superintendent’s notes - the american school of kinshasa talk/tasok talk may 29th.pdf · notes...

TASOK Home of the Condors

Phone: 08 188 46619 Fax: 646 619 4231 Website: www.tasok.net

The American School of Kinshasa Rte de Matadi Kinshasa, DRC

TASOK TALKTASOK TALKTASOK TALK

Notes from the Superintendent

May 29th, 2015

Superintendent’s Notes New Faculty Arriving at TASOK for 2015/2016 The coming school year will be one of renewal and excitement for TASOK. Leadership at TASOK is passing to a rising star in the interna-tional school world, Mr. Simon Gillespie. Mr. Gillespie will bring excep-tional expertise in curriculum design and planning and a solid back-ground in educational innovation and excellence. Adding to the new en-ergy at TASOK is an outstanding group of educators, briefly introduced in this article. Kelly Arndt, IB Coordinator: Canada; BA and MA degrees Ms. Arndt brings strong experience with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. She will lead TASOK through the process of bringing the IB Diploma through to implementation in our high school in grades 11 and 12. In addition, Ms. Arndt will teach 2 sections of grade 9 English. Her husband, Simon Gillespie, will accompany her to TASOK. Ruth DeHolton, Elementary French/Library: US; BS, MSEE; Certifica-tion in French Ms. DeHolton will teach French in the elementary school and will also manage the elementary library. Her original training was in engineering, and she is a qualified environmental engineer. Now certified to teach both French and mathematics, Ms. DeHolton will bring a dynamic new energy to our French program grades KG to 5. Ms. DeHolton graduated from TASOK in 1974! Lisa Edgcumbe, School Nurse: South Africa; Diploma in Nursing from Natal College of Nursing Nurse Edgcumbe has served throughout this year as a substitute teacher at TASOK, including a long term stint in secondary PE. But her true call-ing is nursing. Ms. Egcumbe is in Kinshasa with her husband who is a businessman. Sondra Fischer, Grade 3 Teacher: US; BA, MA Education Ms. Fischer has taught at the American International School of Conakry in Guinea and is currently teaching in Cleveland Ohio.

She has excellent French and is experienced in working with English language learners. Ms. Fischer will be accompanied by her husband Mohamed, and 2 sons Maliq who will join TASOK KG, and Bangaly, who is two. Sarah Lout, Grade 6 English & Social Studies: US; BS, MA Education Ms. Lout taught last year in grade 4 at the American International School of Lesotho. This year she has subbed extensively at TASOK. She is accompanied by husband Scott Lout, the Director of World Vision, and now Member at Large on the TASOK Board, and three chil-dren, all TASOK students. Amber Shortridge, Grade 4 Teacher: Canada; BA Education Ms. Shortridge is currently teaching at a Private First Nations School for the Ktunaxa com-munity in Cranbrook, British Columbia. Previously, Ms. Shortridge taught in the elementary school at the International School of Manila, under the leadership of Simon Gillespie then ES Principal at IS Manila. Ms. Shortridge brings with her exceptional expertise in teaching in both math and language arts. Nick Timmerman, Music Teacher KG to Grade 8; High School vocal music: US; BA, MA Education Mr. Timmerman is currently teaching secondary vocal music in Denison, Texas in the Dal-las/Fort Worth area. He is experienced both in choir and musical theater. Mr. Timmerman has experience also in elementary music and did student teaching at Jefferson Elementary in Sherman, Texas. Victoria (Vikki) Walchak, Secondary Art Teacher; US; BFA, MA Art Education Since 2012, Ms. Walchak has taught visual arts at the Claremont Immersion School in Alex-andria, Virginia. She has also been a painting instructor and has received grants for ad-vanced study from the Lincoln Center Institute and the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund for International Study. Ms. Walchak will teach two dimensional arts and will also make use of TASOK’s fine pottery studio. Ceilidhe Waugh, Secondary EAL (English as an Additional Language) Teacher; Canada; BA, TESOL Certification in Teaching Skills, WIDA Training in ESL Ms. Waugh has been teaching in China with the FORSUN International Education organiza-tion since 2013. Previously she worked in ESL at the Lincoln School in Kathmandu, Nepal. She also worked with Burmese refugees in Damak, Nepal. Ms. Waugh visited TASOK some years ago when her parents, Brad Waugh and Renee Comesotti were teaching here. Robert Zieger, High School Social Studies Teacher; US; BA, MA Education Mr. Zieger is currently teaching high school social studies at the Surabaya International School in Indonesia, including AP Psychology, and AP European History. Mr. Zieger is also qualified to teach AP US History and AP Government. He is currently Social Studies depart-ment chair and sponsor of the Global Issues Network, for students at SIS. Mr. Zieger’s wife Ann Shiera Enano and four year old daughter Persephone will accompany him to TASOK. This is an exceptionally strong group of new educators. I know that you will offer them a warm welcome when they arrive in August.



Dear High School Parents, Some milestone events are taking place to mark the end of the school year. Tomorrow at 8PM, the TASOK Prom will take place at the Golf Club. It is sure to be a beautiful event, with much fun to be had. I applaud our student leadership, Senior Adviser – Dean Lindstrom, and STUCO Advisor – Godelieve Mwilambwe, for all they have done to ensure the event will be a success. TASOK High School students are a civil, responsible group of kids. However, to make sure everyone is on the same page in regards to appropriate behavior at the prom, I wanted to out-line the expectations for the prom. Expectations for Prom: All school rules apply to both students and their guests.

Once in attendance, students/guests may not leave the prom (bathrooms are located in-side the facility).

Once students/guests leave the facility, they may not return. All provisions of the Drug/Alcohol policy are in effect.

We would ask that you talk to your student about these expectations. We would also highly recommend that you discuss with your son/daughter what their plans are for post-prom ac-tivities. Historically, many TASOK High School students choose to attend “after prom par-ties”. These types of parties are not sanctioned by the school and are, therefore, not super-vised by the school. In order to safeguard your child’s safety, it would be good for you to know where they will be after the prom, which ends at midnight on Saturday. Here are some other upcoming events to consider: Senior Night – Senior Night is a tradition at TASOK. On this special evening, seniors salute their families and teachers for the support they have given them during their high school ex-perience. This year, Senior Night will happen at 6:30PM on Sunday, June 7th. This is a special event exclusively for immediate family members of TASOK seniors. Unfortunately, space is limited to the student and 5 of his/her family members. Graduation Ceremony- 6:30PM on Wednesday, June 10th. Athletics Assembly – 9AM on Friday, June 12th. This event will serve to honor our athletes, coaches and Athletic Director and all they achieved this year. An Academic Awards Assem-bly for both middle school and high school (joint ceremony) to follow shortly after.

HIGH SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS

May 29th, 2015


All the very best,

Dr. Steve Charbonneau


Middle SCHOOL

Dear Parents, Please mark your calendars. On Wednesday, June 3rd, at 6:30 P.M. in the CAC, we will be hav-ing Middle School Arts night for parents. The show will feature performances from 6A Stomp, 7A Drama, 7B Drama, and Middle School Band. The seventh grade artwork will also be on display. Please come and see what your son or daughter has been learning at school. Hope to see you there! Mrs. Maggie Kessel Mrs. Evelyn Gathu Mrs. Jody Pederson Art Teacher Drama Teacher Band Teacher

Mrs. Sandy Francis

Stomp Teacher

May 29th, 2015


ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

HAPPENINGS

May 29th, 2015

Elementary STUCO Year in Review

Elementary STUCO has had a very busy year! In our first trimester, we had a pool party with karaoke and games for the 3rd, 4th and 5th graders. We also organized the ele-mentary school portion of the TASOK Clothing Drive for Kimbondo Orphanage.

In the second trimester, we held a family movie night where we watched The Night at the

Museum 2, and also baked Valentine Cupcakes for many elementary school students. Just two weeks ago, we hosted a second family carnival and game night where we watched

The Jungle Book. Also in trimester 3, we baked cookies and created origami and posters for teacher appreciation week.

We also enjoyed holding three Sidewalk Sales to sell our school store goods and raise mon-ey for the Kimbondo Orphanage and Operation Smile.

We would like to thank all the teachers who have helped us with our events throughout the year and encourage many students to join us next year!

“I like how STUCO works together like an elementary school family to hold fun events.” – STUCO Student

School Supplies for Elementary School ( 2015-2016) TASOK Elementary School Kits are required for all students from Kindergarten to Grade 5.

These kits include various supplies carefully selected by your child’s classroom teacher. All supplies will be conveniently assembled for each student and available for purchase from

Registration Day onwards as follows: Kindergarten: $40

Grade 1: $40 Grade 2: $25 Grade 3: $40 Grade 4: $40 Grade 5: $40

All kits include a complimentary TASOK planner. For more details you can download the list from the TASOK website www.tasok.net .

For your convenience, a hardcopy will be sent home with your child’s report card. Pre-payments are also accepted if you prefer to pay in advance. School kits are kept in the

classrooms. School Supplies for Middle School

Middle School Supplies lists are available for Grades 6, 7 &8. Students are required to have them ready for August. These supplies may be purchased outside of TASOK. TASOK plan-ners are provided by the school. For more details you can download the list from the TASOK website www.tasok.net . For your convenience, a hard copy of the supply list for your child’s grade will go home with

the report card.

PE Uniforms for all divisions K-12 Starting August 2015, all students (K-12) will be required to purchase a TASOK PE T-shirt.

Students must wear the PE shirt with black shorts of their choice to participate in physical education classes. The PE shirts will be available for purchase at the office for $15.

Additional Supplies are available through the Elementary & Secondary Student stores all-year.


Business Office Corner

2015-2016 Tuition Agreements & Invoices for returning students

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Starting this week, invoices and tuition agreements for next school-year will be sent home with your child. You will also receive a scanned copy of the invoice by email. To allow the Business Office to update your records and prepare to receive your payments, we ask that you fill out the “Yellow Tuition Agreement” indicating your choice of payment plan, sign and return to us by Friday May 29, 2015. Instructions will come with the docu-ments. Please note that payment for next academic year is due by August 17 2015. Distribution will follow this schedule: April 27-30 : Grades 1-4 May 4-8 : Grades 5-8 May 11-15 : Grades 9-12 May 18-22 : Special Embassies and ESL For your convenience, details on Elementary School supply kits are also included in the packets. Questions/Comments welcome. See frequently asked questions below. Sincerely, Kareen Laplanche Business/Finance Manager Email: [email protected] +(243) 81-880-1330


Frequently Asked Questions on Tuition Agreements & Invoices

1.Q: Do I have to fill out another agreement if I already did last year?

A: Yes. The tuition agreement is annual contract with the school and is only applicable to one school-year and is specific to a student and his/her grade.

2.Q: Is the tuition agreement different from the re-enrollment form?

A: Yes. The re-enrollment confirms the return of the student. The Tuition Agreement is the parent/guardian’s engagement to pay the school fees. It is important to select the plan of payment A or B. The collection process is based on the mode of payment.

3.Q: If my company is paying, do I still need to sign the form? A: Yes. By signing the form, you allow the school to bill your company. You must provide a letter from your company confirming support. 4.Q: I am with an embassy or embassy-affiliated agency, do I need to sign the form?

A: Yes, same as question 3. However, no need to produce a letter. Our office deals directly with the human resources and finance departments of diplomatic missions to confirm or re-confirm financial support. You only receive the tuition agreement form.

5.Q: Can I change plans of payment after I turn in the tuition agreement form?

A: Yes, as long as it is before school begins on August 17. You must make an appointment to come in person and complete another form.

6.Q: What happens if I lose the invoice & tuition form? A: You can always request another one in person or via email before June 19. Note that this

does not change the penalty schedule. Make sure that payment is received by the due date. 7.Q: How do I pay? A: Payment instructions are included in the invoice. Carefully transmit the details to the pay-

ing party. If your bank needs additional instructions, direct the officer to the Business Manager for more information. Note that issuers are responsible for all bank charges when wiring funds to the school’s account. See with your banker for the appropriate codes to use to ensure that amounts on invoices are received in full.

8.Q: How late can I return the tuition form?

A: As soon as possible and by the deadline stated on the cover letter. The tuition agreement completes the enrollment/re-enrollment process. Availability of seats is important to con-sider for grades reaching capacity.

9.Q: Who can sign the tuition agreement? A: Parents or legal guardians. This must be consistent with admission documents. The person

who signs engages the family or paying party. 10.Q: Why should I sign on both sides? A: It is important to carefully read and sign on both sides. This means that you verify the

schedule of fees, understand the penalties and accept the terms of the agreement.


Vehicles for Sale!

2009 FORD Everest: Asking price 17,000 USD or best offer

2006 TOYOTA Coaster: Asking price 30,000 USD or best offer.

For more details please contact the Business Manager after March 16 by phone at +243818846619/+243818801330 or by email at [email protected].


SOLD


PTC Activities CALENDAR

Mark your calendars for future PTC activities

�� Jun 10 Flowers for Graduation When What Where Time Aug14 Registration Day-PTC information Table CAC 09:00-12:00 Aug 27 Welcome coffee and tea with PTC ES Cafeteria 08:00-09:00 Sep 24 PTC Monthly Meeting ES Cafeteria 08:00-09:00 Sep 27 Welcome Picnic 2015 HS Cafeteria 02:00-05:00pm

May 29th,2015

Environmental Club – End of Year Report

The TASOK Environmental Club has been busy this year and has accomplished so much! Together, we started a composting program in the elementary program; published a Guide to the Birds of TASOK; sprouted almost 30 avocado and star fruit trees; cleaned the pond and added a fountain; cleared brush and rejuvenated the plant nursery in the botanical gar-den; prepared a Google Earth map of the trees of TASOK; and trimmed many plants near the TASOK pool and teacher housing.



A notice from the TASOK Libraries

As the end of the year approaches, please keep in mind the following important dates: Friday May 22: deadline to return all library materials Week of May 25: billings for lost* materials *any materials not returned by May 22 will be considered lost and billed according to TASOK policy. Report cards are withheld when any accounts are unpaid, and this includes library materials. The current policy for lost materials is :

Paperback books ................................................................................ $25 Hardcover books ................................................................................ $50 College prep/Exam prep ................................................................$80 Kindles .................................................................................................. $100 Kindle case or charging cable ............................................... $10 ea Magazines .............................................................................................. $10

Our system emails overdue notices to Homeroom teachers each Monday, and to parents/students each Tuesday. After an item has been overdue for 4 weeks or more it is considered lost. Invoices for lost items are to be paid directly to the TASOK Cashier. If you have any concerns about your child’s account, please ask if he/she has received any overdue notices either via email or from the homeroom teacher. MS and HS students can check their accounts online at school by visiting : destiny.tasok.net. You may also email [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns. Ms. Chalier Head Librarian


SAT Prep Course

The SAT Prep Course is being offered this fall beginning August 29 at 8:00 a.m. for seven Saturdays (28 hours). The prep course will finish in time for the Novem-ber SAT Exam. All materials including the 2015 US test prep course book, extra practice materi-als, and tests are included in the course cost of $350. If you are interested in signing up for the course, let Ms Chalier ([email protected] ) or Mr. Lindstrom ([email protected]) know as soon as possible. Space is limited, sign up early.

Please note, the spring SAT Prep course will be geared to the NEW test format, which begins in March 2016.


CAFETERIA

Elementary SchoolElementary School

MondayMonday Potato w/Beef and VegetablePotato w/Beef and Vegetable

$ 3.00$ 3.00 TuesdayTuesday

Spaghetti BolognaiseSpaghetti Bolognaise $3.00$3.00

WednesdayWednesday Hotdog Hotdog –– Chicken/BeefChicken/Beef

$3.50$3.50 ThursdayThursday

Rice + Vegetable with Chick-Rice + Vegetable with Chick-enen

$3.50$3.50 FridayFriday Pizza Pizza $3.00 $3.00

Every dayEvery day SandwichesSandwiches

Chicken Sandwich Chicken Sandwich $3.00$3.00 Tuna SandwichTuna Sandwich $3.00$3.00 Veggie SandwichVeggie Sandwich $3.00$3.00

Each meal and Sandwich will be ac-Each meal and Sandwich will be ac-

companied by fruit and vegetable on companied by fruit and vegetable on the sidethe side

Ceres JuiceCeres Juice $2.00$2.00 YogurtYogurt $1.00$1.00

Grade 6 to 12Grade 6 to 12

MondayMonday Rice & Beans ($2.50), Chicken Rice & Beans ($2.50), Chicken

Nugget W fries and salad Nugget W fries and salad vegetablevegetable ($5.00)($5.00)

TuesdayTuesday

Rice & Beans ($2.50),, Maca-Rice & Beans ($2.50),, Maca-roni sautéed w/roni sautéed w/Chicken and Chicken and

vegetable ($5.00)vegetable ($5.00) WednesdayWednesday

Rice & Beans ($2.50),1/4 Rice & Beans ($2.50),1/4 Chicken w/fries ($6.25)Chicken w/fries ($6.25)

ThursdayThursday Rice & Beans ($2.50), Spa-Rice & Beans ($2.50), Spa-ghetti Bolognaise ($5.00)ghetti Bolognaise ($5.00)

FridayFriday Rice & Beans ($2.50), Lasagna Rice & Beans ($2.50), Lasagna

($6.00)($6.00) Every dayEvery day

Samosa Samosa $2.50$2.50 Spring rolls Spring rolls $2.50$2.50 Hamburger Chicken or Beef Hamburger Chicken or Beef w/friesw/fries $5.00$5.00 Shawarma Beef/ ChickenShawarma Beef/ Chicken w/friesw/fries $5.00$5.00

Grade 6 to 12Grade 6 to 12 (continued)(continued) SandwichesSandwiches

Chicken Sandwich $4.00Chicken Sandwich $4.00 Tuna Sandwich Tuna Sandwich $4.00$4.00 Veggie Sandwich Veggie Sandwich $4.00$4.00

SnacksSnacks

ChipsChips $2.00$2.00 WaffleWaffle $2.00$2.00 YogurtYogurt $1.00$1.00 OrangeOrange $1.25$1.25 AppleApple $2.00$2.00

DrinksDrinks

Ceres juiceCeres juice $2.00$2.00

Orphan-age Visit

Middl


The American School of Kinshasa (May 2015)

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Satur-day

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

31 01 02 03 04 05 06

07 08 09 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

TASOK Contact Information

Reception: 0818846619 Principal: 0815109714 Registrar: 0821767106

Superintendent: 0817005567 Business Manager: 0818801330 Nurse: 0972619325

Superintendent’s office: 0810637556 Business Office: 0819531185 Email: [email protected]

End of Year P&P presenta-tion-CAC

PTC Meeting/

Spirit Day and Pep Rally(HS) Talent show/Art Exhibit

Grade 5 Transition Parent Meet-ing

Prom

2pm 5th Grade Moving Up

6:30pm Middle school Per-forming Arts Parents Night

Seniors Grades Due /Board meet-ing

MS Tr. 3 Reports Due

SAT/ Faculty Fare-well Party

Senior Exit Interviews

HS(9-11) Semester 2 Exams

Author ‘s As-sembly

Wet ,Wacky, Wild Day

Graduation Rehearsal

Graduation

Sport Day/Hs(9-11) Grades due

Deer Picnic

Final Day of Classes– Early Diss-missal

superintendent’s notes - the american school of kinshasa talk/tasok talk may 29th.pdf · notes...

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