have accomplished. They will be greatly missed, and we hope to see them again over the summer and in the fall.
~ The 3–6 Montessori Team
Arabic, Quran & Islamic Studies- Ms Nareman Srour
Our students have been hard at work wrapping up several important Arabic letters. We explored the letters ج، ط، ظ، ه, building strong recognition and pronunciation skills along the way. Next, we’re excited to begin learning ة and ء!
Preschool students are now confidently recognizing letters in the beginning, middle, and end of words, and are practicing pronouncing them with short vowels.
Kindergarten students have taken it a step further—they can recognize, read, and pronounce letters using both short and long vowels, showing wonderful progress!
Islamic Studies
This month, our classes explored inspiring stories of the Prophets, including Prophet Musa (AS), Prophet Isa (AS), and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Students not only listened and discussed but also enjoyed engaging videos that brought these powerful stories to life.
Qur’an Progress
Our students continue to shine in their Qur’an memorization:
Preschool completed Surah Al-Asr and has now begun Surah An-Nasr
Kindergarten proudly completed Surah Al-Qadr and is now working on Surah Al-Qari’ah
Spanish (Ms Maria Herrero)
Students in the 3–6 program have continued working on spring (they learned a song) and reviewed farm animals and what they produce. We did a fun activity where students had to guess which animal was having a birthday. We also worked with the story “Betó y sus amigos” (Beto and His Friends), where students learned the names of sea animals. We began introducing food vocabulary while practicing the expressions “Me gusta” (I like), “No me gusta” (I don’t like), and “Me encanta” (I love). In addition, we started a solar system project, where students learned basic vocabulary, and we celebrated Earth Day by talking about actions that make the Earth feel “feliz” (happy) or “triste” (sad).
Updates from Our 6-9 Classroom
Ms Mehreen Alvi
“Imagination does not become great until human beings, given the courage and the strength, use it to create.” Maria Montessori
Spring is finally here, and we’re looking forward to our summer break. Thank you to all of the parents for your support this school year. We couldn’t have done it without you. We have had so much fun teaching your children this year. It is a true blessing to have great students and families at Kindi Academy.
Our students had a wonderful time on their overnight trip to White Pines Ranch. We created beautiful memories of coming together as a big family, waking up early in the morning and bringing a closure to the day with endless story nights.
Our first grade students have been extremely busy with new presentations. The students are working hard and learning new concepts such as multiplication and division with our unique Montessori materials. They are enjoying adding and subtracting fractions with the understanding of materials. The students are continuing to write beautiful descriptive writing paragraphs. We would like to see them read and write beyond their school work. This is the best way for them to become confident writers. Grammar and word study exercises are an integral part of their work which will serve as a scaffolding for their future work. Projects of Social Sciences have created a new enthusiasm for their learning. They are proud to showcase their works.
The second year students are working hard and have been introduced to their 2 digit multiplier with 4 digit multiplicand.problems. Division with 4 digit dividend with 1 digit divisor have been introduced with our special test tube division material. Students have been practicing narrative writing with the prompt cards. They are writing with introduction, detail and closing sentences. It is a treat to see their unique writing pieces. Social Sciences are an integral part of their work and they are striving to achieve their goals.
Our third year students are working on advanced math concepts abstractly which will serve as a strong foundation for the next year. Challenging fraction word problems, along with pre-algebra has been introduced. Students are working well on all the grammar, proofreading, vocabulary and reading comprehension exercises. They are excited to work on the Periodic Table, systems of the human body, United States of America: states and capitals, Branches of Government, and History of the U.S.A.
We will continue to do new presentations in the coming weeks of school. Additionally we will be reviewing all the work to enhance their reading ability, comprehension skills, and vocabulary.
Our Third Grade students are graduating. We have mixed emotions; we are delighted to see their accomplishments to step into their new educational journey with head high but we’re sad at the same time to see them leave our classroom. They will always be remembered with special memories.
We wish you a safe, relaxing and wonderful Summer Break!
Arabic- Ms Lina Eltibi
1st Grade:
Over the past two weeks, students have been focusing on the letters (ج، ح، خ). They practiced writing these letters correctly using harakat and madd, while developing their ability to recognize sounds and form letters accurately. We have also begun a new lesson and continue to build their reading and writing skills step by step.
2nd Grade:
Students have started a new unit centered on school and related vocabulary. They are learning words connected to the school environment while practicing singular and plural forms. To introduce the unit, students were engaged through a hands-on activity using a school bag filled with supplies, helping them connect vocabulary with real-life objects. We also had an introduction to the upcoming lesson, which we will continue exploring this week.
3rd Grade:
Students have begun an exciting new lesson titled في حديقة الحيوانات (At the Zoo). Throughout this unit, they will explore different animals, learn how to identify and classify them, and learn about the types of animals in Arabic. They will also continue strengthening their grammar skills in meaningful contexts.
Islamic study and Quran
We are pleased to share the highlights of what our 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-grade students have accomplished during the month. It has been a productive and enriching period filled with meaningful learning and growth.
1st Grade
Qur’an:
Students completed Surah Al-‘Adiyat and began learning Surah Az-Zalzalah, demonstrating steady progress in both memorization and recitation.
Islamic Studies:
We completed the units focusing on The Holy Qur’an and an introduction to the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Seerah:
Students covered several lessons, learning up to the topic of Masjid An-Nabawi. They gained valuable insights into the life, character, and mission of the Prophet (peace be upon him).
2nd Grade
Qur’an:
Students completed Surah Al-‘Alaq and began Surah Al-Bayyinah, showing continued improvement in fluency and confidence.
Islamic Studies:
Students explored key topics, including Morals and Manners in Islam, Halal and Haram, and The First Man (Prophet Adam, peace be upon him), helping them build a strong foundation in Islamic values.
Seerah:
Students completed the lesson focusing on how Rasulullah (peace be upon him) taught his family. This lesson emphasized the importance of kindness, patience, and strong character.
We are proud of our students’ dedication and progress and look forward to continuing this journey of learning and growth.
3rd Grade
Islamic Studies:
Students completed the Halal and Haram unit and learned about the story of Prophet Musa (peace be upon him), gaining valuable lessons from his life.
Seerah:
Students explored important events, including the Battle of the Trench and the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah. They also learned about the history of the Kaaba and how it was restored as the House of Allah. In addition, students were excited to learn about how Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) sent letters to the kings around Arabia, inviting them to Islam.
Spanish: Ms Maria Herrero
The 1st grade students have been working with the story “Betó y sus amigos” (Beto and His Friends), learning the names of animals such as “tortuga” (turtle), “estrella de mar” (starfish), “ballena” (whale), “cangrejo” (crab), and “pulpo” (octopus). They practiced the vocabulary from the story and learned the “Betó” song. Students took a copy of the book home, which includes a QR code so they can watch my video telling the story.
Currently, we are working on the story “Me gusta la primavera” (I like spring), where in addition to the expression “Me gusta” (I like), students have been reviewing spring vocabulary such as rainbow, flowers, butterflies, trees, cold, and hot.
The 2nd grade students began the month of April with a speaking activity called “Doctores y pacientes” (Doctors and Patients), where they took turns being doctors and patients. The doctors had to ask questions such as “¿Te duele la cabeza?” (Does your head hurt?) to figure out what was wrong with each patient. This activity helped them review vocabulary related to body parts.
After that, they worked on the story “Monarca, oso y erizo” (Monarch, Bear, and Hedgehog), which is based on the migration of monarch butterflies to Mexico during the colder months and their return to the United States in the spring. Students learned high-frequency words such as “no puede” (cannot), “quiere” (wants), “no le gusta” (does not like), “ve” (sees), and “va” (goes), along with story-related vocabulary. We completed several reading comprehension and writing activities, and we will finish by completing the mini book of the story.
The 3rd grade students, at the beginning of the month, completed several activities related to the song “Susanita tiene un ratón” (Susanita Has a Mouse). During the second part of the month, they worked on vocabulary related to cooking and followed a recipe to make guacamole. Students had to earn 50 points for good behavior and for speaking Spanish in class in order to earn “la fiesta del guacamole” (the guacamole party). This was a fun celebration where we prepared guacamole, ate it with tortilla chips, and listened to music from the movie Coco.
Updates from 4th & 5th Grade
4th Grade Science-Ms. Taha
April was a busy and exciting month in our 4th grade science class! Students explored the world of force and motion through a variety of hands-on activities.We began by learning about force and motion, and how forces can make objects move, stop, or change direction. Students also studied speed and how it describes how fast or slow an object moves. They investigated how different factors, especially friction, can affect the speed of an object.
One of the highlights of the month was learning about balanced and unbalanced forces. To make this concept more interactive and fun, students participated in a tug-of-war activity. This helped them clearly see how balanced and unbalanced forces affect motion.
To extend our learning about temperature and changes in matter, we connected science to a real-world experience by making ice cream in class. Students explored how freezing works while enjoying a delicious treat.
Toward the end of the month, we began our new unit on electricity and magnetism. Students were introduced to the concept of static electricity through fun experiments using balloons.
4th Grade English- Ms Sameena Ansari
The super students have been working on an innovative project on the book read in the classroom to highlight their skills, ideas, memories and messages that they have learned from the book. The projects were exciting and enlightening as they presented their models with grace and creativity. The presentations had details on characters from the book and illustrations that were exciting and educational! Learners have been given worksheets on analogies, vocabulary, descriptions, definitions, and author’s purpose. Students have been rejoicing the story and reflecting beautifully to prove their point. Learners have written details about the book and created graceful illustrations to show that they have learned from the text and different scenarios were presented to enhance learning. Worksheets on analogies were provided to the students so that they learn to understand the examples and complete the activity thoroughly.
4th Grade English- Ms Nicole Wakefield
In English, our 4th graders are finishing up with the novel Hatchet, by Gary Paulsen. This book is a young adult survival novel about 13-year-old Brian Robeson, who is stranded in the Canadian wilderness after a plane crash. Armed only with a hatchet, Brian survives for 54 days, learning to build shelter, hunt, and make fire, while transforming from a helpless city boy into a resilient, nature-attuned survivor. We have been focusing on reading comprehension and book vocab. In addition, students were hard at work studying and preparing for their Iowa Testing.This included completing a review packet, IXL related skills, and completing worksheets. Lastly, we have been working on units 15 through 16 of spelling and Sadlier Vocabulary.
4th Grade English- Ms Melissa Fasiczka
In 4th grade English, we have finished reading Esperanza Rising. The class will take a summative test on the events, characters and themes of the novel. The students also have been reviewing core grammar concepts such as parts of speech and sentence structure. Finally, we are wrapping up the Sadlier Vocabulary program Spelling Workout units. Our final novel unit for the year will be A Long Walk to Water.
4th Grade Social Studies- Melissa Fasiczka
In World Regions, we have recently completed our unit on Central and West Africa. We are now moving on to our final continent, Asia! Students will complete map and reading comprehension activities as well as a final project on the region.
4th grade Arabic- Ms Heiam Elkhatib
This month, students explored an exciting and practical lesson about telling time in Arabic. They learned how to read the clock, say the time correctly in different forms, such as: An hour, half past, and quarter past/to, and convert numbers when using minutes. Students practiced expressing different times through a variety of engaging activities and exercises.
In addition to learning how to tell time, we had an important lesson about the value of time and how to use it wisely. Students discussed ways to take advantage of their time in daily life and reflected on good habits through interactive discussions and classwork.Also, students practiced breaking words into syllables, which supports their reading fluency and pronunciation.
Quran:
Surat Al-Fajr
The students have been working diligently on Surat Al-Fajr. Recitation: We are currently focusing on Ayat 1-30.
Reflections: Beyond memorization, we explored the stories of the ancient people of ‘Aad, Thamud, and Fir’awn. We discussed how these verses guide us toward the best manners and character (Akhlaq) so that we may be among those rewarded with Jannah.
Islamic Studies
We have journeyed through some of the most pivotal moments in the Sirah:Al-Isra’ wal-Mi’raj: We discussed the miraculous night journey in detail, emphasizing the importance of Masjid Al-Aqsa and its sacred value to all Muslims.
The Hijrah: We explored the historic and courageous migration from Makkah to Madinah.
The First Caliph: The students have been learning about the noble character and legacy
of Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (RA).
Looking Ahead: As we approach the end of the school year, we will conclude our studies with a brief look into the life of the second Caliph, Umar bin Al-Khattab (RA), and his contributions to Islam.
4th Grade Spanish- María Herrero
The 4th grade students have been focused on learning and practicing how to conjugate verbs in the present tense in Spanish. They practiced using different games, especially Blooket, which they really enjoy. This allowed us to complete Unit 4 and take the corresponding test. We are currently immersed in the final unit of the year, which focuses on seasons, weather, and the use of the verb “gustar” (to like).
4th Grade Math- Ms Nicole Wakefield
In Math, our 4th graders have been working on strengthening our geometry skills in Chapter 10. This has included drawing and identifying parts of polygons, classifying angles, polygons, quadrilaterals, and triangles, investigating similar figures, transformations, and coordinate geometry, and solving problems by finding a pattern. Our next chapter will focus on perimeter, area, and volume.
5th Grade English- Ms Sameena Ansari
The wonderful students have been reading and reflecting deeply on the impact of challenges in the lives of the characters! They have presented their thoughts and predicted their experiences to show their understanding of the situations presented in the book. The students are encouraged to take notes, infer, evaluate, and discuss on the topics relevant to the text and compare their experiences with the ones they have presented.
The students have also expressed their feelings about what they felt about the realities of life and how the book guided them towards the end that made them enlightened! Discussions and definitions were integrated to enhance their understanding to lead them toward a progressive approach. Writing to connect with audience and share their thoughts on the importance of the book read to relate with the literature, lifestyle, and culture mentioned in the story.
Creating sentences that are creative and engaging was the main goal so that they can write meaningfully and clearly. They had written important points on the reflection of the book and did an awesome job on making word webs! Silent reading by students gave them a chance to focus deeply and speak with confidence the choices of the characters and shed light on relevance of the text.
5th grade Language Arts Ms. Ashley
Students read The Giver, and we paid close attention to the three memories that The Giver transmits to Jonas. Then fifth grade students wrote descriptive memoirs focusing on the usage of figurative language, using action verbs in the present tense, and practiced using details that appeal to the senses to convey the overall impression of a particular memory. In addition, students researched events that were presented as varied expressions of memory and history utilizing the American Memory Web site. Students reflected upon questions such as: how would the writing and presentation be different if you were expressing an event from your own life? What are the various ways in which events from your life have been recorded?
5th Grade English- Ms Nicole Wakefield
In 5th grade English, we have finished reading A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park. This book intertwines the true 1985 story of Salva Dut, a Sudanese "Lost Boy" fleeing civil war, with the fictional 2008 story of Nya, a young girl walking miles for water. Both face extreme survival struggles before their narratives converge, highlighting resilience and how clean water access brings hope and peace to their communities. We have been focusing on reading comprehension and book vocab. In addition, students were hard at work studying and preparing for their Iowa Testing.This included completing a review packet, IXL related skills, and completing worksheets. Lastly, we have been working on units 15 through 16 of spelling and vocabulary.
5th Grade Math- Ms Nicole Wakefield
In Math, our 5th graders are working to finish their chapter on geometry. They worked hard to strengthen their ability to classify angles and polygons, explore congruence, similarity, symmetry, transformations, and tessellations, use perimeter and circumference formulas, and solve problems using formulas. Our next chapter will focus on metric measurement, area, and volume.
5th Grade Science- Ms Ella Abufeelat
This month, we are exploring the fascinating relationships between the Earth, Moon, and Sun! Students are learning how these three bodies interact to create important patterns we see every day and night.We began by studying the Earth and its movements. Students learned that Earth rotates on its axis, which causes day and night, and revolves around the Sun, which takes one full year. We also discussed how Earth’s tilt is responsible for the changing seasons.
Next, we explored the Moon and its phases. Students observed how the Moon appears to change shape throughout the month, from new moon to full moon and back again. We also discussed how the Moon orbits the Earth and how its position relative to the Sun affects what we see from Earth.
We then connected our learning by studying how the Earth, Moon, and Sun work together. Students learned about solar and lunar eclipses and how these events occur when the three bodies align in specific ways. We also discussed how the Sun provides light and energy that supports life on Earth.
In class, students will engage in hands-on activities such as modeling the Earth-Moon-Sun system, using light sources to simulate sunlight, and tracking moon phases.
These activities will help deepen their understanding of these important concepts.
Ask your child:
- Why do we have day and night?
- What causes the phases of the Moon?
- Why do we have seasons on Earth?
- What happens during a solar or lunar eclipse?
- We are excited to continue building our understanding of space and how it impacts our daily lives!
5th Grade Social Studies- Ms Melissa Fasiczka
In Ancient World History, we have finished our unit on Ancient Rome. Students also completed a timeline project which documented the events of the era. Next, we are moving on to the civilizations of Ancient Africa and the Islamic world.
5th Grade Ancient World History- Mr Daniel Aukst
We completed the unit on the Roman Empire. We also completed an introduction to the Middle Ages. It included Feudalism, Manorialism, and knights. After that, we did an introduction on the beginning of Islam and briefly learned about the Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphates. We then completed a section on the Crusades with a focus on the first three Crusades. Finally, students completed several worksheets to support what they learned in class and took a test on each section.
5th grade Arabic- Ms Heiam Elkhatib
Students are currently learning how to tell time and use number words in Arabic. They are learning how to tell time in Arabic with hands-on activity by making a clock with their hands and playing games telling time to get engaged with the concept of time. They are practicing how to apply these skills in speaking and writing about their daily routines by learning new vocabulary. They are working on forming sentences to describe their everyday activities, such as when they wake up, go to school, and complete their daily tasks. This helps them build confidence in using Arabic in real-life situations. Finally, I would like to express our sincere appreciation for your continued support and involvement in your child’s learning which makes a meaningful difference in your child’s progress and confidence and it’s truly valued.
Quran: Alhamdulilah Students have successfully completed memorizing Surat AN- Naba. They worked on proper recitation and understanding the main themes of the Surah, including the greatness of Allah’s creations and power. They understood the importance of being responsible for their actions. The Surah also taught them to strive to do good in order to earn Allah’s reward.
Islamic Studies: Students learned about Zakat, the fourth pillar of Islam. They explored its importance and the rules and conditions of giving Zakat. Students practiced applying these concepts through examples, helping them understand both the spiritual and practical aspects of this important act of worship. We also learned about the life of the 3rd caliphate Uthman ibn Affan (RA), learning about his character, leadership, and major contribution to Islam, including his role in preserving the Quran. Through his story, they learned valuable lessons such as the importance of generosity, humility, and strong faith and discussed how to apply these qualities in their daily life.
5th Grade Spanish- Ms Maria Herrero
The 5th grade students have been working on the final unit of the course, Unit 10, which focuses on family. They have learned vocabulary related to family members and have been working on possessive pronouns and their agreement with nouns and adjectives in Spanish. Students will take the unit test during the first week of May. This will allow them to finish the book we have been working on for the past two years and be ready to begin Avancemos in 6th grade.
April was a busy and exciting month in our 4th grade science class! Students explored the world of force and motion through a variety of hands-on activities.We began by learning about force and motion, and how forces can make objects move, stop, or change direction. Students also studied speed and how it describes how fast or slow an object moves. They investigated how different factors, especially friction, can affect the speed of an object.
One of the highlights of the month was learning about balanced and unbalanced forces. To make this concept more interactive and fun, students participated in a tug-of-war activity. This helped them clearly see how balanced and unbalanced forces affect motion.
To extend our learning about temperature and changes in matter, we connected science to a real-world experience by making ice cream in class. Students explored how freezing works while enjoying a delicious treat.
Toward the end of the month, we began our new unit on electricity and magnetism. Students were introduced to the concept of static electricity through fun experiments using balloons.
4th Grade English- Ms Sameena Ansari
The super students have been working on an innovative project on the book read in the classroom to highlight their skills, ideas, memories and messages that they have learned from the book. The projects were exciting and enlightening as they presented their models with grace and creativity. The presentations had details on characters from the book and illustrations that were exciting and educational! Learners have been given worksheets on analogies, vocabulary, descriptions, definitions, and author’s purpose. Students have been rejoicing the story and reflecting beautifully to prove their point. Learners have written details about the book and created graceful illustrations to show that they have learned from the text and different scenarios were presented to enhance learning. Worksheets on analogies were provided to the students so that they learn to understand the examples and complete the activity thoroughly.
4th Grade English- Ms Nicole Wakefield
In English, our 4th graders are finishing up with the novel Hatchet, by Gary Paulsen. This book is a young adult survival novel about 13-year-old Brian Robeson, who is stranded in the Canadian wilderness after a plane crash. Armed only with a hatchet, Brian survives for 54 days, learning to build shelter, hunt, and make fire, while transforming from a helpless city boy into a resilient, nature-attuned survivor. We have been focusing on reading comprehension and book vocab. In addition, students were hard at work studying and preparing for their Iowa Testing.This included completing a review packet, IXL related skills, and completing worksheets. Lastly, we have been working on units 15 through 16 of spelling and Sadlier Vocabulary.
4th Grade English- Ms Melissa Fasiczka
In 4th grade English, we have finished reading Esperanza Rising. The class will take a summative test on the events, characters and themes of the novel. The students also have been reviewing core grammar concepts such as parts of speech and sentence structure. Finally, we are wrapping up the Sadlier Vocabulary program Spelling Workout units. Our final novel unit for the year will be A Long Walk to Water.
4th Grade Social Studies- Melissa Fasiczka
In World Regions, we have recently completed our unit on Central and West Africa. We are now moving on to our final continent, Asia! Students will complete map and reading comprehension activities as well as a final project on the region.
4th grade Arabic- Ms Heiam Elkhatib
This month, students explored an exciting and practical lesson about telling time in Arabic. They learned how to read the clock, say the time correctly in different forms, such as: An hour, half past, and quarter past/to, and convert numbers when using minutes. Students practiced expressing different times through a variety of engaging activities and exercises.
In addition to learning how to tell time, we had an important lesson about the value of time and how to use it wisely. Students discussed ways to take advantage of their time in daily life and reflected on good habits through interactive discussions and classwork.Also, students practiced breaking words into syllables, which supports their reading fluency and pronunciation.
Quran:
Surat Al-Fajr
The students have been working diligently on Surat Al-Fajr. Recitation: We are currently focusing on Ayat 1-30.
Reflections: Beyond memorization, we explored the stories of the ancient people of ‘Aad, Thamud, and Fir’awn. We discussed how these verses guide us toward the best manners and character (Akhlaq) so that we may be among those rewarded with Jannah.
Islamic Studies
We have journeyed through some of the most pivotal moments in the Sirah:Al-Isra’ wal-Mi’raj: We discussed the miraculous night journey in detail, emphasizing the importance of Masjid Al-Aqsa and its sacred value to all Muslims.
The Hijrah: We explored the historic and courageous migration from Makkah to Madinah.
The First Caliph: The students have been learning about the noble character and legacy
of Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (RA).
Looking Ahead: As we approach the end of the school year, we will conclude our studies with a brief look into the life of the second Caliph, Umar bin Al-Khattab (RA), and his contributions to Islam.
4th Grade Spanish- María Herrero
The 4th grade students have been focused on learning and practicing how to conjugate verbs in the present tense in Spanish. They practiced using different games, especially Blooket, which they really enjoy. This allowed us to complete Unit 4 and take the corresponding test. We are currently immersed in the final unit of the year, which focuses on seasons, weather, and the use of the verb “gustar” (to like).
4th Grade Math- Ms Nicole Wakefield
In Math, our 4th graders have been working on strengthening our geometry skills in Chapter 10. This has included drawing and identifying parts of polygons, classifying angles, polygons, quadrilaterals, and triangles, investigating similar figures, transformations, and coordinate geometry, and solving problems by finding a pattern. Our next chapter will focus on perimeter, area, and volume.
5th Grade English- Ms Sameena Ansari
The wonderful students have been reading and reflecting deeply on the impact of challenges in the lives of the characters! They have presented their thoughts and predicted their experiences to show their understanding of the situations presented in the book. The students are encouraged to take notes, infer, evaluate, and discuss on the topics relevant to the text and compare their experiences with the ones they have presented.
The students have also expressed their feelings about what they felt about the realities of life and how the book guided them towards the end that made them enlightened! Discussions and definitions were integrated to enhance their understanding to lead them toward a progressive approach. Writing to connect with audience and share their thoughts on the importance of the book read to relate with the literature, lifestyle, and culture mentioned in the story.
Creating sentences that are creative and engaging was the main goal so that they can write meaningfully and clearly. They had written important points on the reflection of the book and did an awesome job on making word webs! Silent reading by students gave them a chance to focus deeply and speak with confidence the choices of the characters and shed light on relevance of the text.
5th grade Language Arts Ms. Ashley
Students read The Giver, and we paid close attention to the three memories that The Giver transmits to Jonas. Then fifth grade students wrote descriptive memoirs focusing on the usage of figurative language, using action verbs in the present tense, and practiced using details that appeal to the senses to convey the overall impression of a particular memory. In addition, students researched events that were presented as varied expressions of memory and history utilizing the American Memory Web site. Students reflected upon questions such as: how would the writing and presentation be different if you were expressing an event from your own life? What are the various ways in which events from your life have been recorded?
5th Grade English- Ms Nicole Wakefield
In 5th grade English, we have finished reading A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park. This book intertwines the true 1985 story of Salva Dut, a Sudanese "Lost Boy" fleeing civil war, with the fictional 2008 story of Nya, a young girl walking miles for water. Both face extreme survival struggles before their narratives converge, highlighting resilience and how clean water access brings hope and peace to their communities. We have been focusing on reading comprehension and book vocab. In addition, students were hard at work studying and preparing for their Iowa Testing.This included completing a review packet, IXL related skills, and completing worksheets. Lastly, we have been working on units 15 through 16 of spelling and vocabulary.
5th Grade Math- Ms Nicole Wakefield
In Math, our 5th graders are working to finish their chapter on geometry. They worked hard to strengthen their ability to classify angles and polygons, explore congruence, similarity, symmetry, transformations, and tessellations, use perimeter and circumference formulas, and solve problems using formulas. Our next chapter will focus on metric measurement, area, and volume.
5th Grade Science- Ms Ella Abufeelat
This month, we are exploring the fascinating relationships between the Earth, Moon, and Sun! Students are learning how these three bodies interact to create important patterns we see every day and night.We began by studying the Earth and its movements. Students learned that Earth rotates on its axis, which causes day and night, and revolves around the Sun, which takes one full year. We also discussed how Earth’s tilt is responsible for the changing seasons.
Next, we explored the Moon and its phases. Students observed how the Moon appears to change shape throughout the month, from new moon to full moon and back again. We also discussed how the Moon orbits the Earth and how its position relative to the Sun affects what we see from Earth.
We then connected our learning by studying how the Earth, Moon, and Sun work together. Students learned about solar and lunar eclipses and how these events occur when the three bodies align in specific ways. We also discussed how the Sun provides light and energy that supports life on Earth.
In class, students will engage in hands-on activities such as modeling the Earth-Moon-Sun system, using light sources to simulate sunlight, and tracking moon phases.
These activities will help deepen their understanding of these important concepts.
Ask your child:
- Why do we have day and night?
- What causes the phases of the Moon?
- Why do we have seasons on Earth?
- What happens during a solar or lunar eclipse?
- We are excited to continue building our understanding of space and how it impacts our daily lives!
5th Grade Social Studies- Ms Melissa Fasiczka
In Ancient World History, we have finished our unit on Ancient Rome. Students also completed a timeline project which documented the events of the era. Next, we are moving on to the civilizations of Ancient Africa and the Islamic world.
5th Grade Ancient World History- Mr Daniel Aukst
We completed the unit on the Roman Empire. We also completed an introduction to the Middle Ages. It included Feudalism, Manorialism, and knights. After that, we did an introduction on the beginning of Islam and briefly learned about the Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphates. We then completed a section on the Crusades with a focus on the first three Crusades. Finally, students completed several worksheets to support what they learned in class and took a test on each section.
5th grade Arabic- Ms Heiam Elkhatib
Students are currently learning how to tell time and use number words in Arabic. They are learning how to tell time in Arabic with hands-on activity by making a clock with their hands and playing games telling time to get engaged with the concept of time. They are practicing how to apply these skills in speaking and writing about their daily routines by learning new vocabulary. They are working on forming sentences to describe their everyday activities, such as when they wake up, go to school, and complete their daily tasks. This helps them build confidence in using Arabic in real-life situations. Finally, I would like to express our sincere appreciation for your continued support and involvement in your child’s learning which makes a meaningful difference in your child’s progress and confidence and it’s truly valued.
Quran: Alhamdulilah Students have successfully completed memorizing Surat AN- Naba. They worked on proper recitation and understanding the main themes of the Surah, including the greatness of Allah’s creations and power. They understood the importance of being responsible for their actions. The Surah also taught them to strive to do good in order to earn Allah’s reward.
Islamic Studies: Students learned about Zakat, the fourth pillar of Islam. They explored its importance and the rules and conditions of giving Zakat. Students practiced applying these concepts through examples, helping them understand both the spiritual and practical aspects of this important act of worship. We also learned about the life of the 3rd caliphate Uthman ibn Affan (RA), learning about his character, leadership, and major contribution to Islam, including his role in preserving the Quran. Through his story, they learned valuable lessons such as the importance of generosity, humility, and strong faith and discussed how to apply these qualities in their daily life.
5th Grade Spanish- Ms Maria Herrero
The 5th grade students have been working on the final unit of the course, Unit 10, which focuses on family. They have learned vocabulary related to family members and have been working on possessive pronouns and their agreement with nouns and adjectives in Spanish. Students will take the unit test during the first week of May. This will allow them to finish the book we have been working on for the past two years and be ready to begin Avancemos in 6th grade.
Updates From Middle School and High School
6th Grade Science- Ms Maria Jameel
This month, 6th grade students explored two major body systems: the nervous system and the integumentary system. Students learned about the structure and function of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, and how these components work together to send and receive signals throughout the body. We also discussed reflexes, responses to stimuli, and ways the nervous system helps maintain balance within the body.
In our study of the integumentary system, students learned about the skin, hair, and nails, as well as the important protective role this system plays. We discussed the layers of the skin, how the body regulates temperature, and how the integumentary system works together with other body systems to maintain overall health.
6th grade Language Arts- Ms. Ashley
Sixth grade students have been reading the memoir I Am Malala and the historical fiction novel To Kill A Mockingbird. While reading students have been practicing notetaking skills, analyzing the tone and mood of a text, citing textual evidence, and analyzing how key events in history can shape our world and views. Students used their analytical skills to put together a reflective presentation utilizing Canva in which they noted how the relationships between main characters in To Kill A Mockingbird changed throughout the course of the novel, and proved their points using textual evidence. Sixth grade students studied Malala’s Address to the U.N. in which she emphasized the necessity of education for all women and girls everywhere, and her desire to continue to be an advocate and activist.
6th Grade Social Studies- Meghan Mullin
Students have been hard at work in Social Studies! Students are almost finished studying South Asia. During this unit, students completed a current issue project. They had to research historical information, potential solutions, and what they believe will happen next. In addition, students completed a Country Spotlight Project. They chose a country and presented information such as its geography, culture, and money. Next, we will begin our last unit: Australia and New Zealand.
6th Grade Group Spanish- Ms Alicia
Throughout this month, students continued building their Spanish vocabulary and strengthened their communication skills through new grammar concepts. During this period, students expanded their vocabulary related to classroom objects, school subjects, and places around the school. After completing the vocabulary portion of the lesson, students began studying two important grammar topics:
The verb 'estar' – Students learned how to use estar to indicate location and to describe emotions or feelings.
The verb 'ir a' – Students learned how to use ir a to say where someone is going.Using both the new vocabulary and grammar structures, students practiced how to:
- Describe classes and classroom objects
- Say where things are located
- Talk about how they feel
- Explain where they are going
6th Grade Arabic- Ms. Hayat Al-Quttub
This month, 6th graders bridged the gap between ritual law and the historical foundations of our
faith.
Islamic Jurisprudence (Fiqh): Students explored the "Ease and Mercy" of Islam by
studying Ṣalāt al-Musāfir(Traveler’s Prayer) and the rulings of Masḥ (wiping over
socks). They learned the practical conditions for shortening prayers and the requirements
for Khuffayn.
Seerah (The Makkah Period): We have officially completed the Makkah period! Key
focus areas included the trials in Taif, the miraculous Isra and Mi'raj, and the Strategic
Relocation (Hijrah) to Madinah.
Research Project: Students spent a week synthesizing their knowledge of the Prophet’s
ﷺ life in Makkah, using guided research tables to analyze reliable primary sources.
Qur’an Focus: Surah As-Sajdah
Emphasis: Tajweed application and vocabulary mastery.
Assessment: Students completed comprehensive reading assessments and worksheet-
based thematic studies.
7th Grade (A) Chemistry- Ms Ella Abufeelat
This month in chemistry, students explored the exciting world of acids and bases! We learned how to identify acids and bases based on their properties, such as taste, feel, and reactivity. Students were especially interested in how acids can taste sour (like lemon juice) while bases often feel slippery (like soap).
We also introduced the pH scale, which measures how acidic or basic a substance is, ranging from 0 to 14. Students practiced classifying common household items and learned that a pH of 7 is neutral, like pure water. Through hands-on activities, students tested different substances using indicators to observe color changes and determine pH levels.
In addition, we discussed how acids and bases react with each other in neutralization reactions to form water and a salt. Students conducted simple experiments to see these reactions in action and connected their learning to real-world examples, such as antacids reducing stomach acid.
To wrap up the unit, students applied their knowledge through lab activities and review games. Ask your child about their favorite experiment or challenge them to identify whether something at home is an acid or a base!
7th Grade ELA - Ms Meghan Mullin
We have been busy in ELA! Students finished reading We Beat the Street. They then wrote an essay about societal pressures and the influence of someone's environment. During this novel unit, students made a poster based on a theme in the novel with corresponding quotes. In terms of skills, they have learned how to find evidence for claims given, for example. In addition, we started reading and analyzing a new novel: The Lord of the Flies. Next, we will continue working on skills, vocabulary, and writing.
7th Grade Arabic- Ms. Hayat Al-Quttub
The 7th-grade curriculum this term focused on the transition of the Muslim Ummah and the
ethical responsibilities of a believer.
Seerah & Sahabah: Students analyzed the Battle of Hunayn, the emotional Farewell
Pilgrimage, and the legacy of the Prophet’s ﷺ final days. We also highlighted the
conversion stories of Safwan ibn Umayyah and Ikrimah ibn Abi Jahl.
Values & Character: A deep dive into Amr bil Ma‘rouf (Enjoining Good) and the
framework of Halal and Haram(Permitted and Prohibited).
Islam & Science: Students explored Chapter 28: Science in the Qur’an, connecting
their faith to the signs of Allah in the natural world.
Qur’an Focus: Surah Ar-Rahman (Verses 54–78)
Emphasis: Reflecting on the descriptions of Paradise and Allah’s infinite blessings.
7th Grade United States History- Mr Aukst
We began the month learning about World War One. We covered the causes of the war and the ending of the war. We also covered all the major developments of the war. Finally, we covered America on the Homefront. After WWII, we learned about the Cold War. We covered all the major events, people, and policies Cold War related between 1945-1990s. We ended the month on the Civil Rights Movement from the 1950s through the 1970s. Each section included supporting work, worksheets, and a test.
7th Grade Groups A & B Spanish- Ms Alicia
During this month, students began Unidad 4 Lección 2: “¿Qué hacemos esta noche?” This unit focuses on real-life
Vocabulary Covered: Students expanded their vocabulary with key topics including:
- Places to go in town (such as restaurants, movie theaters, parks, and shops)
- Means of transportation (bus, car, walking, etc.)
- Ordering a meal in Spanish (expressions used in restaurants and food-related interactions)
This vocabulary has helped students begin to express where they are going, how they get there, and what they might do in social situations.
Grammar Focus: Students also began learning an important grammar concept:
Stem-changing verbs (o → ue)
They practiced recognizing and using verbs such as poder, volver, and dormir in context. This helps students improve their ability to form more accurate and natural sentences in Spanish.
Coming Up Next
In the next stage of the unit, students will continue expanding their grammar skills by learning:
Stem-changing verbs (e → i)
This will further strengthen their ability to communicate in more complex and meaningful ways.
8th Grade Modern World History- Mr Daniel Aukst
We began the month concluding the Cold War. Students completed a project on one Cold War event which included a timeline and research paper. Students completed a unit on decolonization. They concluded that unit with a decolonization simulation that focused on one specific country. Students had to read and evaluate primary source documents, fill out graphic organizer, and develop an argument based on their research and documents. Finally, they had to present their argument to the entire class. Each section included supporting work, worksheets, and a test.
8th Grade Physics- Ms Paul
This month, our focus has been on the unit of Electrostatics. Students learned about electric charges and forces, the principle of conservation of charge, and applied Coulomb’s law to solve numerical problems.
Additionally, we examined various methods of charging, including conduction, induction, and polarization.
8th Grade Islamic Studies & Arabic- Ms. Hayat Al-Quttub
Our 8th graders are concluding their study of the Rightly Guided Caliphs, focusing on the
complexities of leadership and sacrifice.
The Caliphate: We covered the martyrdom and achievements of Uthman ibn Affan
(RA) and the visionary leadership and bravery of Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA). Students are
currently preparing for a comprehensive exam on the Four Caliphs in early May.
Hadith Studies: Using 40 Hadith for Islamic Schools, students memorized and applied
Hadiths regarding:
- Being Loved by Allah and people.
- The definition of a "True Muslim."
- Recognizing the signs of a Hypocrite.
Comparative Project: A week-long research initiative where students compared the
administrative styles and challenges of all four Caliphs.
Qur’an Focus: Surah Yaseen (Final Sections)
Emphasis: Fluency and the theological lessons of life, death, and resurrection found in
the final ayahs.
8th Grade English- Dr Mark
Having finished a unit on the short fiction of Rudyard Kipling, Dr. Jones's 8th grade students will finish the year with something truly magical: Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. Perfect for the approaching summer season, this festive comedy hovers on the borderland between civilized Athens (where weddings are being planned) and the untamed forest (where those plans go awry through fairy mischief). It is a delightful celebration of the power of love, theater, and summertime—and a perfect way to end the year.
8th Grade Spanish- Maria Mendez
Students made it to Unit 7, Lesson 2. They have learned how to talk on the phone, say where they went and how it was and what they did. They learned how to use Que + adjectives to describe fun, interesting and boring activities. They also learned about names and places in Argentina. We also did a review of places around town and stem changing verbs: e – i. They learned the names of the park rides and the places where they need to bring a ticket. Students also created a collaborative mural, showing their creativity and group work. Finals are coming soon, so there is a study guide available on Google Classroom.
Spanish 1:
Students have worked on Unit 5, Lesson 1 to describe a house and household items and the different rooms, they learned ordinal numbers to indicate the order of things. They reviewed colors and clothes. indicate the order of things. They are able to describe people and locations. They have learned vocabulary relating to computers and other valuable items. Then talk about personal items and about how to use the Internet. They are also learning about the culture from Ecuador.
Spanish 2:
Students started Unit 5, Lesson 1. To talk about Spain. They have learned to identify and describe ingredients, talk about food preparations and follow recipes, give instructions and make recommendations using adjectives ending in -isimo. They also have learned about Usted/Ustedes commands and pronouns placement with commands. They reviewed vocabulary of staying healthy and chores. They will be creating a collaborative mural and also reviewing contents for the finals.
Spanish 3:
In this lesson students learned how to talk about personal items, talk about requirements and express what does and doesn't exist using expressions with sea subjunctive with conjunctions subjunctive with the unknown ¿Recuerdas? commands with tú professions vocabulary. Students also learned about indigenous artifacts and paintings of contemporary indigenous artists. They reviewed commands with “tu” and professions vocabulary. Students will also learn how to use the subjunctive after certain conjunctions. Then talk about actions that may happen in the future.
Spanish 4:
4.Students made it to Unit 5, Lesson 1, to discuss painting and music. Then, they also talked about their own and their classmates’ artistic and musical interests. They reviewed the formation and use of the future perfect and learned the formation and use of the conditional perfect. Then, they practiced using them to talk about art and music. Students will be doing a presentation to talk about their research about a college of their choice.
9th Grade Biology - Ms. Jameel
This month, 9th grade students began studying the Kingdom Plantae. We explored plant classification and learned about the characteristics that distinguish different groups of plants. Students studied the life cycle of nonvascular plants and gained an understanding of their reproduction and adaptations.
We also focused on the differences between monocots and dicots. Through class activities and lab work, students learned how to identify and differentiate plants based on their seeds, root systems, vascularization, leaf patterns, and flower structures. The lab activities gave students hands-on experience observing and classifying plant specimens using these characteristics.
9th Grade English - Dr. Jones
The 9th grade Honors English students have finished reading Hemingway's A Farewell to Arms, but will continue the conversation about that novel's themes of love and war as they take up their final literary journey of the year—The Odyssey. We are using the new translation by Emily Wilson, who powerfully brings this age-old story alive for contemporary readers.
9th Grade AP World History- Mr Daniel Aukst
AP World History finished the course and has been reviewing for the AP exam with a focus on MCQ, SAQ, LEQ. DBQ’s, and course content review. Each assignment has a knowledge-base learning component to it. Students not taking the exam participate in the lessons, but also completed a large documentary project on one of the main topics we covered this year.
10th Grade Honors Chemistry- Amy Kaczor
This month the 10th graders focused on reaction rates and chemical equilibrium in Honors Chemistry. We started the chapter by discussing collision theory and ways to speed up chemical reactions. Students completed an online activity to further examine the relationship between many variables, such as pressure and temperature, and the rate of a chemical reaction. We then defined equilibrium as the balancing of two opposing processes and discussed how we can visually observe if a reaction has reached dynamic equilibrium.
Students practiced writing equilibrium expressions and performing calculations with chemical reactions at equilibrium. We finished off the chapter with Le Chatelier's Principle, which tells us that when a stress is applied to a system at equilibrium, the system will respond in a way to reverse that change. Students completed a virtual lab on Le Chatelier's Principle in which they used color changes to visually determine if a reaction had shifted in response to a stress applied.
We also just completed a short section on oxidation-reduction reactions. The students practiced assigning oxidation states to atoms in a chemical reaction and determining which element is oxidized and reduced. They also practiced writing half reactions for oxidation and reduction and balancing redox reactions using the half reaction method.
Highschool Arabic - Ms Hayat Al-Quttub
Arabic Intermediate Level
We launched an exciting new Artificial Intelligence Unit this month! This unit uses the engaging theme of technology to help students develop their language skills through a combination of grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension.
Here is a look at what we are working on:
Grammar & Sentence Structure: We reviewed demonstrative pronouns, prepositions, and nominal and verbal sentences. Students practiced identifying connected pronouns and their referents, as well as distinguishing between nouns and verbs. We also introduced verb tenses (past and present) and the passive participle (اسم المفعول).
Vocabulary Development: Students expanded their word banks by learning
definitions, synonyms, and antonyms, and practiced grouping words by
meaning.
Writing & Expression: Students learned how to define terms using third-person pronouns and apply new vocabulary in complete sentences. For their writing exercise, they described a household device using key terms such as works, benefits, electricity, smart, and classifies.
Reading & Comprehension: Students practiced reading texts to extract and understand the main ideas.
Communication Skills: We worked on dictation, alongside daily reading and speaking practice to boost fluency and confidence.
Arabic Advanced Level
This month, our Advanced Arabic students continued their exploration of the fascinating world of Islamic architecture. After examining the influence of Arabic calligraphy on art, students studied key architectural features and historical Islamic sites to identify those elements. This exercise helped them build their vocabulary and sharpen their ability to describe buildings in detail. The unit concluded with students writing beautiful essays about famous Islamic structures. In addition to expanding their vocabulary, students dived deeper into grammar and (the study of Arabic grammatical case endings). We covered the rules for the present tense (حالات إعراب الفعل المضارع) and the passive voice (الفعل المبنى للمجهول), with a strong focus on applying these new rules directly to their writing.
High School Reflections - Islamic Studies- Ms. Hayat Al-Quttub
This term, our high school students explored a rich blend of Islamic history, Qur’anic studies, and contemporary discussions, all while building their critical thinking and presentation skills.
Qur’an Studies.
We focused on the concluding verses of Surah Al-Kahf (Ayah 93 to the end). Students worked on their recitation and memorization while gaining a deeper understanding of the meanings and important life lessons within these verses. To build their public speaking and engagement, students also prepared their own presentations sharing what they learned from the Surah.
Islamic Law & Society: This unit opened an important discussion about social and family structures in Islam. Students explored the rulings on marriage (شروط الزواج وأحكامه) and the rights
and responsibilities of spouses. We also dedicated time to studying Women’s Rights in Islam (دراسة الحقوق والواجبات). To deepen their understanding, the class held a debate that encouraged critical thinking and respectful communication of diverse perspectives.
Islamic History
Students took a deep dive into the major Islamic dynasties and their lasting impact
on the world. Our journey through history covered:
- Umayyad Dynasty
- Abbasid Dynasty
- Ayyubid Dynasty
- Mamluk Empire
- Ottoman Empire
To bring this history to life, students conducted independent research and delivered
an in-depth presentation on the Umayyad Dynasty, along with other historical
analysis projects.
High School World Religions- Melissa Fasiczka
In World Religions, we are currently studying other worldviews that have been considered as religious by historians and theologians. These include Humanism and nationalism. When the unit is finished, students will complete a culminating research project.
HS Computer Science Discoveries - Mr. Wright
This month, we concluded our unit on AI and machine learning. The students discovered that machine learning falls into two categories: supervised and unsupervised. They also learned about the limitations and biases that AI models can exhibit when their training data is skewed or incomplete. The unit concluded with the students creating an app that trained a model to predict whether students would enjoy a field trip based on information we collected.
After wrapping up the AI unit, we moved on to 3d modeling using Tinkercad, a suite of online tools used for modeling objects. The students are currently learning the basics of polygon modeling by creating household objects which they will later place inside a model of a house they will construct.
AP English Language and Composition- Dr Mark
The junior AP English students have prioritized their preparation for the AP Exam, which will take place mid month. Last week the students took a complete practice exam, and all scored well. In the midst of this, they are continuing their study of some of the masterpieces of prose writing, most recently essays by Maxine Hong Kingston and E. B. White. Once the students have completed the AP Exam, we will turn our attention to the alternative prose styles that are sometimes referred to as "Grammar B." The students have done considerably good work with traditional stylistic models this year; I hope they will find it refreshing to conclude the year with some other approaches to writing nonfiction.
Honors American Literature- Dr Mark
In Honors American Literature, the sophomores have just finished reading and writing critically about Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. We will end the semester with F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Jazz-Age classic The Great Gatsby. At the moment, we are just three chapters in, but students can already identify the social nuances that pose an unbridgeable divide between East Egg old money and the West Egg Nouveaux riches. Students are concurrently exploring some of the great American modern poets–this week, Wallace Stevens and Robert Hayden.
AP U.S. History- Ms Meghan Mullin
Students are becoming masters of history! We finished the AP curriculum and have been reviewing for the AP U.S. History test. Students have practiced timed multiple choice, DBQ, and FRQs. However, students' favorite is jeopardy. I am very proud of them for their focus and determination. They have also taken three practice exams. Wish them luck on the AP Test!
Intro to Psychology- Ms Mullin
Students have been working hard! This month they finished studying the psychology of personality. Students took personality tests to understand themselves more and see which career field would be best suited for them. Then we started the Mental Health Disorders unit. Students researched each disorder and presented on it. They also learned about stigma and the DSM 5. Next, students will learn about treatment.This month the 10th graders focused on reaction rates and chemical equilibrium in Honors Chemistry. We started the chapter by discussing collision theory and ways to speed up chemical reactions. Students completed an online activity to further examine the relationship between many variables, such as pressure and temperature, and the rate of a chemical reaction. We then defined equilibrium as the balancing of two opposing processes and discussed how we can visually observe if a reaction has reached dynamic equilibrium.
Students practiced writing equilibrium expressions and performing calculations with chemical reactions at equilibrium. We finished off the chapter with Le Chatelier's Principle, which tells us that when a stress is applied to a system at equilibrium, the system will respond in a way to reverse that change. Students completed a virtual lab on Le Chatelier's Principle in which they used color changes to visually determine if a reaction had shifted in response to a stress applied.
We also just completed a short section on oxidation-reduction reactions. The students practiced assigning oxidation states to atoms in a chemical reaction and determining which element is oxidized and reduced. They also practiced writing half reactions for oxidation and reduction and balancing redox reactions using the half reaction method.
This month, 6th grade students explored two major body systems: the nervous system and the integumentary system. Students learned about the structure and function of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, and how these components work together to send and receive signals throughout the body. We also discussed reflexes, responses to stimuli, and ways the nervous system helps maintain balance within the body.
In our study of the integumentary system, students learned about the skin, hair, and nails, as well as the important protective role this system plays. We discussed the layers of the skin, how the body regulates temperature, and how the integumentary system works together with other body systems to maintain overall health.
6th grade Language Arts- Ms. Ashley
Sixth grade students have been reading the memoir I Am Malala and the historical fiction novel To Kill A Mockingbird. While reading students have been practicing notetaking skills, analyzing the tone and mood of a text, citing textual evidence, and analyzing how key events in history can shape our world and views. Students used their analytical skills to put together a reflective presentation utilizing Canva in which they noted how the relationships between main characters in To Kill A Mockingbird changed throughout the course of the novel, and proved their points using textual evidence. Sixth grade students studied Malala’s Address to the U.N. in which she emphasized the necessity of education for all women and girls everywhere, and her desire to continue to be an advocate and activist.
6th Grade Social Studies- Meghan Mullin
Students have been hard at work in Social Studies! Students are almost finished studying South Asia. During this unit, students completed a current issue project. They had to research historical information, potential solutions, and what they believe will happen next. In addition, students completed a Country Spotlight Project. They chose a country and presented information such as its geography, culture, and money. Next, we will begin our last unit: Australia and New Zealand.
6th Grade Group Spanish- Ms Alicia
Throughout this month, students continued building their Spanish vocabulary and strengthened their communication skills through new grammar concepts. During this period, students expanded their vocabulary related to classroom objects, school subjects, and places around the school. After completing the vocabulary portion of the lesson, students began studying two important grammar topics:
The verb 'estar' – Students learned how to use estar to indicate location and to describe emotions or feelings.
The verb 'ir a' – Students learned how to use ir a to say where someone is going.Using both the new vocabulary and grammar structures, students practiced how to:
- Describe classes and classroom objects
- Say where things are located
- Talk about how they feel
- Explain where they are going
6th Grade Arabic- Ms. Hayat Al-Quttub
This month, 6th graders bridged the gap between ritual law and the historical foundations of our
faith.
Islamic Jurisprudence (Fiqh): Students explored the "Ease and Mercy" of Islam by
studying Ṣalāt al-Musāfir(Traveler’s Prayer) and the rulings of Masḥ (wiping over
socks). They learned the practical conditions for shortening prayers and the requirements
for Khuffayn.
Seerah (The Makkah Period): We have officially completed the Makkah period! Key
focus areas included the trials in Taif, the miraculous Isra and Mi'raj, and the Strategic
Relocation (Hijrah) to Madinah.
Research Project: Students spent a week synthesizing their knowledge of the Prophet’s
ﷺ life in Makkah, using guided research tables to analyze reliable primary sources.
Qur’an Focus: Surah As-Sajdah
Emphasis: Tajweed application and vocabulary mastery.
Assessment: Students completed comprehensive reading assessments and worksheet-
based thematic studies.
7th Grade (A) Chemistry- Ms Ella Abufeelat
This month in chemistry, students explored the exciting world of acids and bases! We learned how to identify acids and bases based on their properties, such as taste, feel, and reactivity. Students were especially interested in how acids can taste sour (like lemon juice) while bases often feel slippery (like soap).
We also introduced the pH scale, which measures how acidic or basic a substance is, ranging from 0 to 14. Students practiced classifying common household items and learned that a pH of 7 is neutral, like pure water. Through hands-on activities, students tested different substances using indicators to observe color changes and determine pH levels.
In addition, we discussed how acids and bases react with each other in neutralization reactions to form water and a salt. Students conducted simple experiments to see these reactions in action and connected their learning to real-world examples, such as antacids reducing stomach acid.
To wrap up the unit, students applied their knowledge through lab activities and review games. Ask your child about their favorite experiment or challenge them to identify whether something at home is an acid or a base!
7th Grade ELA - Ms Meghan Mullin
We have been busy in ELA! Students finished reading We Beat the Street. They then wrote an essay about societal pressures and the influence of someone's environment. During this novel unit, students made a poster based on a theme in the novel with corresponding quotes. In terms of skills, they have learned how to find evidence for claims given, for example. In addition, we started reading and analyzing a new novel: The Lord of the Flies. Next, we will continue working on skills, vocabulary, and writing.
7th Grade Arabic- Ms. Hayat Al-Quttub
The 7th-grade curriculum this term focused on the transition of the Muslim Ummah and the
ethical responsibilities of a believer.
Seerah & Sahabah: Students analyzed the Battle of Hunayn, the emotional Farewell
Pilgrimage, and the legacy of the Prophet’s ﷺ final days. We also highlighted the
conversion stories of Safwan ibn Umayyah and Ikrimah ibn Abi Jahl.
Values & Character: A deep dive into Amr bil Ma‘rouf (Enjoining Good) and the
framework of Halal and Haram(Permitted and Prohibited).
Islam & Science: Students explored Chapter 28: Science in the Qur’an, connecting
their faith to the signs of Allah in the natural world.
Qur’an Focus: Surah Ar-Rahman (Verses 54–78)
Emphasis: Reflecting on the descriptions of Paradise and Allah’s infinite blessings.
7th Grade United States History- Mr Aukst
We began the month learning about World War One. We covered the causes of the war and the ending of the war. We also covered all the major developments of the war. Finally, we covered America on the Homefront. After WWII, we learned about the Cold War. We covered all the major events, people, and policies Cold War related between 1945-1990s. We ended the month on the Civil Rights Movement from the 1950s through the 1970s. Each section included supporting work, worksheets, and a test.
7th Grade Groups A & B Spanish- Ms Alicia
During this month, students began Unidad 4 Lección 2: “¿Qué hacemos esta noche?” This unit focuses on real-life
Vocabulary Covered: Students expanded their vocabulary with key topics including:
- Places to go in town (such as restaurants, movie theaters, parks, and shops)
- Means of transportation (bus, car, walking, etc.)
- Ordering a meal in Spanish (expressions used in restaurants and food-related interactions)
This vocabulary has helped students begin to express where they are going, how they get there, and what they might do in social situations.
Grammar Focus: Students also began learning an important grammar concept:
Stem-changing verbs (o → ue)
They practiced recognizing and using verbs such as poder, volver, and dormir in context. This helps students improve their ability to form more accurate and natural sentences in Spanish.
Coming Up Next
In the next stage of the unit, students will continue expanding their grammar skills by learning:
Stem-changing verbs (e → i)
This will further strengthen their ability to communicate in more complex and meaningful ways.
8th Grade Modern World History- Mr Daniel Aukst
We began the month concluding the Cold War. Students completed a project on one Cold War event which included a timeline and research paper. Students completed a unit on decolonization. They concluded that unit with a decolonization simulation that focused on one specific country. Students had to read and evaluate primary source documents, fill out graphic organizer, and develop an argument based on their research and documents. Finally, they had to present their argument to the entire class. Each section included supporting work, worksheets, and a test.
8th Grade Physics- Ms Paul
This month, our focus has been on the unit of Electrostatics. Students learned about electric charges and forces, the principle of conservation of charge, and applied Coulomb’s law to solve numerical problems.
Additionally, we examined various methods of charging, including conduction, induction, and polarization.
8th Grade Islamic Studies & Arabic- Ms. Hayat Al-Quttub
Our 8th graders are concluding their study of the Rightly Guided Caliphs, focusing on the
complexities of leadership and sacrifice.
The Caliphate: We covered the martyrdom and achievements of Uthman ibn Affan
(RA) and the visionary leadership and bravery of Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA). Students are
currently preparing for a comprehensive exam on the Four Caliphs in early May.
Hadith Studies: Using 40 Hadith for Islamic Schools, students memorized and applied
Hadiths regarding:
- Being Loved by Allah and people.
- The definition of a "True Muslim."
- Recognizing the signs of a Hypocrite.
Comparative Project: A week-long research initiative where students compared the
administrative styles and challenges of all four Caliphs.
Qur’an Focus: Surah Yaseen (Final Sections)
Emphasis: Fluency and the theological lessons of life, death, and resurrection found in
the final ayahs.
8th Grade English- Dr Mark
Having finished a unit on the short fiction of Rudyard Kipling, Dr. Jones's 8th grade students will finish the year with something truly magical: Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. Perfect for the approaching summer season, this festive comedy hovers on the borderland between civilized Athens (where weddings are being planned) and the untamed forest (where those plans go awry through fairy mischief). It is a delightful celebration of the power of love, theater, and summertime—and a perfect way to end the year.
8th Grade Spanish- Maria Mendez
Students made it to Unit 7, Lesson 2. They have learned how to talk on the phone, say where they went and how it was and what they did. They learned how to use Que + adjectives to describe fun, interesting and boring activities. They also learned about names and places in Argentina. We also did a review of places around town and stem changing verbs: e – i. They learned the names of the park rides and the places where they need to bring a ticket. Students also created a collaborative mural, showing their creativity and group work. Finals are coming soon, so there is a study guide available on Google Classroom.
Spanish 1:
Students have worked on Unit 5, Lesson 1 to describe a house and household items and the different rooms, they learned ordinal numbers to indicate the order of things. They reviewed colors and clothes. indicate the order of things. They are able to describe people and locations. They have learned vocabulary relating to computers and other valuable items. Then talk about personal items and about how to use the Internet. They are also learning about the culture from Ecuador.
Spanish 2:
Students started Unit 5, Lesson 1. To talk about Spain. They have learned to identify and describe ingredients, talk about food preparations and follow recipes, give instructions and make recommendations using adjectives ending in -isimo. They also have learned about Usted/Ustedes commands and pronouns placement with commands. They reviewed vocabulary of staying healthy and chores. They will be creating a collaborative mural and also reviewing contents for the finals.
Spanish 3:
In this lesson students learned how to talk about personal items, talk about requirements and express what does and doesn't exist using expressions with sea subjunctive with conjunctions subjunctive with the unknown ¿Recuerdas? commands with tú professions vocabulary. Students also learned about indigenous artifacts and paintings of contemporary indigenous artists. They reviewed commands with “tu” and professions vocabulary. Students will also learn how to use the subjunctive after certain conjunctions. Then talk about actions that may happen in the future.
Spanish 4:
4.Students made it to Unit 5, Lesson 1, to discuss painting and music. Then, they also talked about their own and their classmates’ artistic and musical interests. They reviewed the formation and use of the future perfect and learned the formation and use of the conditional perfect. Then, they practiced using them to talk about art and music. Students will be doing a presentation to talk about their research about a college of their choice.
9th Grade Biology - Ms. Jameel
This month, 9th grade students began studying the Kingdom Plantae. We explored plant classification and learned about the characteristics that distinguish different groups of plants. Students studied the life cycle of nonvascular plants and gained an understanding of their reproduction and adaptations.
We also focused on the differences between monocots and dicots. Through class activities and lab work, students learned how to identify and differentiate plants based on their seeds, root systems, vascularization, leaf patterns, and flower structures. The lab activities gave students hands-on experience observing and classifying plant specimens using these characteristics.
9th Grade English - Dr. Jones
The 9th grade Honors English students have finished reading Hemingway's A Farewell to Arms, but will continue the conversation about that novel's themes of love and war as they take up their final literary journey of the year—The Odyssey. We are using the new translation by Emily Wilson, who powerfully brings this age-old story alive for contemporary readers.
9th Grade AP World History- Mr Daniel Aukst
AP World History finished the course and has been reviewing for the AP exam with a focus on MCQ, SAQ, LEQ. DBQ’s, and course content review. Each assignment has a knowledge-base learning component to it. Students not taking the exam participate in the lessons, but also completed a large documentary project on one of the main topics we covered this year.
10th Grade Honors Chemistry- Amy Kaczor
This month the 10th graders focused on reaction rates and chemical equilibrium in Honors Chemistry. We started the chapter by discussing collision theory and ways to speed up chemical reactions. Students completed an online activity to further examine the relationship between many variables, such as pressure and temperature, and the rate of a chemical reaction. We then defined equilibrium as the balancing of two opposing processes and discussed how we can visually observe if a reaction has reached dynamic equilibrium.
Students practiced writing equilibrium expressions and performing calculations with chemical reactions at equilibrium. We finished off the chapter with Le Chatelier's Principle, which tells us that when a stress is applied to a system at equilibrium, the system will respond in a way to reverse that change. Students completed a virtual lab on Le Chatelier's Principle in which they used color changes to visually determine if a reaction had shifted in response to a stress applied.
We also just completed a short section on oxidation-reduction reactions. The students practiced assigning oxidation states to atoms in a chemical reaction and determining which element is oxidized and reduced. They also practiced writing half reactions for oxidation and reduction and balancing redox reactions using the half reaction method.
Highschool Arabic - Ms Hayat Al-Quttub
Arabic Intermediate Level
We launched an exciting new Artificial Intelligence Unit this month! This unit uses the engaging theme of technology to help students develop their language skills through a combination of grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension.
Here is a look at what we are working on:
Grammar & Sentence Structure: We reviewed demonstrative pronouns, prepositions, and nominal and verbal sentences. Students practiced identifying connected pronouns and their referents, as well as distinguishing between nouns and verbs. We also introduced verb tenses (past and present) and the passive participle (اسم المفعول).
Vocabulary Development: Students expanded their word banks by learning
definitions, synonyms, and antonyms, and practiced grouping words by
meaning.
Writing & Expression: Students learned how to define terms using third-person pronouns and apply new vocabulary in complete sentences. For their writing exercise, they described a household device using key terms such as works, benefits, electricity, smart, and classifies.
Reading & Comprehension: Students practiced reading texts to extract and understand the main ideas.
Communication Skills: We worked on dictation, alongside daily reading and speaking practice to boost fluency and confidence.
Arabic Advanced Level
This month, our Advanced Arabic students continued their exploration of the fascinating world of Islamic architecture. After examining the influence of Arabic calligraphy on art, students studied key architectural features and historical Islamic sites to identify those elements. This exercise helped them build their vocabulary and sharpen their ability to describe buildings in detail. The unit concluded with students writing beautiful essays about famous Islamic structures. In addition to expanding their vocabulary, students dived deeper into grammar and (the study of Arabic grammatical case endings). We covered the rules for the present tense (حالات إعراب الفعل المضارع) and the passive voice (الفعل المبنى للمجهول), with a strong focus on applying these new rules directly to their writing.
High School Reflections - Islamic Studies- Ms. Hayat Al-Quttub
This term, our high school students explored a rich blend of Islamic history, Qur’anic studies, and contemporary discussions, all while building their critical thinking and presentation skills.
Qur’an Studies.
We focused on the concluding verses of Surah Al-Kahf (Ayah 93 to the end). Students worked on their recitation and memorization while gaining a deeper understanding of the meanings and important life lessons within these verses. To build their public speaking and engagement, students also prepared their own presentations sharing what they learned from the Surah.
Islamic Law & Society: This unit opened an important discussion about social and family structures in Islam. Students explored the rulings on marriage (شروط الزواج وأحكامه) and the rights
and responsibilities of spouses. We also dedicated time to studying Women’s Rights in Islam (دراسة الحقوق والواجبات). To deepen their understanding, the class held a debate that encouraged critical thinking and respectful communication of diverse perspectives.
Islamic History
Students took a deep dive into the major Islamic dynasties and their lasting impact
on the world. Our journey through history covered:
- Umayyad Dynasty
- Abbasid Dynasty
- Ayyubid Dynasty
- Mamluk Empire
- Ottoman Empire
To bring this history to life, students conducted independent research and delivered
an in-depth presentation on the Umayyad Dynasty, along with other historical
analysis projects.
High School World Religions- Melissa Fasiczka
In World Religions, we are currently studying other worldviews that have been considered as religious by historians and theologians. These include Humanism and nationalism. When the unit is finished, students will complete a culminating research project.
HS Computer Science Discoveries - Mr. Wright
This month, we concluded our unit on AI and machine learning. The students discovered that machine learning falls into two categories: supervised and unsupervised. They also learned about the limitations and biases that AI models can exhibit when their training data is skewed or incomplete. The unit concluded with the students creating an app that trained a model to predict whether students would enjoy a field trip based on information we collected.
After wrapping up the AI unit, we moved on to 3d modeling using Tinkercad, a suite of online tools used for modeling objects. The students are currently learning the basics of polygon modeling by creating household objects which they will later place inside a model of a house they will construct.
AP English Language and Composition- Dr Mark
The junior AP English students have prioritized their preparation for the AP Exam, which will take place mid month. Last week the students took a complete practice exam, and all scored well. In the midst of this, they are continuing their study of some of the masterpieces of prose writing, most recently essays by Maxine Hong Kingston and E. B. White. Once the students have completed the AP Exam, we will turn our attention to the alternative prose styles that are sometimes referred to as "Grammar B." The students have done considerably good work with traditional stylistic models this year; I hope they will find it refreshing to conclude the year with some other approaches to writing nonfiction.
Honors American Literature- Dr Mark
In Honors American Literature, the sophomores have just finished reading and writing critically about Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. We will end the semester with F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Jazz-Age classic The Great Gatsby. At the moment, we are just three chapters in, but students can already identify the social nuances that pose an unbridgeable divide between East Egg old money and the West Egg Nouveaux riches. Students are concurrently exploring some of the great American modern poets–this week, Wallace Stevens and Robert Hayden.
AP U.S. History- Ms Meghan Mullin
Students are becoming masters of history! We finished the AP curriculum and have been reviewing for the AP U.S. History test. Students have practiced timed multiple choice, DBQ, and FRQs. However, students' favorite is jeopardy. I am very proud of them for their focus and determination. They have also taken three practice exams. Wish them luck on the AP Test!
Intro to Psychology- Ms Mullin
Students have been working hard! This month they finished studying the psychology of personality. Students took personality tests to understand themselves more and see which career field would be best suited for them. Then we started the Mental Health Disorders unit. Students researched each disorder and presented on it. They also learned about stigma and the DSM 5. Next, students will learn about treatment.This month the 10th graders focused on reaction rates and chemical equilibrium in Honors Chemistry. We started the chapter by discussing collision theory and ways to speed up chemical reactions. Students completed an online activity to further examine the relationship between many variables, such as pressure and temperature, and the rate of a chemical reaction. We then defined equilibrium as the balancing of two opposing processes and discussed how we can visually observe if a reaction has reached dynamic equilibrium.
Students practiced writing equilibrium expressions and performing calculations with chemical reactions at equilibrium. We finished off the chapter with Le Chatelier's Principle, which tells us that when a stress is applied to a system at equilibrium, the system will respond in a way to reverse that change. Students completed a virtual lab on Le Chatelier's Principle in which they used color changes to visually determine if a reaction had shifted in response to a stress applied.
We also just completed a short section on oxidation-reduction reactions. The students practiced assigning oxidation states to atoms in a chemical reaction and determining which element is oxidized and reduced. They also practiced writing half reactions for oxidation and reduction and balancing redox reactions using the half reaction method.
Updates from Sports
This month was full of surprises. For someone starting new and fresh as a coach, I was given the task to train The Girls Soccer Team. What felt like a tough job; training girls for one of the most brutal sport out there, I didn't realize these girls were solid titanium! With great dedication and sportsmanship, the girls’ soccer team proudly participated in the Midwest Soccer League Tournament April'26 and delivered an unforgettable performance by winning the championship.
Despite having very limited preparation time, the girls showed incredible dedication, discipline, and teamwork throughout the tournament. In the playoff match against Aqsa School, the team battled hard and secured a strong 1-0 victory with determination and solid defensive play. Carrying that momentum into the championship game against CPSA, the girls displayed confidence, teamwork, and resilience, earning an impressive 3-1 win to bring home the title.
One of the most memorable moments throughout the tournament was watching the players support and motivate each other from the sidelines, celebrate every tackle, pass, and goal together, and continue fighting until the final whistle. Their energy, unity, and never-give-up attitude truly reflected the spirit of the team.
As a coach, I could not be prouder of these girls. They accepted the challenge, worked hard every single day, trusted one another, and proved that commitment and teamwork can achieve great things even in a short amount of time. This championship was not just about winning games, but about growth, character, and believing in themselves.
For me, this was the biggest highlight of this month. Congratulations to the Team!
Have a great summer break and stay active! Go Eagles!
Best,
Coach Arsal
Despite having very limited preparation time, the girls showed incredible dedication, discipline, and teamwork throughout the tournament. In the playoff match against Aqsa School, the team battled hard and secured a strong 1-0 victory with determination and solid defensive play. Carrying that momentum into the championship game against CPSA, the girls displayed confidence, teamwork, and resilience, earning an impressive 3-1 win to bring home the title.
One of the most memorable moments throughout the tournament was watching the players support and motivate each other from the sidelines, celebrate every tackle, pass, and goal together, and continue fighting until the final whistle. Their energy, unity, and never-give-up attitude truly reflected the spirit of the team.
As a coach, I could not be prouder of these girls. They accepted the challenge, worked hard every single day, trusted one another, and proved that commitment and teamwork can achieve great things even in a short amount of time. This championship was not just about winning games, but about growth, character, and believing in themselves.
For me, this was the biggest highlight of this month. Congratulations to the Team!
Have a great summer break and stay active! Go Eagles!
Best,
Coach Arsal