October 2025
"THE PRICE OF SUCCESS IS HARD WORK, DEDICATION TO THE JOB AT HAND, AND THE DETERMINATION THAT WHETHER WE WIN OR LOSE, WE HAVE APPLIED THE BEST OF OURSELVES TO THE TASK AT HAND."
VINCE LOMBARDI
VINCE LOMBARDI
Message from the Executive Director
Hello Kindians,
It is with great pleasure that I write to you in this first school-wide newsletter of the year. I would like to warmly welcome all our families—returning and new—to Kindi Academy. Thank you for your continued confidence in our school and for entrusting us with the privilege of nurturing and educating your children. It is truly an honor to serve this vibrant community.
The school is once again bustling with energy—new faces of students and teachers, fresh ideas, and a renewed sense of purpose. Every day, I’m inspired by the positivity and enthusiasm that fills our halls. This shared energy motivates us to keep elevating our programs and inspires students to engage deeply with their learning, take initiative, and grow both academically and personally.
This year, we are proud to have expanded our teaching team by bringing on many talented and dedicated educators to support the diverse learning needs of our students in Math, English, and Science. At Kindi Academy, our educational philosophy is centered on meeting students where they are—understanding their individual strengths, challenges, and learning styles—and using that as a springboard to propel them to the next level. By offering multiple levels and small-group instruction, we ensure that each student is both supported and challenged, allowing them to grow academically with confidence and purpose.
Kindi is more than just a school; it is a community—a family. We work to cultivate a strong sense of unity and pride among students, parents, and staff, creating an environment where everyone feels connected and valued. This sense of belonging is at the heart of our students’ academic success and personal development.
I am especially proud of the exciting direction our High School program continues to take. We’ve built strong enrollment and expanded our course offerings, including several AP college-level classes that provide students with an academic edge, college credit opportunities, and financial savings on future tuition. This year, we’re taking another step forward by planning Dual Credit and Dual Enrollment programs in partnership with colleges and universities, as well as increasing our collaboration with Illinois Virtual School Academy to give our students even more pathways to success.
Our Athletics Program has also expanded this year, with Kindi joining the Suburban Elementary Athletic Conference (SEAC) to provide a richer competitive experience for students in grades 5 and higher. Athletics play a vital role in shaping character, building teamwork, and fostering school spirit. With more sports offerings and dedicated leadership, we’re excited to see this program grow and strengthen the fabric of our school community.
At Kindi Academy, we believe that learning extends far beyond the classroom, which is why we offer a wide range of clubs and enrichment programs designed to meet the needs and interests of students from Preschool through High School. From Soccer Shots for our youngest learners in Preschool through 3rd grade, to STEAM and Chess clubs for students up to 8th grade, there’s something for every curious and active mind. Our older students have opportunities to develop critical thinking, leadership, and communication skills through clubs like Model UN, Mock Trial, and the Emerging Leaders and Speakers Club for Middle Schoolers. Many of these clubs are made possible through the dedication and passion of our parent volunteers, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to them for helping make Kindi a vibrant, engaging community for all students.
Of course, none of this can be accomplished alone. The success of Kindi Academy is built on the shared efforts of parents, teachers, and students. Your support and engagement are invaluable as we continue to build programs that challenge, inspire, and uplift our children.
A special note of appreciation goes to the members of KAPA (Kindi Academy Parent Association) for their continued dedication and hard work. Your efforts make a meaningful difference and help make Kindi a true second home for our students.
I look forward to all that we will accomplish together this year. Wishing every member of the Kindi family a wonderful year ahead and a happy fall season.
Warm regards,
Hatem Elagha
Executive Director
Kindi Academy
It is with great pleasure that I write to you in this first school-wide newsletter of the year. I would like to warmly welcome all our families—returning and new—to Kindi Academy. Thank you for your continued confidence in our school and for entrusting us with the privilege of nurturing and educating your children. It is truly an honor to serve this vibrant community.
The school is once again bustling with energy—new faces of students and teachers, fresh ideas, and a renewed sense of purpose. Every day, I’m inspired by the positivity and enthusiasm that fills our halls. This shared energy motivates us to keep elevating our programs and inspires students to engage deeply with their learning, take initiative, and grow both academically and personally.
This year, we are proud to have expanded our teaching team by bringing on many talented and dedicated educators to support the diverse learning needs of our students in Math, English, and Science. At Kindi Academy, our educational philosophy is centered on meeting students where they are—understanding their individual strengths, challenges, and learning styles—and using that as a springboard to propel them to the next level. By offering multiple levels and small-group instruction, we ensure that each student is both supported and challenged, allowing them to grow academically with confidence and purpose.
Kindi is more than just a school; it is a community—a family. We work to cultivate a strong sense of unity and pride among students, parents, and staff, creating an environment where everyone feels connected and valued. This sense of belonging is at the heart of our students’ academic success and personal development.
I am especially proud of the exciting direction our High School program continues to take. We’ve built strong enrollment and expanded our course offerings, including several AP college-level classes that provide students with an academic edge, college credit opportunities, and financial savings on future tuition. This year, we’re taking another step forward by planning Dual Credit and Dual Enrollment programs in partnership with colleges and universities, as well as increasing our collaboration with Illinois Virtual School Academy to give our students even more pathways to success.
Our Athletics Program has also expanded this year, with Kindi joining the Suburban Elementary Athletic Conference (SEAC) to provide a richer competitive experience for students in grades 5 and higher. Athletics play a vital role in shaping character, building teamwork, and fostering school spirit. With more sports offerings and dedicated leadership, we’re excited to see this program grow and strengthen the fabric of our school community.
At Kindi Academy, we believe that learning extends far beyond the classroom, which is why we offer a wide range of clubs and enrichment programs designed to meet the needs and interests of students from Preschool through High School. From Soccer Shots for our youngest learners in Preschool through 3rd grade, to STEAM and Chess clubs for students up to 8th grade, there’s something for every curious and active mind. Our older students have opportunities to develop critical thinking, leadership, and communication skills through clubs like Model UN, Mock Trial, and the Emerging Leaders and Speakers Club for Middle Schoolers. Many of these clubs are made possible through the dedication and passion of our parent volunteers, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to them for helping make Kindi a vibrant, engaging community for all students.
Of course, none of this can be accomplished alone. The success of Kindi Academy is built on the shared efforts of parents, teachers, and students. Your support and engagement are invaluable as we continue to build programs that challenge, inspire, and uplift our children.
A special note of appreciation goes to the members of KAPA (Kindi Academy Parent Association) for their continued dedication and hard work. Your efforts make a meaningful difference and help make Kindi a true second home for our students.
I look forward to all that we will accomplish together this year. Wishing every member of the Kindi family a wonderful year ahead and a happy fall season.
Warm regards,
Hatem Elagha
Executive Director
Kindi Academy
Social Counselor's Corner
October Focus: The Power of Kindness
Dear Kindi Community,
October is a wonderful month to celebrate one of the most meaningful values we can teach our children: Kindness. As we move through the month, our SEL (Social Emotional Learning) lessons and counseling sessions will focus on helping students understand that kindness is more than just being “nice” it’s about empathy, compassion, and taking action to make a positive difference in someone’s day.
In class discussions and activities, students will explore how small acts of kindness such as offering help, using kind words, including others, or showing gratitude, can create a ripple effect that strengthens our entire school community. From a psychology perspective, research shows that acts of kindness not only make others feel good, but also boost our own mood, lower stress, and increase a sense of belonging.
We’re also focusing on the idea that being kind to ourselves is just as important as being kind to others. When students practice self-kindness by showing patience, resting when needed, and celebrating progress, they develop a stronger sense of confidence and well-being.
Families can help by modeling and noticing acts of kindness at home, for example, saying “I really appreciated how you helped your sibling today” and celebrate positive actions each week.
May this month remind us that even the smallest act of kindness can make a big difference in our school community.
Warmly,
Ms. Huda
School Counselor
“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” - Princess Diana
Dear Kindi Community,
October is a wonderful month to celebrate one of the most meaningful values we can teach our children: Kindness. As we move through the month, our SEL (Social Emotional Learning) lessons and counseling sessions will focus on helping students understand that kindness is more than just being “nice” it’s about empathy, compassion, and taking action to make a positive difference in someone’s day.
In class discussions and activities, students will explore how small acts of kindness such as offering help, using kind words, including others, or showing gratitude, can create a ripple effect that strengthens our entire school community. From a psychology perspective, research shows that acts of kindness not only make others feel good, but also boost our own mood, lower stress, and increase a sense of belonging.
We’re also focusing on the idea that being kind to ourselves is just as important as being kind to others. When students practice self-kindness by showing patience, resting when needed, and celebrating progress, they develop a stronger sense of confidence and well-being.
Families can help by modeling and noticing acts of kindness at home, for example, saying “I really appreciated how you helped your sibling today” and celebrate positive actions each week.
May this month remind us that even the smallest act of kindness can make a big difference in our school community.
Warmly,
Ms. Huda
School Counselor
“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” - Princess Diana
Message from the Curriculum Director
Greetings Eagles,
The school year has really gotten off to a great start! The hallways and classrooms are filled with excitement, learning, optimism, and tons of opportunities for growth. Kindi Academy is known for our rigorous academic programs, graduating students at least 1-2 years above their current grade level that put in the time and effort to do so.
As I’m sure you’ve realized by now, Kindi’s approach to academics is different from many schools…and for good reason! Our Early Childhood and Lower Elementary Programs use the Montessori approach to learning, which builds the student’s strong foundation at these critical ages while also building their independence and thirst for knowledge. Naturally, students transition into Upper Elementary and Middle School with the strongest foundation. By the time students graduate from 8th grade, many are finishing with up to Geometry or Algebra 2 in Math. Students take full-year classes in Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics all by the end of 8th grade, in addition to full classes in Ancient and Modern World History, Early and Modern US History, World Geography, Civics, and Financial Literacy. Our English classes have students reading and writing above their grade levels, with many of our 8th graders writing close to the undergraduate level. These advanced offerings really set the students up well for High School. In our High School program, students take courses that are going to be useful to them down the road, many of which are at the Honors and AP levels.
Now I know what you’re thinking…how do you do it? The recipe for this success is the small class sizes. Kindi continues to grow year after year, and every time we see growth we hire additional staff members to keep our low student to teacher ratios. In other schools, it would be rare to find a Math or English class of only 6-10 students. Here at Kindi, this is very common! We meet students where they are at and work with them throughout the year to build them up and get them working at or above grade level. By the end of the year, you’ll notice tons of growth with your students.
The transition to Kindi can be challenging sometimes. With the greater rigor in our academics compared to other schools, you’ll also notice a greater workload at times. It’s important to work with your children on organization and time management. Teachers work hard in the beginning months, encouraging students to use their planners to stay on top of their work. This is my biggest piece of advice - students, use the planners, and parents, please check to make sure they are writing in them! You can always check Google Classroom to see what’s assigned as well in the upper grades. It may seem like a lot in the beginning, but believe me, with hard work and dedication, it will all be worth it in the end when you see the tremendous progress that can be made with your child.
I must say…none of the success stories would be possible without our amazing and dedicated faculty. Our teachers work hard to maintain these strong levels of academics and maintain even stronger relationships with our students to ensure their success. There is a lot of effort that goes into teaching, and I truly am thankful for the dedication of all of our faculty members.
I applaud you for the decision to join Kindi Academy. If you have any questions about our academic offerings, please email at [email protected]
Here’s to more success and a great year for all!
Sevim Memisovski
Director of Curriculum
Kindi Academy
Eagles of the Month
September 2025 Eagles of the Month
It’s time to celebrate our Eagles of the Month for September! These students have shown outstanding character, responsibility, and effort in and out of the classroom. Please join me in congratulating:
Theme: Responsibility
6-9:
Room 3
Luna Kabbany
Sulaiman Hussain
Zakariya Saeed
Room 4
Samiha Kamran
zoya Sarwar
zoya Ali
Room 7
Maymunah Osman
Muhammad Surti
Zayna chaudri
Room 8
Melana Veraska
Asma Qato
Liyaana Hussaini
4th Grade
Luna Nooreldin
Harith Talha
Yahya Baig
Yahya Zaman
Zayna Jangda
5th Grade
Sana Ahmad
Zahra Surti
Ihsan Kabbany
Maryam Umair
Aminah Ahmad
6th Grade
Layla Hammad
Zoya Isa
Musa Ali
Zaynab Shah
7th Grade
Ziyad Issa
Hamza Hossein
Layan Safieh
Aaliya Abbas
8th Grade
Sarah Kabani
Umair Wahab
Jumana Alzubaidi
Paresa Baig
9th Grade
Aminah Shajah
10th Grade
Fatima Ahsan
Sireen Raja
Reem Adhami
11th Grade
Mikael Magda
We are so proud of each one of you! GO EAGLES!
It’s time to celebrate our Eagles of the Month for September! These students have shown outstanding character, responsibility, and effort in and out of the classroom. Please join me in congratulating:
Theme: Responsibility
6-9:
Room 3
Luna Kabbany
Sulaiman Hussain
Zakariya Saeed
Room 4
Samiha Kamran
zoya Sarwar
zoya Ali
Room 7
Maymunah Osman
Muhammad Surti
Zayna chaudri
Room 8
Melana Veraska
Asma Qato
Liyaana Hussaini
4th Grade
Luna Nooreldin
Harith Talha
Yahya Baig
Yahya Zaman
Zayna Jangda
5th Grade
Sana Ahmad
Zahra Surti
Ihsan Kabbany
Maryam Umair
Aminah Ahmad
6th Grade
Layla Hammad
Zoya Isa
Musa Ali
Zaynab Shah
7th Grade
Ziyad Issa
Hamza Hossein
Layan Safieh
Aaliya Abbas
8th Grade
Sarah Kabani
Umair Wahab
Jumana Alzubaidi
Paresa Baig
9th Grade
Aminah Shajah
10th Grade
Fatima Ahsan
Sireen Raja
Reem Adhami
11th Grade
Mikael Magda
We are so proud of each one of you! GO EAGLES!
News from our 3-6 Classrooms
“The most important period of life is not the age of university studies, but the first one, the period of birth to the age of six.” ~ Maria Montessori
September has been a busy, exciting, and fun month! We began the year by creating classroom rules together with our students. Among other things, we practiced rolling rugs, walking around a rug without stepping on someone’s work, using our inside voices and quiet feet, and demonstrating grace and courtesy (such as being polite, sharing, taking turns, and waiting patiently). We also discussed the importance of taking care of our environment, the classroom, the materials, and ourselves.
The children have not wasted any time and are already working on sounds, blending, word building, reading comprehension, numbers, art, practical life, and so much more! Montessori education empha
sizes independence and personal growth, both academically and emotionally. We encourage children to try things on their own, stepping in to help only when needed. This gives them opportunities to build confidence, self-pride, and self-motivation.
September has also been all about apples! The children learned about the parts of an apple and its life cycle. They tasted a variety of apples—both sweet and tart—to discover their favorites. They also enjoyed listening to the story of Johnny Appleseed (John Chapman) and learning about the ways he helped others and earned his nickname.
Our first field trip to the Morton Arboretum was a great success! The children had so much fun exploring the Maze Garden and Children’s Garden before sitting down for lunch together. We are already looking forward to our next adventure at Sonny Acres!
~ The 3–6 Montessori Team
Updates from Our 6-9 Classroom
"Free the child's potential and you will transform him into the world" - Dr. Maria Montessori
Fall is quickly upon us and our school year is in full swing! Our students have been very busy and excited about their learning. Everyday brings a new joy to the children for their accomplishments.
Our First year students stepped into a new level of independence where they are immersed in learning how to construct sentences with proper structure. We are working on penmanship and reading with spelling rules simultaneously.
They are on the road to develop their Math concepts using the unique and scientific Montessori Materials, which will enhance their mathematical mind and organizational skills. They are building relationships and connections to the math concepts They are taking pride in making their solar system booklets. They are learning about cardinal directions and concepts of Botany and Zoology with small projects.
Our Second year students are refining their skills of writing descriptive stories. Word study is the major part of developing their understanding for further advanced work. They are enthusiastic to use a Dictionary and Thesaurus. Creating and constructing sentences with correct use of punctuation marks is an integral part of their work. They have started to analyze the sentences with the function of parts of speech. They have been introduced to write 2, 3 and 4 times tables and advanced concepts of multiplication and division using the Stamp Game, a very unique Montessori material. The concept of addition of fractions with like denominators has been introduced with Montessori materials. Social sciences are an integral part of their learning and they are taking pride in creating projects. Students are learning geometrical concepts and integrating with art and design.
Our Third year students are diving into paragraph writing using proofreading strategies. Higher level of grammar and word study has been introduced to strengthen their writing skills. Advanced levels of multiplication and long division problems have been introduced to strengthen their precision using the Montessori materials. They have been introduced equivalent fractions. Students are excited to learn the lowest common multiples which will serve as the basis of addition, subtraction of unlike denominators. Students will be taking timed, times table tests using their working memory. Children are demonstrating a high level of work in producing social sciences projects.
We are excited for the upcoming presentations of students' autobiographies, which is a beautiful way to connect to their lives.
Our first field trip to All Seasons Orchard farm was a huge success! Students had a great time.
Children are well settled into their class routine. We are enjoying and celebrating their everyday accomplishments, academic collaboration and teamwork.
Our children are practicing and learning acts of kindness and sharing with their friends. This activity will encourage them to use kindness in their words, thinking and actions.
We look forward to a wonderful year!
Warmly,
6-9 Teachers Team
Fall is quickly upon us and our school year is in full swing! Our students have been very busy and excited about their learning. Everyday brings a new joy to the children for their accomplishments.
Our First year students stepped into a new level of independence where they are immersed in learning how to construct sentences with proper structure. We are working on penmanship and reading with spelling rules simultaneously.
They are on the road to develop their Math concepts using the unique and scientific Montessori Materials, which will enhance their mathematical mind and organizational skills. They are building relationships and connections to the math concepts They are taking pride in making their solar system booklets. They are learning about cardinal directions and concepts of Botany and Zoology with small projects.
Our Second year students are refining their skills of writing descriptive stories. Word study is the major part of developing their understanding for further advanced work. They are enthusiastic to use a Dictionary and Thesaurus. Creating and constructing sentences with correct use of punctuation marks is an integral part of their work. They have started to analyze the sentences with the function of parts of speech. They have been introduced to write 2, 3 and 4 times tables and advanced concepts of multiplication and division using the Stamp Game, a very unique Montessori material. The concept of addition of fractions with like denominators has been introduced with Montessori materials. Social sciences are an integral part of their learning and they are taking pride in creating projects. Students are learning geometrical concepts and integrating with art and design.
Our Third year students are diving into paragraph writing using proofreading strategies. Higher level of grammar and word study has been introduced to strengthen their writing skills. Advanced levels of multiplication and long division problems have been introduced to strengthen their precision using the Montessori materials. They have been introduced equivalent fractions. Students are excited to learn the lowest common multiples which will serve as the basis of addition, subtraction of unlike denominators. Students will be taking timed, times table tests using their working memory. Children are demonstrating a high level of work in producing social sciences projects.
We are excited for the upcoming presentations of students' autobiographies, which is a beautiful way to connect to their lives.
Our first field trip to All Seasons Orchard farm was a huge success! Students had a great time.
Children are well settled into their class routine. We are enjoying and celebrating their everyday accomplishments, academic collaboration and teamwork.
Our children are practicing and learning acts of kindness and sharing with their friends. This activity will encourage them to use kindness in their words, thinking and actions.
We look forward to a wonderful year!
Warmly,
6-9 Teachers Team
Updates from 4th Grade and Up
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Happenings in the Science Room
4th Grade Science- Ms Taha Baig
So far in our 4th Grade Science class, students have been sharpening their skills as scientists practicing the scientific method learning how scientists think, and discover how to ask deep, meaningful questions. Students also learned in the world of design, we will use what they already know to create solutions. We learned about the design process steps- defining a problem, brainstorming ideas, planning a solution, building a prototype, testing it, and then improving it. Every new device or system starts from something that already exists, and over time scientists can improve it. We have been doing hands-on activities related to topics learned in class regularly.
5th Grade Science - Mrs. Ella
Our young scientists have been off to an amazing start this year! We’ve officially completed Unit 1: Introducing Earth, and I am so proud of how engaged and curious everyone has been. From hands-on clay models to colorful diagrams and class discussions, students explored what makes our planet so unique and dynamic. This first unit laid the foundation for understanding how Earth works from the inside out, a perfect starting point for our year of discovery!
Lesson 1: The Earth System
We began our journey by learning how Earth operates as a system made up of four major spheres: the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere.
Students discovered how these systems interact and depend on one another, for example, how the hydrosphere (water) affects the biosphere (life), or how the atmosphere impacts the geosphere (land) through weathering and erosion.
We used real-world examples such as rainfall patterns, ocean waves, and plant growth to visualize these connections. Students even drew their own Earth system diagrams showing how matter and energy move through these spheres!
Lesson 2: Earth’s Interior
Next, we took a deep dive into what lies beneath our feet. Students learned that Earth has three main layers — the crust, mantle, and core — and how scientists study these layers even though we cannot see them directly.
We discussed how seismic waves help scientists infer what’s inside Earth and compared the continental and oceanic crusts. Using models and cross-section diagrams, students visualized how temperature and pressure increase with depth.
To make it hands-on, we created an Earth Model out of clay and labeled the model showing the layers from crust to inner core!
Lesson 3: Convection and the MantleIn this exciting lesson, students explored how heat moves inside Earth and what keeps our planet constantly changing. We learned about conduction, convection, and radiation — focusing on how convection currents in the mantle cause Earth’s plates to slowly move.Through diagrams, doodle notes, and a mini virtual lab demo, students visualized how hot, less dense material rises and cool, dense material sinks, creating a continuous cycle. This lesson set the stage for understanding plate tectonics in our upcoming unit!
Skills Strengthened
“The Earth is what we all have in common.” – Wendell Berry
6th grade - Ms. Jameel
September was a busy and exciting month in 6th grade science! Students explored the composition and function of the cell membrane, learning how this important structure protects and regulates what enters and leaves the cell. To make the concept come alive, we built a marshmallow model of the cell membrane, which helped students visualize its flexible and semi-permeable nature.
Next, we dove into the structures and functions of animal and plant cells. Students learned to identify key organelles and understand how each contributes to the life of the cell. To demonstrate their knowledge creatively, students designed their own 3-D Cell Projects—showcasing everything from clay to craft materials. We ended the unit with our favorite hands-on experience, the Edible Cell Lab, where students applied what they learned in the tastiest way possible!
9th grade - Ms. Jameel
In 9th grade, we took a deeper dive into the structure and function of cells. Students examined organelles and their specialized roles in maintaining cell health and efficiency. Through an interactive cell membrane activity, they explored how the membrane maintains balance and protects the cell.
We also completed a plastid lab, giving students a closer look at how plant cells perform photosynthesis and store energy. To conclude the month, we began studying homeostasis and cell transport, investigating how the cell membrane regulates materials to keep internal conditions stable. This sets the stage for our upcoming lessons on active and passive transport in October!
Looking Ahead:
Upcoming months will bring more interactive labs, discussions, and models as we continue to build on these foundational biology concepts.
So far in our 4th Grade Science class, students have been sharpening their skills as scientists practicing the scientific method learning how scientists think, and discover how to ask deep, meaningful questions. Students also learned in the world of design, we will use what they already know to create solutions. We learned about the design process steps- defining a problem, brainstorming ideas, planning a solution, building a prototype, testing it, and then improving it. Every new device or system starts from something that already exists, and over time scientists can improve it. We have been doing hands-on activities related to topics learned in class regularly.
5th Grade Science - Mrs. Ella
Our young scientists have been off to an amazing start this year! We’ve officially completed Unit 1: Introducing Earth, and I am so proud of how engaged and curious everyone has been. From hands-on clay models to colorful diagrams and class discussions, students explored what makes our planet so unique and dynamic. This first unit laid the foundation for understanding how Earth works from the inside out, a perfect starting point for our year of discovery!
Lesson 1: The Earth System
We began our journey by learning how Earth operates as a system made up of four major spheres: the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere.
Students discovered how these systems interact and depend on one another, for example, how the hydrosphere (water) affects the biosphere (life), or how the atmosphere impacts the geosphere (land) through weathering and erosion.
We used real-world examples such as rainfall patterns, ocean waves, and plant growth to visualize these connections. Students even drew their own Earth system diagrams showing how matter and energy move through these spheres!
Lesson 2: Earth’s Interior
Next, we took a deep dive into what lies beneath our feet. Students learned that Earth has three main layers — the crust, mantle, and core — and how scientists study these layers even though we cannot see them directly.
We discussed how seismic waves help scientists infer what’s inside Earth and compared the continental and oceanic crusts. Using models and cross-section diagrams, students visualized how temperature and pressure increase with depth.
To make it hands-on, we created an Earth Model out of clay and labeled the model showing the layers from crust to inner core!
Lesson 3: Convection and the MantleIn this exciting lesson, students explored how heat moves inside Earth and what keeps our planet constantly changing. We learned about conduction, convection, and radiation — focusing on how convection currents in the mantle cause Earth’s plates to slowly move.Through diagrams, doodle notes, and a mini virtual lab demo, students visualized how hot, less dense material rises and cool, dense material sinks, creating a continuous cycle. This lesson set the stage for understanding plate tectonics in our upcoming unit!
Skills Strengthened
- Reading and interpreting scientific diagrams
- Building scientific models to represent Earth’s structure
- Understanding cause-and-effect relationships in natural systems
- Using evidence to explain processes inside Earth
“The Earth is what we all have in common.” – Wendell Berry
6th grade - Ms. Jameel
September was a busy and exciting month in 6th grade science! Students explored the composition and function of the cell membrane, learning how this important structure protects and regulates what enters and leaves the cell. To make the concept come alive, we built a marshmallow model of the cell membrane, which helped students visualize its flexible and semi-permeable nature.
Next, we dove into the structures and functions of animal and plant cells. Students learned to identify key organelles and understand how each contributes to the life of the cell. To demonstrate their knowledge creatively, students designed their own 3-D Cell Projects—showcasing everything from clay to craft materials. We ended the unit with our favorite hands-on experience, the Edible Cell Lab, where students applied what they learned in the tastiest way possible!
9th grade - Ms. Jameel
In 9th grade, we took a deeper dive into the structure and function of cells. Students examined organelles and their specialized roles in maintaining cell health and efficiency. Through an interactive cell membrane activity, they explored how the membrane maintains balance and protects the cell.
We also completed a plastid lab, giving students a closer look at how plant cells perform photosynthesis and store energy. To conclude the month, we began studying homeostasis and cell transport, investigating how the cell membrane regulates materials to keep internal conditions stable. This sets the stage for our upcoming lessons on active and passive transport in October!
Looking Ahead:
Upcoming months will bring more interactive labs, discussions, and models as we continue to build on these foundational biology concepts.
Chemistry - Ms. Ella
Welcome to an exciting start of our chemistry journey! Our 7th graders have officially kicked off Unit 1: Introduction to Chemistry, where curiosity meets discovery. This unit lays the foundation for everything we’ll explore throughout the year, from understanding matter and energy to diving into the building blocks of the universe. Students are learning to think, observe, and experiment like true scientists!
Lesson 1: What is Chemistry?
We began by asking one big question, what exactly is chemistry? Students discovered that chemistry is the study of matter, its properties, and how it changes. We explored how chemistry connects to everything around us, from the air we breathe to the food we eat and even the emotions we feel (yes, those involve chemical reactions too!).
Students identified examples of chemistry in daily life and learned that matter is anything that has mass and takes up space. We also discussed how chemists classify matter into pure substances and mixtures, and how understanding this helps us make sense of the world.
Lesson 2: The Scientific Method in Chemistry
Next, we explored how scientists ask questions and find answers using the scientific method. Students practiced identifying variables, forming hypotheses, and designing fair experiments.
Through engaging class discussions and mini-experiments, they learned the importance of making observations and collecting data to support conclusions. We emphasized that making mistakes is part of science, it’s how discovery happens!
To make it hands-on, students performed a simple chemical investigation using everyday materials to test how substances interact and form new products.
Lesson 3: Lab Safety and Tools of Chemistry
Safety first! Before entering the world of experiments, students learned how to work like real chemists by reviewing lab safety rules, symbols, and equipment. We discussed proper use of goggles, beakers, test tubes, and Bunsen burners, along with procedures for handling chemicals responsibly.
Students completed a fun “Safety Scavenger Hunt” around the classroom and practiced identifying lab equipment through visuals and matching activities. They also signed a Lab Safety Contract to show understanding of responsible lab behavior, setting the tone for a safe and exciting year ahead!
Skills Strengthened
“Science is simply the word we use to describe a method of organizing our curiosity.” — Tim Minchin
10th Grade Honors Chemistry- Ms Amy Kaczor
In Honors Chemistry, we started the school year with atoms and atomic theories. From there, we incorporated the periodic table to discuss ions, isotopes, and the formation of compounds. Students then spent a few weeks writing and properly naming chemical compounds.
Next, students learned about chemical reactions and performed a lab to see the signs that a chemical reaction is occurring. The last week has been spent working on writing and balancing chemical equations as students continue to build a strong foundation that will set them up for success in all chemistry topics this year.
8th grade physics- Ms Paul
In 8th grade physics class, we’ve covered units and unit conversions, equilibrium, forces, and Newton’s first law of inertia. We also practiced drawing free-body diagrams with vector components. Currently, we’re working on position, speed, velocity, and acceleration graphs, as well as exploring free fall. Our lab activities have included balancing cups on sticks, a spaghetti and marshmallow tower-building competition, and flipping pennies into a bottle.
Project: Seatbelt Ad Assignment. This project explored the connection between inertia and seat belt safety. Students researched the importance of buckling up, investigated accidents involving the lack of seat belt use, and created posters to raise awareness about seat belt safety.
HS Physics- Ms Paul
In high school Physics, we explored vectors and two-dimensional projectile motion. To connect theory with practice, students participated in a hands-on lab using a projectile launcher integrated with PASCO software. By measuring the initial launch velocity and angle with a Smart Gate, they investigated how the final velocity and maximum range depend on the launch angle.
Currently, we are studying forces and motion, which includes Newton’s Laws of Motion, solving problems using free-body diagrams, friction, and forces in circular motion.
HS Computer Science Discoveries- Mr. Evan Wright
Starting at the beginning of the year, the students learned how to create their own websites using HTML including features such as images, links, tables, lists, and navigation bars, and how to apply visual styles to them using Cascading Style Sheets. The unit concluded with the students submitting a portfolio of their work.
Currently we are beginning our unit on game programming using JavaScript. The students are now learning how to use variables to store and manipulate data as well as how to draw to the screen using functions and sprites.
Welcome to an exciting start of our chemistry journey! Our 7th graders have officially kicked off Unit 1: Introduction to Chemistry, where curiosity meets discovery. This unit lays the foundation for everything we’ll explore throughout the year, from understanding matter and energy to diving into the building blocks of the universe. Students are learning to think, observe, and experiment like true scientists!
Lesson 1: What is Chemistry?
We began by asking one big question, what exactly is chemistry? Students discovered that chemistry is the study of matter, its properties, and how it changes. We explored how chemistry connects to everything around us, from the air we breathe to the food we eat and even the emotions we feel (yes, those involve chemical reactions too!).
Students identified examples of chemistry in daily life and learned that matter is anything that has mass and takes up space. We also discussed how chemists classify matter into pure substances and mixtures, and how understanding this helps us make sense of the world.
Lesson 2: The Scientific Method in Chemistry
Next, we explored how scientists ask questions and find answers using the scientific method. Students practiced identifying variables, forming hypotheses, and designing fair experiments.
Through engaging class discussions and mini-experiments, they learned the importance of making observations and collecting data to support conclusions. We emphasized that making mistakes is part of science, it’s how discovery happens!
To make it hands-on, students performed a simple chemical investigation using everyday materials to test how substances interact and form new products.
Lesson 3: Lab Safety and Tools of Chemistry
Safety first! Before entering the world of experiments, students learned how to work like real chemists by reviewing lab safety rules, symbols, and equipment. We discussed proper use of goggles, beakers, test tubes, and Bunsen burners, along with procedures for handling chemicals responsibly.
Students completed a fun “Safety Scavenger Hunt” around the classroom and practiced identifying lab equipment through visuals and matching activities. They also signed a Lab Safety Contract to show understanding of responsible lab behavior, setting the tone for a safe and exciting year ahead!
Skills Strengthened
- Understanding and applying the steps of the scientific method
- Identifying states and properties of matter
- Recognizing lab equipment and safety procedures
- Developing critical thinking and data analysis skills
“Science is simply the word we use to describe a method of organizing our curiosity.” — Tim Minchin
10th Grade Honors Chemistry- Ms Amy Kaczor
In Honors Chemistry, we started the school year with atoms and atomic theories. From there, we incorporated the periodic table to discuss ions, isotopes, and the formation of compounds. Students then spent a few weeks writing and properly naming chemical compounds.
Next, students learned about chemical reactions and performed a lab to see the signs that a chemical reaction is occurring. The last week has been spent working on writing and balancing chemical equations as students continue to build a strong foundation that will set them up for success in all chemistry topics this year.
8th grade physics- Ms Paul
In 8th grade physics class, we’ve covered units and unit conversions, equilibrium, forces, and Newton’s first law of inertia. We also practiced drawing free-body diagrams with vector components. Currently, we’re working on position, speed, velocity, and acceleration graphs, as well as exploring free fall. Our lab activities have included balancing cups on sticks, a spaghetti and marshmallow tower-building competition, and flipping pennies into a bottle.
Project: Seatbelt Ad Assignment. This project explored the connection between inertia and seat belt safety. Students researched the importance of buckling up, investigated accidents involving the lack of seat belt use, and created posters to raise awareness about seat belt safety.
HS Physics- Ms Paul
In high school Physics, we explored vectors and two-dimensional projectile motion. To connect theory with practice, students participated in a hands-on lab using a projectile launcher integrated with PASCO software. By measuring the initial launch velocity and angle with a Smart Gate, they investigated how the final velocity and maximum range depend on the launch angle.
Currently, we are studying forces and motion, which includes Newton’s Laws of Motion, solving problems using free-body diagrams, friction, and forces in circular motion.
HS Computer Science Discoveries- Mr. Evan Wright
Starting at the beginning of the year, the students learned how to create their own websites using HTML including features such as images, links, tables, lists, and navigation bars, and how to apply visual styles to them using Cascading Style Sheets. The unit concluded with the students submitting a portfolio of their work.
Currently we are beginning our unit on game programming using JavaScript. The students are now learning how to use variables to store and manipulate data as well as how to draw to the screen using functions and sprites.
Updates From English
4th Grade - Ms. Sameena
The adorable students have been learning to punctuate the paragraphs, spell the words correctly, identify the nouns, pronouns, verbs and adverbs in the text read in the learning zone each day. They have read short stories, passages on tone, theme, main idea, plot, conflict and resolution. Their presentations were amazing as they reflected on messages of the stories. Furthermore, they have used linking verbs in their sentences to show their understanding of the sentence structure. The text was read to comprehend the language, communicate with ease and present the content gracefully. Additionally, they have been writing to predict, infer, clarify and present the text fearlessly! The activities were based on motivating them to write meaningfully and share their thoughts with examples.
4th Grade - Ms. Wakefield
We started off the school year reading short stories about Greek Myths and Greece. Our class finished reading Holes and students created a Book Quilt, depicting scenes, characters, plot, and other story elements. In addition, they completed a descriptive writing assignment where they wrote a letter where they recounted (using the 5-senses) their time at Camp Green Lake. We began our second novel, Wonder, about a boy with Treacher Collins Syndrome who attends mainstream school for the first time. Additionally we have been working on parts of speech, reading comprehension, spelling, and vocabulary.
5th and 6th grade English Language Arts- Ms. Ashley
Students have been honing their creative writing skills, using descriptive adjectives, and writing scary stories with missing people, deserted towns, and ghoulish characters. The Newsela Scary Story contest contestants have an opportunity to have their story chosen to be featured on Newsela, earn a pizza party for their classroom, and a gift card for their classroom. The finalists will have snippets from their scary stories read by David Franks (the technical director and voice of Barney) on Friday, October 31st at 12:00 p.m.,and then the winners will be decided by a live vote, in which the winner will be crowned. Additionally, fifth grade students wrote stupendous sequels to the graphic novel Smile-detailing Raina attending college, securing her first job, and being successful in her career!
5th Grade English - Ms. Sameena
The admirable learners have been reading silently as well as loudly to comprehend the text and the essence of the story. They have also learned to appreciate the importance of knowledge, how it relates with their lives, what can be done to apply the skills of language to bloom in their studies! In addition, they have participated in vocabulary workshops to expand their vocabulary, enlighten their minds and create new sentences to show their growth in language. As expected, their responses, thoughts, and illustrations were amazing, artistic, and inspiring for everyone. The students are enjoying the book as it is hilarious but also discussing the importance of freedom of expression, equality, family bonding, and the sense of belonging to satisfy their conscience in living life with dignity.
5th Grade- Ms. Kayla Beck
We recently completed Smile and concluded our narrative writing unit, where students demonstrated strong creativity and growth as writers.
We have now begun reading The Westing Game. As we progress through the novel, students will engage in close reading and critical thinking activities leading up to a character analysis essay, focusing on how the author develops personalities and motivations throughout the story.
In addition, students continue to strengthen their understanding of grammar and vocabulary through weekly practice. We are also preparing for the upcoming class spelling bee, which provides an engaging opportunity to expand spelling and word knowledge.
Creative Expression - Ms.Sameena
The creative writing class is a course that teaches students how to imagine with focus and write to adorn their language with creativity, chemistry of words, connection with the topic to communicate naturally. The superb students have been writing about nature, imaginary clauses, persuasive topics, factual information to enlighten themselves and their audience! Illustrations were created to reflect, relate and respond with passion to present ideas wonderfully. Moreover, they were able to present with the right posture, audible text, eye contact and connecting with confidence to express themselves clearly. Descriptive writing was also a key element that helped them in writing with zeal as they patterned their sentences to make the audience engaging and empowering!
7th Grade ELA- Ms Meghan Mullin
This year students have analyzed suspenseful short stories using plot diagrams, close reading questions, and class discussions. Students are learning how to apply new vocabulary to their own life and become better writers through journals and writing essays. They have written a fictional narrative and are currently writing a nonfiction narrative connecting with themes from The Help. While reading, students loved having discussions and guessing what would happen next. For their novel project, they had the opportunity to redesign the novel cover, which they did a great job with! Coming up next, we will start reading and analyzing Fever 1793 and continue to focus on vocab, writing, and grammar.
7th Grade- Enlgish- Ms Kayla Beck
We recently finished reading The Help and engaged in thoughtful discussions led by our student discussion leaders, who did an excellent job guiding their peers through key themes and ideas in the novel. Students are now completing their comparison essays, analyzing the perspectives and social dynamics presented in the story. To conclude our unit, we will hold a Socratic Seminar to deepen understanding through collaborative discussion, and students will have the opportunity to view the film adaptation to compare how the story is portrayed on screen. In addition, students continue to strengthen their vocabulary and grammar skills, while also reviewing proper MLA formatting to prepare for future academic writing.
8th Grade English- Ms Kayla Beck
Eighth graders have been actively engaged in exploring early British literature this month. We recently completed our study of Beowulf, during which students demonstrated creativity and understanding by designing and presenting heroic shields that reflected the themes and values of the epic. We are now beginning The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer. Students will read selected tales such as “The Miller’s Tale” and “The Pardoner’s Tale,” analyzing their satire, moral lessons, and insight into medieval society. Alongside our literature studies, students continue to build their vocabulary, strengthen their grammar skills, and review MLA formatting to ensure proper structure and citation in their writing.
8th Grade English - Dr. Mark Jones
Last week our 8th Grade students completed a sustained study of the Old
English poem Beowulf and took their first major test. They have demonstrated an
impressive command of a range of cultural contexts—among them interlace, the
heroic-elegiac, and the quest narrative, all of which will serve them well in the weeks
ahead. They have now embarked on a unit on Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales and have
proven enthusiastic and adventuresome in trying out the first lines of the General
Prologue in the original Middle English. We next turn our attention to Chaucer’s
infectious portrayal of his pilgrim characters, who represent the Three Estates of
medieval society—Knights, Clergy, and Commons. Then we’ll move on to the tales
themselves, which are variously comedic, philosophical, and insidious. We have a lot of
good times ahead of us.
9th Grade Honors English - Dr. Mark Jones
The Honors English students are approaching the final chapters of The Count of Monte
Cristo, in which the novel’s revenge narrative really kicks into gear. We have seen two
of the villains get their just deserts and are waiting to see what will become of the
others. (No spoilers, but there are some surprises ahead!) The students have also been
studying the history and development of the sonnet form and will soon be writing a
formal explication of a sonnet—or alternatively, writing one of their own!
10th Grade Honors American Literature - Dr. Mark Jones
In American Literature, the students have come to the end of The Scarlet Letter and
have moved on to the fiction of some of Hawthorne’s great contemporaries—among
them, and fitting for this time of year, Edgar Allan Poe. While Poe is perhaps best known
for his poem “The Raven” and his frightening story “The Tell-Tale Heart,” we are also
working with some of his nonfiction—not to mention an engaging mystery, “The
Purloined Letter.” (While justly celebrated as a master of the macabre, Poe was also
one of the pioneers of the modern detective story.) In the coming weeks, the students
will study The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, a milestone in the tradition of
American self-reliance and an important benchmark for the great imaginative writing
that lies ahead.
AP English - Dr. Mark Jones
In AP English Language and Composition, we have completed a unit centered on
education, and the students are in the process of revising their third writing assignment
of the year, a personal narrative modeled on a memoir by Richard Rodriguez. Currently,
they are completing a practice run of the AP exam they will take at the end of the year.
(Their teacher is taking it along with them and can report first hand that it is
challenge—but one that they are certainly up to!) The class turns next to some readings
in visual literacy, among them John Berger’s Ways of Seeing, which will prepare them
for Art Spiegelman’s complex MAUS books, which are on the horizon.
Updates From Social Studies
4th Grade Social Studies- Ms, Melissa Fasiczka
It has been a great first quarter with 4th grade World Regions! We began by studying the types of landforms and bodies of water that make up our earth. Then, we covered latitude and longitude. The students learned this skill impressively quickly! We then moved on to studying culture. At the end of this unit, students completed a project where they shared their own unique culture with their classmates. Some even shared treats and food from their culture!
5th Grade Ancient World History - Mr. Aukst
We have completed a large unit on Mesopotamia. It included ancient civilizations starting with Sumer
and ending with Persia. Other major civilizations were Babylon, Neo-Babylon, Akkadian, Assyrians, and
Phoenician. We also completed a section of Ancient Egypt. It included the Nile River’s importance to the rise of Egyptian civilization and important geographic vocabulary. We are currently learning about
Egyptian society. Finally, the students completed tests, worksheets, and small group and individual
projects. They have all been doing great.
5th Grade Social Studies- Ms. Melissa Fasiczka
In 5th grade, we began our journey into Ancient World History! The first unit covered the aspects of civilization and the first human societies, such as the Sumerians and Akkadians. The students worked on note-taking skills and map-reading skills as well. After their first test, they completed wonderful projects on one ancient civilization! Students made colorful posters and presented their artifacts to the class.
6th Grade Social Studies- Ms. Meghan Mullin
This year students have so far analyzed a plethora of maps including: contour, population pyramids, and physical maps. They learned about culture and celebrated each other's culture by completing a project and bringing food from their culture. Students have also studied the U.S and Canada's economy, geography, culture, and history. We are currently studying Mexico's history and culture. Next, we will discover Central America's geography.
7th Grade US History- Mr. Aukst
We began the month learning about the 13 Colonies broken down by the three major regions. Students
then completed a project on the colony they were assigned. The students then learned about the
French and Indian war, and the wars impact on the American Revolution. After that, students moved
onto a section on the Enlightenment. That was followed by a section on the causes of the American
Revolution, and the important people of the American Revolution. Each section included supporting
work, worksheets, and a test. Students have also completed projects and worked on a DBQ and other
primary source documentation.
8th Grade Modern World History - Mr. Aukst
Students spent the month of September completing three large chapters of World History. They
included the Renaissance and Reformation, the Muslim World Expands, and the Age of Exploration in
Europe and in Asia. We ended the month learning about the Columbian Exchange, Mercantilism, and
the Atlantic Slave Trade. Each topic included supporting work, worksheets, and a test. They also
completed small projects and worked with primary source documents.
9th Grade AP World History - Mr. Aukst
AP World History has been moving fast. We have covered 8 chapters through the month of September.
They included Abbasid Decline and the Spread of Islam, Civilization in South and Southeast Asia, African Civilizations and the Spread of Islam, Civilization in Eastern Europe: Byzantium and Orthodox, A New Civilization Emerges in Western Europe, The Americas on the Eve of Invasion, Reunification and
Renaissance in Chinese Civilization, The Era of the Tang and Song Dynasties, The Spread of Chinese
Civilization: Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, and The Last Great Nomadic Challenges: From Chinggis Khan to Timur. Students also took a test on each chapter and completed key terms and short answer questions. In addition, they had several DBQ and took small AP exam practice quizzes.
High School World Religions- Ms. Melissa Fasiczka
In World Religions, we are studying the various religions and spiritual practices from around the globe. The students get a perspective on each faith and are able to compare and contrast them, to each other and to their own religion. In class, the high schoolers have been learning about the Native American religions, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. They also just completed an original research paper on one of the three branches of Buddhism. We will start Sikhism next!
AP US History - Ms. Meghan Mullin
Students have been busy in AP U.S. History. So far, students have learned about how humans came to the Americas, the American Revolution, the writing of the Constitution, all the way up to the Monroe Doctrine in 1823. As students have learned about these events, we have been consistently preparing for the AP Exam in May.
4th Grade Social Studies- Ms, Melissa Fasiczka
It has been a great first quarter with 4th grade World Regions! We began by studying the types of landforms and bodies of water that make up our earth. Then, we covered latitude and longitude. The students learned this skill impressively quickly! We then moved on to studying culture. At the end of this unit, students completed a project where they shared their own unique culture with their classmates. Some even shared treats and food from their culture!
5th Grade Ancient World History - Mr. Aukst
We have completed a large unit on Mesopotamia. It included ancient civilizations starting with Sumer
and ending with Persia. Other major civilizations were Babylon, Neo-Babylon, Akkadian, Assyrians, and
Phoenician. We also completed a section of Ancient Egypt. It included the Nile River’s importance to the rise of Egyptian civilization and important geographic vocabulary. We are currently learning about
Egyptian society. Finally, the students completed tests, worksheets, and small group and individual
projects. They have all been doing great.
5th Grade Social Studies- Ms. Melissa Fasiczka
In 5th grade, we began our journey into Ancient World History! The first unit covered the aspects of civilization and the first human societies, such as the Sumerians and Akkadians. The students worked on note-taking skills and map-reading skills as well. After their first test, they completed wonderful projects on one ancient civilization! Students made colorful posters and presented their artifacts to the class.
6th Grade Social Studies- Ms. Meghan Mullin
This year students have so far analyzed a plethora of maps including: contour, population pyramids, and physical maps. They learned about culture and celebrated each other's culture by completing a project and bringing food from their culture. Students have also studied the U.S and Canada's economy, geography, culture, and history. We are currently studying Mexico's history and culture. Next, we will discover Central America's geography.
7th Grade US History- Mr. Aukst
We began the month learning about the 13 Colonies broken down by the three major regions. Students
then completed a project on the colony they were assigned. The students then learned about the
French and Indian war, and the wars impact on the American Revolution. After that, students moved
onto a section on the Enlightenment. That was followed by a section on the causes of the American
Revolution, and the important people of the American Revolution. Each section included supporting
work, worksheets, and a test. Students have also completed projects and worked on a DBQ and other
primary source documentation.
8th Grade Modern World History - Mr. Aukst
Students spent the month of September completing three large chapters of World History. They
included the Renaissance and Reformation, the Muslim World Expands, and the Age of Exploration in
Europe and in Asia. We ended the month learning about the Columbian Exchange, Mercantilism, and
the Atlantic Slave Trade. Each topic included supporting work, worksheets, and a test. They also
completed small projects and worked with primary source documents.
9th Grade AP World History - Mr. Aukst
AP World History has been moving fast. We have covered 8 chapters through the month of September.
They included Abbasid Decline and the Spread of Islam, Civilization in South and Southeast Asia, African Civilizations and the Spread of Islam, Civilization in Eastern Europe: Byzantium and Orthodox, A New Civilization Emerges in Western Europe, The Americas on the Eve of Invasion, Reunification and
Renaissance in Chinese Civilization, The Era of the Tang and Song Dynasties, The Spread of Chinese
Civilization: Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, and The Last Great Nomadic Challenges: From Chinggis Khan to Timur. Students also took a test on each chapter and completed key terms and short answer questions. In addition, they had several DBQ and took small AP exam practice quizzes.
High School World Religions- Ms. Melissa Fasiczka
In World Religions, we are studying the various religions and spiritual practices from around the globe. The students get a perspective on each faith and are able to compare and contrast them, to each other and to their own religion. In class, the high schoolers have been learning about the Native American religions, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. They also just completed an original research paper on one of the three branches of Buddhism. We will start Sikhism next!
AP US History - Ms. Meghan Mullin
Students have been busy in AP U.S. History. So far, students have learned about how humans came to the Americas, the American Revolution, the writing of the Constitution, all the way up to the Monroe Doctrine in 1823. As students have learned about these events, we have been consistently preparing for the AP Exam in May.
Updates from Psychology
High School Psychology- Ms Meghan Mullin
Students have been hard at work in Psychology! This year students have studied big questions in psychology, its history, perspectives, and the brain. Currently, we are in the Biology Unit. Students have learned how the brain develops, how our bodies communicate with our brain, and each part of the brain's job in regulating the body. In addition, they have completed a Neurological Disease Project. Next, we will be studying dreams and consciousness.
Students have been hard at work in Psychology! This year students have studied big questions in psychology, its history, perspectives, and the brain. Currently, we are in the Biology Unit. Students have learned how the brain develops, how our bodies communicate with our brain, and each part of the brain's job in regulating the body. In addition, they have completed a Neurological Disease Project. Next, we will be studying dreams and consciousness.
Updates from Gym
We’re off to a great start in PE! Students have been full of energy, teamwork, and great attitudes. This month, we’re focusing on building fitness, sportsmanship, and skills that promote lifelong health and wellness.
What We’re Learning
Current Unit: Fitness Unit Football Unit and Skills & Soccer Unit
Students are learning:
Reminders for Students
Wear proper PE shoes (no sandals, crocs, or boots)
Bring a water bottle – we move a lot!
Always try your best and encourage others
Coach Abdalrhman Ishtaiah
What We’re Learning
Current Unit: Fitness Unit Football Unit and Skills & Soccer Unit
Students are learning:
- Throwing and catching techniques
- Route running and defensive positioning
- Rules of Soccer and skills
- Sportsmanship and fair play
Reminders for Students
Wear proper PE shoes (no sandals, crocs, or boots)
Bring a water bottle – we move a lot!
Always try your best and encourage others
Coach Abdalrhman Ishtaiah
Updates from Art
3-6- Ms Gazi
Preschool little people are learning all about lines!
Teaching preschoolers about lines in art is foundational for their artistic development and crucial for building cognitive and fine motor skills. By understanding that lines are the basic building blocks of art, children gain the confidence and skills needed to translate their ideas and imagination onto paper. You may have noticed drawings of caterpillars, buses, boats, grass, water and so much more coming home. The look on their faces after completing their drawings is priceless!
4th Grade- Gazi
Teaching fourth graders the seven elements of art provides them with the foundational skills to understand, create, and talk about art with more intention and purpose. Beyond creating better artists, it fosters critical thinking, visual literacy, and self-expression, which are valuable skills across all academic subjects. Students have taken their art to another level! So proud of them!
5th Grade- Gazi
The 7 Elements in art for 5th grade, Students typically explore these concepts in greater depth, moving from simple recognition to more sophisticated application.
Line: Not just a mark, but a tool for expression. Different types of lines can convey emotion or create texture.
Shape and Form: 5th graders learn how to use techniques like shading to create the illusion of form on a flat surface.
Color: Understanding color theory, including how to mix colors and how different colors affect the mood of a piece.
Value: The lightness or darkness of a color. Understanding value is crucial for creating contrast and showing form.
Space: The area around and within objects. At this age, students can learn about perspective to create the illusion of depth and distance.
Texture (Implied): The illusion of texture on a two-dimensional surface, such as a painting or drawing. This is achieved through the manipulation of lines, shading, and light to make a surface appear rough, smooth, or soft, even though it is physically flat.
8th Grade- Ms Gazi
This month, our 8th-grade art students embarked on an exciting, hands-on project: learning the techniques of spray painting. This medium, often associated with street art, is a powerful tool for visual expression, and students explored its history and artistic potential. The goal was to expand students' artistic horizons by introducing them to new tools and methods of creation. This project taught students about, Technique and control: Mastering a spray can requires precision and a steady hand. Students will practice proper can control to achieve different effects, from fine lines to broad coverage. Layering and texture: They learned how to layer colors to create depth and visual interest, and used stencils to create clean, intricate designs.
Preschool little people are learning all about lines!
Teaching preschoolers about lines in art is foundational for their artistic development and crucial for building cognitive and fine motor skills. By understanding that lines are the basic building blocks of art, children gain the confidence and skills needed to translate their ideas and imagination onto paper. You may have noticed drawings of caterpillars, buses, boats, grass, water and so much more coming home. The look on their faces after completing their drawings is priceless!
4th Grade- Gazi
Teaching fourth graders the seven elements of art provides them with the foundational skills to understand, create, and talk about art with more intention and purpose. Beyond creating better artists, it fosters critical thinking, visual literacy, and self-expression, which are valuable skills across all academic subjects. Students have taken their art to another level! So proud of them!
5th Grade- Gazi
The 7 Elements in art for 5th grade, Students typically explore these concepts in greater depth, moving from simple recognition to more sophisticated application.
Line: Not just a mark, but a tool for expression. Different types of lines can convey emotion or create texture.
Shape and Form: 5th graders learn how to use techniques like shading to create the illusion of form on a flat surface.
Color: Understanding color theory, including how to mix colors and how different colors affect the mood of a piece.
Value: The lightness or darkness of a color. Understanding value is crucial for creating contrast and showing form.
Space: The area around and within objects. At this age, students can learn about perspective to create the illusion of depth and distance.
Texture (Implied): The illusion of texture on a two-dimensional surface, such as a painting or drawing. This is achieved through the manipulation of lines, shading, and light to make a surface appear rough, smooth, or soft, even though it is physically flat.
8th Grade- Ms Gazi
This month, our 8th-grade art students embarked on an exciting, hands-on project: learning the techniques of spray painting. This medium, often associated with street art, is a powerful tool for visual expression, and students explored its history and artistic potential. The goal was to expand students' artistic horizons by introducing them to new tools and methods of creation. This project taught students about, Technique and control: Mastering a spray can requires precision and a steady hand. Students will practice proper can control to achieve different effects, from fine lines to broad coverage. Layering and texture: They learned how to layer colors to create depth and visual interest, and used stencils to create clean, intricate designs.
Updates from our Spanish Classroom
Spanish with Maestra Maria Herrero:
¡Hola Familias!
We are already two months into the school year and we are very happy with everything
the children have learned and achieved so far. It has been a period full of enthusiasm,
where we have established routines, reinforced classroom habits, and started working on
new content in a progressive and fun way.
Program 3-6:
The students began, as every year, working with colors. Gradually, we have introduced
the seasons, the opposites grande-pequeño (big-small), arriba-abajo (up-down), frío-
calor (cold-hot), the basic geometric shapes, numbers from 1 to 30, the weather, the
days of the week, the months of the year, and we have also worked on animals. This
year, we have included a new book, Hola, which reviews all these concepts in a fun and
very motivating way.
Finally, we started working with the book El perro-unicornio, where the students
practice the HFW: le gusta (likes), no le gusta (doesn’t like), quiere (wants),
and compra (buys).
1st Grade:
The students started by practicing the writing of colors. Then we started a project
called El Sol, which includes basic information about each student. The idea is to work
on the “Special Student” of the day, who will practice basic questions like: ¿Cómo te
llamas? (What is your name?), ¿Cuántos años tienes? (How old are you?), ¿Cuál es
tu color y animal favorito? (What is your favorite color and animal?).
We also began the first story of the year, La ardilla y la bellota, an autumn story where
the HFW learned
are: ardilla(squirrel), bellota (acorn), otoño (autumn), hoja (leaf), quiere (wants), busc
a (looks for), and hay (there is/are). These stories take several weeks to complete, and
during October, the children will take home the mini-book to share the story with their
families.
2nd Grade:
The students started directly with the story El monstruo va a la escuela, related to
school materials. The HFW we are working on are: necesito (I need), tengo (I
have), tiene (he/she has), va (goes), está (is), and dice (says). To work on the “Special
Student,” the children created soccer and volleyballs, with more complete content than
in 1st grade. All activities will be completed throughout October.
3rd Grade:
The students completed the work on school materials through a speaking activity where
they had to identify who had each “lost” object in the classroom. To work on the
“Special Student,” they made a tarro de memorias (memory jar), which includes:
name, age, grade, teacher’s name, color, animal, season, number, food, and favorite
Spanish word. The story we are working on is Yo quiero una mascota, which practices
vocabulary about pets and the HFW: quiero (I want), tengo (I have), hay (there
is/are), pequeño (small), calmado (calm), corre (runs), duerme(sleeps), nada (swims),
and baila (dances).
4th Grade:
The students are gradually adapting to the new way of working in Spanish using the
book Viva el español. We began by reviewing basic questions with the Basko song they
learned in 3rd grade and a new Adam y Ana song. We have just finished Unit 0, which
serves as an introduction and review. They have worked on school materials, greetings,
writing numbers from 0 to 30, reading basic math operations in Spanish, and asking for
their phone number.
5th Grade:
The students began by reviewing basic questions and greetings. They have worked
on Unit 6 of Viva el español, which covers the seasons, months of the year, important
dates, the verb gustar (to like), the conjugation in the first three singular persons of
basic verbs in the first conjugation like nadar (to swim), bailar (to dance), caminar (to
walk), patinar (to skate)… and the adverbs of
frequency siempre (always), nunca (never), and a veces (sometimes). We also worked
on he presentation about Colombia and at the end of the unit we watched a video on
how to dance Cumbia, which the students really enjoyed.
Wishing you an excellent month of October!
Best regards,
Maestra María
SPANISH with Ms Alicia Abu-Elreish:
7th Grade– Group B
We are off to a fantastic start this school year in 7th grade Spanish! Your students began with Unit 3, Lesson 1: “Puerto Rico”, exploring the theme “Mi comida favorita” (My Favorite Food). During this lesson, students learned how to talk about foods and beverages, ask and answer questions about what they like and don’t like, and use the verb gustar with nouns. They also practiced using interrogative words, conjugating -er and -ir verbs in the present tense, and using the verb hacer in context.
To make learning more interactive and engaging, the class participated in a hands-on activity where they made Mexican tostadas. This activity allowed students to apply their vocabulary in a real-world context while discovering the rich variety of foods in the Spanish-speaking world. The students enjoyed the experience and gained a deeper understanding of the lesson through this creative and delicious project.
I am very pleased with the progress of this class and the enthusiasm students have shown for learning Spanish. Their curiosity, participation, and effort make each lesson enjoyable and meaningful. Thank you for supporting your child in staying focused, participating in class, and completing their assignments.
7th Grade- Group A
Since the beginning of the school year, our 7th grade students in Group A have been exploring the rich and vibrant world of Spanish language and culture. We began the year with Unit 3, Lesson 1: “Puerto Rico”, focusing on the theme “Mi comida favorita” (My Favorite Food).
During this unit, students learned to talk about foods and beverages, ask and answer questions, and express their likes and dislikes. They practiced using interrogative words, the verb gustar with nouns, and the present tense of -er and -ir verbs, as well as the verb hacer. Through engaging lessons, students developed skills that allow them to communicate about their daily food preferences and interact in simple conversations.
6th Grade A & B
We are excited to share with you an update on what your children have accomplished in Spanish class since the beginning of the school year. Both 6th A and 6th B have been actively engaged in learning the fundamentals of Spanish through Lección Preliminar: “Nueva York” from Avancemos 1, focusing on the theme “¡Hola!”.
During this first unit, students began building a solid foundation in basic Spanish communication. They have learned to greet others and say goodbye, introduce themselves and others, ask and spell names, and talk about where they are from. Additionally, they practiced sharing phone numbers, identifying the days of the week, describing the weather, and responding appropriately to classroom instructions in Spanish.
Through interactive activities, games, and guided practice, students are developing confidence in using Spanish in everyday situations. Their enthusiasm and participation have been encouraging, and they are making steady progress in building their vocabulary and conversational skills.
Thank you for your continued support in encouraging your children to practice Spanish at home and stay engaged in class. Your involvement plays an essential role in helping them gain confidence and develop a love for learning a new language.
Spanish with Maestra Maria Mendez:
8th Grade:
During this time we have worked on Unit 5, lesson 1, this was a review to refresh vocabulary
and expressions learnt last year and was also useful to introduce the language to new students.
They are able to identify the parts and rooms of the house, things to do before a party and
house chores. They even talk about the chores they do at home. Students practice by asking
each other questions about parties and the preparations.They are learning how to conjugate
irregular verbs and use them with different pronouns.
Spanish 1.
We started the school year with our preliminary lesson and basic terms. Students are now able
to greet, introduce themselves, talk about things they like and don't like. Students know how to
say where they and others are from. They are very engaged in the class and that makes
learning easier and fun. We have been working on definite and indefinite articles in Unit 1,
Lesson 2. We will continue to watch “telehistorias” to reinforce vocabulary learned in class and
improve their listening skills. .
Spanish 2
We have been learning about travel expressions, different ways to travel and places where to
stay. Students are able to talk about their family trips and what their favorite places and activities
are. Students are able to talk about their vacations and their friends’ vacations and they know
what steps they need to follow in order to organize a trip. They have been practicing the
preterite forms of -ar verbs and indirect object pronouns while learning about Costa Rica and its
culture and traditions.
Spanish 3
Students have been learning a lot of new vocabulary. They made posters to talk about trips and
they presented them in the class. They also created postcards and wrote messages about what
they did during their vacation. They have been practicing imperfect tense to talk about activities
they used to know. Students read stories and paragraphs and are able to answer questions,
written and verbally. They also reviewed the family members and family tree.
Spanish 4
As we prepare for the end of the First quarter, we started Unit 2, Lesson 1 and students have
been working on outdoor sports and activities and the equipment needed for each one of them.
They read about their favorite sports and answer questions about those readings, written and
verbally. We have been doing a review of preterite and imperfect as well as an expansion of
them. In the following classes we will talk about Hispanic in the big leagues, sport interviews
and verbs that change their meaning when using the preterite.
Ms. Maria Mendez
¡Hola Familias!
We are already two months into the school year and we are very happy with everything
the children have learned and achieved so far. It has been a period full of enthusiasm,
where we have established routines, reinforced classroom habits, and started working on
new content in a progressive and fun way.
Program 3-6:
The students began, as every year, working with colors. Gradually, we have introduced
the seasons, the opposites grande-pequeño (big-small), arriba-abajo (up-down), frío-
calor (cold-hot), the basic geometric shapes, numbers from 1 to 30, the weather, the
days of the week, the months of the year, and we have also worked on animals. This
year, we have included a new book, Hola, which reviews all these concepts in a fun and
very motivating way.
Finally, we started working with the book El perro-unicornio, where the students
practice the HFW: le gusta (likes), no le gusta (doesn’t like), quiere (wants),
and compra (buys).
1st Grade:
The students started by practicing the writing of colors. Then we started a project
called El Sol, which includes basic information about each student. The idea is to work
on the “Special Student” of the day, who will practice basic questions like: ¿Cómo te
llamas? (What is your name?), ¿Cuántos años tienes? (How old are you?), ¿Cuál es
tu color y animal favorito? (What is your favorite color and animal?).
We also began the first story of the year, La ardilla y la bellota, an autumn story where
the HFW learned
are: ardilla(squirrel), bellota (acorn), otoño (autumn), hoja (leaf), quiere (wants), busc
a (looks for), and hay (there is/are). These stories take several weeks to complete, and
during October, the children will take home the mini-book to share the story with their
families.
2nd Grade:
The students started directly with the story El monstruo va a la escuela, related to
school materials. The HFW we are working on are: necesito (I need), tengo (I
have), tiene (he/she has), va (goes), está (is), and dice (says). To work on the “Special
Student,” the children created soccer and volleyballs, with more complete content than
in 1st grade. All activities will be completed throughout October.
3rd Grade:
The students completed the work on school materials through a speaking activity where
they had to identify who had each “lost” object in the classroom. To work on the
“Special Student,” they made a tarro de memorias (memory jar), which includes:
name, age, grade, teacher’s name, color, animal, season, number, food, and favorite
Spanish word. The story we are working on is Yo quiero una mascota, which practices
vocabulary about pets and the HFW: quiero (I want), tengo (I have), hay (there
is/are), pequeño (small), calmado (calm), corre (runs), duerme(sleeps), nada (swims),
and baila (dances).
4th Grade:
The students are gradually adapting to the new way of working in Spanish using the
book Viva el español. We began by reviewing basic questions with the Basko song they
learned in 3rd grade and a new Adam y Ana song. We have just finished Unit 0, which
serves as an introduction and review. They have worked on school materials, greetings,
writing numbers from 0 to 30, reading basic math operations in Spanish, and asking for
their phone number.
5th Grade:
The students began by reviewing basic questions and greetings. They have worked
on Unit 6 of Viva el español, which covers the seasons, months of the year, important
dates, the verb gustar (to like), the conjugation in the first three singular persons of
basic verbs in the first conjugation like nadar (to swim), bailar (to dance), caminar (to
walk), patinar (to skate)… and the adverbs of
frequency siempre (always), nunca (never), and a veces (sometimes). We also worked
on he presentation about Colombia and at the end of the unit we watched a video on
how to dance Cumbia, which the students really enjoyed.
Wishing you an excellent month of October!
Best regards,
Maestra María
SPANISH with Ms Alicia Abu-Elreish:
7th Grade– Group B
We are off to a fantastic start this school year in 7th grade Spanish! Your students began with Unit 3, Lesson 1: “Puerto Rico”, exploring the theme “Mi comida favorita” (My Favorite Food). During this lesson, students learned how to talk about foods and beverages, ask and answer questions about what they like and don’t like, and use the verb gustar with nouns. They also practiced using interrogative words, conjugating -er and -ir verbs in the present tense, and using the verb hacer in context.
To make learning more interactive and engaging, the class participated in a hands-on activity where they made Mexican tostadas. This activity allowed students to apply their vocabulary in a real-world context while discovering the rich variety of foods in the Spanish-speaking world. The students enjoyed the experience and gained a deeper understanding of the lesson through this creative and delicious project.
I am very pleased with the progress of this class and the enthusiasm students have shown for learning Spanish. Their curiosity, participation, and effort make each lesson enjoyable and meaningful. Thank you for supporting your child in staying focused, participating in class, and completing their assignments.
7th Grade- Group A
Since the beginning of the school year, our 7th grade students in Group A have been exploring the rich and vibrant world of Spanish language and culture. We began the year with Unit 3, Lesson 1: “Puerto Rico”, focusing on the theme “Mi comida favorita” (My Favorite Food).
During this unit, students learned to talk about foods and beverages, ask and answer questions, and express their likes and dislikes. They practiced using interrogative words, the verb gustar with nouns, and the present tense of -er and -ir verbs, as well as the verb hacer. Through engaging lessons, students developed skills that allow them to communicate about their daily food preferences and interact in simple conversations.
6th Grade A & B
We are excited to share with you an update on what your children have accomplished in Spanish class since the beginning of the school year. Both 6th A and 6th B have been actively engaged in learning the fundamentals of Spanish through Lección Preliminar: “Nueva York” from Avancemos 1, focusing on the theme “¡Hola!”.
During this first unit, students began building a solid foundation in basic Spanish communication. They have learned to greet others and say goodbye, introduce themselves and others, ask and spell names, and talk about where they are from. Additionally, they practiced sharing phone numbers, identifying the days of the week, describing the weather, and responding appropriately to classroom instructions in Spanish.
Through interactive activities, games, and guided practice, students are developing confidence in using Spanish in everyday situations. Their enthusiasm and participation have been encouraging, and they are making steady progress in building their vocabulary and conversational skills.
Thank you for your continued support in encouraging your children to practice Spanish at home and stay engaged in class. Your involvement plays an essential role in helping them gain confidence and develop a love for learning a new language.
Spanish with Maestra Maria Mendez:
8th Grade:
During this time we have worked on Unit 5, lesson 1, this was a review to refresh vocabulary
and expressions learnt last year and was also useful to introduce the language to new students.
They are able to identify the parts and rooms of the house, things to do before a party and
house chores. They even talk about the chores they do at home. Students practice by asking
each other questions about parties and the preparations.They are learning how to conjugate
irregular verbs and use them with different pronouns.
Spanish 1.
We started the school year with our preliminary lesson and basic terms. Students are now able
to greet, introduce themselves, talk about things they like and don't like. Students know how to
say where they and others are from. They are very engaged in the class and that makes
learning easier and fun. We have been working on definite and indefinite articles in Unit 1,
Lesson 2. We will continue to watch “telehistorias” to reinforce vocabulary learned in class and
improve their listening skills. .
Spanish 2
We have been learning about travel expressions, different ways to travel and places where to
stay. Students are able to talk about their family trips and what their favorite places and activities
are. Students are able to talk about their vacations and their friends’ vacations and they know
what steps they need to follow in order to organize a trip. They have been practicing the
preterite forms of -ar verbs and indirect object pronouns while learning about Costa Rica and its
culture and traditions.
Spanish 3
Students have been learning a lot of new vocabulary. They made posters to talk about trips and
they presented them in the class. They also created postcards and wrote messages about what
they did during their vacation. They have been practicing imperfect tense to talk about activities
they used to know. Students read stories and paragraphs and are able to answer questions,
written and verbally. They also reviewed the family members and family tree.
Spanish 4
As we prepare for the end of the First quarter, we started Unit 2, Lesson 1 and students have
been working on outdoor sports and activities and the equipment needed for each one of them.
They read about their favorite sports and answer questions about those readings, written and
verbally. We have been doing a review of preterite and imperfect as well as an expansion of
them. In the following classes we will talk about Hispanic in the big leagues, sport interviews
and verbs that change their meaning when using the preterite.
Ms. Maria Mendez
Updates from our Arabic Room
Ms Hayaat AlQuttub- Director of Arabic and Islamic Studies
As-Salam Ulkuim my dear Parents,
Welcome to a New School Year!
We are delighted to welcome all our students and families to a brand-new school year! The first
month is always filled with excitement, fresh opportunities, and the promise of growth and
success.
Our Welcome Week activities helped set the tone for a positive and engaging year ahead, giving
students the chance to reconnect with friends, refresh their knowledge, and reawaken their love
of learning. With renewed energy and determination, we are ready to embark on this journey
together, committed to making this year enriching, meaningful, and rewarding for every student.
News from Our 4th Grade Islamic Studies Class
Our 4th graders have had a wonderful start to the year! They began by revisiting Surat Al-
Fātiḥah and Ayat al-Kursī, reflecting on their importance in our daily lives. They also
practiced Al-Taḥiyyāt, reviewed the steps of wuḍūʾ, and even enjoyed a fun classroom
experiment exploring the special qualities of wuḍūʾ water. To put their knowledge into practice,
students performed the steps of wuḍūʾ and completed a full ṣalāh.
Currently, the students are learning Surat ‘Abasa while exploring its Asbāb al-Nuzūl (reasons for
revelation). They are working on memorization, identifying some of the most common words
that appear in the Qur’an, and reciting the verses with proper makhārij and simple tajwīd.
In addition, our Islamic Studies curriculum this year focuses on the Pillars of Īmān and Tawḥīd,
guiding students to strengthen their connection to their faith in a way that is both meaningful and
enjoyable.
We are also beginning a new unit on the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in Makkah. To set the
stage, we started by reflecting on the life of Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام and exploring how the
Arabs lived before Islam.
News from Our 8th Grade Arabic Class
Our 8th graders started the year with great enthusiasm! They refreshed their Arabic vocabulary
by practicing greetings and self-introductions in the target language, helping them gain
confidence in real-life communication.
Our first unit focuses on self-introduction, where students creatively combine topics such as
family, hobbies, and careers. This approach not only expands their vocabulary but also connects
new words to meaningful, everyday contexts.
By the end of this unit, students were able to write and present a full introduction about
themselves in Arabic, confidently sharing details about their families, interests, and future
aspirations.
They also spent time learning about Arab countries and their capitals while exploring the Middle
East map, strengthening both their geography and cultural knowledge.
We are excited to continue watching their progress and growth as they develop stronger Arabic
communication skills throughout the year!
Ms Lina Eltibi
Pre-3, Pre-4, and KGWe are excited to share with you what our Pre-3, Pre-4, and Kindergarten students have been working on this month!
In Islamic Studies, the children have been learning about Allah, our Creator, and all the beautiful things He has created for us. Our KG students particularly enjoyed learning the story of Surat Al-Fil, while our Pre-3 and Pre-4 classes were captivated by the story of Prophet Muhammadﷺ (peace be upon him). These stories are helping them understand the beauty and depth of our faith.
We look forward to continuing this journey of learning together
1st-grade Arabic
Students are making great strides as they learn the shapes of the letters and focus on improving their handwriting in their notebooks. They are enthusiastically exploring a variety of topics, including the days of the week, seasons, weather, colors, and more. Alongside these concepts, they are also expanding their vocabulary, making their learning experience both dynamic and enjoyable.
2nd Grade Arabic
Second graders have been doing an outstanding job in Arabic class! We have been working on our first unit, where we are learning colors in Arabic, introducing new vocabulary, and practicing how to distinguish between masculine and feminine forms. The students have been applying their new vocabulary by using colors correctly in sentences. Through a variety of class activities, worksheets, and notebook work, students are gaining confidence in identifying colors and practicing how to use them with both masculine and feminine words. We are also working with هذا and هذه to construct sentences and reinforce their understanding of gender forms in Arabic.
3rd Grade Arabic
We began our Arabic lessons this year by reviewing the alphabet in its different forms, practicing how to read them with harakaat and long vowels. Each day, we also review the days of the week, months, seasons, and weather to strengthen vocabulary and daily use of Arabic.
Our first lesson was a fun “getting to know each other” activity, where students practiced greetings in many forms. Now, we are learning about family, introducing the names of family members in Arabic while distinguishing between feminine and masculine forms.
Additionally, students have been practicing syllables and breaking words down into their individual letters. We’ve done a lot of writing and grammar practice, and we are now focusing on pronouns. Students are learning how to apply detachable and attachable pronouns to describe themselves and others, such as using أنتَ (you as a boy) and أنتِ (you as a girl) correctly in sentences.
It’s exciting to see the students grow in their understanding and begin applying these concepts with confidence in both speaking and writing!
3rd-grade Islamic Studies
In our Islamic Studies class, we covered the Pillars of Faith and learned in detail what each one means and how it relates to our everyday life. We have also started our lesson about the different types of prayer in Islam, the importance of each salah, and how it is performed. Students are beginning to understand the role of prayer in their everyday lives. It’s truly wonderful to see their curiosity grow as they work on deepening their faith.
In our Seerah lessons, we are learning about the life of our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The students are enjoying these lessons as they discover more about his life, character, and message, and they are making meaningful connections to their own daily lives.
In Quran class, we are working on Surah Al-Ghashiyyah. Students are learning both the meaning of the surah and the meanings of its verses, while also memorizing them. Understanding the meaning helps students build a stronger connection with the Quran, which makes their memorization more meaningful and effective.
6th-grade Arabic
We are excited to share the wonderful progress our 6th graders are making in Arabic!
This month, we began a new and fascinating unit all about homes and the names of rooms in Arabic. This topic blends cultural exploration with language learning, giving students the chance to expand their horizons and connect with a new way of thinking about the spaces we call home.
In this unit, students are:
7th Grade Arabic
We started our year with warm greetings in Arabic, practicing how to greet one another in different ways. The students enjoyed refreshing their memories through lots of interactive activities.
Currently, we are working on the theme of emotions and feelings, which the students are finding both fun and engaging. They are also learning how to apply emotions in sentences using the present tense as part of their grammar lessons. This skill is helping them strengthen their speaking and writing in Arabic.
Next, we will continue exploring emotions and begin connecting them to our family unit, where students will practice using emotions to describe family members and relationships.
Ms. Noor – Arabic Department
In Arabic class this month, students have been learning with excitement across all age groups:
Ages 3–6 (Pre-3, KG)
Our youngest learners explored new letters: Pre-3 worked on (حرف التاء ((Tāʼ) with tracing, songs, and vocabulary words, while Kindergarten practiced حرف الذال ((Thāl) and its with ḥarakāt.
Ages 6–9 (1st, 2nd, 3rd Grade)
First graders focused on connecting letters to form words and practiced handwriting, along with learning shapes. Second graders reviewed colors using مذكر ومؤنث (masculine/feminine) with هذا / هذه, while strengthening writing skills.
Third graders continued the lesson( أسرتي My Family ), building vocabulary and sentences about family members. They also practiced reading, counting, and writing, which helped them apply new words in meaningful ways.
4th Grade
Fourth graders worked on grammar from (المدرسة ((The School). They focused on how verbs change with pronouns, reviewed weather expressions, and practiced new verbs such as:
Older students reviewed family vocabulary, built simple conversations, and practiced reading and writing. They also explored advanced concepts such as Madd Taweel, Madd Qaser, and Shaddah ( ّ ), learning how these marks change pronunciation and meaning in Arabic.
Celebrating Students
Participation Awards were given to students who showed great effort and enthusiasm in class. Congratulations to our October winners!
Ms Manar Kahil
Pre-K and KG Arabic ClassLast month, our students learned a new set of Arabic letters: (أ، د، ذ، ر ، ز).
They practiced vocabulary words related to each letter through songs, writing, and fun activities.
We also reviewed colors and shapes, using games and crafts to make learning engaging and enjoyable.
Pre-K Islamic StudiesWe learned about Allah, the Creator, and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Students were also introduced to the Five Pillars of Islam, and we are currently explaining each pillar in detail.
We have started memorizing Surah Al-Fatiha together.
KG Islamic StudiesLast month, KG students learned about Allah, the Creator, and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
We discussed the Five Pillars of Islam and began memorizing Surah Al-Feel.
Students enjoy listening to stories from the Prophet’s life and learning about good manners in Islam.
1st Grade Arabic ClassStudents began learning about the days of the week, seasons, and weather, which we practice daily.
They also started a new lesson on disjointed letters with long vowels, and practiced demonstrative pronouns (هذا) in sentence building, reading, and writing.
2nd Grade Arabic ClassWe reviewed the days of the week, seasons, and weather through daily practice.
Last month, students learned about colors, how to change them to the feminine form, and how to use them correctly in sentences.
They enjoyed hands-on activities that reinforced their vocabulary and grammar skills.
2nd Grade Islamic StudiesStudents learned about the Six Pillars of Iman (Faith), with explanations of each one.
Then, we studied the Five Pillars of Islam in detail.
We also began memorizing Surah Al-Tariq and have reached ayah 7.
From the Seerah (Allah’s messenger ), we learned about the love of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
3rd Grade Arabic ClassWe continue to practice the days of the week, seasons, and weather daily.
This month, we started the lesson “My Family”, learning how to describe and identify family members through reading and writing activities.In addition to the demonstrative pronouns lesson, practice constructing simple sentences.
4th Grade Arabic ClassOur daily warm-up includes days of the week, seasons, and weather review.
We started the lesson “What’s in Your Bag?” (ماذا في حقيبتك), focusing on new vocabulary, reading, and writing.
Students participated in fun activities to practice using new words in sentences.
Ms Nariman Srour
We have had a wonderful start to the school year, and I am excited to share with you what your children have been learning in Arabic, Qur’an, and Islamic Studies. Each grade has been working hard, and it has been a joy to see their enthusiasm and progress!
Preschool & Kindergarten (3–6 Classes)
Arabic:
Every class begins with a warm welcome song in Arabic, followed by a greeting song and Days of the Week song. We also sing about weather, seasons, colors, shapes, and numbers to support learning in a fun way.
First Grade Arabic:
Ms. Heiam Elkhatib
5th grade Quran and Islamic Study
In the Quran we finished memorizing Surat Al- Buruj with the meaning of words and Ayas.
In Islamic study : we learned about ( Ihsan ) and what does mean to be a Muhsin with the help of Allah
( SW ), we also learned that a Muslim must always be truthful and trustworthy and that Allah ( SW )
orders us to respect the rights and feelings of others. We finally learned how to be productive by working hard and using our time wisely . In Sirah , we are learning about the life of our Prophet in Madinah .
4th grade Quran and Islamic Study
In Quran class: We are memorizing Surat ( Abasa ) and the meaning of the Ayas, we are also learning
about Salah ( Fard and Sunnah ). In Islamic Studies we learned about Tawhid and we are continuing to
learn the Articles of Faith, we also learned the story of Ibrahim ( SW ).
5th grade Arabic
This month in Arabic class, we are learning about family ( العائلة( . We practiced saying and writing the
Arabic words for family members .
7th grade Arabic
This month in Arabic class, we are learning about family and the different kinds of feelings and emotions that we go through every day and how we should manage our feelings with kindness and patience.
1st grade Quran and Islamic Study
In Quran, we are learning surat At - tin ( fig ) , we tasted fig and olive that Allah ( SW )
mentioned in this Surah , we are also learning about our beloved Prophet ( his family , his
manners ) and how we should always remind ourselves to follow his teaching ( peace be upon
him)
Ms. Samer Riaz
1st Grade
Surah Al-Fatiha(Revision )and Surah Al Takasur (Memorization and understanding)
2nd Grade
Surah Al-Fatiha (Revision)
Surah At-Tariq
(Memorizing and understanding)
Islamic Studies
1st Grade
The Five Pillars of Islam
Learning about our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)
Makkah – The Blessed City
2nd Grade
The Articles of Faith (Iman)
Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)
“We Love Our Prophet” – nurturing love for Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)
We are very proud of the effort our students are putting into their learning. May Allah (SWT) continue to bless them with knowledge and love for the Qur’an and Sunnah.
As-Salam Ulkuim my dear Parents,
Welcome to a New School Year!
We are delighted to welcome all our students and families to a brand-new school year! The first
month is always filled with excitement, fresh opportunities, and the promise of growth and
success.
Our Welcome Week activities helped set the tone for a positive and engaging year ahead, giving
students the chance to reconnect with friends, refresh their knowledge, and reawaken their love
of learning. With renewed energy and determination, we are ready to embark on this journey
together, committed to making this year enriching, meaningful, and rewarding for every student.
News from Our 4th Grade Islamic Studies Class
Our 4th graders have had a wonderful start to the year! They began by revisiting Surat Al-
Fātiḥah and Ayat al-Kursī, reflecting on their importance in our daily lives. They also
practiced Al-Taḥiyyāt, reviewed the steps of wuḍūʾ, and even enjoyed a fun classroom
experiment exploring the special qualities of wuḍūʾ water. To put their knowledge into practice,
students performed the steps of wuḍūʾ and completed a full ṣalāh.
Currently, the students are learning Surat ‘Abasa while exploring its Asbāb al-Nuzūl (reasons for
revelation). They are working on memorization, identifying some of the most common words
that appear in the Qur’an, and reciting the verses with proper makhārij and simple tajwīd.
In addition, our Islamic Studies curriculum this year focuses on the Pillars of Īmān and Tawḥīd,
guiding students to strengthen their connection to their faith in a way that is both meaningful and
enjoyable.
We are also beginning a new unit on the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in Makkah. To set the
stage, we started by reflecting on the life of Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام and exploring how the
Arabs lived before Islam.
News from Our 8th Grade Arabic Class
Our 8th graders started the year with great enthusiasm! They refreshed their Arabic vocabulary
by practicing greetings and self-introductions in the target language, helping them gain
confidence in real-life communication.
Our first unit focuses on self-introduction, where students creatively combine topics such as
family, hobbies, and careers. This approach not only expands their vocabulary but also connects
new words to meaningful, everyday contexts.
By the end of this unit, students were able to write and present a full introduction about
themselves in Arabic, confidently sharing details about their families, interests, and future
aspirations.
They also spent time learning about Arab countries and their capitals while exploring the Middle
East map, strengthening both their geography and cultural knowledge.
We are excited to continue watching their progress and growth as they develop stronger Arabic
communication skills throughout the year!
Ms Lina Eltibi
Pre-3, Pre-4, and KGWe are excited to share with you what our Pre-3, Pre-4, and Kindergarten students have been working on this month!
In Islamic Studies, the children have been learning about Allah, our Creator, and all the beautiful things He has created for us. Our KG students particularly enjoyed learning the story of Surat Al-Fil, while our Pre-3 and Pre-4 classes were captivated by the story of Prophet Muhammadﷺ (peace be upon him). These stories are helping them understand the beauty and depth of our faith.
We look forward to continuing this journey of learning together
1st-grade Arabic
Students are making great strides as they learn the shapes of the letters and focus on improving their handwriting in their notebooks. They are enthusiastically exploring a variety of topics, including the days of the week, seasons, weather, colors, and more. Alongside these concepts, they are also expanding their vocabulary, making their learning experience both dynamic and enjoyable.
2nd Grade Arabic
Second graders have been doing an outstanding job in Arabic class! We have been working on our first unit, where we are learning colors in Arabic, introducing new vocabulary, and practicing how to distinguish between masculine and feminine forms. The students have been applying their new vocabulary by using colors correctly in sentences. Through a variety of class activities, worksheets, and notebook work, students are gaining confidence in identifying colors and practicing how to use them with both masculine and feminine words. We are also working with هذا and هذه to construct sentences and reinforce their understanding of gender forms in Arabic.
3rd Grade Arabic
We began our Arabic lessons this year by reviewing the alphabet in its different forms, practicing how to read them with harakaat and long vowels. Each day, we also review the days of the week, months, seasons, and weather to strengthen vocabulary and daily use of Arabic.
Our first lesson was a fun “getting to know each other” activity, where students practiced greetings in many forms. Now, we are learning about family, introducing the names of family members in Arabic while distinguishing between feminine and masculine forms.
Additionally, students have been practicing syllables and breaking words down into their individual letters. We’ve done a lot of writing and grammar practice, and we are now focusing on pronouns. Students are learning how to apply detachable and attachable pronouns to describe themselves and others, such as using أنتَ (you as a boy) and أنتِ (you as a girl) correctly in sentences.
It’s exciting to see the students grow in their understanding and begin applying these concepts with confidence in both speaking and writing!
3rd-grade Islamic Studies
In our Islamic Studies class, we covered the Pillars of Faith and learned in detail what each one means and how it relates to our everyday life. We have also started our lesson about the different types of prayer in Islam, the importance of each salah, and how it is performed. Students are beginning to understand the role of prayer in their everyday lives. It’s truly wonderful to see their curiosity grow as they work on deepening their faith.
In our Seerah lessons, we are learning about the life of our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The students are enjoying these lessons as they discover more about his life, character, and message, and they are making meaningful connections to their own daily lives.
In Quran class, we are working on Surah Al-Ghashiyyah. Students are learning both the meaning of the surah and the meanings of its verses, while also memorizing them. Understanding the meaning helps students build a stronger connection with the Quran, which makes their memorization more meaningful and effective.
6th-grade Arabic
We are excited to share the wonderful progress our 6th graders are making in Arabic!
This month, we began a new and fascinating unit all about homes and the names of rooms in Arabic. This topic blends cultural exploration with language learning, giving students the chance to expand their horizons and connect with a new way of thinking about the spaces we call home.
In this unit, students are:
- Exploring the concept of “home” across cultures.
- Learning vocabulary for different types of homes and rooms in Arabic (e.g., غرفة النوم for bedroom, المطبخ for kitchen).
- Engaging in creative activities like drawing their dream homes and labeling the rooms in Arabic.
- Working on a special project where they create and present their own house in Arabic.
7th Grade Arabic
We started our year with warm greetings in Arabic, practicing how to greet one another in different ways. The students enjoyed refreshing their memories through lots of interactive activities.
Currently, we are working on the theme of emotions and feelings, which the students are finding both fun and engaging. They are also learning how to apply emotions in sentences using the present tense as part of their grammar lessons. This skill is helping them strengthen their speaking and writing in Arabic.
Next, we will continue exploring emotions and begin connecting them to our family unit, where students will practice using emotions to describe family members and relationships.
Ms. Noor – Arabic Department
In Arabic class this month, students have been learning with excitement across all age groups:
Ages 3–6 (Pre-3, KG)
Our youngest learners explored new letters: Pre-3 worked on (حرف التاء ((Tāʼ) with tracing, songs, and vocabulary words, while Kindergarten practiced حرف الذال ((Thāl) and its with ḥarakāt.
Ages 6–9 (1st, 2nd, 3rd Grade)
First graders focused on connecting letters to form words and practiced handwriting, along with learning shapes. Second graders reviewed colors using مذكر ومؤنث (masculine/feminine) with هذا / هذه, while strengthening writing skills.
Third graders continued the lesson( أسرتي My Family ), building vocabulary and sentences about family members. They also practiced reading, counting, and writing, which helped them apply new words in meaningful ways.
4th Grade
Fourth graders worked on grammar from (المدرسة ((The School). They focused on how verbs change with pronouns, reviewed weather expressions, and practiced new verbs such as:
- لعب – played
- تعلم – learned
- كتب – wrote
- ذهب – went
Older students reviewed family vocabulary, built simple conversations, and practiced reading and writing. They also explored advanced concepts such as Madd Taweel, Madd Qaser, and Shaddah ( ّ ), learning how these marks change pronunciation and meaning in Arabic.
Celebrating Students
Participation Awards were given to students who showed great effort and enthusiasm in class. Congratulations to our October winners!
Ms Manar Kahil
Pre-K and KG Arabic ClassLast month, our students learned a new set of Arabic letters: (أ، د، ذ، ر ، ز).
They practiced vocabulary words related to each letter through songs, writing, and fun activities.
We also reviewed colors and shapes, using games and crafts to make learning engaging and enjoyable.
Pre-K Islamic StudiesWe learned about Allah, the Creator, and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Students were also introduced to the Five Pillars of Islam, and we are currently explaining each pillar in detail.
We have started memorizing Surah Al-Fatiha together.
KG Islamic StudiesLast month, KG students learned about Allah, the Creator, and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
We discussed the Five Pillars of Islam and began memorizing Surah Al-Feel.
Students enjoy listening to stories from the Prophet’s life and learning about good manners in Islam.
1st Grade Arabic ClassStudents began learning about the days of the week, seasons, and weather, which we practice daily.
They also started a new lesson on disjointed letters with long vowels, and practiced demonstrative pronouns (هذا) in sentence building, reading, and writing.
2nd Grade Arabic ClassWe reviewed the days of the week, seasons, and weather through daily practice.
Last month, students learned about colors, how to change them to the feminine form, and how to use them correctly in sentences.
They enjoyed hands-on activities that reinforced their vocabulary and grammar skills.
2nd Grade Islamic StudiesStudents learned about the Six Pillars of Iman (Faith), with explanations of each one.
Then, we studied the Five Pillars of Islam in detail.
We also began memorizing Surah Al-Tariq and have reached ayah 7.
From the Seerah (Allah’s messenger ), we learned about the love of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
3rd Grade Arabic ClassWe continue to practice the days of the week, seasons, and weather daily.
This month, we started the lesson “My Family”, learning how to describe and identify family members through reading and writing activities.In addition to the demonstrative pronouns lesson, practice constructing simple sentences.
4th Grade Arabic ClassOur daily warm-up includes days of the week, seasons, and weather review.
We started the lesson “What’s in Your Bag?” (ماذا في حقيبتك), focusing on new vocabulary, reading, and writing.
Students participated in fun activities to practice using new words in sentences.
Ms Nariman Srour
We have had a wonderful start to the school year, and I am excited to share with you what your children have been learning in Arabic, Qur’an, and Islamic Studies. Each grade has been working hard, and it has been a joy to see their enthusiasm and progress!
Preschool & Kindergarten (3–6 Classes)
Arabic:
- Preschool: Learning the first group of six letters أ-د-ذ-ر-ز-و (we are now on the sixth). Students are practicing the original form of each letter and vocabulary words that begin with that letter.
- Kindergarten: Learning same group of 6 letters each letter in its different forms within a word and practicing both short and long vowels.
One letter each week.
- Preschool: Memorizing Surat Al-Fatiha and learning its meaning.
- Kindergarten: Memorizing Surat Al-Fil with meaning.
- Preschool: Learning about the Oneness of Allah (SWT) through songs.
- Kindergarten: Learning about the Five Pillars of Islam in detail.
Every class begins with a warm welcome song in Arabic, followed by a greeting song and Days of the Week song. We also sing about weather, seasons, colors, shapes, and numbers to support learning in a fun way.
First Grade Arabic:
- Students are learning to form simple words using the first group of letters.
- They are practicing reading with short and long vowels, writing words correctly, and identifying missing letters in words.
- Lessons include understanding word meanings and hearing and writing letters to strengthen reading comprehension and spelling skills.
- Using two books this year: one on the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and the other on understanding Islamic beliefs and practices.
Quran: We memorized all of Surit At-Tin with meaning.
- Working on the Colors Unit.
- Learning to describe objects using colors, change them from masculine to feminine, and write and read them correctly.
- Singing a fun song about colors.
- Using two books this year: one on the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and the other on understanding Islamic beliefs and practices.
Quran: Surah Al-Ghashiah we memorized Aya 1-12 with meaning.
- Completed the Greetings Unit, practicing greetings for different times.
- Moved on to “What’s in Your Bookbag?”, learning vocabulary for school supplies.
- Expanded to classroom vocabulary, from lesson مدرسة كندي (Kindi School) , different subjects, and learned how to use masculine/feminine and singular/plural forms.
Ms. Heiam Elkhatib
5th grade Quran and Islamic Study
In the Quran we finished memorizing Surat Al- Buruj with the meaning of words and Ayas.
In Islamic study : we learned about ( Ihsan ) and what does mean to be a Muhsin with the help of Allah
( SW ), we also learned that a Muslim must always be truthful and trustworthy and that Allah ( SW )
orders us to respect the rights and feelings of others. We finally learned how to be productive by working hard and using our time wisely . In Sirah , we are learning about the life of our Prophet in Madinah .
4th grade Quran and Islamic Study
In Quran class: We are memorizing Surat ( Abasa ) and the meaning of the Ayas, we are also learning
about Salah ( Fard and Sunnah ). In Islamic Studies we learned about Tawhid and we are continuing to
learn the Articles of Faith, we also learned the story of Ibrahim ( SW ).
5th grade Arabic
This month in Arabic class, we are learning about family ( العائلة( . We practiced saying and writing the
Arabic words for family members .
7th grade Arabic
This month in Arabic class, we are learning about family and the different kinds of feelings and emotions that we go through every day and how we should manage our feelings with kindness and patience.
1st grade Quran and Islamic Study
In Quran, we are learning surat At - tin ( fig ) , we tasted fig and olive that Allah ( SW )
mentioned in this Surah , we are also learning about our beloved Prophet ( his family , his
manners ) and how we should always remind ourselves to follow his teaching ( peace be upon
him)
Ms. Samer Riaz
1st Grade
Surah Al-Fatiha(Revision )and Surah Al Takasur (Memorization and understanding)
2nd Grade
Surah Al-Fatiha (Revision)
Surah At-Tariq
(Memorizing and understanding)
Islamic Studies
1st Grade
The Five Pillars of Islam
Learning about our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)
Makkah – The Blessed City
2nd Grade
The Articles of Faith (Iman)
Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)
“We Love Our Prophet” – nurturing love for Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)
We are very proud of the effort our students are putting into their learning. May Allah (SWT) continue to bless them with knowledge and love for the Qur’an and Sunnah.