CAIS

The recent Professional Development Day (Nov. 4) was part of the Action Plan that emerged from the Self-Study last year. This is included in TARGET 2: CAIS will meet the needs of students with learning differences, task 4. Provide professional development opportunities for teachers to fill this need.

We invited Dr. Danny Brassell of SDE (Staff Development for Educators) to conduct an all day workshop for the teachers with an early evening session for parents. Topics for the teachers included A Baker’s Dozen of Lessons Learned from the Teaching

This is a multi-topic blog with information on several items. It includes a brief update on the test of our emergency notification system last week, a status report on the PreK site, some thoughts on parent conferences, and my plans for visiting Qu Gu Primary School.

As we collect the cards our students are making for Qu Gu primary school in Sichuan, it brings to mind our own preparedness for emergencies. One could come in the form of a natural disaster like an earthquake or fire, or something on a smaller scale like an intruder. Even though the probability of such an event may be small, it is important we be prepared.

It is my custom during the first week of school to spend time visiting classrooms. This is a wonderful time to see that everything is starting off well. This year my first week took a turn. I attended a workshop on "How to Effectively Manage Multiple Locations." It seemed like a worthwhile topic given the growth we have experienced.

It is difficult to tell which was brighter and warmer on that first day, the beautiful sunshine or the beaming faces of the children. I would like to thank the PAC for providing coffee and refreshments in the new "soft zone" of the Hickory playground. The soft zone is intended as a place where students can go during recess if they want to spend their time a little more quietly while not having to be constantly vigilant for errant balls flying around the yard.

For several years I have had the privilege of working with Teachers Without Borders (TWB) in Dujiangyan, China. This spring I prepared for my visit as usual, gathering a team of teachers to continue the work of TWB by conducting workshops for teachers in the region. Then on May 12, the earthquake hit and forever changed the world for people in Dujiangyan and throughout Sichuan province.

Dear Friends,

What a fantastic year for CAIS! After settling down from the activities of last year’s 25th Anniversary, we re-focused our energy in our 26th year, doing what CAIS does best: providing quality education in all areas.