AIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

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  • Home
  • Students
    • PreK - Kinder
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  • Class Websites
  • School Photos
  • Online Resources
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    • Author Sites
    • Reader Book Summaries
    • Library Web Site
  • The AIS Song
  • Newsletter
  • EXTREME WEATHER
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For Important Elementary School Dates and Announcements, please click here to take you to the AIS SCOOPS.

 Follow Us on Twitter                                                          June 9, 2015                                                         Follow us on Facebook

summer camp - it's not too late!

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In case you don’t have a plan for next week it is not too late to join the AIS summer camp. We have soccer, rugby, dance, tennis, basketball, German and fun camps. Please see some fun videos and slide show about our programs or check out our web site for more info and registrations.


SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN ROBBERS

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Dear Fellow AIS Elementary School Kids!!

We are proud to present our Elementary School Play entitled

"Snow White and the Seven Robbers"

on Friday, June 5th 4:00 pm in the AIS Theater

We are sure you will like it, so be sure to buy your tickets this week!

Tickets go on sale on Friday, May 15th

When: at lunchtime (11:30 to 12:45)

Where:  In front of the cafeteria and in your classrooms.

YOU DON'T WANT OT MISS IT!!!

Ticket Prices:

Elementary School students PK- 5 -   3 Euros

Adults, and Middle/High School Students: 5 Euros



INTERNATIONAL FOOD FEST A HUGE SUCCESS

Click here to see more photos.

MUSIC K-8 DESIGN A COVER CONTEST POSTPONED

Unfortunately the AIS contest entries, while mailed within the correct time frame, arrived far too late to be included in this year’s contest. The envelopes were postmarked January 23 and arrived April 6!  The contest was already judged and winners were announced – but they missed us, and wrote a letter explaining what had happened. The magazine is going to allow our 2015 entries to be included in next year’s contest, so stay tuned . . . Thanks, Mrs. LoCascio

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TO VIEW ALL THE CONTEST PHOTOS CLICK HERE
CONGRATULATIONS
Winners of the SPRING BREAK PHOTO CONTEST

STUDENT CATEGORY
Tony Carmine - First Place
Julia Königsberger - Second Place
Ron Patishi - Third Place
ADULT CATEGORY
Allynn Baker- First Place
Tini Carmine - Second Place
Sheryl Pross Harraz - Third Place


Ais students to participate in folk ballet of korea

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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL RAISES 4250 euROS FOR JANE GOODALL INSTITUTE

Elementary School students participated in a fun run event called “Run 4 Chimps” this year on April 22. Students in grades 2-5 ran on the sports field from 1:45 to 3pm and students in grades PK-1 ran inside the sports bubble. The Jane Goodall Institute provided information at both sites and some activities for the younger students. Children received donations from sponsors to run the laps and all proceeds went to “Run 4 Chimps” program of the Jane Goodall Institute. Classes competed to see which class would run the most laps. The winners for Pre-K to 1 was Ms. Parker's class and the winners for the 2 - 5 category was Mr. Golden's class. Congratulation to everyone that participated in this fun and worthwhile event.

spring concerts dates

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Our spring concerts will be Thursday 28 May in the Mike Maloy gym.

8:45 Grades 2 and 3

11:00 PreK, K and 1

13:30 Grades 4 and 5

The ES Art Show Reception will also take place on the same day.

Please mark your calendars and don’t miss these events!

Deb LoCascio




Third Grade Strings Host Morning Concerts

Monday mornings are Music Mornings at the AIS ES entrance on the Salmannsdorferstrasse. String players from the third grade are serenading AIS students into beginning each week with a smile on their faces and music in their hearts! Come and hear some beautiful string music on Mondays from 7:50 – 8:10 each week!


From the counselor's corner

PARENTS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!

The Parent Institute Newsletter is a great resource to help parents learn tips and strategies to promote student achievement and school success. The school has an online subscription through the ES Counseling Department. The current issue will appear here monthly. Click the image to go to the PDF downloadable version.


BINGO NIGHT 2015!

Recently more than 200 parents, children, teachers and staff attended PTF’s great family fun event and participated in the annual highlight "BINGO NIGHT" ! The cafeteria was very crowded and after enjoying hot dogs and burgers, Bingo began with the first caller, our Director Steve Razidlo. Many more followed and  the children were especially excited to have a „Bingo“ and to choose one of the great prizes donated by the AIS community. Our Silent Auction presented great items, such as Cake Baking, Zumba-Dance-Event and a Scavenger Hunt.

The evening raised funds to be used by the PTF for our school and would not have been as successful without the wonderful help, support and donations of our „awesome“ community.

Thank all of you for your time and support,

The PTF Bingo Committee

MOKI German Theater Visit

On Wednesday, January 14th, the Viennese MOKI Theater company visited our Elementary School presenting the play “Aschenputtel” in German. All students in grade 1 to grade 4 have seen this famous traditional fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm. The students have been learning about “Aschenputtel” during the last few weeks in the German classes. MOKI´s modern, humorous production was a big success and both children and adults thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity! We are very proud of our great German speakers!

The German Department


January Principal's Coffee

Six months in, Vienna still does not feel like home...

The January Principal Coffee will feature the second of a 3-part series on Global Family Transitions. On Thursday, January 22, Kilian Kröll will facilitate an interactive conversation titled "The Honeymoon is Over -- Now What?" This session is aimed at families new to AIS as well as those with extensive experience crossing countries and cultures. Now that I've helped my family through the initial stages of culture shock, what can I do for us to feel really settled? How can I anticipate my child's development? How can I love Vienna more?

The Global Family Transitions series will continue with Part 3 ("Good Goodbyes") on May 19.

We look forward to welcoming to you there!

Sacha McVean, Elementary Principal

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What: Global Family Transitions, Part 2
"The Honeymoon is Over -- Now What?" (facilitated conversation)

When: January 22, 8:30-10:00
Where: AIS Faculty Lounge
Facilitator:
Kilian Kröll

New Purchases Increase Access to Technology in ES

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In the last few months some exciting additions to Elementary School technology resources have given students and teachers more on demand access to computers and iPads.  In Grade 3, students now have 1:1 access to iPads. This means that there is one iPad assigned to each grade 3 students.  In addition, blue tooth keyboards allow students to use the iPad as a word processing tool. They have very quickly put them to use for their recent science project.  In grade 4, students now have 1:1 access to laptop computers. Each student has a designated laptop that is available in the classroom. They are also quickly putting them to use as they did with their recent immigration slide show project.  Grades K-1- 2 also have dedicated class sets of  iPads which they are using on a regular basis for curriculum enhancement.  As always, Grade 5 students are issued a take home laptop which they use on a daily basis for research, productivity and creativity. They are now using them to edit movies they made for their Film Festival.


ES PARTICIPATES IN HOUR OF CODE

During the week of Dec 8 - 12, AIS Elementary students participated in a global initiative to demystify computer programming and get kids excited about the world of computer coding. This initiative is called Hour of Code.  Students who participated were given a login and then went through the steps needed to understand what coding is. All of grade 3 and 4 participated as well as some other individual classes.  The Hour of Code is a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify code and show that anybody can learn it.  This year over 15 million students worldwide participated from all over the world. The Hour of Code is organized by Code.org, non-profit organization dedicated to expanding participation in computer science by making it available in more schools, and increasing participation by women and underrepresented students of color.  You can find out more at www.hourofcode.org


ES SLEIGH RIDES HELPS HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

The elementary children (Grades 1-5) took part in the Annual Sleigh Ride/Habitat for Humanity event this December 10th.   They mounted their sleighs (mats on scooters) and raced around the gym with screams and shrieks of delight.  The children were sweating and strengthening their muscles, as well as working as a team throughout the entire activity and a great time was had by all.

This event is a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity and connects ES and HS students in a festive and active way to help build a decent home for a needy family.  Thank you for your generous donations and support.  

A special thank you to Mr. Wright, Mrs. Spelic, Mr. Szabad and Mrs. Hollanda for organizing and promoting this event.

The class that raised the most funds for 2014 was Mr. Golden Grade 3 class and they will be given the Habitat Sleigh Ride Trophy.

Thank you to all the students who participated in such a positive and energetic way.





KSN KNIGHTS NEWS

ELEMENTARY EDITION

DECEMBER 2014

ELEMENTARY CHRISTMAS CONCERTS

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Second Graders Get To Be University Scientists


The second grade students spent the day at the University of Vienna being scientists.  The students were actively using the scientific method – asking questions, making a hypothesis, doing the experiment  and then coming up with a conclusion at the 9 experiment stations.  This visit to the science labs at the university was a great way to give the students an opportunity to see scientists at work and the timing was perfect with our Writing Like a Scientist Unit.  Students, teachers and scientists enjoyed this wonderful learning opportunity and were quoted as saying this was the best field trip ever.  Maybe this visit helped to inspire our students to become future scientists. We would like to thank AIS parents Dr. Alexander Bismarck and Dr. Katharine Sarikakis for making this wonderful event a huge success.


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Counselor's Corner

In Grades PK-3 social skill classes, we have started to learn about the conflict resolution program called Kelso's Choices. Students learn they are strong enough and smart enough to solve "small" problems, problems that involve mild feelings of being "bugged", on their own. Children are told to try 2 of Kelso's Choices before they go to adult for help. With "big" problems, children should immediately go to an adult for help because these problems are scary or dangerous. Here is an image of Kelso's Choices. Children are taught to use each one and will practice throughout the year.

More tips and parenting resources can be found on the counselor link under "more" on the AIS Elementary School website, or can be found at http://rockymountaintopcounseling.weebly.com/ .

Please also feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns at 01-40132-2411 or at m.best@ais.at.

Your Counselor,
Mel Best



kindergarten Plants Tulips

Our Pre-K and Kindergarten students spent the afternoon planting tulip bulbs in their brand new outdoor classroom. In wooden planter boxes, kids dug out weeds and loosened the dirt. Then a teacher helped them dig holes to place the bulbs, roots down, in the soil. These bulbs will grow to be beautiful tulips in the springtime! Meanwhile at other stations in the outdoor classroom, students sifted sand, worked with clay, created nature-inspired paintings, and wove large weeds in the weaver's frame.

The outdoor classroom is a dedicated space to support experiential learning in the Early Childhood Center.

Halloween Madness

UN Day    Celebrating our Nationalities and Peace Among Nations


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Global Cardboard Challenge

For the first time ever, AIS participated in the Global Cardboard Challenge, a day of student teamwork, problem-solving, play and innovation. For two weeks, students collected cardboard, and dreamt about what they can build.

On the big day, each elementary class, from Pre-K to Grade 5, took half the morning to construct their interactive games. Armed with tape, scissors, markers and aluminum foil, they tackled the cardboard and invented amazing interpretations of traditional arcade games: pop the weasel, air hockey, life-size foosball, pin ball, bowling, mini golf, and hit-the-target. There were also miniature and life-size doll houses, marble courses and skate board tracks. Students worked in small groups, with adult guidance when necessary, encouraged to solve problems that arose own their own. In the afternoon all grade levels switched and shared their games with each other.

The Global Cardboard Challenge kicked off our year of innovation that encourages students to design, problem-solve, and create. Teachers learn alongside students, proving to themselves that, in fact, from chaos comes innovation.

I liked the cardboard challenge because we had a great game. I learnt that to make good stuff you should work in teamwork. Maybe next year one second grade class can do a piece of a big painting. ­­--James, Grade 2





KSN KNIGHTS NEWS

ELEMENTARY EDITION

SEPTEMBER 2014



Elementary Strings Tuned Up and Ready to Bow



Grade 5 goes on adventure and a sleep-over at school

For the second year in a row, Grade 5 students ventured on a hike to the ropes course at Kahlenberg and returned to AIS to roast smores around a bonfire and sleep over in the gym. Students and teachers set off on the forest path across from the school after lunch, hiking up- and downhill in the Vienna Woods for nearly two hours. Once we reached Kahlenberg, everyone learned how to fasten harness, helmet and karabiners in order to safely climb, balance and zip through the tree-top ropes course. Back at school, Grade 5 parents fed the hungry lot with burgers and hot dogs before saying goodnight and driving away.

For many kids, it was their first time spending the night outside their home without their parents. As the first stars appeared in the night sky, students gathered behind the sports field around a campfire, told stories, sang songs and roasted marshmallows. We did our best sleeping on comfy mats in the gym, listening to each other giggle and snore. Everyone woke to the smell of fresh pancakes -- parents hard at work again to welcome us to the new day.

OCTOBER PRINCIPAL'S COFFEE

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GLOBAL FAMILY TRANSITIONS

When: October 7, 8:30-10:00
Where: AIS Faculty Lounge
The October Principal Coffee will feature the first of a 3-part series on Global Family Transitions. On Tuesday, October 7, Kilian Kröll will facilitate an interactive conversation about "Clicking Into a New (School) Culture." This session is aimed at families new to AIS as well as those with extensive experience crossing countries and cultures. What are best practices for settling in with ease? How can I find the resources my kids and I need to feel at home? How can I help my family through stages of culture shock?

The Global Family Transitions series will continue with Part 2 ("The Honeymoon is Over -- Now What?") on January 22 and Part 3 ("Good Goodbyes") on May 19.

What: Global Family Transitions, Part 1: "Clicking Into a New (School) Culture" (facilitated conversation)


We look forward to welcoming to you there!

Sacha McVean, Elementary Principal


ais elementary celebrates pattern day


students welcome parents to open house in video

Ms. Trombetta put parents to work at Open House by having them show their artistic side, coloring flowers.

25 Ways to Ask Your Kids 'So How Was School Today?' Without Asking Them 'So How Was School Today?'

This year, Simon is in fourth grade and Grace is in first grade, and I find myself asking them every day after school, "So how was school today?"

And every day I get an answer like "fine" or "good," which doesn't tell me a whole lot.

AND I WANT TO KNOW A WHOLE LOT!!!!

Or at least get a full sentence. So the other night, I sat down and made a list of more engaging questions to ask about school. They aren't perfect, but I do at least get complete sentences, and some have led to some interesting conversations... and hilarious answers... and some insights into how my kids think and feel about school.

1. What was the best thing that happened at school today? (What was the worst thing that happened at school today?)

2. Tell me something that made you laugh today.

3. If you could choose, who would you like to sit by in class? (Who would you NOT want to sit by in class? Why?)

Click here for the other 22 Ways To Ask Your Kids 'So was was school today?'



Grade 5 and kindergarten
buddy up

Fulfilling our school-wide goal of collaborating across grade levels, Ms. Tofany's Grade 5 students are partnering with Mr. Martinez' Kindergarten class to become Exploration Buddies. During their first session, students were paired up by language and personality. KG students chose two books and 5th graders practiced their oratory skills by reading them out loud. Some buddies had important discussions about growing friendship and how to become a pirate. Finally, Mr. Martinez taught everyone the Moose Dance. Buddies intend to meet once per cycle to continue exploring literature, science and the outdoors.


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AIS Vienna Girl Scouts Overseas

AIS Vienna Girl Scouts Overseas will be available at the Back to School BBQ on Saturday 6 September for any interested girls and families to answer question and/or assist with sign ups. The program is currently open to girls from Kindergarten to 8th Grade. Meetings begin on Thursday 11 September and will be held weekly from 3:30 - 5:00pm.  Girls can participate weekly, monthly or on weekends during special events and field trips.

The Girl Scout Leadership Experience engages girls in three key activities: discovering who they are and what they value; connecting with others; and taking action to make the world a better place.

For more information, please read the attached information sheet and contact viennausagso@gmail.com.

For information on the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, please go to: https://www.girlscouts.org/gsle/

The AIS Vienna Girl Scouts



It is with great pleasure that we celebrate the end of our first week of school.  Standing outside on Tuesday morning as cars pulled up to the curb to drop off students reminded me of just how special our school community is at AIS.  Everyone was so happy to return to school and begin another year of learning and laughing together.  In addition to welcoming our returning friends, we greeted ninety-one new students and their families to elementary school .  These new students have joined a truly international community representing over fifty three nationalities.  Together we create a new family, an AIS family, where every child belongs.  Where every child is nurtured, respected and challenged. I am honored to be a returning member of the AIS school community,  proud of our school programs, humbled by our excellent teachers and enthusiastic about sharing this year with you.   I look forward to welcoming you to school throughout the year. 

Ms. Sacha McVean

Elementary Principal

WELCOME BACK! OFF TO A GREAT START

For more first day photos, click here.

AIS Early Childhood Philosophy

Please Click Here to View the AIS Early Childhood Philosophy Statement

AIS Elementary School Reading Guidelines

Please Click Here to View The AIS Elementary School Reading Guidelines

AIS Elementary Homework Philosophy and Parent's Guide 2014 / 15

Please Click Here to View The AIS Elementary School Homework Philosophy and Parent's Guide

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