August 26, 2010

Dear Parents of ICS Middle School Students:

I feel like it’s been a great start to the school year.  We had several new students to ICS this school year, and I just loved witnessing them all gradually becoming truly part of the ICS community.  I believe that is what sets us apart from other international schools and the credit goes straight to your children who are willing to show acceptance to everyone and anyone who walk the halls of ICS.  I hope you feel the same way. Of course, the other thing that sets us apart is our caring and dedicated teachers, who I believe have had a remarkable start to the year as I walk in and out of their classrooms throughout the month.

We are pleased to announce that for a third time in a row ICS has earned full-term accreditation with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and from the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).  Last March, a team of eight international educational leaders from six countries spent four and a half days scrutinizing ICS inside and out.  Finally, in July, we received their evaluation. WASC and ACSI concluded that ICS meets all the standards and requirements for full-term reaccreditation. This achievement assures our ICS community of two vital things.  First, ICS is maintaining high standards both in its educational program and operations.  Second, and perhaps more importantly, WASC and ACSI recognize our commitment to continued growth: making our best even better.  Below are some reminders that I hope will help you throughout the next month or so.

• If your child is absent, please make sure to call the school or send a letter to the school so that we could record the absence as “excused” in our attendance system. 

• Every Tuesday we have “Life Groups” after school for one hour from 2:30-3:30.

• On most Fridays, we offer Friday Night Fellowship at Miss Kristi’s house or a night of worship on the ICS campus.  Encourage your children to come and enjoy such great times of fellowship with their peers.

• September 6th – the first week of the After-School Enrichment Classes.

• Week of September 6th - marks the middle of the first quarter.  Mid-quarter grades will be sent to RenWeb for all classes that meet more than twice a week (core classes, ESL) on September 13th.  If you need help, please e-mail Mrs. Somporn, the school registrar, at Somporn_T@icsbangkok.com.  More information will come soon concerning this.

• September 10th – There will not be school as it is a teacher in-service work day.

• This month will mark the beginning of our annual clothing drive!  I encourage you to bring to ICS any extra clothes, blankets, or towels throughout the next month or so.  It’s great to hear that we can play such a pivotal role in providing a simple necessity like clothing to people in need of Northern Thailand and beyond.  Thanks for partnering with us in this wonderful endeavor.
 
Sincerely,

Mr. Stephen Ladas
Middle School Principal