Newsflash: November 15, 2024

15 November 2024 

By Dr. Gwyn Underwood, Superintendent

Professional learning at CIS

As you enjoyed your extra school holiday last Monday, did you wonder why it was a holiday? The answer is that it was a compensatory day for the faculty and staff, who took time from our regular school schedule to focus on developing their knowledge, skills, and understanding of selected areas at our annual Professional Learning Weekend! 

Our office Staff spent their time looking at characteristics of professionalism and applied them by considering various scenarios and how one could react to different situations. 

Our faculty, on the other hand, continued with our professional learning focus for this year on Universal Design for Learning, or UDL.

UDL is an educational framework that aims to optimize teaching and learning for all individuals by providing multiple means of engagement, representation, and action/expression. It focuses on proactively designing learning environments that accommodate diverse learners’ needs, thereby removing barriers to learning and ensuring equal opportunities for success. By integrating Universal Design for Learning (UDL) into our planning, we empower all students to thrive, ensuring they can access, engage with, and fully understand their learning experiences.

This comic strip highlights the benefits of how providing a solution that allows all members of a group to access a benefit is beneficial for all, rather than insisting on old ways of doing things that can exclude certain members of the community. This concept can be applied to multiple areas in the classroom, such as the physical and emotional setting, as well as learning methodologies. How could you apply this at home, I wonder?!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Upcoming events of note

• Nov. 18 – 22: Digital Citizenship Week
• Thursday, Nov. 28: End of Sem. 2 After School Activities
• Sat, Nov. 30: PTA Fundraising (Moana 2 @ Cinema 3 Ayala Central Bloc, IT Park – 4:10 pm)
• Sat, Dec. 7: Tree of Giving
• Fri, Dec. 13: End of Semester Assembly / End of Sem. 1 / End of Q2 (half day)

Please refer to the CIS Event Calendar for the complete calendar of school events.

Grade 4: Math Class

by Mr. Sten Coppin, Grade 4 Homeroom Teacher

In Grade 4, we approach math learning through a variety of methods to meet the diverse needs and learning styles of our students, in line with the PYP’s emphasis on inquiry and engagement. From hands-on activities like using clocks to explore time concepts, to digital platforms like IXL that provide personalized practice, our math lessons are designed to balance conceptual understanding, skill fluency, and real-world application. By incorporating tools like flashcards, board games, and collaborative problem-solving tasks, we make math both accessible and enjoyable for all learners. This diverse approach, inspired by the CRA (Concrete-Representational-Abstract) model, helps students build a strong foundation in mathematical thinking while developing confidence and enthusiasm for the subject. Below, you’ll find examples of our students in action and their reflections on what they enjoy most about learning math in Grade 4! 

SEL Counselor Corner

by Ms. Abigail Gorgonio, Guidance Counselor

As the academic year continues to unfold, the Guidance Office, led by MHS Principal Mr. Benjamin Martin and Assistant Principal and MYP Coordinator Ms. Julie Sykes, organized an online Parent Session for middle school parents. The first-quarter topic, “Supporting Teens” delved into understanding Gen Z tweens and teens during their exciting and challenging times. Safeguarding initiatives also commenced in MYP for Grade 6-8 students, emphasizing the importance of different types of boundaries and how to establish and maintain healthy boundaries.  Healthy boundaries are taught to help them communicate better and have better relationships.

In the elementary, self-regulation, a key component of CASEL’s self-management, took center stage in Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) classes. Structured activities and games reinforce the self-control in the learners.

Grade 2 to 5 engaged in self-control structured activities.

Additionally, a transition lesson, “We Are Wonders,” was conducted to prepare students to welcome new learners and foster a more inclusive and positive learning environment in the lower years.

Concurrent with academic endeavors, the well-being of our faculty and staff was duly considered. A novel initiative, the Faculty & Staff Trick or Treat event, brought joy to select individuals.

College & Careers Counselor Corner

by Ms. Jenny Basa, College Counselor

SAT Update

SAT 2024-2025 Test Dates

SAT Registration Is Now Open

*Additional Fees apply

To register for the SAT, you may click on this link.  If you need assistance or have any questions, please feel free to email Ms. Jenny Basa at jbasa@cis.edu.ph.