March 29, 2012

Week At-A-Glance

Varsity 7 and 8 Futsal Home Game
Friday, March 30

International Program Trips Depart
Saturday, March 31

Parent-Teacher Conferences - No School
April 4-6

Spring Break - No School
April 9-13

CAIS Dance Instructor Wins Award

We recently reported that dance instructor, Peiling Kao, was featured in the New York Times for a performance that debuted in NYC. Now we’re happy to report that Ms. Kao is once again in the news; a dance company she's associated with just won an Isadora Duncan award for outstanding achievement in performance.

Ms. Kao is a middle school arts program dance teacher and an after school dance group instructor in the CAIS Auxiliary Program.

To read about the award, click here.

Eighth Graders Produce Immigration Oral History Videos

Three weeks ago we told you about the eighth grade service learning project at Family Services Agency, where eighth graders interviewed senior citizens about their experiences immigrating to the U.S. The multifaceted project, led by eighth grade Chinese teacher, Chusheng Tang, involved integrating what students learned about immigration last trimester. The project allowed the opportunity for them to use Chinese in a real life setting and learn how to edit and produce a video documenting the experience.

The results of the group interviews can be viewed individually on the Veracross middle school division page that any parent can access through the parent portal. See below for image of where to find division pages.

SF Library Spring Book Sale Happening This Weekend

Looking for books for the family? The San Francisco Library’s annual spring book sale is happening Thursday, March 29 through Sunday April 1 at Fort Mason. The sale is a great way to purchase inexpensive books for your home library while supporting the public library's education programs. Sale hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day of the sale. If you can wait it out until Sunday, you’re in luck; all remaining books will be priced at one dollar each.

Learn more about the book sale here.

Middle School Teachers Present at National Conference in Philadelphia

Last Sunday, three CAIS middle school faculty presented at a national education conference in Philadelphia. Science teachers Susan Sherman, Mark Churchill and Middle School Director Elizabeth Larose represented CAIS at the ASCD (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development) where they presented effective techniques on how to engage students. "Our presentation was called ‘Science Alive’ and focused on the hands-on science learning we provide at CAIS," said Ms. Larose. "We also spoke about the alliances we have in our community for outdoor education and field trips with organizations such as NatureBridge and Boojum." Over 60 participants attended the presentation, including teachers of different subjects, curriculum developers and school directors.

The conference was a three-day event, and our teachers enjoyed participating in other sessions as well. Professional development is an important value to CAIS staff and faculty and a great opportunity for educators to share best practices. "I really enjoyed learning new techniques and networking with other educators around the nation who teach different subjects," said Ms. Sherman.

The ASCD is an educational leadership organization dedicated to advancing best practices and policies for the success of each learner. The association spans 160,000 members in 148 countries and is made up of professional educators from all levels and subject areas.

Curriculum Consultant Visits Chinese Faculty

On Thursday and Friday, March 29-30, Chinese program teachers continue their dedicated work to map the school’s curriculum under the guidance of National Foreign Language Center’s deputy director, Dr. Shuhan Wang. With an extensive professional and research background, Dr. Wang brings a wealth of knowledge in the world language and heritage language education, curriculum and material design, language planning and policy. Her work is also published in books and peer-reviewed journals nationally and internationally including two Chinese textbook series for high school and elementary school students.

"Teachers feel connected with Shuhan because she is a dynamic speaker and presenter," said Chinese Program Director Kevin Chang. "She understands teachers' and the school's needs and treats our teachers as highly respected professionals." We are extremely fortunate to have a highly sought after and award-winning leader in language education support our faculty.


During this visit to CAIS, Shuhan will work with our Chinese faculty on developing a curriculum framework. Using the backward design approach, teachers will develop a framework that takes into consideration our new mission, the immersion education model and expectations for all grade levels. Additionally, Shuhan will introduce a Chinese teacher professional development portfolio that will document each teacher’s personal learning and growth. "Teachers feel they are learning a lot from this process and can work as a team to focus on the big picture," Mr. Chang commented.


Dr. Wang’s next scheduled visit will be in May.


To learn more about Dr. Shuhan Wang, please click here.

Sign Up for CAIS Family Camp at Olema Campground

Camping season is almost here and the PA is busy organizing spring Family Camp for the weekend of May 18-20 at the popular Olema RV Resort & Campground, located approximately one hour north of San Francisco.


Detailed information and sign up form can be found here. Deadline to sign up for Family Camp is Friday, April 13.


If you have any questions, please contact parent Ed Lukawski

SF Library Spring Book Sale Happening This Weekend

Looking for books for the family? The San Francisco Library’s annual spring book sale is happening Thursday, March 29 through Sunday April 1 at Fort Mason. The sale is a great way to purchase inexpensive books for your home library while supporting the public library's education programs. Sale hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day of the sale. If you can wait it out until Sunday, you’re in luck; all remaining books will be priced at one dollar each.

Learn more about the book sale here.

One More Week to Sign Up for Talent Recital

For those K through eighth grade students who like to sing, dance, do stand-up comedy, play an instrument or enjoy another performance form, please consider participating in the 15th Annual Talent Recital! This non-auditioned recital allows your child to build self-confidence while sharing his/her art form in front of a supportive audience.


This year's recital will take place in the beautiful St. Aidan's Episcopal Church on Saturday May 5 in the afternoon (exact times to TBD depending on number of students participating). Your child will preview his/her piece for Ms. Kennedy the week of April 21, and ALL PIECES MUST BE MEMORIZED.


To register, email Susan Kennedy, CAIS Arts Program Director, by April 6 and include this information:

SF Library Spring Book Sale Happening This Weekend

Looking for books for the family? The San Francisco Library’s annual spring book sale is happening Thursday, March 29 through Sunday April 1 at Fort Mason. The sale is a great way to purchase inexpensive books for your home library while supporting the public library's education programs. Sale hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day of the sale. If you can wait it out until Sunday, you’re in luck; all remaining books will be priced at one dollar each.

Learn more about the book sale here.

One More Week to Sign Up for Talent Recital

For those K through eighth grade students who like to sing, dance, do stand-up comedy, play an instrument or enjoy another performance form, please consider participating in the 15th Annual Talent Recital! This non-auditioned recital allows your child to build self-confidence while sharing his/her art form in front of a supportive audience.


This year's recital will take place in the beautiful St. Aidan's Episcopal Church on Saturday May 5 in the afternoon (exact times to TBD depending on number of students participating). Your child will preview his/her piece for Ms. Kennedy the week of April 21, and ALL PIECES MUST BE MEMORIZED.


To register, email Susan Kennedy, CAIS Arts Program Director, by April 6 and include this information:

Seventh Grader Scores Personal Best at State Gymnastics Competition

Last weekend, seventh Grader William B. competed at the Northern California Boy's Gymnastics Association State Championships and scored his personal best for the season.


Gymnasts compete in all six events including floor, parallel bars, high bar, rings, pommel horse and vault. At press time, William wasn’t sure if he was ranked 10th or 15th in the state of California, but regardless, we’re impressed!

Eighth Graders Produce Immigration Oral History Videos

Three weeks ago we told you about the eighth grade service learning project at Family Services Agency, where eighth graders interviewed senior citizens about their experiences immigrating to the U.S. The multifaceted project, led by eighth grade Chinese teacher, Chusheng Tang, involved integrating what students learned about immigration last trimester. The project allowed the opportunity for them to use Chinese in a real life setting and learn how to edit and produce a video documenting the experience.

The results of the group interviews can be viewed individually on the Veracross middle school division page that any parent can access through the parent portal. See below for image of where to find division pages.

Middle School Teachers Present at National Conference in Philadelphia

Last Sunday, three CAIS middle school faculty presented at a national education conference in Philadelphia. Science teachers Susan Sherman, Mark Churchill and Middle School Director Elizabeth Larose represented CAIS at the ASCD (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development) where they presented effective techniques on how to engage students. "Our presentation was called ‘Science Alive’ and focused on the hands-on science learning we provide at CAIS," said Ms. Larose. "We also spoke about the alliances we have in our community for outdoor education and field trips with organizations such as NatureBridge and Boojum." Over 60 participants attended the presentation, including teachers of different subjects, curriculum developers and school directors.

The conference was a three-day event, and our teachers enjoyed participating in other sessions as well. Professional development is an important value to CAIS staff and faculty and a great opportunity for educators to share best practices. "I really enjoyed learning new techniques and networking with other educators around the nation who teach different subjects," said Ms. Sherman.

The ASCD is an educational leadership organization dedicated to advancing best practices and policies for the success of each learner. The association spans 160,000 members in 148 countries and is made up of professional educators from all levels and subject areas.

One More Week to Sign Up for Talent Recital

For those K through eighth grade students who like to sing, dance, do stand-up comedy, play an instrument or enjoy another performance form, please consider participating in the 15th Annual Talent Recital! This non-auditioned recital allows your child to build self-confidence while sharing his/her art form in front of a supportive audience.


This year's recital will take place in the beautiful St. Aidan's Episcopal Church on Saturday May 5 in the afternoon (exact times to TBD depending on number of students participating). Your child will preview his/her piece for Ms. Kennedy the week of April 21, and ALL PIECES MUST BE MEMORIZED.


To register, email Susan Kennedy, CAIS Arts Program Director, by April 6 and include this information:

ShowCAIS ShowOFF A Success!!!

Did your child bring home a fish last week or come home talking about a carp jumping over the dragon gate waterfall from ShowCAIS ShowOFF? We hope so. CAIS students who stopped by to play games at ShowCAIS ShowOFF had lots of fun, and learned about the story of a Carp Jumping Over Dragon Gate - our theme for this year's ShowCAIS gala happening on May 12.

Congratulations to Wendy Lai for winning a free ticket to ShowCAIS or free valet parking at ShowCAIS. The Development Office will be contacting you.

We want to thank our dedicated ShowCAIS ShowOFF parent volunteers for helping us put this event together: Avi Benjamini, Patricia Martell, Mary Martinez, Elaine Shen, Heather Madden, Kim Burns, Dan Chen, Rong Pan, Francoise Chanut, Suzanne Li, Margot Kong and Aom Phanthong. Special thank you to Michelle Lo for coordinating an impressive auction procurement effort from families at our Waller Campus.

It's not too late to make a donation to the ShowCAIS auction. If you were not able to bring your donation to CAIS during the GiftDrop, we're happy to make arrangements to receive your gift. At Waller Campus, gifts can be dropped off at the reception desk. For Oak Campus, please contact ShowCAIS to arrange a delivery time and location.

Learn more here about ShowCAIS 2012: Over the Dragon Gate. Join the conversation! You can also follow us on Twitter: @ShowCAIS

Throw Your Own Party for ShowCAIS

Have you always wanted to show off your home by hosting a dinner party or play date? Do you love getting a group of kids together for a fun outing? If the answer is yes, then the ShowCAIS team would love to talk about fun ways to make our auction and Party Sign-Ups even more exciting.

What is a Party Sign-Up, you may be asking?
It’s a social activity donated by a family or a teacher that others can join by making a donation to CAIS.

All proceeds from Party Sign-Ups support CAIS.

ShowCAIS Party Sign-Ups are as diverse as the people and interests in the CAIS community. CAIS families offer unique events such as dumpling-making parties, tea, dinner, brunch, children’s play dates, poker nights, biking trips, art parties, baking parties, spa parties, or pizza and movie nights. It’s an easy way to bring our community together and help out the school. The CAIS Development Office can help you set your fundraising goals and expectations. For ideas, take a look at our wish list.

If you would like to host a party, own a timeshare or have a friend who wants to promote his or her business, sign up to donate to ShowCAIS. Simply fill out this online form.

Questions? Please contact ShowCAIS.

Learn more here about ShowCAIS 2012: Over the Dragon Gate. Join the conversation! You can also follow us on Twitter: @ShowCAIS

ShowCAIS Raffle - Bring It to the Office

In the third year of our restaurant collection raffle, ShowCAIS 2012 is proud to offer THREE grand prizes of dining experiences: a Michelin Star Restaurant Collection, a Foodie Restaurant Collection and a Family Fun Restaurant Collection. Visit our website to learn more about each collection.

This year, we are asking each family to sell 12 tickets.

Raffle Tip of the Week:
Bring it to the office! Sell your tickets to co-workers and professional connections. We know your colleagues would enjoy a few free meals from some of these popular restaurants. And if they win, they might treat you to that next business lunch.

Ticket prices are $10 for one ticket and $25 for three. The winners will be chosen at ShowCAIS on May 12. Winners need not be present.

Learn more here about ShowCAIS 2012: Over the Dragon Gate. Join the conversation! You can also follow us on Twitter: @ShowCAIS

ShowCAIS Tickets Now on Sale

You've heard all the buzz; now get your ticket today! You should be receiving your ShowCAIS invitation in the mail before Spring Break. Tickets to ShowCAIS are $250 per person. But why wait? If you would like to purchase tickets NOW, click here.

Learn more here about ShowCAIS 2012: Over the Dragon Gate. Join the conversation! You can also follow us on Twitter: @ShowCAIS

Sign Up for CAIS Family Camp at Olema Campground

Camping season is almost here and the PA is busy organizing spring Family Camp for the weekend of May 18-20 at the popular Olema RV Resort & Campground, located approximately one hour north of San Francisco.


Detailed information and sign up form can be found here. Deadline to sign up for Family Camp is Friday, April 13.


If you have any questions, please contact parent Ed Lukawski