"Fall" into learning during October!

Futian International & Fine Arts School International Department School News

A WORD FROM THE DEAN

Dear FIFA Families,

It continued to be an exciting time for students and teachers throughout October.

We faced challenges, but had triumphs as well and turned them into learning opportunities. To begin with, our planned overnight trip for middle school had to be cancelled—but students did not allow this to make them disappointed. Our grade 6 class wrote a petition to the Academic Dean for permission to have an overnight “camping” event here on the school grounds. They were very convincing in their letter and the school was happy to consider this option for later in the year.

Good persuasive writing, Grade 6! FIFA is proud that our students can apply what they learn in class to the real world.

Achievements for the month of October include our Halloween celebration events. Thanks to the supportive parents, the class parties were a success. Lots of “ghosties” and “princesses” paraded through the hall and went to get candy from their neighboring classes. Saying “Trick or Treat” and “Thank you” was required, to practice speaking skills. Everyone, staff and students alike, had so much fun!

Congratulations and thanks to the Chinese humanities department for organizing our November book fair. Students had the opportunity to use their speaking skills while recommending books to buyers, as well as math skills in counting and making change. Everyone involved did a fantastic job.

FIFA encourages students to keep using their A3000/SmartyAnts programs from home, at least three times a week. When used regularly, these programs are assured to raise reading lexile levels and improve student achievement. To motivate students, the school runs a monthly contest to recognize the highest lexile gains for each class, as well as most time spent using the program. These classes are recognized with a class certificate for their bulletin board during the FIFA monthly department-wide assembly.

TIPS FOR PARENTS TO HELP THE SCHOOL:

1. Please monitor Gradelink to keep track of your child’s grades. From the Gradelink site you can view homework scores, tests and quizzes, and projects. Discuss the child’s progress with them and reinforce good homework habits they will need for the future.

2. Reinforce behavior expectation and social training from home. Have students model their classroom behavior rules. Parents can ask students to show them what to do in class if they need to ask a question or go to the restroom. When students practice and model behaviors, it helps them to remember and follow these rules at school.

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR NOVEMBER:

NOV.2-6: QUARTER 1 EXAMS

NOV. 11-18TH: PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES

NOV. 13TH: FIELD TRIP TO PARK FOR NATURE STUDY