General Announcements
This Week in Pictures
Counselors Corner
ECC Announcements
Elementary Announcements
Middle School Announcements
High School Announcements
Athletic Announcements
Dates to Remember
General Announcements
ISC Basketball Tournament in Wuxi
TIS high school basketball teams have traveled to Wuxi this weekend for the ISC Basketball Tournament. Please see the Athletic Section for more details. Go Eagles!
PTO Kick-Off Meeting
On Wednesday around 60 parents were present for the PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) Kick Off Meeting at TIS. During the 1-hour session, the basic organizational structure, the roles, and functions of the PTO was introduced to parents. To many, the concept of the PTO is entirely new and some did not know how it differs from the PAC (Principals’ Advisory Committee). After Wednesday's kick off session, many parents have come to understand what the PTO is all about and how important it is for parents to have such an organization in place.
The PTO is opened for all parents to participate in, following his or her own interest, time and commitment level. At Wednesday’s meeting many parents showed interest and signed up for various roles and activities. We are yet to decide on the individuals to run the various leadership roles and hence would like parents to come forward and offer their time and willingness to help activate this vital organization. With many to help, we can do it. Some roles and functions discussed included forming a Health and Safety Committee (covering Kitchen and Cafeteria, Bussing and other). Topics yet to be discussed include promoting athletic events, performing arts events, and other important school-wide events like International Day and China Day. PTO meetings will be held once a month. Please be watching the Eagles Nest for the next PTO meeting.
AMIS Middle School Mixed Choir Festival
You are invited to attend the AMIS Middle School Mixed Choir Festival Concert at 7:00 PM on Saturday, January 24 in the TIS Auditorium. This event involves 80 middle school students from 11 international schools from all over the world with guest conductor Melodie Hausman from International School of Manila. We hope to have a full house, so bring your family and friends.
Bussing Schedule for Saturday Night's AMIS Concert
Pick-ups:
6:10 pm YG100（1 side/main gate）— TIS （2 buses)
6:10 pm Ao cheng — TIS （3 buses）
6: 15pm Fu Li Jin Men Hu —6:20pm HYCZ (back gate)— 6:40pm Subway—TIS (1bus)
6:20 pm DLTY — 6:25pm BDHT (back/front gate) — TIS (1bus)
6: 20 pm BDHT (front gate) — TIS (1 bus)
Returns:
8:30PM All the buses ready to Depart at 8:45PM
TIS——YG100（1 Side; 1 main gate）（2 buses）
TIS——DLTY-----BDHT (back/front gate) (1 bus)
TIS———BDHT (1 bus)
TIS---Subway-----HYCZ—Fu Li Jin Men Hu（1 bus）
TIS---Ao Cheng (3 buses)
TIS---Crowne Plaza in MJ (for AMIS guest teachers) -- Ao Cheng （1 bus）
Parental Controls on MacBooks and iPads
At the December 10th parent meetings, Mr. Williams mentioned several options for managing student use of MacBooks and iPads. If you would like help setting up parent monitoring of your students’ device, Mr. Williams is available to meet with you to help find a solution that meets your family’s needs. Please call or email to make an appointment with Mr. Lee Williams - Educational Technology Coach, lwilliams@tiseagles.com or phone at 13820595263.
Library System Upgrade
For the past few days the library system was down due to the scheduled server upgrade; a temporary circulation system was used during the down time. The brand new library site is now fully functioning. We encourage you to give it a try. However, the use of the temporary system had caused some unexpected mistakes. If you have books turned in or checked out during this period but your account does not reflect those activities, we apologize in advance for those mistakes and the inconvenience that they may cause you. We also ask for your patience and understanding as we continue to update our records.
China Day February 6 - Please Mark Your Calendars
Please note, two changes to this year's China Day Celebration. The date is one week before our Chun Jie break starts and there is a fee for lunch that day. Come dressed in traditional Chinese clothes OR please wear red that day as we celebrate China’s rich history. This year’s China Day’s focus will be the Qin Dynasty.
Lunch Prices:
ECC student plus 1 parent combo ticket - 20RMB
All other students and parents - 20RMB per person
Vendor tickets for non-students will be also be on sale, cost for extra tickets coming later.
We are also going to be focusing in on our talented TIS community, (just like International Day) so if you or your child plays a Chinese instrument; sings a Chinese song or knows a Chinese dance, please do contact Mrs. Dawn Williams ~ dwilliams@tiseagles.com
Comments or Suggestions?
Please use our online suggestion form.. Be sure to click “submit” when you have completed your comments. Please note you may submit your comments anonymously, but we will not be able to return your message personally, if you do write an anonymous comment. You may also write your comment down and pop it in our new Suggestion Box located in the school lobby. Any of our 4 main language groups may be used, we will arrange translation.
This Week in Pictures
To Download Images from "This Week in Pictures" please use this link:
Counselors Corner, by Jeffery Scranton
US Nationally Certified Counselor; M.Ed. Clinical Mental Health, Clemson University; BA Southern Wesleyan University
How to Tell if Your Child is Being Bullied and What to Do About It
Written by Annie Suen, Elementary School Counselor, Tianjin International School.
Millions of children are being bullied everyday at school, and yet it’s often difficult for parents to recognize the problems. It’s important to take bullying seriously and not just brush it off as something that kids have to “tough out.” The effects of bullying can be very serious and can lead to a long term mental problems like anxiety and depression.
Children won’t always speak up when they’re being bullied at school, so parents need to look for warning signs.
Here are possible warnings that a child may be bullied and needs your support.
Unexplained physical marks, cuts, bruises, etc.
Frequently arriving home with clothing or possessions damaged or missing.
Doesn’t want to go to school or skip school.
Afraid of riding the school bus.
Appears sad, angry, anxious or depressed/change in typical behavior or personality.
Physical complaints: headaches, stomachaches, frequent visit to the nurse’s office.
Difficulty sleeping, nightmares, bed-wetting.
Change in eating habits.
Begin bullying siblings or younger kids (bullied children can flip their role and become the bully)
Waiting to get home to use the bathroom (school bathrooms can be hot spots for bullying because they are not adult-supervised.)
Suddenly has fewer friends or doesn’t want to be with the “regular group.”
Sudden and significant drop in grades (bullying can cause a child to have difficulty focusing and concentrating)
Dramatic change in style of dressing
Sudden fear of meeting new people, trying new things.
Talks about feeling helpless or about suicide.
If your child shows any of these signs, consider them clues for further inquiry. The problem may be bullying, or it may be something else.
If you do suspect a problem, talk with your child directly.
Here are some questions you can ask your child.
Who do you sit with at lunch and on the bus?
Your jacket is ripped. Did someone do that to you?
Do you have any special friends at school this year? Who are they?
Are there any kids at school who tease you in a mean way?
Are there any kids at school who leave you out on purpose?
If you do determine that your child is a victim of bullies, here are some tips.
Listen to your child. Take all complaints seriously, and listen supportively. Your child needs to know that he’s being heard and that his feelings matter.
Contact the school. Report it to the principal, giving as much specified detail as you can.
Contact the parents of the child whom your child identifies as a bully.
Encourage your child to take action. Teach your child to address the bully in a self-assured controlled manner. Role-play with your child assertiveness skills such as walking with confidence, looking someone in the eye, and saying authoritatively, “stop that right now.”
Bullying is preventable by educating themselves and their children. Parents can work with their schools and community to help prevent bullying behaviors in school. Be sure to talk to your child regularly, encourage them to be proactive when it comes to bullies.
Sources
Child Development. 2005 Mar-Apr;76(2):435-50
Bullies: More Than Sticks, Stones and Name Calling
Bullying Seen as Big School Problem
The National Mental Health Information Center
Focus on Social Issues
Please email me with any questions or concerns at jscranton@tiseagles.com
ECC Announcements
Scholastic Reading Club Order
Scholastic Reading Club is around the corner again! TIS is pleased to offer the parents and students the chance to order books with Scholastic Reading Club. Please watch for the flyers will go home with the students on Friday Jan. 16. We would like to collect the orders on Monday Jan. 19 with the EXACT CHANGE in a sealed envelope. We will continue to take late order till Wednesday Jan. 21, however, we strongly encourage you to turn in your orders to the classroom teachers as soon as you can. We also would like you to be aware that in the case of cancelled orders due to insufficient supplies, you will receive a cash refund in full. However, Scholastic understands the disappointment the students usually experience about a cancelled order, a small gift will be offered as their token of apology. Occasionally popular titles do become out of stock, that's another reason we'd like to collect your orders in order to send them out quickly. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience you might experience and thank you for your understanding.
Elementary Announcements
Elementary Clubs
Second semester After School Clubs will begin this coming week, the week of January 19th. A club list was sent home this week. If you have any questions you can contact the Elementary Secretary Mrs. Xu at ext. 310 or axu@tiseagles.com.
Scholastic Reading Club Order
Scholastic Reading Club is around the corner again! TIS is pleased to offer the parents and students the chance to order books with Scholastic Reading Club. Please watch for the flyers will go home with the students on Friday Jan. 16. We would like to collect the orders on Monday Jan. 19 with the EXACT CHANGE in a sealed envelope. We will continue to take late order till Wednesday Jan. 21, however, we strongly encourage you to turn in your orders to the classroom teachers as soon as you can. We also would like you to be aware that in the case of cancelled orders due to insufficient supplies, you will receive a cash refund in full. However, Scholastic understands the disappointment the students usually experience about a cancelled order, a small gift will be offered as their token of apology. Occasionally popular titles do become out of stock, that's another reason we'd like to collect your orders in order to send them out quickly. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience you might experience and thank you for your understanding.
WrAP Assessment
Students in 3rd through 5th grade will be taking part in the WrAP writing assessment this coming week, on January 20th and 21st. Students have been preparing for this throughout the year in their writing classes. It is an opportunity for them to continue to grow as writers.
Pajama Day
This coming Friday, January 23rd, is Pajama day in the Elementary! We encourage every child to participate and wear their pajamas to school! Keep the school dress code in mind as you help your child select what to wear for the day.
Parent Tech Talks
Starting Wednesday, February 4th, there will be a Parent Tech Talk the first Wednesday of every month from 10:30 - 11:30. These will be targeted towards the parents of 3rd - 6th graders, but all are welcome to come. Please check the Eagle’s Nest to learn more details about the upcoming Parent Tech Talk as it’s date approaches. We will be using the feedback from the iPad Feedback Surveys as we plan these monthly talks. We hope to see you there!
Middle School Announcements
AMIS MS Mixed Choir Participants
Congratulations to the following students who will be participating in the AMIS Middle School Mixed Choir on January 22-24: YongJun You, MinSeo Kim, JongHyeok Lee, TaeYeon Lim, Ga Yun Choi, JinA Han, Min Young Jeong, HaHi Kim, HyunTeak Kim, JiHyun Kim, Rebekah Helms.
Kids Read China Finals
The Middle School is proud to introduce the nine finalists representing TIS in this year's Kids Read China Finals literary competition. They include Priscilla Shine (Team One Captain), Eva Brents, Giovanna Lisuardi, Jacky Lim, Daniel Kim, Ryley Hindman (Team Two Captain), Joy Kim, Emily Lee, YouRim Kim, James Zhang, and Walt Kimmel. The team will travel to Nanjing International School on Thursday, January 29th, to compete with international school students from around China before returning to Tianjin on Friday night. The students have been working hard and diligently since September so let's cheer them on!
WrAP Assessments 2015
The WrAP (Writing Assessment Program) assessment provides students opportunities to develop their writing skills. The assessment consists of two hour-long testing sessions on Monday and Tuesday, January 19 & 20, in which students write, revise, and complete an essay in response to a specific prompt. Students in grades 7-12 will complete this writing assessment online. Sixth grade students will complete the WrAP test on paper.
Quarter 2 Spirit Award
Congratulations to House 5, The Hulks, winners of the quarter 2 spirit award.
Parent Tech Talks
Starting Wednesday, February 4th, there will be a Parent Tech Talk the first Wednesday of every month from 10:30 - 11:30. These will be targeted towards the parents of 3rd - 6th graders, but all are welcome to come. Please check the Eagle’s Nest to learn more details about the upcoming Parent Tech Talk as it’s date approaches. We will be using the feedback from the iPad Feedback Surveys as we plan these monthly talks. We hope to see you there!
High School Announcements
WrAP Assessments 2015
The WrAP (Writing Assessment Program) assessment provides students opportunities to develop their writing skills. The assessment consists of two hour-long testing sessions on Monday and Tuesday, January 19 & 20, in which students write, revise, and complete an essay in response to a specific prompt. Students in grades 7-12 will complete this writing assessment online.
January 24 SAT Test
Remember that Saturday January 24th is the next SAT test administration. Students should meet in the TIS cafeteria by 7:30 am with their admission ticket and passport/student ID (Required). A hearty breakfast and a good night's rest is the best test preparation!
Athletic Announcements
Game Results
MS Volleyball
U13 boys 1: 3 TEDA
U13 girls 2: 0 TEDA
U14 girls 2: 0 TEDA
Upcoming Games
HS Basketball
January 15-17, 2015 ISC Tournament @ WuXi
Depart: Thursday, January 15. Leave from school at 8:10 on Thursday morning. We will take the G211 departing Tianjin West Station at 9:31am and arriving at 2:04pm in Wuxi.
Return: Our teams will fly back from Shanghai Hong Qiao on flight CA1528 at 7:50pm on Saturday night (January 17th) and arrive in Tianjin at 9:55pm. Students will be bussed to BDHT-AC-YGYB upon return.
January 17 J-Varsity ISAC Tournament @ HISB
JV Boys @ HISB
Bussing Information:
Going: 6:00AM YG100 - 6:05 AoCheng -- 6:15 ZLHY - 6:20 HYCZ – 6:22 BDHT- HISB
Returning: HISB - BDHT－ HYCZ－ZLHY - AoCheng－YG100
Returning time will depend on how the team is doing in the tournament.
Food: players can buy lunch at HISB
January 21 Varsity vs. TEDA
Boys @ TEDA
Bussing Information:
Going: 2:30pm TIS – TEDA
Returning: 5:30pm ish TEDA – TIS – BDHT – HYCZ – ZLHY – AC – YG100
Food: Students will have pizzas on the way back.
Girls @ TIS Home Court
Players will the the 5:10pm bus home
January 24 ISAC Varsity Tournament
Boys @ ISB
No schedule yet, coaches will inform the players the bus time
Going: YG100-AoCheng- HYCZ –BDHT- ISB
Returning: ISB- BDHT－ HYCZ－AoCheng－YG100
Food: players can buy lunch at ISB
Girls @ WAB
No schedule yet, coaches will inform the players the bus time
Going: BDHT－ HYCZ－AoCheng－YG100-WAB
Returning: WAB-YG100-AoCheng- HYCZ –BDHT
Food: players can buy lunch at WAB
MS Volleyball
January 24 ISAC Tournaments
U13 boys @ IST
Going: 8:00YG100- 8:05AoCheng- 8:20HYCZ –8:25BDHT
Returning: 4:00pm ish IST- BDHT－ HYCZ－AoCheng－YG100
Food: players can buy lunch at IST
U14boys @ ISB(BJ)
Going: 7:00 BDHT-7:00 HYCZ-7:20 AoCheng -7:25YG100
Returning: 4:30pm ish ISB-YG100-AoCheng- HYCZ- BDHT
Food: players can buy lunch at ISB
U13 girls @ @ HISB(BJ)
No schedule yet, coaches will inform the players the bus time
Going: 7:00 BDHT-7:05 HYCZ-7:20 AoCheng -7:30YG100
Returning: YG100-AoCheng- YH- BDHT
Food: players can buy lunch at HISB
U14 girls @ TEDA
Going: 7:00 BDHT-7:05 HYCZ-7:20 AoCheng-7:30YG100
Returning: 4:00pm ish TEDA-YG100-AoCheng-YH-BDHT
Food: players can buy lunch at TEDA
If you have questions please contact: Mr. Strong nstrong@tiseagles.com or Mr. Cheng ccheng@tiseagles.com
Dates to Remember
January 19-21
Secondary WrAP Tests (Grades 6-12)
January 20-21
Elementary WrAP Tests (Grades 3-5)
January 21
Varsity Girls Basketball at TIS Home Court at 4PM
January 24
SAT Testing for Registered HS Students
AMIS MS Mixed Choir Festival Concert at 7:00PM
January 27
Half Day for Students, Professional Development Day for Teachers
January 29
ECC Health Fair
January 30
MS Kids Read Competition at Nanjing International School