Questions and Answers

Town Hall Update, February 21, 2006

Morning Session

Q. Why would we consider having an English track in Primary School?

A. Many international schools have an English track to better accommodate children coming to the school who do not speak English. Many international students who have a different first language find it extremely difficult to learn both English and either German, French or Spanish. (Robert Brindley, Headmaster AIS)

Q. What campuses are we looking at for best practices on bricks and mortar plans?

A. Currently we are looking at Georgia Tech which has done a great job of marrying purpose-built learning facilities and combining areas of learning that one wouldn't normally consider having together. This provides us with the ability to see beyond where we are and come up with unique ideas for future plans. I also saw a great example of purpose-built technical schools in England years ago under Margaret Thatcher's era. They were state of the art Science & Technology buildings that led the way in education and still lead today. (Robert Brindley)

Q. What's the timeline?

A. We will get started on what we've laid out for this year right away, including upgrades to the science labs this summer. As far as major bricks and mortar projects, our timeline is obviously constrained by our ability to raise money –- our plan is to raise the funds as fast as we can. (Gerry Hull, Chair, AIS Board of Trustees)

Q. What about the results of the feasibility study? How much money did it say we can raise?

A. The feasibility study gave us some good information -- it suggested we could raise $6-10 million -- but it was based on information available at that time. We have come a long way since then in terms of identifying specific needs and building a case for each. I believe that estimate can grow and will ultimately be determined by the belief in the need for our goals. (Gerry Hull)

Q. How does fundraising work? Is it done overall or by areas?

A. Anyone can donate funds for a specific purpose -– we call that "restricted" giving. Unrestricted giving goes in to the general pot and is allocated according to the priorities agreed to by the Board of Trustees. In the January retreat, the Board agreed to the following building priorities:

  1. new 4K–Grade 1 facility
  2. new science and technology building
  3. grades 2–5 addition or new building
Will it happen that way? Probably not. The footprint of the school may develop in accordance to the way restricted funds are raised. For example, if we got a gift tomorrow designated to cover the cost of a new Science and Technology building, obviously we would start right away. (Gerry Hull)

Q. How much will a new science and technology building cost?

A. We estimate about $7 million for each component –- new science and technology building; new 4K–Grade 1 primary building; and new Grade 2–5 building. (Gerry Hull)

Q. How are we using the expertise and connections of parents in helping in the science and technology area?

A. We are using parent expertise as much as possible. You can tell your story about AIS and appeal to people, organizations, etc. with deep pockets and help us build on current relationships. (Alan Colberg, Chair, Strategic Planning Committee, AIS Board of Trustees)

We are also using parents with strong science and technology expertise and backgrounds in helping us assess our current science and technology curriculum and facilities. They are part of our Science and Technology Task Force being chaired by the Head of Upper School. (Robert Brindley)

Q. It's easier to raise money if we sell the success of the school. Corporations, people like to support organizations that are already successful. What is the public relations portion of the strategic plan that is addressing this need?

A. Parents are ambassadors for AIS and they help to tell our story. And there is a great deal to say about AIS. (Gerry Hull)

We are in the process of hiring a community relations manager with expertise in this area to address this specific issue, amongst others. I've announced the position to all parents and it is posted on our website. It is a priority that I am addressing. (Robert Brindley)

Q. Why is the Board's priority the building of a new 4K to Grade 1 building over science and technology?

A. They are all important. If we get the money for science and technology first then we'll build that building first. (Gerry Hull)

We have to change our mindset. I want it all -– the whole picture. We're jumping off the cliff together and we're bringing this dream into reality. It is no longer a question of choosing one thing over another. It is all part of the vision and we are all working together to make it happen. (Robert Brindley)

Q. Where does the money come from in a Capital Campaign?

A. Money comes from many sources. A typical campaign has a lead donor that starts things off. A few major donors then follow the lead and so on. It is usually a pyramid of donation amounts with the lead gift at the top and hundreds of smaller gifts at the bottom. It is impossible to be successful without both. Participation by parents and board members is crucial. We have been very fortunate to have had support in the past from Coca Cola and foundations like the Woodruff Foundation and others, but please understand, they usually like to come in at the end of the campaign after broad support is proven to be in place. (Gerry Hull)

Q. Why would you consider an English track in Primary School? It doesn't make sense to me. How can you do that in only 4K? Won't there be a need in all grades? Would you have to do combined classes in a Montessori style?

A. Dal Sohi, Head of Primary School, is chairing our new Language Acquisition Committee. He had his first meeting yesterday and 21 faculty offered their "spare" time to work with him over the next 12–18 months to look at questions like this one. (Robert Brindley)

Q. How important is sociological diversity at AIS?

A. The AIS Board of Trustees has a goal for 10 percent of our enrollment to come from financial aid. Currently we are a bit below this goal. We need to be proactive and look at scholarship opportunities. (Robert Brindley)

Q. How are you going to increase diversity at AIS? Are you reaching out to organizations within the community? Do any strategies include working with an Advisory Council made up of civic and business organizations?

A. We know it is critical to build our community. We need to communicate strategically our vision and build relationships so we reach out and attract faculty, students and staff to AIS. It often means targeting a specific language or cultural need and be proactive in attracting them to AIS. (Robert Brindley)

Q. Why would you consider adding Chinese at the Primary level? Are you making that decision based on research?

A. No. Originally we introduced Chinese at the Grade 8 level based on the current demographic trends. Parents have also been asking us so I have anecdotal evidence as well. We took a tour to China last year to create links and explore this area more. We know that approximately over 400 American families in Atlanta alone have adopted Chinese children. We also know that South East Asia is poised for growth. We need to break from our Eurocentric focus that we now have. But, obviously, this larger question will be dealt with in Dal's Language Acquisition Task Force. (Robert Brindley)

Q. What would you like parents to do?

A. Make the community aware of who we are, what we do. We have a great story to tell and we are still the best kept secret in Atlanta. Focus on the big picture -– on the remarkable results we produce. (Gerry Hull)

Q. Can you videotape tonight's session and put it on the web so parents who can't be here can learn what's going on?

A. We'll look into it. (Robert Brindley)

Later response –- We checked into taping tonight's session and it appears that our current technology is such that it would not work. We are not attached to or using a video streaming server which would mean a very slow broadband presentation. We have posted the presentations and questions and answers and are looking at having a couple of extra sessions for parents who weren't able to make the session on the 21st.

Q. With the adoption of the Middle Years Program, how will the different teachers work together?

A. We are going through the SACS accreditation (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) which involves teachers at all levels. I also have the academic council which has the heads of each school, the IB Curriculum leaders work and sit together and I am working with the curriculum leaders in Primary and Middle schools as well. The question everyone is looking at is how do we improve learning in the classroom? That is our focus and we are becoming more integrated every day. (Robert Brindley)

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Evening Session: 7–8:30 p.m.

Q. Is this a historical site? What will happen in 2049 when our lease runs out?

A. We're not a historical site but the school is listed as having historical significance. As for the lease, we are continually keeping our eye on this issue through the Board's Building and Grounds Committee. (Robert Brindley)

Q. During the gymnasium renovation, the Garden Hills community's main concern was that we not change the overall look and keep the historical significance. Are you respecting that concern with the new plans?

A. Yes -– we will continue to be respectful and work with the Garden Hills community. (Robert Brindley)

Q. I know the desire for a pool was raised. Right now I have a 6th grader and this is a big issue because they have to walk unaccompanied to the pool at the Church. There is a lack of pool facilities throughout the city –- it was in the paper a few weeks ago. My question is, have we thought of approaching the Garden Hills community to see if we could use their pool during the winter months when they typically close their facility? This might be a cheaper option. It's within walking distance of the school and it's a nice facility.

A. I said before that "we" are working on this together. I don't have an answer for you on this particular question. But this is a perfect example of how "we" can work together. Many parents have excellent ideas that we may not have thought of. I am certainly very receptive to those ideas. (Robert Brindley)

Q. There's been a lot of focus in our discussion on the buildings. What's going to happen in the classrooms?

A. That's a good question because most parents aren't aware of the parallel work that is being done right now by our faculty. We are currently going through SACS accreditation (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools), where the focus is on how to improve learning in the classroom. We're also looking at learning styles. There are many different learning styles in each class. There are also gender issues to consider. Boys and girls learn differently. (Robert Brindley)

Q. What about kinesthetic learning? How are you planning to improve that?

A.The improvement in science and technology, beyond the physical improvements to classrooms or building new buildings, speaks to this issue. Robotics is a perfect example of kinesthetic learning. Our "doing" piece needs to improve, hence the focus on science and technology, robotics etc. How you learn by doing, building and constructing brings it all together. We know this is important. (Robert Brindley)

Q. How many students living in the apartments that AIS owns, go to Garden Hills? Will tearing down the apartments affect the population and vibrancy of Garden Hills Public School?

A. We don't think so and we certainly hope not. We have a good relationship with Garden Hills and will continue to work with them. We'd like to work with the Atlanta Public School system to redevelop the green space in front of the school for the entire community to enjoy. (Robert Brindley)

(A parent in the audience pointed out that recent rezoning will mean a new influx of students to the Garden Hills catchment area -– so the school will remain vibrant.)

Q. What's the likelihood of having Chinese in the Primary School in the next five years?

A. Dal Sohi, Head of Primary School, is chairing the Language Acquisition Committee. They will be looking at this question among others. It will take 12–18 months for them to report back. But I believe if we want to shift the school and be less Euro-centric then we need to look at a balance in our curriculum. (Robert Brindley)

Q. I saw the footprint that we have now and there's not any room for us to buy more land around the school.But has the Board looked at or considered buying the little houses along North Fulton Avenue? These could make perfect administration offices.

A. There are 8–9 little houses on North Fulton and yes, and I think they would be wonderful to house an early learning 2–3K program. Imagine having a "German House," a "Spanish House," etc. Land is critical in our long-term vision. In 20 years land in Buckhead will sell for a premium price. This has to be carefully planned and the Board is looking at this. (Robert Brindley)

Q. The need that we see for more focus on science and technology -– how does this correspond to what's happening inside our classrooms?

A. You need to know that the Secondary Science faculty we currently have is the best we've ever had. Our weakness is not just in Secondary School facilities, but how we develop the whole school. We have no labs in the primary school for example. We must continually improve our math and science. The solution is multi-leveled. (Robert Brindley)

Q.All this talk about the focus on science and technology –- is there still a balance? IB is supposed to be balanced.

A. Yes, in the IBO each subject is valued equally so that the music program is valued as much as the math program, Spanish etc. (Robert Brindley)

When we asked our alumni about how well prepared they felt for college they answered about 80 percent in most subjects. But for science they rated only 50 percent. They felt the least prepared in sciences. (Alan Colberg, Chair, Strategic Planning Committee, AIS Board of Trustees)

It's both programs and structures -– don't underestimate the importance of facilities. It's not a coincidence that we've had our best year in sports (our boys won the Cross Country Championship this year) with the new SAC just opening. We have the same students, the same coaches, but we made a statement. It‘s the key to our future –- "create-ability". I don't know if you saw the robotics team's new robot. It is very sophisticated. The future belongs to creativity whether it is in science and technology, music or whatever. (Robert Brindley)

Q. How do you balance the time being spent teaching science?

A. There are three things to consider:
1. Increasing the science program in Primary School
2. Give more time to some classes
3. Get students to select their sciences earlier.
(Robert Brindley)

Q.What about the financial aspect? How much have you raised to do this? How much is needed?

A. First, we need a clear vision of what we were trying to do. We are filling in the details of that vision now. Next, we need to establish our priorities. We have, by and large, accomplished this as well. Science and technology bubbled up for the right reasons -– to give it the importance it needs. Now we have a story so we can begin to raise money. We will be launching a capital campaign shortly and refine our vision a bit more -– we're close now. When we launch the campaign, we'll give it our all.

How long will that take? I don't know. We need about $7 million for each -– science and technology building, new 4K–Grade 1 building and new Grade 2–5 building. That's $21 million.

What's first? Well, it will come down to who gives us the money for what first. If science and technology gets funded first, then we'll build that first. If the primary school gets the money, then it will be first.

Keep in mind that major facilities are only a part of it. There are many priorities we can take action on today. This summer we will rehabilitate the science labs in Upper School. The decision has been made. Some priorities don't cost anything at all –- like RAVA.

So how can you, as parents help us? By telling the story of the school. Instead of focusing on the needs and deficiencies and faults, focus on the whole picture. Many people don't realize what we have here. I think our graduates are better able and equipped to handle life than most 40 year olds. When we look at the bigger picture and see this wonderful institution and the great results our students are getting and then factor in the improvements that are coming our way –- it makes a great story. We need to tell that story.

We do not intend to be a Georgia Tech with the additional focus on Science and Technology. But our brand today, as (mis)understood by the man on the street, is uni-dimensional; some think of us as just a language school. By adding a science and technology center we will be providing a physical symbol that will give AIS a clear second dimension. Of course, we know we are more than that, we really have many dimensions but it's important for people to understand who we are –- you can help us tell that story. (Gerry Hull, Chairman, AIS Board of Trustees)

Q.Who's in charge of choosing the publicity? Why are we always focusing on languages for summer camp? Why not offer robotics in French or IT programming in Spanish?

A.These are great ideas. We will be having a forensic summer camp program at AIS in 2007. We have to reinforce who we are. Wouldn't it be wonderful to offer Robotics in Chinese? (Robert Brindley)

Q. Have you done research on the impact of raising class size in the primary school from 15 to 16?

A. Yes, in fact I studied the quantitative effect personally. There is no quantitative research showing a correlation. However, on the qualitative side there is a huge impact. I recently went to the kindergarten room and read to some children in 5K. When I looked out at the children around me I thought there were about 20 students. But when I counted, there were only 14. Given the space we have now, we can't add anymore students to a classroom. It could break the balance.

However, I have found personally in teaching that having fewer than 12 students diminishes the dynamics in a classroom, especially in Middle school. It is not that way in Upper School –- in fact smaller class size is great. Fewer than 15 is a problem, 16 is optimal. Over 20 –- no way. Ideally, 18 in middle school and 14-15 for juniors or seniors is best. (Robert Brindley)

Q. How are you going to improve the communications and marketing of the school?

A. You may have noticed the new job posting on the website. We know we need to do a better job of communications and marketing who we are. I am currently looking at applicants and hope to have the position staffed in April or May. How we communicate and how we are perceived is critical -- we're not just a language school. (Robert Brindley)

Q. Are we full?

A. We have specific slots for specific kids. I have to build in a capacity for new kids who move in throughout the year –- and it happens throughout the year with international families. So ultimately it's a balancing act. (Robert Brindley)

Q. We haven't talked about one of the four goals you mentioned –- being a center for educational research. What's in the plan to support this? Does this involve infrastructure?

A. We have CASIE here. Last year, we had over 1,100 teachers come to our facility for professional development. In our calendar for next year, I've scheduled in a half day on the last Wednesday of each month for teacher time for professional development. Time is critical and now we only have after school. Structurally we need time and that's why I made the change I did for next year.

In the MYP program, we are judged on how well the teachers communicate with each other and other schools. This is all part of the research / excellence goal that we have. It works on many levels. (Robert Brindley)

Q. What do you mean by "utilize the bubble"?

A. It speaks to looking at the space that already exists in the school and either refurbishing or renovating space we already have. Where is there unused capacity? For example, we are not using the attics in any of the buildings. They are huge spaces, clean etc. We have our architect looking at the structural soundness of the floors, etc. to see if this is even an option. We're also doing a cost-benefit analysis to see if refurbishing or renovating is a better option than building new buildings. (Robert Brindley)

Q. What about numeracy and literacy, etc.?

A. We are bringing in specialists that are trained specifically to work with our faculty. They will be part of the professional development piece in the classroom to make sure that we're stronger. It will also provide the important linkages between primary and middle school that we need to improve. (Robert Brindley)

Q. I have a comment. There has been lots of good discussion on science and technology. But we have to look at the whole child. Their character is developed in the primary years. There's been no discussion on that.

A. Our new head of Middle School, Marsha Huitt, will chair the RAVA Task Force. This task force is much broader that "Respect All Value All". It speaks to everything and will certainly address what you're talking about. (Robert Brindley)

Q. Why don't we have a football team?

A. There needs to be a balance between being an international school and being in the United States. We need to be balanced between American and non-American sports. We're focusing on soccer instead. (Robert Brindley)

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