Parent Organization News
We had the most recent PO Council meeting on 16 November. All areas of the PO made reports. PS, MS and US updates will be sent to you through the usual school channels. We discussed budgeting procedures moving forward and several new initiatives, which are detailed below.
WorldFest 2004 – by Anita Leopold, WorldFest Committee Chair
On Sunday, October 24, the WorldFest committee became concerned that rain would ruin the day, but the guests kept coming and soon the sun began to shine, helping WorldFest 2004 to be great fun. Children ran around and played on the Bungee Jump, Shark Slide, motorized cars and more, while parents enjoyed Taste of Nations – AIS style! A big thanks to all the parents who spent hours baking and cooking these delicious dishes. We’d like to thank the table heads for co-ordinating all the hard work. Congratulations to Iran for Best Food by Country and to Mexico for Best Table Decorations by Country!
The 1st annual T-shirt design contest was a big hit amongst the kids and the parents. Thanks, Alix Taylor, for your great design. The entertainment was extraordinary with the dance performances, Laughing Pizza, Karate demonstrations and others. The International Marketplace had many wonderful items to purchase and Arts and Crafts had many great new items to make. Thank you to the WorldFest committee, AIS staff, volunteers, participants, contributors and guests.
Robotics Report - by Jean Millkey, AIS Robotics Coordinator
This year’s AIS Robotics Team is off to a great start! For those unfamiliar with the program, we’re a FIRST team and will compete in the 2005 tournaments. This entails preparation and training in engineering, programming and business skills this fall so that we’re ready when the competition kicks off in early January. We’ll receive the game plan at Kick-Off, revealing the tasks the robot will need to accomplish. We’ll then have six weeks to build a 130 pound programmed robot. After shipping it in late February, we’ll prepare for the Peachtree Regional tournament, March 3 -5 (right before Spring Break.) You are all welcome to come out to the Gwinnett Civic Center to watch the tournament! You can read up on the program at www.usfirst.org.
Scholastic Bookfair – by Lisa Olens
Thanks to all the parent and student volunteers that made the Scholastic Book Fair a huge success. Eveyone greatly enjoyed it - from those participating in the Primary School Pajama Party Preview, to those doing some early holiday shopping, to those picking out a special selection for their child’s teacher. The school also benefits through your support with approximately $2,000 of books, equipment and supplies being given in-kind to the library.
We Need You for a Health Food Initiative
The AIS Parent Organization identified the need and interest among AIS parents to study the options of the types of food and beverages in the school cafeteria and vending machines with the intention of offering a healthier cafeteria service.
We need interested parents to become involved. We are looking for representatives from the Primary, Middle and Upper Schools to be part of a committee that includes the members from the MS and US student council, as well as a representative from the cafeteria management and the AIS Business Office. We would also like to have a parent chair the committee, starting in January 2005. If you are interested in making a difference, please contact Sue MacGregor e-mail flaher_m@bellsouth.net.